Maravi

Civil Society extols Rev Ndhlovu

Civil Society extols Rev Ndhlovu
By Noel Sichalwe
Monday February 26, 2007 [02:00]

THE civil society has extolled outgoing Christian Council of Zambia (CCZ) general secretary Reverend Japhet Ndhlovu's commitment to improving the lives of Zambians. Commenting on the performance of Rev Ndhlovu as outgoing CCZ general secretary, Law Association of Zambia chairman William Mweemba said Rev Ndhlovu was a very focused person. Rev Ndhlovu has been transferred to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will be working as assistant for special duties to the secretary general of the All Africa Conference of Churches.

Mweemba said during his close working relationship with CCZ, Rev Ndhlovu had shown commitment in calling for a new constitution. He said Rev Ndhlovu never got distracted by various accusations like politicians did because he was fighting for a good cause. He hoped that whoever would replace him should be able to fit into his shoes in utilising the position to improve the living standards of the people. "He did what he did for the country and we will certainly miss him," he said.

Mweemba hoped that Rev Ndhlovu would continue with his commitment to the causes that affected people in Africa. He said what LAZ together with other Oasis Forum affiliates wanted was a new constitution in the country.

Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director Bishop Paul Mususu said he had been a friend of Rev Ndhlovu way before he was appointed CCZ general secretary. Bishop Mususu said when the Oasis Forum was formed, then CCZ general secretary Reverend Bredt Sampa was outgoing and people were worried how the new man would fit into the fight for social justice. He said surprisingly, Rev Ndhlovu proved to be a committed person in improving the welfare of the people. Bishop Mususu said he had a cordial relationship with Rev Ndhlovu and that his departure would create a gap in the Oasis Forum. He hoped that the successor would continue with the same zeal that Rev Ndhlovu had shown in fighting for the issues affecting people.

NGOCC chairperson Marian Munyinda said Rev Ndhlovu provided guidance spiritually, morally and intellectually in making decisions for the civil society. Munyinda said Rev Ndhlovu was instrumental in fighting against former president Frederick Chiluba's aborted third term bid. She said Rev Ndhlovu further played a key role in calling on Parliament to remove Chiluba's immunity to face prosecution on corruption charges. Munyinda also said Rev Ndhlovu helped in pressing President Mwanawasa to put in place a new constitution after assuming office in 2002.

She said Rev Ndhlovu had continued fighting for a new constitution even now that they were still looking into the roadmap needed for enacting a new constitution. Past NGOCC chairperson Lucy Muyoyeta said she worked incredibly well with him on various issues. "Reverend Ndhlovu was committed to issues affecting the poor people in the country," she said. "On matters affecting people, he could give himself fully. He has a sharp intellect which he applied when he was in that position."

Labels: CCZ, GOVERNANCE, REVEREND NDHLOVU

posted by MrK @ 3:01 PM