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Zambia needs a wise leader not a degree holder, says Magande

Zambia needs a wise leader not a degree holder, says Magande
Written by Jane Mwakasungula
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:14:31 AM

FORMER finance minister Ng'andu Magande has said Zambia does not need a degree holder for the Republican Presidency, but needs a wise and intelligent person.
In an interview, Magande said he was opposed to the idea of academic qualifications proposed in the constitution-making process because Zambia did not have a universal education standard like other countries.

He said the claims by some of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) delegates that a minimum degree holder president could run the affairs of the country better was unfounded as he had seen most leaders with minimal education move their country forward.

Magande said the proposal by some of the NCC members was selfish because it would disadvantage many eligible wise Zambians with a passion and vision to develop the country.

"I have opposed the idea of an academic qualification as a criterion to choose a presidential aspirant from the onset. We don't have a universal education standard in Zambia because most people can't afford it. I have seen and met people with many degrees but have failed to manage even their families. Just here in Zambia, there are village headmen managing their villages better. It is not necessary because all we need is a wise and intelligent person," Magande said.

And Magande wondered why the government had taken long to release the resolutions of the indaba aimed at tackling the looming financial crisis to the general public. Magande challenged chief government spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha to explain the delay. He said the delay by the government to release the resolutions was an indirect gesture that the situation of the financial crisis had improved.

"The report was given to the President a few months ago and we are wondering why the resolutions have not been tabled. Shikapwasha a few months ago told us that the resolutions were being finalised by Cabinet and we wonder how long that process will take. What is government proposing to do after the G500 indaba? We should know so that we citizens have some hope that the crisis is being tackled," said Magande.

"Why aren't we being told up to now? If it has improved, why are there problems on capital projects like road infrastructure and disbursement of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF)?"

Labels: MAGANDE, PRESIDENCY, SATA

posted by MrK @ 1:15 AM