Sata has degree

Sata has degree
By George Chellah
Sun 24 Jan. 2010, 04:01 CAT

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) secretary general Wynter Kabimba yesterday said PF leader Michael Sata qualifies as a candidate under the provision recommended by the National Constitutional Conference (NCC), which requires a degree holder for president.

Addressing a workshop for returning officers for the party elections, Kabimba explained to the delegates that the ultimate objective of the elections after the provincial elections shall be the convening of the party general conference that would be held before the end of 2010.

"According to the party electoral rules; for a member to qualify to contest the position of party president, he must also qualify under the Constitution of the Republic. This is after the central committee of the party has by resolution endorsed such a member and his candidature has been approved by the party's national council," Kabimba said.

"In view of what I have said, you will appreciate that the party cannot ignore the recommendations of the on-going NCC, in particular the recently reported requirement that a presidential candidate under our Republican Constitution must be a person who holds a first degree. Some of our members have been calling to find out whether or not Mr Sata would qualify under such a constitutional provision if he is elected at the party's general conference.

"Let me take this opportunity to re-assure all our members and supporters that Michael Chilufya Sata does qualify to run as president under the provisions of the current Constitution and he also qualifies as a candidate under the provision recommended by the NCC, which requires a degree holder for president. If the NCC recommendation is enacted into law, it is not Michael Sata who will ultimately look stupid but the initiators of that provision and all its supporters in the NCC.

As this is not a provision demanded by the ordinary people of Zambia who are only interested in a president who exhibits compassion, humility, wisdom, courage and one who guarantees them protection against foreign economic invasion. These are not traits or values you acquire through a degree in law, economics or whatever form of academic qualifications. They come after long, extensive and wide experience in public life with a proven record of personal commitment to the welfare of the poor."

Kabimba summed up his address with a quote from the Justice H.R Khanna of India.

"In conclusion, let me re-state the words of the Honourable Mr Justice H.R Khanna of the Supreme Court of India on the making of India's constitution when he says: 'The framing of a constitution calls for the highest statescraft. Those entrusted with it have to realize the practical needs of the government and have, at the same time to keep in view the ideals, which have inspired the nation.

They have to be men of vision, yet they cannot forget the grassroots. They have to be exponents of ideals but in quest for them they cannot forsake basic pragmatism nor ignore harsh realities. They have to put aside for the time being ambition which drives the politician to search for power and the thinker to the construction of an abstract system," Kabimba stated.

"...Not anointed priests but men with proven grasp of affairs, who have developed resilience and spaciousness of mind through seasoned and diversified experience through study of history not only of their country but also of other countries, through calm contemplation of the present, through deep thinking and sensitive awareness of the inarticulate feelings of their fellow men, have to be the persons whom destiny and historical forces entrust with the task of drafting the constitution.

It is a rare and unique occasion in the history of a nation that a generation of men is called upon to frame the constitution of a country. Such occasions do not recur often in the life of a nation and it becomes essential that those entrusted with the task should be conscience of their great role and the supreme importance of their assignment. On their wisdom and sagacity, their vision and foresight, their perspicacity and discernment depend the mode of life, happiness and wellbeing of succeeding generations of men, women and children.'"