Maravi

(DAILY MAIL ZM) Mpezeni meets Bemba ‘cousins’

Mpezeni meets Bemba ‘cousins’
From CHIMWEMWE MWALE in Chinsali

PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni has urged opposition leaders to emulate the American model of politics of respect for elected leadership and give President Sata a chance to govern. Chief Mpezeni said political leaders must stop unproductive politicking and instead support the government of the day to develop the country.

The Paramount Chief said this during a meeting with some Bemba chiefs at Senior Chief Chibesakunda’s palace in Chinsali yesterday, ahead of the Isonge traditional ceremony of the Bisa people. The chiefs included Chewe, Mubanga, Nkweto, Kabungo and Chinkamba.

He said President Sata must not be subjected to political wrangling among opposition leaders and advised them to discuss progressive ideas that can help the PF administration to improve living standards.

Chief Mpezeni requested Chief Chibesakunda to urge MMD president Nevers Mumba to tone down on his political tirade against President Sata.

“You must talk to your subject Dr Nevers Mumba and advise him to stop politicking and talking without purpose. Let us all unite and work with the government of the day…. the PF administration. We should not make their work difficult. Give President Sata a chance to govern and develop the country,” Chief Mpezeni said.

He said traditional leaders must unite and regularly inform government about the challenges people are facing.

Chief Mpezeni said the PF administration is working towards empowering traditional leaders, who are now actively participating in governance.

“We are the ones who live with the people and we know their needs, so government has opened up to listen to us so that they can provide what is lacking. We should, therefore, be given the authority to work,” Chief Mpezeni said.

He said government must consider re-introducing the Native Authority Act, which was replaced by the Local Authority Act in the 1960s.

He commended President Sata for his efforts to unite chiefs and improve their welfare through the introduction of the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.

He said chiefs must also endeavour to regularly visit each another.

Chief Mpezeni said chiefs must not allow politicians to engage them in retrogressive politics, as the case was with previous governments.

And Senior Chief Chibesakunda said the restoration of the Native Authority Act would enable chiefs to participate actively in the development of rural areas.

He said chiefs are happy that President Sata is uniting them and that there is need to create village industries which can add value to agricultural products produced by local people.
Chief Chibesakunda said the PF administration has shown political will towards the development of rural areas.

He also urged traditional leaders not to be used by politicians as the authority of chiefs must be respected.

“We are very happy with the leadership of President Sata. We must not allow ourselves to be used…our authority should not be undermined. We must reclaim our position and respect….this is what President Sata is doing,” Chief Chibesakunda said.

He said Chief Mpezeni’s visit is inspiring and a unifying gesture.

Chief Chinkamba said chiefs should not only wait to meet during the House of Chiefs sittings but develop networks and visit each other regularly.

He said some chiefs are not members of the House of Chiefs, hence the need to have regular visits to other chiefdoms and discuss issues affecting subjects.

Chief Chewe said Government needs chiefs to participate in governance to enhance development.

Chief Chewe commended President Sata for recognising the important role traditional leaders play in national development.

Labels: CHIEF MPEZENI, CHIEFS, OPPOSITION, POLITICS

posted by MrK @ 6:10 PM