Maravi

Litunga deserves respect, support

Litunga deserves respect, support
By The Post
Tue 20 Nov. 2012, 12:00 CAT

The Barotse Royal Establishment is an old institution, and it has gone through some very difficult trials in its history - divisions of all kinds. It is true that the foundation on which the Barotse Royal Establishment was built is solid and lasting.

Throughout history, that institution has demonstrated its experience, its wisdom and its capacity to adapt to reality. At various stages in its history, the Barotse Royal Establishment has taken steps to adapt the institution to the major political, economic and social changes that have taken place within this territory and
indeed in the world.

Now, too, the Barotse Royal Establishment is going through some very difficult trials and must make some important changes.

We wouldn't say that we fully agree with the positions that the Barotse Royal Establishment, as an institution, has taken regarding a series of problems. And without advocating or promoting ideas or standards that depart from the principles of the Barotse Royal Establishment and culture, we do feel that it is necessary to approach the important problems of our times realistically, which in some countries have led to serious political conflicts and disputes. We think that the Barotse Royal Establishment should take a realistic, rational, reasonable position on problems that have many political, economic, social and even cultural implications.

We don't want - nor can we want - divisions within the Barotse Royal Establishment. We would like to see a united Barotse Royal Establishment supporting the legitimate claims of all our people, especially the poor.

We don't think it is right to try and reform or improve the Barotse Royal Establishment from outside; nor do we think it is right to promote division from outside. We do think, however, that solidarity with our people's most deeply-felt aspirations for a united Barotse Royal Establishment is politically better for us all, and we sincerely hope that whatever problems have arisen or may arise may be solved rationally.

We hope the Barotse Royal Establishment's problems will be solved rationally and that all those involved will understand the serious, tragic problems which our country is faced with and give them their support.

We don't have to be very perspicacious to realise that we fully support - and this is absolutely consistent with everything we have stated before - the Litunga's right to be Litunga. He was born king - he was not made king through some elections or other schemes - and he will remain as such till the end of days. This is the position we believe Michael Sata and his government recognise and respect.

We believe that Michael and his government do not want to see a weakened Litunga and Barotse Royal Establishment because that would be of no value to anyone. A strong Litunga and a strong Barotse Royal Establishment will be good for all Zambians. Nobody can be more earnestly in favour of the Barotse Royal Establishment's taking a correct position on the most serious political, economic and social problems of our times.

That's why we do not want to criticise the measures that have been taken by the Barotse Royal Establishment. We simply want to study them in depth. As patriots, we take a keen interest and render our support to any movement away from separatist or secessionist tendencies.

And if what we hear is true - and we believe it is true - that the Litunga is opposed to separatist and secessionist tendencies, then it is not difficult to see why our support for the Litunga is resolute and absolute.

And accordingly, we join Michael and his government in calling upon all patriotic Zambians and all citizens of goodwill to come to the Litunga's defence and support. The Litunga is not only a king in Barotseland, he is a king in Zambia - he is a Zambian king and a great part of our collective national heritage. Every Zambian, regardless of their tribe, should regard the Barotse Royal Establishment and its traditions as theirs

If separatist and secessionist elements are disappointed with what we hear to be the Litunga's progressive position on this score, then they should be able to face the opposition of all the Zambian people. All the corners of our country should come to the Litunga's defence and support. And we call upon all the royal establishments of our country to come to the Litunga's defence and support and isolate the separatist and secessionist elements.

There is need to realise that the ways in which we will achieve our goals are bound by context, changing with circumstances even while remaining steadfast in our commitment to our vision. And the mark of great leaders is the ability to understand the context in which they are operating and act accordingly.

Whatever grievances are there, they can be resolved within the context of our constitutional setup. Solutions can always be found even to conflicts that have come to seem intractable, and such solutions emerge when those who feel divided reach out to find the common ground.

The reality can no longer be ignored that we live in an inter-dependent world which is bound together to a common destiny. And as such, peace and prosperity, tranquility and security are only possible if they are enjoyed by all.

The suffering of any people in any part of our country should affect all of us no matter where we find ourselves. It is senseless to embark on a process of fragmentation without even knowing where that fragmentation will stop. None of our irritations with the perceived inadequacies of the current order should ever allow us to suggest even faintly that our national unity and sovereignty can be compromised in any way.

What we need today is the uplifting of the most downtrodden sections of our population and all-round transformation of our society. And this we believe is what this government of Michael is trying to do.

And we should be marching to a new future on this basis. We do face challenges, but none are as daunting as those we have already surmounted. Pride in our country should be the common bond between us all. It should be the essence of our new patriotism. And the onus is on us, through hard work, honesty and integrity, to reach for the stars. With all our 73 plus tribes combined in one nation, we are Zambians.

And we should all be conscious of our obligations to do whatever we can to contribute to the advancement of unity, democracy and justice in our country whenever possible. Politics and political approaches that do not strengthen national unity can lead to a blind alley.

Let us keep our arms locked together so that we can form a solid phalanx against tribalism, regionalism, separatism and secessionism. We should feel and recognise that our success advances the very principles on which this country is founded.

And we shouldn't forget the fact that hot heads and cold hearts have never solved anything. Reason and judgement are the qualities of a leader. And this is what we are today seeing in the key leadership of the Barotse Royal Establishment. If mistakes were made, they are certainly being corrected and they deserve to be corrected. And those doing so deserve the support of all Zambians of goodwill. Leadership is doing what is right.

And effective leadership is putting first things first. Nothing great will ever be achieved without great leaders, and leaders are great only if they are determined to do so. It is said that when you are in a valley, keep your goal firmly in view and you will get the renewed energy to continue the climb.

And as Winston Churchill once remarked: "Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense." Truly, there is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience. And one of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency. And the Barotse Royal Establishment leadership is at this time doing so and as such deserves our respect and support.

Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, LITUNGA, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 6:10 PM