Tonga chief counsels HH

Tonga chief counsels HH
By Roy Habaalu
Thu 21 Mar. 2013, 14:00 CAT

CHIEF Sinazongwe says Hakainde Hichilema's tribal sentiment can divide the country. Commenting on Hichilema's statement that those who think their tribes were superior to others were fools, chief Sinazongwe of the Tonga people of the valley said leaders should preach peace and unity and not segregation among its citizens.

He said all human beings were equal and that no tribe was foolish or superior to others.

"Tribalism won't take us anywhere. We (Tongas) can't form a government out of one (Southern) province; this is what you should understand. We can't form a government under one province unless you are supported by many provinces that consist of many tribes but if we start segregating, there is no way we can find support from our brothers and sisters," he said.

"If we continue segregating, talking about tribalism, we will never rule. Let's network with others just like we shouldn't let others feel that they own this country. Government is for everybody. This is our government. This must be realised that segregation won't help us. If you just concentrate on Southern Province, you won't rule. Why are we leaving the national cake to others? Let's be with them and work together."

Chief Sinazongwe said all those that had accepted government appointments were doing it in the interest of the nation and for the good of the people.

He said Hichilema should have accepted to serve under President Michael Sata so that he learns and understands how the government operates.

Chief Sinazongwe said Zambia was not a personal to holder asset for any particular tribe or individual.

On Sunday, Hichilema said those who consider their tribes more superior than others were fools.
During a briefing in Lusaka, Hichilema said those that saw their tribes superior to others were simply fools because it was God who created everyone.

We should not demonise each other on the basis of choices we never made. No one chose to be born in a particular area, he said without disclosing the tribes that consider themselves superior to others.