Give access to university the highest priority – Chancellor
By Moses Kuwema
Thu 12 Aug. 2010, 15:10 CAT
UNIVERSITY of Zambia (UNZA) Chancellor Dr Jacob Mwanza has observed that
there is a clear connection between access to higher education and economic development.During the University’s 40th graduation ceremony held under the theme
'Increasing access and equity to university education: achievements and challenges over the years', Dr Mwanza said university education was key to the production of highly skilled human resources necessary for the development of the country.
He said it was obvious that access to university education should be given the highest priority.
“The University of Zambia is and shall remain committed to increasing access to university education. We look forward to a future where every deserving citizen shall be accorded an opportunity to access university education,” Dr Mwanza said.
He said equity was a key value that should be embraced by every society because it promoted a sense of belonging and was a fulcrum for stability and development.
He said UNZA had taken up the challenge of increasing access and equity to university education, in line with the world trend and the government policy.
“In pursuant of this, the university has undertaken various interventions which have culminated in an increase in enrolment and the number of graduates produced at the university. With regards to equity, the interventions have culminated in a progressive increase in the percentage of female students and rural-based students at the university,” said Dr Mwanza.
And UNZA Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Simukanga said one of the major challenges facing the university was limited infrastructure.
Prof Simukanga said while student enrolment had increased over a period of time, the increase had not been matched with a corresponding increase in infrastructure.
“For example, the capacity of our lecture theatres can no longer accommodate the increased number of students and sitting capacity in the library is no longer adequate. Moreover, student accommodation is inadequate. Currently the university has a total of 3,432 bed spaces for approximately 10,000 students enrolled on full-time basis,” he said.
Prof Simukanga also revealed that the university was in the process of developing a programme that would enable teachers holding diploma certificates access university education and that approximately 6,500 teachers would be enrolled under the programme.
And in a vote of thanks, former UNZASU president Duncan Nyirongo said the problem of unemployment among graduates had reached alarming levels, with most graduates trotting from one place to another in search of jobs.
Nyirongo said the graduates found it selfish for the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) to have increased the age of retirement from the public service from the current 55 years to 60 years.
“How do you increase the retirement age when the nation’s life expectancy has reduced and the youth unemployment levels are skyrocketing? We call upon members of the NCC to take advantage of the process that is still under way to correct such misplacements,” said Nyirongo.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, JACOB MWANZA, SALARIES
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We are all carrying a red card
By The Post
Thu 18 Mar. 2010, 04:10 CAT
POLITICAL leadership is very vital to the future of our nation. And because of this, it is very important that our people critically evaluate the suitability of all those who offer themselves for political office.
And as we have stated before, putting aside all the theories and concepts, good leadership will be achieved, not by the formality of structures, but by the integrity of the participant and by the willingness of the individuals to work together and be inspired by a larger vision.
It is true that we should learn from mistakes, but who hasn’t made mistakes – over and over again? An old refrain says that humans are the only animal who stubs their toe on the same stone twice. This is especially so if that stone is the choice of the political leadership of the country.
A good political leadership must be created in our country. To move forward, we need a political leadership with greater political development and greater capacity for sacrifice. To realise this requires leaders who see farther and who are selective; self-sacrificing leaders with prestige who direct the impetuous development of progressive conditions.
Thus, progress will come. The sooner self-sacrificing, capable leaders arise who can select the self-sacrificing, capable intermediate level leaders, the sooner that progress will come.
We believe that some day the people of Zambia will, one way or another, free themselves of the present opprobrious regime.
If anyone were to ask us if there is anyone in Zambia who can be considered to have possibilities as a national leader, we couldn’t respond affirmatively.
We believe that if a completely pure politician doesn’t have certain leadership qualities, they cannot lead a nation to progress. And, conversely, if someone has leadership qualities but nothing else, they cannot lead a nation to progress, either.
It is absolutely necessary to have political seriousness and a guiding outlook and a spirit of self-sacrifice which accompanies one’s actions. So far, very few, if any, of our leaders have demonstrated any of this.
But of course, no nation has all the virtues, neither does any have all the vices. We are quite sure that some of our political leaders try to carry out their functions or duties as best as they can, even if the result is not always entirely successful.
It is said that he who has never failed to reach perfection has a right to be the harshest critic. We have every right to be demanding and critical of our leaders. And as we have repeatedly observed, there can be no doubt, of course, that criticism is good for people and institutions that are part of public life.
No institutions or political leaders should be expected to be free from the scrutiny of those who give them their loyalty and support, not to mention those who don’t.
But we are all part of the same fabric of our national society and that scrutiny, by one part of another, can be just as effective if it is made with understanding. This sort of scrutinising those who offer themselves for political leadership can also act, and it should do so, as an effective engine for change.
The daily deeds of our political leaders must help to produce an actual Zambian reality that will reinforce our people’s belief in justice, fairness and humaneness, strengthen their confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.
If this happens, then we can say that we have triumphed in the effort to plant hope in the breasts of the millions of our people. What we are saying is rooted in the straightforward view of society. In the understanding that the individual does best in a strong and decent community of people with principles and standards and common aims and values. Leaders lead, but in the end people govern.
There’s no choice between being principled and unelectable; and electable and unprincipled. Our political leaders should win elections and any other political contests because of what they believe in.
The task of moving our people out of poverty and on to a path of progress is not one for the faint-hearted, or the world of weary or cynical. It is not a task for those afraid of hard choices, for those with complacent views, or those seeking a comfortable life or to make more money from political leadership.
We need a political leadership that is ready to reach out and touch the people in sorts of ways, to show them that politics is not a dirty game played in dark corners but a real and meaningful part of their lives.
Let us have the confidence once again that we can debate new ideas, new thinking, without forever fearing the taunt of arrest, detention and prosecution for treason. Let us say what we mean and mean what we say. Not just what we are against. But what we are for. We should stop saying what we don’t mean and start saying what we do mean, what we stand by, what we stand for.
It is time our political leaders had a clear understanding of their objectives and politics.
Let us construct a political leadership in our country that will make us a nation of tolerance, innovation and creativity. Let us build a nation with pride in itself; a thriving nation, rich in economic prosperity, secure in social justice, confident in political change.
Let us put in place a political leadership that will help us create a more just, fair and humane nation in which our children can bring up their children with a future to look forward to.
Let us not allow the results of our collective effort as a nation and all the work that has gone on in our country benefit just a few.
The march to next year’s elections seems to have started. Let us not allow the desire to serve oneself to bloom once again under the fair mask to serve the common good. It is not really important now which party or individual will prevail in next year’s elections.
The important thing is that the winners or the winner will be the best of all those contesting, in the moral, civic, political sense and otherwise, regardless of their political affiliations. The future of our country will depend on the personalities we elect.
We certainly want a president who will speak less and work more; a president who will not only look out of the windows of his aeroplane or helicopter or bullet-proof Mercedes Benz car but who, first and foremost, will always be president among his fellow citizens and listen to them well.
Let us dream of a political leadership that will make our country more independent, free and more democratic; of a republic economically prosperous and yet socially just, in short of a more humane, fair and just republic which serves the individual and which therefore holds the hope that the individual will serve it in turn; of a nation of well-rounded people and political leaders, because without such it is impossible to solve any of our problems, human, economic, social or political.
And therefore, those who aspire to hold public office in our country should consider themselves the trustees of all these dreams and hopes of ours and they must be prepared to work unceasingly to lift this nation to a higher destiny, to a new plateau of compassion.
It is not possible to build a strong democracy without a political leadership that is closely linked to the people, that arises from the people and has the support of the people, and that devotes itself entirely to working and struggling for the people and the people’s interests.
It is not possible to have meaningful democracy with a political leadership that is corrupt and intolerant, a leadership that takes away national dignity and honour.
And we therefore agree with Dr Euston Chiputa when he says that the level of democracy in a nation is gauged by the level of tolerance of leaders of divergent views. If Dr Chiputa is right, which we believe he is, then Rupiah Banda’s regime needs to change its attitude on the issue of tolerance.
They need to stop the harassment of those criticising them and their attempts to silence criticism. If this doesn’t happen, the people of Zambia have no choice but to show Rupiah and his friends a red card and vote them out in next year’s elections. Time is running out for Rupiah and his friends to make the necessary changes required.
They are now playing under a yellow card. We have our great doubts about whether or not Rupiah will be able to overcome the defects of his milieu before next year’s elections. If he doesn’t, Rupiah and his friends will be swept aside by history. We understand their apprehension, their fear of the red card because it will bring their game to an end.
And the only way to avoid that red card is to avoid committing any foul play. By harassing their political opponents through the abuse of the police and the entire judicial process, they are engaging in foul play that may attract a second yellow card, a red card – to borrow from the language of our popular sport of soccer.
Every Zambian citizen, every voter in this country is a political referee equipped with two cards, a whistle, a watch and ready to act accordingly or appropriately when the time comes. Whether they like it or not, the time for the red card may come and a whistle will be blown. We are all carrying a red card and a whistle and just waiting for the time to flash it and blow it.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, FRANK BWALYA, RED CARD CAMPAIGN, UNZASU
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Students want red card campaign resuscitated - UNZASU president
By George Chellah
Thu 18 Mar. 2010, 04:10 CAT
OUTING UNZASU president Duncan Nyirongo yesterday disclosed that students are on his neck calling for the resuscitation of the red card campaign protests. In an interview, Nyirongo said there was a lot of intimidation in the country and urged the government to address the issues people were raising as opposed to threats.
“I find the behaviour of government very retrogressive to the economic and social development of the country. The deliberate acts of intimidation of anyone who seems to be of opposite view is a very fertile ground for anarchy,” Nyirongo said.
“It is ridiculous to me for this government to imagine having everyone singing praises for them. Every citizen has the right to their own opinion.”
Nyirongo warned the government that he was under pressure from the UNZASU membership to resuscitate the red card campaign.
“A timely warning is that UNZASU already launched the red card campaign and the public may be aware of it already. And this was purely based on the immoral appointment as well as the abuse of authority by the police when they shot at CBU students.
And this trend is being demonstrated even now. What the police is doing has simply been extended from where they started from where they shoot citizens and make unnecessary arrests,” Nyirongo said.
“As UNZASU, we would want to warn government, me as president of the union my membership is already on my neck and they are calling for resuscitation of the campaign that we already launched. Should the government not respond positively to our call to ensure that there is freedom of expression to each and every Zambian, we would have no alternative but to go with the calls by the membership that we have because we already made that decision at the general meeting.
“They government are simply trying to awaken the sleeping giant. This is not a decision that I am making as Duncan but this is a decision that was made by the students of giving this government a red card after it failed to meet its demands over the conduct of the police and the immoral appointments of certain people in government.”
Nyirongo said Zambia was bigger than the leadership that is put in place at any given time.
“We understand that the current Republican President is a product of a dictatorship way of governance through the one-party regime. But it is only appropriate for him to change with time and not live in the past,” Nyirongo said. “It is erroneous for anyone in the current government to think that they will be in leadership forever and that bad laws and the wrong precedence they are setting would never hit back on them.
This government should be happy that people can only go as far as flashing cards to demonstrate their displeasure and not talk of the infantry and airpower. However, the approach that government is taking through its legislative arm, the police and other law enforcement agencies creates an enabling environment for new alternatives.”
Nyirongo said UNZASU under his leadership had embraced dialogue and peace, as it was the only way sustainable economic and social development could be achieved.
“But this government is deliberately pulling our leg. The membership of UNZASU is in excess of 13,000. Can you imagine the effect of distributing hundreds of red cards to each and every student so that they can in turn distribute them to their own respective places across the country?” Nyirongo asked. “This government should not provoke us but rather appreciate us as partners in development and they should be able to embrace our divergent views.
“My humble and sincere request to the Republican President and all the other members of his government is to create an environment where those that feel that certain things are not being done well can simply express them because only then can this government identify its shortcomings and work on them. Anyone who comes up to speak against the government may not be cited as being a politician or maybe belonging to any other political party.
“We are simply citizens of this country who have got this strong feeling about ourselves and the generations to come. The problems that we are going through today are because of what some of those that are in government today could have done when they were in their youth. We may not just stand and look at all these things because we feel that this country is actually being driven backwards instead of really achieving most of its political, economic and social development.”
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, FRANK BWALYA, UNZASU
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Nyirongo warns incoming UNZASU against selling out to politicians
By Sydney Mungala
Mon 15 Mar. 2010, 08:10 CAT
OUTGOING University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) president Duncan Nyirongo has said politicians take advantage of the students’ vulnerability in abusing them. Nyirongo advised candidates standing for union presidency to guard against political forces that may want to sponsor candidates to advance their interests.
“One foolish thing is that these politicians will always use the poverty that they have created to champion their cause. They will always promise candidates of employment after they graduate from UNZA, but they would not get to do so because they would have known one’s weakness,” Nyirongo said.
He said as politicians geared for the 2011 elections, UNZASU would be a prime target for manipulation.
Nyirongo said during his tenure, there were politicians who worked hard to win him over through corrupt means but he stood his ground.
“2011 will be a national election year, and assembling of campaign teams by various political parties is already underway. UNZASU is always the prime target of many politicians as they are aware of the driving force imbedded in it,” Nyirongo said.
“Many political parties will try to sponsor candidates standing for various positions in the union so that when elected to the executive, they would be used to champion the party’s agenda. I, therefore, urge all the aspiring candidates to prove their integrity even in the run-up to the elections, which are scheduled for the 25th March, 2010. I have had pressure from politicians who wanted to work with me, but with time, the gravity of this pressure reduced as many of them got to prove my immunity to political manipulation.”
Nyirongo advised the youth to set high leadership standards for themselves.
“My advice to students, the youth, and the rest of the Zambians is to set standards for the kind of leadership we want for the country. It breaks my heart to see the same poor people being paraded to sing praises for former leaders that inflicted economic pain on them. These are the same leaders that went to an extent of manipulating constitutions for the sake of prolonging their stay in office,” he said.
Nyirongo added: “Imagine how disciplined the current leadership would have been if they knew for sure that Zambians would shun them if they abused the authority vested in them, if they knew that Zambians would vote them out if they fail to live up to their promises.”
Nyirongo also warned leaders hoping to count on corrupt UNZASU support to be wary of weaker elements that may even weaken them.
“If one could be paid to weaken UNZASU, what will stop them from receiving money in exchange of sensitive information at State House? You may wonder how sensitive information leaks from these government departments. It is due to such people that lack any moral fibre,” he said.
Nyirongo said he was not in the habit of seeking favours and had no worries about his future as he had provided honest leadership.
“I am confident that though I am yet to be employed or be self-employed, after I graduate in May this year, my job prospects are brighter. Hard work can take you to the helm of success, but only integrity will keep you afloat,” said Nyirongo.
Labels: CADRES, DUNCAN NYIRONGO, STUDENTS, UNZASU
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Economic crisis left most Zambians worse off, says UNZASU president
By Masuzyo Chakwe and Sututu Katundu
Sun 03 Jan. 2010, 04:01 CAT
UNIVERSITY of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) president Duncan Nyirongo said the most vulnerable people in society last year endured serious tribulations. And Nyirongo said the global economic recession, coupled with poor governance, left most Zambians in a worse off situation.
In an interview, Nyirongo said the already high unemployment levels were further stretched due to the laying off of workers especially in the mining sector, as one of the measures to reduce variable costs to maximise profits. Nyirongo said other sectors such as banking became more stringent and hesitant to give out loans to the public.
“In addition, most institutions, specifically mines and banks halted employment of new staff due to the uncertainty in the depth and duration of the recession. Most employees were met by wage-freezes as well as failure by employers to honour contractual obligations,” said Nyirongo in his reflections of 2009. “This saw the country experience prolonged strikes by civil servants especially in the education and health sectors.
The impact could not be hidden as some of the affected pupils, students and civil servants took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the way of governance. Strikes by academic staff in institutions of learning resulted in the loss of precious time while those in health institutions resulted in unnecessary deaths.”
He said the strike by workers at UNZA did not only result in loss of time but also a further distortion of the university academic calendar.
Nyirongo said the effect of this was far reaching than a layman could understand.
“Every person, even a child at basic school, with aspirations of studying at UNZA was automatically delayed by an equal amount of time lost by the currently registered students at the university.
This is so because as long as the university enrollment capacity remains unchanged, there can never be any new enrollment before the currently registered students graduate,” he said.
He said equally, the basic and secondary sub-sectors of education faced a huge challenge of teachers withdrawing labour.
Nyirongo said this led to some pupils being de-motivated and consequently led to some pulling out of school in preference to other social and economic activities which included gathering caterpillars for survival, among other activities retrogressive to child development.
He said those that withstood this pressure found their exams harder as they could not finish their syllabi.
Nyirongo further said human rights violations continued in the year 2009 with gross abuse of power by the trigger excited state police.
“We again saw state police going on rampage invading institutions of learning tear gassing pupils and students as well as shooting of students with live ammunition with impunity.
On the other hand, it was the students union’s leadership that had to be expelled from school without any trial, and a further illegal suspension of the Students Union at CBU,” Nyirongo said. “We strongly wish the President could have had much interest in the criminal cases involving the shooting of students rather than that to do with journalist that tried to expose the sufferings of women due to striking medical personal.
The injustice did not end at students and journalists, but spread to workers in the mines who had to be sucked for demonstrating for improved conditions of service.”
Nyirongo said infrastructure in institutions of learning like UNZA had continued to deteriorate without significant attention.
“The leaking roofs that have always characterised student hostels and lecture rooms have now spread to central administration, leading to the covering of the central administration block with tents. The institution’s library is equally in a bad condition, too small for the ever increasing student population, with extreme shortage of updated learning and teaching materials,” he said.
He said poor planning in the year 2009 resulted in a serious shortage of fuel for about two months, a situation that adversely affected production in almost all sectors.
“This forced government to wave duty on the importation fuel in the county, a situation that resulted in the nation losing tax revenue. All these are clear signs of misplaced priorities by the national leadership. Amide such a crisis, the nation saw some government officials celebrate the acquittal of some people believed to have contributed to the suffering of the rest of the Zambians. The President even went ahead to congratulate common Zambians for accepting the acquittal even before the Director of Public Prosecution and Attorney General who are prominent lawyers and key advisors to government, could study the judgment,” he said.
Nyirongo said 2009 further saw an increase in political violence with vicious exchange of words, like ‘red eyes’, ‘ugly face’, ‘rabid dog’, among top political party officials, which were none developmental.
He said this extended to physical fighting between some government officials and some opposition political party carders.
Nyirongo said 2009 was also characterised by beating up of journalists, as well as bloodshed clashes especially in periods prior to by-elections, a situation that UNZASU utterly condemned.
He said although there was a strong feeling that such violence may escalate as the 2011 general elections approached, UNZASU employed all Zambians to reject those who would be seen to be perpetuating anarchy.
“It should come to an end not only because it has potential to breed anarchy but also portrays a bad picture of the nation to the outside world,” he said.
Nyirongo said UNZASU was also particularly saddened that some people found pleasure in promoting politics that were based of tribalism.
“UNZASU would love to see a Zambia that can carry a common and shared destiny, united in diversity, equitably integrated and democratic in governance, promoting patriotism and ethnic integration , as outlined in our shared national vision, Vision 2030,” he said.
He said UNZASU next year expected much more attention to be given to key sectors that would sharpen the chances of Zambia realising the Vision 2030, which seeks to make Zambia a prosperous middle-income nation by the year 2030.
And the Evelyn Hone College Students Union (EHCOSU) has said it wants to see more commitment from government and the college management towards uplifting the standards of learning at the institution in 2010.
EHCOSU publicity secretary Lumpa Kalumba said the government should give a more listening ear to students because they felt they are the major stakeholders in the development of this country.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, GREAT DEPRESSION II, UNZASU
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UNZASU won’t accept payment of Chongwe’s compensation – Nyirongo
By George Chellah
Fri 11 Dec. 2009, 04:01 CAT
UNIVERSITY of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) president Duncan Nyirongo yesterday said the student movement will never accept the payment of US $5.9 million about K27.5 billion as compensation to Lusaka lawyer Dr Rodger Chongwe.
Commenting on Dr Chongwe's justification of his compensation over the shooting he suffered under the Frederick Chiluba regime in 1997 in Kabwe and his admission that President Banda played a role in helping him get the compensation, Nyirongo said UNZASU would not accept such a decision.
“As UNZASU we would never accept such a decision especially if it is being done behind the scene and the government is playing hide and seek. The government has demonstrated that there is a certain interest they have in Dr Chongwe's case,” Nyirongo said. “We would not accept such a compensation. If at all there is any compensation that is being done, it should be transparent and justified… the amount being given. And all citizens shot by state police and particularly students should be compensated almost to the same tune as Dr Chongwe.”
He accused the government of applying the law selectively.
“Categorically speaking, it will be very immoral for the government to continue applying the law selectively. This government has made certain people sacred cows whilst others are being led for slaughter,” Nyirongo said. “It's not the first time we are seeing such impartiality. Education minister Dora Siliya disobeyed the Attorney General and she was not dismissed. Former Task Force on Corruption chairman Max Nkole went ahead and appealed against former president Frederick Chiluba's acquittal but he was instantly fired. We feel that that trend should not continue.”
He called upon President Banda to rise above personal friendships and look at the nation.
“Where are we taking the nation? He is the person Zambians entrusted with that authority. It would be so much immoral for the government to single out certain individuals and compensate them for the brutality exhibited by police,” he said.
Nyirongo also complained about the double standards by the police as far as issuing permits for demonstrations were concerned.
He said the police recently denied a permit to the opposition political parties but the MMD and government officials were allowed to go to Luapula Province and celebrate Chiluba's acquittal.
“We feel that the President can do himself justice by ensuring that the law is applied to every citizen equally. We are still aggrieved as UNZASU, we wrote to the President giving him a scenario by way of giving a video depicting a scenario that took place at the Copperbelt University (CBU) where a student was shot,” said Nyirongo. “He simply said he has taken note of the concern. The President has been so casual on police brutality on students.”
Recently, Dr Chongwe justified his compensation claim, saying he was happy that the government would implement the decision and that President Banda played a part in the matter.
This week, The Post exposed President Banda's instruction that Dr Chongwe be paid US $5.9 million as compensation for the injuries he suffered during the 1997 police shooting in Kabwe.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, ROGER CHONGWE, UNZASU
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UNZASU explains why Rupiah’s govt is facing dissension
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Thu 26 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
UNIVERSITY of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) president Duncan Nyirongo has said it will be fruitless for the ruling party to pay attention to resolving few intra-party differences at the expense of the large failed obligation towards the nation.
Nyirongo yesterday said the perceived differences within the ruling party had a meagre contribution to the reasons for the declining public preference for the MMD.
“Most of the electorate have little interest in the problems that have rocked the MMD as a party, but it is rather issues like the sinister acquittal of the former Republican president FJT Chiluba.
Appointments to public office of people whose morality have been highly questioned by the general public, the victimisation of people at various levels, students' leadership inclusive, for simply pointing out the shortcomings in the national governance,” he said.
“The shooting of students in universities by state police with impunity. Failure to perform by several government officials without any satisfactory reaction from the appointing authority as it can be manifested in the energy sector. Poor funding to critical institutions like the University of Zambia, Chainama College, Copperbelt University.”
He said it was high time the government realised that Zambians would no longer be manipulated by handouts delivered during elections and continue in misery for half a decade.
“To think that the current change in the way Zambians elect their leadership can take a twist within five minutes is irrational. The best a sensible government can do is to get back to the drawing board and address the issues that have upset most of us. For example, one wouldn't expect students to be happy with this government when they have been shot by state police without any positive response from the government. This is the only time that Zambians have given Rupiah Banda. We have given him the authority to be the commander-in-chief of the armed forces expecting that he will not allow any of these men in uniform to take away lives of innocent citizens, or indeed attempt to take away such lives with impunity,” he said.
Nyirongo said it was so disturbing that the head of state could say that Chiluba had not stolen from Zambians.
“A person that the state had taken to court, before the court could pass judgment. Few hours after the acquittal of Chiluba the president congratulated Zambians for accepting the acquittal. About two days later the Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions said they could not comment on the acquittal as they were still studying the judgment.
The question is what time did a common Zambian have access to the judgment, studied it, appreciated and accepted it so that the President could then congratulate them? The next thing we saw was government officials going to celebrate the acquittal in Luapula Province leaving government work pending on their tables. Such is unheard of and should never be allowed in a country like Zambia whose people are living on less than a dollar per day,” he said.
He said Zambians had given President Banda all the power and authority to appoint credible people to various positions and form government.
“But have also given him all the power and authority to dismiss any failures. But if the President fails to perform this simple task, the Zambians will surely dismiss him together with his minions. It is a rare privilege which if not handled well, can be lost within a twinkle of an eye,” he said.
Nyirongo said the failure by the government to increase funding to universities despite increasing funding to the Ministry of Education by about 25 per cent suggested that they were trying to please a few teachers because they played a critical role in elections.
He said a substantial amount of this increment was meant to clear some of the outstanding allowances government owed teachers.
“But then such deceptions are not sustainable, and that is what teachers and many other Zambians are refusing. I am very hopeful that government will consider sourcing money for the universities and the University of Zambia in particular, if we are to have a smooth-running of the institution. In its current state the situation at UNZA stands as a volcano,” said Nyirongo.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, UNZASU
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Poor economic planning worries UNZASU
By Agness Changala
Wed 21 Oct. 2009, 15:36 CAT
UNIVERSITY of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) president Duncan Nyirongo has warned that the current happenings in Zambia may make the country worse than Zimbabwe. In an interview on Monday, Nyirongo said his union was concerned that the country’s economy had continued to be torn apart due to poor planning in many sectors.
“This confirms what we have been saying that Zambia might become worse than Zimbabwe,” he said. “Fuel shortage, high cost of production and poor international relations were some of the issues that characterised the dwindling of Zimbabwe’s economy.”
He said the current situation had repercussions on the country’s inflation rate due to loss of foreign exchange, high production costs and escalating prices of basic commodities due to their short supply and increased transportation costs.
Nyirongo said this had grave effects on the running of various sectors which were dependent on fuel.
“The effects are far-reaching because it would also include the shortage of various commodities and it will lead to low productivity in the manufacturing sectors,” he said.
Nyirongo said even the transportation of human resource was equally affected because its dependency was on the availability of fuel.
“This is one type of laws that a dull person may not easily understand,” he said. “It takes somebody who can plan beyond their nose.”
He was hopeful that the casual approach exhibited by the government on the fuel shortage would soon be eliminated.
Nyirongo said his union was concerned with government officials who were developing a tendency to label those who commented on matters of national interest.
Nyirongo further said UNZASU, under his leadership, had not served as an instrument of every politician saying nothing would compel them to do so.
“And those that are still disputing that, let it be left to time to judge us,” Nyirongo said.
And Nyirongo has assured students at the institution that their meal allowance would be paid before the commencement of examinations in the next two weeks.
He said this in an interview after he addressed students who gathered at the institution’s Monk Square on speculation that they were not going to paid for the extra days management extended the calendar.
“The institution sessional calendar was extended to two weeks and what we told the students is that we had communicated with relevant authorities and I assured them that they will get paid before beginning of exams in two weeks’ time,” he said.
Nyirongo explained that there were also some students who did not get their allowances due to late registration and as a result, they were left out by the bursaries committee.
He complained that the response received from Ministry of Education officials after bringing the matter to their attention was not favourable.
Nyirongo appealed to the ministry and the bursaries committee to respond positively, saying the issue had the potential to disturb the examination period, which he said was critical.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, UNZASU
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UNZASU plans class boycott over police incompetence, Dora’s reappointment
Written by Masuzyo Chakwe
Sunday, August 09, 2009 9:29:53 PM
THE University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) populace has resolved to boycott classes this Wednesday as a way of expressing displeasure over the incompetence of the police and the reappointment of Dora Siliya as education minister.
UNZASU president Duncan Nyirongo said the student populace had also resolved to give the Inspector General of Police a 48-hour ultimatum to institute and effect disciplinary action against his subordinates that were in charge of operations at the Copperbelt University where an unarmed student was shot by state police.
These resolutions were arrived at during the UNZASU first quarter general meeting held on July 30, 2009.
Nyirongo said the students knew the levels of integrity that most current government officials encompassed and that in their effort to realise their uncompromised demands, the students at the meeting further resolved not to welcome the presence of Siliya at the forthcoming University of Zambia Graduation Ceremony scheduled for the August 13 and 14, 2009.
He said UNZASU expected President Rupiah Banda, as the appointing authority, to preside over these issues because the failure by the President to respond to these concerns of the union may seriously erode the confidence that the students have in his leadership.
Nyirongo said the student body resolved to uphold its union leadership's decision not to welcome President Banda's appointment of Siliya as education minister.
Nyirongo said the decision was based on a number of observations of the circumstances that surrounded her reappointment to the ministerial position.
"The union had to take this strong stance acknowledging the fact that as a dynamic, energetic and highly enlightened youth movement, UNZASU has a great responsibility bestowed upon it, as the future and destiny of our nation depends on it, in which the hopes of our fathers and mothers are vested. Some of the reasons for the union's position are as outlined; It is well understood that the High Court did not delve into the merits of the tribunal's decision, as the tribunal went beyond its mandate," he said. "The implication is that the concerned parties and the nation at large remain suspicious of the irregularities or the breaches that were highlighted by the tribunal. The report of the tribunal was ready on the April 16, 2009. It is however disturbing to note that the President never took interest to react to the breaches. But instead he was quick to reappoint Ms Siliya as Minister of Education on the June 18, 2009, two days after judge Phillip Musonda's judgment on June 16, 2009. On June 22, 2009 Mr Harrington filled in a notice of appeal in the Supreme Court. But the President went ahead to swear-in Ms Siliya as Minister of Education on June, 28 2009."
He said given that the levels to which corruption and abuse of authority had been entrenched were too immense, it was cardinal that a strong message of non-tolerance of the vice was propagated.
However, Nyirongo said the President had rather taken a passive stance on the Siliya issue despite his declaration to continue with the late president Levy Mwanawasa's legacy of zero tolerance on corruption.
"Such selectivity does not inculcate any sense of responsibility in the general citizenry but rather erodes the vital trust that they may have in their President, the Cabinet and the entire government. It is therefore morally not right for the Republican President to continue having confidence, on behalf of the Zambians, in Ms Siliya to continue serving the public. In view of the aforementioned, the University of Zambia student populace has resolved to continue pressuring His Excellency, the President to reconsider his decision on the appointment of Hon Dora Siliya as Minister of Education. Hon Dora Siliya would be doing us justice and help in saving the image of the government and the nation at large if she voluntarily stepped down," he said.
And Nyirongo expressed immense displeasure at the weak reaction by Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde to the shooting of a student by the state police at the Copperbelt University.
"The union is of the view that the Inspector General of Police has failed the country based on, among other issues, the failure by the police to secure an arrest of the police officer(s) who shot and wounded two University of Zambia (UNZA) students in March of last year is an act of irresponsibility. This is proof enough that the police command can issue out firearms without putting in place measures to monitor and make police officers account for their usage," he said. "We strongly believe that live ammunition should never be used on unarmed and innocent civilians as its usage seriously undermines the citizens’ right to life, which happens to be the most important basic human right. We challenge the police to revisit the definition of human rights."
Nyirongo described as shameful the continued harassment and ruthless beating of journalists in full view of the police.
"It is a shame that this vice has in most cases been committed on forums where top government officials have been present. Our understanding is that on such forums there is usually maximum police security. And this raises questions as to whether these crimes have been committed with the blessings of the higher authorities," he said.
Nyirongo said the union felt that the peace and security of the nation was seriously under threat because sooner than later, civilians may resort to carrying licensed firearms round with them in their day to day activities as a way of ensuring self security and protection.
He said this could happen because the police had proved to be selective in conducting duty, leading to great compromise on their quality of service provision.
Nyirongo said the police command had filled up its cup of inadequacy and this must be brought to an end.
He said such incompetence should not go unchecked and called upon Kabonde to publicly take disciplinary action against his subordinate command within 48 hours failure to which he himself must step down.
Nyirongo said a mere apology to the Zambians was far from adequacy as the acts in question bordered on criminality rather than plain civil cases.
"UNZASU is worried that with the current state of affairs, more and more of our fellow citizens may be harmed and even slaughtered by this seemingly careless police service. Human beings were placed on this earth to have dominion and control over all affairs and not let things to chance. The state of affairs in this country are like those left to chance where the powers that be do not seem to have the electorate's interest at heart. For too long we have longed to have a Zambia for Zambians," said Nyirongo.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, UNZASU
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Rupiah’s K10m donation won’t compromise us – UNZASU
Written by Patson Chilemba
Thursday, July 09, 2009 5:17:49 PM
UNIVERSITY of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) president Duncan Nyirongo yesterday said the students will not be bribed or compromised through donations over their rejection of Dora Siliya's appointment as education minister.
In an interview, Nyirongo said President Banda recently donated K10 million to the union during a meeting at State House soon after the students rejected Siliya's appointment.
However, Nyirongo said if the donation was meant to bribe students over their stance on Siliya, then the giver of the gift was mistaken.
He said UNZASU would never be compromised on any issue under his leadership.
"To be sincere with you and those insinuating that we are compromised, UNZASU will not be compromised under my leadership by any sort of bribe. I don't mean that the K10 million was a bribe. If it was given to us to compromise us, then somebody should be mistaken," Nyirongo said.
He maintained that the students had rejected Siliya because they did not want the education sector to be compromised.
Nyirongo said Siliya's appointment might dent the image of the education sector because the minister was coming from a background of flouting tender procedures.
"Even the donors might withhold aid. K10 million contribution will not compromise our stance over Dora Siliya. The students are doing registration and we are going to table it before the students to come up with a comprehensive position, and we are going to go full throttle," Nyirongo said. "This is not meant to victimise individuals. It is high time we made leadership responsible."
Nyirongo said President Banda should understand that those he appointed were not given jobs to serve him but the people and that people should therefore have a huge say over presidential appointments.
He said right now there was a go-slow by the lecturers at the institution and the students expected Siliya to show leadership and offer alternatives.
"She has equally failed because she should have done something. In the beginning we said we don't have confidence in her, and right now I have no confidence to call on her to get involved in the matters of UNZA," Nyirongo said. "Otherwise, UNZASU still stands that Dora is not a good alternative for that position."
Nyirongo said the students raised a lot of problems the institution faced when they met President Banda and they were still waiting for the President to make the first step.
He also said recently, he listened to a news item on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) where information minister Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha warned that the government would deal with the lecturers if they did not resume operations.
Nyirongo said Lt Gen Shikapwasha should realise that he was dealing with well-qualified professionals.
"The way he deals with his guards at his residence is different from the way you deal with professionals. We are taking it that even Rupiah Banda is in support of that, so he should clarify," Nyirongo said. "He [Lt Gen Shikapwasha] said they have not followed the right procedure to go on a go-slow and risk facing serious consequences because of the step they have taken."
Nyirongo also said it was sad for the President to say that he would consult before coming up with a position on the mid-term gratuity for members of parliament.
He said President Banda and those in leadership should be the first ones to sacrifice before they asked others to do so.
Meanwhile, Nyirongo said it was wrong for UPND president Hakainde Hichilema to insinuate that corruption was being peddled in State House when the students met President Banda.
He said the statement implied that the students were engaging in corrupt activities.
"If he has students who have received handouts from his officials, he must know that Duncan Nyirongo believes in integrity," said Nyirongo.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, RUPIAH BANDA, UNZASU
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UNZASU advises govt to ‘clean mess’ at bursaries
Written by Masuzyo Chakwe
Sunday, May 31, 2009 4:07:39 PM
THE University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) has stated that the government risks becoming very unpopular among students and the general citizenry if it does not clean the mess at the bursaries committee.
UNZASU president Duncan Nyirongo and publicity secretary Bertha Kalongelwa stated that the inefficiency at the bursaries committee was so alarming and detestable that students could not stand it any more.
The duo stated that it was unbelievable that the government had not given it the necessary attention in spite of appeals from students to the Ministry of Education to take charge of the deteriorating situation.
"One wonders as to whether someone benefits from the delays in delivering students allowances. The bursaries committee is well aware of the academic schedules of both universities from their points of commencement to closure, yet instead of generating an effective system through their several years of operation, their services are going from bad to worse as the recent occurrences at the Copperbelt University can testify," they stated.
"Only last week, the failure of the bursaries committee to fulfil its monthly obligation of allowance allocation resulted once again in student aggravation and demonstration."
UNZASU stated that no one on earth had ever recorded a successful study session on an empty stomach. The duo stated that it was common knowledge that 70 per cent of the country's population lived in poverty hence students depended on these loans for sustenance.
"But rather than focusing on studies, students spend their time stressed and struggling to make ends meet. It is our hope that the bursaries committee begins to think of the repercussions of their delays of allowances on the student," they stated.
"If meal allowances are to be given on a monthly basis, with book and project allowances given once a semester, why must students wait over two months for their first meal allowance, and only be given book and project allowances during exam period in the dying moments of the semester? What is the point of buying study material only days before your holiday begins? It does not make sense. Somebody should be ashamed of themselves."
They stated that it was up to the government to take full responsibility and ensure that good administration was secured at the bursaries committee by eradicating hiccups such as omissions of names from the allowance lists and their delays.
The union stated that if the problems at the bursaries committee were not addressed, the students would continue to exercise their democratic and constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations as their last resort to securing better services.
The duo stated that it was not possible that students at both universities lacked patience. They stated that it was time the government put its facts right.
"We feel that someone has been feeding the system with rotten information leading to the ultimate misleading of those responsible for our welfare. The entire government is seated on a volcano of which the epicentre is the bursaries committee. It is incumbent upon this government's leadership to save everyone on board," they stated.
"With the commencement of another academic year in only four weeks’ time, failure by government to take its responsibility, UNZASU will be compelled to intervene and help the government clean up the mess at the bursaries committee. We are moving with time. Long gone are the times when we would employ the infantry as well as the air force to secure victory."
They stated that UNZASU would react if pushed against the wall.
Labels: DUNCAN NYIRONGO, STRIKE, STUDENTS, UNZASU
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