Today's letters

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:35:29 +0000

About GBM qualifications

Dear Editor,

Prior to the elections GBM presented his qualifications to the ECZ. It was evident that he did not have the requisite qualification. The truth must be told as regards this matter before the next elections.

It is apparent that his papers were not in order as they lacked any level of certification.

The authorities must tell us if they are going to follow up the matter because it is certainly not feasible that GBM could have done two separate leaving examinations to earn him a Grade 12 certificate as well as a Form 5 one.

This is simply a lie- nobody could have achieved this feat. Not even GBM.

People with dubious qualifications should not be allowed anywhere near the corridors of power because they are a threat to good and moral leadership.

I would like to appeal to the authorities to examine thois matter very seriously and take the necessary action to stop other people of dubious qualifications from attempoting to cheat their way into Government.

Betrand Lisulo

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President  Lungu chosen by Zambians

Dear Editor,

President Lungu was elected, voted for and taken to State House by Zambians.

It is not the late president, Mr. Sata who chose him. He was chosen by Jehovah God before he was born.  Leaders are chosen by God not by human beings so whether you voted for him or not, he is your President.

Whether you like him or not, there are no two ways to it. Let us learn to respect leaders please.

Ignorance is no defense, it’s a sin! God bless Zambia.

Citizen, Lusaka 

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Positive programme for the youth for future Zambia

Dear Editor,

Zambia is going through the refinement of the youth week programme and celebrations to achieve the actual intentions of the occasion.

Having passed through the politics of independence when citizens of all ages participated in the struggle, a day was set aside to appreciate the contributions by the youth then.

Not that we are in politics of development, we have to see what the present youths can offer to development in the country.

This year’s approach where youths were made to exhibit their potential in development in their various skills during the commemoration week is a very welcome move worthy of commendation.  In the 1980’s, the Government made a well-intended project to resettle youths at the Kambilombilo and Kanakantapa farming blocks. However, the project failed because the skills for the target group was not initially identified and therefore, it came out as a misplaced and forced project.

Now that the youth week is a skills exposure platform, Government will easily formulate a Youths Needs Analysis for their developmental programme requirements.

In as much as agriculture is the way to go, I strongly feel, our technologically inclined youths need to be empowered seriously in the field of science and technology so that even our agriculture can migrate from a pick and hoe to a mechanized one through local inventions by our youths who hold the stock of this unexploited knowledge.

Other fields that can be enhanced may include;

1.Sport is a source of livelihood and entertainment for the youths.

2.Art, both visual and applied, can give employment to the youths.

3.Crafts is mechanical, electrical and wood work can empower youths.

4.The adaptive and approachable Zambian youths can do well in the hospitality industry.

5.In commerce, the youths have been successful vendors but the mode of trading should be redesigned to eliminate illegalities and messing up the environment.

6.Small scale industry development such as welding, block making etc. to be enhanced.

All these fields, if seriously put in the National Youth Planning, Zambia will be assured of a generation of skilled youths who will be self-dependent such that the Government and the public sector will have less pressure on formal job creation. Subsequent to this, there will be less crime around the country as everyone will be busy doing this or that.   Youths are by nature enterprising as they always want to explore and therefore, they are the vanguard of the nation.  Any positive programme for the youth now is a positive result for future Zambia. Let us leave Zambia in good hands so that posterity does not haunt us.

Adeodatus Matafwali

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Passing Grade 12 English language exam

Dear Editor,

From my 21 years of teaching English language from grade 8 to 12, I have observed that most of our learners detest writing compositions.

The learners would rather go for structures like close tests and transformations that will just give them 20 marks.  At grade 12 level, passing this subject with a distinction depends largely on composition writing that includes Summary, guided and unguided compositions (60 marks). A candidate who does well in the three afore mentioned areas is more likely to get a distinction which starts at 70percent.

For argument sake if one scores   54 out 60 in the three and 10 out of 20 in structure just needs to get 10 in comprehension and will smile with a 74percent.  As teachers of English language, let us try by all means to inculcate the spirit of love for compositions among our learners.

Timothy Kambilima

Former Mitondo

Secondary school teacher.