Tue, 30 May 2017 10:18:43 +0000
Corruption in Churches
Dear Editor
If money resources which are stolen or misused in Churches, across all denominations in Zambia were to be totalled, I bet, corrupt politicians and public service workers who steal from the state, may just turn out to be angels of God, in comparison to Church leaders who steal with great impunity from the poor woman selling tomato and bondwe in the street, to raise just a little to support the work of God.
This is because confessed Christians, more than politicians, represent a Holy God. Therefore Honesty and integrity, has to start in the house of God.
In Mathew 5:20 Jesus warns His followers; “For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.”
It is to this regard that I would urge the Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance Rev. Godfridah Sumaili, to explore ways in which our most vulnerable in society can be shielded from such abuse by people who are masquerading as servants of God.
What is even most saddening is that, these men and women who steal Church funds will do everything and anything to get to influential positions in the Church, and further seek recognition as the holiest and honest leaders, than those who give faithfully to the work of God.
Mukuka Chilufya
Chambishi Mine Township
UPND lawyers holding back court progress
Dear Editor,
Could the wheels of justice finally be turning in the trial of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema which has to wait for a High Court determination regarding the validity of the certificate committing him and five others for trial in the High Court, which the UPND lawyers have challenged – over 45 days after the UPND leader’s incarceration that has caused such consternation in the opposition party due to his lawyers’ continued pursuance of preliminary issues?
The Green Party Peter Sinkamba’s finger of blame is squarely on the delaying tactics by UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema’s lawyers who were what cost him the presidential election petition and the same were now exacerbating his agony in Chimbokaila Correctional Facility.
Such are the divisions of opinion in the country – a sign perhaps of how the political tensions have just been swept under the courtroom carpet since early April 2017 – that the suspects will after all not be tried in the Magistrate Court either (“Sinkamba blasts UPND lawyers”, Sunday Nation, May 28, 2017).
As a further safeguard, the Magistrate Court gave the defence team 15 days in which to seek the judicial review from the High Court by June 12, 2017.
However, there appears to be no fixed date by which the trial will start or conclude in the High Court, with the very real chance that any appeal made against the High Court’s decision could drag the process out for months, perhaps years.
Also, the accused are not free to remain outside Chimbokaila Correctional Facility for now, until such time as they are acquitted of treason. This complicates things somewhat.
Needless to say, the issue of the international community involving itself in this matter is particularly vexing for Zambia, and a political hot potato.
Many in the ruling PF do not support what they say is the imposition of justice from afar.
But Zambia’s own attempts at finding justice for the treason accused is being delayed by incessant preliminary issues being raised by UPND lawyers.
What many peace-loving Zambians crave is an end to the UPND culture of impudence and of impunity.
Whether or not a 2021 election will bring that about without the resolve of the Hakainde Hichilema’s treason case in the High Court seems to be a risky prospect at best.
So, UPND lawyers must refrain from holding back the court progress unnecessarily with ceaseless preliminary issues.
Mubanga Luchembe,
LUSAKA
Banning sale of anointed products welcome but…..
Dear Editor
It is said that desperate people do desperate things, Many youths today are in dire need of jobs, just as many women want marriages and babies.
Those in employment want promotions and those in businesses want to boost their business at all cost.
It is for these reasons that Men of “Gold” have found fertile lands to make fake prophecies to these unsuspecting members of the public who are charged indirectly handsomely buy selling them anointed pants, water, duvets, handkerchiefs, pens sweeping brooms among others.
That Government has banned the sale of these “anointed” products in churches is welcome but is there a law to ban such businesses?
While I agree with Minister of National Guidance and Religious affairs to ban this illegal trade or money laundering as it is called, I have some reservation as who will enforce such a law.
Many a time pronouncements have been made but there is very little follow ups or enforcement.
Once time urinating in public was a case but now it died a natural death; Tujilijili illicit drinks were banned but it they have resurfaced in bottles and no one seems to care.
People can smoke in public at will and the council pays a blind eye as street kids are seen roaming the streets sniffing petrol or Bostic at will.
I hope the Ministry concerned will live to our expectations to effect this ban.
But alas some churches conduct their prayers in houses and in fact it is the congregants who demand to buy such products in bulk thinking the more you buy the more the blessing.
Yes, my people will perish due to lack of knowledge, God has said.
CHAKWIYA BORNFACE
CHONGWE
The death of a mother at Chilenje Hospital shocking
Dear Editor,
This is extremely disheartening. Is this what we should be experiencing from our midwives?
It is shocking that they are more than ready to publicly show their incompetence and negligence to the world.
Life should not be lost just because of some people have failed to perform their duties.
Such ugly things happen because of lack of:
- Lack of professionalism
2 .Lack of strict supervision – right from Ministry HQs down to the hospital level.
Immediately such negligence is uncovered the ministry should be seen to be actively concerned by investigating the matter.
If someone failed to perform their duties then they should be relieved of their duties.
Let them go and do something else for their living. The lives of mothers are being exposed to dangerous personnel in these hospitals.
I know how Zambians are. Once the Ministry concerned starts taking punitive measures we shall begin to see positive change.
This is how ZCCM managed to wipe out indiscipline among a huge and diverse workforce.
The main problem is that there is no serious supervision. Politicians can only do as much but for as long as the civil service remains this weak we should expect more deaths at the hands of those who should be assisting us.
I now call upon all leaders: politicians, CSOs, Church, etc; to show concern about on matters – not just talk about freedom of speech, information and the like while people are dying at the hands of irresponsible workers.
The tendency to quickly defend wrong doing has become part of culture in Zambia. It must come to an end.
Finally, I can only hope that our able Minister of Health Dr. Chilufya is aware of this and many such horrible cases in our hospitals.
Please do something now to prevent more deaths of our women in these maternity wards.
Daniel
