GRADE 12 CLAUSE REMOVAL MAY OPEN PANDORA’S BOX

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:25:48 +0000

Dear Editor,

The amended  Constitution contains a requirement that those aspiring to be Republican president, member of Parliament or Ward councillor must have a minimum of Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent.

Some people are now saying this should be removed because it’s discriminatory.

The main role of any Constitution is to regulate the affairs of its stakeholders. Without a constitution, without regulation, there is anarchy.

So, amending the said requirement would definitely open a Pandora’s box. One or two examples will suffice.

To enrol at most Zambian colleges or universities, one needs to have five O’levels with credit or better.

And to qualify to be a judge, one needs to have  proven integrity and must have been a legal practitioner for at least fifteen years (Supreme Court and Constitutional Court), at least twelve years (Court of Appeal) and at least ten years (High Court).

Now, asking for such requirements is not discrimination but regulation.

We need benchmarks especially those to do with academic/ professional qualifications. Some of the devolved ministries under Decentralization have highly educated personnel.

For example, we don’t expect a Grade 7/9 Councillor to effectively interact with Diploma, Degree, Masters or a PhD carrying DEBS or Director of Health.

Our Council Chambers need enlightened councillors in order to have productive debates. Please, leave the Grade 12 Clause alone.

Francis Kalipenta

Serenje