By 
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Antonio Mwanza has urged Zambians to reject the old generation’s politics of division through tribalism and instead build a new Zambia based on unity, merit, and shared prosperity.
Mwanza stated that it was time for Zambians to condemn any form of tribalism, whether in politics, government, employment, or in daily political statements.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Mwanza noted that tribalism had long cast a shadow over Zambia’s political landscape, often manipulated by those seeking power rather than unity.
He said that from the early years of independence, political competition gradually took on ethnic tones as some leaders sought to build regional strongholds instead of national consensus.
“This destructive trend was among the reasons President Kenneth Kaunda, in 1972, was compelled to declare Zambia a one-party state.
He feared, rightly, that tribal divisions—fueled by ambitious politicians—could tear apart our young nation,” Mwanza said.
He stated that even though Kaunda’s intentions were to preserve peace and unity, the underlying truth remained that it was not the people who divided Zambia, but politicians who exploited tribe for political gain.
Mwanza said tribalism had never benefited the ordinary Zambian, saying, “It has never improved a farmer’s yield, lowered the cost of transport, or provided clean water. Instead, it distracts the nation from the real enemies of progress—corruption, poverty, unemployment, inequality, and bad governance.”
Mwanza said politicians who weaponize tribe do so to hide their failures, not to serve the people.
Read More: PEP, DPP reject Hichilema’s Constitution review process
He noted that today’s generation of Zambians is different because it has children of intermarriage, raised in towns and schools where friendships cross every tribal and religious line.
“We speak each other’s languages, we share dreams, and we call ourselves simply Zambians. We are one people bound by a shared destiny, not by tribal boundaries drawn by politicians,” Mwanza said.
He emphasized the need to focus on the collective energy and the real struggles of the people, such as the rising cost of living, persistent poverty, lack of jobs, and the unbearable load-shedding that stifles productivity.
Mwanza noted that Zambia’s strength has always been its unity, which has resulted in 60 years of peace since independence.
“Let us therefore rise above tribal politics and stand together as one nation—One Zambia, One Nation—committed to justice, progress, and prosperity for all,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments