Freedom in the Jungle
Lawrence Temfwe July 17th, 2007
The reason why we fought for independence was that we take control of the land and benefit from the blessings of the land. We therefore, must be concerned when North Western Province Deputy Minister, Mr. Kenneth Chipungu tells off First Quantum Minerals (FQM) that “Up to now government has not yet seen what you have ploughed back in society despite you making a lot of money. When you came looking for land you were crawling before us but now you do not want us to see what you doing.” (The Post June 24).
We must equally be anxious when the FQM director of operations, Mr. Matt Pascal responds that the government is not ploughing back into Solwezi despite his mine paying taxes to the tune of $150 million last year. What should the ordinary Solwezi villager do, when the government is not responsible for her need for water, education and health for her children? Who is responsible to ensure that there is legislation and to enforce it, that foreign investors such as FQM are contributing to the well-being of the community in which they are doing business? Who is responsible to holding the government accountable on how they use $150 million taxes paid by FQM?
The FQM and government stand off is a reminder to us what happens when a nation abandons its mission. Take the example of Israel during the time of Judges? When ever Israel forsook its mission to drive all the people out of the land God promised to their ancestors, people faced suffering, decline and failure. Israel’s moral downfall had its roots in the fierce independence that each tribe cherished. It led to everyone doing whatever seemed good in his or her own eyes. There was no unity in government. Law and order broke down. Finally idol worship and man-made religion led to the complete abandoning of faith in God. Most nations lose focus of their mission because their leaders’ compromise their convictions for wealth, acceptance, recognition, power and influence. This is what happened to Israel during the time of Judges. Israel exchanged its dedication to God for the customs of the people living around them.
Today Zambia is like Israel during the period of Judges-“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” However, when there was spiritual, moral and political decline in Israel people would cry out to God. And God in his powerful demonstration of his love and mercy would rise up a leader to lead his people to freedom and worship.
Is stand off between Hon. Chipungu and Mr. Pascal as a result of spiritual, moral or political decline in Zambia? Is it because of political leaders without comprehensive plan and vision for the future of the country? Is it lack of vision which is resulting in everyone doing as they see fit? In Israel the people examined themselves, repented and cried to God for deliverance and he sent leaders such Othniel, Deborah, Gideon and Samson to deliver His people over and over again. Do you see the need to cry out to God for deliverance? If you do not see the need then be ready for evil oppressors to come to punish Zambians for the sin of not taking control of their land and minerals which the Lord our God gave to benefit us, our children and their children.
Lawrence Temfwe
