National Constitution Conference
Jubilee Centre December 17th, 2007
We thought there was going to be a big difference in this constitution making process compared to the previous ones. In this one we thought the individuals or institutions or communities sponsoring them were going to pay the expenses for participation. What difference would this make in the constitutional making process if the government was not the one paying a minimum of K1, 200, 000 ($300) per day to each of the 500 participants attending the National Constitution Conference (NCC)?
The difference is this. Firstly, only individuals who care genuinely and are deeply concerned about the future of Zambia would be willing to pay to attend. Show us a Zambian who will travel from Lundazi or from Zambezi or from Washington DC at his or her own expense to attend the NCC to help shape how we shall govern ourselves and we will show you a patriotic Zambian. Secondly, if institutions paid for the expenses of their participants they would select people who are involved in solving our problems of the present: corruption, nepotism etc. and who are attempting on a large scale to fulfill the promise of Zambia.
Thirdly, if the community sponsored the participants, then the community would demand that the person whom they sponsor represent their interest. In this case the participant from Chadiza District would start by stating that she has been sent by her community. Therefore, every contribution she will make will be underlined by, “We the people of Chadiza believe that the bedrock of our concept of governing…. are willing to suffer discomfort and pain until obstacles that block our national purpose to create and sustain a society in which all of us are equal are removed”.
The government by paying the people attending the NCC has restricted the authority of the citizens to participate. The approach the government has taken is similar to that normally undertaken by the IMF and World Bank who are accountable to no one for the effects of their prescriptions. The IMF and the World Bank are not accountable to us because they think their efforts are a gift to us. The government’s thinking is the same – it wants to give us a gift. In any case, would it not have been better to pay the participants after they have delivered?
You can’t receive justice by way of a gift. Justice is received when people who passionately believe in it give sacrificially. It was the peaceful demonstration of the black American people that inspired Congress’ renewed efforts to deal with issues of civil rights and poverty. No government paid the 250,000 people who went to Washington DC to demand for freedom. Each sacrificially paid their way to Washington DC. To receive their civil rights and freedom some paid their own lives, others were injured and several thousands were arrested. Christians on the NCC should know better. David said: I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offering that cost me nothing. The gift of salvation is free but not cheap. It cost the very life of our King whom is the reason for the Christmas celebration. If you’re a Christian and are on the NCC what would be a better way to demonstrate your love for God and the people of Zambia by freely serving without pay on the NCC?
Lawrence Temfwe
