Engaging Zambians on the NCC
Jubilee Centre June 16th, 2008
Ms. Faustina Sinyangwe, the MP for Matero, is complaining that the public do not show interest in what is being discussed at the National Constitution Conference. She is shocked that ordinary Zambians are not paying attention to the discussions concerning a document that shall govern them. Ms. Sinyangwe is asking the wrong question. A key reason why people aspire to leadership is that they have a vision they hope will create long-lasting influence in the lives of the people they have the privilege of leading and developing. Therefore, Ms. Sinyangwe ought to be asking, "What must I be doing to encourage Zambians to participate in the Constitution making process?" She must not pass the buck. She is in charge.
To answer this question, Ms. Sinyangwe must learn to understand who Zambians are. She must make an effort to understand the people she is supposed to be influencing. The ability to understand people is a skill many of our political leaders lack. Leaders who influence others for good are those who know that what people really need is to be listened to, respected and understood. The Mungomba Constitution Commission listened to and respected the people’s submissions. When the people saw that they were being understood, they became more motivated to understand the government’s point of view. Unfortunately the politicians did not use this opportunity to understand how people felt about the Constitution making process-how they thought, what inspired them, how they wanted the process to run. As a result, politicians have failed to motivate and influence the populace in a positive way.
Ordinary Zambians feel that leaders do not care about their opinions concerning the Constitution. Zambians are now reluctant to suggest ideas because they think their ideas will be rejected. Therefore, Ms. Sinyangwe’s critical task is to demonstrate to the community that she serves as Member of Parliament; that she loves them. Convincing people who have constantly been abused that what you are doing is for their good is very difficult. They think every politician is involved in politics for selfish reasons. Ms. Sinyangwe must continue to care and to do what is right by going back to the people in order to let them know how the Constitution making process is progressing. She must also give them time to speak to her and then listen attentively to their concerns and desires. If she is a good listener she will receive friendship, help and encouragement from these people. In the case that they do not respond in love, she must still love them anyway.
Church leaders attending the National Constitution Conference have an even greater responsibility, that of being accountable to their church members in particular and to the Christian family in general. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12
and Rom 12 states the value of working together. He uses the concept of a human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, Christians are to work together under the authority and commands of the Lord Jesus Christ. Can you imagine what Christians could achieve if they worked as a team to contribute to the Constitution making process? May the Christian leaders participating in the NCC show how Zambians can work together by engaging their church members and other Christians on critical issues in the Constitution debate.
Lawrence Temfwe
