Nyimba Road Accident
Jubilee Centre June 23rd, 2008
One way leaders establish their credibility and authority is by demonstrating how they act in times of crisis and calamity. In a nation of only eleven million people, a bus accident causing the death of twenty eight people and injuring fifty others is a major disaster. How was this disaster handled? Who led the people of Zambia in comforting those who lost their beloved ones? Who will provide leadership to ensure that families who lost their beloved ones are compensated adequately? Most of those who died are villagers who were probably going to Lusaka to buy supplies for resale in their villages. Who will ensure that surviving families do not suffer the double tragedy of losing their beloved ones and their livelihood?
Who then should take responsibility for this disaster? Those charged with the responsibility of ensuring that roads are in good condition, that vehicles are road worthy, that the drivers have sufficient abilities, and that rules and regulations for transportation of people are maintained are responsible for this disaster. These leaders, by their positions, assume the trust of the people. They are to manage the roads, protect people from being overloaded in buses, guarantee that buses are in good working conditions, and that buses have insurance coverage to compensate those involved in an accident. Our above-mentioned leaders are facing a crisis. How have they responded? Have they stood up to this crisis?
Those who stand up to the challenge must identify with those affected by the crisis by making the pain, hurt, and concerns their own. Second, they must not act alone, but gather people to inform them of what has happened. Third, they should mobilize people and make an invitation to help those affected. Fourth, they need to find the cause of problem and take action. If there is an area in which we fail as a nation, it is how we work as a team. The fateful bus was overloaded because none of the commuters was ready to stand up for what was right.
It has been almost two weeks since this accident took place. Who is standing up on behalf of those who were injured and for the families of those who died? The Apostle Paul wrote, "Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, I do not inwardly burn?" (1 Corinthians 11:28-29
) As church leaders, God requires of us to carry the daily concerns of the individuals we serve so that they may remain true to the gospel. We do this by modeling, teaching, and sharing responsibility. If no one is assuming responsibility for this accident, could it be that the church is not doing enough to develop credible leadership? Our nation’s greatest challenge is the need for leaders who pursue love and service to others, and who improve the welfare of the people. Is this what you are teaching and modeling?
Lawrence Temfwe
