POSTBAG LAZY ZAMBIANS Editor, The sweeping statement by transport deputy minister Col Panji Kaunda that “Zambians are lazy, very lazy indeed” cannot pass without comment. My initial reaction to Col Panji’s statement was that it was quite unfair and misplaced. I thought about the traders I see vending in the corridors of every central business district across the country and wondered whether that amounted to laziness in Col Panji’s books. However, when I thought of names like Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Kalusha Bwalya, Lotti Mwale, Samuel Matete, Satwant Singh, Amon Simutowe, PK Chishala, and Maureen Nkandu, I couldn’t help but agree with Col Panji’s observation. Men rise and fall like winter maize, but these names will never die. Perhaps, some Zambians may not be lazy per se when it comes to hustling, running a kantemba and just being an average athlete or employee. However, when it comes to being a cut above the rest, we Zambians are lazy, very lazy indeed. From our top politicians, entertainers, sportspersons, actors and musicians, few seem to have that burning desire to leave a name everyone will want to associate with for generations to come. The sad thing about most Zambians is that we just want to get by. There are only a few willing to break grounds. We get satisfied with little. We can see this attitude not only among our leaders but the general citizenry. Just look at what we now call Zambian music. Most of the recording artistes seem to be satisfied with 15 minutes of fame. They will produce a “hit” single today and two weeks down the line, the CD will be gathering dust on the shelf. When are going to see the new generation produce classics like PK Chishala’s Common Man? 20 years down the line, this song is as relevant to our situation as it was the day it hit the airwaves. Concerned
Posted on: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 05:16:16 +0000
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