YOUTH OPINION

'Worst form of abuse has hit Zambia'

The worst form of abuse that has hit Zambia is a bad example from leaders, 20-year-old David Mwambazi has said.
In an interview yesterday, David said it was regrettable that leaders in the country especially those in political leadership were failing to act as examples to young people.
“The worst form of abuse that has hit our motherland Zambia is a bad example from our leaders. I personally feel we lack proper role models in this country. What is true in a home is equally true in a small community and a nation as a whole,” David said.
“Children look up to their parents and they want to be just like them. In a nation the youths are unconsciously watching and studying their leaders and in today's Zambia they observe a lot of corruption, pretence, abuse of power, immorality and insults by politicians.”
He urged his fellow youths not to be influenced by such leaders and that they should most preferably aim to out smart them.

David said observing the current trends, it was becoming clear that the nation risks losing all its possible achievements because the current leaders are not taking time to give guidance and address the many cries of the youths.
“From time to time, we have heard it's said that the future of any country lies in its youths. However, we risk losing that because the future leaders are indicating that they might not manage and contain the many challenges that might hit the country simply because the current leaders are not giving direction,” he said.
However, David said the plight of Zambian youths was too huge to be given to the government alone and that he would suggest that the stakeholders get involved.
David further paid tribute to the various individuals and institutions that have devoted their time, resources and energies to improving the lives of youths.
“There is hope in your works and your struggle is proof that we are not defeated,” he said.
He said he has a passionate belief in the work and possibilities of the young and that someday he expects them (youths) to realise their capabilities.

“To my fellow youths I say, yes we have been disappointed, delayed and frustrated by the conditions prevailing in our country. But let us get up and soldier on, Zambia belongs to us ready or not someday we will be new leaders and let us prepare for that day,” he said.

George Chellah
6 June 2005

 

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