Zambites

For this blog, we thought we would give a few updates on different topics, rather than one particular issue. Lots of little things seem to be happening….

Election fallout (1)

Last time, Meredith (she insists that everyone knows she wrote it) reported on all that had happened around the Presidential elections. It has since come to light that there was a lot more happening behind the scenes. African Confidential, a reputable newsletter about issues across Africa, reported that former President Banda was keen to hang onto power and was looking to mobilise the army and the police to take control. (Other sources claimed that Zimbabwe’s Pres Mugabe was calling him urging him not to accept the electoral defeat.)

Some African leaders blame Banda for giving up power

Fortunately, Banda did not seem to have the support of his own troops, who apparently even let down the tyres on their trucks rather than go into an opposition area to stop demonstrations. They made it clear that they would not fire on their own people. The US Ambassador was also heavily involved behind the scenes, trying to convince the former President that he had to accept the will of the people. Another rumour has it that even President Obama was involved, supposedly to call Banda and tell him he had to go. This last bit probably says more about how people in this part of the world view Obama and his power rather than any link to real events.

All of which does raise the question as to what incentives were offered Banda to make sure he left peacefully, possibly even indemnity from any future prosecution, but this remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the really important thing is that Zambia made this transition without any real violence and the nation can justifiably feel proud about the turn of events.

The new President has proved to be a man of action, sacking many government boards because of corruption, changing the name of Lusaka’s Airport almost overnight (to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport), lowering the price of petrol and promising that people will see benefits within 90 days. Expectations are now very high and people are not used to things happening so fast, particularly not in sleepy Zambia!

Election fallout (2)

One of the more bizarre stories coming out of the election was the campaigning style of the former Education Minister. She addressed her electorate in forthright terms, telling her constituents that she divorced her husband because he was lazy in bed. She also told the men in the audience: “You men here, are you not admiring me? Are you admiring each other’s beards? You men! Can you enjoy touching each other’s hard bums instead of a woman’s?” The men are said to have replied in unison: “We admire a lot, especially your buttocks!” There is some evidence that she may have been a little tipsy at the time. She was re-elected but is now in Opposition. We could only wonder at how such an election campaign would have gone down in Australia.

An addition to the family

Somehow, since our last blog post, we have become (foster) parents again. Our (foster) son is a delightful fourteen-year-old boy from Australia, who we have known for all of his life, and most of his mum’s. It’s a long story about how he came to be with us and we are both aware that it is slightly unusual for a boy to get uprooted from life and school in Australia to come to Africa, but after 2 weeks, it seems to be going well. We’ve all had our moments, including Meredith’s bike being ridden into the swimming pool (!), a few interesting times at school, but for the most of the time it’s been great. We are learning what it’s like to live with a boy, after two girls of our own, especially a boy who eats his way through the pantry every three days. We’re also learning to appreciate new musical genres.

Wait! That's my bike!

It’s been particularly interesting to see the transition from an Australian school where everyone is on guard, and many kids at pains to take advantage of the teacher and each others’ weaknesses, to a small school where everyone is so nice, welcoming and keen to co-operate, even with teachers (shock!). You can imagine that it is not easy for any kid to make the transition between these very different worlds. This too is a tribute to the people of Zambia, who – generally – are the epitome of openness, cooperation and good humour.

Vision of Hope

We continue to maintain contact with the wonderful Chitalu, the director of Vision of Hope, the project which is working with street girls. Someone has called her Zambia’s Mother Theresa. We’re pleased to say that the project is close to getting its own premises, which will help in terms of stability for the girls and for their own income generation and sustainability. If you are interested in supporting a great project, it comes with our strong recommendation. Best of all, they now have their own website http://www.visionofhopezambia.org/ where you can make a donation straight to the organisation.

(written by Tim)

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