Democratic Party President Harry Kalaba honours late Dr. Fredrick Jacob Titus Chiluba

By Harry Kalaba
President of the Democratic Party

Today June 18, 2020 I would like to pay special tribute and recognition to one of the stalwarts of Zambians democracy.

A true and dedicated son of the soil who led the clarion call for the re-introduction of multi party democracy in Zambia which action triggered the wind of change that would soon sweep across the entire sub-Sahara Africa.

Dr. Chiluba was a committed Trade Unionist who against all odds fought for the welfare of the working citizens of this great nation and was unwavering in his pursuit for a just and equitable country.

Countrymen and women, I call upon you to join the rest of the nation and indeed the Chiluba family to remember the late Dr. Fredrick Jacob Titus Chiluba Second President of the Republic of Zambia.

Chiluba

A man who presided over one of the toughest times in the agenda and history of the nation, culminating in the nation reaching the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) completion point under his successor.

Because of President Chiluba’s tenacity, consistency and willingness to bite the bullet, the debt of this nation was eventually written off.

However painful that phase was, someone had to make the tough choice if Zambia was to enjoy the benefits of debt write off under His Excellence Patrick Levy Mwanawasa.

To me Dr. Chiluba will be remembered for among the many milestones for;

1. Bringing about democracy in Zambia and the Sub-Sahara Africa region
2. Bringing about property ownership among Zambians and therefore enhance citizen empowerment
3. Bringing about Freedom of Speech
4. Liberalization of the economic system and allow for enhanced private participation in the Zambian economy

5. Changing the general lifestyles of Zambians including opening up mobile telephony, internet as well as the airspace for easy movement from one part of the country to the other

6. Setting a higher bar in international diplomacy for Zambia and allow the country be counted among equals.

7. Opening up the country to free enterprise;

8. More profoundly, the declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation tolerant of other religions.

As we remember this great leader may we also remember that this nation was built on the sweat and toil of our forefathers who had a passion to see this country rise from the shackles of imperialism.

Today, we are experiencing the very thing that our forefathers fought against as in the words of the late Simom Mwansa Kapwepwe who warned of a time when the imperialist would come back in Zambia disguised as an investor.

Let’s honor our Second Republican President by making a call for the economic emancipation of this nation and ensure that we as Zambians take over the instruments and factors of production and allow for Zambians to take charge of the economy.

Now is the time for us to honor such a great man like many before him by aiming to raise the standard of life of Zambians and allow us to regain one position on the international platform.

Dr. Chiluba ran his race and as he continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty, he is looking down at us with great anticipation hoping and trusting that we as a people will carry the button and take Zambia beyond the finish line of financial and economic independence.

I call upon you to Believe Again in a Zambia that will be a trendsetter in sun-Sahara Africa and beyond.

May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

Harry Kalaba
President of the Democratic Party.