By Francis Chipalo
First and foremost let me begin by thanking the many followers who have continued reading my articles on current affairs of our country. I value your feedback, whether negative or positive, I welcome all comments, even the insults from some of you my colleagues. I am always pleased when one takes their time to read, react and comment on my analysis. It is because of your responses that some of us take pleasure in writing, as a matter of fact, for me as a journalist I get worried when I author an article or indeed do a news story then no one reacts. It actually makes me feel I wasted my time. Therefore lets continue debating in that manner even as we are about to enter 2025, a crucial year for Zambian politics. Crucial in the sense that a lot will be happening next year as this is the year which will lead Zambia into another election year – 2026 where citizens will yet again choose their leaders from ward all the way to the Presidency and not forgetting parliamentary representatives.
Talking about parliamentary representatives, I want to draw your attention to Munali, a constituency I have lived in since the mid 1990s when I was just a ‘kapyopyo’ (youngster), but yeah I have lived and schooled in this part of the country for close to three decades now, meaning I have been privileged to have seen different leaders come and go as our MPs. I have also worked with some of them here and there not only as a journalist but in my capacity as a member of the community too.
One such person I have worked with closely is Chispin Chiinda popularly known as Chris Mall. I have personally known Chris Mall for more than 10 years even before he started politics. During the time I was his personal assistant – press and public relations, we did a lot of things together for the people and with the people in all the wards of Munali constituency. Who doesn’t know Chris Mall and his works in the community? Well, in case you didn’t know, Chiinda has in my view changed many lives in the constituency in his personal capacity. The country has in the recent pasts seen a surge in junkies (unproductive young people) who have even up to now continued to terrorize and attack innocent members of the public. Instead of condemning these youths like many have done so, I have seen Chiinda actually taking time going to places where these junkies are found, interacting with them and getting to know their stories. I remember one time we went together at one police post on a fact – finding mission. Chiinda has undertaken door – to – door visits to check where these junkies are coming from and how they are living their lives. That is what I call leadership. To keep the youths busy and active in the community, Chiinda has consistently put together various interventions, among them, recreation facilities such as sponsoring of sports tournament. The man has invested in sport as a way of life for young people. Women and Madalaz have not been left out as well as Chiinda is leading the community in weekend aerobics, an initiative he uses to promote health lifestyles among the elders in a bid fight Non – Communicable Diseases associated with adulthood. Talk of his participation in community projects, his partnership with the church, the youth and other stakeholders in the community. His consistence and involvement in the community is what distinguishes Chris Mall from others.
As a resident of Munali, I am extremely impressed with what Mr.Chiinda has done so far and yeah, current MP Honorable Mike Mposha who is equally my friend whom I have shared meals before should has competition in 2026. He really should work harder if he will have to beat Chris Mall should both of them find themselves on the ballot. The rest eying Munali are just time wasters in my view kwamana otherwise who are they and where are they?
My opinion!
MERRY XMAS
The author is a Journalist, Media Consultant and a Mental Health Activist
