Umuntu Mutwe

Life's journey can be likened to a harmonious blend of flavors, where every experience, regardless of sequence, contributes to a rich and consistent tapestry. What's paramount is how we choose to perceive and respond to life's twists and turns, as it reciprocates with equal measure. Notions of age, timing, or life stage become irrelevant, and every individual has the capacity to rise to challenges and celebrate successes, unlocking their full potential for growth and transformation.

Have you ever considered why your life appears stagnant while those around you flourish? Perhaps it is time to reevaluate who you confide in regarding your objectives and aspirations, as certain individuals may not have your best interests in mind. It is crucial to be cognizant of your inner circle and the information you share, as this can either facilitate or impede your path to success. By being more discerning and strategic about what you share, you can empower yourself to achieve your ambitions and surround yourself with individuals who genuinely support your growth. 

Being an individual with a disability does not dictate your self-worth. Every person possesses distinct strengths and talents that render them exceptional. What truly distinguishes you is your capacity to excel in ways that inspire others. If someone refers to you as a special child, acknowledge it as a testament to your remarkable potential. Disability is not synonymous with inability.

Most persons with disabilities in Zambia continue to live in extreme poverty because the number of educated and uneducated individuals with disabilities is roughly equal. One of the primary reasons for the high number of uneducated persons with disabilities is the previous government's failure to advocate for their education, as well as the incompetence of Zambia's education system, particularly for the visually impaired. However, the current government has made significant strides in ensuring that persons with disabilities receive quality education. Despite this progress, poverty remains a pressing issue. I urge the government to consider increasing the Social Cash Transfer for persons with disabilities, which is currently insufficient due to the high cost of living in the country. The government has consistently emphasized its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, and it is essential that they translate this rhetoric into tangible actions. As persons with disabilities comprise a minority group in Zambia, it is feasible for the government to provide each individual with a monthly stipend of at least 4000 Kwacha to enable them to cope with the country's harsh economic conditions.

Kudos to the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Zambia for devising short-term local solutions to bolster the local currency against foreign currencies. The reality is that the current surge of the local currency against foreign currencies is ephemeral and may dissipate soon. This could occur after the end of the current quarter or immediately following the national elections scheduled for 2026. As a nation, we must not lose sight of the multiple short-term solutions that have significantly contributed to the local currency outperforming foreign currencies at present. As a development and economic policy specialist, I am well informed about the strengths and weaknesses of our economy. Currently, our country relies heavily on the export of a single commodity, copper, which is performing well in the international market. However, history indicates that copper prices have never been consistently stable for an extended period, implying that they may plummet soon, which would severely impact our local currency. Furthermore, as a mono-economy, the appreciation of our local currency against foreign currencies poses challenges for foreign trade. When the local currency is performing well, it incentivizes local businesses to import more foreign goods, ultimately boosting foreign currencies against our local currency. Engaging in imbalance trade practices means that any fluctuations in the local currency are unsustainable due to a lack of economic protection.

Politicians are frequently perceived as prioritizing their personal interests over the well-being of their respective nations. They possess the ability to shape narratives to suit their agendas, and in some cases, may be implicated in the misappropriation of funds, with billions of dollars allegedly being diverted out of Zambia annually, thereby contributing to the development of other nations at the expense of their own. I strongly condemn any individuals implicated in the improper sale of Zambia's natural resources to capitalist entities that appear to lack a genuine interest in the country's welfare. Citizens often bear the brunt of their manipulative actions. It is imperative to refrain from misleading citizens with claims that the increase in copper prices will significantly benefit Zambia, when in reality, the owners of the means of production, rather than Zambia itself, are likely to reap the benefits of this increase.

A couple of weeks have passed since our visionary Republican President enacted Bill Seven into law, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and equality. The diverse reactions from various groups across the nation have been telling, with some embracing the amended constitution and others expressing reservations. Those who have voiced dissenting views have thoughtfully articulated their concerns, reflecting a mix of genuine apprehensions and politically motivated opposition. As I prepare to share my perspective on this landmark amendment, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to our Republican President and his cabinet ministers for their unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable groups. His Excellency's tireless efforts to promote the welfare of marginalized communities have been truly inspiring, earning him the admiration and support of all progressive Zambians. Here's why I wholeheartedly endorse the enactment of Bill Seven: vulnerable groups possess immense potential to contribute meaningfully to our nation's social, economic, and political fabric. However, they have historically faced significant barriers to representation in our national Parliament. Our current President has demonstrated remarkable leadership by bridging this gap and creating opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard. During my tenure as Minister for Students with Disabilities at the University of Zambia, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by students with disabilities and the limitations of our top-down approach. This experience deepened my conviction that we need dedicated leaders to represent persons with disabilities in Parliament. The question was how to create a pathway for individuals with disabilities to enter Parliament, given the pervasive discriminatory attitudes in our society. The answer lies in Bill Seven. I extend my sincerest appreciation to our President for paving the way for me to enter our national Parliament and champion the rights of persons with disabilities. To my fellow persons with disabilities, I urge you to seize this historic opportunity to enter Parliament, not for personal gain, but to transform the narrative surrounding disability in our country.

Inclusive attitude teachers must possess. I had a friend who received a scholarship to study in Canada. After three years abroad, he returned home looking refreshed and full of life. When I visited him, I jokingly said, "Hey, Mark, it seems the food you've been eating has transformed you; you have changed significantly, my friend." We both laughed. He smiled and said, "My brother, if you were to witness the difference between our systems and Canada's, you would be astonished. Even the school system alone instills self-respect." I was curious, so I asked, "What do you mean?" He then shared something that shocked me. "In my school in Canada, lecturers do not give students zero in exams. Even if a student fails, they will still find a way to encourage them. The lowest grade one can receive is 40%." I was perplexed. "Wait, you mean even if a student performs poorly, they will still receive 40%?" He nodded. "Yes. One day, I asked my lecturer the same question. I said, 'Sir, why not give zero? Isn't that the appropriate consequence for failure?' The lecturer looked at me and said something that had a profound impact on me." He said, "Young man, no human deserves a zero. How can I give a zero to a student who wakes up early every day to attend lectures? How can I give a zero to someone who tries, even if they didn't succeed? How can I give a zero to a mind that is still learning? Here, we don't just grade answers; we grade effort. Everyone deserves to feel seen." My friend paused, his eyes almost teary. He said, "Aubrey, that day I understood the true meaning of humanity. They don't just teach academics; they teach values." His story took me back to my childhood. I remembered how my primary school teacher used to give me zero and then announce it proudly in class. She would draw big eyes and a mouth on my script and instruct my classmates to sing "Shame, shame, shame" while she flogged me in front of everyone. Back then, I thought it was normal. However, I now realize that many of us didn't fail because we were incapable. We failed because the system made us believe we were insignificant. Sometimes, all a child needs is encouragement, not humiliation. Zeros can destroy confidence. Mockery can kill interest. Once a student believes they're useless, they stop trying. Teachers, parents, and lecturers, let's revolutionize our approach. Let's stop tearing children down in the name of discipline. Let's start teaching with love, patience, and respect. We can build a brighter future because every child deserves a chance to thrive, not merely survive. For teachers, this is a crucial consideration. What if we could create a system that celebrates effort, fosters resilience, and empowers students to reach their full potential? What if we could inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime? The possibilities are endless, and it starts with a simple yet profound shift in our mindset.

THE URGENT CALL TO THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT IN ZAMBIA
By Chitalu T. Chipili
Introduction
Greetings to friends and colleagues within the disability community in Zambia and beyond. It is gratifying to witness the successful and smooth amendment of the Zambian Constitution. Despite the heated debates and disagreements during the enactment of Bill 7, it is worth acknowledging that the process has concluded without compromising the peace of our nation.
The Significance of Bill 7 and Mixed Member Proportional Representation
The Disability Movement throughout Zambia should celebrate the assenting to this bill by His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema. However, this is not a time for complacency. We must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure the benefits of this law are fully realized.
A primary motivation for the disability community’s support of Bill 7 was the introduction of Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR). This inclusion is long overdue. Had such a system been implemented earlier, perhaps the lives of persons with disabilities in Zambia would not be characterized by the extreme poverty and neglect seen today.
While Zambia’s first president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, demonstrated an early commitment to inclusion by appointing individuals like Lazarus Tembo to key positions, these actions were not backed by law and were subject to personal discretion. President Hichilema has now formalized this commitment by enshrining MMPR into law, ensuring that persons with disabilities have a legal right to represent themselves in the National Assembly.
A Call for Selfless Leadership
To the leaders of organizations representing persons with disabilities, we must ask: what does this opportunity mean for us? This law must not be viewed as a mere chance for personal advancement or the accumulation of wealth. Instead, it demands selfless leadership and genuine representation.
We must look beyond ourselves to identify capable individuals who can effectively represent our interests in Parliament. This platform should be used to amplify our collective voice, defend our rights, and secure quality education and services for all persons with disabilities. If we prioritize self-interest, we will fail to make a lasting positive impact on our community.
Strategies for Implementation
To ensure our community benefits from this law, we must take the following steps:
* Identify Qualified Candidates: We must begin identifying leaders characterized by integrity, courage, and patriotism, rather than mere friendship.
* Engage Political Leaders: We must proactively engage politicians to ensure the correct implementation of the law and prevent any dilution of its intent.
* Advocate for Holistic Inclusion: Our advocacy should extend beyond the five seats specifically reserved for our membership. We must remind political parties that the quotas for women (20 seats) and youth (15 seats) must also include women and youth with disabilities.
Conclusion
As leaders, we must be proactive rather than reactive. By engaging political leaders now, we can help them identify the right representatives and ensure that fairness and justice prevail across all groupings. Let us work together to ensure that the beauty of this law translates into a better life for every person with a disability in Zambia.
God bless our great nation, Zambia.
About the Author
Chitalu T. Chipili is a Senior Lecturer at Mufulira College of Education, the CBID Copperbelt Provincial Coordinator, and the ZANFOB Copperbelt Provincial Coordinator.

STATEMENT ON THE NEGLECT OF LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS IN TEXTBOOK PROCUREMENT

The Sinazongwe Association of Persons with Disabilities expresses serious concern regarding the continued neglect of children with Special Education Needs (SEN) in the national textbook procurement process conducted by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Education.

During the recent textbook tender process that was widely advertised across various media platforms, it is deeply troubling that no mandatory conditions were included requiring publishers to develop and supply learning materials for children with special education needs, such as learners who are blind, deaf, have intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, or other impairments. This omission represents a fundamental failure to uphold inclusive education principles and the rights of learners with disabilities.

From reliable information available to us, not a single publisher made an attempt to write or submit textbooks specifically designed for children with special education needs. This outcome is not accidental. It is a direct result of the Ministry’s failure to place clear, firm, and enforceable conditions in the tender requirements that would have made publishers accountable from the very beginning.

This situation raises serious questions:
• Why were publishers not compelled to include accessible formats such as Braille, large print, audio, sign-language-supported materials, and simplified texts?
• Why were children with disabilities once again treated as an afterthought in a national education process?
• How does this omission align with Zambia’s commitments under the Education Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, and international conventions on inclusive education?

Inclusive education is not achieved through policy statements alone; it must be reflected in budgeting, procurement, planning, and implementation. By failing to include strict tender conditions on special needs education materials, the Ministry has effectively excluded thousands of learners with disabilities from equal access to education.

As the Sinazongwe Association of Persons with Disabilities, we formally demand a clear and public response from the Government and the Ministry of Education to address this apparent negligence. We also call for immediate corrective measures to ensure that:
• Future tenders include compulsory provisions for special education materials.
• Publishers are held accountable for inclusive content.
• Learners with disabilities are recognized as equal beneficiaries of public education resources.

Furthermore, we call upon other Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organisations, education advocates, well-meaning Zambians, parents, faith-based organisations, development partners, and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to join us in this important fight for inclusive and equitable education. This is not a fight for one association, district, or group—it is a national responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of children with disabilities.

Children with special education needs are not optional beneficiaries of the education system. They are citizens with equal rights. Any education system that ignores them from the start is unjust, discriminatory, and unacceptable.

For far too long, individuals with disabilities have faced systemic marginalization in our country. Yet, we possess the collective power to redefine our narrative and demand transformative change. By asserting our rights, advocating for our interests, and acknowledging our inherent value, we will demonstrate to our leaders the invaluable contributions we make to our nation's growth. It is time to recognize the significant social, economic, and political value that individuals with disabilities bring to our country. We have the right to advocate for our needs and refuse to settle for anything less. Wishing a joyous season to every individual with a disability in our community.