Stop Kindergarten Politics: African Woman Foundation Director Calls for Unity Amid Loadshedding Crisis

 Livingstone, June 18, 2024 — Amidst the crippling 18-hour daily loadshedding that has plunged Zambia into darkness, Joseph Moyo, the Director of The African Woman Foundation, called for a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Addressing journalists in Livingstone, he urged politicians to move beyond "kindergarten or preschool politics" and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the pressing national issues.

"Politicians should not play kindergarten or preschool politics of just throwing things at each other," Moyo stated firmly. "We politicians need dialogue in the country over national matters affecting the people; otherwise, people will not take them seriously."

Moyo highlighted the adverse impacts of the prolonged power cuts on everyday life and the economy, emphasizing that the political leadership must unite to find sustainable solutions. He criticized the current approach where political figures use social media platforms to propose solutions, calling it ineffective.

"Politicians should not be using social media in finding solutions for the country. Dialogue must be promoted and actualized," he insisted. "They should give each other the right advice and not hide."

He also underscored the importance of humility and collaborative wisdom among those in power, reminding them that they do not have a monopoly on knowledge. "People in power should not think that they have the monopoly of knowledge," Moyo noted, urging leaders to seek and respect advice from diverse sources.

Addressing the opposition, he called for a more constructive approach, condemning the negative rhetoric often exchanged between government and opposition members. "People in opposition should not speak ill or bad of the people in government and vice versa," he urged.

In a poignant reminder of the nation's history, he concluded by emphasizing that no more lives should be lost in political struggles. "No one should die for this country because people have already died – those who fought for independence," he said.

Joseph Moyo's call for unity and dialogue comes at a critical time for Zambia. As the nation grapples with severe loadshedding, his message highlights the need for cohesive and constructive political engagement to navigate these challenging times.