ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION

Map of Zambia

It takes a lot more than rhetoric to unite a country of more than 73 different languages.

It takes a motto, a mantra, a statement that helps the nation remember that it must at all times be united.

That despite differences in language, culture, colour and beliefs we are but one one tree with many leaves.

When Zambia gained independence, the country was divided by tribe, indeed even the 1963 elections were on tribal lines.

The British who where Zambia’s colonial Masters has employed a tactic of divide and conquer to subdue the tribes.

It is a common tactic that was employed by colonialists across Africa to ensure that tribes where too engrossed in disliking each other to work together in overthrowing them.

Certain stereotypes were perpetuated about Zambian tribes such as: Bembas, Ngonis and the Lozis been characterised in colonial records as "strong."

“The Bemba and the Ngoni were "warlike," although the Bemba were considered the much "finer race" because the Ngoni had intertwined with "inferior tribes and have been spoiled by civilization.

The Lamba were labelled "lazy and indolent" and the Lunda considered to have "an inborn distaste for work in a regular way."

These stereotypes in turn often determined access to jobs.”

“Talking About 'Tribe,'" Africa Policy Information Center.

It was these stereotypes that bred contempt amongst the tribes in Zambia, with some tribes feeling superior to others.

The motto was supported by the revolutionary song Tiyeende Pamodzi Ndi Mtima Umo; which means let us march together with one heart or spirit.

Grey Zulu in his memoirs writes of how after independence, the issue of tribalism nearly brought the country to a brink of crisis.

“We had moved quickly to defuse the explosive situation through our motto ‘One Zambia, One Nation.’ … bearing in mind our motto of unity to avoid the escalation of tribal feelings in the nation.”

“I must add here that One Zambia One Nation should not only be regarded as a slogan, it must sink into the hearts and minds of our people for a long time to come as a basis of unity and nation- building.

There is no tribe in Zambia regardless of size that should be considered as more important than the others.”

All the 72 tribes and dialects are important in the process of national unity and development.”

Kenneth Kaunda has spoken out in countless interviews about the depth and deep meaning of the One Zambia, One nation Motto.

In a CCTV interview on the 08/27/2012 on a Faces of Africa programme, Dr Kaunda or KK as he’s fondly known explained.

“Kenneth Kaunda said, “I went back to that message of the Lord. The greatest commandment, commandments and that’s how we worked on “One Zambia, One Nation”, And a leader stood in front of crowd,’ One Zambia?’ they answered,’ One Nation’.

Kenneth Kaunda; Zambias Founding President

“We began to develop along those lines, in the struggle,’ one Zambia, one nation. After winning our independence, still,’ one Zambia, one nation’.

Now where this approach is accepted, there is genuine peace. Where it is not accepted, disaster, chaos, death in thousands.

That was across tribe, across colour, across any faith and eh, I can tell you that, that is what has shaped my life. And in every corner of action, this is central in my mind.

“In terms of the One Zambia, One Nation, it is something that, it’s not just a history, it’s laid the foundation of the unity of Zambia.” 

The words of Zambia’s founding father

To a large degree, this motto has indeed helped forge a feeling of mutual unity in the country, besides how can a nation afford to be divided on tribal lines.

This year Rwanda commemorated its 20^th year since the 100 days 1994 horrific genocide which saw some 800000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu’s slaughtered by ethnic Hutu extremists - because of a misplaced sense of tribalism.

One tribe feeling that another is getting more priority in developmental and leadership affaires.

At the commemoration a statement that perhaps resonated with everyone was the call for a promise to never let any senseless tribal massacre ever happen.

In his first cabinet Dr Kaunda sought to enhance this feeling of oneness and unity by appointing a cabinet with an equal tribal representation to enable each tribe feel represented in National Affairs.

Boarding schools were introduced at primary level with enrolment of children from diverse tribes and ethnic groups.

As a result despite Zambia having more tribes than its neighbouring counterparts, it has the lucky result of having citizens who can speak at least three languages.

Grey Zulu (in blue suit ) with Kenneth Kaunda

A feat that most other countries with lesser tribes cannot boast of something Zambians must be proud of.

Grey Zulu warns people who practice tribalism saying they are like children playing with fire. He adds that we must march forward as one in unity.

Sound advice from one of the men to whom our nation owes its independence.

As Zambia celebrates its 50^th Jubilee, may we remember how far we have come, the struggles that forged our nation and the motto that united us.

ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION.