“A mind shift is a change of focus and perception… It’s the movement of the tectonic plates in your psyche, opening your mind to entirely new ways of thinking and acting.”
Barrie Davenport
The first and probably most important step needed to start the improvements in the quality of life is a ‘Mega Shift in our minds’. As the above quote states we need a change of focus and perception to open our minds to an entirely different way of thinking and acting. We need to take action collectively to realise the Zambia we all crave.
...’Decide from this day to change your perception and open your mind to a new of thinking and acting…’ I must state that this is not entirely new as some Zambians already have this perception…or have experienced the ‘mind shift’. This action must permeate all parts of Zambian society especially the Zambian government, Civil Service, Health sector, Education sector, Local Government and all other public services.
What is this new focus, perception or new way of thinking?
The Zambian government and other politicians should;
1. Stop playing politics and spend more time discussing developmental issues such as improving safety on public transport, decent shelter for all or providing potable water for all Zambians.
2. Pass legislation that will promote develop in Zambia, for instance;
a. Ensure it becomes illegal to pay different salaries for the same job (no difference in pay between expatriate and Zambian professional). Pay professionals in the public sector appropriately (to arrest the perennial brain drain).
b. All public passenger vehicles must pass an annual MOT fitness test in a certified workshop.
c. How the national resources shall be allocated to ensure efficient operations in national institutions. Ensure that there is adequate budget allocations and arrangements to fund institutions (schools, colleges, hospitals, etc.) properly. – It must become illegal to run a hospital without adequate stocks of medicine, oxygen and other resources. UTH without water should never happen again.
d. Legislate against the 30 to 60 day credit terms that big companies in Zambia insist on giving local suppliers (when ordering from abroad they are usually on advance payment or letter of credit terms). I would suggest a maximum of two weeks’ credit facility with stiff penalties for those who flout this rule.
e. How about a Public Transport Board/Agency?
This list is not exhaustive but I am sure you get the point. The new way of thinking suggests that if cholera breaks out anywhere in Zambia then someone did not do their job and therefore must be held to account.
Those in Management, Supervision and other Leadership positions must;
1. Be qualified and competent to do their jobs and lead their teams.
2. Ensure their subordinates are trained and are qualified to their work.
3. Lead with integrity, fairness and by example.
4. Not tolerate laziness and incompetence in their teams.
5. Have pride in a good job as well as their teams.
Everybody else should;
1. Expect an efficient government and civil service – if not then ensure no second term by voting for some another party next time.
2. Not tolerate inefficient and incompetent leaders – Learn to ‘Whistle blow’.
3. Insist on efficiency, orderliness and tidiness in all we do. Things must work as they are supposed to.
4. Refuse to ride unsafe buses, not accept shortages of any kind and learn to hold our leaders to account.
5. Not attend political rallies full of empty promises – we should see the politicians’ work in our communities – not be told about it! Words for our politicians in opposition – “you should demonstrate your leadership qualities by working in communities” - before you ask the people of Zambia to entrust you with running the country.
The subject of my blog-post is nothing new. You hear people say ‘the Germans are efficient or the Japanese are thorough’. It is all about attention to detail. My earnest request to all Zambians is to join in this ‘Mega Shift’.
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