Readers Have Their Say

While I welcomed the editor’s comments and views on the increase in racist overtones seen in Zambia over the last 2-3 years I feel that the debate needs to be a little fairer and wiser. Any derogatory behaviour based on the colour of one’s skin is abhorrent but I think it is unfair to just blame the settlers from the south for the increase in this behaviour. Firstly it is not just whites who sometimes treat local Zambians badly. I have seen non-whites (Indian and fellow Zambians) treat locals in an appalling way too. Perhaps it is just more transparent when a white person does this. Any ill treatment should be challenged by people’s own peer groups and by the person who is treated unfairly, if we are to stop racial abuse. Empowering the Zambian to not allow this behaviour to continue is one way ill treatment can be combated. Another way is to challenge people who hold outdated views, even if that means challenging those we know and mix with socially. This is quite a chall! enge and takes strength to do, but if people of ALL colours are serious in having a peaceful, colourblind society, then we have to face up to it.

It is also unwise to ignore the political arena of the southern countries over the past few years. There are extreme anti-white policies in countries directly to the south of us which have not been challenged adequately by other governments in the region. The policy of ‘quiet diplomacy’ is just allowing commercial farmers to be scape goats for inept , uneconomically sound, corrupt governments. This surely gives out the wrong signals to all sections of our community who are interested in a just, fair and economically successful country.

As for the street children I agree they should be understood compassionately. However they do not always leave you alone when you ask them to nicely. In due respect I have never found them hanging around ‘near’ my vehicle. I have had them hanging ‘off’ my vehicle and with their hands ‘inside’ my vehicle. At best I find this mildly irritating and at worst actually quite threatening, especially when I have my toddler and baby in the car to keep an eye on. Oh, and lastly, it is funny that the street children never go near cars with certain number plates, but those of you who know which plates I am talking about don’t need me to spell out the letters!

Jo Clarke, Lusaka.

I just wanted to say that your words needed to be said. My family and I visited Zambia last Easter and had a superb time there. We met many interesting people from all walks of life and it was not just once or twice that we heard comments regarding un-Zambian habits creeping into daily life. Frankly, from a personal view point, nothing really seemed to have changed since my life there as a young lad (through rose tinted glasses) - the people as warm and friendly as ever. But you are right in saying that if Zambia is to retain its enviable 'colour blind' virtues it is imperative that newcomers recognise that this is one of the reasons why Zambia is such a warm place to live in - and apply their business skills to the advantage of all. Great magazine

Tony, UK

Your editorial comment about the racial attack on you made very sad reading. For it to have happened in a public forum even though it was a sidekick as you put it means the problem may actually be getting out of hand.
I take it you are white. Nnow the thing I don't know is whether the attack was by a black or another white Zambian or a white South African. I am assuming you chose to leave these details out on purpose. Therein also lies the problem Heather, lets not be discreet about such matters. Loudly point them out and be specific, so that people know that there is a problem and try to see what can be done to solve them. And when I say loud, I don't mean literally, just be open about it. How is the solution going to be found if we bury our heads in the sand?
It may not be very serious now, but I can almost assure you that it will grow, just like all racial problems grow when not well handled. What I would suggest is that instead of just writing brief editorials and hoping the problem will go away, why not take a more proactive approach. In fact The Lowdown can gain from it. It is clear there is a big cultural background difference between the white South Africans coming into the country and the Zambians of all races on how to treat every human being. This is a problem which can be solved by sensitising the White South Africans, on how Zambians expect to treated. Why not hold orientation seminars for incoming Whites. I mean you can charge them and also partner them with Black Zambians. Because some of these whites are simply afraid, some of them genuinely ignorant, but they just don't how to reach out and say we need help. Of course there are always bad apples everywhere, only God can deal with those. But lets help those that are interested.
You really don't want the Zimbabwe problems facing us down the line.

Kennedy Sikombe, USA

I have just been deeply touched and appalled after reading your editors note on the nasty incident she/he had over the colour of their skin. The disgusting ignorance that still exists on this subject. I wonder will it ever disappear.

We here in Australia also have that hatred still raging amongst people and our Prime Minister prides himself on calling us a multi cultural nation, which is wonderful but not so good for the different cultures that reside here who still suffer the brunt of peoples anger and ignorance.

I feel there is not a lot one can do as a single person to make an impact, I just let the person know who is making the offence that it is beyond my intelligence to further have any conversations as such and this usually keeps the offender away from me.

I was in your wonderful country last year and spent a few days in Lusaka staying with a great friend and her family I made on the internet. The happiness and joviality of the Zambians was a breath of fresh air.

Keep happy and safe. Love the newsletter each month

Robyn Mayes, Sydney, Australia

We also received many short comments. Here are a few:

· When did you last here the president say "One Zambia, One Nation"? The government is doing nothing to uphold minority group rights. According to some United Nations charter are not ethnic minorities allowed certain rights?

· I would just like to congratulate you on the first article in this months Lowdown. Well written and the last sentence really says it all.

· I read your editorial and could not agree more. Good on you for writing it. We all have very good relationships on one to one basis with scores of Zambians of all colours, but there is an undercurrent in some areas of government that seems to be feeding on the issue you highlight.

Old Gumboots

Just to reflect on what was written on September Low Down by David Nelson, the story is very familiar to us as well. We ''only'' lost the rear tyre (and almost our mental health). That rhino is very very dangerous, particularly when nobody is aware of it. I wonder what is the responsibility of the guards at the gate? Do we have to wait the first victims really?

I was told that the real reason him being so aggressive is that the park management is not able to feed them properly. The park area is a piece of eco-catastrophe, and it simply can not produce enough food for the current animal population. Vast areas are totally eroded.

There must be somebody responsible of this negligence!

The rhino is not the problem. It is the impotent management.

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