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Socialist SOCIALISTPARTY ISSUE 2, AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 A newsletter published by the Socialist Party, , FREE OF CHARGE Licence scheme ‘a threat Fred M’membe: to press freedom’ Socialist staff reporter

THE GOVERNMENT’S decision to indirectly a living legend license journalists through a media council is ill-inten- tioned and won’t achieve Firm, resolute leader anything good, says So- cialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe. with an aversion to “After 26 years of producing and editing one of Zambia’s biggest newspapers, I think I can say that I have some lies and corruption reasonable understanding of journalism and the media in Socialist staff reporter Dr M’membe is an accountant, general,” he said. economist and lawyer, and that he “In addition to this I am a also has business management and PhD student in journalism THE SOCIALIST Party says its other degrees. and media studies and I am a president and 2021 presiden- “He doesn’t have fake PhDs that recipient of many journal- ism and media awards. This tial candidate, Fred M’membe, are flying around. He is still study- ing,” Dr Musumali said. should give me some reason- is one of the few living legends able understanding of journal- He also talked about Dr ism and the media. in Zambia. M’membe’s honours and awards, “Doctors, lawyers, and Socialist Party general secre- especially in the areas of freedom tary and first vice-president Dr every other profession great of the press. Dr M’membe was and humble, are directly or Cosmas Musumali addressed a managing director and editor-in- indirectly licensed by the media briefing at Dr M’membe’s chief of The Post newspaper from state,” he said. “But a journal- Garden Compound office in Lu- July 1991 until the company’s liq- ist is granted the right to do saka, to explain who he is and uidation on November 2, 2016. what he or she does by a how he fits into the Socialist Dr Musumali went on to de- greater authority. Journalism Party’s programme. scribe how Dr M’membe had been is a human right protected by The event was also the official awarded for his friendship with the international conventions and launch of a brochure titled Dr Fred Cuban revolution by Cuba’s former indeed our constitution.” M’membe Incoming President. president Raul Castro. Dr M’membe said that if a Dr Musumali, an internation- “The Post, under Fred M’membe, government can say who has the right to be a journalist, it ally renowned economist, who was the only African media house means it can also say who authored the brochure, sat with that set up an office in Cuba. This isn’t allowed to be a journal- is something we are very proud of. party treasurer general and second ist. “And that would mean the “Fred M’membe is one of the vice-president Dr Chris Ngenda end of freedom of the press, Mwikisa, and Rehoboth Kafwabu- few living legends in Zambia to- of expression, and the end of lula, a member of the central com- day. Zambian history is not going democracy”. mittee, general secretary of the to be complete without mentioning Dr M’membe said a good party’s youth league, and national his name. place to start when consider- spokesperson. “He is a legend who is a socialist ing a proposed solution was Dr Musumali described Dr at the same time. Being a socialist to ask what problem the solu- M’membe as “a firm and resolute means you are against the system tion was aiming to fix. socialist leader, with an aversion of capitalism that we live under “What problem is this bill for lies and theft”. today. He has been a socialist ever trying to fix? That’s a good since our campus days and he has way to approach suggestions not changed. Dr Cosmas Musumali (below, left) with national spokesperson Rehoboth Kafwabulula and second that journalists should be li- Exceptional “So we have, for the first time vice-president Dr Chris Ngenda at the press conference to discuss Dr Fred M’membe (above) censed as a means to address in Zambian history, a true socialist concerns about poor journal- personality who will come in and ism standards. He said that while educational “But poor journalism stan- be the president of this country.” achievements counted for little dards isn’t a new problem. It’s But Dr Musumali said he regret- when it came to leadership in a something that has been and socialist set-up, Dr M’membe was ted to have to say that presently Dr will be with us forever. What’s exceptional. M’membe was being “hunted like a new is not poor journalism “In the Socialist Party we don’t wild animal” by the current regime. standards, but the ability to believe that education necessarily “His house in Chinsali has been distribute the products of makes you a good leader. Some of occupied [by police] for more than poor journalism quickly, eas- the people you are calling corrupt a year now. They see in him a dan- ily, and widely, online through today are highly educated by all ger,” Dr Musumali said. social media. Licensing jour- standards.” “But maybe what the Zambian nalists can’t prevent that. He said that while education did people should be asking them- “In fact, poor journalism standards now seem to mean not necessarily make a good leader, selves is what it is that makes Fred factual information that those it did make people do certain things M’membe that dangerous for the authorities in this country. It is in positions of authority would differently, and that with the excep- rather not see published or tion of the late , because he wants genuine change, transformation.” broadcast — all the more rea- Fred M’membe would be the most son to ensure it is distributed highly educated African president. Dr Musumali said there were Dr Musumali explained how l Turn to Page 2 l Turn to Page 3 JUSTICE • EQUITY • PEACE ‘Dear brother and comrade Virus response ‘lukewarm, who is firm, incompetent and arrogant’ generous and is caught up in a huge corruption a true patriot’ Cosmas Musumali: The scandal and is mobilising sections l Criticism handling of the pandemic of the ruling party for political From Page 1 is a national disaster support.” very few people in Zambia who Dr Musumali said that from a had fought as consistently as Dr follows the distance the situation would seem to M’membe. be “a typical lousy comedy of failed “Very few people have been ar- and greedy tinpot dictatorship”. rested, harassed, persecuted, insult- deaths of “But when thousands of inno- ed and abused like Fred M’membe cent lives are about to be sacri- has been while outside of govern- ficed, then we have to come back ment. Again, this is a living legend two MPs to reality and stop the calamity whom we have convinced to be- from destroying our homeland. come the president of this country,” Socialist staff reporter “Accountability has been zero he said. for decades now. With the emer- “We feel privileged to serve with gency of COVID-19 plus, by all this dear brother, dear comrade. So, THE GOVERNMENT’S han- standards, the most incompetent come next year Fred M’membe dling of the COVID-19 crisis and corrupt government since po- is our president and you’ll have a has been “lukewarm, incom- litical independence in 1964, the president who is a true patriot. Fred petent and seemingly arro- decay is open and painful to watch. M’membe loves Zambia.” gant”, Socialist Party general “The death of two legislators in Dr Musumali said there were a single day is about a failed state secretary Cosmas Musumali issues he was aware of that some of the health system and entire po- people were perhaps unclear about, has said. litical system of the country. especially those created by govern- His criticism follows the “Neoliberal capitalism anchored ment propaganda. deaths of two MPs; Rogers Mwe- on individualism, greed, unbridled “Fred M’membe was known wa and Mwenya Munkonge. competition and consumerism, is from The Post and I have read so- “The Socialist Party wishes the ultimate cause of death of the cial media stories [with headlines] to convey its condolences to the serving legislators shortly before to the management of human traf- of these resources.” Dr Musumali two members of parliament. like ‘let him pay back Zambian families, relatives and friends of completing their term of office. This fic at the border areas, the need added that, with hindsight, the “It is a system that has given rise taxes’. All I can say is that the gov- the late MP for Mwansabombwe, entails more by-elections in the com- for a more systematic contact trac- management of the pandemic was to a breed of politicians who are ernment propaganda has worked.” the Honourable Rogers Mwewa, ing months. It is tragic and costly. ing system, the enhancing of the a national disaster. self-serving and arrogant, and yet He said it was untrue that The as well as to those for the late Lu- “The Socialist Party had previ- health workforce, adequate PPEs “In the midst of a global pan- find joy in sheer ignorance. Post was closed because of taxa- kashya MP, the Honourable Mwe- ously warned about the lukewarm, for frontline staff and, above all, demic, the president of the coun- “Many more Zambians will con- tion. “It was closed because a nya Munkonge,” Dr Musumali incompetent and seemingly ar- intensive public messaging and so- try is burning a lot of aviation fuel tinue to die avoidable deaths over handful of staff of The Post were said in statement. rogant manner in which the CO- cialised behaviour monitoring. moving from one constituency to the years to come if capitalism is convinced to go and claim pay- “Their deaths are a great loss VID-19 pandemic was being man- “We also pointed to the sub- another dishing out slush funds to not stopped and a more humane, ments that were due because the to the affected families and com- aged in this country. stantial financial requirements and traditional leaders and party cad- socialist order put in its place,” Dr organisation was not operating.” munities. Zambia has also lost two “The party specifically pointed the strict use and accountability res. The serving minister of health Musumali said. Linking the closure of The Post to a pretext of tax arrears was one of the “biggest lies” he had heard. Discussing Dr M’membe’s char- ‘Dangerous’ political events are risking lives acter, Dr Musumali described how he was a very generous person, Cecilia Lwiindi Nedziwe blame the government and the PF flyover bridge is a clear demon- detailing how he had helped many party. stration of mediocre leadership. people over the years. “It is sad that for political ex- It leaves much to be desired,” he “It’s not a secret that over 30 SOCIALIST Party Chawama pediency – and just to try to show said. people have been assisted by him constituency parliamentary that the government is still popular “How do you expect people to get a university or college edu- aspirant Ntazana Musukuma when it isn’t – that they can mobil- to be serious about this when the cation. Not [assisted by] The Post has described the govern- ise large crowds and risk the lives government isn’t? It is simple: but by Fred M’membe as a private person. I have travelled with him ment’s action of allowing of the masses, yet they are making Zambians have relaxed observing many go hungry by keeping their COVID-19 guidelines because the extensively in the rural areas.” thousands of people to gather bars and nightclubs shut. What a leadership of the country has also during the deadly COVID-19 contradiction,” Musukuma said. done so.” Nationality outbreak as “dangerous”. He said Chawama residents Musukuma, who is a former Musukuma said that instead were risking their lives by attend- lecturer in public administration at He also talked about Dr of fighting COVID-19, the gov- ing unnecessary social and politi- UNZA and NIPA, said the present M’membe’s nationality. ernment was contributing to the cal events without observing dis- government’s lack of seriousness “If you go to Chitimukulu today spread of the pandemic. tancing and often without masks. in the fight against COVID-19 was and ask ‘who is Fred M’membe’, He said the government’s ac- another reason the PF party must he will tell you how Fred is part of tions had the effect of “cement- be voted out of office in 2021 the royal establishment of the Bem- ing” among “some quarters in this Abandoned But he stressed the issue was just bas. You can’t be more Bemba than country” the false belief that CO- Ntazana Musukuma: How do you expect people to be serious one of many reasons why the party Fred M’membe. His grandmother VID-19 is a hoax. “However, when it comes to about COVID-19 when the government isn’t? should be rejected; others included is Bisa,” He explained. “When they see officials enter- important things like distribution also discouraged people who were that doesn’t seem to be serious. It worsening youth unemployment, a “On his mother’s side, he is taining huge crowds without social of free masks and hand sanitisers genuinely fighting the COVID-19 discourages those who are serious lack of citizen empowerment and quite spread. We know about Fred distancing, and many not wear- to the poor in Chawama, officials pandemic. about the COVID-19 fight. Instead the abject poverty of the Zambian M’membe. We have gone from ing masks, they sink further into and the current MP are nowhere “We have serious people like of leading by example, the govern- masses. village to village (his maternal vil- the fallacy that COVID-19 does to be seen. They have abandoned doctors, nurses, lab technicians ment is discouraging the medical “We have capable and visionary lages). You can’t be more Zambian not exist. That’s how dangerous the people of Chawama. They only and many other frontline workers, fraternity and misleading the na- leaders, such as the Socialist Par- than that. He is from Northern, this is,” Musukuma said, adding, remember the people when it suits who are risking their lives every tion with regard to COVID-19. ty’s Dr Fred M’membe. Why then Muchinga, Southern, and Western “Should COVID-19 get out of them,” he said. day to protect the nation from CO- “What happened recently at should we keep the visionless PF Provinces.” hand in this country, we should Musukuma said the actions VID-19, but we have a government the commissioning of the Makeni party beyond 2021?” Dr Musumali said that to be a national leader “you have to be firm and resolute”. “If you are looking for some- Farmers were the founders of human civilisation body who is firm and resolute, Fred M’membe is the person. He will accept what you tell him straight- FARMERS are the backbone of vices rendered by our farmers to our Dr M’membe said farmers were the has to be ensured. Only then can we en- away. [But] the moment he knows Zambia and “one could not stand people.” He added that it was known by founders of human civilisation and it sure the comprehensive development you are lying, the moment he straight if their backbone was everybody that Zambia was a land of was for that reason it was said that of our society. The social service done knows you have stolen, then you’ll broken”, says Socialist Party presi- villages, and that most of the popula- “the ultimate goal of farming was not by our farmers must be given its due.” hate him,” Dr Musumali said. tions residing in villages were farmers. dent Fred M’membe. the growing of crops, but the cultiva- Dr M’membe said that the revival of “This is a quality we need in He said the Socialist Party dedicated Dr M’membe pledged that under the tion and perfection of human beings. the country’s agricultural sector was Zambia today. Society is rot- Farmers’ Day to solidarity with them. Socialist Party government, agriculture “Our food is the result of farmers’ one of the three pillars of the Socialist ten from the bottom up. Without will be the most healthy, useful, and “And on this day, we salute all those hard work,” Dr M’membe said. Party programme, in addition to educa- firmness, without being resolute, noble employment. who toil in the soil to feed us. Farmers “In the earlier days, farmers had only tion and health. you’ll always have a state that is His comments were made as Zambia who have made significant achieve- spineless. to face threats from nature. However, He added that agricultural prosper- celebrated Farmers’ Day on August 3. ments should be honoured on this “We are convinced that with today they also have to face threats ity formed the basis of the Socialist “The life of a farmer is very tough day,” he said. Fred there, we’ll have a person who from the decisions of treacherous Party’s comprehensive development as he or she works very hard day and “The advent of farming was a crucial gives us hope that we can build the politicians, transnational corporations, of Zambia. night in all seasons for us. Our farmers turning point in the evolution of hu- socialist society we dream of.” deserve all our support and respect,” mankind. Human society has trans- which are the suppliers and owners of “It is said that agriculture not only Dr M’membe said. formed from that of a hunter-gatherer seed and suppliers of fertilisers, and gives riches to a nation, but the only l Dr Fred M’membe, Incoming “Today is August 3, a day celebrated stage to that of a permanently settled contract farming. riches she can call her own,” Dr President brochure and profile as Farmers’ Day to recognise the ser- one because of agriculture.” “The welfare of farmers and peasants M’membe said. – Page 5 2 Socialist Monthly, August/September 2020 Zambia a dictatorship except in name, says Archbishop Mpundu

Bill 10 a ‘shameful’ Archbishop Mpundu: People are taking the peace we have in this country for granted. It is something bid to give Lungu a that has been hard won, but now will be destroyed third term in power

Socialist staff reporter puted elections. What happened to Hakainde Hichilema? Things like that might happen again,” he said. ZAMBIA is a dictatorship Archbishop Mpundu said Zam- in everything except name, bia had lost the opportunity for Emeritus Archbishop Teles- dialogue and the country’s stability phore Mpundu, of Lusaka was at stake. Archdiocese, has said. “People are taking the peace we He called Bill No 10 “shame- have in this country for granted. ful”, designed only to cheat the It is something that has been hard won, but now it will be destroyed.” system and pave the way for a The archbishop said Zambia third term for President Lungu. had become a dictatorship because The archbishop was speaking government institutions had been on The Assignment programme, corrupted by the executive. hosted by Andrew Mwansa on “This is not a democracy at all. Muvi TV. This is a dictatorship in everything The bill, he said, was shameful except name. That is it. There are for many reasons. “They are tam- no two ways about it. People should pering with the constitution to per- not be going around beating about petuate themselves in power. the bush, this is the situation.” “They will remain there to con- Archbishop Mpundu said Zam- tinue maladministration in this bians should take all this into ac- country. It is a shameful bill. Bill count when they vote next year. 10 should simply have been called “They have seen what has been Bill Third Term – they want to give going on. All administrations have a third term to Lungu.” to be judged by their actions. He said Lungu had already been “This country is in crisis, a crisis elected twice and was ineligible to of leadership, a crisis of the econ- Politics is my duty, don’t tell me what I can’t do contest the presidency again. omy, people at loggerheads, tribal- ARCHBISHOP Mpundu says he won’t ac- me by God. No one is going to frighten me, “No one is going to say ‘you are being Archbishop Mpundu said a law ism, and so on. cept any politician telling him he is interfer- saying you are coming into politics. fronted, or you are a hired gun’. Do you that was designed to benefit a per- “They should ask themselves ing in politics. “Yes, politics is my business and I want think it’s so easy to hire me? I’m not a hired son or a group of people at the ex- sincerely if this is a government Politics “is my duty” he told TV view- to see politics done the proper way. I’m not one and I’m not a gun. I’m a human being, a pense of others was “criminal”. they want to continue with or if ers. “I’m also a politician, I’m not seeking seeking political power. What would I seek Christian, priest, bishop, and nobody is go- “That’s what it is . . . not only to they need a big break.” political power. I have intelligence given to political power for? ing to tell me, you shouldn’t do this. No.” perpetuate Lungu in State House, but also designed in such a way that perhaps one person among those aspiring to become presiden- Zambia’s not a Christian nation just because you say it is tial candidates will be disqualified. “Why is it that every adminis- ZAMBIA is not a Christian nation, Arch- tant kind of Christianity. I asked Chiluba in except name.” The archbishop cited as an reacted and said, ‘No, it is wrong’. It is un- tration that comes to State House bishop Mpundu told The Assignment’s An- one of those meetings when we went to State example of political interference an incident precedented that Christians will tell bishops, wants to change the constitution in drew Mwansa. It simply declared it was dur- House, ‘Where did you consult other Chris- at a bishops’ conference where “a group of who are teaching from authoritative docu- order to perpetuate themselves in ing Frederick Chiluba’s reign. tian bodies? It just came one day. We were people calling themselves Catholic parlia- ments and social teaching of the church, that power? This is wrong.” “You don’t make a nation Christian by a declared a Christian nation. I said, ‘That is mentarians” tried to overrule the bishops what they say is wrong. The archbishop said the bill declaration,” he said. “It is what you do, how wrong’. after they condemned Bill 10, in a pastoral “If I were in the position now, I would say would cause disruption and dis- you behave. We are not a Christian nation, “Zambia is not a theocracy, a democracy – statement, as being divisive, and called for it the leadership of the catholic parliamentar- agreements in the run-up to, and we just claim to be. at least we want it to be a democracy – right to be withdrawn. ians should resign. after, next year’s election. “It was done by Frederick Chiluba and a now it isn’t, because all the elements are “What happened? A group of people call- “I would at least tell them: don’t use the “That is what happens with dis- group of people who belong to a very mili- pointing to a dictatorial regime in everything ing themselves Catholic parliamentarians name Catholic, because it is a scandal.” ‘Nothing good can come from plan to license journalists’ l From Page 1 and distribute whatever comes into online journalism. That gives journal- their minds in whatever format they ism graduates the significant advan- as quickly and widely as possible.” want, while facing the legal conse- tage of skills training when seeking Dr M’membe said there were more quences if it’s libellous or violates employment – something someone questions to ask about licensing some criminal laws. Others can pick with just a smartphone doesn’t have,” journalists. it up and circulate it through social he said. “Let’s start with how to determine media. Licensing journalists certainly Dr M’membe said that licences also who’s a journalist at a time when any- won’t stop that.” meant there were certain rules jour- one can distribute text, audio or video Dr M’membe said it was difficult nalists must obey or risk sanction. widely online. Traditional media are to compare journalism to self-regu- no longer information gatekeepers. lating professions, such as doctors, “What are those rules for journal- “Today a smart phone is all you lawyers, engineers and architects. ism? As one example, journalism need to become a ‘journalist’ and “Those professions require lengthy schools tell students they should record, edit and distribute any chosen training, specific detailed knowledge have at least two sources for every mixture of video, audio, photos, data and a demonstration that you can story. If that were applied in practice, and/or text. apply all that successfully, to be given every news organisation in Zambia “Strictly speaking, in today’s world, a licence. would likely be sanctioned. a journalist is really any person “Journalism is a profession by oc- “Poor or bad journalism, ‘fake whose main occupation is to con- cupation, not by certificates, diplomas news’, bad reporting and sensational- tribute directly, either regularly or or degrees. ism, won’t end with the licensing of journalists. It’s much better to focus occasionally, for consideration, to the “Moreover, who would determine Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe: Journalism is a human right collection, writing or production of what knowledge and skills someone protected by international conventions and our constitution on educating audiences about the information for dissemination by the should learn and be able to demon- elements of good journalism and the media, or anyone who assists such a strate to get a journalism licence? than figuring out how to use your mation that authorities would prefer cost of producing it, what to look for person,” Dr M’membe said. “You don’t need any technical smartphone and laptop.” to remain hidden, structuring and when they see, listen to, or read a “This is a better way to look at a skills – comparable in detail to the But Dr M’membe said that schools presenting stories to audiences in news story, and how to question and journalist as any other way excludes other professions – to write, shoot of journalism taught much more than different formats, not to mention the hold to account news organisations anyone who starts a blog, tweets, or video, record audio, put it all together that. hands-on experience with the techni- and journalists about their reporting. distributes information other than online and distribute it. You can do it, “They teach everything from defin- cal elements – shooting, editing, data “That’s something both the educa- through ‘the media’ as it was once de- although perhaps badly, with almost ing a story to pitching it to editors, visualisation, content management tion system at all levels and the media fined. Such individuals can produce no instruction. It’s no more complex interviewing people, digging out infor- systems, and so on and so forth – of itself can do,” he said. Socialist Monthly, August/September 2020 3 th IN QUOTES: RAHOBOTH KAFWABULULA Our system is falling apart, we’re in chaos National spokesperson spells out why Zambia needs a socialist government and sweeping reform

NATIONAL spokesperson Re- child marriage. How do we active- EMPLOYMENT hoboth Kafwabulula has had a ly put an end to those things? It’s How does the Socialist Party busy month doing the rounds only when you include us in the plan to solve the jobs issue? of radio and TV stations being process that we can actually put an interviewed about the Socialist end to them. Nobody’s going to do “FIRST of all, one of the things Party’s policies and plans for a it for us. That’s not how democ- that we highlight is agro-process- racy works. It’s the nature of those more just and equitable society ing. One of the greatest mistakes in power. Sometimes they do not once in government. Here is an we have made as a country is that want to relinquish their power. I we take a lot of our raw material edited selection of the answers think that’s why men don’t want she gave to a range of questions. and sell it without it being pro- to see women run the system. cessed. So that means we’re miss- When men completely run the ing out on a lot of income and also system nobody says anything, ev- means we’re not creating industry. Kafwabulula was asked what erybody’s quiet. “So, for instance, take a place socialism is, and why Zam- “Even though women are not like Eastern Province, which pro- bia needs it so badly. the leaders a lot of the time in the duces cotton. We shouldn’t just organisations they represent, they sell it without processing it. We’re “SOCIALISM is about gover- are in fact the ones who run them. going to do this with all agricul- nance that puts people and society No one would get married in this tural products, such as sugar for as a whole first. So it’s people over country if it weren’t for the wom- example. Everything’s going to profit. The market must work for en who run marriage committees. be processed, packaged and sold the people and not the people for It is women who run the churches. in Zambia, and also sold on the the market. When we buy our vegetables it’s international market, so that we Party spokesperson Rahoboth Kafwabulula being interviewed on Lusaka-based Capital FM “What necessitates socialism is from the women in the markets. create jobs. the nature of the structure of Zam- But when it comes to, you know, “We need to industrialise the new world. So for us, a priority is nary Zambians. We’re students, secondly, we are promoting com- bian society as a whole. Capital- making actual decisions [at the country because that’s the only a science-based curriculum. people who work in the informal munity industries, community ini- ism isn’t working, and it’s insane moment] we must say to them, no, thing that will create jobs. That’s “It will be provided free all the sector, some in the formal sector. tiatives, community cooperatives. for you to keep doing something no, that’s not going to happen. the only thing that will lift Zambi- way up to grade 12 and also free So that’s literally the basic mean- There will be no community in that isn’t working, to keep doing it “So under the Socialist Govern- ans out of poverty. education at university level to en- ing of ordinary Zambians. But this country without an economic over and over and expecting it to ment women will take the lead sure that it shouldn’t matter where when you speak of humility, also, activity going on where people are work. Our system is falling apart. like they have done in the commu- you come from. I think the tendency is to think that employed and making money.” We are literally falling into chaos. nities, but this time on the national Humility is “Poor, rural families from the when you are quiet and timid you The levels of political violence, scene as well. But not just younger recognising the outskirts have limited access to are humble, but that’s not the case, CORRUPTION crime, joblessness, and no access women, much older, more experi- education because they don’t have true unity is, in fact, working as a What can be done about to education is evidence of this.” enced women will also take the fact that on your the money. It’s more about the collective. this, one of the most serious lead. One thing that excites me people’s development rather than own you’re not “Humility is recognising the problems we face? about our manifesto on a very per- who can make money out of what, ROLE OF WOMEN that much, not that fact that you know that on your sonal level is that 50 per cent of ‘ so that’s first things first. own you’re not that much, you’re Some people are sceptical “FIRST of all there needs to be cabinet positions will be women.” “Secondly, we stated in our about women in power. What great, and that you not that great, and that you are one thing you lack in this country, manifesto that under the Socialist is the Socialist Party’s view? subject to the collective. So hu- transparency between communi- are subject to the Government, 25 per cent of our YOUNG PEOPLE mility for us is more about being ties and the state apparatus. If we national budget will go to educa- “JUST because you call yourself a Why is the party putting collective subject to the decisions of the col- are going to create industry, if we tion . . . also, young members of multiparty democracy to the world young people at the fore- lective and being tolerant of op- are going to ensure that millions parliament will be taking the lead doesn’t mean you are a multiparty front? Is it because they are “When we speak about indus- posing views.” of Zambians are being pulled out to make sure things are running democracy. in the majority and the party trialisation, we’re not speaking of poverty, if we are going to cre- properly. That’s the only way this “One of the things we highlight is looking for an electoral about government parastatals – TAXES, INDUSTRY ate an education system with, not can be achieved. in our manifesto is, first of all, we “favour”? you’re not going to see a lot of How will the party pay for all only access, but also a quality “One of the tragedies of gover- need to be democratic and consti- government-owned-this and gov- these changes? system based on science primarily nance [at the moment] is that the tutional, and there can be no fair “PUTTING young people at the ernment-owned-that. What we are and also information technology, people who need services – public government without women and forefront is not about favour. It’s encouraging and what we’re going “OUR system is more about then there needs to be transparen- services – especially things like young people sitting at the table of about equity or fairness. Sixty six to do is create community-owned people’s lives and livelihoods as cy in the government as well as in education and health, are not par- the decision-making process. They per cent of our population is under industries where profits will be opposed to the profits. So first of communities, something that the ticipating in the process. So how must be at the ballot box too, and the age of 25, so it doesn’t make enjoyed by the same communities all, the government itself will be Socialist Party is promoting. do you get your voices heard in that’s why at least 50 per cent of sense that this group of people and who will employ their young taxing itself. The president will be “There will be zero tolerance that instance? The Socialist Party our candidates for both parliamen- should watch governance from people.” taxed, MPs will be taxed on their for corruption. If you are found is rectifying this by ensuring the tary and local government elec- the sidelines. They must be par- salaries, councillors will be taxed. to be corrupt, you must be jailed. great majority of our candidates tions are going to be women. ticipants. EDUCATION “The question is more about You can’t be charged with cor- will be women and also people as “As for the men who called “One of the things highlighted How does the Socialist Party how do we make Zambia stand ruption and found guilty but six young as 21, 22, 23 or 24.” your show to say that women are in our manifesto is equality. You plan to provide free educa- on her feet again? Because you months later you are out there liv- highly emotional, you know na- can’t speak about equity without tion? know, what’s going on in Zam- ing your best life. tional governance is a highly emo- including everyone in the process HUMILITY bia today is that everything we “Under the constitution every- tional thing. It is the national gov- of decision-making, and that’s “WE can’t build a nation when Kafwabulula was asked what have is imported. I believe even body has the right to a free and ernance process that determines why we’re so keen on involving the great majority don’t have ac- the Socialist Party’s mani- toothpicks are imported, which is fair trial, and at the same time, whether or not young women are young people in leadership. cess to improving themselves in festo means when it says it wrong. It’s disturbing. You can’t you’re innocent until you’re prov- going to have access to education “We have a policy that young the first place. We live in a digital is a party run by the humble run a country like that. So when en guilty, so simply being charged in the same way that young men people must take the lead. The world and digital era, but Zambi- for the humble. we’re producing our own goods with corruption does not make have access to education. reason we feel the need for this ans are not trained to survive in the chances are, the cost of those you corrupt. But if it’s found that “When you speak to our edu- is because young people are the this digital world. What’s going “WE understand we’re not the goods will be lower as opposed to you are in fact corrupt, you must cation system you need to teach majority and if the majority isn’t to happen is that the great major- smartest people in the world. when we’re importing from other be convicted, sentenced and you things like teenage pregnancy. participating in that process then, ity are going to be left behind and We’re not the wealthiest people countries. That means it’s likely must spend a few months or years You have to speak to things like really, what are we doing?” won’t be able to function in this in the world. We are just ordi- you’ll be able to afford them, and in jail.” JUSTICE • EQUITY • PEACE

4 Socialist Monthly, August/September 2020 th PROFILE: DR FRED M’MEMBE He’ll be a president dedicated to solving people’s problems He loves Zambia and has been fighting for human rights for 40 years

The brochure Dr Fred He will be Africa’s most M’membe Incoming Presi- educated president dent, compiled and written Fred M’membe: President of the Socialist Party and 2021 NOW you may ask what Fred’s by Socialist Party general presidential candidate educational background is, al- secretary Dr Cosmas Mu- though in the Socialist Party we sumali, is designed to an- do not think education necessarily swer frequently asked ques- makes one a good leader – it may tions about Dr M’membe. just help a person to do certain This is an edited version things differently. National leader- ship requires more than education. However, one thing is certainly He is a Zambian patriot true. With the death of Robert Mugabe, Fred will be the most FRED IS a true Zambian patriot. He highly educated president in Africa. loves the people of Zambia and has He has a bachelor’s degree in been fighting for their human, po- accountancy. He has a law de- litical, and economic rights for more gree. Having studied at the Zam- than 40 years. bia Institute of Advanced Legal Fred took up the fight against in- Education, he is a qualified and justice in the late 1970s as a student. practising lawyer. He also gained He founded a socialist student news- a master’s degree in economic letter. Its focus was on Zambian, policy management. He has an- international and student politics. It other master’s in taxation and he was an informative and influential holds a doctorate in business ad- left-wing newsletter that called for ministration. Name me one other justice and equity, and provided soli- living president who has so many darity with the national liberation qualifications. movements in southern Africa. And it doesn’t end there. Fred Later, in1990, Fred was to build hasn’t given up studying yet. He on this student experience by con- is now reading for a doctorate in tributing to Multiparty News. This journalism and media studies. He was a newsletter initiated by the is a true role model. Movement for Multiparty Democ- racy advocating for political change Honours and awards in Zambia. This was before he set up regime crudely im- 1978. SACP became his politi- are not talking about his relatives ku Ng’wena, Kanabesa, Chibamba The Post newspaper in July 1991. plemented that strategy, ignoring cal home during these formative – just ordinary people, especially wa Manshi, and Lwipa Ichacila I DON’T know of any journal- Fred did not come up with The even the lawful orders of the Rev- years. Leading revolutionaries, schoolchildren who needed help. Ababyalo. ist in Zambia or Africa who has Post in order to make money. It enue Appeals Tribunal. such as Joe Slovo, Chris Hani, and I am able to count 34 people. And His paternal grandmother was received as many international was a political move. He wanted to The Lungu regime used the Ben Turok, were his mentors. the money didn’t come from the a Bisa from Makumya village, awards as Fred for his commit- contribute to the consolidation of Zambia Revenue Authority to close Even in the socialist reversals of party or a company, it came from as well Bemba from Kapota vil- ment to defending press freedom democracy in our country. The Post The Post by moving and closing the late 1980s, Fred never wavered in his own pocket. Fred has always lage (Mungwi District), and from and promoting ethical journalism was a political project – and, ironi- newspaper and demanding about his belief in, and commitment to, stood for the poor. Mukuka Muleya village (Chinsali in Zambia and the world. cally, died a political death. $5 million in all sorts of taxes. The socialism. He has been a socialist I have yet to come across any District). He is a recipient of the Me- Through The Post, he created a Post appealed to the Revenue Ap- from his late teens to date. He is other presidential candidate who Fred’s mother’s side is com- dia Institute of Southern Africa platform where Zambians had a loud peals Tribunal, which ordered that blood and soul a socialist. comes close to Fred. Ironically, he plicated and we need to do some press freedom award, South Af- voice and fearlessly pointed out the the newspaper be reopened and the In 1991, Fred participated in has, in the past, extended a help- geography to understand it. We rican Union of Journalists’ Prin- shortcomings of the existing estab- figures being demanded be recon- and gave his total support to the ing hand to individuals or politi- start in Southern Province, in the gle award, World Press Review lishment. And, because of that, he ciled with its auditors and tax ac- formation of the Movement for cal parties who today fight against villages among the Toka Leyas. He Editor of the Year award, Percy has been both loved and hated, de- countants. The regime ignored that Multiparty Democracy (MMD) in him. has relatives there. We then move Qoboza press freedom award from pending upon the point of view of order and proceeded with the dis- Zambia. Under the coordination upwards to Mwene Kahare of the the National Association of Black those who judged him. mantling of the newspaper’s assets. of Akashambatwa Mbikusita Le- He is a true Zambian Nkoyas, Nkeyema District. Fred’s Journalists, and the United Na- Fred has been arrested, insulted The Post had managed to secure wanika and Mbita Chitala, the key maternal grandmother is a direct tions-affiliated International Press and abused. He has been stripped the money, and gave it to its law- programmatic documents for the ZAMBIANS love to know wheth- descendant of the Nkoya royal es- Institute’s Press Freedom Hero of his earnings and personal effects. yers for onward transmission to the MMD were put together by a think er their president is truly Zambian tablishment. award. His home has been invaded, van- Zambia Revenue Authority. They tank, and a secretariat was set up. – that he is not foreign. They ques- Fred’s maternal roots are also But when president Michael dalised and occupied by the state. were ready to pay and reconcile the Fred was an active contributor to tion whether each president is re- anchored among the Mbundas of Sata wanted to give Fred a nation- Few have attracted that much venom figures with the Zambia Revenue this process. He participated in ed- ally from this country. Mwene Kandala (Mongu District), al honour on independence day in from the corrupt, ruling elite. The Authority later, but were advised iting the MMD’s newsletter, Mul- First came . Mwene Muundu (Kalabo District), 2011, he refused to accept it. aim was to cripple him economi- that a firm decision was made by tiparty News. Zambians questioned whether he and among the Kwangwas to the Fred’s friendship with the Cu- cally and psychologically – to stop the regime to close the newspaper In 1992, Fred significantly con- was from . After Kaunda upper lands of the Barotse flood- ban Revolution has been recog- him from being a voice of the mass- and such payment would be just a tributed to the formulation of the came Frederick Chiluba, and plain. nised and honoured by former es. And this has been going on for waste of money. programmatic documents for the some people argued he was from He is also Lui from the Barotse president Raul Castro. He is a almost 30 years now. Yet Fred has If he was not principled, Fred Alliance for Democracy in Malawi Congo. suc- floodplain – a descendant of Ndi- decorated, loyal friend of the Cu- grown stronger and more resolute could have decided to cut a deal under the leadership of trade union ceeded Chiluba, and it was sug- yoyi Mubuyayeta from King Mu- ban Revolution. in his fight for justice, equity and with the regime and compromise its activist Chakufwa Chihana. gested he was from . lambwa’s lineage – and served in- peace. editorial independence to keep the From 1993 until 2014, Fred After Mwanawasa came Rupiah charge of economics and foreign He is firm and resolute The Fred of today is more resil- newspaper alive. But he said: “Let continued to support and encour- Banda. He was accused of coming affairs (Mukulwakashiko) under ient than ever before. He is in the them close the newspaper. They age the formation, as well as the from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. After King Lewanika. Ndiyo’s mother TODAY’S Zambia needs Fred true sense uwesu, wathu-wathu, can take away everything I own; as work, of various political plat- was voted out, Mi- was Totela, from Mulobezi. more than ever. He is generous but wesu, wetu, waluna and yowetu, for long as they don’t take my life, it’s forms in Zambia. His desire was chael Sata became president, and Fred is also a Mukwamwenyi firm. A no-nonsense person when the voiceless masses. OK. I am not ready to surrender to the creation of an environment he was said to hail from Tanzania. from Silayi village in Liuwa, Ka- it comes to lying, stealing, lazi- evil. It gets dark sometimes, but the where good governance, human After Sata came Edgar Lungu and, labo, the village and family where ness, and the many other vices that Closure of The Post and the morning comes.” rights, and freedom of the press again, he was accused of coming Namakando Wina – the longest afflict our country. price of principles Clearly, The Post was not closed could be secured. from Malawi. serving prime minister under three Fred sets disciplinary standards because of taxes; if it was taxes, His support for the National Each time a leader comes to Lozi kings (Yeta, Imwiko and for himself. He works a minimum PRIVATELY, Fredrick Chiluba used all other newspapers would have Party under Baldwin Nkumbula power, his origins are questioned. Mwanawina) – hailed from. Silayi of 15 hours each day, does not to say the greatest mistake he made been closed; it was politics, dirty and the under Mi- It will probably be the case with is the ancestral home of Zambian drink alcohol, is vegetarian, exer- when he was president was not politics. chael Sata is well documented. Fred. Yes, people will ask where freedom fighters such as Arthur cises an hour each morning, and to close The Post. If The Post was Both parties were founded on he hails from. Here is the answer. Wina, Sikota Wina and Maimbol- is extremely time conscious and closed he could have succeeded in He understands the political an anti-corruption and pro-poor Every person has two origins, wa Sakubita. Others, like Mundia punctual for his appointments. changing the constitution to give landscape stance. a father’s and a mother’s side. So Nalumino and Munukayumbwa In Fred M’membe, you will himself a third term in office. I will explain a bit about these two Sipalo, also had some connections have a Zambian President dedicat- Chiluba believed it was not easy FRED, in true internationalist spir- He is a generous person roots. Fred’s paternal grandfather with Silayi village. In short, Fred ed to solving people’s problems. to rule with The Post around, and he it, supported the liberation strug- originates from Nkulungwe area, has villages in Muchinga, Northern, is said to have accordingly advised gles in southern Africa and other SOME people have asked, “Is Fred Mwika Royal Village, Shiwangan- Southern and Western provinces. l This is an edited version of the the Rupiah Banda regime. Attempts parts of the world. He became a M’membe a generous person?” du District, in Muchinga Province. The truth is that Fred belongs to text from the brochure Dr Fred were made by the Banda regime to member of the Communist Party of And the answer is YES. How Fred’s Nkulungwe family has pro- us all. He embodies the true spirit M’membe Incoming President. close The Post using the Zambia – now the South Afri- many people has Fred assisted out duced four Bemba kings or Chi- of one Zambia one nation. He is Contact the party online or at the Revenue Authority, but failed. The can Communist Party (SACP) – in of generosity? So many – and we timukulus – Kasansu Kafunikile yours. He is a true Zambian. address on the back page for a copy. JUSTICE • EQUITY • PEACE

Socialist Monthly, August/September 2020 5 GLOBAL VIEW CHINA Care drain WATCH INTEREST in China is growing, yet most news and analysis out- side the country is produced by mainstream media from the global causing a north. To provide access to Chinese perspectives, the Dong Feng Col- lective – researchers from various countries – offers a China digest of shortage news. This is an edited selection. US senses threat FROM trade sanctions and fake news to military and diplomatic intimidation, US offensives against China are a reaction to Chinese eco- of nurses nomic and technological advances. For the first time, the US risks los- ing technological superiority, with Debts, austerity budgets Huawei’s 5G tech the biggest threat. Frontline cripple health systems Inefficient moves ACCORDING to president of the Council on Foreign Relations, US ag- Vijay Prashad Matters are as bad – or worse gressive tactics against China are in- – elsewhere. In late May, two or- efficient and weaken US hegemony. ganisations of Brazilian nurses, the Concerned about maintaining US PUBLIC healthcare systems Federal Council of Nursing and dominance, Haas has criticised the have been weakened by aus- the International Council of Nurs- White House boycott of multilateral es, announced that Brazil had the terity budgets, often enforced Henar Diez Villahoz (Spain), Quien sostiene la vida (Those who sustain life), 2020 bodies and its inability to increase highest numbers of nurses – most- by wealthy bondholders and competitiveness against China. ly women – die from COVID-19. close study of the gendered impact workers, including doctors, nurs- These are elementary demands, Washington Post the International Montary Health is a political choice. Our of the CoronaShock. es, and public health workers. policies that any sensitive person Fund, which demands the researchers spoke with healthcare Based on interviews with health n Increase the salaries of health would agree to after having seen Trading places debt service payments and workers in Argentina, Brazil, India, workers conducted by our team workers and pay them on a fre- the catastrophe inflicted upon the FACED with a US trade war and does not care that this mon- and South Africa to learn about the for Health is a Political Choice, our quent and regular basis. populations in the capitalist states the pandemic in the first-half-year, dossier developed a 16-point agen- n Acknowledge that workers have during this pandemic. ey comes out of the public conditions of their work and their China is strengthening relations concerns about how their govern- da to shift the priority of healthcare the right to withdraw their labour if Many of these reappear in our with Southeast Asian countries, health, public education, and ments have been managing the systems in capitalist countries. Six they decide that to work entails an Ten-Point Agenda for the Glob- public welfare budgets. now its main trading partners. pandemic. of them bear special focus: imminent risk to their health or life al South After COVID-19. We Chinese investments (US $6.2 bil- n Chronic underfunding of the “Even before we got into CO- Substantially increase CO- (this is based on the International should add to this list: lion) in the region jumped 53.1% n public sector and short staffing VID-19 our health system was VID-19 testing for health workers. Labour Organisation Conventions Pressure the IMF and the US annually and trade with ASEAN n of medical workers has plagued already ailing,” Lerato Madumo, Protect workers by providing 155 and 187). Treasury Department to no longer (US $297.8 billion) represented n much of the capitalist world, the president of the Young Nurses high-quality PPE and masks, as Guarantee the inclusion of dictate the levels of public sector 14.7% of the total, surpassing Eu- especially in the global south, Indaba Trade Union in South Afri- well as other necessary equip- health workers’ unions on com- wages as a condition of loans, so rope (14%) and the US (11.5%). even before the emergence of ca, said. “At the top of the list was ment. Frontline workers must be mittees that formulate policies for that governments in the global Caixin Global COVID-19. A “care drain” has the shortage of nurses. We went adequately trained to confront the the health sector in general and for south can compensate their health- further sucked the availability of into this pandemic with a skeleton disease. the COVID-19 crisis in particular, care workers adequately. n Immediately disburse funds to and that they have a voice in help- Taiwan boost care workers. nursing staff.” TAIWANESE exports to China set up training schools for health ing to determine such policies. Tricontinental On July 23, World Health Or- Each of the people we spoke to in first half grew 9.8% year- ganisation director-general Tedros told us that their public healthcare on-year (US $66.8 billion), de- Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced systems had been weakened by spite rising political tensions. that the world now has 15 million austerity budgets, often enforced Taiwan’s plan to export more to people infected by COVID-19. by wealthy bondholders and the ASEAN has failed (-4.8%), with “The pandemic has disrupted IMF, which demanded debt ser- Young population explains increased dependence on China the lives of billions of people. vice payments and did not care that (to 42.3% of exports), followed by Many have been at home for the money came out of the public the US (14.5%) and Japan (7.4%). months.” he said. health, public education, and pub- low COVID-19 fatality rate South China Morning Post The trauma of the great lock- lic welfare budgets. It is a good down is taking a serious psycho- reason to join the call to cancel the social toll. “It’s completely under- debt of the developing world. Uwagbale Edward-Ekpu per cent in the US, which has an older popula- Payment in full THE Chinese government has standable that people want to get In April, the WHO, along with tion. Many African countries, particularly in Sub paid US$127 billion in arrears on with their lives,” Dr Ghebreye- the International Council of Nurses SINCE the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa Saharan Africa, have a median age of around 18. to small and medium enterpris- sus said. “But we will not go back and Nursing Now, released a re- has seen lower numbers of cases and death com- The index shows that north African countries and es and taken measures to help to the ‘old normal’. The pandemic port called “State of the World’s pared with other continents, on a “per million” basis. South Africa, with a higher median age, are more with their steady development. has already changed the way we Nursing 2020”. But the numbers have been on a steady rise and vulnerable when it comes to this factor, but that is Having already granted cheap live our lives. Part of adjusting to The key number in this report recently there has been a spike as the continent offset by factors such as better healthcare facilities. credits and tax exemptions, the the ‘new normal’ is finding ways to is that the world has a deficit of crossed the 500,000-mark. However, the scenarios in many countries and additional measures ensure timely live our lives safely.” nearly six million nurses. Stun- It took about 100 days for cases to reach 100,000 regions across the continent show varying factors, ningly, 89 per cent of the shortage in the continent, about 20 days each to reach such as socio-economic and health impacts of the payments to SMEs – the most af- is concentrated in the global south, 200,000 and doubled 400,000, and only a week to outbreak. fected by the pandemic, accounting Strain “where the growth in the number reach 500,000 cases. Wealthier countries, such as South Africa, and for 70% of GDP and 80% of jobs. of nurses is barely keeping pace As of July 8, there were 524,000 cases, 12,229 regions and cities such as Lagos, Cape Town or China Daily At a press conference on July 23, with population growth”. deaths, and 225,000 recoveries from COVID-19 on Nairobi, with a vulnerable older and denser popu- in Brazzaville (Republic of Con- It is worth pointing out that pres- the continent, according to the Africa Centres for lation, are more likely to need hospitalisation if the Bouncing back go), Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO sure by the IMF to keep public Disease Control. infection spreads. However, most have relatively THE software industry has recov- regional director for Africa, said, sector wages low in exchange for Reuters analysis on July 7 showed just over better access to healthcare, transportation, and ered, with revenue up 6.7% (to US “The growth we are seeing in CO- debt relief results in low wages for 4,200 tests per 1 million across Africa, compared housing that reduces fatality and may allow for so- $516 billion) and profits increasing VID-19 cases in Africa is placing nurses, many of whom then mi- with averages of 7,650 in Asia and 74,255 in Eu- cial distancing and lockdowns to be more feasible. 1.3% annually (to US $60.7 bil- an ever-greater strain on health ser- grate to higher wage countries, cre- rope. But South Africa also dominates testing on Lower income countries, such as Ethiopia, or lion) after a five-month decline, vices across the continent.” ating what TED University profes- the continent, at nearly 2 million. In western Afri- poor regions, such as Nigeria’s northern regions but international sanctions loom. There are now about 10,000 sor Zuhal Yeşilyurt Gündüz calls a ca, Ghana has had more than 300,000 tests, 23,000 of Zamfara and Yobe with poor access to health- In the first half-year, the sector confirmed COVID-19 cases among “care drain”. cases and 129 deaths. care, find it difficult to practise social distancing, employed 6.73 million people and healthcare workers in Africa. “This When we talk of nurses, we are This rising number of cases is not deterring Af- being more vulnerable to household crowding and exports slipped 0.4% year-on-year. has very real consequences for largely talking of women, and here rican countries from opening up their economies. transportation difficulties or staying at home dur- Asia Times Financial the individuals who work in [the we need to focus on disregard and With limited resources to buffer the cost of an ex- ing lockdown without financial assistance. healthcare sector],” Dr Moeti said. discrimination. tended locked down and a declining economy, Afri- Across countries, the index showed Ethiopia as Plastic challenge “One infection among health A WHO paper from March 2019 can governments are faced with a pressing need to the most vulnerable in Africa despite having fewer CHINA plans to reduce consump- workers is one too many. Doctors, has a sentence that should give restore economic activities while at the same time deaths per capita among big African populations tion of non-biodegradable plastic by nurses, and other healthcare pro- pause to all the sanctimonious rhet- reducing the spread of the virus. in Nigeria, South Africa or Kenya. This is due to 30% by 2025, but an explosion of de- fessionals are our mothers, broth- oric about gender equality: “Wom- Findings of the Surgo Foundation from a vulnerability factors, such as household crowding, livery services is posing a challenge. ers, and sisters. They are helping en represent around 70 per cent of new Africa COVID-19 Community Vulnerability transportation difficulties, poor health system, low In 2018, Chinese consumed 25 to save lives endangered by CO- the health workforce, but earn on Index, posit that Africa’s relatively young popula- socioeconomic status, large internally displaced million tons (9 million in de- VID-19. We must make sure that average 28 per cent less than men”. tion has been the best explanation for the low fatal- populations, and food insecurity. South Africa, livery packaging), one of the they have the equipment, skills, At Tricontinental: Institute for ity rate in the continent, with projected infection which has a high HIV prevalence, an older popula- highest rates in the world. Bei- and information they need to keep Social Research, under the lead- fatality rate based on age and gender distribution tion, and the highest number of cases and deaths jing is expected to ban bags and themselves, their patients, and col- ership of deputy director Renata relatively low in most regions of the continent – be- in Africa, is one of the most vulnerable countries. other plastic utensils next year. leagues safe.” Porto Bugni, we are conducting a tween 0.10 and 0.15 per cent compared with 0.66 Quartz South China Morning Post 6 Socialist Monthly, August/September 2020 GLOBAL VIEW We all float on the same sea, but some are in super yachts COVID-19 exposes a crisis that leaves others clinging to drifting debris

Every dollar that goes towards debt servicing is DILMA ROUSEFF a dollar that cannot help CANCEL THE DEBT T.M. THOMAS ISAAC YANIS VAROUFAKIS buy a ventilator or fund JORGE ARREAZA emergency food support. FRED M’MEMBE During the CoronaShock JUAN GRABOIS VIJAY PRASHAD crisis, this is both morally indefensible and economi- cally irrational. Debt sus- pension or postponement is insufficient, it merely puts off the reckoning. It is beyond time to cancel these odious debts, which cannot, in any case, be IT IS IN the context of the effectively tackle the pan- paid during the coronavi- situation that countries demic, nor build the systems now find themselves in that necessary for future public rus recession Dilma Rousseff, T. M. Thomas health emergencies. Isaac, Jorge Arreaza, Yanis Every dollar in debt servic- Varoufakis, Fred M’membe, ing that goes to repay a bank Vijay Prashad Juan Grabois, and I, released or a wealthy bondholder is a a statement on debt cancella- dollar that cannot go to buy a tion. We believe the recession ventilator or fund emergency ON JULY 18, United Nations triggered by coronavirus de- food support. During the secretary general António mands far more than milque- CoronaShock crisis, this is toast forms of temporary debt both morally indefensible and Guterres posted the follow- suspension. We believe that economically irrational. ing tweet: “COVID-19 has Top: Gilbert & George (Italy/UK), Class War, 1986. Above: Li Hua (China), Verge of Starvation, 1946 debt cancellation is the only Debt suspension or post- exposed the lie that free mar- way forward in our time of ponement does not provide kets can deliver healthcare for Dr Shah says the tests cannot be debts this year. The amount that is ties, these states will once more cut cascading crises. The state- a foundation for the neces- returned in less than a week or two. being required of them is $2.8 bil- ment reads: sary development of these all, the fiction that unpaid care their disbursements to the health countries. It merely puts off “With the seven-day lead time”, lion per month, which is “double work isn’t work, the delusion sector, scaling back public health By all accounts, developing the reckoning. said Dr Shah, “You basically the amount Uganda, Malawi, and services at a time when their value country debt now stands at It is beyond time for the that we live in a post-racist aren’t testing at all, it’s the struc- Zambia combined spent on their has been clearly demonstrated. over US$11 trillion. In the cancellation of these odious world. We are all floating on tural equivalent of zero tests.” That annual health budget”. Recently, the UN’s two main remainder of 2020 itself, the debts, which cannot – in any the same sea, but some are in means the US, with a languishing agencies that study the situation of debt servicing payments case – be paid during the super-yachts and others cling- public sector, is essentially do- The UN released food – the World Food Programme on this debt will amount to coronavirus recession. ing no testing. (WFP) and the Food and Agri- US$3.9 trillion. This debt Both public and private ing to drifting debris”. has ballooned over the past creditors took a risk with their Subin Dennis, a researcher at a comprehensive Dr Rajiv Shah, the president culture Organisation (FAO) – re- several decades, leaving investments. They exploited Tricontinental: Institute for So- report that showed leased a comprehensive report that of the Rockefeller Foundation most developing countries the needs of developing cial Research, has written a clear- showed that in 25 countries, hun- (US), recently said the United in 25 countries, in an unsustainable financial countries by lending money headed report on the necessity of a ger will rise to famine levels. situation. with obscene interest rates; States relies upon two “monop- strong public sector. hunger will rise to These countries stretch from Haiti Defaults and debt ad- it is time that they paid the oly companies” (Quest and Lab- ‘ justments seem to be a price for this risk rather than But to build a public sector re- famine levels to Zimbabwe, from Lebanon to Corp) for COVID-19 testing that quires resources. These resources Bangladesh. permanent fixture amongst force countries with meagre developing countries, coming resources to pay out precious “don’t have enough capacity in are being drained by the recession Defaults are on the horizon for In April, WFP director David their central processing systems punctually for reasons that capital. triggered by coronavirus, one that a long list of countries. Argen- Beasley said that the situation of are often external to the fun- for the volumes that are neces- is not endogamous to its own eco- tina, Ecuador, and Lebanon have hunger risked “a famine of bib- damentals of their economies. n Dilma Rousseff (former Pres- sary right now”. nomic fundamentals. already defaulted. Because of its lical proportions”. Now, Beas- Austerity has become a ident of Brazil), T. M. Thomas These monopoly companies – The various debt suspension currency crisis, Lebanon’s medi- ley says the updated numbers show permanent condition, which Isaac (finance minister, Kerala, promoted by the free markets that programmes, such as the Debt cal sector went into chaos. Phar- that “the world’s very poorest fam- is what has weakened the India), Yanis Varoufakis (former Guterres spoke of – are run on the Service Suspension Initiative – en- macies, which import drugs using ilies have been forced even closer public health systems of so finance minister, Greece), Jorge Arreaza (foreign minister, for-profit motive, which means dorsed by the World Bank and the hard currency, closed. The govern- to the abyss”. many countries and left them vulnerable to this global pan- Venezuela), Fred M’membe G20 Finance Ministers – are sim- ment failed to reimburse hospitals that they are just-in-time process- The debt of these countries is demic. To continue to service (President, Socialist Party, ing laboratories that do not have ply inadequate; a new Oxfam re- for services used by patients on simply not allowing them to prop- their debt and to be obliged Zambia), Juan Grabois (Frente the “capacity” to do more than port shows that all of the countries social security, and unemploy- erly tackle the three pandemics: by these debt burdens means Patria Grande, Argentina), Vijay normal laboratory work; anything that are eligible for this initiative ment scuttled access to medical coronavirus, unemployment, and that developing countries will Prashad (Tricontinental: Institute more than that is economically in- are still required to pay a minimum insurance. hunger. not be able to efficiently and for Social Research) efficient for them. of US$33.7 billion to service their With further financial difficul- Tricontinental Socialist Monthly, August/September 2020 7 The Socialist Party in government will ensure adequate food for everyone, equal access to education, universal healthcare for all, dignified housing, safe drinking water, and proper sanitation

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