Young african think'rs convention
To realize Agenda 2063 each member state needs to identify their roles and actively work towards it. As Zambians, we have a unique role and contribution to the grand continental vision. Nationally, we have Vision 2030 – aspirations for the nation of Zambia we want to see. As we rally to bring this vision into reality, we will be contributing our fair share for Africa. As we strive towards this vision, we do so keeping close our innate morals and values.
An Insight into African Values: The Zambian National Anthem
Like in many African countries, there is usually a lot of air punching during discussions about Zambia’s vision, values and identity. Even though Zambians are greatly concerned about their slowly fading values and identity, there has not been any clear definition of what they really are. Unfortunately, many have limited the nation’s values and identity to traditional ceremonies, dances and clothing, yet these are only a fraction of it. Over the years, the vision, values and identity of Zambia has been forgotten and obscured. Though they are vaguely remembered, they have always been right before us.
When Zambia gained independence, the government held a competition to create new lyrics to the tune of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa), a composition of Enoch Sontonga of South Africa in 1897. These lyrics were to specifically reflect Zambia and eventually become the new National Anthem. At the end of the competition, six entries were merged to create “Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free.”
The reason why these lyrics are so important is that they reflects the true values, aspirations and identity of the Zambian and African people. They came from no one else but the Zambian people themselves. Many values can be drawn from this anthem that transcends time. Like the Agenda 2063, even though these words were written by those of a different generation from our own, the values embedded in them are principles centered on our identity; things about us that cannot be changed regardless of the challenges and changes we face in our environment. The values of Zambia and Africa can therefore be said to be:
- PRIDE and FREEDOM: “Stand and sign of Zambia proud and free.” The legacy of our nation should be shared and told with feelings of deep pleasure and satisfaction as a result of our achievements and qualities; and of those we are closely associated with. We are to acknowledge and respect the struggles of our fore-fathers in attaining freedom through National Independence; learning from their failures and catapulting from their successes. Standing on the shoulders of giants.
- WORK, JOY and UNITY: “Land of work and joy in unity…” We are and ought to be a people that engage in physical and mental activities (work) in order to effectively achieve the nation’s aspired results. We must be a people that find great pleasure, happiness and satisfaction in joining our efforts for the sake of achieving our common national purpose.
- VICTORY: “Victors in the struggle for the land” We are and ought to be a people that embrace our strength and ability to withstand and overcome any difficulty, pressure or demanding task.
- PAN-AFRICANISM: “Africa is our own mother land”. We are and ought to be a people that acknowledge Africa as a Mother-land and the nations of Africa and the world as brothers and sisters.
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GOD: “Fashioned with and blessed by God’s good hand”. We are and ought to be a people who acknowledge God as the creator of our continent; uniquely formed, resourced and cultured.
- DIGNITY AND PEACE: “One land and one nation is our cry, dignity and peace ‘neath Zambia’s sky” We are and ought to be a people that express a powerful passion for unity, dignity and peace
- NOBILITY: “Like a noble eagle” We are and ought to be a people that show fine personal qualities and high moral principles.