Independence without economic freedom hollow – M’membe
By Thandizo Banda
SOCIALIST Party president Dr Fred M’membe says political independence without economic liberation is a hollow shell.
In his message to mark Zambia’s 62nd Independence Anniversary yesterday, Dr M’membe said true freedom could not exist where youths roamed the streets without jobs and mothers could not afford three square meals a day.
“Today, we mark 62 years since our founding fathers and mothers lowered the Union Jack and raised our sacred flag, signalling the birth of a sovereign Zambia. We honour the ultimate sacrifices of our liberation heroes. They fought fiercely for our right to self-determination,” he said.
Dr M’membe said the country must confront the painful truth that national wealth is exported to benefit foreign multinationals while Zambians languish in poverty.
He said the Socialist Party stood firmly with the working class, the peasant farmers and the forgotten youth of Zambia.
Dr M’membe said the party’s promise remains unshakable to dismantle the neocolonial structures holding the economy hostage, reclaim natural resources and build a society rooted in equity, justice and solidarity.
“Let this 62nd independence anniversary be a call to action. We must unite to birth a new Zambia, a Zambia where wealth is shared equitably and where dignity belongs to every citizen, not just a privileged few,” Dr M’membe said.
