First of all, it is important to note that information is not available to suggest at what point Dr. Fred Mmembe was involved in the formation of the Socialist Party of Zambia.
What we know is Dr. Cosmas Musumali, the Socialist Party Secretary General, is among individuals behind the idea of the opposition political party following his resignation from Rainbow Party.
Anyway, that aside, when Dr. Mmembe, was unveiled to the Nation at Lusaka's Kingfisher Lodge, our Team was present and listened to the entire speech anchored by the Former Post Newspapers, Strong Man.
Analysis....
Dr. Mmembe began his lengthy somewhat historical speech narrating a century ago event from the Eastern province, For whatever reason.
Our analysis tells us that, he was hitting back at the President, Edgar Lungu, who comes from that Eastern Province, which on a surprise note a "subject"of debate.
Dr. Mmembe, seems to be telling Zambians, how the Eastern province of then under Mpenzeni, and his Son Nsingu, rejected Capitalism led by British National, Cecil Rhodes.
"It's 120 years 53 days today since Nsingu, the commander of the Ngoni forces, was assassinated for resisting Cecil John Rhodes' capitalist takeover, theft and subjugation of the Cipeta area of our homeland" narrated Mmembe.
"In December 1897 the British forces stationed at Kota Kota in Malawi attacked the Ngoni people for refusing to handover their land so that Cecil Rhodes' companies could prospect for and mine gold in the area" he added.
Why is Dr. Mmembe, coming on the political scene using such historical background when making Zambians are looking for ready solution to many challenges in the midst of economic development.
The reason is simple, it is meant to invoke a certain feeling in Citizens and late develop a strong rejection to the Current Capitalist system of Government.
There is no future without history, he is very right to remind Zambians, where it all began.
We also know that Dr. Mmembe lost his Company, The Post Newspapers, and many other businesses in the administration of President Lungu, before then other Heads of State failed to break his dominance, "the paper that used to dig deeper".
It is no doubt his political step is associated with revenge. Whether or not that is okay or not, it is none of our business and open to a wait and see situation.
Getting to the idealogy of Socialism being promoted.
Questions are many as to whether or not Zambia is ready to revert to Socialism like the case was at the height of the first administration led by Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda.
We may not agree on the merits and demerits of Socialism, but our check on existing policies under the PF administration, indicates implementation of a Socialism approach to empowering Citizens.
We say so because programs like the Youth Empowerment intiatives under various Government Ministries, the Social Cash Transfer under the Ministry of Community Development and Social welfare are Socialist idealogies.
The above listed programs are meant to assist vulnerable members of the Communities to benefit from the National Cake, an idealogy of Socialism of equality and Justice for all.
Dr. Mmembe, has every right to participate in the Democratic discourse of Zambia and no one should intimidate and demean his involvement of Politics.
However, Dr. Mmembe, needs to loosen up and get down to work and avoid a style of being too knowledgeable for ordinary Zambians. Here we mean, Zambians are looking for an approachable Candidate as well as easy to understand speeches.
We are reminded how UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema, when he stepped in the political arena, way back was shunned by ordinary Citizens for using big economic terms to the advantage of his opponents.
Dr. Mmembe, is selling a product that was rejected before, which means an uphill battle but not an impossibility at all.
Having said that, majority of Zambia's population is youthful. This being the case, it will work in favour of the Socialist Party because, their youth mobilization strategy will in the long run yield desired results.
Socialism does not embrace public political defection as a mark of popularity but dwells on a person to person interaction. If you expect political rallies from the Socialist Party, you make be disappointed.
To demonstrate what we mean, on 10-04-2018, Police in Matero raided a House where a group of Socialist Party were found conducting lessons of Socialism.
Such gatherings will be happening across Zambia from time to time as the Socialist Party expands it's membership drive with a view win the 2021 general elections.
Western province is another hot spot in the Political scene of Zambia, our recollection reminds us that the province is thirsty for development. A some point, some fearless and courageous Zambians in Western province advocated for secession from the rest of Zambia.
Dr. Mmembe helms from Western Province.. In his entire speech, he said something about the two provinces. This tells us that the two provinces have a lot in common and it will form a battle field going forward.
Dr. Mmembe talked about How Zambeef, a Capitalist Company used it's business venture to buy off Cattle without replication of tangible investment in the Western province.
"At that time the Ngonis had 12,000 herds of cattle, but two years later in 1900, only 1,250 remained - Cecil Rhodes and the British forces stole, looted 10,750 of their cattle" emphasized Dr. Mmembe.
The Former Post Newspapers Boss was at it again saying...
"Capitalism kills, steals subjugates and humiliates. It killed Nsingu and his 10,000 young Ngoni fighters, it stole their cattle and imprisoned and humiliated Mpezeni in order to exploit, subjugate, colonise them".
In short, we are convinced that Socialism in Zambia is an idealogy that can come back in the future, and the count down may begin now.
"It is socialism and only socialism that can truly free our people, Nsingu's people and homeland and all humanity from capitalist exploitation, subjugation and humiliation" Mmembe concluded his Lengthy speech.
From where we look at things, the Socialist Party with Dr. Mmembe, in the inner circle. The battle for State House will be something to look forward to.
Dr. Mmembe, may seem outside the favorite's bracket but nobody should underestimate his influence, the Man is well connected and runs a sophisticated internal intelligence system.
The Speech Analyst
