By SYLVIA MWEETWA –
MARCH 23, 2014 will go down in the history of Zambia, Central Province in particular, when people from all walks of life filled Kabwe Chapel to capacity during the launch of the Golden Jubilee candle light and thanksgiving prayers.
The Golden Jubilee’s theme: Commemorating God’s favour of Zambia’s 50 years of independence for continued peace, unity, democracy, patriotism and prosperity” summarised it all.
People from different denominations, political parties both the young and the old put aside their differences and joined hands in celebrating the launch of the golden jubilee and to reflect on the goodness of God to the country.
Songs of praise to God and dancing characterised the launch, a symbol, and reflection of the country’s peace and unity.
October 24, 1964 Zambia formally Northern Rhodesia witnessed the simultaneous lowering of the British union Jack, a symbol of colonialism and the hosting of the Zambia’s flag which symbolised Zambia’s self-rule.
A moment of silence was observed in honour of the heroes and heroines that sacrificed lives for the liberation struggle of Zambia.
It is clear that the people who fought for independence dedicated their lives to building the nation of Zambia under the motto of One Zambia, One Nation and accomplished the Zambia dream with a song Tiyende Pamodzi Ndi Mutima Umodzi which united the pride of being one people.
Central Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta said there is need to cherish the peace and tranquility the country has enjoyed over the period of 50 years because it is the cornerstone of economic growth.
Mr Mwaliteta said tangible growth could only be achieved if Zambia participated in the process regardless of their political, tribal, ethnic, religious, racial and gender affiliation.
The minister said the country is endowed with natural resources therefore; it is the responsibility of every individual to ensure that they are turn resources into economic value.
“Zambians should value and reflect on peace we has enjoyed since independence and to use the golden jubilee to celebrate the goodness of God despite challenges we face,” Mr Mwaliteta said
He said there was need to conquer and take responsibility in ensuring that women, children and men are safe and treated with dignity considering the increased cases of gender based violence in the province and the national as a whole.
Mr Mwaliteta said as the country it was entering a fresh phase and that there was need to continue to look to God as a source of wisdom, strength, and peace which are key for any country’s development.
“We should continue to pray for our development so that our children, men and women may continue to enjoy our God given freedom and the launch of the golden jubilee celebrations in the province which will culminate in the grand finale on the 24th October, 2014,”he said.
He said that as the country celebrates the Golden jubilee it was important for Zambians to reflect on the peace and unity the country has enjoyed since the country’s independence.
He said it was through peace that the country would develop and that central province will not remain behind.
Zambia Army Complain Lieutenant Colonel Shadreck Mwale in his sermon urged Zambians not to take the peace it was enjoying for granted.
He further challenged Zambians to use the jubilee celebrations to evaluate themselves on their conduct if the country was to develop.
He said there was need to bring to an end case of gender based violence which he said was becoming like part of people’s lives and called for prayers against the spirit of violence.
“This  is the  time  of  new  beginning  and  new  start  which is the reason why  people  should   join hands  in  celebrating this year’s  golden  which comes  only once,” he said.
Kabwe District Commissioner Patrick Chishala called for unity and to guard against jealousy to move Kabwe and the province as all to another level.
Songs of praise and dancing characterized the launches the combined security choir, Kabwe Chapel, Busokolo UCZ church choirs led the congregates from all walks of life who filed the church to capacity forcing others to sit outside.
Clearly, any proud Christian will recall that on December 20, 1991, Zambia’s third President late Fredrick Chiluba led the nation in the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation while President Michael Sata did not only endorse the proclamation but went further to pledge that he would rule the country by 10 commandments of the Holy Bible.
Late South African President Nelson Mandela said “I have walked that long road to freedom, I have tried not falter.
“I have made mistakes along the way but I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
“I have taken a moment to rest to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me to look back on the distance I have come. For with freedom comes responsibilities long walk is not ended.”
As the country celebrates the golden jubilee indeed it will be time of entering a fresh phase and a new start as the country continue to sing proud and free, land of work and joy in unity.