Lusaka, Zambia is buzzing. Spanking new shopping malls and new buildings have turned Lusaka into one of those places you actually want to spend some time in.
Inside Track with Grace Mutandwa
Zambians have a spring in their step. While Zimbabwe lurches from one human right violation to another, Zambia is pressing on with the business of growing its economy. Even such organisations as the Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO) see sense in helping Zambia’s farmers access agricultural financing and other vital services.
Poverty might still be a big problem but Zambians on the streets exude a new-found confidence. When they speak you hear the hope in their voices and a sure sense that they know they still have a long journey, but they are determined to make things work and attract investors.
A nation that is assured of a future works hard and also plays hard. Zambians have always been a fun-loving people and last week I witnessed a people determined to make the most of their lives.
Zambians are working hard and have started spending again. After work for those not immediately headed home, all roads lead to movie theatres or the South African franchise shops that have become an important part of the shopping landscape.
I could have done the usual nightclub hopping that so many people find exciting but I already know just how pumping Zambian nightclubs can be so I chose to check out the shopping malls.
The young and the restless of Zambia are a marvel to watch. They make your heart melt — holding hands, feeding each other ice-creams and kissing in public — it is almost like watching a romantic film. It is heart-warming to see young people in love and comfortable enough to show it.
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Young Zimbabweans used to be like that — they had jobs, were almost carefree and had time to celebrate life and love. Now it is almost as if the economic and political problems that beset us since 2000 sapped us all of the energy and will to grow our feelings.
May be Zimbabwean men and women are so busy just trying to survive that the mere thought of a romantic gesture is tiring. We have lost the 1980s sparkle and we are like empty shells.
Zambia made me hunger for the good old days – the days when we had hope, days when work was guaranteed and we were certain our children would have a future in their own country.
Zambia made me happy, gave me hope but it also made me sad. It came from the brink and is well on the way to recovery. Zambian children and youths are aware of the challenges that lie ahead but seeing their country start attracting foreign investors and more jobs being created, allows them to walk tall.
They are proud of who they are and how their country continues to mature as a democracy.
Even the young lovers I encountered at the shopping malls had the air of people who have had their faith restored. The state of where our country lies politically has the power to rob us of our ability to explore love or happiness. There are benefits to having a national economy that seeks to make every citizen an important player.
When a country draws itself a road map that all can safely travel, it creates a nation of people who will not shirk hard work and people who will proudly work to develop their country.
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