By Isaac Zulu
Chief Kaingu of the Ila speaking people in Itezhi-tezhi has said that the grade 12 qualification requirement for one vying for political office should be sustained.
But senior Chief Makasa of the Bemba speaking people has said that the grade 12 qualification requirement for one seeking to contest for a political position should be “scrapped off.”
In an interview, Chief Kaingu said that grade 12 should be the minimum education for one vying for political office.
He explained that it is important for one to attain minimum education in order for them to be able to articulate issues.
“My personal opinion is that the grade 12 qualification requirement for anyone seeking to contest for political office, we need people that are able to understand and articulate issues in Parliament and the Council Chambers,” Chief Kaingu explained. “In as much as certain people are born with natural wisdom and leadership qualities, I strongly feel that we need parliamentarians and councillors that will be able to debate effectively. The grade 12 qualification requirement for those seeking political office is progressive and should be sustained.”
But senior Chief Makasa of the Bemba speaking people in Mungwi district said that the grade 12 qualification requirement for one vying for political office should be scrapped off.
“That provision is prohibitive because it restricts certain people from participating in the governance of the country. Secondly, not all those that have attained grade 12 are able to articulate issues and debate effectively in Parliament and the Council Chamber. We have educated people that are not even able to comprehend issues happening in communities and present those issues in an effective manner in Parliament or in the Council Chamber.”
The traditional leader some people are born leaders and, as such; should be allowed to participate in the governance of the country.
He pointed out that the grade 12 qualification requirement has led to most politicians acquiring grade 12 certificates dubiously, forged grade 12 certificates; most of which are obtained through leakages,” said Chief Makasa. “And some of the people that have attained the so called grade 12, if you look at their debate in the Council Chambers or Parliament, you can tell that they are of low calibre.”
