Zambia: Chief Chikwanda of the Bemba people in the Mpika District of Muchinga Province has expressed his disappointment on the increase in divorce cases.
He attributed the rise in divorce cases to the loss of moral values among the people. The chief feels that the situation could be addressed by adhering to national values and principles.
He said national values and principles guide the nation and Zambians to identify themselves as a people.
The traditional ruler made these remarks when a team from the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs visited him. The team was led by the National Guidance Assistant Director, Godfrey Kaoma.
The aim of the visit was to share knowledge with him and his headmen on national values and principles. Chief Chikwanda, however, observed that some human rights are being misused by some subjects who are doing certain things deliberately in the name of human rights.
He said human rights work closely with accountability . According to him, this points to the need for people to be sensitised as the nation seeks to uphold national values and principles.
“Values and principles are important in safeguarding the pride of the nation and there is a need for more sensitisation to curb certain problems that emanate from lack of national and cultural values,” the Chief said.
He further added that there is a need for people to have a moral conscience that upholds national values and principles as they give direction.
He said the application of these values and principles contained in the Constitution of Zambia, should be coupled with vision.
The Chief reaffirmed his commitment to work with the government in promoting the nation’s values and principles in his Chiefdom.
“I will strive to work with the government in ensuring that national values and principles are upheld in communities to curb bad vices that bar and deter national development,” he added.
Meanwhile, Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Assistant Director, Godfrey Kaoma, says the department is currently working on a document policy that will seek to address the main challenges that come as a result of a lack of morals.
Kaoma said it is due to the importance of upholding these values and principles, that once every year, the President goes to the national assembly to address the nation on the national values.
He said the values and principles enshrined in the constitution should be achieved through a collaborative effort by all to make Zambia a better place.