Zambezi tribalism: Sampofu says educated people ‘are the problem’
Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu recently blamed the educated elite of the region for fuelling tribalism and internal conflicts, adding that uneducated residents are more focused on solutions like arranged marriages for economic advantage.
During the announcement of major mineral deposits discovered in the region by Zita Dias Diamond Resources, Sampofu voiced his frustration over Zambezi’s ongoing conflicts.
The newly-identified deposits, located between Kamenga and Batubaja, include a range of valuable minerals such as aluminium, potassium and copper. This discovery follows a series of successful test runs, and promises significant economic potential for the region.
"This region - when are we going to seize that opportunity? When? We're still inactive while others are advancing. While others are developing, here we are, fighting each other. This seems to be what we excel at: Fighting one another. What are we doing in this region?” the governor wanted to know.
Blissfully unaware
Sampofu said uneducated residents are ‘unaware’ of tribalism. "This region, and the educated individuals within it, are part of the problem. Even those discussing tribalism here are educated people. Those who live in the villages are unaware of tribalism,” he said.
“They are giving their daughters away to various people and marrying off their sons to others from different backgrounds. They don't know about tribalism. Only the educated are resisting [tribal mixing].
“What are we going to do? Development? We don't know it. Unity? We don't want it. What do we want in this country? Fighting for what? Land? Do we eat land? Let's develop our land and utilise its resources to advance ourselves."
The governor noted that proceeds from mining in Botswana are used to support displaced communities.
"Isn't that beneficial? Is it not possible for us to relocate people and provide them with what they need?" he asked those in attendance.
“I have been insulted and continue to be insulted. People are still coming to my office, opposing the [mining] project. This is not good. Let's seize this opportunity. The mineral resources we have here are no joke. After today's announcement, I anticipate numerous phone calls from embassies and other countries interested in this news,” he said.
Paradigm shift
Sampofu called for a shift from conflict to development.
"We are announcing the results today - not for conflict, but for development. Not for fighting each other. Let’s work together. I call upon the communities to unite,” he said.
“Last month, someone came here and said they would revoke the project. I asked her what 'revoke' means, and she didn't know. She was misled somewhere. Women speak, but she doesn't understand the meaning of 'revoke'. Can a government be revoked?” he asked.
The governor further said the region is ‘ill’, and called for a change in mindset.
“Let's look ahead, not just at the present. It's not good for this region. That's the reality.”
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During the announcement of major mineral deposits discovered in the region by Zita Dias Diamond Resources, Sampofu voiced his frustration over Zambezi’s ongoing conflicts.
The newly-identified deposits, located between Kamenga and Batubaja, include a range of valuable minerals such as aluminium, potassium and copper. This discovery follows a series of successful test runs, and promises significant economic potential for the region.
"This region - when are we going to seize that opportunity? When? We're still inactive while others are advancing. While others are developing, here we are, fighting each other. This seems to be what we excel at: Fighting one another. What are we doing in this region?” the governor wanted to know.
Blissfully unaware
Sampofu said uneducated residents are ‘unaware’ of tribalism. "This region, and the educated individuals within it, are part of the problem. Even those discussing tribalism here are educated people. Those who live in the villages are unaware of tribalism,” he said.
“They are giving their daughters away to various people and marrying off their sons to others from different backgrounds. They don't know about tribalism. Only the educated are resisting [tribal mixing].
“What are we going to do? Development? We don't know it. Unity? We don't want it. What do we want in this country? Fighting for what? Land? Do we eat land? Let's develop our land and utilise its resources to advance ourselves."
The governor noted that proceeds from mining in Botswana are used to support displaced communities.
"Isn't that beneficial? Is it not possible for us to relocate people and provide them with what they need?" he asked those in attendance.
“I have been insulted and continue to be insulted. People are still coming to my office, opposing the [mining] project. This is not good. Let's seize this opportunity. The mineral resources we have here are no joke. After today's announcement, I anticipate numerous phone calls from embassies and other countries interested in this news,” he said.
Paradigm shift
Sampofu called for a shift from conflict to development.
"We are announcing the results today - not for conflict, but for development. Not for fighting each other. Let’s work together. I call upon the communities to unite,” he said.
“Last month, someone came here and said they would revoke the project. I asked her what 'revoke' means, and she didn't know. She was misled somewhere. Women speak, but she doesn't understand the meaning of 'revoke'. Can a government be revoked?” he asked.
The governor further said the region is ‘ill’, and called for a change in mindset.
“Let's look ahead, not just at the present. It's not good for this region. That's the reality.”
[email protected]
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