Government will rescind decision on meal allowances – Tayali

Outspoken governance activist Chilufya Tayali has revealed that Government is set to rescind it’s decision to abolish the payment of meal allowances to government-sponsored students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU).

And Tayali has advised stakeholders not to rush in condemning government over the scrapping off of meal allowances but instead engage them in dialogue.

The Zambian Voice executive director made the revelation at a press briefing held in Lusaka today.

He says the decision to reopen the two institutions and the conditions attached thereto were arrived at following days of discussions that various stakeholders held with President Edgar Lungu and Higher Education Minister Michael Kaingu.

He named the stakeholders as Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu – whom he says led the negotiations, various religious leaders, the Zambia National Students Union (ZANASU) and his organisation the Zambian Voice.

Tayali says the discussion that took place is an example of how pertinent issues affecting the nation ought to be resolved and not through politicking and mudslinging.

“The engagement that took place among various stakeholders concerning the two universities is an example of how issues affecting the nation can be sorted out other than always politicking and name calling which does not bring about positivity in the lives of people,” Tayali said.

“We would like to register our disappointment in the manner various stakeholders, especially the politicians, have rushed to condemn Government for abolishing meal allowances. Not that we are in agreement with the decision but condemnation and castigation of the Government whenever we do not agree on any decision made, is not necessarily the solution, rather positive engagement is what mostly brings positive results.

“We have therefore engaged the government through the Ministry and State House concerning the meal allowance. Our discussions were very positive and we expect the Minister to make an announcement on the decision they have reached with the President.”

Tayali advised students an other stakeholders not to panic as the impression he got from the discussion is that government had heard their cries.

He further advised students not to view government sponsorship as a right but as a privilege.