The launch of the 21st century has witnessed the emergence and rapid expansion of a Zambian community in Western Australia (WA), which is recognised as part of the ‘culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) community'. The Organisation for Zambians Living in Western Australia (OZALIWA) is an initiative that was inspired by, a recognised and significant need to unite, inform, and advocate for, the growing number of Zambians now living in Western Australia (WA).

A team of patriotic, passionate, and dedicated Zambian men and women assembled in Perth, in May 2005, to constitute the initial Steering Committee, which spearheaded the drafting of a constitution, and subsequent registration of OZALIWA Incorporated, on 31st August 2005.

Founding members of the association, who worked tirelessly and voluntarily for months, to realise the OZALIWA dream; and whose ideals resonate in the current constitution, include:

• Ms. Akinangisa Noyoo
• Ms. Nalishebo N. Meebelo
• Mrs. Joyce Chibuta
• Mr. Maka Sikazwe
• Mr. Steve Sikazwe
• Mr. Wilson Chalwe
• Miss. Chanda Chibuta
• Mr. Sailota Phiri
• Mrs. Pauline Phiri
• Mr. Billy Katontoka
• Mrs. Peggy Katontoka

Following successful achievement of the initial mandate (to officially register an association in WA that would draw Zambians together to engage, under one umbrella), some members of the initial Steering Committee were appointed, on 5th October 2005, to represent the first OZALIWA Interim Executive Committee, as follows:

• Chairperson - Ms. Akinangisa Noyoo
• Vice - Chairperson - Mr. Steve Sikazwe
• Secretary - Ms. Nalishebo N. Meebelo
• Treasurer - Mr. Wilson Chalwe
• Vice Treasurer - Mr. Sailota Phiri
• Committee Members - Mrs. Joyce Chibuta
• Mrs. Peggy Katontoka

Other members later appointed to the Interim Committee over the years include:

Mr. Timothy Williey (Treasurer), Mr. Moses Manda (Committee Member), Mr. Joshua Mwambazi (Vice Treasurer), Mr. Michael Mukuka (Vice Chairperson), Mr. Njamba Samungole (Committee Member), Mr. Davies Chibale (Vice Secretary), and Mrs. Chileshe Kanangu (Committee Member)

The success of this team is witnessed in its consistency, and resilience towards achieving the goals set in May 2005. Having laid a strong foundation for the association including, firm organisational structures and operating systems, the Interim Committee hosted the first OZALIWA Annual General Meeting in January 2008, to elect new officials. The 2008 Executive Committee is firmly committed to raising awareness of OZALIWA in WA and beyond; and to enhancing its membership drive. OZALIWA will also continue to unite, and perform an advocacy role for Zambians in WA, at various forums.

The 2008 executive officials comprise:

• Chairperson - Mr. Davies Chibale
• Vice - Chairperson - Ms. Mwaba Mwaba
• Secretary - Ms. Connie Dewan
• Vice Secretary - Mrs. Chileshe Kanangu
• Treasurer - Mr. Martin Maliti
• Vice Treasurer - Mr. Wilson Chalwe
• Committee Members - Ms. Nalishebo N. Meebelo
• Mrs. Agnes Nsofwa
• Mr. Andrew Kasiya
• Mr. Joshua Mwambazi

Significantly, OZALIWA is recognised by the Zambia High Commission accredited to Australia, as the point of contact for matters relating to Zambians in WA. The Association has hosted the High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Godfrey Simasiku, and his entourage in Perth, over the last few years.

OZALIWA OBJECTIVES

• To Identify and serve the needs of Zambians living in WA
• To share and promote Zambian culture
• To raise awareness of OZALIWA in WA
• To foster co-operation between Zambians and other communities in WA
• To establish & maintain a means of communication between Zambians living in WA, and Australian institutions, on social-cultural, spiritual, intellectual & economic matters
• To provide a forum for dissemination information regarding matters of interest for Zambians living in WA.
• To nurture, promote, develop and protect the interests of Zambians in WA

(Source: The Rules & Constitution of Zambians Living in WA, Section 3)

Email: ozaliwa@hotmail.com