The humble and kind Zambian spirit appreciated by outsiders
Most foreigners visiting Zambia either as expatriates, tourists or missionaries always retort at how polite and respectful Zambians are.They marvel at Zambians, how we smile, how we greet and accommodate visitors. When I refer to “Zambians”, it’s those who really represent the true Zambian spirit. Those typical humble Zambians whether rich or poor.The true Zambian spirit shows in our people regardless of whether one has running water, flushable toilets or one drinks from the river, well or live off the grid.
There is a simplicity to which our people carry-on with life. Outsiders are usually amazed at how our people manage.How we get by with life, how we are capable of wearing a soothing smile, even when surrounded by abject poverty, unemployment plus many setbacks.
Not suggesting that every Zambian is poor but that the rich and poor alike have real common set backs such as poor access to good health, injustice etcetera etcetera.Suffice to point out that there are some very well to do people in Zambia whose living can be as comfortable as anybody in any part of the world today.
We also have those who are in constant struggle to make ends meet. These are particularly the ones foreigners make reference to.
Surprisingly, most things good about Zambians seem to be noticed by outsiders or foreigners, “people from away “,as some Americans would say, while we never get to see or cherish them.This does not in anyway suggest that the visitors always have a wrong perspective of us, but we rarely notice the good in our midst or even appreciate it.
Honoring freedom fighters while they are alive
When mama Betty Kaunda died, it was my first time I got to hear how good this mother of our nation was.Before that, she blended with insignificance, with silence, and all the other attributes that surround a typical Zambian woman.There were a gazillion comments relating to this wonderful lady, all positive. One of those caught my strongest attention. It was a comment made by the chairperson of the Post freedom association.On September 21, 2012 , the Zambian post publication carried her concern on why Zambian freedom fighters are only honored at death. That statement was dead on.
Other people added the importance of honoring freedom fighters because they were getting fewer and fewer. Well, this part is what steered me to put down these thoughts.That statement was partially true and subjective. I guess people narrowed it down just to those freedom fighters who fought for our independence. Nothing wrong with that, it was still a valid contribution.
Truth of the matter, Zambia has plenty freedom fighters and unsung heroes who need to be recognized while they are still alive and not only at death.The fight for freedom is an ongoing process, in a country such as Zambia, ordinary individuals pay the price of freedom on a daily basis.
While it is a true that we attained freedom by fighting against the British colonialists, we must realize, the fight for freedom never ceases.Freedom battles rage on constantly and thus the need to identify freedom fighters and heroes and honor them.
Freedom is all about making people do the things they would not have done because of restrictions or lack of opportunity
Zambia as a nation and Zambians as a people need to revisit the issue of honoring people not only posthumously but while they are still living.To achieve this, we need to set aside our personal and political differences so we can give true honor where it is due.
A list of people deserving honor
- In the list of honoring the living and the dead, we start with our founding father, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, whose major and primary task was to break the heavy hand of colonialism and build a Zambia of peace and stability from the ground up.
- Dr Fredrick Titus Chiluba comes into picture with the task to end the power of dictatorship, setting up multipartism, economic liberalization and declaring Zambia a christian nation.
- Dr Levy Mwanawasa was a fighter against corruption and he strongly upheld the rule of law.
- Mr Rupiah Banda did very well in fostering friendship in the region and maturely handing over power to promote continued peace and stability.
- Michael Sata for pursuits in energy generation and transmission, opening our road network and promoting small and medium enterprise development.
We still have a number of names both living and dead that we can still honor.
- As our freedom struggle continues, we have names like Malimba Masheke, Kebby Musokotwane, Mainza Chona, Nalumino Mundia, Daniel Lisulo, Elijah Mudenda.These were Zambia’s prime ministers in the first regime and should be honored for their service to Zambia.
- Godfrey Miyanda, Enock Kavindele, Christon Tembo, Nevers Mumba, Lupando Mwape, George Kunda and Guy Scott.
I deliberately left out some names on the list of Vice Presidents because I mentioned them on the presidents list.
- As Zambia celebrates jubilee this year, names like Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, Mbita Chitala and many others need to be honored for being the brains for steering our country to multi partism.
- The unsung heroes like Simon Zukas, for continuos freedom struggle and always ensuring that the democratic checks and balances are in place.
- Mr Dennis Liwewe, one of Africa’s best soccer commentators, heroes like the great Kalusha Bwalya, Charles Musonda, Daniel Munkombwe very active and non retiring veteran.
- The Zambian clergy and local musicians for speaking on behalf of the voiceless.The list is endless but the honor non existent.
- How about our young and old freedom fighters and heroes who are represented by various organizations such as: the Law association of Zambia, the police, the church, the press, the human rights organizations, political parties plus many observer groups that exist to fight for our freedom.
We are ONE Zambia,ONE Nation
It is therefore important that we honestly recognize those fighting for our freedoms and render honor where it is due.Their works should be recognized beyond party lines and religious affiliations.Zambia is capable of growing out of the vigilante mentality which only promotes outdated ways of running the affairs of our country.The modern way of doing politics is to always remember that we are one family that has varying opinions and ideas.It should be the duty of every peace loving Zambian to shun those politicians who preach disunity and division.Those dividers should be exposed at all costs. Zambia is one nation that is blessed by different shades of ethnic groups.The is no Zambian more Zambian than the other. There is no Zambian superior to another because we are all one people.
Let our educators rewrite our school text books and emphasize what we Zambians believe instead of reading what was written by foreigners.It was the same foreign writings that destroyed the likes of Burundi, Rwanda and Congo causing deaths of many innocent citizens.Zambia needs to cherish her peace, appreciate her diversity and honor our legends.
It is through unity in diversity that great nations are blessed. As the words of scripture say, God commands a blessing where there is unity.Zambia, an oasis of peace and a refuge for seekers, has always been and it will always be.
Let’s honor our freedom fighters, best when they are alive. However, if we miss the chance to honor them while alive, let’s not forget to honor them.
Happy year of jubilee dear Zambia. We love you.
By Pezzy Kudakwashe
One Zambia One Nation.I grew up under that slogan.Zambians were united.We are losing that unity compliments of PF.WE need to stand together regardless of political affiliation.If not the losers will be us -Zambians
“Most foreigners visiting Zambia always retort at how polite and respectful Zambians are.They marvel at Zambians, how we smile, how we greet and accommodate visitors. When I refer to “Zambians”, it’s those who really represent the true Zambian spirit. Those typical humble Zambians whether rich or poor.The true Zambian spirit shows in our people regardless of whether one has running water, flushable toilets or one drinks from the river, well or live off the grid”.
Zambians may love foreigners but don’t love one another. Thats why you have the PhD syndrome againsts your own people. Zambians would love to see their fellow Zambians suffer while supporting foreigners. Thats a Zambian for you. Lack of pride and love for their own. A Zambian will be your friend when you are all poor, same…
The divider number in Zambia is the PF. The PF have brought too much political intolerance in the country. So this thing of One Zambia One Nation does not hold under the Panga Family (PF). Mwilatumfwisha bwino ifyabufi. PF will have to go so civility and tolerance can be restored to Zambian politics and the country as a all. PF is synonymous with evil, in the form of Sata, Kabimba, Mmembe, Mwaliteta, Nchito, Kennedy Kamba, Judge Ngoma, Guy Scott, Masumba, etc.
Sounded fair in the preamble but immediately the name of SATA came in, was put-off.
Sata is a Cheat Lucifer who does`nt deserve a praise.
Why is it that no incumbent president is eve praise, no matter what they achieve as enumerated in the article. I think Zambia would have been much worse off had these Presidents not performed gallantly. Just look at most of our neighbours in the region. Yes, yes more could have be done, but it never depends on one person. You who call these presidents unspeakable what have you done for you neighbourhood let alone the country….shame on you
Grey Zulu ???? is one of the freedom fighters…The old man needs to be honourded.
We have Paul Tembo, Ronard Penza etc
Yes, honour Grey Zulu for having the courage to speak live on ZNBC TV to reassure Zambians that all was well after the Captain Solo coup.
PF should not begin to legitimize themselves under the theme ‘One Zambia One Nation’. Every Zambian is aware the division PF government has created, PF is a government dominated by one region, PF government has selected justice for them and those opposing them are threatened, arrested, beaten, traditional rulers dethroned and harassed and one province state of emergency declared. PF government is repressive in short rendering One Zambia One nation meaningless.
Personally, I think we can come up with top 50 personnel to honored it would make sense you can even include me if the list will end at 49.
@Matero,
I support your suggestion. What number would I be, number 49? Ha ha ha ha ha…
Zambians can indeed bend double backwards in friendliness and good cheer towards foreigners and especially if those foreigners are white they could actually go further and kiss arsse. But behind this charming facade there is a streak of cruel vindictiveness. Just look at how our president and his cabinet treat their fellow citizens, with so much blatant and vicious contempt.
Thats my point as well #Wantashi. Please read my comment at 1.1.
@wantanshi, you are very CORRECT.
This article reveals that the author did not read or research before writing. Many of the people he is proposing that they should be honoured such as Grey Zulu, Kalusha Bwalya, Dennis Liwewe, Mainza Chona and Nalumino Mundia have already been honored with the highest National awards available. It is important to read before showing your ignorance. And why focus so much on politicians? Is politics the main field that produces heroes? Just because someone occupied a high political post such as president or veep does not make them a hero.
I am in 2 minds about this article. I agree with most of the points put forward. It is sentimental, but that is the core of most Zambians psychology and explains why we keep voting in politician grandees from the struggle for independence. I think we missed out Simon Kapwepwe? The 2nd mind, is from how the article says we as Zambians consider ourselves. I witnessed in this blog and in the infamous ZWD, that there is a lot of abuse to ‘poor Zambians by those who assume they are intellectuals. That is not our culture. I was very disappointed to hear the view that ‘uneducated’ or those perceived to be, should not be allowed gov’t leadership roles. As Zambians most of us have relatives in Rural areas who live in villages. It is not true to say we respect still each other.
…I was to say, I disagree Chiluba should be honoured. Ass stole all our money! If their is any truth to the story that his wife has had monies seized in Europe; 28M then we can’t
Honour him, that’s preposterous! Much as I like Scotty, I don’t recall him from youth as a freedom fighter! If we are talking about Educators; in60’s, he was Teacher, Headmaster, Teacher’s Union actitivist during 60’s to early 70’s. Those were pivotal years of struggle in establishing eduction for black Zambians! If I recall correctly; when he died Kaunda said he was a loyal servant; granted there are many others like him!
Oops don’t know what happens there! The last sentence should read;
If we are talking about Educators; in the 60’s we should remember. Mr Bevan Mayo Nyendwa. He was Teacher, Headmaster, Teacher’s Union actitivist during 60?s to early 70?s. Those were pivotal years of struggle in establishing eduction for black Zambians! If I recall correctly; when he died Kaunda said he was a loyal servant; granted there are many others like him!
Good article. too much focus on politicians. include outstanding technocrats, business entrepreneurs, clergy, sportsmen, trade unionists, and common men of courage and innovation. On politicians, include Andy Kambela Mazoka and HH, Chama Chakomboka
Munkombwe should be honored for what? Is it for eating with every Government? My foot he is not a hero!
vaupuba..atase..what one Zambia one nation..just brain washed mambalas..its not there anymore..we ned to rebuild Zambia ..not under PF..
Why are we always pointing fingers at our friends? Are you sure zambia will only be better when a Tonga is in state house? if your answer is yes what will you do wich you cant do now? I think we shud feel ashamed and repent
Mwanawasa does not deserve an honour. HE WAS THE MOST CORRUPT PRESIDENT ZAMBIAN WILL EVER SEE. HE WAS NOT CAUGHT BUT INSIDERS KNOW THIS WAS A TRULY EVIL MAN. GO TO 15 MILES AND ASK ABOUT THIS MWANAWASWA AND YOU WILL ONLY HEAR NEGATIVE WORDS FROM PEOPLE WITH INTEGRITY. HE UNCLE TRIED HIS BEST TO KEEP THE SON OF HIS COUSIN AWAY FROM A CRIMINAL LIFE. MWANAWASA SPAT IN THE FACE OF HIS UNCLE.THE UNCLE WHO ADOPTED HIM WHEN HIS FATHER WAS IN PRISON.GO TO 15 MILES AND ASK ABOUT THE UNCLE WHO ADOPTED MWANAWASA. HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND EXTREMELY RESPECTED AMONGST HIS CLANS MEN. LEVY WAS CRUEL TO HIS UNCLE AND HIS UNCLE’S CHILDREN. HE MADE SURE THAT HIS UNCLE’S MOST BRILLIANT CHILD’S BUSINESS WENT BUST. HE INSTRUCTED MINISTRIES, BUSINESS(FOREIGN AND LOCAL) AND LAWYERS TO BLACKLIST HIS COUSIN. HE…
MWANAWASA MADE SURE THAT HIS UNCLE’S MOST BRILLIANT CHILD’S BUSINESS WENT BUST. HE INSTRUCTED MINISTRIES, BUSINESS(FOREIGN AND LOCAL) AND LAWYERS TO BLACKLIST HIS COUSIN. HE PERSONALLY SAW THAT MORE THAN 100 MILLION DOLLARS OWED TO HIS COUSIN FROM MINISTRIES WAS NEVER PAID. HE PUSHED BANKS TO SEIZE BELONGINGS AND PROPERTY FROM HIS COUSIN. HE DID THIS KNOWING THAT HE HAD ORDERED HIS MINISTERS NOT TO PAY HIS COUSIN.THAT WAS HOW LEVY TREATED THE COUSIN WHO PAID FOR HIS EDUCATION. THIS COUSIN USED HIS STUDENT GRANT AT UNZA TO PAY FOR LEVY’S SCHOOL FEES. HE WOULD GO HUNGRY AND WORK AS A HOUSE BOY TO MAKE SURE LEVY WENT TO SCHOOL. MWANAWASA WAS AN EVIL MAN.
I did business in Zambia for many years. Mwanwaswa did have an unexplained vendetta against his cousin. I am shocked to hear about his actions towards his cousin. Especially since his cousin paid for his schooling and made a great sacrifice. I met his cousin, a man of great integrity during the firs Zambian government. I was subtly pushed away from doing business with Mwanwasa’s cousin. Hope they are reunited in the afterlife at peace. I know for a fact that his cousin was a forgiving man and did not hold grudges.
Zambia’s very first Biomass Briquette Plant by Daj’oy Manufacturers Co. Ltd
A great Zambian. Enter that in your youtube and for once stop fighting over PF and UPND.