Zambia’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Panji Kaunda, has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for his consistent message of peace and unity across the country.
In an interview with the media in Chipata, Colonel Kaunda said since President Hichilema assumed office, he has continued to encourage Zambians to live in harmony and uphold national unity.
Col Kaunda emphasised that as the country heads towards this year’s general elections, it is vital for citizens to protect peace and unity before, during and after the electoral process.
He stated that peace and unity remain fundamental drivers of economic development, noting that meaningful progress cannot be achieved without national cohesion.
“Peace and unity are the foundation of economic growth. This is why President Hichilema deserves recognition for consistently promoting these values. Without unity, no meaningful development can be realised,” he said.
Col Kaunda further observed that cultural events play an important role in uniting people, not only within Zambia but across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
He added that traditional leaders from Malawi, Mozambique and other neighbouring countries are expected to attend the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Col Kaunda disclosed that the Vice President of Malawi, Dr Jane Ansah is also expected to attend this year’s Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, February 28, 2026.
And, Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province said this year’s ceremony will serve as an important platform to remind Zambians of the need to uphold peace and unity.
Chief Madzimawe commended President Hichilema for promoting the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto, stressing that despite differing political views, Zambians must continue to live as brothers and sisters.
“When we come together, we must remind ourselves of our African values where Ubuntu is central. Our tradition is to share from the same pot and not separate plates, because everyone is entitled to a meal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Clifford Situmbeko of Nalolo District who is in Chipata to attend the traditional ceremony, also underscored the importance of traditional ceremonies in promoting peace, unity and national cohesion.
Mr Situmbeko said the Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony plays a key role in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, thereby strengthening peace and unity in the country.
All these things about unity are spoken but is there unity? For close to 5 years now that inter party center for dialogue is dead. Has the President even met his opponents over a meal. The opposition leaders dont see eye to eye with the President, so what unity.
Unity is something imagined by politicians when election day approaches. It will dissappear from speeches after August
The unity in Zambia is only in word. We expect differences in policy, ideology, thinking and other aspects between the ruling party and opposition parties but what is obtaing in Zambia is animosity. Yes preach peace and unity but demonstrate it, it should not just appear in speeches at occasions. Practice it, sit around the table and enjoy good laughter and circulate pictures
In Zambia unity is relative. The country is very polarised, it has even gone to the churches now.
There is unity among people but not among politicians. Politicians should also mind what they say. For example, it is not true that people from a certain region were beaten on arrival at intercity.
It’s a fantastic imagination that works in the overly superstitious rural population ? They will arrive at intercity and imagine being beaten and then imagine they have nowhere to run except back to Mazabuka. It works
Thanks Panji, but please advise him that the consistent messages of peace and unity should not be mere words in speeches but should be seen to be practiced.