By forcibly compelling his presence, Hichilema’s handlers have not only disrespected the sacredness of traditional ceremonies but have also eroded the power and independence of our respected traditional leaders.
By Daimone Siulapwa.
Lusaka, April 20 – In the wake of the recent uproar surrounding President Hakainde Hichilema’s forced attendance at the Kuomboka Ceremony, it’s important to dissect the underlying implications of this debacle.
The frantic maneuvers of the UPND government and the call for unity by Paramount Chief Chitimukulu may paint a facade of respect for tradition by government, but the reality on the ground speaks volumes.
Also Read: Mwine Lubemba leaves Kasama for Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony!
As President Hichilema tussled with the Mwine Lubemba, he was accused of gate crushing the launch of the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Foundation where he had equally demanded that he be invited as Guest of Honour.
Let’s be crystal clear: Hakainde Hichilema is not just any ordinary citizen. As the President of Zambia, he carries the weight of the nation’s governance on his shoulders.
His attendance at any event, particularly one as culturally significant as the Kuomboka Ceremony, cannot be treated as a casual affair.
Yet, the UPND government’s panicked insistence on his presence reveals a fundamental lack of understanding of the delicate balance between politics and tradition.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu’s commendable call for unity and inclusiveness should not overshadow the blatant disregard for protocol and decorum exhibited by Hichilema’s handlers.
By coercing his attendance by force, they not only diminish the sanctity of traditional ceremonies but also undermine the authority and autonomy of our revered traditional leaders.
▪️ Let’s address the elephant in the room: Tribal politics.
Traditional leaders should not be thrust into the unenviable position of choosing between allegiance to a fellow traditional leader and the President.
Such divisive tactics only serve to exacerbate existing tensions and erode the fabric of our society. The presidency demands a level of reverence and dignity that should transcend petty political agendas.
Hichilema and his handlers must recognize this and conduct themselves accordingly. Their failure to do so not only tarnishes the image of the presidency but also perpetuates a cycle of disrespect towards our cherished traditions and institutions.
Moving forward, proactive measures must be implemented to prevent such embarrassing episodes from recurring.
Also Read: Why Zambia must prioritize politics of substance and Critical Thinking!
The availability of the traditional ceremonies calendar should serve as a roadmap for presidential engagements, with formal letters of request for the president to attend sent well in advance.
Like all Presidents in the past, they receive many invitations to grace traditional ceremonies, but they have chosen not to attend all, especially those deemed to be lower in status or politically irrelevant, so invitations to the presidency have reduced drastically.
So, this proactive approach demonstrates respect for tradition and ensures that the focus remains squarely on celebrating our cultural heritage, free from political interference.
All in all, the saga surrounding President Hichilema’s attendance at the Kuomboka Ceremony serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of politicizing tradition. It’s time for our leaders to prioritize national unity over political expediency and uphold the dignity of our cherished traditions.
Anything less would be a disservice to the people of Zambia and a betrayal of our cultural heritage.
About The Author: Daimone Siulapwa is a political analyst, an advocate for tribal unity, and Citizen Economic Empowerment. For all comments and inquiries regarding content creation, research, speeches, proposals, book writing, creative marketing, investigations, and more, please feel free to contact him at dsiulapwa@gmail.com
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