Just as Mwanawasa and Sata's reconciliation ushered in a new era of politics, Dr. Chilufya’s call for unity today could signal a turning point for the future.
Dr. Chilufya’s call to reset our politics and recalibrate the national agenda toward service delivery and poverty eradication through dialogue and unity deserves full support to foster national development.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Oct. 25 – In a move that mirrors the reconciliation between President Levy Mwanawasa and opposition leader Michael Sata, Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya’s decision to accept an invitation from President Hakainde Hichilema has sent ripples through Zambia’s political landscape. His decision, though controversial, is a brave attempt to reset the current divisive tone of Zambian politics and embrace meaningful dialogue.
Also Read: Press Statement: I Have Not Defected to the UPND! The notion that an opposition MP cannot engage with the President in the line of duty is incorrect. My appeal to ALL is to reset our politics and recalibrate our collective agenda to service delivery and poverty eradication.
Dr. Chilufya, a seasoned politician and Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament for Mansa Central, stated in his Press Statement made available to Woodpecker’s Digest that he is not abandoning his loyalty to his constituents or party but is rather extending an olive branch across the aisle, showcasing that politics should not be a tool for self-preservation but a means to foster development.
It’s a reminder that if bitter rivals like Mwanawasa and Sata could find common ground for the greater good of an ordinary child in rural Zambia, there’s no reason today’s leaders can’t do the same.
Dr. Chilufya’s call for a recalibration of Zambia’s political agenda strikes a chord. His narrative rejects the antiquated notion that opposition MPs must distance themselves from government initiatives. As an elected official, Dr. Chilufya reminds us that his primary obligation is to the people of Zambia and Mansa Central, in particular, not to party politics.
His role as Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Parastatal Bodies places him in a unique position to influence key development initiatives, and his willingness to engage with the President on matters of national importance is a testament to his commitment. As they celebrated the Jubilee of Nakambala Sugar Estate together, the two leaders underscored how collaboration – not division – can propel Zambia forward, using sugarcane expansion as a metaphor for broader economic growth.
It is one thing to speak of unity; it is quite another to live it. Dr. Chilufya’s decision is a practical embodiment of unity, a far cry from the lip service that often surrounds calls for national cohesion. Instead of talking at each other from opposing trenches, Mansa Central lawmaker advocates for talking to each other, seeking common ground.
Like Mwanawasa and Sata before them, who set aside their bitter differences to work for the greater good, former President Edgar Lungu and President Hichilema have an opportunity to lead by example by paying attention to Dr. Chilufya’s clarion call for pragmatic decisions on national unity. Their dialogue should not be about erasing political competition but ensuring it serves the people by focusing on poverty eradication and sustainable development. Indeed, as Dr. Chilufya rightly puts it, Zambia’s challenges after 60 years of independence require collective effort, not divisive politics.
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Hon. Dr. Chilufya’s message is clear: it’s time to shed the black-and-white mentality of “them versus us.” Party colours may define political affiliations, but they should not define the boundaries of progress. Just as Mwanawasa and Sata’s reconciliation ushered in a new era of politics, Dr. Chilufya’s call for unity today could signal a turning point for the future. The “rendezvous of opportunity” he speaks of lies in recognizing that Zambia’s development must come from cooperation across the political spectrum. If we can learn anything from our history, it’s that unity isn’t achieved by merely preaching it – it’s achieved by stepping into the middle ground and working together for the common good.
About The Author: Mpandashalo Mwewa, currently the Chief Editor at Woodpecker’s Digest, formerly held the same role at Zambia Reports. Known for championing Pan-African education reforms with a focus on critical thinking, he employs journalism to instigate social transformation.
About Our Advocacy: Woodpecker’s Digest provides in-depth analyses and commentary on issues of national importance, alongside articles on personal development and health. We believe journalism can be a force for socio-economic change.
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