Integrity is the essence of statesmanship, reflected in keeping promises at any cost, regardless of their unforeseen magnitude.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Jan. 20 – It’s often said that “actions speak louder than words,” and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of politics. Campaign promises may be easy to make, but delivering on them is the hallmark of a true leader. A statesman is someone who doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk, no matter how steep the climb.
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When Mr. Hakainde Hichilema promised to lower the price of mealie meal to K50 during his campaign, many Zambians took him at his word. Yet, under his leadership, the price has skyrocketed to well over K350 and Mr. Hichilema now depends on the K230 subsidized ZNS mealie meal, a clear betrayal of trust. This leaves the electorate grappling with a question as old as politics itself: is he a man of his word or just another politician spinning tales to win votes?
Zambia now finds itself at a pivotal moment. The nation needs a leader who, like a carpenter, measures twice before cutting – someone who doesn’t promise what they can’t deliver. The late President Levy Mwanawasa once highlighted Mr. Hichilema’s penchant for political deception:
“The problem Mr. Hichilema has is the fact that he wants to cheat, to mislead, to show that he is what he is not. His understanding of politics is that it doesn’t matter; you can cheat, provided you get your goals!”
These words ring truer than ever. Zambia doesn’t need another politician who bends the truth like a willow in the wind. It needs a statesman, steadfast and unyielding, someone who prioritizes the well-being of the people over political expediency.
Mr. Hichilema’s presidency, however, has been riddled with broken promises. His much-touted zero tolerance for corruption has turned out to be a castle built on sand. Despite his assurances, corruption continues to rear its ugly head, and his approach appears more selective than systematic.
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His earlier commitment to uphold the rule of law has also crumbled like a house of cards. Many now view the judiciary as a tool for political maneuvering rather than an impartial arbiter of justice. Such backtracking chips away at public trust and raises serious doubts about whether Mr. Hichilema is fit to lead Zambia through these trying times.
As the 2026 elections loom, Zambians must decide: will they once again fall for the same old song and dance, or will they demand a leader who embodies the wisdom of “honesty is the best policy”? The future of the nation hinges on this choice.
It’s often said, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that Zambia deserves a leader whose words are as solid as oak and whose promises don’t melt away like morning dew. This is the moment for Zambians to rise and demand leadership that not only speaks of integrity but lives it daily.
In a world where promises are often written in water, it’s time to demand a leader who engraves them in stone. Zambia deserves no less than a statesman to guide it toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
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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