A Hollow Tribute: How Sata's Memorial Misses the Mark

In honouring Michael Sata in a way that clashes with his faith and values, this memorial seems more like a stage for agendas than a genuine tribute to his life and legacy.

By Mpandashalo Mwewa.

Lusaka, Oct. 26 – In a world where appearances eclipse substance, it seems that even the legacy of the late President Michael Chilufya Sata has not been spared. Here lies a paradox: a man whose spiritual compass was firmly aligned with the Catholic faith is going to be remembered in an Anglican Cathedral, a place that seems to speak not to his life but to the agendas of those holding the reins.

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It’s a setup that bears the unmistakable scent of artifice, of a memorial that strays far from the values Sata held close. In this era, where the facade matters more than the soul beneath it, is this memorial honouring the man or simply serving those left behind?

Consider this contradiction – a devout Catholic’s memory honoured in a church where he seldom set foot, with organizers who were among those who distanced themselves from him in his final years. What is the meaning of such a ceremony if it is so bereft of authenticity, so hollow of the spirit that defined Sata’s life? It’s akin to hosting a marriage in a gilded hall while ignoring the very bond that marriage is meant to celebrate. The display, in all its grandeur, seems merely to serve as a vessel, devoid of the true content that mattered to Sata.

One can’t help but wonder whether this odd arrangement has roots in deeper fears. Could it be that those orchestrating this ceremony shy away from a Catholic setting – a setting that might stir uncomfortable truths, especially under the discerning eye of Archbishop Alick Banda?

Banda, often critical of Zambia’s leadership, is a figure many would prefer to sideline. His moral voice, steeped in Catholic doctrine, resonates with a truth that no amount of fanfare can drown. Perhaps, then, the Anglican choice wasn’t a matter of Honour but a way to control the environment, a way to keep certain voices at bay.

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Yet this trend goes beyond one ceremony; it reflects a broader dissonance that plagues our society. We live in a place where the symbol often eclipses the essence – where a wedding’s trappings outshine the love it is meant to enshrine, and funerals are orchestrated for show rather than genuine tribute.

Such a mindset mirrors the very issue keeping Zambia from realizing its vast potential. After all, we are a country that produces emeralds worth between $US4m and $US40m per kilogram with Zambia producing over 4,000Kg per year, yet these riches seem to vanish like dust in the wind. With minds fixated on appearances rather than substance, is it any wonder our resources bear so little fruit for the nation?

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In the end, this memorial may tell us less about Michael Sata than it does about those who have crafted it. In seeking to honour him, they’ve only underscored the shallowness of their intentions. Sata deserves a memorial that reflects the truth of his life and the principles he stood for. Anything less is a sham – a performance for the audience rather than a heartfelt homage to a man who left an indelible mark on Zambia’s history.

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.