In a nation where true patriotism calls for honest criticism of leaders, blindly supporting Hichilema for financial gain undermines both national unity and social progress.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Jan. 10 – Patriotism involves standing by one’s country rather than merely supporting the president or any public official. It is commendable to support Hichilema as long as he effectively serves the interests of Zambia. Conversely, it becomes unpatriotic to refrain from opposing him when he fails to fulfill his responsibilities to our nation’s needs. In all instances, it is essential to speak the truth regarding the president and any other public figures.
Also Read: Democracy Isn’t About Winning Elections – It’s About Letting People Shape Governance! True democracy goes beyond ballots and power struggles; it prioritizes serving the people through inclusive governance. When politics focuses on humanity and cooperation, it fulfills its purpose as a vehicle for national development, not partisan division.
While it may be easier to support Hichilema for financial gain, such support raises questions about the repercussions on a nation struggling with issues of national unity and socio-economic development. His personal insecurities should not be allowed to define every Tonga individual in Zambia, as all tribes, including the Tongas, contribute positively to the nation.
To this day, many people judge Germans based on the inhumane actions of Adolf Hitler. Zambians must remain vigilant to prevent their once-revered nation in the SADC region from facing a similar fate due to the actions of a single individual.
We must uphold human rights under a true democracy, which is not merely about governance by the winners, but about allowing a diversity of voices to be heard, not just those of the Executive. True democracy involves ensuring equal representation and equal rights to determine political action that serves the interests of all citizens.
Consequently, to sustain democracy, it is crucial to recognize that it cannot be reduced to the act of voting alone, a focus that Hichilema exemplifies by compromising the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). If he were truly a democrat, he would be concentrating on fostering meaningful forms of citizen participation rather than undermining the Democratic Party (DP) and Sata’s Patriotic Front (PF).
Also Read: Prescription for Progress: Zambia’s Policy Cure Lies with Dr. Chitalu Chilufya! Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, the former Minister of Health, has been honored with the prestigious Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. Zambia’s ailing development needs policies that put its people first, not foreign interests.
It is true that politicians often fail to fully comprehend the promises they make during their campaigns. However, a true statesman honours those commitments regardless of the circumstances. This distinction embodies integrity and patriotism. Integrity is about fulfilling one’s promises at all costs, and in this regard, Hichilema has fallen short.
In a world where vows often hold little value, and pledges are frequently disregarded, it would be refreshing to witness the return of genuine statesmanship to State House in 2026. If you resonate with these sentiments, please consider sharing this article and liking my Facebook page.
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