Despite rejecting his policies, the UPND now clings to Dr. Chitalu Chilufya’s healthcare reforms – proof that Zambia prefers to learn the hard way.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Mar. 10 – Zambia’s political landscape has long been reactive rather than proactive, conditioned to respond to crises instead of preventing them. This retrogressive approach has left the country lagging in critical areas such as healthcare, economic policy, and governance.
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.
Rather than debating the merits of individuals like Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, it is imperative to examine the policies and initiatives they advocate. His vision for universal health coverage, for instance, was once dismissed in Parliament by the UPND but has now become the backbone of the very healthcare system they struggle to sustain. This paradox highlights the need for leaders who prioritize long-term national development over short-term political gains.
The current administration’s economic policies have largely failed because they cater more to foreign interests than to the welfare of Zambians. President Hichilema’s approach has left ordinary citizens grappling with economic hardships while multinational corporations reap the benefits.
Yet, despite clear evidence of misplaced priorities, many Zambians continue to hope that the same leadership will miraculously deliver socioeconomic progress. This misplaced optimism underscores the urgent need for leaders who put national interests first – leaders like Dr. Chilufya, whose policies have already demonstrated tangible benefits for the people.
Zambia does not merely need a change of government; it requires a shift in governance philosophy. The country must move beyond patronage – driven politics and embrace a homegrown system that prioritizes development. Dr. Chilufya represents a leadership style that values progress over political loyalty.
His healthcare policies, for example, were designed to create a sustainable system that benefits all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation. This kind of governance – rooted in pragmatism and patriotism – is what Zambia desperately needs to escape the cycle of political expediency.
Moreover, the decline of integrity in political leadership has eroded public trust. Today, political vows are made and broken with impunity, leaving citizens disillusioned. Zambia needs leaders whose words carry weight – leaders who understand that governance is about service, not self-preservation.
Dr. Chilufya’s approach to healthcare reform exemplifies this kind of leadership, demonstrating that policies grounded in national interest can withstand political transitions. His return to a prominent leadership role could help restore faith in governance by proving that well-crafted policies, not empty promises, drive national progress.
Also Read: From Economic Crisis to Constitutional Circus: Hichilema’s Misplaced Priorities! Instead of fixing Zambia’s collapsing economy, President Hichilema is busy plotting constitutional gymnastics to safeguard his political future.
Ultimately, Zambia’s path forward lies in reclaiming statesmanship over political theater. The nation must rally behind leaders who prioritize practical solutions over rhetoric. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has already shown that he possesses the vision and capacity to drive meaningful change.
If Zambia truly seeks progress, it must embrace leaders who prioritize action over political maneuvering – leaders who are not afraid to challenge the status quo for the sake of national development.
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.
Our Mission: Woodpecker’s Digest delivers in-depth analyses and commentaries on critical issues of national interest, alongside insightful content on personal development and health. We uphold journalism as a driving force for socio-economic transformation.
©2025 Woodpecker’s Digest.
Journalism for social change.
