President Hichilema’s Tribute: A Call for Unity, Dialogue, and Honour to the Late Edith Nawakwi
During the funeral service of the late FDD President Edith Nawakwi, President Hakainde Hichilema delivered a heartfelt and unifying speech, paying tribute to the former minister, Member of Parliament, and long-standing opposition leader. His message emphasized national unity, the importance of political dialogue, and honouring the contributions of those who served Zambia with conviction, regardless of political differences.
President Hichilema began by offering his sincere condolences on behalf of the government, the Constitution, and the people of Zambia and the family of the late Nawakwi, describing her death as a loss not only to her family but to the entire nation. “We want to share with you the sorrow. We want to share with you the grief that you are going through,” he said, noting that this moment was one of reflection for the entire country.
Reflecting on Nawakwi’s legacy, the President honoured her for her significant service to the nation—as an elected Member of Parliament, a minister in various portfolios, and a vibrant voice in opposition politics. “Let me take the duty to thank our sister for her contributions to our country… for the role she played in moving our country forward, leading the way for us who are in leadership today,” he said.
In a particularly profound moment, President Hichilema acknowledged the presence of various political leaders, including those from the opposition, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity. “Indeed, my colleagues in the opposition, all of you, we acknowledge your presence here today. I think this is the way to fix it,” he said, drawing applause from many who welcomed this spirit of togetherness.
Responding directly to FDD Vice President Chifumu Banda’s earlier call for increased national dialogue, the President wholeheartedly agreed. “Dialogue is the utmost way of expression of maturity,” he stated. He reminded the nation that differences in opinion and party affiliation do not equate to enmity. “Political party competition does not mean anything. It means competition… Dialogue is the way we should solve problems—at all times.”
President Hichilema also used the moment to reflect on the maturity of a society, stating, “Society is not measured by the number of problems that arise. Society is measured by the maturity in how we deal with the issues… not slagging each other down every day, but creating a window of maturity to do the right things.”
The President’s message was not only about politics but also about healing, respect, and shared humanity. He acknowledged the living family of the late Nawakwi, the traditional leaders, church representatives, members of government, and the media for their roles in supporting national values.
He concluded by calling on all Zambians to honour Nawakwi’s memory through unity, compassion, and dialogue. “Let us use this opportunity to honour our sister by reaching out to each other,” he said. In doing so, President Hichilema turned a moment of national mourning into a powerful call for peace, tolerance, and togetherness an enduring tribute to the woman who, in life and death, brought Zambia’s political family closer.
Politicians…at every funeral they call for Unity and as soon as the funeral is done its back to hatred…tribalism..slandering each even trying to kill each other
At the end of the day….when its all said and done…we’re all humans…i have always said lets put our Political differences aside and develop Zambia as ZAMBIANS…and opposition leaders should stop being rubble rousers…..let them campaign like mature people..LET LOVE LEAD….STOP CORRUPTION…STOP CUTTING TREES…PLANT MORE TREES AND STOP TRIBALISM AND NEPOTISM
Don’t just call for unity….learn to practice what you preach….vengeance…revenge and hatred for fellow human beings should come to an end….just a 100 years from today….whoever is alive today April 11th 2025 will be dead….FACT
Vyakulola vye.
Let me just say it’s time this GRZ started to Honour the people of Zambia and just you politicians
who are actually our servants
Zambian politicians are a big letdown. So much focus on self interests than meaningful national interests.
Educate ya’self about Machiavellianism (psychology)… a personality trait characterized by manipulativeness, indifference to morality, lack of empathy, and a calculated focus on self-interest,a high level of deceitfulness, exploitativeness and a cold, unemotional temperament.
Wikipedia page will help you understand Zambian politicians.
Who are the “Siwan” people? Someone from the Namwanga please help.
@Tikki
The only time Politicians work together is when they’re looting and wasting tax payers money……when you Politicians start speaking the same language just know that they’re working together behind closed doors stealing from the Zambian People….i will give you example of Nevers Mumba….he is being paid Vice President salary….just like Kavindele
Zambian politicians are like bananas..they hang together,they change colour as time goes by,none of them is straight and they quickly get rotten .
The only dialogue we should be having is amongst Zambians on which bunch to throw out before their use-by date expires.
Kikikikikiki what a fitting analogy!
Our ruling and opposition parties in Zambia same same. Draw game. That is why the opposition in their usual pride of featuring their own fagmented candidates were wired by UPND in the bye elections two days ago in Kawambwa and in Nyimba.
But you should have allowed her to go for her scheduled medicals in India. It’s not like she was involved in murder of attempted coup d’etat. Or you could have contacted her hospital in India on what could be for her here at home. But because you wanted to permanently silence her you made sure she rotted to death and that’s when you started your feeble gestures pretending to assist her.
But her data about our mines is not interred with her body. It lives on.
Why is it that each time HH is reminded of his unfulfilled promises. He deflects that and calls it insults. Maybe we should add a clause in his new controversiall constitution defining what an insult is. HH, I love you so much but your lamentable failure in economic management and governance cannot be hidden or covered up any more.
Has HH ever managed anything? How did you vote him into power when he has no management track record? Since when did a moneymaker become a good political leader?
They never do because they have two eyes. One on the public purse and one on their pocket. Which one rules? We are being taught a lesson, live from Community house and the white house.