In a political era where grandstanding often eclipses substance, President Hakainde Hichilema has quietly carved out a legacy not just of reform and economic recovery, but of deep, consistent compassion. One need not look far to find the latest evidence: the medical release of former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM), along with 11 other inmates suffering from terminal illnesses.
The President has not spoken about this in a press conference. There was no parade of praise, no choreographed show of benevolence. And yet, the action itself speaks volumes. For those who have followed his leadership closely, this is not out of character—it is the pattern of a man who governs not for applause, but for people.
Section 77(1) of the Zambia Correctional Service Act empowers the Commissioner-General, with the Minister’s approval, to release terminally ill inmates upon the advice of medical professionals. But laws, after all, are only as compassionate as the leaders who interpret them. In authorizing these releases, including that of a prominent opposition figure, President Hichilema demonstrated that his moral compass is not swayed by political lines.
Indeed, many would have expected the government to remain distant from such a decision, especially given GBM’s vocal opposition in the past. But the President chose humanity over hostility. This is the mark of true statesmanship—when compassion overrides political calculus.
Critics may argue that such actions should be made more visible. But perhaps it is this very humility—this refusal to trumpet his own mercy—that gives it authenticity. President Hichilema’s compassion is not performative. It is practical. Whether it is ensuring timely FISP delivery to vulnerable farmers or greenlighting medical discharges for terminally ill inmates, the President chooses to act rather than announce.
This same quiet resolve is also seen in his economic recovery strategy. While others demand overnight miracles, President Hichilema has steadily set the stage for long-term transformation: a growing network of roads under construction, the empowerment of communities through increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, the launch of solar energy projects to ease the energy burden, the localization of farming input production, and a steady upsurge in tourism activity.
These initiatives are not slogans—they are seeds. And like any crop, they require time. It’s a wait-and-see moment for HH, but one that promises a harvest for the patient. The groundwork has been laid; the results will soon speak for themselves.
What many overlook is the broader message this sends to the nation: that Zambia is not a country that holds the sick and dying behind bars when there is no chance of recovery. That justice in Zambia is not vengeance, but fairness tempered with empathy. That leadership does not always shout—it sometimes whispers through deeds.
In a time when the world is hungry for leaders who lead with both strength and heart, Zambia can take pride in the quiet example being set at the top.
By Adrian Gunduzani, the silent observer
Imagine a thief coming to your house to tell you that you will not be burgled on compassionate grounds but then publishes the story to let everyone know the act of kindness. Zambians are taken for a ride indeed.
A thief pardoning another thief? That’s the Zambia we living in today. HH himself is a crooked individual himself trying selflessly to steal our national assets like Mopani copper Mines and then trying pardon GBM on ignoring tender procedures? Where are we headed as a nation?
All of a sudden, GBM’s wheelchair disappears! Politicians are indeed d1apers and need to be changed often for the same reason! Same movie started by JJ Banda, and Kambwili will soon jump on the bandwagon – watch this space. Worst still, GBM’s lawyer is now agitating for his evacuation for further treatment. So, in the eyes of politicians, our hospitals are completely useless…, yikes.
Kikikikikikiki! Some convict in South Africa was pardoned by crime partner President Jacob Zuma on medical grounds. He had some days to live, said his medical report. It is over sixteen years later and he is still alive
Unspoken acts of Mercy ????
When it’d headlines everywhere even Radio stations
So much so that one with a vivid imagination could say electionering
Those who hurt HH will surely commit suicide, let 2026 come. Let us put praises were it’s due. Stop viewing things on political perspectives . That’s why you find it difficult to See a lot of development happening. Mind you HH is not Jesus that he can make everything rain at once one step at a time. After all he’s busy recovering the debts the previous resiem left. An if he is God appointed president you’ll be shocked how The same GOD will use you to bring him back into power and continue to serve for the circle of our future generations.
Recovering the debts by the past regime SURE >> whilst at the same time increasing this GRZ debt status
There was no compassion here, it is just pressure from the public
And fear of any eventuality
And this Marren guy says ati that is why you don’t see development happening. Where is development happening when all economic stats are in negative. Why argue with bloggers instead of arguing with Zamstats, a credible government organisation which gives the stats. Exchange rate is a record high, inflation is a record high, price of comodities is a record high(if in doubt check with JCTR). CDF has failed to bring poverty down, so what development. We won’t improve if we don’t acknowledge that we are at a standstill as a country. We love our leaders but we should be truthful to them.
Guess you are forgetting that you defaulted paying the Eurobond.You expect the economy to recovery when you still have kaloba to sustain and pay back.Those who borrowed are the ones making too much noise.Ikona man ,let’s be reasonable and fair
When you said exchange rate would improve by 14hrs on the day of being sworn, you mean you did not know that we had already defaulted on the Eurobonds. Even when you were promising heaven on earth, we had already defaulted. So this systematic transformation from promises to excuses is not admissible.
Full of excuses – Ukraine war, PF, drought, now talking of Eurobond default. Can you start working for once.
If you are convicted of corruption, fall sick, terminally sick, you will be released by a compassionate president.
Gunduzani is a joke! Silent compassion? A guy who wanted to take court to the house of a sick woman.
GBM had applied for bail bending appeal and HH blocked all that like he has done with others and you call this compassionate?
Do you really think that HH knows in advance what application a prosecutor is going to make in court? And there are scores of prosecutors presenting cases in courts in many parts of Zambia every weekday. What kind of misinformation is this?
Ba Kundusani now you want us to know about these hidden compassions because it is election year! We are not children. We know that whenever a criminal is facing justice he will bring to peoples attention the numerous times, fictional or unfictional, he stopped crime from happening.
Stop referring to illegal acts as acts of mercy. the medical release of former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM), is illegal. Mwamba has appealed his conviction and was awaiting a judge’s ruling so the President cant interfere with the process by acquitting him. That is Basic law which Mr Hakainde should know.
Indeed the pardon of GBM by HH is commendable though should have come earlier. We the citizens should commend HE HH, when he does well. Here, again I say well done Mr. President and thank you for showing us your humane side.
The author should have stopped at that.
Very funny, ati when HH does well. What is well here Mr Elarm.
Let him sort out the economy. The discharge of GBM is a non issue. Whether GBM is inside or outside, how does it help us as citizens.