SOUTHERN PROVINCE SHOULD JOIN THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE IN REMOVING HH FROM POWER BECAUSE HE IS A BAD LEADER, NOT A BAD TONGA
By Prof Proud Moonga, PhD | Lecturer, University of Michigan, United States of America | Good Governance Activist
Hakainde Hichilema has for a long time tried to convince the nation that he is hated because he comes from Southern Province or because he is Tonga. That is not only misleading but an insult to the intelligence of Zambians. The truth is that many Zambians, including myself, a proud Tonga from Southern Province, want Hakainde Hichilema removed from power not because of his tribe or where he comes from, but because he has failed to govern this country.
HH is not a bad Tonga; he is a bad leader. There is a big difference. No tribe should be blamed for the failures of one individual. The Tonga people are hardworking, peaceful, and patriotic citizens who have contributed immensely to the development of Zambia. What Zambians are rejecting is not the Tonga people, but the poor leadership, arrogance, division, and broken promises of Hakainde Hichilema.
A President is expected to unite the nation, not divide it. He is expected to show compassion, humility, and fairness to all citizens regardless of their political affiliation, tribe, or region. Unfortunately, HH has failed that test. His leadership has become synonymous with tribalism, political intolerance, victimisation of opponents, and a growing disconnect from the suffering of ordinary citizens.
Today, millions of Zambians are struggling under the weight of economic hardships. The cost of living has continued to rise, businesses are closing, jobs remain scarce, and many families can barely afford basic necessities. Yet instead of taking responsibility, HH and his supporters continue looking for excuses and blaming others for the government’s failures.
Southern Province must not allow itself to be used as a shield for a failing administration. Supporting a leader simply because he comes from your region is not patriotism; it is blind loyalty. True patriotism means putting Zambia first and holding leaders accountable when they fail.
The people of Southern Province should stand with the rest of the Zambian people in demanding better leadership, better governance, and a better future for our country. This is not a fight against a tribe. It is a fight against poor leadership. It is not a rejection of Tonga people. It is a rejection of a President who has failed to unite and inspire the nation.
HH must stop hiding behind his tribe and start answering for his record in office. Zambians are not judging him by his surname, his tribe, or his province. They are judging him by his performance, and on that score, many believe he has failed.
The time has come for Zambians, including the people of Southern Province, to put Zambia first.
Your reasoning on this matter does not reflect your ‘Professor’ title – or is it just your nickname?