ZAMBIA’S DISTURBING OBSESSION WITH THE DEATH OF POLITICAL LEADERS: WHERE DID WE GO WRONG?
Why have some Zambians become so obsessed with the death of political leaders, as though their departure from this world would suddenly solve the country’s problems?
Social media is increasingly becoming a platform for rumours about the health and supposed deaths of leaders, particularly those working to develop our country. Where is this disturbing mentality coming from, and when did wishing death upon others become a substitute for political debate?
A nation cannot develop when people spend valuable productive hours manufacturing death rumours, spreading hatred and celebrating the imagined misfortunes of others.
Political differences are a natural part of democracy, but wishing death upon a leader reveals a serious deterioration in our moral values. Leadership must be subjected to scrutiny, criticism and accountability, but political rivalry should never extinguish our basic humanity.
The Gemara records that Rabbi Meir once prayed for the death of people who were troubling him. His wife, Berurya, corrected him by explaining that Tehillim (Psalms) 104:35 calls for the end of sins, not the death of sinners.
Rabbi Meir instead prayed for their repentance. What a powerful lesson for our country! Zambia will be built through hard work, productive thinking and respect for human life, not through an obsession with death.
Saviour Chishimba
Member
UPND Alliance Council of Presidents
President – United Progressive People (UPP)