Appreciation Post- General Godfrey Miyanda (Rtd)
By Jackson Silavwe
In politics I have had only one mentor and his name is General Godfrey Miyanda. General Miyanda may not have been President of our Country but he remains a giant in my political formation and journey.
In early 2011, I decided to look for a political party to join as a full time member. After careful consideration of individual opposition leaders and political parties on the scene, I settled for General Miyanda and the Heritage Party.
Thus I wrote a letter addressed to the Party President expressing my unwavering interest to join the party. A few days later I received a phone call from then press aide to Gen. Miyanda, Mr. Lango Sinkamba S inviting me for a meeting at his office in Ridgeway area where I met the General in person for the first time.
The General and I drew quite close in the aftermath of our first meeting that we requested him to be our guest of honour at our wedding which he accepted.
Prior to the elections the General visited my office at Findeco House 11th Floor then several times, were we discussed party and national matters as well as meet other like minded persons.
I particularly enjoyed our meetings when he would take a path down memory lane to explain events prior to the 1991 General Elections and subsequently a number of events in our Nations history when he served as Republican Vice President.
He told these events with clear detail and precision being a military man. He would also infuse them with humor but always making sure that young Jackson would understand the point.
General Miyanda is a President Zambia never had. General, I appreciate you Sir. The Lord Bless you with long life. Thank you everything you did for my wife and I. I appreciate you.