CELEBRATING TENTANI MWANZAH, AFRICA’S UNSUNG HERO
Though unknown by many today, Tentani David Mwanzah contributed to Zambia’s fight for democracy. It began in 1976 when he and comrades led pro-democracy demonstrations as students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) which led to its closure.
He was among the students that were expelled and sent to prison where they spent months because they opposed President Kenneth Kaunda. Mwanzah and his colleagues were branded as puppets of the Soviet Union.
He was also involved in the Lusaka-based liberation movements of many African countries including Biafra, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and South Africa. He and colleagues held long thematic discussions with Jonas Savimbi and met with figures such as Oliver Tambo, Joshua Nkomo, Chris Hani and Thabo Mbeki.
As Africa soared into terrains of sovereignty and liberalisation,
After this loss, KK pursued various avenues to regain power. On the other hand, Mwanzah, together with other key MMD pioneers fell distant from what had become the MMD regime. This split led to the formation of the national democratic party barely a year after the inauguration of president Fredrick Chiluba.
Having exhibited exemplary leadership qualities Tentani Mwanzah was entrusted to serve as NDP president.
During this period, Mwanzah who had previously served as first vice-chairman of MMD in Lusaka province became close friends with KK. They toured Zambia together. KK was enchanted by Mwanzah’s prowess for community mobilisation, political strategy and knowledge on diverse affairs. For this KK called him a political encyclopedia.
Among his other roles and pursuits, Tentani Mwanzah served as president of the Zambia–Cuba friendship association and president of Zambia draughts federation. In his early years of entrepreneurial
Mwanzah was not only a politician but a writer, Educationist, historian, socialist and Pan Africanist. He was an ardent follower and admirer of Africa’s legend Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana.
Mwanzah was perhaps the most passionate and consistent modern Pan-Africanist Zambia has ever produced. He had a deep love for family and the Zambian people. His last and most recent political maneuver was the formation of the All-Progressive
Writers, thinkers, poets and philosophers who walked alongside the footprints of Tentani Mwanzah have called him a multitude of wisdom, an enduring spirit, a great measure of intelligence, a fiber of integrity, a formidable character, a veteran leader, an envoy of goodwill, a compassionate life, a loyal pan Africanist, a gallant teacher, a man of solid faith and an invigorating conversationali
Indeed, a man ahead of his own time.
In pictures:
Mwanzah holding a meeting with former United States president Jimmy Carter.
Mr and Mrs Mwanzah with Children Zindaba and Kwame at KK residence.
Mwanzah with his comrade former president Rupiah Banda
