Jere calls out hypocrisy among Zambians, says Maureen was deserted
LAWYER Dickson Jere says Zambians are pretenders who love to eulogize people in their death unlike appreciating them while they are still alive.
Jere advised Zambian’s to be at the service of colleagues who are on a rocky road unlike praising them when they are departed yet they are neglected in difficult times.
The journalist-cum-lawyer was speaking during the valedictory service of the late former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa who died on August 13, and was buried at Leopards Hill memorial park yesterday.
Jere eulogized the late Maureen as an overachiever who was big-hearted.
The lawyer however expressed disappointment that the former first lady was deserted by her colleagues in her trying time.
He thanked the President for stepping in to offer her support.
“During the period when she had a number of issues many had abandoned her, we thank the President of Zambia Mr Hakainde Hichilema that he was there for her. He provided her with the comfort that she needed during difficult times,” Jere said.
He said prior to her passing the former First Lady always made a comment about her death and wished her funeral should be held at the retirement house posthumously built for her late husband levy Patrick Mwanawasa in Silverest, Chongwe, by government.
“In her last few months she talked about death continuously and one of the things she really really talked about was her funeral. She always wanted her funeral to be held in Silverest. But that didn’t happen she is no more,” he said.
Jere admonished Zambians for being two-faced and only wanting to show love and care for the departed.
“Zambia is a country of hypocrites, we are speaking lovingly about this woman (Maureen) where were we when she was going through all this?,” he wondered.
“As soon as she died I remembered the famous speech of a South African politician Julius Malema, during the death of the late Winnie Mandela who said mama! they are here!. And I say, mama! they are here!”.
Jere emphasized the need to stand by colleagues when they are going through trouble.
“We shouldn’t write nice, lovely speeches and raising money for the funeral, we should be there for colleagues when they are going through difficulties. If all of us really were there for her she wouldn’t….”
He called to mind how Maureen pleaded with him not to turn his back on her like many did when she was going through a difficult time.
“I will personally be there because I promised her I would be there. I remember some three weeks ago I had received a writ of summons and I didn’t have instructions to receive the writ of summons. When I communicated with her(Maureen) she said counsel, I hope you are not abandoning me coz everyone is abandoning me zapaka milandu. But again such is life. Attorney general (Kabesha) thank you for opening your door,” said Jere.
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba August 20, 2024.