THE MAST COMMENT
‘It’s not regrettable HH got the opportunity to lead’
In his latest write-up, academic Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa raised the question: ‘Who will win Zambia’s 2026 election?’
Without directly answering his question, the historian had a telling conclusion: “Do I regret voting for Hichilema in 2021? No. As I have argued previously, the best thing about electing Hichilema President was that we are no longer distracted by his threat or potential to be better than those who came before him and we can now start looking for suitable, if better, alternatives. If Hichilema did not become President of Zambia, we would have lived with some degree of guilty for not giving him the chance to govern. We could have also succumbed to certain narratives that suggest that some regions of Zambia can provide better leaders than others. To some extent, it is not regrettable that the man got the opportunity to lead. Now we know that in order to develop Zambia does not need a given region or an individual from a particular ethnic group in State House. The country simply needs competent men and women who are patriots, have a feasible plan and are committed to restoring the nation’s dignity, where they come from notwithstanding. In a certain weird and perverted sense, it is good that Zambians gave Hichilema a chance to reveal who he truly is. The Chewa-speaking people of Zambia have a saying that ‘The best way of proving the potency of a man who claims that he is able to achieve an erection is for the woman to undress for him.’ In August 2021, Zambians undressed for Hichilema after a decade-and-half of claiming that he is capable of taking them to greater heights!”
It’s good that Hichilema was given the chance to preside over the affairs of this republic. A rare but privileged opportunity that any person can ever be bestowed. Many and very capable of our people have strived to get there but they have fallen short. But for Hichilema it is no longer a dream. Zambia, her destiny, is in his hands. How he utilises or executes this mandate is solely up to him.
As it were, his ascendency to power will, if not already, expose Hichilema for what he really is. As the adage goes, the higher the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail. Simply put “the further an unsuitable person is promoted, the more obvious his inadequacies become”. We are not writing off Hichilema already nor are we saying he’s unsuitable for the job. We are simply saying after 15 arduous years seeking the top job and pledging to deliver Zambia to the promised land, now that he is at the helm it must show.
And the unfortunate part of public office – the elective one – excuses are not tolerable. You cannot finger-point or blame your predecessors for failing to deliver on your campaign promises. The UPND knew that Zambia was indebted, they knew about the corruption or plunder that took place in successive administrations way before they formed government. Equally, Hichilema knew that he would be judged on what he does in five years. And 2026 is fast approaching. Has he done enough or will he have done sufficiently so to warrant his reelection? Has he demonstrated to be presidential and visionary compared to his predecessors? Has he justified the people’s choice and trust entrusted? Indeed, the 2.8 million who voted for him cannot regret doing so. Theirs was a valid choice. Has Hichilema validated that choice – vote? Is he regretting seeking the presidency? When his presidency is over, will it have blemished – ruined – others’ chances to ascend to that office?