Political Leadership and National Mourning, Understanding President Hakainde Hichilema’s Role
By : Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo 12/06/2025
There’s an English proverb that says, “Give someone enough rope, and they will hang themselves.” In politics, this often means that the way leaders act whether wisely or carelessly, can have lasting consequences for their legacy.
Some observers believe that President Hakainde Hichilema is experiencing this principle in how he has managed the mourning period following the death of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
As the nation mourns this great loss, one of the prominent figures assisting the Lungu family is Senior Counsel Makebi Zulu, who is also the family spokes Person. It appears he is playing a key role in guiding the family through this emotional time. Makebi Zulu, who studied Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as part of his LLB degree, should know that such a delicate matter requires maturity, caution, and wisdom.
Any public claims, such as the idea that President Lungu did not want President Hichilema near his funeral—should be backed by clear evidence. If such a statement was truly made, it should have been handled privately, not used in a way that paints the late President Lungu in a negative light for political gain.
Ironically, this same group once condemned Thabo Kawana for publicly revealing that ECL was undergoing chemotherapy in South Africa. At the time, they insisted the former president was only there for regular checkups. It is moments like these that call for wise counsel.
Makebi Zulu appears to be acting emotionally, but this situation requires calm and careful speech, knowing what to say and what to keep private.
His role is not just legal, it is deeply connected to the Lungu family’s relationship with the state and with the public. He must remember that there is life after the funeral. How he handles this moment reflects not only on the family but also on Zambia’s image in the eyes of the world.
While his legal support is important, wisdom must guide his words and actions, and the advice he receives from others must also be thoughtful and responsible.
The way this mourning period is handled will shape how both the Lungu family and the nation’s leadership are remembered.
It is important for the Lungu family—and indeed for all Zambians, to recognize that President Hakainde Hichilema, as the current Head of State, is also the chief mourner of the nation.
This role goes beyond personal relationships or past political disagreements. Regardless of their past differences, President Hichilema has a national duty to lead the country in mourning with unity, respect, and dignity.
History has shown that the death of a former president can be a powerful moment of national unity. Countries around the world have used such moments to set aside political divides and come together to honor a shared legacy.
Zambia has experienced this before. These moments remind us that true leadership rises above personal feelings and aims to preserve peace, dignity, and national unity. That is why Makebi Zulu and the Lungu family must approach this situation with care and responsibility.
This is a time for wise decisions. Blame should not be directed at the state. Issues like the withdrawal of benefits were voluntary decisions made by former President Lungu himself, as provided for under the law. It has nothing to do with President Hichilema or the UPND.
How President Hichilema guides the nation through this period of mourning will influence how history remembers him. Similarly, how the Lungu family conducts itself will reflect their respect for the presidency, for President Hichilema, and, most importantly, for Zambia.
As the country reflects on this moment of transition, the need for national unity cannot be overstated.
History teaches us that in times of grief, a nation grows stronger when its people come together in purpose and peace.
We now await the official address from His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema.