THE PRESIDENT CANNOT NOMINATE OR APPOINT ALL OF US — UPND MEMBERS BE PATIENT AND DO NOT LOSE HOPE.
By Dr.Larry Mweetwa
I know there are many long-serving UPND members and supporters who stood with the party when it was neither fashionable nor easy to do so. Many sacrificed without any guarantee that one day UPND would form Government.
So when opportunities come and someone who joined the journey much later appears to get the first seat at the table, naturally myoyo inga yapya, inga yacisa. The heart can hurt. We are human, and disappointment is understandable.
But this is precisely when we must guard ourselves against external voices that add salt to the wound.
Since Friday, I have deliberately ignored messages coming into my inbox saying: “Larry, you and George Mutonga worked so hard. You campaigned and remained loyal to the party, but it seems you are not being appreciated.”
I respectfully disagree with that interpretation.
No bantu, eci cisobano ncicesu. We must see the bigger picture. We should not become jealous or bitter when our own colleagues are given an opportunity. Their elevation does not automatically mean our rejection.
When one of our own succeeds, there is room to celebrate their achievement without diminishing our own contribution.
There is an old African wisdom: “When your neighbour’s house is blessed, do not close your door—the same road passes your house.”
Kumunzi na kwasika mwenzu, we can even leave our own bed and give it to a visitor as a sign of welcome, hospitality and appreciation. That does not mean the house has stopped belonging to us.
Many of the people receiving opportunities today are people we have interacted with in different UPND circles and in the broader national journey. Their moment does not erase anybody else’s contribution.
President Hakainde Hichilema cannot appoint or nominate everybody at once. There are simply more deserving people than there are positions available.
Therefore, when your colleague receives an opportunity and you do not, do not immediately interpret another person’s elevation as your rejection.
Another person’s candle does not diminish the light of your own.
Sometimes your season is today. Sometimes it is tomorrow. And sometimes your greatest contribution may never come with a title, Government vehicle, office or appointment.
Public service is larger than public office.
For some of us, being able to contribute ideas, mobilise, communicate and advance causes we believe in is itself meaningful participation. Not every contribution requires an appointment letter before it acquires value.
And please be careful of voices that suddenly become concerned about your welfare immediately after appointments are announced:
“They have forgotten you.”
“They don’t appreciate you.”
“After everything you did, what have you received?”
Those words may sound sympathetic, but they can turn temporary disappointment into permanent bitterness and transform comrades into competitors.
Do not allow another person to manufacture resentment in your heart.
Be the bigger brother. Be the bigger sister.
If your colleague gets an opportunity, congratulate them. If another member is disappointed, encourage them. If someone feels forgotten, remind them that one announcement cannot define an entire political journey.
As the proverb teaches us:
“The sun does not shine on one house forever.”
Today it may be your colleague’s turn. Tomorrow may bring another opportunity.
Let those who have been entrusted with responsibility serve with humility. Let those who are still waiting continue contributing with dignity.
There is always another chapter.
Positions will come and go. Titles will come and go. Governments themselves come and go. But character, loyalty, relationships and the contribution we make to our country can outlive all of them.
Be patient. Do not lose hope. Celebrate your colleagues. Guard your heart against unnecessary negativity.
Sometimes the strongest member of a team is not the one holding the trophy—it is the one still clapping when another teammate receives it.
One person’s opportunity does not have to become another person’s bitterness.
