A memorial service to celebrate the life of HE Levy Mwanawasa was held in central Lusaka this last Sunday, and there was one very conspicuous individual who failed to attend.
The absence was not conspicuous just because this was a national event and the absentee is standing as a candidate in the upcoming by-election that will serve to select the successor of the recently passed President.
The non-appearance of Mr. Sata was so blatant because it was clearly a personal snub of the man who only recently saved Mr. Sata’s life!
While Mr. Sata was lying in hospital in Lusaka after suffering a massive heart attack in April of this year, who was it that arranged for the acerbic politician to be airlifted to South Africa to receive cardiac care?
The recently deceased President, that’s who!
Is this how the man that wants to be the next President of Zambia pays his respect? The memorial was not a political event, it was a country bidding farewell to a beloved President.
The memorial was supposed to be a time when political leaders put their partisanship aside and be just leaders; leading the people in mourning.
If Sata were to become President of Zambia, would he not show up at a SADC meeting or an AU summit because there were going to be people there that didn’t like him?
Would he avoid addressing the UN in New York, because the Chinese are on the Security Council?
Leadership is not a popularity contest; one must be able to lead those that are supporters and non-supporters alike.
Think carefully Zambia, before you vote!
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