Africa-Press – Zambia. A wave of public concern has emerged after sections of the public and some political figures mocked the family of former President Edgar Lungu during their time of mourning. The development has sparked outrage, with many describing the behavior as “inhumane, un-Zambian, and a betrayal of cultural values.”
Child Protection and Education Advocate, Anastasia Mologadi Banda, has strongly condemned the actions, stressing that mourning is a sacred period that transcends politics, differences, and personal beliefs.
“Mocking the grieving does not reflect who we are as Zambians, it strips us of our values, dignity, and humanity,” Banda said in a statement.
The outrage follows apologies issued by political activist Larry Mweetwa and a few other United Party for National Development (UPND) members who admitted mocking the Lungu family. Their apologies, however, have done little to ease growing concern that political divisions in Zambia are eroding cultural respect for the dead.
Banda lamented that Zambia is among the few countries where such conduct has been witnessed openly. She said the laughter and ridicule directed at the grieving family brought “shame upon the nation,” undermining Zambia’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful and Christian country.
“Our culture does not allow us to mock those who are mourning. It is inhumane to ridicule mourners, even where differences exist,” she emphasized.
The Advocate further expressed dismay that young politicians and cadres were among those mocking the Lungu family, warning that such behavior signals immaturity and unreadiness for leadership. She urged the next generation of leaders to learn humility, wisdom, and respect before aspiring for power.
Her concerns echo broader fears that Zambia’s political culture is increasingly being tainted by hatred and ridicule, with money and power overshadowing moral values. Banda cautioned youths not to allow themselves to be used as “tools of hate speech,” but instead to lead efforts in reshaping politics into a platform of unity and compassion.
She also called on elders, church leaders, and traditional authorities to speak out and restore dignity to the mourning process, saying their silence has left a worrying gap in moral guidance.
“Zambia must return to compassion, unity, and cultural values that uphold our humanity,” she said.
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