11 Nov 1956 – 5 Jun 2025
The passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu marks a solemn moment in Zambia’s national journey. It’s a time of mourning — but also of reflection. As a nation, we pause not only to remember a man who once led us, but to think deeply about what leadership means, what it demands, and what it leaves behind.
In the course of my life, I have seen eight Zambian presidents take on the mantle of leadership. Each one stepped forward at a particular moment in our history, facing unique challenges, and making choices that shaped the path we walk today. They carried the weight of the nation — a responsibility that few can fully understand — and in doing so, lit candles of hope and direction in uncertain times.
President Lungu’s time in office, like those before him, was marked by both achievements and controversy. And this is where our responsibility as citizens comes in. As we look back, we must reflect in a balanced and respectful way — celebrating the highs, learning from the lows. Honest reflection is not about blame or blind loyalty. It is about gathering wisdom, strengthening our democratic culture, and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Every leader who embraces this spirit of reflection — who understands that leadership is a chapter in a longer national story — contributes to something far greater than themselves. They help build a foundation for those who come after. And that, in the end, is a noble legacy.
President Lungu’s chapter has now come to a close. The candle he lit joins those of his predecessors. It is up to us — the people — to carry the flame forward with thoughtfulness, unity, and purpose.
What is your part in this legacy?
Each of us plays a role in shaping the Zambia we want to see. Whether through the values we teach, the voices we raise, or the integrity we uphold, we are all part of the story. Keep an eye on your part by asking: What am I doing to add light, not just heat? What am I building that will outlast me? These are the questions that keep the flame alive. The tree you plant and nurture today will be part of the forest we want to preserve.
