CHOMBA MUSIKA
Lusaka
MMD ‘New Hope’ president Nevers Mumba says there is need for Zambians to prioritise reconciliation, unity and a sense of purpose that resonates with Christian principles and traditional values.
Dr Mumba is concerned about the manner in which some citizens have been treating each other, which he said needs to change.
The cleric-cum-politician, who recently forgave academician Zumani Zimba, who had defamed him, is saddened that some citizens have been using hateful words against each other in their political and social discourse.
“We are all aware, and must not pretend, about the toxic divisions that have plagued our social, political, and even personal interactions,” Dr Mumba, who recently launched a book, said in an online statement.
“Over the weekend, I was in the Copperbelt as we launched my book, ‘In Pursuit of Freedom’. First of all, I am humbled by all the outpouring of love and support from Zambians across the Copperbelt and even beyond.
“I know that it is not just about me, or my book. But Zambians are at a crossroads, and we can all feel that we cannot continue being this hateful and bitter towards each other for whatever reasons,” Dr Mumba said.
He said Zambians from across the nation know that “there’s something wrong about how we’ve been treating each other”.
Dr Mumba said his recent encounter with Dr Zimba, who apologised to him for his defamatory utterances, gave him hope for a better future which embraces reconciliation.
“We had our differences in the past, but he paid me a visit, along with a contingent of elders, last week, to reconcile with me publicly and put the past behind us. It was a powerful moment, and I’m grateful for his courage and humility,” he said.
“But I believe that starting now, we can all choose to chart a different path, one that values our shared humanity and seeks to heal the wounds of our past, rather than one that seeks to divide us further on partisan and tribal lines.”…. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
