YESTERDAY, Zambia bade farewell to a gallant son of the soil, Matiya Ngalande.
The funeral of this veteran politician and freedom fighter offered more than just the opportunity for solemn goodbyes. The ceremony acted as a reminder of the values that built our nation: hard work, humility, loyalty and, above all, patriotism.
As President Hichilema said Mr Ngalande’s record of service is admirable and should be emulated by all citizens. Arrested twice during the struggle for independence, he gave his life to Zambia’s freedom and development. He believed leadership was about service, not personal gain, and he supported many people to get an education. His humility and loyalty to the nation showed that patriotism is not about words but about action.
Mr Ngalande’s service spanned more than five decades, across different political eras, yet his commitment to the nation never faltered. He believed leadership was about service, not self-enrichment.
He invested in education, supported families beyond his own, and stood firm against tribalism.
These are lessons the youth and some politicians of today must take seriously. Today, quick wealth and selfish ambition often overshadow national duty. Patriotism is slowly being replaced by individualism, tribalism and the pursuit of quick gains. Mr Ngalande’s example is one that all who mean well for this country should embrace. Unity, rather than division, should be preached both in word and in deed.
Tribalism and corruption must be rejected. Patriotism entails seeing beyond personal gain to the collective good.
As Mulondwe Muzungu rightly observed at the funeral, those advancing tribalism are destroying the very values that freedom fighters like Mr Ngalande fought for and cherished. They are undermining the legacy of founding father Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who dedicated his life to uniting this country.
The youth must resist divisive narratives. They must put Zambia first, realising that the country’s strength lies in its diversity, and patriotism demands that we protect unity at all costs.
Ngalande’s widow, Priscilla, described him as selfless, kind, and full of faith. His son remembered him as a nationalist who valued family identity and unity.
These testimonies show that patriotism is not only political – it is moral and spiritual. It is about integrity, humility and service.
Patriotism must be lived daily: in how we treat others, in how we respect our communities, and in how we contribute to national development. It is about building a Zambia where every child has access to education, every family has dignity, and every citizen has hope.
President Hichilema’s challenge is clear. Patriotism must be embraced as a guiding principle. We cannot afford to be passive. Zambia faces challenges – economic struggles, unemployment, social vices – but these are not insurmountable if we rise with patriotic resolve.
Patriotism means working hard, not waiting for handouts. It means using education to innovate and create opportunities. It means protecting democracy by participating responsibly in elections. It means rejecting corruption and demanding accountability from leaders.
Mr Ngalande’s legacy is proof that patriotism builds nations. He fought for independence, supported multi-party democracy, and served in Government with humility. His life reminds us that patriotism is not outdated and that it is timeless.
We must ask ourselves: what legacy will we leave?
Will we be remembered as a generation that allowed tribalism and corruption to destroy Zambia, or as one that embraced patriotism and built a stronger, united nation?
Legacy of unity, service
YESTERDAY, Zambia bade farewell to a gallant son of the soil, Matiya Ngalande.
The funeral of this veteran politician and freedom fighter offered more than just the opportunity for solemn goodbyes. The ceremony acted as a reminder of the values that built our nation: hard work, humility, loyalty and, above all, patriotism.
As President Hichilema said Mr Ngalande’s record of service is admirable and should be emulated by all citizens. Arrested twice during the struggle for independence, he gave his life to Zambia’s freedom and development. He believed leadership was about service, not personal gain, and he supported many people to get an education. His humility and loyalty to the nation showed that patriotism is not about words but about action.
Mr Ngalande’s service spanned more than five decades, across different political eras, yet his commitment to the nation never faltered. He believed leadership was about service, not self-enrichment.
He invested in education, supported families beyond his own, and stood firm against tribalism.
These are lessons the youth and some politicians of today must take seriously. Today, quick wealth and selfish ambition often overshadow national duty. Patriotism is slowly being replaced by individualism, tribalism and the pursuit of quick gains. Mr Ngalande’s example is one that all who mean well for this country should embrace. Unity, rather than division, should be preached both in word and in deed.
Tribalism and corruption must be rejected. Patriotism entails seeing beyond personal gain to the collective good.
As Mulondwe Muzungu rightly observed at the funeral, those advancing tribalism are destroying the very values that freedom fighters like Mr Ngalande fought for and cherished. They are undermining the legacy of founding father Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who dedicated his life to uniting this country.
The youth must resist divisive narratives. They must put Zambia first, realising that the country’s strength lies in its diversity, and patriotism demands that we protect unity at all costs.
Ngalande’s widow, Priscilla, described him as selfless, kind, and full of faith. His son remembered him as a nationalist who valued family identity and unity.
These testimonies show that patriotism is not only political – it is moral and spiritual. It is about integrity, humility and service.
Patriotism must be lived daily: in how we treat others, in how we respect our communities, and in how we contribute to national development. It is about building a Zambia where every child has access to education, every family has dignity, and every citizen has hope.
President Hichilema’s challenge is clear. Patriotism must be embraced as a guiding principle. We cannot afford to be passive. Zambia faces challenges – economic struggles, unemployment, social vices – but these are not insurmountable if we rise with patriotic resolve.
Patriotism means working hard, not waiting for handouts. It means using education to innovate and create opportunities. It means protecting democracy by participating responsibly in elections. It means rejecting corruption and demanding accountability from leaders.
Mr Ngalande’s legacy is proof that patriotism builds nations. He fought for independence, supported multi-party democracy, and served in Government with humility. His life reminds us that patriotism is not outdated and that it is timeless.
We must ask ourselves: what legacy will we leave?
Will we be remembered as a generation that allowed tribalism and corruption to destroy Zambia, or as one that embraced patriotism and built a stronger, united nation?