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In a world where political affiliations often determine our interactions, the solemnity of a funeral reminds us of our shared humanity. At the funeral of the late Matthew Ngosa, the barriers of political competition fell away, replaced by a profound sense of solidarity. As leaders from different political backgrounds sat side by side, it became clear that at our core, we are just human, bound not by partisan lines but by the universal language of love and compassion. This story is a poignant reminder that there is more to life than politics, and that our true power lies in the connections we make outside of the political arena.
go through Jackson Silavi
Chairman of Zambia Gold Party
I was one of the first to arrive at the funeral of the late Matthew Ngosa, and it was a moment of grief and reflection. As expected, the front row seats were reserved for government officials. I exchanged a few warm words with PS Kangwa Chileshe, as we always do when we meet, and then a few more with other GRZ officials, before I sat in the second row, which is reserved for political leaders.
As I sat, humming gospel songs sung by some of our country’s leading artists, I began to feel a deep discomfort. My mind drifted to our current state of politics where unpleasantness and name calling between the ruling and opposition parties have become the norm.
At some point, Mr. Kangwa changed his seat and sat in the second row, leaving an empty seat between us. A few minutes later, Ms. Chitangara, the mayor of Lusaka, sat next to me. I felt relieved and thought to myself: “At least we can talk.”.
Sitting directly in front of me was Mr. Gilbert Phiri, the Attorney General of Zambia. Ironically, Mr. Bowman Rusambo was sitting in the front row, next to the man who prosecuted him in court. The tension between them was palpable and could be cut with a chainsaw.
The atmosphere became even more somber when Hezron Ngosa paid a moving and nostalgic tribute to his late brother Matthew. But BJ Ngosa’s tribute completely dispelled my doubts. I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as he recounted the different people who helped the Ngosa brothers throughout their lives.
As BJ praised Mr Gilbert Phiri for playing an important role in the formative years of their gospel singing careers, I reached out and gently squeezed DPP’s shoulder – a silent gesture of common humanity. As BJ thanked PS Kangwa Chileshe for his unwavering support, I noticed tears welling up in PS’s eyes. I leaned over, held his hand, and whispered: “Well done, Reverend.”
As BJ concluded his tributes to his beloved brother, he made a heartfelt appeal to the DPP to ask him to return a house to Mr Bowman so that he could donate it to Matthew’s family so that they can live a dignified life. BJ also praised Mr Bowman Lusambo as a good brother to the late Matthew who always supported him. I reached out again, this time to hold Bowman’s shoulders, feeling the shared bond in that vulnerable moment.
Later, as Matthew’s body was lowered into the grave at Memorial Park, I sat next to PS Thabo Kawana and felt no discomfort at all. Instead, I suddenly realized something profound:“We are all human beings” There is no ruling party, no opposition party, only people.
Mr Gilbert Phiri, PS Kangwa Chileshe, PS Thabo Kawana, Mayor Chitangara and myself have only four letters in common: love.
“The political divisions in our country pale into insignificance when compared to our shared strength.”
“I reaffirmed my long-held political beliefs: never hate a political opponent or take it personally, only debate ideas.”
“In that tragic moment, I saw my fellow Zambians sharing my grief.”
Dr. Nefos Sekwela Mumba summed it all up brilliantly during his special address at the church service: “We must strive to build a nation that is above politics. A nation based on love for God, not political parties.”
Rest in peace, Matthew. The song you left us is still playing.
Jackson Silavi
Chairman of Zambia Gold Party
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