Why National Holidays Matter More Than We Think

 Today, April 28^th marks a significant event in the History of my beloved Country Zambia. It is a day on which our founding President Dr Kenneth David Kaunda (KK) was born in 1924, it was declared a National Public Holiday by our Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) after KK Died in July of 2021.

Growing up I and many other Zambians thought Kaunda was the Title used to refer to a President or Head of State of any Country e.g. we would ask who is the Kaunda of the UK, Malawi or Uganda etc, this was because KK was President for Zambia from 1964 to 1991.He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule, apart from helping to secure Zambia’s freedom, KK also contributed to liberation movements across the region. He allowed Zambia to be home to many asylum seekers. It is amazing that to this day, we have some recently elected heads of states for Countries in the region who resided in Zambia during their Country’s liberation struggles.  He truly believed that; “The independence of Zambia and other African countries is meaningless if it does not bring about the total liberation of the African continent." — Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda

What Significantly stands out for me is that, despite KK ruling Zambia for over 20 years, you can never hear of any alleged or proven accusations of corruptly acquired personal or family wealth from his Presidency, cash in Swiss or offshore accounts, properties or Investments in foreign Lands or shares in the Big Zambian or International Companies. I may stand to be corrected if anyone has facts otherwise. He may have had his own challenges but, KK demonstrated service to the Country which I wish many leaders would emulate.

There are an estimated thirteen (13) nationally recognized public holidays in Zambia. In addition, the President has the power to declare further public holidays President ECL exercised this power more often than any other President in the recent memory. In my opinion, New Year’s Day is the most celebrated Holiday as it that draws the participation of almost everyone in the Country. There are no officially organized National or state Events just Individuals and a few corporate and social festivities. After new year I would rank the Christian religious Easter Holidays. Again, there are no official national or state Events just religious Institutions with their members celebrating a significant event on their calendar, it is evidenced by the multitudes that walk the streets on Palm Sunday and flock to the various Christian churches on Good Friday, Holy Sabbath and the Resurrection Sunday. I actually know a few friends whose only day(s) at church are either during Easter or Christmas.

On the other hand, the Government commemorated National Holidays such as Women’s, day, Youth Day, Labour day, Independence Day, usually have an officially organized State event or function. The Events like march pasts or laying of wreaths are open to the Public and the Functions are usually by invitation. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years these events and functions have deteriorated into days when Political Parties have to show their strength in the number of Marchers that they are able to parade in their Political regalia.

For most ordinary working Zambians, a Public Holiday has become one of those days that they can catch up with Friends and Family, an extra day to attend to some projects “Gardens, Farms or Construction” or just a day to relax. For the Zambian Traders, Public Holidays are days when they have the best opportunity to catch the ordinary working Zambian that goes shopping for goods and services. If you visit the Central Business District (CBD) and Markets on a Public Holiday you would probably feel guilty that you missed work, because there is no Holiday mood among the traders, they are all busy trying to make the next sale. The Socialites on the other hand are happy for any Holiday, they have an extra day to consume their favourite cold or warm beverages with their favourite friends, at their favourite chill Spot(s), this section of the Zambian Society seem to enjoy the Public Holidays a lot more as evidenced by the lack of car parking spaces in chill spots, parked cars extend to the road sides sometimes even causing a lot traffic.

I cannot recall the exact year but, there was a time when I used to watch our National Television Station a lot more than I currently do. One of the reporters went on the Streets during the Christmas Holiday to try and get some views from the members of the Public on why and how they were celebrating Christmas. I was more than surprised at some unrelated responses that were being given. At the time, I didn’t pay particular attention. however, it has got me thinking that we have a systemic problem when it comes to National Holidays.

Why do we have National Holiday? Why are citizens Detached from these National Holidays?

I was very young when Kenneth Kaunda was President of Zambia. However, the little I recall is in the lead up to a National Day like Independence Day, those of us in Primary School would prepare some sketches, songs etc. to celebrate Zambia’s Independence, the School, Streets and town in general would be extra clean especially if KK was celebrating Independence in your District. All kinds of people would actually line up the streets just to catch a glimpse of the President. This sense has been lost overtime. Currently National Holidays feels like days for National Leaders and their close or paid followers who if they had an option would in fact choose to attend to their personal matters if not for duty. It is about speeches that no one really pays attention to.

A quick Google search reminds us that national holidays serve critical purposes:

1. Commemoration of Historical Events – Celebrating pivotal moments in a nation’s journey.
2. Building National Identity – Strengthening unity and shared values.
3. Public Holidays and Leisure – Offering citizens time off to rejuvenate.
4. Social and Cultural Significance – Encouraging community and cultural bonding.
5. Reinforcement of Nationhood – Promoting patriotism and civic pride.

National holidays like KK day are not mere days off — they shape national consciousness.
Celebrating national holidays could be the difference between citizens fleeing in times of crisis or standing firm to defend their land and identity

Happy KK day

Thank You for Reading!

I truly appreciate you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. Your time and attention mean a lot to me. If the content resonated with you, please feel free to like, comment, and share it with others who may benefit from the discussion.

Your feedback helps me grow, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or share your thoughts—it’s always a pleasure hearing from you!

You can also explore more insightful articles I’ve shared in the past by visiting my blog homepage:

https://chilukakula.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new post. Let’s continue the conversation and grow together.

Thank you once again!

— Pritchard C. Bweupe

From Dust to Destiny: The Christian Debate on Death

 

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A Note for My Christian Friends as You Head to Church This Saturday or Sunday

Dear Christian ,
This week, the Roman “Universal” Catholic Church mourns the loss of its leader, Pope Francis, who passed away after a long illness. 🕊️ His body will be laid to rest today. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church family. 

One of the biggest unresolved issues among the 4,500+ Christian denominations worldwide is this: What happens when we die? 

Death is the end of life—the irreversible cessation of all biological functions. Yet, it remains a mystery. Science shows that some people die even when their hearts or brains are still functional (as proven in organ transplants). So, what really causes death? 

From a biblical perspective, death finds its origin in the Genesis story:
 “...Of every tree you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat... for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die.”
(Genesis 2:16–17)

 “...God hath said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.”
(Genesis 3:3)

 Interestingly, death wasn’t listed among the curses. It was simply the consequence of disobedience.

Now, here’s what various Christian denominations believe happens after death:

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 1. Roman Catholic Church

• Soul is judged immediately after death (Particular Judgment).
•  Heaven: For those who die in grace
• Purgatory: For purification before Heaven
• Hell: For the unrepentant
• Final Judgment reunites soul & resurrected body

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 2. Eastern Orthodox Church

• Soul separated from body, experiences foretaste of Heaven or Hell
• No Purgatory
• Strong emphasis on prayers for the dead (esp. first 40 days)
• Final Judgment gives full reward or punishment

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3. Protestant Denominations (varies by group)

 a. Anglican / Episcopal

• Soul lives on, awaits final resurrection
• Purgatory rejected

 b. Lutheran

• Soul immediately with Christ or in damnation
• Resurrection of the body at Final Judgment

 c. Reformed / Presbyterian

• Righteous go to be with the Lord
• Wicked go to Hell
• No Purgatory

 d. Baptist

• Immediate judgment based on faith in Christ
• Personal accountability emphasized

 e. Pentecostal / Charismatic

• Similar to Baptists
• Sometimes believe in spiritual encounters with the dead

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4. Seventh-day Adventists

• Soul sleeps until Christ’s return
• No consciousness after death
• Judgment & resurrection at Second Coming

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 5. Jehovah’s Witnesses

• No immortal soul
• Dead are unconscious
• Wicked are annihilated, not tormented forever

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 6. Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

• Spirits go to Spirit Paradise or Prison
• Prepares for final resurrection
• Degrees of glory: Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial

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 In this age of Artificial intelligence (AI), I asked for a plain Bible-only view on death, and here’s what came up—no commentaries, just Scripture :

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Biblical Timeline of Death to Resurrection:

1. Death – The End of Life

• Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “...dust returns to the ground... spirit returns to God”
• Job 14:10–12 – “He lies down and does not rise...”
• Psalm 146:4 – “...on that very day their plans come to nothing”

2. State of the Dead – Conscious or Not?

• Ecclesiastes 9:5–6 – “...the dead know nothing...”
• John 11:11–14 – “Lazarus has fallen asleep...”
• Daniel 12:2 – “...those who sleep will awake...”

3. Resurrection of the Dead

• John 5:28–29 – “All who are in their graves will hear His voice...”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “...the dead in Christ will rise first...”
• 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 – “...we shall be changed, in the twinkling of an eye...”

4. Judgment & Destiny

• Hebrews 9:27 – “...people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment...”
• Revelation 20:12–13 – “...the dead were judged according to what they had done...”
• Matthew 25:46 – “...eternal punishment or eternal life”

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Is your denomination teaching Bible truth plainly or using commentaries to fit certain doctrines? Why quote Scripture as is sometimes, but then twist it with interpretation when it doesn’t suit our tradition? 

 Enjoy your worship experience. Let's reflect deeply.

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 Thank You for Reading!

 I truly appreciate you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. Your time and attention mean a lot to me. If the content resonated with you, please feel free to like, comment, and share it with others who may benefit from the discussion.

 Your feedback helps me grow, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or share your thoughts—it’s always a pleasure hearing from you!

 You can also explore more insightful articles I’ve shared in the past by visiting my blog homepage:

https://chilukakula.blogspot.com/

 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new post. Let’s continue the conversation and grow together.

 Thank you once again! 

Pritchard C. Bweupe

Avoiding Fading Bonds: The End of Once-Vibrant Connections

 

Human relationships are complex. Whether between husband and wife, children and parents, friends, siblings, or colleagues, navigating them often feels like weaving an unstructured piece of clothing using different fabrics, textures, materials, and colours, with the expectation that the final product will look good and last indefinitely.

Most social relationships are not consciously designed or deliberate. Rather, building and maintaining them is a continuous learning and evolving process. As stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr aptly remarked, the measure of a successful marriage is whether it lasted until one party passed away before the relationship was broken—a standard very few relationships meet.

There are statistical records for dissolved marriages available through court proceedings, and those figures remain staggering high. However, the rate of failed non-marital relationships is likely even higher. How many children no longer communicate with their parents? How many siblings have grown apart? How many once-close friends now avoid each other?

Looking back at global population dispersions and historical migrations—such as the Ngoni and the Luba-Lunda migrations—we see that many of these movements were triggered by failed relationships or irreconcilable differences. If we had a metric to measure broken relationships, the numbers would be staggering. A quick self-audit of the relationships you've had in your lifetime may reveal a surprising evolution or decline in many of them. If you are fortunate to have everyone in your social circle from child birth up to now intact, consider yourself truly fortunate and blessed.

Why do relationships fail? Is it because of arguments and conflicts? On introspection, I realized that many of the relationships I lost over time didn't end in quarrels or disputes. They simply faded.

I had a close childhood friend in Ndola with whom I shared many memories. We lived on the same street, went to the same school, played together daily, and had similar dreams and aspirations. At one point, people even thought we were twins. However, after my family moved to Lusaka, the friendship faded. Years later, we reconnected through social media as adults, but the bond was no longer the same.

During my college years, I had another friend with whom I developed a deep bond. We spent endless hours escorting each other to and from our homes, even after dark, just talking and sharing stories. Our conversations never seemed to end. Although we can still talk at length whenever one calls the other, we haven’t seen each other in years.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, "Building and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of looking after our mental health." Despite its significance, most relationships begin unintentionally and develop organically. Even when a couple plans to have a child, they cannot dictate the child’s personality or behaviour. Similarly, friendships and other relationships evolve and sometimes drift apart due to life changes or mismatched growth.

There are numerous resources on how to build successful relationships, particularly in business and marriage. However, less attention is paid to non-romantic and non-professional relationships. In my view, many business or professional networks are transactional and temporary. They depend on mutual benefit and tend to dissolve once that benefit no longer exists. These relationships are often built on flattery and pretence, projecting a sense of connection that may not be genuine.

This transactional nature can also be found in personal relationships. Unfortunately, some people only maintain relationships—even marriages—for the benefits they receive. The moment the value disappears, so does the relationship. One must therefore distinguish between connections formed by genuine care and those driven by personal gain.

In my opinion to build meaningful and enduring relationships, whether personal or professional, two elements are essential: commitment and love.

Here are some practical tips I picked out for maintaining healthy relationships:

1.     Be clear about your needs: Communicate honestly and respectfully. Use "I" statements to express how you feel rather than assigning blame.

2.     Apologize when you're wrong: A sincere apology helps heal and strengthen bonds. (This can be challenging for many of us, I must confess I struggle on this.)

3.     Show affection and appreciation: Avoid letting relationships fall into routine. Create special moments and express gratitude, but be cautious of relying on material gifts or activities to maintain bonds as they tend to become the center of the relationship.

4.     Make relationships a priority: Balance work, family, and social obligations. Setting boundaries at work can create space for your personal life.

5.     Discover shared interests: Do not be stuck with historical interest and hobbies. People evolve. Finding new hobbies to enjoy together can help maintain a connection as individuals grow.

6.     Seek mutual solutions: Conflict is natural. Respect differences and work towards compromises that benefit everyone involved.

7.     Create uninterrupted family time: In an age of constant digital distractions, spend device-free time with family—especially during meals—to foster meaningful interactions.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a foundation for strengthening your relationships. Feel free to share your thoughts or add more suggestions in the comments.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and I deeply appreciate all the feedback I receive.

 

Our Heroes

 

In 2008, history was made. On November 4th, Barack Obama became the first African American to be elected President of the United States. It was a moment that sent waves of pride, reflection, and inspiration across the globe—especially among people of African descent.

Prior to that historic victory, comedian Chris Rock, in one of his stand-up specials, poignantly joked, “I used to have to say to my son, ‘You can be anything—even President.’ But now, I don’t have to give that speech anymore.” That one line spoke volumes. It reflected the unthinkable finally becoming real—not just as aspiration, but as achievement.

Obama’s rise—from securing the Democratic nomination on June 3rd, 2008, to his election night win—was more than political success. It was symbolic. A cultural milestone. A historic breakthrough for African heritage in global leadership.

 

One of the most striking quotes I’ve come across is from Ellen G. White, a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who wrote:

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”
— Ellen G. White, The Review and Herald, October 12, 1905 (also quoted in Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 196)

This idea of remembering is central to spiritual and Cultural tradition.

In 1 Samuel 7:12 (KJV), after a victory over the Philistines, the prophet raised a stone and said:

“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”
Therefore he called it Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help.”

And long before that, in Exodus 12:14 (KJV), the Israelites were commanded to remember their miraculous deliverance from Egypt:

“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations...”

These weren’t just rituals. They were history lessons—anchored in faith and identity. Preserved. Celebrated. Documented.

 

It is now widely accepted by scholars that life originated in Africa. Yet when we look at our historical archives, there’s an eerie silence. We leap from the Stone Age to Colonialism and then a bit on the Independence Struggles—as though nothing of value happened in between.

This isn’t by chance.

 

Colonialism wasn’t just about military conquest. It was about erasing culture, replacing identity, and rewriting history. Libraries were burned. Indigenous education systems dismantled. Oral traditions were silenced. Resistance was met with violence, and memories of greatness—kings, battles, inventions—were deliberately destroyed. In Zambia our Traditional Culture were so obliterated that even pointing at a Traditional attire is a great challenge, there is a huge chance of that adopted traditional attire being linked to the colonial era or mostly adopted after the colonial era with some colonial faric very much entwined in the dress.

I can point you at how, this plays out today. After the Syrian Civil War, symbols of the Assad regime were torn down. In Iraq, after Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003 and executed in 2006, much of his public memory was erased. We can talk of our own Kenneth Kaunda; his face was on the money that was used and I maybe mistaken but I think that was one of the first changes the Chiluba Government implemented (Remove KK from the Kwacha and Ngwee).

Control the memory, control the future!

 

World over, Art, Drama, Film, and TV play a vital role in preserving history by capturing stories, cultures, and experiences in ways that are relatable, memorable, and accessible. They breathe life into past events, celebrate heritage, honour unsung heroes, and spark conversations across generations. Through visual storytelling, traditional practices, and dramatized accounts, these creative forms become living archives—ensuring that historical truths are not only recorded but also felt and understood. Art, Drama, Film and TV have played key role in shaping society into what it is today. There is a saying “By beholding we are changed” and it is proven that because of Film and TV a lot of what seemed taboo in African society years back have now become acceptable. I remember a big debate in Zambia about the content of Music videos on Channel O in the 1990’s.  

 

In Zambia, our film and television industries have been dominated by romantic dramas, comedies, and the “rags to riches” or “Mistreated and victim of Injustice” trope. But where are our epics? Where is the film on our Presidents Kenneth Kaunda, Fredrick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa? Where are the Movies about our Great Kings and Queens that have ruled over the many Kingdoms of this Land?

 

Zambia has had its own political tremors. A number of attempted coups have occurred, and brave men in uniform stood in the gap, defending constitutional order. Here are some notable ones:

🛡️ 1990 Coup Attempt

• Date: July 1990
• Perpetrator: Lieutenant Mwamba Luchembe attempted to overthrow President Kenneth Kaunda via a radio broadcast.
• Outcome: The coup was foiled within hours by the Zambia Army.
• Key Responders: Senior officers in the army under the command of General Kingsley Chinkuli helped restore order.

🛡️ 1997 Coup Attempt

• Date: October 28, 1997
• Perpetrator: Captain Steven Lungu (a.k.a. Captain Solo) took over ZNBC radio and announced the overthrow of President Frederick Chiluba.
• Outcome: The coup lasted just three hours.
• Key Responders: The Zambia Army under General Nobby Simbeye quickly recaptured the broadcast station and arrested the coup plotters.

These events are significant, yet how often are they portrayed on film or TV? How often do we see stories of our own soldiers defending democracy? Where is the documentary? The dramatization?

 

Still fresh in my mind is the untold story of the rescue mission of the girls that were abducted by a young man whose courage earned him an opportunity to serve the Country in the defense and security forces.

We have our great Zambian Athletes, the likes of  Lottie Mwale, Samuel Matete, Godfrey Ucar Chitalu , Kalusha Bwalya who against all olds achieved great milesones..

If we do not record our victories, our struggles, and our stories—who will?

A critical aspect of staying inspired is having heroes you can actually relate to—people who have walked similar paths, faced the same everyday struggles, and still made it through. There's something deeply motivating about knowing that someone from your world, your kind of hustle, your environment, was able to rise above it all. It tells you, “If they did it, then I can too.”

I appreciate how Marvel Studios has given us an African American Captain America, how the Kingdom of Wakanda gave us a cultural and cinematic revolution, and how films like The Woman King are bringing powerful African narratives to the forefront. These stories matter because they plant seeds of belief in those who’ve been historically overlooked.

But as much as I celebrate these wins, I still long for something closer. I’m waiting for our Zambian heroes—figures that carry our names, our accents, our struggles. There’s so much material to work with for the creatives.

I appreciate you taking time to the articles on my blog kindly provide any feedback in the comments sections and share my blog.

Love you.