Movement for Promoting National Values and Principles - MPNVP

NIBBLING ON THE LIFE OF MY COLLEAGUE - ANDREW NTHEWEWE!

MEDIA STATEMENT!

I write in order to carry out my sombre introspections about the life pattern of my colleague Andrew Nthewewe who died at the University Teaching Hospital in the early hours of Sunday the 21st October 2023 after loosing a battle with kidney failure.

I should hasten to mention that Andrew was not only my colleague but a compatriot and a yoke fellow in rendering national services to the Nation. Mr. Nthewewe was the Leader and Chief Executive Officer for the YALI Organization.

REFLECTING ON THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF MR. NTHEWEWE.

Although our Zambian culture demands that we only speak positive things about our dead loved ones, it would be a sign of betrayal, cowardice and hypocrisy on my part focussing on the positive attributes Andrew manifested without citing the weaknesses I perceived in him. Besides, I am a leader of National Values and Principles entailing that I need to be honest, sincere, candid, authentic, truthful, liberal and factual in my expressions.

In addition when we loose our beloved ones, it is incumbent upon all those still living to take some lessons from the foregoing. The book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 7 verse 2 and I quote says, "Better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting, for that is the end of every man, and the living should take it to heart."

Similarly the book of Psalms number 90 verse 12 admonishes all of us to learn how to count our days while we are alive. It is therefore imperative that we learn how to conduct ourselves while we are alive.

In that vain, we can rightly say that Andrew lived his life and the rest is left for us to do our part. As the situation stands, there is literally nothing we can do to change the narrative of Mr. Nthewewe's legacy.

May I now briefly discuss the positive attributes about Mr. Andrew Nthewewe's life.

HIS POSITIVES.

Andrew was an icon and an outstanding personage in his Advocacy. The man was unstoppable and had a burning zeal in his character. He never took things easily. Mr. Nthewewe was a good public speaker, an orator who flowed with brilliant ideas. He had a good command in English language and his speeches where full of humor and enthusiasm.

He was a composed speaker, animated and had good articulation. He was a thoughtful thinker whose utterances were well coordinated. His ideas were well arranged and his speeches could blend and made sense. No one can take it away from him Mr. Nthewewe was an intellect who had trained his perceptive powers in distinguishing wrong from right. Besides Andrew was courageous, forthright, candid, sincere and firm. In short, I would describe Andrew as a Lionlike Political Pundit.

THE WEAKNESSES.

Although Andrew excelled much in his attributes, there are some negative attributes he exhibited in his advocacy. I personally shared some notes and platform with Andrew at some point and noted some weaknesses in him.

Andrew accepted to be used by some selfish politicians. In short Mr. Nthewewe easily succumbed to political pressure. He allowed himself to be used by selfish individuals. Seemingly he failed to hold on to some principles and values of life.

Rather than maintaining neutrality in his dispensation of national duties, Andrew took sides in national issues. He was used as a mouthpiece for some politicians. As usual the relationship between Civil Society Organizations has a short life span. While Civil Society Organizations are indispensable to any political party vying for Office, it is important for any Organization to stand on its firm ground.

LESSONS FOR ALL OF US.

Comrade Nthewewe's death has left behind vital lessons for all of us who are still alive. It is sad mentioning that those in Government only take delight in Civil Society Organizations that are always towing in their direction. Due to economic hardships, Civil Society Organizations are coerced either taking sides with the Government or the opposition that have potential forming the next Government.

It is high time the Government stopped treating Civil Society leaders as adversaries. The Government must avoid embracing only those speaking it's language. We must begin seeing the Government recognizing those who serve as Civil Society leaders. Such ones must also be lined up to receive Presidential Meritocratic recognitions. It is a very risky business speaking up and exposing the wrongs of the Government. It takes self sacrifice, love for others and patriotism choosing to speak for the Voiceless.

It is sad that while the deaths of honorable Amusaa Mwanamwambwa and Hon Ng'andu Magande have received wide coverage and publicity, the death of Comrade Nthewewe is not less important. If possible Civil Society Leaders must also be accorded a National Funeral.

Truthfully speaking Civil Society Leaders worldwide have left indelible marks on the minds of people just like some politicians. In fact it's the Civil Society leaders that have pioneered change in many Countries.

Indeed we need to celebrate the life of Comrade Andrew Nthewewe for the noble cause he championed!

Authored by:

Joseck K***a - National Ambassador, Founder and Chief Executive Officer for the Movement for Promoting National Values and Principles.