BREATH is sacred. The tragic passing of George Floyd on Africa Freedom Day 2020 reminds us of the marvel of Breath.
Through breath, we are nourished. We are nourished and go on to do our part in maintaining creation.
We each make our contribution, a contribution which is some part that adds on to that of others and helps keep the world nourished and going, now and into other generations and eternity.
Humans and animals and even plants breathe. Yes, breath is life. The breath we make when we take in nourishing air goes towards nourishing our whole being. Breath is healing. Breath is restoring.
Sacred Breath
Breath is considered by many as inspiration and expiration, the taking in of Oxygen and the taking out of waste air, Carbon Dioxide.
When you watch a person that has died, you will notice at the chest that the body lacks breath.
Yet breath is sacred. Breath is more than just pumping-in Oxygen and taking out Carbon Dioxide.
The breath we give out is not waste but used by other parts of creation. Plants breathe out Oxygen that humans and animals use. So what we take in and give out is useful for others in creation.
Breathing is not good air in and waste air out. The air we give back after our breath is not some waste but is actually precious spirit.
Breath is sacred. Breathing is an act of love in creation. It is not pumping in and pumping out. Breathing is not a mechanical process. Breath is sacred. In breath, we receive nourishment from creation.
In breathing-in, we are not pumping in and forcing in air through the breath process. In breathing in, we are receiving from creation. We are receiving a gift that is lovingly been given to us by creation. Breathing-in is not mechanical.
Breathing out is not throwing out waste. Breathing out is giving back to creation. It should not be throwing out waste air, but lovingly giving to creation.
Breath, Love
Like true food has love and nourishment in it, so too is breath made of love. Receiving air to breathe in is an act of love, so too is breathing out not one of throwing out waste but lovingly giving back to creation.
We can enjoy each breath if we become aware of our selves receiving it. We can enjoy breathing out and be glad we are giving to creation.
We are being given breath and nourishment. In this breath there is the spirit of creation itself.
Steadily, breath flows between receiver and giver. The receiver gladly receives and then gladly, with love, should give back.
So, breathing in and out is sacred.
Holy Breath
Breathing in and breathing out are not pumping in and pumping out of air. Breathing out is not throwing out of air.
Breathing is a receiving and giving back process. Breath is sacred. Breath should be received with love and given with love. In receiving and giving breath, we should feel the appreciation involved.
We should feel the love involved. We feel happy to do our work and service in the purpose of creation. Breath is sweet.
Because of breath and its flow, we have some beat. Because of breath, we have some pulse, a pulse that like a beacon radiates our individual presence all over the universe.
Breath is spirit, the spirit of creation itself. Breath is life. Breath is a living process. Breath is holy. Yes, breath is not mere movement of air, breath is spirit. Breath is spirit of creation and spirit in creation.
Martyred
Thus many persons, worldwide, were moved when unarmed George Floyd, a person of African descent, was martyred, killed by a police person of European descent, at Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States, May 25, 2020.
Remember that May 25th is significant as it is Africa Freedom Day celebrated by Africans, Persons of African Descent, and human dignity supporters from all over the world.
The police man finished unarmed George Floyd by putting a knee over handcuffed George’s neck for many minutes. Being choked, George pleaded, as Eric Garner in 2014 and other victims before, to be released, “I can’t breathe.”
Other police officers were just watching. George Floyd even cried “Mama,” which in Africa happens often when a person is in deep despair, wonder, or even appreciation. Many songs will have “Mama,” “Mayi,” “Mayo” and other variants of the universal root “Ma,” “Mama”
From that violent encounter on Africa Freedom Day 2020, George Floyd died. What person is it who can place their knee for long on another’s throat, with the victim pleading and struggling to breathe, and the assaulter continues to inflict pain against this human being, a creature of creation?
This goes on for long. What person can do that to another human being? Many persons recognise that even an animal is not to be made to suffer with such cruelty.
Interference
Choking a person or animal is direct interference with the process of breath. Many humans consider other animals to be beasts, thus lesser beings that somehow are alright to harm, slaughter, and feed on. Yet even animals are fully pained by the process of death humans give to them.
Interference against the flow of breath and nourishment of life happens also in authorised and unauthorised hangings and lynching of persons by governments and persons.
The intention of choke is that the person should not breathe. The intention of the person not to breathe is that they should die. They should not live. The intention of making them die is to remove them from life so that they are not active in their work and service.
In the USA, for hundreds of years, persons of African descent have been lynched, hanged, without judicial sentence. Even in the early 1900s, there were some lynching at places like Gainesville in Florida.
In the 21st Century, they have continued to be killed, harmed, and trumped upon, in various brutal ways, by some police persons. Sometimes, the hatred is clear as when a person is shot down with many bullets. Many times the killers or assaulters have not been held to account for their actions.
Finishing George
George Floyd was recorded, on camera, being choked while he was handcuffed and on the ground. For a long time, some eight minutes and forty-six seconds, the police man had his knee on George’s neck. George complained but was ignored.
Witnesses nearby pleaded with the police persons to stop harming George but the harm and choke continued. Clearly, the police man went on to finish George, to make George Floyd cease. To make George die. To make George not be part of the world. To make George’s contributions in life to cease. Yet police officers are supposed to be protectors of society.
The choke was to make George not be part of us, part of our physical world, part of brothers and sisters we are working with all over the world. It was a crime against the sacred human body. It is a crime against humanity.
The demise of George Floyd was against creation, where his presence was robbed from us. The choke that killed George Floyd is a crime against creation. It is sin against creation.
Breath Unstoppable
Meanwhile, that breath denied one of its homes flows on in the world, awaking souls of the world, bringing light. Truly, breath is sacred. Breath we are not to interfere with.
Like all that receive the gift of breath, persons of Africa descent are an integral and legitimate part of the human family, where none is inherently higher or lower than another by virtue of the grouping they are born linked to.
The choking and killing of George Floyd happened on Monday, May 25, which is Africa Freedom Day, a time when in abundance the gift of breath, with its freedom and dignity, flows forth, surging forth and shedding light, unstoppable by any choke. Breath is Sacred.
Based in Lusaka, Zambia, the Author is independently involved in writing and the arts, social development work, and observation of conflict and peace issues.
NOW, in recent years, we have noted increase in church “Gospel” song and dance involving erotic movements. We have witnessed the erotic performance of “Gospel Music” in churches, religious settings, on public screens, and video play.
That many performers use sensuality and sexuality to attract viewers and listeners to their music productions is common in Zambia and worldwide. It is in various fields. It has been going on for a long time.
In some performances, such as those by some members of the fraternity of some types of Rap, some performers touch their genitals. At first this was common among males but can be observed even among females. Of course, for one to do good music and reach many persons, it is not necessary to touch their genitals.
HIV and AIDS
Some performances in music and dance casualise sex and sexuality. It is not uncommon for performances at functions on reversing HIV and AIDS to involve movements and images whose effect seems, directly or in other ways, to try to arouse the audience.
And these days the children that dance as they bring knives to cut cakes at weddings have recently taken on erotic movements that are beginning to be a culture at many wedding ceremonies. Some audience members move in to pay the young ones highly as appreciation of skill.
Erotic dancing tends to be somewhat acceptable or tolerable in performances considered to be in the secular, non-religious, environment.
But so too has Gospel Music performance been infused by erotic dancing. An interesting development we have observed in recent years is the use of erotic dance and movement in religious “Gospel Music,” the sounds performed by members of churches and groups that link themselves to Christianity.
Various Traditions
We must note that there are various attitudes, practices, and traditions towards religious worship and activities. So there will be differences in how persons worship and do music in the religious environment. Some will regard worship and music as celebration.
Just as some shout in prayer and others are softer, there is variation in performance of religious music or music for religion.
Deep Silence
Some celebrate very loudly and expressive of voice, body, and music instrument. Some regard music worship as sacred and are often solemn. Even where the message is joyous, there will still be an atmosphere of reverence and sacredness.
Some persons worship in deep silence, where they can more feel the presence of God. Or they will have music that has some mood of sacredness. They may vary the mood, but throughout will have deep respect in their devotion.
Sensual
The erotic gospels we find on our screens and even in church performances involve invoking, and performing, sexual movements. Sensuality may be visual or vocal or in some other ways.
While in other settings they may not raise much in terms of reaction and issues, in the church and religious environment, one must think about purpose and effect.
Sex and sexuality, very crucial forces and processes of life, are treated with some casualness, not with sacredness and deep respect.
Of course, it is important to deal with issues of sexuality. Various cultures and institutions have developed platforms for dealing with sexuality in ways that are respectful and contribute to deep learning.
Traditional?
Of course, like in the way that if one wants to escape the police, a secure place to live in is a police camp, some persons are finding the church environment the place to do erotic dance.
Some will argue that the erotic movements are part of “traditional,” local, culture and are being used to celebrate religious life or proclaim religious message.
One is not sure that in traditional religious practice of time ago, the approach was similar. It is possible that there were some fertility dances in some ceremonies, but we cannot be sure that that music and movement dealing with praying to God and feeling God’s presence were not solemn.
These erotic gospels we can observe publicly performed by members of various groups, from the earlier established churches to the Pentecostal groups.
Actually, the erotic dancing can be found in many, many, Gospel Music pieces.
Casualise
The performances involve movements that are very openly sexual in nature, with movements that casualise sex and sexuality.
The hip movements, thrust, and other movements are normally performed in some atmosphere or event tolerant of sexuality. It seems out of tune to see them performed in prayer, or sacred song, to Christ and God.
Some persons will even do some sexual thrust or other movement as the name Jesus is mentioned.
Here, I am not saying that the dancing in Gospel Music should be banned. We are saying that the performers need to deeply consider the context, environment, and purpose they are performing in. They need to think more about the effects of the dancing in relation to the main purpose at hand.
They sing and dance in groups and choirs but individual members may need to think about the total product they are participating in.
Presently, there is some combination of gospel music and erotica, or Gospel Music is accompanied by erotica.
The erotic gospel dances may have been affected by the type of music beat chosen to accompany the religious music. Various music types have invoked various movements, some very sensual.
The erotic gospel performances are not limited to adult performers. Even child performers can be observed dancing erotically to gospel music performance.
Choreographer
The directors, conductors, and choreographers, who are in charge of designing movement, need to think about how they can perform Gospel Music in ways that focus on spirituality and not sensuality and casual sexuality. We are not forcing them to change. I am not talking about censoring the erotic gospels. Nor should some persons turn our points into some attack on cultures of Africa and worship in Africa.
One is just bringing up some issues for the digestion of those linked with erotic gospels. It is up to them to consider purpose and effects. It may be their intention to have erotica to accompany religious music and one can only watch them as they claim artistic and creative licence, or even freedom of worship. It is up to them, but let other performers and audience think about purpose and effect.
(Grateful that Mrs Carol Nyambe Mulembe, Mother of Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe, has had, at request of the Writer, chance to read through before this feature was posted. Appreciation for her help and kindness. GCB, LUSAKA, June 2025)
.
Death and Abroad.
by
Gabriel C Banda
.
YOUNG Enoch Mulembe, born and bred in Lusaka, Zambia, has died in Canada.
Now, over the years, I have had chance to live abroad a number of times. In addition, I have had chance to visit a number of places in the continent of our Africa, and in the continents of Asia, Americas North America and South America, and in Europe.
In these places, just for my own personal appreciation, I try to make my personal study and understanding of the societies, cultures, economic situations and systems, and environment. What can I learn about this place, society, and environment?
I seek to open myself and learn about similarities and variations in various things. What other things are in place here and not in other places. And what is common amongst people and communities in various places.
I try to understand and appreciate what is universal, for in all of humanity and Creation there are universal lines that connect us and nourish life as the whole. I believe, from my observation, that every one is related to every one else in Creation – now, or in future, or even in the past.
Every person is, in various ways, related to the lives of all other persons, beings, and things in the world.
Even the writer Maya Angelou has said, “We are more alike than unalike.”
Emergency Abroad
Now, when living and visiting abroad far away from home base of Lusaka, some thought is what can happen when there is some deep emergency while abroad. Societies abroad vary in the strength of their welfare institutions and in voluntary community members’ mobilisation of support for those in great need.
Some persons and families have had to deal with issues of critical health emergency in places of various health systems. In some places and in some situations, it is difficult for persons living as student, migrant, refugee, or expatriate to access or afford standard health care.
Another fear when one is abroad is when there is a death. There may be a death back home and the normal thing is to be at the funeral. And there may be death right where you are, right there abroad.
A consideration for deaths abroad is the cost of funerals. Another key consideration is where to bury or intern the body or remains of the deceased. We also have to think about what cultures, rituals, and traditions will be used in the funeral process.
Some persons may have lived abroad for long time and are settled in those communities. Their bodies may be interned there, abroad, while there are also other arrangements to involve persons, families, and communities that are back home in Africa, or Asia, and other places far. The people in Africa will also be mourning and even gathered.
Sometimes these representatives from Africa will travel to join the funeral services abroad. Of course, this will involve some high cost. In some cases these days, a funeral abroad is relayed online so persons and families in Africa can witness.
When abroad, I feel greatly for the families that have difficulties in taking bodies to Africa, or other continents. Sometimes they have difficulties in getting relatives from Africa to come mourn their family member abroad.
And when at home in Africa, I feel saddened when families have difficulties in getting bodies of family members back to Africa.
Rites, Cultures
The desire of many families is to bring the funeral and body back to Africa. Funeral rituals, cultures, and observances can be followed. This provides more long term funeral, grieving, settlement process, and healing experience.
The experience of the sin and evil of enslavement and slave trade against persons of Africa was traumatic for the enslaved and the family members they were broken from, thus for generations and centuries families, communities, and societies have been in mourning and remembrance. Thus proper settlement and healing from bereavement, abduction, or other loss is important.
In current cases of death abroad, it is easier for families in Africa to, over the coming years, visit the grave and internment place which is near them. And there are times when families seek internment or burial of the deceased besides other family members that have died or will in future die.
.
Costs
.
A critical factor in many families fighting to settle funerals at home in Africa is the cost, cost of body handling and transportation of the body. Transportation of body across countries and continents involves specialized obligations that are high in cost.
I understand that buying a ticket for a live person to travel is much lower and affordable than transporting a body across towns, territories, and continents. So, for reason of costs, funerals are very difficult when a person dies abroad. Thus, conclusion and healing have been very difficult for many families of Africa.
Due to cost factors abroad, it takes long time for families to organize conclusion of a funeral as they look for resources. It is more difficult when a person died somewhat suddenly, like through accident or quickly through some illness.
There may be pressure on families and communities not to take too long for the funeral but conclude it according not to full traditions but the way the situation is, with its financial limitations.
Thus, because of cost factors, some deaths in families are not concluded as families in Africa would expect or desire. It has been difficult for the families. This gives many of us sadness. We mourn with such families.
However, there are cases where families hold on with determination and struggle to get the body back to Africa so that things can be settled.
I remember, among other funerals, the case of the daughter of a Libala family of Lusaka. She died some years ago, where she was living, outside Africa. For many, many, days, mourners in Lusaka waited as arrangements were being made to organize resources and body repatriation. Eventually, taking over one month, it did happen and the body was buried in Lusaka, next to a family member.
And in the late part of last year, 2024, another Libala family managed to bring back home the body of their family member that had passed away in Africa.
.
Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe
.
Currently, the Libala community of Lusaka has another mourning. The Libala community has been affected by the sudden passing of Enoch Mulembe in Canada. Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe recently became a student in British Columbia, a province in Canada.
Born in August 2001, Enoch has been the second of three children of Mrs Carol Sumbwanyambe Nyambe-Mulembe and Justice Enoch Kalimunda Mulembe.
The other two children, Abigail, older than Enoch, Jr, and Elizabeth, younger than he, are sisters.
.
Enoch’s mother, who works in the banking world, is very much of Libala in her growing up and community bonding. Her parent family, first starting out in 1980 in Libala 4A before in the same year going to their long term house now in Libala II, is in its fifth decade in greater Libala. In the 1960s, 1970s, and perhaps in early 1980s, their Musuku/Musuki Street used to be written and pronounced as “Musuki” Street.
.
Grandmother, Nursing for Africa
.
Her mother, Enoch’s grandmother, Mama Elizabeth Nasilele Nyambe, was a nurse who in the mid-1970s, widowed while living in the Copperbelt, was a member of the team of health workers sent by Zambia’s government to, in spirit of neighbour kinship, South-South cooperation, and Pan Africanism and Trans Africa, help newly independent Mozambique.
Young Enoch’s mother, Mrs Carol Nyambe Mulembe, is an active member of the Legends of Libala II group that supports community members in times of bereavement, illness, and other great needs.
.
Judge Mulembe
.
From March 2016, Enoch’s father was a judge in Zambia’s Constitutional Court. Before that, he worked at ZIALE, Human Rights Commission, and has been on international organisations and commissions. Justice Mulembe has lectured on human rights related issues at various institutions in Zambia and abroad. Justice Mulembe died in December 2020.
.
Enoch and School
.
Young Enock Sumbwa Mulembe started school and formal learning in Lusaka. From Baby Class at Vinorite School in Long Acres area, Enoch did his primary and secondary education at Lusaka’s Lake Road PTA School.
Now, very recently, young Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe was enrolled at Pacific Link College, in British Columbia, in Canada. In fact, it is only in February this year, only few months ago, that Enoch flew from Lusaka to Canada to start his studies. He had gone to join a Business and Leadership study programme at the learning institution.
Found Dead
.
On Tuesday May 6th, 2025, Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe was found dead in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, at his place of residence. This death has been sudden, shocking, very moving.
But the family has been determined to get Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe’s body back to Zambia. Community members want Enoch’s funeral to be in Lusaka. Then family and community will mourn properly. Healing will be helped.
People are feeling for Enoch and the family. In Canada, Zambians, Africans, and persons of goodwill of various parts of the world are supporting the getting of Enoch’s body to Lusaka, Zambia.
.
Appeal
Good persons, individuals and groups, are organizing and contributing to a “Go Fund Me” online appeal that will help transport the remains of young Enoch to Lusaka, Zambia. Home. The Go Fund Me appeal for Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe is being anchored by Mutinta Bbela, based in British Columbia, Canada.
.
Libala’s Legends
.
A funeral involves many things that will require support and action from many. Meanwhile, Libala community’s Legends of Libala Stage II group has been organizing its members to also contribute towards the funeral of Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe, Jr.
The group was formed in August 2016. It has some 222 members now. They have lived in Libala II for long. They are bonded to many community members and the community environment. Many have had some generations of their family members live in the area from its opening in 1965. Some members have gone to live elsewhere but still have families and family houses in Libala.
As in a village, many members have seen others grow. Some have been to common schools. They have witnessed and experienced births, weddings, and deaths. In bereavement, joined by the wider community and society beyond their group, they mourn together and support each other.
In times of bereavement and great need involving a group member or their family member, an appeal is made for other members to support. The amount of financial contribution is not stated and each person contributes what at that time they feel they can. Totalled, the various amounts are put together by the group’s administrators and given to the needy family.
Now, the group members come from various backgrounds. Sometimes a family has more than one member in the group. They are female and male, and of various ages. They are from a range of religious faiths. And various cultural influences. And various occupations.
Some are market traders. Some sell foodstuff. Some have small “ntemba” grocery shops and vegetable stands at homes and the allocated public market place centres. Some are public service workers. Others in private sector. Some are in the finance sector. Some are into some level of mining and industries.
Some are retired workers, pensioned or unpensioned. Some are in the armed services. Some members of the group get incomes from renting out parts of their houses. So, from various backgrounds, their community gathering and group are enhanced.
.
Growing and Lessons
.
The Legends of Libala II are some model voluntary welfare group that persons in other communities are being inspired by and may follow. Over the years, Legends of Libala II have supported many members and the community.
From January this year, 2025, there have been seven funerals supported. Together, for the seven funerals the members contributions have totalled some ZMW45,700. Some members informally contribute to the funerals of non-members in the community.
In addition, the group members have contributed non-monetary services at the funerals of families of members and non-members. The Libala community group and members keep on getting lessons as they grow.
.
Cooperating for Enoch
.
Yes, Creation is some loving and cooperating enterprise. I know of none that has survived in the world without the voluntary, unpaid, support of another being. Thus, from Canada abroad, from other parts of the world and in Zambia, goodwill and love and care move individuals, groups, and institutions to make various contributions to enable required funeral and rest on Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe.
This is humanity united, humanity in practical cooperation. Individuals willingly working together from various angles and places, we can achieve for one and for Creation, now and in future.
Already, on Enoch, advances towards the goal have been made abroad and in Zambia. Together, these persons, with love and goodwill moving them, can succeed. Yes, linked together, from Canada and other places abroad, to Africa, right to Libala and Lusaka, Zambia, goodwill is succeeding.
Enock Sumbwa Mulembe’s body is getting back home for the required resting and peace of all. The people of Lusaka are grateful for this opportunity enabled by cooperation by persons in many places of the world.
. Many Involved
Locally, there are many things to be done. In Africa, as in some other places, funerals involve many things and many persons. Various persons take up roles and tasks to help the bereaved family members. A funeral is never left to parents, guardians, and family members.
Persons from the family, community, and others who are aware of the bereavement will not only contribute to morale boosting and counselling and prayers, but actually contribute finances, material things, and services.
A funeral is not just for the family but also for community members and friends or associates of the deceased or family members. Thus funerals and mourning involve much volunteering and participation by persons in various roles.
And persons turn up in scores and hundreds to support family, community, and each other. They will provide support at the gathering at home of deceased, at prayer service, at the cemetery, and various points in the involved processes.
.
Gathering of Many
.
Grief gathers persons, groups, and communities together. There will be gathering of many.
Funeral events are open, anyone can join and mourn. Many, many, persons come. Persons connect with others. Some persons reconnect with others.
The gathering for the funeral is often located at the family house associated with the deceased. For some days, persons will gather, coming from various places. These are persons female and persons male, persons young and persons elderly. They will come from various backgrounds and vocations. They will gather.
There will be family members. There will be relatives. And there will be members of groups the deceased and family members are linked to. And there will be neighbours and members of the community.
.
Vigil nights
.
Various activities will happen. There will be gathering day and night. In the night, fire is lit for persons to gather around. Many persons have come over for vigil in the nights. Many persons will sleep at the house of mourning, their presence supporting family and each other.
There will be prayers. There will be music, singing. This is some singing that makes people present feel togetherness. Many join in the singing. The singing and prayers are inspiring, healing. Through gathering, persons get uplifted. Persons are renewed.
Yes, persons get involved and contribute, in various ways, to a funeral.
There is emotional support through prayers. And persons offer empathy and mentoring to members of the family of the deceased. Persons cry together with family members. Responses vary. At funerals, some cry softly and within, some cry hard and very openly.
.
Various contributions
Yes, persons contribute in various ways to funerals. Persons contribute finances, food, food preparation and distribution, firewood for cooking and warmth, and cleaning of things and place. They organize tents for shelter against rain, cold, and heat.
.
Transporting
And persons contribute through music and singing, prayers, body preparation, burial arrangements, including wreaths, and transport. Family members, relatives, neighbours, group members, and associated persons locate some vehicles to help with transport. Transportation contributed through buses, trucks, and cars will carry the many mourners attending. Some vehicle will be found to transport the body.
Some vehicles will be got from institutions. In Zambia, voluntary contribution of vehicles to help carry every one mourning is in some high measure some remnant of the administration of First President Kenneth Kaunda with his administration’s “Zambian Humanism” practice that focused on organised social welfare for all.
Employers, private and public, and public organisations got involved in providing transportation in times of funerals. With many radical changes to Zambia’s, and Africa’s, economy and society, this practice has however survived, as a standard, into the 21st Century.
In support of armed services and community relations, it is still common to find the military services, at request from a worker who has links with a bereaved family, helping in civilian funerals through transport and tents. The help for transport is also found in many civilian public institutions and even in some private places.
.
Prayer Service
Now, relatives, friends, neighbours, social group members, fellow employees, and community members run up and down to support the bereaved family in organising the funeral.
On the final day when burial and internment will be done, there will be prayer service at some place of prayer and religious worship. Many persons turn up. There will be the burial. Many, many, persons turn up. Funerals are open for any who feels grieved to attend.
Of course, there will be variation in the way things are done by families, communities, cultures, and groups, such as religious groups. There are adjustments and changes and people flow with these.
.
Reconnect
Yes, grief gathers persons, groups, communities, and societies together. Funeral gatherings are transforming events. Funerals and mourning give us reflection. It is time for deep change within us and around us. As individuals, we are transformed. We reset.
Funerals and their gatherings can provide us reconnection, reconnection with other persons and other issues.
Funeral gatherings are about appreciation of those that have gone and others that are still around, and with us.
We are thankful to the departed’s role in our lives. We get reconciled with the departed. And we are thankful to those we are mourning together with. We appreciate that we are together in community and together in Creation.
We reconnect and receive new connections. Of course, there are some individual situations where meeting again brings out past feuds and tensions among some individuals.
.
New Beginnings
Yet it is also at funerals, with spirit of goodwill and respect present, where past tensions are healed and there is reconciliation amongst persons. The death, mourning, and funeral would have helped relations become better. There are new beginnings.
And funerals transform us to rededicate our lives to our required paths and purpose. We try to find more meaning and purpose in our lives.
We feel uplifted, renewed. We rededicate our selves to our journey. We appreciate other persons. We strengthen bonds. Following a funeral, we can become more. We can become better persons.
We feel at one with our family. We feel at one with our group, with our community. We feel at oneness with humanity. We feel at one with Creation itself. We find our path. We reconnect with our purpose.
We realise our common humanity, that we are all of same family, and we respect others as fellow beings we travel in purpose with. Others in Creation support us to do our tasks just as we must do our part in supporting them to do their tasks, all in benefit of Creation and the whole. We realise that we are with strength.
Yes, every person’s life and actions have relationship with the life and living of all around us at some points in the present, future, and even the past. We affect all that are living now, near and far, and into other generations.
Our actions help others and sometimes our actions will bring problems to others, and later to ourselves. The wellbeing, harmony, of others affects our own wellbeing.
Goodwill is everywhere and worldwide. It is some deep process of Creation. Through Goodwill, every one is nourished. The whole of Creation is nourished and there is thriving. Goodwill is love, Creation’s nourishment and support.
.
The Spirit
.
From Canada and other places, persons have been assisting towards Enoch’s funeral to be in Africa. In Lusaka, Zambia, Enoch Mulembe’s family members and community members are working hard to enable the final funeral to take place in Lusaka. Thus, committing and working together from various places, this should come to pass. Yes, we can make it.
From the cooperation experience around the passing, mourning, and funeral of Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe, Jr, and other efforts on other issues in other places, and other times, we realize that with spirit of voluntary cooperation most issues in the world can be settled.
For one, Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe’s is a funeral abroad that will have come home.
Thank You.
* * *
Gabriel C Banda,
LUSAKA. May 23rd 2025, June 04th 2024.
.
*PS. UPDATE. On Thursday June 05th, 2025, we learnt that a plane would that day leave Canada with Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe’s body and the body was expected to arrive in Lusaka on Monday June 09th, 2025. Burial was scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, starting with church service at Ibex Hill New Apostolic Faith Church in the morning, with burial at Leopards Hill Memorial Park, Lusaka.
.
(Illustrations, pictures kindly provided to the author by Mrs Carol Nyambe Mulembe and Family:
1. Enoch Sumbwa Mulembe, Phil Photo Studio, Lusaka.
2. Enoch with Father and his Two Sisters, Abigail, Elizabeth. Pic by Mother, Mrs Carol Nyambe Mulembe.
Thanks to You, for your existence, your Be-ing. Thanks to Creation for your Being.
We give thanks to Creation for Existence, The Existence. The Awareness. The Being-ness. The existence of all, the existence of the whole.
We thank Creation for the Breath in You. The Breath that is You. Breath, Creation in You. Creation through You.
Thanks to You for the good that You have contributed to my life and that of others around us.
We give thanks to those who contributed well to your life and living. For in their contribution to You, they have, through You, contributed to us.
Many have, over generations and from Creation Itself, contributed to You and I.
From Creation, others have contributed to our present, to our Now.
Their works and service done long ago still live in us. In our stride, they also are.
As in relay in our teams in Creation, we have carried the torch. Torch of Life.
We receive, we give.
It is good to do Right.
And it is right to do Good.
As we pass year 2023, yet still keep the strong and useful things of 2023 and before in us, may this be more time for continued deep reflection. Take a break and breathe.
May Restoration be fulfilled.
May You raise the Torch, Raise your Light.
The gift of Breath still with You, may 2024 and Beyond be more chance to consolidate and strengthen in your steps on the Journey of Life !
Propelled by Blessed Breath,
Loving Breath,
Soothing Breath,
Healing Breath,
Breath Calm,
and
Breath ever Potent,
Sacred Breath,
may You make further advance on your journey towards fulfilling your contribution, your service, to Society and Creation !
We give thanks for You Be-ing !
Gabriel C Banda,
LUSAKA. December 2023.
(*Picture, GCB, Sun Rising over Zambezi River, October 2020, Lower Zambezi)
ON Thursday January 20th, 2021, Father Hector Mukwato, SJ, Jesuit, of Society of Jesus, mentioned his Coronavirus-2019 Positive status with Father Charles Chilinda, SJ. Also, he informed that the St Ignatius parish would close for two weeks, to reopen February 03rd, 2021.
Fr Hector Mukwato wrote that other priests and staff at St Ignatius had Negative results. Fr Hector Mukwato was calling for those who had had contact with Fr Charles Chilinda and he to go for tests.
Friday, January 22nd, I was very moved to learn about the passing of Fr Charles Chilinda, my Friend and Priest, on the night of Thursday January 21st, 2021, at Maina Soko Military Hospital, which has been turned into a Coronavirus-2019 treatment facility. Among the kind informants was the Ministry of Health.
Later, we learnt of the passing of another Catholic priest, Fr Patrick Muyenga, a Capuchin, part of the Franciscan Order. The previous week, Bishop Moses Hamungole, of Monze, passed away Wednesday January 13th, after days earlier announcing testing Coronavirus-2019 Positive.
Yes, Father Charles Chilinda. Cheerful, thoughtful, and graceful. Friendly. We could discuss a variety of issues in society and human relations and communications.
Fr Charles Chilinda, in touch with People and Society. Thoughtful. Tolerant, Patient. (Example, as he tolerated our Big Man, the unpredictable Michael Sata, to tease him in Church at prayer).
Father Charles Chilinda, available to many. Both open and disciplined. A guide to many. Priest and Friend to many. Fr Charels Chilinda was a relative to many, as a priest should be a relation of all. He appeared content. He did his tasks with gladness.
If there was Mass with huge attendance and the priests and persons giving Eucharist were many, I felt comfortable to go to the line Fr Charles Chilinda was administering.
(I believe that the one who administers Eucharist must at that time have some good level of preparedness and purity).
In 2019, at the tenth anniversary of memorial of passing of Mr Francis X Nkhoma held at the Nkhoma residence, I received Holy Communion from Fr Charles Chilinda.
In my mind, I sometimes thought Fr Charles Chilinda would do my requiem mass some decades from now.
Coronavirus-2019 and its effects and handling are still being understood before we reach some point of sufficient common control.
Meanwhile there are persons, like preachers, public officials, and persons playing various roles, that are very vulnerable because they are heavily exposed to interaction with other persons and many events and many things.
Other preachers in other churches and religions, and other persons playing various roles, may have passed on without others and themselves knowing links with Coronavirus-2019. Others knew the links but it was not announced by themselves and others around them.
Now we give thanks for the contribution that Fr Charles Chilinda and those team mates of ours that have passed on have made to our paths. We give thanks for having been together in this journey of Life.
Yes, we must now greatly make adjustments so we can live and continue to be supportive of the work Father Charles Chilinda was on with us and others.
For the sake of continuing our roles towards the collective work we were doing with Fr Charles Chilinda and other team mates of ours in various parts of the world, we must protect ourselves and survive Cornavirus-2019.
Those of us still with the gift of Breath must rededicate our selves to fulfilling our parts in Creation.
Thank You,
Gabriel C Banda,
LUSAKA, January 2021.
*Picture of Fr Charles Chilinda, with apologies to St Ignatius Parish Lusaka
I trust that this Season now is further time for Retreat, Some Retreat that is for Reflection, Healing, and Restoration So to strengthen, deepen, and be ready to go further in our Contribution to Creation! May You find Restoration and, with your team mates in the world, Greatly Achieve your various tasks in Year 2021 and Beyond !
Light, Life. Golden Light over Zambezi River Lower. Picture by Gabriel C Banda, (c) Sept 2020.
Come to Life
By
Gabriel C Banda
AT what point are our ideas and projects we have been working on? Is some idea on the line-up, just about to jump into life?
Or is the idea and project sick, burdened and struggling? Or is our idea very ill and on bed in hospital? Is our project not breathing and is now on emergency, resuscitating?
Or is our idea being taken to the mortuary, viable but considered dead?
Or has our idea been buried or cremated? Or perhaps our idea and project is lying with a remembrance stone or memorial over it?
What is causing our project to be inactive, unborn, sick, dead, or buried? What is required from us now to make sure that some important and very necessary idea or project comes to live and be part of life?
When, and how, are we going to nourish and release our idea to fly into life?
Yes, there may really be persons and situations making things difficult for our project. Some persons and situations may be, deliberately or otherwise, working to kill or abort our idea. They want to uproot the seed and seedling.
The forces against us or our project may be so, but remember that good ideas always have some persons and situations available to support them. Creation nourishes and requires the good actions.
While some persons and situations fight our good idea or project, remember that good persons and situations are existing and are always available to support us. They are always, always, available.
Do not yield to the actions of persons and situations working to derail and sabotage our good project.
Let us not abandon the good, necessary, project. From the sick bed, let our idea heal and have strength. Do not take a breathing idea to the morgue. Return to life the good idea.
Resurrect the good idea from the grave and from crematoriums. Undo the memorial plate and let our project fly in life abundance.
The good idea, or the idea of Good, is always stronger than the actions of persons and situations that want to defuse its light, the light that is within. Know that light cannot be defused.
Even when we find or see darkness and night, Light is always present. Light is Life. Life is Light. Life is always present. Life always IS.
The good idea always has support available. The world is always waiting for our part. Creation is always ready for us, for our part. Be Awake !
Greetings. “Coronavirus, Masks and Joe Biden’s Eyes,” by Gabriel C Banda, is from our vaults of writing, done October 2020.
Please read and share.
Thank You.
GCB, Lusaka.
Coronavirus, Masks and Joe Biden’s Eyes
By
Gabriel C Banda
SOME weeks ago, in September 2020, I realised that if you looked into Joe Biden’s eyes, you found goodwill and sincerity in there. His appears a spirit seeking the path of righteousness.
This year, because of the face-masks-on to prevent Coronavirus-2019 infection, we have been enabled to have more contact with the eyes of others. From the eyes, and through the eyes, the soul reaches out.
Various Reasons
Masks are worn by a wide range of persons for various reasons. Some masks cover more than others do. Masks of various proportions can limit the viewer or observer from fully knowing the face and expressions of the wearer.
Persons from the criminal fraternity have masks so that they are not identified by victims and the police.
In performing arts, clowns use masks. Dancers and artists in many parts of the world use masks so they are not personally identifiable. Full masks of the dancer prevent the identity of the dancer being known, thus giving freedom to the dancer to do much. In some cases, where they need to speak or sing, the dancer in Africa will also mask their voice so that they are not identifiable.
The welder uses some mask to protect their eyes from harm from excessive light of a particular kind. In the medical and health field, masks are used to prevent infection.
And face masks are worn by medical staff and a few other persons that have entered risky areas. But the Coronavirus-2019, being a pandemic, hugely threatens all our areas worldwide and compels us to use face masks.
Sincerity
In Joe Biden’s eyes, we reach some sincerity. He seems to believe in what he says and says what is in line with ideal principles. Observers can say Joe Biden is overall aligned towards honesty, honour, and goodwill. His eyes are gentle and friendly.
You can feel at home, relaxed, with his presence. You are not on guard thinking he might insult you or attack you in other ways. He seems a person of honour. Biden’s eyes do not exhibit the fire and fury of some persons’.
Even now, we can note from video of decades ago how a younger Senator Joe Biden spoke very passionately, and with sincerity and humanity, against the racist Apartheid South Africa regime.
And above her courage, assertiveness, and perhaps sometimes some toughness on public issues, in the eyes of Senator Kamala Harris we find some sparkle of delight of a soul. In her eyes is found friendliness. Kamala Harris is a spirit reaching out in gladness and union with others.
Spirits on Fire
Now, there are persons in politics, business, and various fields of life whose eyes appear to be on the alert and sizing down those persons they meet.
They have fire in their bodies. They are spirits on fire. What they touch, they try to burn.
When No Mask
When some persons have no masks, it helps them. It helps to reduce the focus on their eyes. The observer is seeing a large part of the face. There are many features that the observer will pay attention to.
The person may even have some make-up, which is some form of masking, and the observer will be made to focus on those, not the eyes.
But when they have some face mask on, their eyes are in focus. The state of their spirits is easier to see. The fire in their spirit is more easily seen through the eyes.
Because of this, it is also understandable why some persons do not want to have face masks on against Coronavirus-2019. Face masks reveal their eyes and spirits. Yet, there are still others that avoid face masks because the persons already have many masks to shield the person’s real character.
Some persons have on them some fake fronts to shield themselves from their real selves. These fronts are some form of masks. Some persons may have one or two masks within them while others have many masks.
Masks Within Mask—–
Wearing a medical face mask will increase the masks they are wearing. For that reason, as the masks may be too many, some persons will avoid wearing the anti-Coronavirus-2019 mask.
Also, the persons may not want some medical mask on because the masks within them do not want to be blocked by other masks on the body. The furious masks within want to be the dominant mask and not that of the medical system.
They feel suffocated by the one anti-Covid mask. The anti-Covid mask may feel like an extra mask. Besides that, the anti-Covid mask on the face of their body makes observers focus on their eyes, which they want to avoid. For in those eyes may be fire and hatred coming from their restless spirits.
So folks, some persons already have some vicious masks within them. Some persons may struggle with having masks on because the persons wear make-up, which to some extent may be some form of masking the self.
Not Limited to Eyes
Of course, expressions of the spirit are not limited to eyes. For one aspect, in persons that have challenges with their eyes, such as in disability through blindness and other limitations, there are still expressions we have not learnt to detect and understand.
Many who have visual disability have other expressions that reach out to other persons. They become very sensitive in using other aspects of sensing that others with better sight may not be using much.
In the lips of one with visual disability can be found one way the soul reaches out and communes with others.
Consider the joy that comes from singer and music artist Stevie Wonder’s smile as he speaks, sings, or is listening. Stevie Wonder’s soul reaches others through his smile, words, and singing.
Ray Charles was similarly pleasing and uplifting. In Zambia, we had joyful music stars P K Chishala, Spokes Chola, and Lazarus Tembo. You still encounter others performing in the street, with joy Many persons with visual limitations come to others through such and other ways.
Air Force One stair rails
*Masks show us a lot through eyes and the state of the spirit within a person. Joe Biden has shown sincerity in acting against Coronavirus-2019 by having a face mask on and encouraging followers and the public to practically act against Coronavirus-2019 and its dangers.
I am just concerned that sometimes, like other persons, my Big Man Joe Biden has not worn the mask securely fitting. He ends up touching it to make it align.
We will encourage that he must be careful with his hands, which will need sanitising, because touching the mask may expose the hands to virus the mask has blocked.
At other times, Joe Biden and persons like Donald Trump need to be careful about touching the rails of the stairs of aircraft, Air Force One for Trump, they are boarding. From where I am in Lusaka, Zambia, I sometimes observe Donald Trump touch the stair rails as support and pillar when going up to board the aircraft. That endangers him and others around him. I want him to train himself and avoid doing that. Just as we can train ourselves not to insult others, we can train ourselves to be careful on Coronavirus-2019.
And I understand that in recent months, Dr Chris Annear, our brother who is an anthropologist teaching in the United States, featured in Time Magazine with other academics commenting on some other aspects of Coronavirus-2019 and masks.
But, for now, the anti-Coronavirus face mask helps us to further appreciate the sincerity and dignity held in Joe Biden’s eyes.
“…In Creation, it is rare, as illustrated in the Donald Trump spirit, to find resident and combined in one human being many of the worst attributes in leadership and human relations.”
Trump, and WHO?
There are times Donald Trump has supported some things that, to us, seem the right or good direction.
These have included meeting the ruler of North Korea in dialogue, which I agree with. This easing of tension helps the earth and the communion of human beings who are in various positions. There is no need for rulers to continue to inherit the now unjustifiable hostility towards the North Korea administration.
Donald Trump has talked of intention to remove USA troops from places like Afghanistan and Syria. Invasion and support of armed rebellions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria have been stressful for humanity, leading to effects that will for long continue to affect all of us in the world.
The occupations and rebellions cannot be sustained and it is not good for governments to make or support armed rebellions for regime change of fellow United Nations members.
Actions against Creation
Yet in Creation, it is rare, as illustrated in the Donald Trump spirit, to find very resident and combined in one human being many of the worst attributes in leadership and human relations.
Donald Trump has been consistent in his actions against humanity and creation. He has sought the support of pro-life persons yet his actions are against the well-being and health of Creation.
Donald Trump has insulted friends and foes. He will turn against those who are considered his fans and followers. He can be no friend to those who may be in his team and may consider themselves his friends. He bullies those near and far. He has insulted persons, institutions, governments, and peoples.
He has insulted persons and communities of African descent, classifying their places as “shithole.” He has openly and consistently insulted persons of Mexican and Latino descent, and called them, as a group, some drug traffickers, criminals and rapists.
“Rapist” and rape are among images and codes racists use to dehumanise and grade inferior members of some groupings and justify degrading behaviour towards them.
Where things have been going towards cooperation and unity, Trump has thrown in the spanners to prevent their development. He has disrupted the international accord on Iran and nuclear technology and brought back sanctions, which in the time of Coronavirus will have great effect not only on Iran, but on the region and all of us worldwide.
Where persons from various backgrounds are working in cooperation for the good of Creation, trump has acted to disrupt the efforts. He has pulled out USA from the crucial Paris Climate accord. He is actively fighting the healing of the earth.
Mama Greta
Trump has attacked Mama Greta Thunberg, born January 2003, the great soul and passionate campaigner for healing the climate and environment. We may be cautious of how she has packaged one or two things but Mama Greta is a sincere, mature, and deep supporter of Creation. Trump has attacked Greta because she is a promoter of Creation while he is opposed to the health of Creation.
Where others are building bridges, the Trump spirit has built blocking walls. It has worked to divide humanity, even if it means building long walls. Trump has actively acted against persons of some faiths, the Muslims, and legislated his bias into national law and action. He has banned many of them, as groups and communities, from entering the United States.
He has uttered hate speech and nourished it in others. He has not hidden his words but has openly and proudly displayed them and acted on them. He has been proud of what many consider weaknesses. Thus he has mocked those he has demeaned and may be wounded by him.
Now, a head of state or government is expected to protect the rights and citizenship of citizens, no matter their origin. But in the country he governs, Trump has pronounced outcast some citizens and regards them as non-nationals.
These have included the four Congress representatives who were critical of him and are not of European-descent. He has talked of them to “go back” to “their countries” and that they come from crime infested countries. This is not the first time Donald trump has insulted Africans and others as a group and race.
“Go back,” “Go back to your place,” and “leave my country,” “leave us,” “leave us” some of the terms racists use on other members of their societies.
And locally, he has fought to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, “Obama Care,” that has helped many persons that previously would not have had some secure access to healthcare. His attitude and ineffective action towards the serious effects of Coronavirus-2019 is consistent with his position on not improving health for the whole society.
Trump has disturbed economies of the world and world economic relations by his selfish fight against others, including China. He has pushed others to the disadvantage of fair trade and economic relations among nations. His actions affect economies, countries, and peoples all over the world. He affects world balance.
Fire and Fury
Trump has fire and fury within him. The Trump spirit has some restlessness. He is sometimes not at peace with peace and will thus stir things up to disruption and disharmony, where he appears to be at home with. A restless spirit, he displays an inner violence, a violence within.
Trump carries in him a very radicalised personality.
At the critical time of the Coronavirus-2019 pandemic, the Trump spirit has now turned against the World Health Organisation and its head, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Trump says the United States government will withdraw funding and membership from the World Health Organisation.
Earlier, Trump did praise WHO and China, then lapsed into his character of attacking and insulting others, both friends and foes. The China blame game is not limited to China but will also likely, by his tradition, attack and insult others.
The action against WHO and China is consistent with Trump’s actions against humanity and creation itself.
Easter Attack
The timing of Trump’s attack on WHO is significant and symbolic. Trump’s attack and sabotage happened on April 14th, 2020, around the time of the ending of the Christian Easter period. This is time when the betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ are observed.
In some terms, April 10th was “Good Friday” or “Holy Friday,” the day the assassination of Jesus Christ was set up. Sunday 12th April was Holy Sunday, while Monday April 13th marked Holy Monday or Whit Monday, day of resurrection and overcoming.
The assassination was achieved through the evil ones and their agents building false accusation, a false case, and some false judgement against Jesus Christ. But in spite of the false attacks and judgement, Truth and Good proceeded on to live and thrive into other generations.
Yes, the timing of Trump’s attack on WHO was symbolic for the period it was taking place. The last name of WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is linked to “Jesus,” “Servant of Jesus.”
This was time for Trump to make Dr Ghebreyesus, Servant of Jesus, and WHO carry some cross and go to crucifixion. It was time to claim some false case and invoke some false witness.
Framing
Trump framed the WHO, blaming it for national implementation limitations and problems that were not of WHO’s making.
Folks, the Trump spirit has been acting against Creation.
We believe it is not wrong to ask critical questions at a critical time. This can help in reflection, correcting situations, and avoiding going into worse situations. But Trump’s points against WHO and China are not critical points designed to improve the situations of WHO and the world.
His input is designed to derail WHO, which is trying to help heal humanity, and harm humanity. These are efforts to make sure that WHO does not stop the Coronavirus-19 and reverse its effects.
The Trump spirit is deflating the tyres of the fire-engine as it goes to rescue to fight the fire. He is putting nails on the railway line so that the train derails. Earlier, he was trying to pump out and syphon fuel from a rescue vehicle as it is moving.
Trump is trying to stop the firefighters so that the fire can consume the world. Trump is trying to snare and handcuff the firefighting team.
Trump is behaving like when a child in a ball game does not like the way play is going and, as a way of sabotaging the game, withdraws their ball from being used in the game.
Knows the Effects
It is not that he does not know the effects. The effects of removing resources at this time are self-evident. We will need to consider that his desire may be to remove resources so that things go into the direction he wishes.
It is sabotaging the WHO. He wants to remove the pledged funds now so that WHO is disabled. This will help to compromise humanity and creation.
The United States government, with America’s people, from formation has been a key and willing member of the WHO. US governments have contributed a lot to humanity through WHO and bilateral arrangements. They have also learnt a lot that has through international interaction benefitted the people of the USA. There are even USA citizens working in WHO.
Not Trump Family Money
The monies Trump is removing from the WHO are not his family’s but from the persons in the United States whose taxes and other contributions have been put together to support a world organisation that seeks to help common humanity’s health and commonweal. People of the United States are part of the common humanity and have played, and continue to play, important parts.
It is unfair to the world and the United States for a person to have been behaving the way Trump has done.
Withdrawal of funds will not only affect WHO but may affect the relationship of US institutions like CDC and American health programmes’ collaboration with other governments and programmes of the world.
Trump Isolation
Yet, instead of succeeding to sabotage WHO, he will find that others will quickly step in and fill the gaps and requirements. Governments, organisations, and individuals can together fill up the gap Trump wants to create in his sabotage. They will show that the world can go on and thrive without the Trump spirit.
The world will get together and fill the temporary withdrawal of US official funds. Working together, it is easy to put together various resources and fill the money that Trump is withdrawing. Trump will be isolated. It will not be easy for him to engage in necessary international cooperation.
In Trump’s isolation, he will want to hold the USA system with him, distancing the American people from their brothers and sisters in the world. Trump’s actions have been creating division, locally and globally, and undoing bridge building.
Sanctions and Pandemic
Even during Coronavirus-2019, many governments and institutions are scared he will attack them if they call for easing or removal of sanctions against places like Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.
As long as people in these places will be badly affected by Coronavirus-2019, everyone else in the world is also vulnerable to infection. Governments must cooperate above political divisions if humanity has to overcome Coronavirus-2019.
Americans part of Humanity
The Trump spirit has tried to separate Americans from their fellow members of humanity. Americans are not a separate species but part of the unitary humanity. Some major Trump’s actions have been against humanity and the world. Sometimes, Trump has been an opponent of Creation itself.
The Trump spirit has invoked fire and fury at the world. Fire and fury have been meant to destroy the world. In that direction, some of his actions have continued been aligned. Some actions and words are similar to what may be found in the devil’s workshop.
He acts to have Coronavirus-2019 have high impact on the world, including America. Coronavirus is only one of the fronts he has tried to use.
Yes, it is rare to find held in one person some of the world’s key contentious issues threatening the integrity and harmony of humanity and Creation
Perhaps Trump is not exactly alone among rulers. There exists at least one other example of a ruler who has kinship with the Trump spirit in action and network against Creation.
Who or What?
Like a cult leader, he tries to move and hold his audience from what is truth and real. May 2020, and the November 2020 US elections are too far away for a person who makes major errors many times he speaks or tweets. Before that time, he will make many, many, mistakes. His questionable acts and words may become so frequent that even some of his deep fans will wake up in doubt.
Every week may bring one mis-action or more. Eventually, every day will come with some error. And it may even be more than three critical mistakes every day.
He will sometimes do or say something and later seem to dissociate from its spirit like it was not he that had done what people are wondering about.
He will dissociate himself from his words and actions openly made and imply he did not make them or meant something else. I can believe this. I can believe when he said he did not say or imply something.
He may be right. It may not have been he that said or did some things. So a question is: WHO, or What, is talking or acting through him? What drives Donald Trump? What is behind the Trump spirit?
Human Family
Trump wants to push Creation over the cliff, even with the USA in it. Trump’s actions in various spheres and activities are trying to isolate Americans from the human species, the family that all humans, in their variation, belong to.
Whether they like it or are hostile to it, each is an integral part of the whole human family, which is also an integral species of life.
Many in the world know that the Trump spirit is not standard representative of the behaviour of most persons in America.
The Trump actions of isolation and division will eventually fail. But not before the Trump spirit has led to the decline of the United States.
Humanity is one, a unit. There can be no Super power in the human family. Whatever bricks are built to create a superpower eventually part and fall away. Donald Trump is not a god. He may act as a force, but Trump is not a power. In the world, there is only the power of Creation.
A good king or emperor is not disruptive to their societies and the world. Donald Trump must know that he is not the emperor of the world. His efforts in that direction will only fail.
He that wants to destroy Creation may himself end up falling off the tower and lying in the swamps below.
*
The writer is independently involved in Writing and the Arts, Social Development, and observation of Peace and Conflict issues.
BROTHER Isaac Chirwa, our cousin, passed away in Lusaka in the night of Wednesday, July 08th, 2020.
This is opportunity for us, in tribute to Brother Isaac Chirwa, to share with You some observations of some principle and process that should be of great assistance as you work in this beautiful creation.
Our parents were not only relatives but also close friends. Isaac’s parents were our mother and father also. We lived in Libala when the Samson Chirwa family lived in Arakan Barracks. So we interacted a lot in Arakan and in Libala.
With Isaac and his brother Martin, we were not only relatives but also friends from the time we were very young.
At some point, we played football together. In the 1970s, there was a time we were doing trials for the Zambia Army, now Green Buffaloes, Under-14 boys team. At first our Libala community team was matched against the Arakan Barracks boys team.
One time we played as entertaining curtain raisers at Independence Stadium when the senior Zambia Army team, the “real one,” was playing with a team from outside Lusaka.
Later, more boys from Libala used to go for trials with the Zambia Army Under-14 team, trained by coach Kathumba / Katumba. Major Mwanza would come over to check on the needs of the junior teams and the main team.
For some time, I was very involved in the very competitive trials. Isaac and Martin were also very active. Isaac tall and left footed. And gentle. He was very active yet steady in his approach to the game.
Around that time, Texan Phiri was also very active in the trials for junior Zambia Army team. He later went on to work in football in Swaziland, now Kingdom of Eswatini and other places outside Zambia. Texan passed away in Livingstone a few weeks ago, in late May 2020.
After our days of soccer with the Under-14 team, later Brother Isaac Chirwa went to Zambia Police soccer club, now Nkwazi where he also went into police work. That job of serving and protecting the public he held up to the time of his passing the day after the Heroes and Unity long weekend holidays. Through his dedication, he reached the rank of Assistant Commissioner.
Cheered On
In recent years, I realised more and more that Isaac had over the decades keenly followed my activities and cheered me on. Because of my work in theatre and the arts, Isaac sometimes fondly called me “The Bongoman,” as in a message person, after the Jimmy Cliff song.
Sometimes Isaac thought of the controversial writer of Zimbabwe and called me, for some reasons I did not quite understand, “Dambudzo,” who he was fascinated with.
The Amphibian
Isaac had read some of my writing in my Post Newspaper column and would proudly talk about them to me and when we met his friends. He loved the piece “The Amphibian,” which I wrote about Zambia and the Southern Africa struggles after finding an old armoured vehicle in Senanga district.
Isaac was proud, and so to his friends, that I served in the Zambia National Defence Force as a willing conscript at a very tense time in the region.
After completing secondary school, I was drafted into the combined Zambia National Defence Force and, aged 17, trained as a soldier of the republic. ZNDF was composed of Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, and Zambia National Service.
After training, I postponed going to college and ended up in a ZNDC operations battalion. After release I went to do fulltime theatre, writing, and the arts. Later, following extensive raids by Rhodesia and South African forces, I was again drafted into the military and served at 9th Battalion, Zambia Light Infantry.
When we were released following Zimbabwe’s independence, I went back into the theatre, writing, social development and the arts, travelling in many places of Zambia.
Supportive
While some persons were sceptical and even tried to throw in spanners, Isaac was proud and very supportive of my being a pioneer in the making of fulltime theatre in Zambia. For decades, this supportive relationship has continued.
So, in recent years, I have reflected on Isaac Chirwa’s contribution to me and other persons. There have been some very intensive times when I have been with him and the dawn has come afresh because we had been together.
In life, there are those with whom we are in support of one another at critical times on the journey of life. Our activities and advances have happened because they have been there supporting us.
No one in the world has survived without the voluntary labour and support of another.
I have been fortunate to have acknowledged and thanked Isaac in front of him and other persons.
Creation Principles
And, now, it is also through Isaac that I must share some important learning about some principles of creation.
Many times, when we are struggling and facing much challenge and stress, we seek the assistance of others. There are times when others will, for various reasons, not help us. Sometimes they are not in a position to do so or sometimes they are unwilling to help us.
They may be unwilling because they may not believe in what we are doing or may not want it to succeed, however good it may appear to us and others. Know that some persons do not want to assist good projects because the persons are opposed to those good things being fulfilled.
There are those that are used to being assisted but do not move to do their part to assist others in need.
We sometimes have not done what we need to do because we have not received support for requests we have made. Many have given up and abandoned things or failed to achieve. Many in the world would have done much if they had assistance from others.
Other Sources
In spite of these setbacks, the lesson that we would now like to share with you is that you must realise that when some refuse to help you or are unable to help you, there are always others willing to help.
Do not stay on the closed door and windows. Realise that there are other sources of what is required to let you achieve your activities. Do not weigh your-self down with frustration and self-pity and even anger at not being helped, even by those you have in the past helped.
Accept that you can give unconditional love and support to another but they may not return it. Do not feel frustrated that others have not helped or supported you. The frustration will slow you down in what you doing or may divert you from your journey.
In any case, true help comes with willingness, free choice, and love. Prefer to get support that comes from free choice of the person giving it. Such support is coming from love. Do not force another to help you. Someone that is forced to help you may resent you and now or later, directly or indirectly, may sabotage you.
Now, a key aspect we must learn to realise is that when others are unwilling or unable to assist you, there are actually others that are willing to help you. So, let go of the unwilling persons and saboteurs and focus on the willing. Do not feel burdened by the reluctance of the unwilling.
There are actually many who are willing to assist you and will be available for you. Do not divert from them by remaining with the unwilling and even fruitlessly and continuously negotiating with the unwilling. Many times this is futile.
Willingly
Now, realise that in creation, when others are unwilling to support you in your good cause, there are those who are not only available but will willingly offer to support you. Later, you will realise that in fact, while others decline to assist us, there are those that will actually willingly reach out and follow you to provide you the needed support.
They are helping because the support is necessary to make creation operate effectively and fruitfully. So, this is the principle and process we must open ourselves to. If some will not help you, others will come forth and willingly help you, and even follow you.
This I witnessed Brother Isaac Chirwa do. This I have witnessed others do before. And even as I conclude this, there have been some examples of some persons reaching out to others in need, without being asked.
Related to this is that we ourselves can also demonstrate this by willingly participating in this through helping others in need. Our receiving support from others is example of what we can also do
Sometimes you do not have to let a needy person kneel down and beg you when the need is apparent and we are in some position to assist.
We are teams working together with members all over the world.
Offer something you are able to give and another in need will turn up and be able to use it for the good of Creation. This is part of the practical lessons that Brother Isaac Chirwa, others, and Creation have contributed to the world.
The funeral service for Brother Isaac Chirwa has been scheduled for Saturday, July 11th, 2020, with church service at RCZ Matero and burial later at Zambia Police burial grounds, Mutumbi Cemetery, Lusaka.
WE have been very concerned about the Coronavirus-2019 record situations in, among other places, UK and the USA. We are concerned about our brothers and sisters, citizens and expatriates, living in those parts of our world.
For, because it is a pandemic, the Coronavirus-2019 effects in UK, USA, China, and other places will eventually affect all other places of the world. Our health will be affected by the events in UK, USA, Brazil, China, and all places of the world. Our experiences here will also have effect on our brothers and sisters living in those places.
There are many in UK and USA who we know personally and they are in turn linked to other persons there and elsewhere who are all greatly affected by, or concerned with, Coronavirus-2019.
China Passing Laws
While the Coronavirus-2019 situation has reached very worrying impact in recent days, attention is also being drawn to the issue of China passing laws in Hong Kong.
China government officials say the laws will deal with issues like promotion of secession, independence, and public disorder like the violence in the Hong Kong protests.
Of course, all that happens elsewhere affects many others, including those of us far away, in the world. Thus we must be concerned by what is happening to our brothers and sisters elsewhere. We were concerned when Coronavirus-2019 figures were developing in China, Italy, Spain, Iran, and later UK, USA, and Brazil.
Affecting Us All
We were concerned when authorities in USA and UK, saying they have been following the evidence of science, were trying to rush and reopen economies after a short time of shielding and “lock-down.”
The practical evidence and wisdom in the situation seemed at variance with the direction of whatever science or theory the authorities said they were following.
We have been concerned by the killing of George Floyd and unarmed persons of African descent by police of USA cities. This is part of some pattern going back hundreds of years of these crimes against humanity. The concern of many around the world has led to protests and the opening of windows for definite change.
Thus the developments over China’s new laws in Hong Kong will affect us all. The authorities in the UK, USA, Australia have reacted by taking threats and actions against China and its authorities. The UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have started implementing what they threatened they would.
U K Citizenship
The UK government will entitle residency and eventually citizenship to about half of Hong Kong’s population. These were born before the British’s 1997 transfer back of the Hong Kong city state to China and had been subjects of British colonial rule. These British National Overseas, BNO, persons number some three million.
The USA Congress and Senate have passed legislation to punish China. Australia is also inviting some person of Hong Kong to escape to Australia.
China’s authorities have been angry about what is like UK stealing, or defection of, some of China’s population and said retaliatory responses will be made.
The Chinese and British administrations are accusing each other of breaking the 1997 agreement of the Hong Kong handover. The agreement was to cover fifty years. There are various interests by those involved in, and quarrelling over, Hong Kong.
Some persons in Hong Kong are critical of Beijing while others are not opposed to Beijing and others are even pro-Beijing. Some wish UK did not let go of Hong Kong and return it to China.
Of those persons born before the 1997 transfer and had been subjects of British rule, there are those who may want to leave Hong Kong, for UK and other places. Still, there will be those who will not want to leave Hong Kong and live in the UK.
So, now we are being moved from intensive concentration on the happenings around Coronavirus-2019 to sharing attention towards the implications of the UK China differences over the introduction of some laws in Hong Kong.
How Informed
With these developments, what is now coming to our mind is how far the responses of the Boris Johnson government have been informed by the science, the social science, on their societies. It is important to consider the effects of various measures and possible counter measures.
And besides the Coronavirus-2019 situation, the UK has had major events recently. These have included the referendum on Brexit, the elections of December 2019, and the ongoing Brexit transition itself. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was a key driver of Brexit and isolation from Europe.
Britain has separated from the European Union and they are finalising the divorce terms and what relationship will follow afterwards. Of course, there are other internal UK issues that will follow.
These include the future of the United Kingdom itself, for secession often begets secession. It is just a matter of time, within ten years at the most, that Scotland may secede into independence.
There is also the relationship of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, both whose publics are pro-European Union even though Northern Ireland is part of the UK.
The relationship between people in the Republic and the North has over the decades been greatly helped by both being members of the EU.
Brexit and Migration
Now, Brexit has been quite influenced by issues around migration. So, for the Boris Johnson’s offer of millions of our brothers and sisters from Hong Kong to steps towards automatic residency and citizenship, we wonder how much the decisions of the administration have analysed the science.
What is the attitude of the current residents of UK towards the arrival of hundreds of thousands, and later some few millions, of persons of Hong Kong to be residents and citizens?
What is the current attitude of British citizens towards persons of China and of Hong Kong?
Settlement
How comfortable will be the settlement of our migrant brothers and sisters of Hong Kong? How comfortable of this arrangement will be our brothers and sisters that are citizens of the United Kingdom and may consider themselves the natives?
How comfortable will be residents of members of the union – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
What relationships will develop? What will be the relationship between the new migrants and Hong Kong, and also with China?
Have some surveys and polls been done on this issue? As issues are developing, it may be very useful to consider the science, the social science, showing the factors and dynamics around this issue. Healthy social relations are important.
*
Based in Lusaka, Zambia, the writer is independently involved in Writing and the Arts, Social Development Work, and observation of Peace and Conflict issues.
Greetings ! This piece on Coronavirus and Zambia’s Arts Relief Facility has some of my thoughts reflected, to our Brothers and Sisters in the arts and those in support of the arts and social development, on recent developments involving the arts and the Coronavirus-2019 pandemic. It was also posted on my Facebook page, June 28th 2020.
Thank You.
Gabriel C Banda,
LUSAKA.
Coronavirus and Arts Relief Facility, Zambia
By
Gabriel C Banda
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu’s Statement, broadcast and issued Thursday June 25th 2020, as update on the Coronavirus-2019 situation and responses, has great importance.
It is good the administration is resisting pressures from some interests as has sadly happened in UK, USA, Brazil, Sweden, and some other places, to relax early and open up to active commerce and money-making. There is no contest between Life and Money. Life, with its health, is always primary. Life is first.
Before money was, Life was. Thus it is good, from President Edgar Lungu’s speech of Thursday June 26th, 2020, that government is showing resistance to pressures from forces, from various sectors, that want to act against Creation and Life.
The effects of seeking commerce and money above Life have already been showing in USA, UK, Sweden, and other places. Many of our innocent Brothers and Sisters there are suffering needlessly because of early opening.
Premature Opening
Some of these premature opening up societies, because of the harsh impact of Coronavirus-2019 and how they handled or did not handle it, will have their governing administrations swept away.
The impact upon societies of governments pre-maturely opening up to commerce and economy quickly and without capacity for adequate control over Coronavirus-2019, is immediate, harsh, and long term.
Recovery will take long and will require more resources than would have been required by just avoiding quick reopen.
Many Health Workers Required
If Zambia opened up deeply and we had, in various places far from each other, more infections needing hospitalisation, the health workers would be inadequate to manage. Already, it takes many health workers to attend to one patient with Covid-2019.
How would they manage a few more hundreds or even a thousand more patients whose location may be spread in various places and directions?
The staffing in health is still inadequate. It would have been better had it not been for IMF and World Bank economic austerity programmes that reduced our gains and capacities in health and various sectors.
Many of our skilled Brothers and Sisters have migrated for economic reasons and are far away working on the front lines of health and fight against Coronavirus-2019.
Much still has to be understood about Coronavirus-2019, it’s nature and effects. Don’t be tricked. What we need is relevant safe behaviour and PATIENCE just for a few more weeks, only a few more weeks, and we should be in some position to come out further from the retreat, shields, and bunkers.
Arts Support
Now, some other aspect of President Edgar Lungu’s statement of June 25th, 2020, is financial support to the Arts on account of Coronavirus-2019. This is significant.
In terms of resource programmes, since 1992, some sectors and situations have received grants and loans. These include housing “empowerment” programmes, funds for market traders, taxi drivers, farming funds, and other fields. The arts have been on the margins.
This may have happened not always because of bias against artists and the arts, but because those designing interventions have not been systematic enough.
Thus many independent artists have been on the material and financial margins. Government and private financing, by banks, has many times excluded the arts as a fraternity.
Living on Little
Yet, those in the arts, who have learnt to live on very little, have experienced some resilience that can make them achieve much if supported just with a little from public resources as others have.
Supporting and investing in the arts just with a little money can hugely transform Zambia’s visual screens and arts fraternity. Supporting twenty production houses with small loans can lead to many productions that can transform Zambia’s screens. Supporting writers can bring out many publications.
All parts of the arts can become stronger if supported. If supported, the artists can up their contribution in various genres and greatly affect the social environment.
On the Margins
At present, since 1992, many independent artists like us have not personally benefitted from government and private sector resource and finance. We have been on the margins.
But we benefit from communal government programmes. Like in the night, many are relieved to go and sleep because others around us, the police officers, are awake and working to protect the common good and prevent the forces of evil from sabotaging.
Also, like others, we benefit from infrastructure. In some places, it is safe to move even late because of public infrastructure and facilities. And there are some other common benefits.
But the artists have largely been on the margins when it comes to sector needs.
Many are struggling. Rents and housing. They struggle to find resources to rent from those that benefitted from government housing programmes.
(The housing programmes, not well done, contributed to family breakdown over house ownership, and to town councils losing huge rental incomes necessary for their various programmes).
Creative, Struggling
Some of our friends are still very creative but are struggling materially. Their work would have been faster and more if they had been in more material balance.
Many have difficulties with shelter and accommodation. Some struggle to pay rent but, being independent or freelance workers, will not be allowed mortgage finance by banks – even though the property itself can be security for the lender in a loan transaction.
Some are almost destitute. Some are not active in the arts as they have diverted to other fields and activities that provide money which can enable them get various basics for themselves and their families.
Vote
Our friends are very much interested in Common Welfare. Like us, they always try to vote during elections. They know it is human duty to fulfil our part in society and Creation.
Many I know will foremost vote for what they consider a good candidate, a good person. They do not vote expecting their personal situation will receive special assistance and programmes.
They vote because it is important for the whole society, not because they will personally benefit through some packages.
So, President Edgar Lungu’s announcement of the package for Artists is a very important turning point.
However, from the Statement and responses, we ask for more understanding of the announced facility, which has been given to the National Arts Council, NAC, to administer.
Again, it is commendable that the facility will be coordinated by NAC. Now, we need to have clarification because this arts facility has been linked to Youth.
Already, national ZNBC TV News on the evening of the Statement had three persons comment as they welcomed the fund. The persons focussed on the ZMW30 million as a fund FOR YOUTHS.
Is the Facility for Youths and will also cover artists? Or is the Facility an Arts resource that will also cover the youth?
Or is the Fund weighing for either Arts or Youth?
At the moment, this fund committed to artists and the arts sector by government under the environment of Coronavirus-2019 seems to have early on been claimed by youths and others as a youth fund. Some persons are making plans for this ZMW30 million.
So, does the fund have both arts and non-arts in it? If it has more than just arts and more than just youths and is for all two sectors, shouldn’t it be disaggregated so that the amounts of money or even the number of beneficiaries be noted?
Is the fund meant to cover persons that are both youth and arts person, or arts person that is also youth?
Also, the youth and age factors combination needs discussion. Now, officially,
Youth is considered as age range 18 to 35.
Various Ages
The artists are of various ages. Some are below 35 while others are now aged over 50. Linking the fund to Youth risks alienating, excluding, or putting on the margins persons aged above 35.
The arts and communication field is not very restricted by age. Manu Dibango was still playing music into his late 80s. Then he passed away, Coronavirus-2019 linked, some few weeks ago.
There are many music persons, writers, visual artists, and other artists and performers who have produced deep and moving materials when they have become Elders.
Retired members of the Zambia National Dance Troupe are example of artists who are still active after formal retirement.
Even when they are very creative and active, financial institutions in Zambia and elsewhere exclude elders from support such as loans. Some banks receive and use for profit the deposit of elderly persons but refuse to give them loans, even when those elders have surety.
Perhaps elders with money in such banks should start withdrawing their funds to put in more friendly institutions.
For now, the Government’s announced facility for artists should be very helpful. It should be done in very fruitful processes.
Artists are composed of persons of various ages. They are in various art forms. And they are male and female. And they are in various situations of physical ability. They are in an arts fraternity that works across various factors.
Let this chance of arts investment during Coronavirus-2019 practically work to uplift the arts, artists, and society.
gabrielbanda 