The Editor Zambia
EVENTS that characterized the funeral mass for late Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka reveals the extent to which people have reduced self- respect, worse still for the dead.
Tonse Alliance leader Brian Mundubile, working with a named Bishop, coordinated some cadres to chant “We want Change” during the funeral service of Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu where President Hakainde Hichilema was present. 
The decision to turn a solemn occasion into a political party assembly, chanting political slogans at a funeral in the church premises, just goes to show how desperate some opposition leaders are.
The turning of a solemn occasion into a platform for political slogans is disturbing and undermines the sanctity of the occasion.
This shameful, disorderly lawlessness is entrenched in the Tonse Alliance, inherited from the Patriotic Front (PF) system of caderism.
Funerals are meant to be an occasion for mourning, reflection, and paying last respect to the departed, not arenas for political grandstanding. The chanting of slogans like “we want change” not only disrespects the deceased but also the grieving family and friends.
Political commentators say such actions demonstrate a lack of empathy and sensitivity towards those who are mourning.
They say the use of a funeral for political messaging trivializes the event and diminishes its significance, turning a moment of sorrow into one of controversy.
Yesterday’s events are a stark reminder of how desperate politics can sometimes overshadow basic human decency. How does a normal human being behave in such a manner?
Analysts say the funeral was not for or about Catholics alone, but other members of the public from all sections of society.
Tonse Alliance leaders wanted to use the funeral to portray a picture that Catholics were against the President Hichilema when infact not.
Mundubile wanted to peddle his political mileage using a solemn event. Mundubile should be ashamed of himself.
How do we turn a solemn occasion into a political party slogan chanting assembly?
When were elections won at a church funeral service?
How do you turn a funeral event into a political event?
People expect the church to distance itself from such acts. At least people expected to see an apology and a statement from the church condemning this blatant act. Failure to publicly apologise will just confirm people’s suspicions.
Analysts have asked Zambians to pray for the Catholic leadership to be wise enough to understand that the church must not be used to peddle a political agenda.
It’s imperative that people respect the sanctity of such events and allow the bereaved to grieve in peace.
Politics has its place, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of disrupting solemn occasions like funerals.
Tonse Alliance Leaders should uphold the dignity of such moments and refrain from turning them into political spectacles.
