The Editor Zambia
In politics, perception often travels faster than truth. Those who shout the loudest frequently shape public opinion, while those who choose silence are sometimes misunderstood.
President Hakainde Hichilema has, for years, found himself on the receiving end of claims that he is stingy or unwilling to help others. Yet those who know him personally often tell a very different story. 
The public appreciation expressed by the family of former Vice President Dr. Guy Scott offers a rare glimpse into a side of President Hichilema that he has never sought to publicise.
According to the family’s own account, he extended support quietly and without seeking recognition, applause, or political advantage.
Their decision to speak publicly was not prompted by President Hichilema but by a desire to express gratitude for kindness that had remained private.
This reflects a long-held principle that many philanthropists embrace: when you give, you do not announce it to the world. Genuine charity is measured not by the number of cameras present but by the sincerity of the act itself. It is giving because it is the right thing to do, not because it generates favourable headlines.
Unfortunately, this humility has also created an opening for political propaganda. Those determined to discredit the President have exploited his reluctance to publicise his private acts of kindness, presenting silence as evidence of indifference. It is an easy narrative to construct when the beneficiary also chooses to remain discreet.
Yet true generosity rarely seeks publicity. Many recipients of private assistance prefer to preserve their dignity and privacy, and responsible benefactors respect that choice. The absence of public announcements should never be mistaken for the absence of compassion.
The Scott family’s public acknowledgement reminds the nation that character is not always measured by what is broadcast. Some of the most meaningful acts of kindness are those that remain unseen until those who benefited choose, of their own accord, to tell the story.
Leadership is not only demonstrated through policies, economic reforms, and infrastructure. It is also revealed through humanity, empathy, and quiet compassion.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s approach to philanthropy appears to embody the belief that kindness loses none of its value simply because it is performed away from the public eye.
In an age where many feel compelled to publicise every charitable deed, there remains something admirable about a leader who allows gratitude to speak for itself rather than speaking on his own behalf.
