What have the majority of Zambians who live in abject poverty to do with celebrating African Freedom Day? The Zambia 2008 Progress Report on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) states that, Currently 
extreme poverty levels in rural areas stand at 68%. A major cause for this is the historical biases of public expenditure in favor of urban areas. Extreme poverty is more prevalent among female-headed households than among male-headed households. For Zambia to attain this goal, people living in extreme poverty must be reduced to 29% by 2015.
What have those 68% Zambians have to do with African Freedom Day? Did the political or economical justice that Dr. Kaunda, Dr. Matoka, Mr. Changufu, Mrs. Maria Chikamoneka, Mama Kankasa fought for extend to the majority of Zambian people? Sadly, this is not the case. Most Zambians are not included anywhere within the light of this celebrated anniversary. Those who will be invited to the high table of celebration in hotels the government leaders, business people and political cadres only discloses the vast distance between the majority of Zambians and those in power. The blessings the current government leaders celebrate in this day are not enjoyed in common by the over 70% of our Zambians. African Freedom Day is for the Republican President, the government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, Business leaders affiliated to the ruling party and their families members. They are the ones who share the rich inheritance of economical and political justice that our fathers and mothers fought for.
This is a day that our streets and homes should be plastered with our national flag. This day every Zambian should fill our soccer stadium and join in singing joyous and victorious local anthems. This day our children should line up in parks dancing, eating affordable food and drinking nutritious drinks made by a Zambian owned company. But what is happening? This is the day a Zambian is given the present of a hearse (manda manda). Instead of helping a Zambian enjoy life the government thinks its more important to bury him with dignity- hence the gift of a hearse to each district.
For Christians, freedom has limited meaning if it does not have spiritual dimension. Political freedom and economic prosperity does not guarantee a new quality of life. A new quality of life is guaranteed when people live in obedience to the will of God. African Freedom Day gives an opportunity to the Church to present the Christian image of freedom to the nation. How did your church celebrate the Day? Did you preach a message of freedom and equality that is found in Christ? Did you encourage the members not to be self-centred but to also give to those in need that they too may celebrate? Did your congregation spend time to thank God for His continuing work of protecting you and the nation and for His provision of your needs?
Lawrence Temfwe
