Jere condemns culture of hypocrisy as Zambia mourns late First Lady Mwanawasa

The Supreme Court was filled with a somber silence as Dickson Jere denounced the hypocrisy of Zambians, who, while delivering heartfelt speeches and raising funds for the funeral of former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, had abandoned her during her time of need.

It was revealed that in her final months, Dr. Maureen was overwhelmed by financial difficulties, often breaking down in despair.

Jere, her lawyer, shared during a valedictory session at the Supreme Court on Monday that she felt utterly forsaken.

“During this period, she faced numerous challenges; some doors were shut on her, and she would literally come to cry. In our last meeting, she was in my chambers with Bishop John Mambo and we had a prayer together,” he recounted.

He acknowledged that while President Hakainde Hichilema provided comfort and Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha made efforts to support her, the broader community was notably absent.

“Zambia is a country of hypocrites! Here we are, speaking and laughing about this great woman, but where were we when she was going through difficulties? So, when she died, I remembered the famous speech by South African politician Julius Malema at the death of Winnie Mandela: ‘Mama, they are here,’ and I say, ‘Mama, we are here!’ We need to be there for our colleagues when they are going through trials. We shouldn’t be giving nice speeches and raising money for funerals when we should be supporting our colleagues during their struggles. If we had truly been there for her, we could have eased her burden,” he lamented.

Jere also recalled a recent conversation where Mwanawasa expressed her fear of abandonment, saying, “Counsel, I hope you are not abandoning me. Everyone seems to be abandoning me. Ndalama zapaka.”

This, Jere reflected, was a stark reminder of the need to support colleagues during their trials, rather than only showing up with speeches and funds after they have passed.

He also disclosed that the former first lady frequently spoke of her death and funeral, which she wished to be held at Silverest.

Chief Justice, Dr Mumba Malila praised Dr. Mwanawasa’s professionalism, warmth and commitment to justice.

Her achievements were numerous, from her distinguished early legal career to her role as First Lady, where she advocated for social justice and healthcare improvements.

Malila highlighted the impact of the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative (MMCI), which supported education, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure for disadvantaged communities.

Her work extended internationally, demonstrating her dedication to advancing the rights of women and children across Africa.

Coincidentally, she earned her law degree from the University of Zambia on August 19, 1995.

The former first lady, survived by four children, was laid to rest at Memorial Park in Lusaka.

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