HOW WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED?

On Friday 18th March 2022, as I followed proceedings of the burial of Zambia’s fourth president, Rupiah Banda on ZNBC, I could not help but be moved by the many sentiments said about the deceased.

Family, friends, and people from all walks of life recounted the special moments they had with someone who was affectionately called RB. From the daughter who recounted the song she sang with the father so beautifully to the tributes of his statesmanship, unifier of the country, peace maker, etc. from others. 

As I watched the news later that evening, a lot more tributes were made based on what each person remembered the most about RB.

"BC!" This was the word which popped up in my mind as the day’s events unfolded. BC was a term which referred to the meal allowance paid to students at the University of Zambia (UNZA). The allowance was dispersed by the Bursaries Committee hence the name BC.

During his tenure as president, RB answered the students long standing plea for improvement in meal and project allowance by increasing BC by over 50%. In that moment, I realized RB had a more direct impact on my life than I thought.

This made me ask; how are my daily decisions and actions affecting others?

Whether we know it or not, what we do or don't do is in one way or another affecting others.

The death of someone accords us an opportunity to reflect on our own mortality. This can in turn help us to be more deliberate about how we treat others, especially those who are closest to us.

When all is said and done, it is the little things such as enjoying a meal together, singing songs with your loved ones, improving living conditions of people when it’s in your power, etc. that will continue to shine brightest when your light fades away.