“Leadership is Stewardship, Not Ownership”

— Archbishop Alick Banda pays moving tribute to late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu

In a stirring homily delivered at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, Archbishop Alick Banda paid heartfelt tribute to the late 6th Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as a humble and sacrificial leader.

“We gather not only to remember what he did, but more profoundly, who he was, a man like all of us, blessed by God, tested by life, shaped by faith, and now called home by the Creator who first gave breath to his soul,” Archbishop Banda said, offering comfort to the bereaved family.

He recalled President Lungu as a leader of the people, grounded in humility and generosity.

“President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a humble man,” Archbishop Banda said. “He would eat mangoes on the street. He was approachable, sociable, and easy to relate with. He would relate with anyone, regardless of one’s social standing, be it ‘bakabova’ (call boys). He would often empty his own pockets like GBM to support the vulnerable. He was the people’s President.”

“And in furtherance of the biblical injunction, of “love your neighbour as you love yourself, the late President related very well with neighbours, not only at home but also in the region.”

Despite leading during difficult times marked by drought and the Covid-19 pandemic, Archbishop Banda commended the late President for his resilience, peace-building efforts, people driven constitutional reforms, and dignified exit from office.

“History will speak loud about him,” he said. “He did not exhibit acts of desperation for power, but a recognition that leadership is stewardship, not ownership.”

Comparing Dr. Lungu’s life journey to that of Abraham, the Archbishop reflected on the trials and faith that defined his path, from modest beginnings, to a legal career, through the uncertainty of politics, and ultimately to the presidency.

“Like Abraham, he ventured into the unknown more than once. He was tested, often alone, and carried burdens unseen by many. But faith is not refined in comfort, it is forged in tribulation.”

Quoting Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan,” Archbishop Banda emphasized the need for compassionate, people-centered leadership.

“Indeed, the people of God long for leadership which serves with compassion, leadership that serves with integrity, leadership that puts people first and puts service above status and self-righteousness.”

“As we bid our last farewell to the late 6th President of Zambia, let us not overlook the lessons he is leaving behind, namely: leadership is service; true authority is in humility and in lifting others up, and power belongs to the people.”

He concluded by commending the late President’s soul to God, while expressing gratitude to the Lungu family, the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the hospitality and for understanding the Lungu family’s difficult circumstances, as well as Cardinal Stephen and the Archdiocese of Johannesburg for the support.