Zambia is in a state of tension. The tension comes from the looming job losses in the wake of a sharp decline in world copper prices and the increased cost of food, especially meal-mealie, our staple food. But the tension is far deeper than this. It is the crisis of hopelessness among us as a people. Distrust in the electoral process, poverty, corruption, unemployment and unnecessary deaths from HIV and AIDS make us feel defeated, hopeless and helpless.

Our disciples should be providing leadership in the ministry of works and supply ensuring that we no longer have potholed roads. Our disciples should be running the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and ministry of agriculture ensuring that even in lean years we have food. Our disciples should be running the anti-corruption crusades and showing by example what it means to live a holy life. Our disciples should be providing leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, cholera and malaria.

He might have slipped through the noose of the courts on the rape count; might still do so on the corruption count and may even be on the safe side of a Constitution that fudges the issue of polygamy. But would he pass the test of leadership, bearing in mind that a leader should not only espouse but embody the highest ideals of any given country?