Lusaka City market: I did not feel like 'Mokwerekwere'

Back in Mopipi Community Junior Secondary School (CJSS) when the teaching staff consisted of expatriates, most of whom were Zambians, I still remember how they would ask if I were from Zambia.

I liked Zambia, the hospitality was unquestionable, the food was good - vegetables are an important component of the dishes; environmental friendliness is also one of their best practices - beverage bottles are reused. I could have stayed but I had an obligation to duty and my country. But if I was allowed to resign while on a job trip, I could have electronically mailed my resignation letter and taken up a freelance job with The Big Issue of Zambia!
"My name is from Zambia, Kayawe, yes it's from that side," this is what I heard the first day I started my secondary education in 2000.

Indeed I belonged; because of my name I felt a part of them at heart - the chitenge (the national fabric) shirt I bought at the Lusaka City Market completed everything.

Editor's Comment
Gov’t must rectify recognition of Khama as Kgosi

While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....

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