“PAMUPANDO! Pamupando,” shouted the crowd as President Hakainde Hichilema made his way through the Parliament chamber to open the fourth session of the 13th National Assembly this morning.
Despite the nation grappling with 21 hours of load shedding per day, the energy in the chamber was electric as President Hichilema took his seat, with the crowd chanting, “Yeah! Yeah!”
The energy displayed at this function would be enough to be transported to the Kariba North Bank and end load shedding as it was not only Members of Parliament from the ruling party chanting but the opposition too.
The Parliament building itself and the whole surrounding came alive with a riot of colour and celebration.
The ceremony, marked by a spectacle of colourful military precision, jubilant choirs and ceremonial traditional dancers captivated the atmosphere around the National Assembly area.
The atmosphere around Parliament was charged with excitement as the UPND choir, dressed in bright red, white and yellow filled the grounds with their music, denoting a strong sense of power within.
Outside the main gate, the military lit up the scene with their vibrant uniforms like a child jubilantly waiting for the arrival of their loving father and asking strangers “your invitation card ma’am?” Sir, may I have your invitation card?”
The Zambia National Service (ZNS), clad in deep green, stood shoulder to shoulder with the Zambia Army, whose brass band was dressed in striking red playing rousing tunes that seemed to lift the spirits of everyone in attendance.
The arrival of the presidential motorcade heightened the excitement as sleek Porsche cars glided up to the gates, followed closely by horses painted in national colours.
The highlight of the ceremony for the writer and many others came with the thunderous 21 gun salute, which sent vibrations through the ground and momentarily startled the crowds and onlookers, making the writer tremble with mixed feelings of fear and awe.
The presidential salute boomed through the air, sending tremors through the ground and catching the crowd by surprise each time it popped out.
The sound as thunderous as the La Niña shook the earth beneath the feet, leaving onlookers stunned by the awe and power of just what a president comes with.
The service chiefs donning their red vestments, took the red carpet, signaling the gravity of the day’s proceedings.
In his opening speech, President Hichilema addressed key issues facing the nation such as the energy crisis and high cost of living.
Economic growth, social reforms and national unity were central themes, with the President noting the importance of the session in shaping Zambia’s future.
Service chiefs, adorned in striking red vestments, marched down the red carpet with solemn dignity noting the importance of the day’s proceedings.
President Hichilema addressed the country’s most pressing issues, from the energy crisis to the high cost of living.
He noted the need for economic growth, social reforms, and national unity, calling for collective action to shape Zambia’s future.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, September 13, 2024
