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.
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