By Whitney Mulobela I just read Laura Miti’s piece on President Hakainde Hichilema’s support to the late Vice President Guy Scott, who was laid to rest yesterday at Memorial Park. It reminded me of something important: this President has been a philanthropist long before politics. With his dear wife Mutinta, he has supported thousands of […]

By Whitney Mulobela

I just read Laura Miti’s piece on President Hakainde Hichilema’s support to the late Vice President Guy Scott, who was laid to rest yesterday at Memorial Park.

It reminded me of something important: this President has been a philanthropist long before politics.

With his dear wife Mutinta, he has supported thousands of vulnerable children, built schools, and built hospitals serving communities across Zambia.

Long before State House, he built the Mooya Clinic in Bweengwa. Today, Mongu benefits from President Hakainde Hichilema Hospital — built in memory of the persecution and incarceration he endured at Mukobeko for a capital offense. From personal pain came public service.

This is not new. This is not for politics. This is who he is. Those in communities where the First Family farms will tell you stories of quiet, deliberate support. School fees paid. Medical help extended. Assistance given without cameras or announcements.

His empathy extends to office. President Hichilema made a conscious decision to support the families of all five former Presidents. His administration has methodically ensured that at least one child from each former President is employed in government. It is a gesture of respect for the office and for those who served before him.

When he took office, there was no law providing for former Vice Presidents. In their honor, he appointed them as Special Envoys — even before Parliament enacted a law on benefits for former Presidents. He chose to act, not to wait.

That is leadership with a human face.
It is about remembering people, honoring service, and extending dignity beyond party and beyond tenure.

That is the other side of President Hichilema the headlines rarely show. Beyond the policy debates and the politics, there is a consistent thread: serve people first.

The author is a State House Chief Communications Strategist.