Dr Vernon Mwaanga Says He Cannot Control 59-Year-Old Son Mainga Mwaanga

Veteran Zambian politician Dr Vernon Mwaanga has said he cannot control the decisions of his son, Mainga Mwaanga, who he says is now 59 years old and responsible for his own choices. Dr Mwaanga was speaking on the Kenny T 1 on 1 podcast, where he discussed the attention his son frequently receives on social […]

Veteran Zambian politician Dr Vernon Mwaanga has said he cannot control the decisions of his son, Mainga Mwaanga, who he says is now 59 years old and responsible for his own choices.

Dr Mwaanga was speaking on the Kenny T 1 on 1 podcast, where he discussed the attention his son frequently receives on social media and how the situation sometimes reaches the family.

Mainga Mwaanga has repeatedly attracted attention on social media, with videos and posts involving him often generating widespread discussion among Zambian social media users.

According to Dr Mwaanga, whenever his son begins trending online, people are quick to contact him through phone calls and WhatsApp messages, often sending him videos showing what Mainga is doing.

The veteran politician said that while he has spoken to his son about his lifestyle and choices, Mainga is an adult who ultimately has responsibility for his own decisions.

“Mainga is 59 years old, I cannot control his life. He controls his own life. If that is the life he has chosen, so be it,” Dr Mwaanga said.

Dr Mwaanga explained that he has previously advised Mainga to use his age and experience to positively influence younger people.

He said he has encouraged his son to take on a more advisory role and share his experience with younger members of the family and society.

“When I meet Mainga, I always tell him, ‘What you’re doing is very wrong. At your age, you should be giving advice to your young brothers,’” he said.

The comments have sparked renewed discussion on social media about the relationship between public figures and their adult children, particularly when the actions of family members attract widespread public attention.

For Dr Mwaanga, however, the situation appears to come down to a simple principle: while parents can offer advice and guidance, an adult ultimately makes his own choices and must take responsibility for them.

The veteran politician’s remarks also highlight the challenges faced by families of people who regularly find themselves in the public spotlight, where personal matters can quickly become subjects of widespread online discussion.