In politics, attention often follows victory. But for the opposition Leadership Movement, gratitude has followed loyalty.
Weeks after the conclusion of the Chawama by-election, the party returned to the densely populated constituency not to campaign, but to say thank you.
The visit was dedicated to the 100 voters who cast their ballots for the party’s candidate, Ntazana Musukuma, standing with the young political movement despite the odds.
The atmosphere was reflective rather than celebratory. Party leaders described the moment as one rooted in Ubuntu, the African philosophy that emphasizes humanity, gratitude, and collective responsibility.
Drawing from the biblical account of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, Leadership Movement officials noted that while many receive help, few return to express appreciation.
For the party, returning to Chawama was about being among those who remember.
Leading the delegation was Party President Dr. Richard Silumbe, who addressed supporters during the handover of appreciation gifts.
He thanked them for their courage and belief in the party’s vision, noting that loyalty in difficult moments forms the foundation of lasting political movements.
“Political growth begins at the grassroots,” Dr. Silumbe said, urging supporters to remain committed and take an active role in building strong party structures and branches within Chawama Constituency.
According to him, organized and disciplined grassroots leadership will be critical as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
The party’s message was reinforced with a tangible gesture of appreciation. Supporters received 25-kilogram bags of mealie meal, along with pork and beef items that, in the current economic climate, represent meaningful relief to many households.
For recipients, the gesture was less about the goods themselves and more about being remembered.
Among those present was the party’s candidate in the by-election, Ntazana Musukuma, whose campaign, though unsuccessful, left a visible imprint within the constituency.
Addressing supporters, Musukuma expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who voted for him, describing their support as a source of encouragement rather than disappointment.
“Loss does not mean the end,” he said, adding that the by-election had provided valuable lessons and strengthened the party’s resolve.
Mr. Musukuma said he remains optimistic and confident that the Leadership Movement will perform better in the next general election scheduled for August 2026.
Looking beyond politics, Mr. Musukuma also outlined a development-oriented vision for Chawama, particularly targeting the youth.
He pledged to work toward the establishment of skills training centres in every ward of the constituency.
The centres, he said, would focus on practical skills such as bricklaying, carpentry, cake baking, and other vocational trades aimed at improving employability and self-reliance.
In a constituency where unemployment and limited opportunities continue to affect young people, the promise resonated with many attendees.
For some, it signaled a shift from purely political engagement to community-based empowerment.
For the Leadership Movement, the Chawama visit was more than a courtesy call it was a statement of identity.
By choosing to honor supporters after an electoral loss, the party sought to distinguish itself as one driven by principle rather than convenience.
As the country slowly turns its attention toward the 2026 elections, the events in Chawama offer a reminder that politics is not only about numbers on a results sheet, but also about relationships, values, and the people who stand firm when victory is not guaranteed.
Whether the gesture will translate into broader support remains to be seen.
But for the 100 voters in Chawama, the message was clear: their loyalty mattered.
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