By Brian Matambo | Lusaka

An anonymous caller on the Emmanuel Mwamba Verified Monday edition has challenged Zambians to confront their growing complacency and revive the spirit of sacrifice that defined the nation’s founding generation.

Speaking during the live broadcast, the caller reflected on the legacies of President Michael Sata and former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, warning that Zambia risks losing its moral and revolutionary character as the 2026 elections approach.

“Our attitude as we approach 2026 needs to be checked,” the caller said. “If Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, and their colleagues had our attitude, Zambia would never have gotten its independence.”

He argued that while many Zambians talk about the need for a Second Independence, few are prepared to stand up for it. Citing the imprisonment of Patriotic Front Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda under a law that has already been repealed, the caller described the case as “a clear overreach by the State” and condemned the silence of both the public and the political class.

“A man is in prison for a law that doesn’t exist, and yet the nation is quiet. Even the Members of Parliament for whom he spoke are silent,” the caller said. “If this was the attitude Kapwepwe or Princess Nakatindi Wina had, Zambia would never have attained its freedom.”

The caller said the silence and indifference of citizens were “frightening” and reflected a generation that values comfort more than conviction.

“Providence has given us a fight to take up, but people are watching football,” he lamented. “We claim we want a Second Independence, yet we can’t stand up for simple matters of justice.”

He called on citizens to emulate the courage of the late President Michael Sata, whom he described as a leader who “stood for the poor, the voiceless, and the underprivileged,” and urged Zambians to rediscover that fearless spirit of service and defiance.

“We must rise up and stand for what is right. Otherwise, we will one day wake up as slaves and prisoners, not because the chains were strong, but because we refused to defend our nation and our Constitution,” the caller concluded.

The remarks drew a solemn reaction from both listeners and host Emmanuel Mwamba, who described the contribution as “a timely reminder that freedom is not inherited; it must be defended.”