By Brian Matambo, Wednesday, May 6, 2026

The Republican Party President and PF-Pamodzi Alliance National Mobilisation Chairperson, Wright Musoma, has condemned the reported decision by the UPND government to rename the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Toll Gate after Anderson Kambela Mazoka, describing the move as unnecessary, divisive and not in the best interest of the nation.

In a strongly worded statement, he said Godfrey Ucar Chitalu was not an ordinary name in Zambia’s history, but a national football legend whose contribution placed the country on the world map.

He said Chitalu’s legacy should not be casually erased for political convenience, especially given that the toll gate had already been named in his honour.

“Godfrey Ucar Chitalu was a legend who put this nation on the world map. He died while serving this nation. His contribution cannot be compared lightly or pushed aside simply because the government prefers another name,” he said.

He said while Anderson Mazoka was a respected businessman, politician and founder of the UPND, the government must avoid creating the impression that national assets are being renamed to favour ruling party icons.

He argued that Mazoka was never a minister or president of Zambia, and that, according him such recognition by removing the name of a national sporting hero was politically insensitive.

“We know Anderson Mazoka was the founder of the UPND, but he was never a minister or president of this nation. To begin with, according to him, that type of national honour by replacing the name of Godfrey Chitalu is wrong,” he said.

He warned that such decisions risk dragging the country into unnecessary national debates at a time when Zambia should be protecting shared heritage rather than politicising it.

He urged the government to reverse the decision and respect the memory of Chitalu, whom he described as one of Zambia’s departed national heroes.

“Please do not move this country into unnecessary debates. You cannot compare Anderson Mazoka’s contribution to this nation with that of the late legend Godfrey Ucar Chitalu. Reverse this decision in the best interest of the nation,” he said.

The statement adds to growing political criticism over the reported renaming, with opposition voices arguing that national symbols must be handled with restraint, fairness and respect for history.