The Blurring Boundaries of Culture, Religion, and Politics in Zambia

Traditional ceremonies in Zambia—once a time to celebrate our rich culture, heritage, and community. But now, thanks to the brilliant marriage of modern politics and cultural heritage, they’ve become a catwalk for political party regalia. These days, instead of enjoying traditional drumming, you get the pleasure of watching a parade of flags, colours, and party chants. Who needs sacred cultural spaces when you can have a full-blown political rally in the middle of your ancestral land?

And who could forget the infamous Watermelon Era of 2021? If you were in Zambia during this era, then you remember all too well. Unless you choose to forget. Back when everything was draped in green, but if you looked closely, you'd find a deep red within. Political allegiances were plastered everywhere—from village huts to ceremonial grounds. “What’s that, you’re not wearing green? Out you go!” And just like that, exclusionary politics wove itself into spaces that once stood for unity. Fast forward to today, and here we are again—traditional events turned into political fashion shows. Why, you ask? Because nothing says “cultural pride” like your favourite party logo.

But here's a radical idea: What if we kept politics out of traditional ceremonies? I mean, why not be the first to actually do it? After all, culture and politics have been tangled for eons, like Nshima stubbornly stuck to the pot. So why not try to peel them apart—just a bit?

Speaking of entanglements, did you know that Zambian chiefs can endorse presidential candidates? Yes, the custodians of tradition, who are supposed to be neutral and above, officially play politics.

It’s not just Zambia though. Across Africa, this fusion of chieftaincy and politics is as widespread as the afternoon sun. Studies from Ghana reveal that chiefs endorsing candidates is an issue that spans the continent, with the political influence of traditional leaders steadily growing (Osei-Hwedie & Osei-Hwedie, 2016). This phenomenon is a ticking time bomb, especially in countries where civic education is as rare as a decent rural road grader. Chiefs, who wield significant influence, can easily sway uneducated voters, making politics more about who gets to the village chief first.

Don't get me wrong, I’m all for political engagement—but maybe we could keep traditional spaces sacred? Just a suggestion. Or is that too much to ask in our grand political carnival?

Let’s face it, the blending of political branding into our sacred ceremonies is dangerous. It erodes the cultural significance of these events, turning them into platforms for political agendas. Instead of gathering to celebrate heritage, we now gather to count party flags. It’s as if our culture isn’t valuable enough unless a political logo is slapped on it.

So, what’s the solution? How about drawing a clear line between politics and tradition? Let’s keep our sacred spaces just that—sacred. Otherwise, we’ll just keep sliding down this slippery slope of party regalia, chief endorsements, and blurred lines until we no longer recognize the Zambia we claim to celebrate. And mark my words, if we don’t fix these micro-issues now, they’ll turn into macro-problems—the kind we’ll spend decades trying to “clean up.”

The best time to speak up was yesterday. The second-best time? Right now.

And what’s next, you ask? Oh, the church. Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty to say about religion’s entanglement with politics—but that’s a conversation for another day.

End

Resources:

Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, Article 168(2). Lusaka: Government of Zambia.

Osei-Hwedie, B., & Osei-Hwedie, W. (2016). Chieftaincy and traditional authorities in Ghana and Zambia: Enduring influence and legitimacy in politics. Commonwealth and Comparative Politics, 54(3), 325-344.