HEELS AND HEART
…HH breaks protocol for Mutinta
By DAVID KANDUZA
THE grand pomp and rigid protocol of the State opening of Parliament faded into a quiet, viral moment of pure devotion on Friday afternoon, October 9, 2026, as President Hakainde Hichilema was captured carrying First Lady Mutinta’s high heels at Community House.
Fresh from delivering a high-stakes ceremonial address to the National Assembly, the Head of State traded the weight of official duties for a gesture that had captured the hearts of Zambians online.
Opting for comfort after a long day of official ceremonies, the first lady decided to walk barefoot upon arriving back at their residence at Community House.
Without hesitation, the President stepped in to carry her discarded heels—a stark and tender contrast to the formal guard of honour and heavy security detailing that had surrounded them just an hour prior
Reflecting on the intimate moment, President Hichilema shared a poignant note on his social media platform: “The demands of office pause awhile; for tenderness needs no protocol and devotion seeks no applause.”
The image and message quickly went viral, with citizens praising the President for demonstrating that beneath the heavy armour of statecraft lies a relatable, devoted partner.
In a political landscape dominated by rigid schedules and strict etiquette, the brief interlude served as a gentle reminder that some bonds transcend the highest office in the land.(Pictures courtesy of CHELLAR TUKUTA PHOTOGRAPHY)