Hichilema honours male teacher who helped abandoned woman give birth on road
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has honoured a 35 year old teacher from Zimba District who turned into a roadside midwife after helping an abandoned pregnant woman safely deliver a baby under a tree.
Like the biblical story of the man on the road to Jericho who was ignored by passersby after being attacked by robbers, the woman in labour was also abandoned by people who should have helped her.
But then came the “Good Samaritan” in the form of Kenny Sikalongwe, a teacher by profession.
On October 17, 2024, Sikalongwe was travelling in a light truck packed with female passengers when a pregnant woman on board suddenly went into labour while on the way to a maternity centre.
Instead of helping her, the other passengers insisted that the driver drop the woman by the roadside and continue with the journey.
But Sikalongwe, proving that sometimes humanity does not need a medical degree but simply a heart, asked the driver to stop after the vehicle had moved a few metres away so he could go back and assist the stranded woman.
The teacher then helped the woman to a shaded spot under a tree, removed his coat and successfully assisted her to give birth despite having no medical training.
To make matters even more emotional, the baby was wrapped in Sikalongwe’s coat after the delivery.
For his bravery and compassion, President Hichilema awarded him the President’s Insignia of Mercy during this year’s Africa Freedom Day commemorations at State House yesterday.
According to the citation read during the ceremony, Sikalongwe’s actions were worthy of special recognition after he courageously disembarked from the vehicle to help an abandoned woman safely deliver by the roadside.
“Your amazing bravery and compassion in disembarking from the vehicle to help an abandoned lady safely deliver under a tree by the roadside is worthy of special recognition,” said principal private secretary to the President Bradford Machila.
Meanwhile, 15 other outstanding Zambians were also honoured by the Head of State for their contributions in different sectors.
Among them was former Cabinet Minister Ackson Sejani, who posthumously received the Order of the Eagle of Zambia, Second Division for his more than 32 years of public service.
Media personality and cervical cancer advocate Karen Nakawala also received the President’s Insignia of Honour for her work through Teal Sisters.
Veteran nurse advocate Kapelwa Sikota was recognised for advocating improved working conditions for African nurses during the colonial era.
Others honoured included farmer and youth mentor Elizabeth Sianga, musician Edward Mpundu, and freedom fighter Rosemary Ngulube.
This year’s Africa Day commemorations were held under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Goals for Agenda 2063.”
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, May 26, 2026 See less