MAKEBI ZULU A PROMISING BEACON FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD
If there is one person in the past year who has sparked much intrigue, it is Makebi Zulu.
His compelling story is spiced with academic excellence, professional success, and unwavering political integrity, a journey that has unsettled many, particularly among cadres of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
Makebi’s rise begins with his strong academic foundation.
Graduating with a law degree from the University of Zambia (UNZA), he did not rest on his laurels.
Pursuing a Master’s degree in law, Makebi specialized in constitutional and administrative law and enhanced his legal expertise, positioning himself as a confident and knowledgeable professional.
This advanced qualification distinguishes him in Zambia’s legal circles, where continuous learning and specialization are key to excellence.
What sets Makebi apart is his enterprising spirit.
Not satisfied with a government job, which many aspire to, he took the bold step of establishing his own law firm.
This firm is now recognized as one of Zambia’s successful legal practices, earning him a reputation beyond mere academic accomplishments.
His legal services are sought by clients from all walks of life, underscoring his broad appeal and capability.
Beyond the courtroom, Makebi’s political involvement is equally noteworthy.
From 2016 to 2021, he contributed to governance as the Member of Parliament for Malambo constituency, also serving as the Provincial Minister for Eastern Province.
His political tenure demonstrated his commitment to public service and the ability to connect with constituents on multiple levels.
What truly distinguishes Makebi, however, is his steadfast loyalty and ethical stance amidst attempts to sway him.
During heightened political tensions—particularly the project to dismantle the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party—UPND machinationists sought to recruit him like what they have done to many, recognizing his influence and track record.
Makebi refused. This rejection provoked hostility, as his refusal challenged the UPND’s expectations and narrative.
The hostility directed toward Makebi escalated in various ways.
In the midst of a delicate funeral impasse between the government and the family of the late President Edgar Lungu, there were efforts to bribe him into giving the government custody of Lungu’s body.
His refusal signaled that his principles were not for sale.
Further intimidation, including threats of arrest for merely stepping foot in his own country, aimed to silence his opposition to what he viewed as governmental manipulation of funeral proceedings.
Name-calling and personal attacks followed, with UPND cadres resorting to derogatory labels like “Malukula.” Yet, these efforts to demean Makebi failed to take root, a testimony to his resilience.
Investigations into his past to uncover potential misconduct yielded nothing that could be used to compromise him or coerce to turn against the Lungu family or derail his political ambition.
His political fortitude was further tested during the Patriotic Front’s no-name leadership convention.
Despite concerted efforts to discredit him and campaigns suggesting he could not triumph within the party because he lost an election in Malambo and spent more time in South Africa, Makebi emerged victorious in the arena where it counted, replacing Given Lubinda as the Patriotic Front Pamodzi Alliance president at the no-name leadership convention.
His rising prominence culminated in historic negotiations that saw his appointment as running mate to Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) reflecting confidence in his statesmanship and ability to drive the party forward.
Today, Makebi embodies a balanced and multifaceted political persona: an articulate politician, a practicing Christian, a devoted family man, and an energetic leader complementing Mundubile well, unsettling his distractors.
This combination makes him a formidable force in our political future, inspiring both admirers and adversaries alike.
His trajectory suggest that not even the sky is the limit for his ambitions and accomplishments.
His narrative is more than a biography—it is a portrait of courage, integrity, and success against adversity.
For those watching the political stage, Makebi represents not only a current force but a promising beacon for what lies ahead.