Hands Off the Sata Name

The Sata family name belongs to the nation, not party ambitions; turning a national legacy into a campaign tool dishonours Zambia’s history.

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (6-4-2026) - Popular Hilda Sata, sister to the late 5th president Michael Chilufya Sata, has criticised former Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri for attempting to politicise her grandson Chilufya Sata, warning that the Sata family name should not be exploited for party ambitions.

“Chilufya is not a tool for settling scores. It is shocking that a senior political figure would involve the grandson of my late brother in politics,” Sata said.

She rejected claims that the Patriotic Front (PF) is a family-run party. “When President Sata passed away, the family did not block anyone from contesting the presidency. PF is for the people of Zambia, not one family,” she said.

PF was never conceived as a private estate to be inherited or controlled by a select bloodline.

Sata said the party was built as a mass political movement under Michael Sata, driven by ordinary Zambians who believed in its populist message and inclusive character.

"To now suggest that such a party belongs to a family is to rewrite history and diminish the contributions of countless members who sacrificed to build it," she said.

She added: "The facts are clear. When President Sata died, PF did not retreat into familial succession."

"The party opened up, allowing leadership contests that ultimately brought Edgar Lungu to the presidency. That transition alone decisively disproves any claim of dynastic entitlement. PF has always been bigger than individuals—and certainly bigger than any family," she said.

Sata emphasised that Chilufya is capable of making his own decisions.

“He is intelligent and has his own mind. No one should pressure him or interfere in his choices. He will choose his path when he is ready,” she said.

She also stressed that attempts to manipulate her nephew’s political path are unacceptable.

“It is wrong to involve him in disputes or use him to settle old scores. Chilufya must be free to make decisions on his own terms without interference,” she said.

Sata further stated that Chilufya has the right to chart his own destiny and should be supported in his political ambitions.

“He has made a decision to contest the Mpika seat, and as such, no one should be allowed to derail his vision of leading the people of Mpika,” she said.

Sata urged party members to act responsibly and protect the legacy of PF while respecting individuals.

“Leaders must act with integrity and ensure that young people, especially those connected to the party’s history, are allowed to grow,” she added.

She reminded Mumbi Phiri that the Patriotic Front itself was built on the vision and name of Michael Sata, and that without that foundation, the party would not exist in its current form.

“Let us be honest with ourselves. Without Michael Sata, there is no PF. That name, that legacy, is what united people and gave the party its identity,” she said.

Sata questioned the growing focus on what she described as shifting the party’s identity toward an Edgar Lungu legacy.

“Are we now saying PF was created by Edgar Lungu? ECL did not build PF from the ground. He found it, he led it, but the foundation was laid by Michael Sata,” she said.

She warned that focusing on individuals instead of the founding ideals risks weakening the party.

“The PF should be talking about unity and rebuilding. Instead of being united, members are busy fighting each other and destroying what was built with so much sacrifice,” she said.

She called on party officials to return to the values that defined PF at its formation.

“This party was built on the people, on unity, and on a shared vision. If we abandon that, we lose the very soul of PF,” she said.

She said that she has no shame. Ukwabula nensoni ati chi PF after benefiting from the same party. I think even the late President is in shock where he is. MHSRIP.

Attempts by Zambia24 reporters to reach Mumbi Phiri for comment were unsuccessful.