By Dr. Elias Munshya
Samoa, a beautiful island in the South Pacific, was the proud host of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). As Zambia’s High Commissioner based in Canberra, Australia, our Mission was the hosting mission for Zambia’s delegation, as we also oversee the South Pacific region.
My journey to Samoa began with an advance visit in July 2024 to assess the preparations made by Samoa’s authorities. So, arriving again in October, 2024 felt like a return. I touched down in Samoa on October 21, 2024, with our First Secretary for Press, Mr. Charles Mucholo. My accommodation was reserved at a resort known for hosting the reality show Survivor, located about an hour from the airport and Apia, the capital, where most CHOGM events were set to take place.
As we drove through the night toward the resort, I noticed the roads lined with flags from Commonwealth countries. Twenty minutes into our journey, I spotted a familiar flag – green, with an eagle, and vibrant shades of red, black, and orange. The Zambian flag! A sign on the roadside read proudly, “Shani Zambia!” I was delighted to see an entire village dedicated to Zambia, adorned with our national colours and symbols. Although it was late and we couldn’t stop, the sight filled me with a deep sense of pride and connection.
The following morning, I made sure to stop by the village, Samatau, to capture some pictures and take in the artwork. While exploring, I met a local woman named Tong’i and her granddaughter, Itoto. When I told Tong’i I was from Zambia, she expressed her love for our country and proudly informed me that Samatau Village supports Zambia.
October 23, 2024 was a special day set aside for an official Zambian reception at Samatau, marked by the sacred Ava (or Kava) Ceremony, a traditional welcome for visitors. Our delegation, led by Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, included Permanent Secretaries Etambuyu Anamela (IRC), Docus Kabika Mainga (Gender, Office of the President), and Kangwa Chileshe (Ministry of Youth, Sports, and the Arts). Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK and Commonwealth, and various technical staff and I were part of this memorable event.
The ceremony was held in the Fale Talimalo (Open Guest House), where our delegation sat across from the Samatau elders. With deep respect for Samoan tradition, our spokesperson, Mr. Faso, a matai (speaking chief), introduced our delegation. As part of the ritual, we partook of the Ava drink, exchanged Ava sticks, and several members of our delegation received these sacred sticks as gifts. Honourable Haimbe was further honoured with a special walking stick and sash, symbolic of the high esteem in which he was held.
After the ceremony, Samatau was no longer just a Samoan village – it was Zambia’s village in Samoa. We celebrated with photos and messages, marking the occasion on the eve of Zambia’s independence.
Throughout CHOGM, which concluded on October 27, I continued to pass by Samatau on my way to meetings in Apia, each time filled with gratitude for this unique connection between Zambia and Samoa.
On Sunday, October 27, I attended a church service in Samatau. After church, I reconnected with Tong’i and her granddaughter, Itoto. It was heartwarming to worship in the village that warmly embraced Zambia.
As I left Samoa early on October 28, I drove past Samatau one last time, seeing Zambian flags lining the village. Representing Zambia in Samoa was a profoundly fulfilling experience, a testament to the bond between our two nations. We plan to establish formal relations with Samoa soon, but even before that, Samatau is Zambia’s village in the heart of Samoa.
Talofa Samoa, and Zikomo to the people of Samatau for their incredible hospitality and warmth.
Dr. Elias Munshya is Zambia’s High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific and head of Zambia’s mission in Canberra, Australia
