ZAMBIA: JCTR Mourns Its Former Executive Director

By Mwenya Mukuka

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has learnt with utmost shock of the death of its immediate past Executive Director Father Emmanuel Mumba, S.J.

Father Emmanuel Mumba, 51, died on Tuesday, 13^th October 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the Catholic community in Zambia, and in particular to the Jesuit community in Zambia and Malawi where Fr. Mumba had dedicated his service as Provincial for the Zambia – Malawi Jesuit Province and also as the Executive Director at JCTR,” read the statement issued by Father Alex Muyebe, S.J. the current JCTR Executive Director.

Fr Muyebe has described Fr. Mumba as a person that had passion for the poor, fearless, open, and he was frank with anybody.

“Upon assuming office at JCTR, and considering the gravity of poverty in our country, Fr. Mumba frequently engaged politicians both from the opposition and the ruling parties to bring to their attention the plight of the poor and vulnerable people in our society. He was fearless, open, and frank. When it came to dealing with both individuals and politicians, he did it softly, calmly but still driving his point,’’ said Father Muyebe.

The JCTR Executive Director further said that Fr. Mumba was a resilient person who did not allow personal challenges to get in the way of his ministering to the people of God and made every effort to live up to the Jesuit spirituality of the magis.

Magis, a Latin word which means “more” or “greater” refers to the attitude of doing more for Christ, and therefore doing more for others.

Fr. Mumba was appointed JCTR Executive Director in 2017 until 2019 when he became unwell.
Prior to his appointment as JCTR Executive Director, he served as JCTR Board Chairperson from 2011 to 2017.

On the same note, Secretary to Zambia’s Treasury in the Ministry of Finance Fredson Yamba has joined the Jesuits and Zambians in mourning the death of Fr. Emmanuel Mumba SJ.

In a letter to JCTR, Mr. Yamba acknowledged the efforts Fr. Mumba SJ made in facilitating the meeting of the Ministry of Finance officials with the Bishops’ Conference in Zambia in 2019.

Mr. Yamba said the efforts of Fr. Mumba in facilitating the meeting gave an opportunity to the Ministry of Finance to give a deep insight on the Zambian economy to the Bishops.

He said Fr. Mumba was a servant of the people who demonstrated great dedication to duty and the well-being of the Zambian people.