THE helicopter accident involving Vice-President Mutale Nalumango and seven others in Nakonde was a frightening national moment. A crash occurring shortly after take-off can so easily end in death, permanent injury and unbearable grief for families and the country. We therefore join President Hakainde Hichilema, the government and citizens in thanking the heavens for preserving the lives of everyone who was aboard that aircraft. Whatever one’s political affiliation, this was not a moment for rivalry. It was a moment for gratitude, reflection and collective relief. The images and accounts emerging from the incident are sobering. A helicopter does not need to fall from a great height for the consequences to be catastrophic. The force of impact, fire, structural damage and...