Mafishi

Mafishi
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Status	Deceased (2020)
Status system
Status reference
Genus	Cyprinus
Species	carpio
Authority	Unknown
Common names	Giant carp, Mafishi
Description	A giant carp fish that lived at Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
Lifespan	Approximately 22+ years
Habitat	Aquaculture pond at Copperbelt University
Notable for	Symbol of good luck and unity among Copperbelt University students and Zambian community

Mafishi (meaning "Big Fish" in Bemba) was a giant carp fish that lived in a pond at Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe, Zambia. Believed to be at least 22 years old at the time of its death in 2020, Mafishi became an iconic figure and symbol of good luck for generations of students at the university.

Origin and significance

Mafishi was introduced to the university's aquaculture pond around 2000 or 2001 as part of a research initiative by the School of Natural Resources. The fish was sourced from China and became a beloved member of the university community over two decades. Students saw Mafishi as a source of inspiration and believed that seeing the fish before exams could bring them good luck and success. The pond where Mafishi lived, known locally as Monk Square, was a popular gathering place where students would relax, plan, and socialize. Mafishi became a silent witness to many student experiences, relationships, and university life events.

Cultural impact and mourning

After Mafishi's death under unexplained circumstances in September 2020, the university and the larger Zambian community entered a period of mourning. Students held vigils, lit candles, and marched around campus singing funeral songs in honor of the fish. The student union president called for Mafishi's remains to be preserved as a tribute to future generations.

The death of Mafishi garnered national attention, drawing condolences from prominent figures including Zambia's then-President Edgar Lungu and opposition leaders such as Hakainde Hichilema. These expressions of sympathy underscored Mafishi's unique role as a unifying symbol beyond the university environment. Calls were made for memorials, including renaming the university's fish ponds after Mafishi and proposals for a state funeral.

Legacy

The legacy of Mafishi goes beyond just a fish in a pond; it represents a shared cultural experience among Copperbelt University students and broader Zambian society. The fish is remembered as a symbol of hope, good fortune, and community spirit. The university's School of Natural Resources sought to honor Mafishi by renaming fish ponds on campus, and many students and alumni continue to cherish stories and memories of the beloved fish.

Mafishi’s story highlights the impact that even the simplest of creatures can have on human lives and communities, becoming a cherished icon and a symbol of unity in times of joy and sorrow.