However, when Sata appeared at a May 1 Labour Day parade to receive a traditional salute from workers in the land, the appearance was very brief and only accompanied by a one minute address before getting into his motorcade for a three kilometre drive back to the presidential palace, a lot of people were convinced the President was not well. 
Hata hivyo, Sata mwenyewe alipoonekana hadharani kwneye maadhimisho ya siku ya wafanyakazi Mei Mosi kupokea heshima kutoka kwa wafanyakazi nchini humo, na kukaa kwa muda mfupi hapo, na kutoa hotuba fupi ya dakika moja kabla ya kuingia kwenye msafara wake kurudi ikulu, watu wengi walianza kuamini kuwa Rais si mzima.