A Bad Carpenter Always Blames His Tools: A Case of President Hakainde Hichilema’s Search for Truth Amid Zambia’s Challenges
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent approach to leadership has left Zambians with more questions than answers. As he moves from one traditional ceremony to another, he claims that these visits are his way of “connecting with the people” to hear their concerns directly. This assertion implies that those in Lusaka—his advisors and officials—are failing to communicate the nation’s hardships truthfully. But increasingly, Zambians are seeing this narrative as a diversion tactic, a way to sidestep responsibility for the country’s pressing challenges.
The proverb “a bad carpenter blames his tools” perfectly encapsulates this strategy. By suggesting that his team is withholding the “truth,” President Hichilema is shifting accountability from himself to others. True leadership demands that a president confront issues head-on, acknowledge mistakes, and make difficult decisions. Instead, President Hichilema seems to imply that his administration’s missteps are not his responsibility but rather the fault of his advisors. But governance is not about passing blame—it’s about owning responsibility.
Governance Demands Strong Leadership, Not Excuses
At the core of effective governance is a leader’s ability to make bold, decisive choices based on reliable information. President Hichilema’s statements raise serious concerns about his trust in his own team—the very people he appointed to help him steer Zambia toward progress. If he feels that he cannot rely on his officials, then the dysfunction runs much deeper than just communication; it reveals a breakdown in the very structure of his administration.
As the Commander-in-Chief, President Hichilema has the power to demand accurate, timely information. Advisors, ministries, and government departments are all at his disposal. If his “pipeline of truth” is broken, it’s up to him—not his officials—to address it. Real leadership means holding the reins, not sitting back while passing blame down the line. Deflecting responsibility only highlights weak leadership and erodes public confidence in the government’s capacity to act.
Symbolism Cannot Replace Action
While attending traditional ceremonies might be seen as goodwill gestures, goodwill is not a substitute for action. The people of Zambia do not need symbolic gestures; they need concrete policies to address the clear issues they face daily—rising costs of living, unemployment, limited healthcare access, and economic instability. These issues have been known for years. They do not require endless listening tours; they require real solutions.
By framing his ceremonial appearances as a search for “truth,” President Hichilema risks turning these events into mere political theater. His duty is to the Zambian people, not to craft an image of a leader in touch with their struggles while failing to address those struggles. Leaders who are committed to action do not rely on endless rounds of listening sessions; they address the issues, apply solutions, and hold their teams accountable. Without real follow-up, this “engagement” feels hollow and risks being seen as little more than an attempt to buy time or divert attention.
True Accountability Begins at the Top
Real leadership begins with owning responsibility, even when the path is difficult. When things go wrong, a leader does not scapegoat his team; he steps up and corrects course. By repeatedly implying that his team in Lusaka is at fault for the administration’s lack of progress, President Hichilema risks appearing more interested in political maneuvering than in solving the problems facing Zambia.
Zambians need a leader who is willing to confront the hard truths, accept accountability, and drive change. Instead of blaming his team, the President should focus on empowering them to act swiftly and effectively on behalf of the nation. Leaders earn respect by taking responsibility, not by shifting it. Passing the buck may protect a leader’s image in the short term, but it only serves to erode public trust in the long run. Zambia deserves a leader who takes action and drives results, not one who blames his inner circle.
Conclusion: Moving from Rhetoric to Tangible Results
The President’s “listening tour” from one ceremony to the next raises serious questions about his administration’s commitment to actual progress. If President Hichilema truly wanted to address the people’s struggles, he would not need to move from ceremony to ceremony searching for the “truth.” Zambians are clear about their challenges; they don’t need to keep repeating them. What they need is action, policy, and leadership that delivers.
Blaming his team in Lusaka not only falls short of the standards of genuine leadership but also weakens the administration’s credibility. Zambians deserve a leader who does not hide behind excuses but instead uses every resource at his disposal to bring about meaningful change. Leadership is about solving problems, not shirking responsibility.
The tools to address Zambia’s challenges are within the President’s reach. Rather than casting blame, he should wield them with purpose and resolve. Zambia needs a president who builds solutions, not excuses. It’s time to leave symbolic gestures behind and commit to the hard work of governing—a task that demands strength, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the people.