By Miyanda Laiti
NB: not a popular post…
A Political Party Social Media Director must be a supervisor, not the Alpha and Omega of political communication.
The job is not to monopolise views, silence independent voices or surround oneself with people who simply say, “Yes, Bwana.” The real job is to identify valuable human resources, coordinate them and give them room to contribute.
People such as George Mtonga and Barbrah Musamba Chama that may be seemingly hard to work with, precisely because they are free spirits who are willing to express their own views, can sometimes be more valuable to a political organisation than a room full of people whose greatest qualification is obedience.
A strong Director does not fear independent thinkers. He knows how to harness them.
If everyone around you agrees with everything you say, you may have built a comfortable team, but you have not necessarily built an effective communication machine.
Political communication requires diversity of thought, strategic coordination and the courage to accommodate different voices.
The Director must coordinate the orchestra. He should not insist on playing every instrument.
What an interesting noise that would be if an orchestra allowed every instrument to play its own tune. The essence of the conducter in an ochester is to ensure that every instrument plays for the music score in the script before every player. So your analogy is off script.
Imagine that happening in China. Imagine that happening among the Democrats or Republicans. Why has a leader like Trump who has broken the laws of the land when it comes to the Army, Freedom of Expression or gifting? Cause there is only one conductor directing how the music will be play.
Scroll back to about 2022 – 2023. Read what Mtonga was saying about HH. The man is a loose cannon. Its fine as a party member to make noise. Be the descenting voice. From my last reading George Mtonga was Chitimbala Mwewa’s campiagn manager. Since then we have seen him become very outspoken. With pictures of him and the Party President at Community House. If that is not a person pitching himself for a lofty position in state institution then call me out. And I quote ” I have a degree in Economics with 20 years in Economics and Finance” is another signal of one beating one’s chest. If Mtonga has that much experience why is he looking for a job? Why would one beat ones chest if one is so accomplished?
Accomplished people are called to fro…and dont beat their chests to get noticed…Have you ever heard Dr. Musokotwane stand on an ant hill and speak about what his achieved? Mtonga is should know his place or start his own party….