AMB. FRANK MUTUBILA WEIGHS-IN ON ABSENCE OF PRESIDENT HICHILEMA
THE President’s absence from the centre of governance has once again reignited an important national debate on how such periods should be managed and communicated to the public.
Having had the privilege of working closely with all seven Presidents in my capacity as a media professional, I find it difficult to understand why this matter continues to generate uncertainty. Like any other individual, the President is entitled to private time, which is appropriately managed by those responsible for his schedule. However, the President is also the nation’s foremost public figure, the heartbeat of governance. When the President sneezes, the country sneezes.
For this reason, the public deserves regular, accurate and consistent updates on the President’s whereabouts and general well being, including his health where appropriate. Visibility is essential, not as a courtesy but as a necessity of leadership. In the absence of information, speculation thrives, some of it serious and potentially destabilising, others cheap and irresponsible.
It is within this context that the intervention by PS Kawana must be understood. His response was commendable and timely. However, it also exposes a deeper institutional concern, who is the real Chief Government Spokesperson. When multiple voices step into that role, especially during sensitive moments, institutional lines become blurred and public confidence is weakened.
Did it really have to take a live on air phone call to the President to reassure the nation. Such an approach inevitably raises further questions, was the call pre arranged, and what would have happened had the President not responded. This is not how presidential communication should be handled.
From my experience, whether the President is on duty or on holiday, the media should provide structured and predictable updates. This is not unprecedented. During my time covering President Kenneth Kaunda, including his holidays, mostly at Kasaba Bay, the media remained present, visible and informative.
Ultimately, this is not a complex challenge. It is simply a matter of proper communication, institutional clarity and professional discipline in the management of the presidency.
Talk with Frank
I cant read worthless write-ups
Just retire in Peace…
The nation was Informed that Eagle 1 is on Holiday at his Farm in Choma…
Your colleagues continue to peddle a different native including yourself, what do you want…
Don’t overstate what Thabo did, he was equally frustrated by your likes…
Retire and farm like some of us…
Problem with our media, wanting to camp near the president.The first news item must be @his excellency the president …”. That is how ZNBC is wired, top to bottom. When I am in Europe, I wonder where is the president or prime minister? News is news, not what the president has said or done or whereabouts. So our preoccupation daily should be where is the president?
Clearly, a lot people in Zambia donot have worthy activities to occupy their time. Does the President have to be visible for you to get on with your life? Will the country collapse if the President is not seen for a couple of weeks?
We were told the President is on holiday. That is enough. Let him rest please. He deserves it. Those who have nothing better to do other than waiting to see or hear the President should find something more meaningful and productive to occupy their time.
Ati “Having had the privilege of working closely with all seven Presidents in my capacity as a media professional”
Iwe what privilege? Nama “wet look ku bu kote? Te iwe ba Kaunda ba tafyife pa ndeke; pantu fya ma wet look?”
Ken Maduma, Ben Kangwa all served like you. Teti we kale fye?
You say you have been exposed. All you exhibit is your shallowness na bu “wannabe”. You are old Frank get over yourself. You failed carry yourself respectibly going to marry a woman way younger than you. And your marriage failed. Today you want to tell us what iwe? Just keep quiet enjoy your retirement. Being old without having displayed any credible respectability doesnt give you the right to lecture anyone. Let alone your own kids…you failed.