An Open Letter to President Hakainde Hichilema: The Deep Ethical Implications of Parading Chipo Mwanawasa at State House
Dear President Hakainde Hichilema,
As a woman and a concerned Zambian citizen, I write this letter with profound dismay and anger after watching the recent video circulating on social media in which you addressed rumors alleging that you had impregnated Ms. Chipo Mwanawasa. In this video, during a press briefing, you not only publicly dismissed the rumors but called Ms. Mwanawasa to stand before the audience as if her presence alone could dispel such allegations. This was deeply disturbing and hurtful. Witnessing you use a young woman—your subordinate—to defend your reputation at the expense of her privacy and dignity was unsettling, to say the least.
This decision, however well-intentioned you may believe it to have been, is ethically indefensible. This action sends the message that, under your leadership, public image takes priority over basic respect for individuals, even when they are young women in vulnerable positions. Inviting Ms. Mwanawasa into a personal scandal she had no part in, exposing her to scrutiny to quell gossip about your private life, crosses ethical boundaries that should never be breached. It is an abuse of authority, implying that the personal reputation of those in power supersedes the dignity and autonomy of their subordinates.
Privacy, Boundaries, and the Abuse of Authority
Ms. Mwanawasa, like all public servants, deserves privacy, respect, and the assurance that her personal life will not be exploited for political ends. Forcing her into the spotlight, not as a professional but as a pawn in a rebuttal to personal rumors, was not only unjust but a clear violation of her personal rights. You placed her in the difficult position of being subject to public commentary, judgment, and unwanted scrutiny. This could follow her indefinitely, casting a long shadow over her career and potentially damaging her personal life for years to come.
As her superior, you hold a position of authority that makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for her to refuse such an unreasonable request. This power dynamic cannot be ignored. When ethical leadership demands sensitivity and care, particularly for those vulnerable to power imbalances, it is shocking to see such disregard for professional boundaries and privacy. This action suggests a troubling precedent: young women in government can be summoned and used at will to serve personal purposes. The consequences of this message are dangerous and far-reaching.
The Ethical Responsibility of Zambia’s President
As President, you are entrusted with upholding a standard of dignity, respect, and ethical leadership that reflects positively on Zambia. Your actions shape not only your legacy but the standards for those who will follow. Unfortunately, this incident signals that, under your leadership, a subordinate’s privacy can be sacrificed for the sake of public optics and reputation management. This is not the Zambia we strive to build. Your actions imply that in the face of public pressure, those in power can draw innocent subordinates into personal controversies with no regard for their personal dignity.
If the intention was to counter baseless rumors, it could have been done without compromising Ms. Mwanawasa’s dignity. Leaders of true integrity do not need to drag others into their personal affairs. They understand that reputation is built through unwavering commitment to their values and people, not by making subordinates publicly prove their innocence or defend against accusations. By choosing not to involve Ms. Mwanawasa, you could have demonstrated that women in government deserve respect, autonomy, and support without fear of being manipulated for public appearances.
Dignity in the Face of Baseless Rumors
As a public figure, rumors are an unfortunate reality. Personal allegations may surface, but this does not justify compromising others to disprove falsehoods. By bringing Ms. Mwanawasa into this matter, you exposed her to potential harassment, ridicule, and reputational harm. This will undoubtedly have lasting consequences for her personally and professionally. True leadership in the face of baseless accusations requires strength, resilience, and a refusal to place others in harm’s way. You could have handled this with dignity by simply ignoring the rumors, rising above the noise, and focusing on your responsibilities to Zambia.
Maintaining a dignified silence or addressing the rumors personally would have upheld Ms. Mwanawasa’s privacy and protected her from the unwarranted burden of disproving gossip that should never have been her problem to solve. By choosing to involve her, you have effectively conveyed that young female employees can be put on public display, compromising their dignity whenever convenient to those in power. This is not only deeply concerning but shows a lack of respect for the rights, agency, and humanity of women in government roles.
A Call for Accountability, Respect, and True Ethical Leadership
Your actions in this incident extend beyond the immediate harm to Ms. Mwanawasa; they shape the culture of our government and inform how future leaders behave. By involving Ms. Mwanawasa in a public display to counter personal rumors, you have undermined the ethical standards that the Zambian people expect and deserve from their leaders. It is vital that we see leaders who prioritize the dignity, privacy, and boundaries of every government employee—particularly those who, due to power dynamics, may feel vulnerable to exploitation or pressure.
Leadership is not merely about addressing controversies in the moment; it is about holding oneself accountable to principles of decency, respect, and integrity that are non-negotiable. These principles are the foundation of a stronger, more respectful, and more just Zambia. For this nation to progress, we must have leaders who understand that protecting the dignity of every citizen, especially those under their direct influence, is paramount. I hope this letter serves as a stark reminder of the need for these values, and that, going forward, your actions will reflect a renewed commitment to respect, integrity, and protecting the privacy of all government employees—no matter the pressures.
Respectfully,
Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma