CARITAS ZAMBIA QUESTIONS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S “RUTHLESS” REMARK
By Philip Sikainda Jr
Caritas Zambia Executive Director Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga has questioned President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent statement that he will be ruthless in his second term, saying the remark contradicts the principles of servant leadership.
During the commissioning of phase two of the US$1.6 billion United Capital Fertilizer Plant on Tuesday, President Hichilema said he will be ruthless towards anyone who delays government programmes.
But Dr. Mapulanga says leadership should be anchored on servant leadership and promoting the common good and that leaders at all levels are supposed to be servants of the people.
He says the role of the state is to ensure there is order and that people are able to live in dignity, and not to oppress citizens.
Speaking to Phoenix News, Dr. Mapulanga adds that proper leadership should be anchored on fairness and fighting crime and corruption.
PHOENIX NEWS
In line with the views expressed by Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga, I support the principle he underlined, although I disagree with his conclusion. There is nothing wrong with proclaiming the importance of dignity, fairness, and the common good. The President’s demand for administrative accountability does not mean that he goes against the principle of servant leadership. A contradiction can occur only if the concept of “ruthlessness” assumes the form of arbitrary power, fear, and political vengeance.
However, in this case, the president’s stated philosophy does not seem to mean “I will be ruthless towards people,” but rather, “I will be giving my very best to help ordinary people and keep the public institutions accountable.” Objectively, such wording supposedly reveals a focus on purpose rather than on the President’s power.
On point
I dont understand why this Mapulanga tries to twist what the president. It must be for his ruthless self interest!! The president said he will not support a few civil servants who delays the implementation of government programmes meant to improve the livelihoods of the 21 million Zambians. The president is a servant of all the Zambians including those who didnot vote for him. Therefore cautioning a few civil servants who delays the implementation of development agenda is not a ruthless remark.