The Paradox of Leadership: Nepotism, Tribalism, and Meritocracy in Zambia- Linda Banks

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The Paradox of Leadership: Nepotism, Tribalism, and Meritocracy in Zambia

Linda Banks Writes ✍️ ©

In a nation as richly diverse as Zambia, leadership is more than just governance—it is the art of uniting disparate cultures, tribes, and regions under a common purpose. Unfortunately, President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent appointments have stirred a storm of public opinion, dividing the nation and raising critical questions about the balance between meritocracy, nepotism, and tribalism in Zambia’s leadership.



At the center of this controversy is the appointment of retired Supreme Court Justice Evans Hamaundu as Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board. What should have been a celebrated step in the fight against corruption has instead been marred by accusations of tribal favoritism and nepotism. Skeptics argue that Hamaundu’s appointment is just one of many that reflect a troubling pattern of regionalism in Zambia’s governance.



Justice Hamaundu’s appointment has been met with both applause and condemnation. Critics highlight unresolved corruption allegations against him and his controversial judicial decisions, such as his refusal to register the Fredrick Chiluba Zamtrop London judgment, which might have recovered millions in plundered resources. Furthermore, his close association with President Hichilema has sparked claims that the appointment was based more on personal ties than merit.



This trend is not isolated. Observers have pointed out that President Hichilema’s appointments disproportionately favor individuals from Tonga-speaking regions and North-Western and Southern Provinces, with a few Lozi appointments from Western Province. For instance, the appointment of Greenwell Malumani to the judiciary and Kenneth Mulife to the Constitutional Court followed similar patterns, raising concerns about a systemic bias toward certain regions.


When appointments are perceived as biased toward specific tribes or regions, the consequences can be dire. Regionalism erodes national unity, brings up resentment among marginalized groups, and undermines public trust in government institutions. This is particularly dangerous in Zambia, where ethnic diversity should be a strength, not a point of division.



Historically, countries like Rwanda under Habyarimana and Nigeria under various military regimes have shown how regional favoritism can lead to unrest, even conflict.


However, Singapore’s transformation under Lee Kuan Yew is a testament to the power of meritocracy. By prioritizing competence and inclusivity over nepotism, Singapore emerged from poverty to become a global economic powerhouse within three decades.



Countries that have embraced meritocracy have reaped substantial benefits:

1. Singapore (1965–1990): Under Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore invested in education and infrastructure, appointing the most qualified individuals to key positions regardless of ethnicity. Within 25 years, the country transformed from a struggling port city to a global hub for finance and technology.



2. South Korea (1960s–1980s): South Korea’s focus on industrialization and education, paired with a merit-based public service, lifted the nation from poverty to become one of the world’s leading economies.

3. Botswana (Post-1966): Unlike Zambia, Botswana utilized its diamond wealth effectively, emphasizing good governance and merit-based appointments. Today, it is one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous nations.


Despite its abundant natural resources, Zambia remains entrenched in poverty, with GDP per capita lagging behind peers. Why? The answer lies in poor governance, corruption, and tribal politics that prioritize personal connections over national development. For instance, the appointment of board members and directors in Zambia’s major institutions often reflects regional biases:



• Energy Sector: Former Permanent Secretary Francesca Zyambo, a Tonga, was replaced amid allegations of favoritism.

• Judiciary: Judges such as Kenneth Mulife and Greenwell Malumani have been linked to regional favoritism.

• Electoral Commission of Zambia: Critics argue that appointments lean heavily toward individuals from Southern, Western and North-Western Provinces.



Zambia’s leadership must learn from nations like Singapore and Botswana. To achieve this, the following steps are imperative:

1. Transparent Appointment Processes: Key government roles should be filled through competitive, transparent procedures.



2. Meritocracy Over Regionalism: Appointments must prioritize qualifications, not tribal affiliations.

3. Public Accountability: Institutions like the ACC must demonstrate independence and integrity to regain public trust.

4. Inclusivity in Governance: Leaders must ensure that all regions and tribes feel represented in national decision-making.


President Hichilema faces a critical test. His legacy will depend on whether he can bridge Zambia’s regional divides and restore public faith in government institutions. Tribalism and nepotism are seductive short-term strategies, but they are corrosive to national unity and progress. Zambia’s future lies in inclusivity, meritocracy, and the shared commitment to building a better nation for all its citizens.



The parallels between Zambia’s current trajectory and the failures of other nepotistic regimes are too frightening to ignore. But so too are the lessons from countries that have risen above such divisions.



The choice is clear,will Zambia rise to the challenge? Or will it continue to stumble under the weight of tribalism and regionalism? Well, as the British say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating . So, I guess only time will tell.

The Author Is A Journalist And Lecturer In Sussex, United Kingdom 🇬🇧

contactlindabanks@gmail.com

14 COMMENTS

  1. He keeps appointing his relatives as heads of parastals and all government functions. It has become normalised now.

    Anyone that complains is arrested and charged with hate speech, aggravated robbery, or not even charged at all but detained for over a year, like he has done to Rizwell Patel, why me, Mumbi Phiri, and so many others currently languishing in police cells with keys hidden at community house in that basement chamber he got smoked out of when he committed treason.

    The trouble is that his relatives and tribesmen he appoints are totally useless at their jobs. If they were good, we would look the other way for now do that they improve the country. Nomba they are totally useless. Some even want to have their public hairs shaved by their subordinates.

    This is too much.

    Vote wisely in 2026.

    • What’s your problem? Leading a country is not like being in charge of the Defunct TuPF criminals party to which you belong
      You have to work with a team that you’re comfortable with. It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white as long as it catches the mouse
      We’re not foolish as people. Are we going to judge his performance based on just one metric that’s appointments to top positions in government and prastatals or we’ll look at his entire contribution to national development?
      Five years limit is crucial for this country because it decides whether a president can continue or not. So I don’t see any problem at all, because Zambians will have the last laugh after all and HH7 is very much aware with his ball game well fine tuned
      Vote wisely vote for HH7 in 2026/31

      • A disgruntled writer , who was trying to get a job with New Dawn government.
        Having failed that ,she now being obviously very much aligned elsewhere to be a critique of tge new dawn government.
        She works and collaborates with Emanual Mwaamba directly.
        She calls her herself a journalist ,when she has no qualification as a journalist ask her to show her qualifications please . She is a teacher only

  2. So this journalist has been in zambia fot how Long to publish her article. Madam BANKS please post your credentials and to which reputable news outlet you are employed by. No doubt you agree that credibility is paramount in such critical observations on your part.yoir academic background is anchored , apart from journalism, in what???

    • A disgruntled writer , who was trying to get a job with New Dawn government.
      Having failed that ,she now being obviously very much aligned elsewhere to be a critique of tge new dawn government.
      She works and collaborates with Emanual Mwaamba directly.
      She calls her herself a journalist ,when she has no qualification as a journalist ask her to show her qualifications please . She is a teacher only

  3. The real qweshen is whether the appointed person will deliver. Let’s judge on performance,
    not petty issue like tribe or region. Give the appointed time and space. If they perform. Or not, is the qweshen.

    No matter which president you install, there will always be a natural bias to appoint people he or she can relate to. This is human nature. If they meet the minimum requirements as per constitutional guidelines, then let us give them time to perform their duties.

    So until that day when we trim the presidential powers of appointment, just relax, grab some viwaya, and enjoy the show.

    If you are one of Lungu’s proxies that he hired to launder stolen loot, the temperature has just risen by 20 degrees. Mwa pya.

  4. What’s important is the performance, period and not the tribe or region. You can also qualifications if you want. Those who are still looking at the tribe and region like the writer of this article are still living in the past and shame on them.

  5. There is a flaw in this article. Botswana typically has one tribe as 98 percent of people there are Tswana.
    Singapore is predominantly Chinese (was during the early years anyways) and they adopted the Chinese system of meritocracy.
    Linda was writing as a private individual in this article and I am rather disappointed that she has not given her personal view on the issue.
    I am a Tonga myself and it is very clear that HH is appointing based on tribe. There is no other way of looking at is. As they say it the legal fraternity, res ipsa loquitur.
    I am a sad Zambian.

    • You are not Tonga.

      But those others trying to scheme that even Tongas are complaining. Rubbish!

      This is how silly You Tongas are. Did you write like this when Edgar Chagwa Lungu had all systems filled with North – East region tribes? Where was this Linda Banda?

      So it means ngati ni ba Bemba na Nyanja nishi it’s not regionalism?
      GO BACK TO 2016-2020 is if there was any Zambezi Region in high ranks… zero!
      Who complained that there were only Bembas and Nyanjas…it was okay (KANO NGA EBO).

      So shut up!

      • Going forward Mr. C, it would do well if you could address the issues I raise rather than being emotional. It doesn’t bode well for you or anyone who wants to read the views here. I pointed out what I thought was wrong with the article and I expressed my thoughts on the same. To answer your question, I Highlighted regionalism in the previous government and I continue to do so now. I don’t survive out of politics or feel an entitlement because of tribe therefore I can stand on principle. If you will continue to be emotional in the future I will simply ignore you.

  6. Remember you in 2021 after the elections from Dr. Munshya’s podcast. Sense some element of bitterness; and disgruntlement. If you really knew where the country was, you wouldn’t write this rubbish! We are coming from very far but you can’t even compare with your current labour government.

  7. Linda standard Banks, your comparisons fail short of critical facts. Botswana and Singapore have homogeneous group of people. I don’t know about South Korea. You are well advised to do a bit of research before jumping into a space like this one. We also don’t care whether you are a journalist or a teacher from Sussex, UK especially if you can not provide a well researched piece of work. Stick to yourself.

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