WHERE IS THE UPND MEDIA TEAM? WHERE ARE THE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, ESPECIALLY THE CABINET MINISTERS?
There comes a time when silence becomes a weakness, particularly when the Head of State is being subjected to public criticism and disrespect by individuals who have previously occupied the highest offices of leadership.
Where is the UPND Media Team? Where are the senior government officials, especially our Cabinet Ministers? Why is everyone seemingly quiet when His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, is being publicly criticised by former Botswana President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama?
President Hakainde Hichilema appointed you to positions of responsibility in Government. Those appointments come with obligations, loyalty, accountability and a responsibility to protect the dignity and integrity of the Presidency through appropriate diplomatic and communication channels.
You cannot enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of public office while remaining silent when the Presidency requires a coordinated and responsible response.
The UPND Media Team must wake up and understand that political communication is an important component of governance. We cannot allow the opposition to dominate the national conversation, exploit statements made by former Heads of State and turn them into political weapons against the sitting President.
The opposition (NRPUP) has already taken advantage of the remarks attributed to the former Botswana Head of State. They are using the situation to attack President Hichilema, damage his image and create unnecessary political controversy.
Where is our counter-narrative? Where is our diplomatic communication strategy? Where are the Cabinet Ministers, Presidential spokespersons, party officials and government communication departments?.
We need a coordinated response that is factual, professional, diplomatic and firm.
We must understand that defending the Presidency does not mean engaging in insults or unnecessary political confrontations. It means presenting facts, correcting misinformation, defending Zambia’s national interests and protecting the dignity of the Office of the President.
A President should not be left to carry the burden of defending his leadership alone when there are entire institutions, communication teams and senior officials whose responsibilities include supporting the Presidency.
MY STRONG ADVICE
1. The UPND Media Team must become proactive rather than reactive.
2. Cabinet Ministers must demonstrate responsible leadership in defending the Government’s policies and the dignity of the Presidency.
3. The Presidential Communications Team must respond promptly to statements that require official clarification.
4. UPND structures must strengthen their digital communication networks.
5. Government officials must understand that public service appointments come with responsibilities, not just privileges.
6. All responses must uphold diplomatic standards and Zambia’s international reputation.
CONCLUSION
President Hakainde Hichilema is the elected President of the Republic of Zambia. The Office of the President deserves respect, regardless of political differences.
We cannot preach the Grow Zambia Agenda while allowing our communication structures to remain weak, disorganised and silent during important national conversations.
LOYALTY MUST BE DEMONSTRATED THROUGH RESPONSIBILITY, PROFESSIONALISM AND ACTION, NOT JUST WORDS.
The UPND Media Team must wake up. Our Cabinet Ministers must speak when necessary. Our government communication structures must become more effective.
The President needs a strong, coordinated and disciplined team around him.
ONE PRESIDENT. ONE GOVERNMENT. ONE PARTY. ONE COMMON PURPOSE: GROW ZAMBIA!
By Barbrah Musamba Chama