A man's ambition, should never exceed his worth!

Political ambition alone is not enough to guarantee national development; it must be accompanied by the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience.

Lusaka, June 17 – Today’s discussion aims to uncover why Zambia is grappling with its current socio-economic development challenges. What many perceive as an unforeseen catastrophe caused by a complex set of natural factors is, in reality, the result of placing an ill-prepared individual in the role of Head of State.

Also Read: Why Zambia must prioritize politics of substance and Critical Thinking! “In the absence of Critical Thinking, political leadership in Zambia tends to be in the hands of talkers and not doers. Extroverts without verifiable social economic development ideas take up political leadership roles due to their oratory prowess.”

When casting our votes, we should prioritize candidates’ political and public service experience over their financial capabilities. Ignoring this has led to the current negative consequences, clearly demonstrating the imbalance between Mr. Hichilema’s ambition and self-awareness.

When a politician’s ambition exceeds his capabilities, he is more likely to pursue endeavours for which he is ill-equipped or unprepared, relying on money to secure the endorsement of impoverished voters. This situation potentially highlights another weakness of multiparty democracy in its current form.

Political ambition alone cannot guarantee socio-economic transformation; it must be paired with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. Without these, aspiring to a political position beyond one’s capabilities will only lead to the current state of affairs: failure, frustration, and disappointment.

Also Read: The Health Sector in Zambia will never be the same! “Because of Dr. Chitalu Chilufya who played a very significant transformative role to the various successes scored such as ensuring that the NHIS was supported by a legal framework, became law and functional.”

As the old saying goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” While a burning desire to achieve one’s goals is a vital spark, it is just the tip of the iceberg. True preparedness demands a solid foundation built on a bedrock of expertise and practice. Without this groundwork, even the loftiest aspirations can collapse like a house of cards when confronted by the challenges of reality.

Political ambition without the proper tools and know-how is like embarking on a voyage without a map or compass. One might have the strongest winds of enthusiasm and voter support propelling them forward, but without the skills and knowledge to navigate, they are likely to find themselves adrift.

As the saying goes, “You can’t make bricks without straw.” True success requires dedicating time and effort to learning the ropes, refining one’s craft, and gaining the experience that turns raw ambition into tangible results. Yet, we find ourselves with a Head of State who has shown disdain for grassroots politics and intra-party democracy, and we expect him to embody democratic principles.

To make matters worse, he ignores the crucial adage that experience is the best teacher by acting as a Mr. Know It All. Every stumble and setback should be an opportunity for reflection and a stepping stone to greater wisdom and proficiency. However, he continues to make mistakes because he’s unwilling to learn. Ambition may ignite the journey, but it is skills, knowledge, and experience that keep the fire burning.

We should find solace in the well-known saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Moving forward, your vote should go to someone who understands that true success is achieved through a blend of passion and preparedness, where each element works together to create a powerful force for achievement.

Also Read: Towards a nation of people with independent minds! “Now that we have achieved political independence, let’s fight for independent minds, through education reforms that ought to prioritize critical thinking skills!”

About Our Advocacy: Woodpecker’s Digest, an online platform, provides analyses and commentaries on pertinent issues of national interest, complemented by articles focusing on personal development and and health. Journalism is a powerful tool for driving positive socio-economic change!