True leadership is rooted in acknowledging mistakes, not defending them. By calling for an Economic Indaba that would bring together diverse voices, Hichilema would demonstrate that he values the people’s welfare over political ego.
Lusaka, Dec. 1 – Brian Hapunda, Chief Advisor to Socialist Party President, Dr. Fred M’membe, shared on his Facebook page the unmanageable cost of using a vehicle under the prevailing cost of fuel.
“As of today, the 1st of December 2024, K400 gets us 11 litres of petrol! This means, we need K800 for our two vehicles everyday for successful school drop-offs and pick-ups and our business errands, bringing our weekly fuel budget to K4,000 (K800 x 5). This means every month we need K16,000 on fuel alone!” he lamented.
Also Read: UPND Manifesto on the Agric Sector, What We Need to Do! …we urgently need an Indaba of like-minded stakeholders in the sector. “Time is ripe now for putting our heads together and help to refocus our current UPND government on their manifesto on agriculture!” – Hon. Mecha.
And reacting on the same post, a concerned citizen, Clayton Kaumba, wrote: “Why not call for an economic indaba? There is no monopoly of wisdom. We need goods and services to be affordable. Anyway, twafikwako!” And it’s this reaction that prompted me to share this opinion.
President Hichilema’s administration stands at a critical juncture where its greatest strength could lie in its humility. Admitting the shortcomings of its economic policies, from mismanaged debt restructuring to the skyrocketing cost of living, would not only resonate with the struggling masses but also restore a semblance of trust among citizens who feel betrayed by broken promises.
Acknowledging failure is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of leadership maturity – an act that could redefine his legacy by showing he values the people’s welfare over political ego. This honesty would also likely inspire confidence in both local and international stakeholders, including investors eager for policy stability and transparency.
By convening an all-inclusive economic Indaba, President Hichilema could create a platform to harvest innovative solutions from a cross-section of society, including opposition leaders, civil society, academics, and industry experts. Such a forum would demonstrate a willingness to place Zambia’s interests above partisan divides.
Also Read: Zambia’s Recipe for Prosperity: A Melting Pot, Not a Pressure Cooker! Zambia’s path to prosperity hinges on embracing diversity, unity, accountability, and inclusivity to transform challenges into opportunities for all.
This collaborative approach could yield actionable strategies to combat economic woes, ensuring sustainable growth while reducing inequality. It would also send a strong message that governance is a collective effort, where solutions are sought not just within State House but across the nation’s intellectual and professional landscape.
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