Weak leadership fueled by misconduct and political bias threatens the credibility of traditional leadership, demanding urgent reforms to uphold its noble purpose.
Lusaka, Mar. 19 – Traditional leaders hold a sacred responsibility as custodians of culture, unity, and development within their communities. Their influence extends beyond ceremonial duties, shaping the moral compass of society and fostering progress.
Also Read: Endorsement Gone Rogue: Chiefs Trade Their Crowns for Campaign Hats! The chiefs’ glowing endorsement of the UPND for perpetual rule shatters their duty of impartiality, turning them into political partisans. In a nation reeling from economic mismanagement and a crumbling democracy, this misplaced allegiance mocks the struggles of the very people they are meant to protect.
However, when chiefs engage in misconduct – be it excessive alcohol consumption, abusive behaviour, or political manipulation – they not only tarnish their own reputation but also undermine the credibility of the institution they represent. True leadership demands discipline, integrity, and a commitment to serving the people rather than indulging in personal excesses.
Recent reports of a traditional leader allegedly engaging in drunken misconduct – verbally assaulting and attempting to physically attack Minister Hon. Muchima, even damaging government vehicles in the process – paint a distressing picture of leadership gone astray. Chiefs are expected to be role models, setting an example of dignity and self-control.
When a leader stoops to reckless and violent behaviour, it sends the wrong message to their subjects and erodes public confidence in traditional leadership. Such incidents must not be ignored but investigated thoroughly to establish the root cause of this breakdown in decorum.
It is no secret that some traditional leaders have become law unto themselves, wielding unchecked power over their people and governing with impunity. Some have faced public backlash and even revolt from their subjects due to their oppressive and unethical behavior.
Reports of a chief allegedly interfering in public institutions – chasing away civil servants, seizing private property, and abusing government resources – point to a deeper problem of unregulated authority. Leadership must be about service, not domination, and those who misuse their influence must be held accountable.
There is growing concern that some chiefs have abandoned their neutrality in favour of partisan politics, championing political agendas and opposing government initiatives without cause. If a traditional leader actively works against national development for political gain, they cease to be a unifying figure and instead become a divisive force.
The government and the people must reflect on whether reforms are needed to curb such excesses, perhaps through constitutional amendments that set ethical standards for traditional leadership. A position of influence should not be a shield for misconduct but a platform for positive change.
Also Read: Democracy Isn’t About Winning Elections – It’s About Letting People Shape Governance! True democracy goes beyond ballots and power struggles; it prioritizes serving the people through inclusive governance. When politics focuses on humanity and cooperation, it fulfills its purpose as a vehicle for national development, not partisan division.
Traditional leaders remain vital to the cultural and social fabric of the nation, but their continued relevance hinges on their ability to govern with wisdom and integrity. By upholding ethical leadership, rejecting excesses, and collaborating with the government for the greater good, chiefs can reinforce their legacy as true custodians of their people.
Those who choose to abuse their power, however, risk diminishing the respect their office commands and ultimately losing their place in history as esteemed leaders. Now is the time for a collective commitment to restoring honor and responsibility to the institution of traditional leadership.
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