Tue, 09 Jan 2018 07:56:38 +0000
A HUMBLE leader has the inherent ability to galvanise citizens in the development agenda of the country, a feat that Zambia is in a hurry to exploit.
Apart from humility, a leader must possess other requisite qualities such as honesty, integrity, level-headedness, high competence levels and should be able to foster unity as well as hard work among the people.
In the political arena there are a number of cosmetic trappings that usually blind some people to reality; hence their attitude towards the governed assumes a negative inclination.
President Lungu’s call to ministers to remain humble has thus come at an opportune time when the citizens are highly-expectant of sustainable development which can forestall the potential economic contraction.
Yes, the President was spot on yesterday at State House during the swearing ceremony when he counselled ministers to be responsive to the masses in a humble fashion and not to be “puffed up.”
Leadership comes from God and therefore leaders must fully espouse the scriptures in the Holy Bible. In particular, humility is a valuable attribute that even The Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated.
Humility is also expounded in many verses including in Psalm 25:9 which states that: “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way,” while Proverbs 11:2 states that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Political leaders are servants of the people and they carry a heavy responsibility to offer selfless service. They are required to earnestly look beyond their immediate benefits, lest they lose sight of their obligations.
In fact, at ministerial level the onerous tasks and responsibilities are heavier because ministers must uphold the trust and confidentiality reposed in them by the appointing authority on one hand and the citizens on the other.
This means, therefore, that they have to discharge executive functions with honesty and diligence while at the same time remaining humble and relevant to their constituents and the citizens at large.
Zambia, like many other countries, is faced with a number of obstacles in the economic, social and other sectors that require competence, tenacity and intelligence on part of ministers and their technocrats.
Ministers must remain user-friendly among the citizens and technocrats in the civil service for them to get the necessary support. They must communicate to their constituents and the nation at large through appropriate platforms.
The President has adequately advised them not to retort with harsh words on the social media as this may be viewed as arrogance. They should instead handle all queries from citizens with humility.
The citizens always look up to the ministers and other leaders for development; they look up to leaders for answers to many challenges such as unemployment.
Ministers must blend well with technocrats and the citizens as they work towards steering this country to prosperity through accelerated growth in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, mining and construction.
Agriculture in particular is begging for attention and requires surgery in many aspects; it has the potential to employ 70 per cent of the labour force in the country.
Obstacles in the agriculture sector, climate change, high unemployment levels and many others are causing anxiety among the citizens who are now seeking explanation from ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and other leaders.
Therefore, leaders must climb down the status ladder and humble themselves before the people as they explain Government programmes and initiatives couched to resolve the debilitating challenges.
Citizens on the other hand must always remain civil in as much as they have the right to hold leaders accountable. Yes, it is their inalienable right to express themselves on topical national matters, but this must be done with respect.
All in all, citizens and the leaders must work together as one segment cannot exist without the other.
Humility is a virtue!
