Mundubile foreign reserves message on point – Salivaji  

By BARNABAS ZULU

BRIAN Mundubile has succeeded in shaping the national debate and narrative on the country’s foreign exchange reserves because he has communicated in a language that resonates with ordinary citizens experiencing the economic hardships under the UPND government, Charlotee Salivaji has said.

Ms. Salivaji, a governance activist says politics is not only about presenting technically correct facts but also about explaining complex issues in a way that people could easily understand, relate to and remember.

“On the reserves campaign message, BM8 (Brian Mundubile) has scored. Not because the argument was technically perfect, but because it achieved what political communication is meant to achieve. It connected with the public, provoked debate and forced a response,” Ms Salivaji said.

She said Mr. Mundubile, being an experienced lawyer, accountant and politician, understood the importance of national reserves but deliberately framed the issue in a manner that reflected the frustrations of ordinary Zambians.

“Brian Mundubile is an educated man, a lawyer, an accountant and a seasoned politician. I do not believe for one second that he does not understand the purpose of national reserves. What he understood very well was his crowd, their frustrations and the power of a simple message,” she said.

Ms. Salivaji said the debate offered an important lesson to those helping President Hakainde Hichilema communicate government policies.

“In politics, a complicated truth can easily lose to a simple slogan. That does not mean slogans are always right. It means leaders and their teams must learn to communicate truth in a language that people understand,” Ms Salivaji said.

She explained that foreign exchange reserves were essential because they protected the economy during difficult periods, strengthened confidence and provided the country with financial breathing space during external shocks.

However, Ms Salivaji explained such technical explanations often failed to resonate with citizens struggling with the high cost of living.

“National reserves are like the emergency money many responsible women keep safely ku chitenge. You may not touch it every day, but when trouble comes, that money protects the home. It does not mean the family has no problems. It means there is something kept aside to help the family survive difficult days,” she said.