Lies, dishonesty! Featured
Dr Bwalya Ng’andu is not an everyday Zambian politician. And as such we don’t expect him to behave like them – telling lies everyday.
It is a big embarrassment that Dr Ng’andu lied to the nation about his engagement with Zambia’s bondholders only for them to issue a statement the following day that there had been no direct contact between them and the Zambian government.
Good political leadership is built on fundamental principles of honesty, fairness, accountability, responsibility and transparency.There’s need to ensure total transparency, openness and honesty in every respect of political leadership.
When honesty and transparency are lacking there can be no trust. You cannot cultivate a climate of trust in the absence of honesty. Consequently fairness, accountability and responsibility cannot exist.
Is a dishonest politician trustworthy, responsible and fair? Do they consider their accountability before being dishonest?Possibly yes, but in most instances no. Accountability is overlooked and lost.
We live in a low trust society. To ensure good governance we must first address the issues around trust and honesty.
The political leadership must be seen to be trustworthy and honest.
Political dishonesty not only harms a nation’s prosperity but also shapes the moral behavior of its citizens.
A shady political leadership influences the moral behavior of its followers.
By Fred M’membe
Mwika Royal Village, Chinsali