RB’s numerous, meaningless cabinet reshuffles
President Banda. It's not too late for him to start listening to people
Rupiah Banda president of Zambia has once again messed and missed an opportunity to impress the Zambian masses over his cabinet which is seen by many as non-functioning and alienated to citizens and reality.
Banda yesterday made numerous but insignificant changes to his deputy ministers and permanent secretaries.
The notable change he made was to elevate deputy defence Minister Eustarkio Kazonga to full minister of Local Government and Housing.
And yes, he has brought in our friend Teddy Mulonga as new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development.
One can be excused for thinking that the president made the meaningless changes just to divert attention from the Solwezi defeat, call for the MMD convention, fuel blues, illness in Mongu, busy flights etc…
Surely the president could have done better. The opposition and civil society have been advising the president to cut his cabinet to reduce on bills. The president elected to leave his cabinet intact and instead brought in another member.
The president should have, for example retired those ministers who are sick on health grounds. He should also have retired the incompetent ones in national and public interest.
In short, the president should have made a complete overhaul by cutting the size of cabinet and doing away completely with deputy ministers.
People who are responsible for fuel shortages should have been kicked out this time around.
And why didn’t president Banda call a press conference to announce these numerous changes so that journalists can ask questions, like other presidents used to do? Maybe he didn’t want some ‘rude’ journalist to seek a clarification on the MMD convention or the workshop along Kafue road.
Why can’t president Banda for a change do something different like appointing younger men and women to his cabinet to replace the antiquated parasites?
More than 80 per cent of Zambians are below the age of 40, so why should they continue being governed by stale old fools?
Instead of increasing the number of Unipists and Ngonis in his empire, president Banda should have decided to do away with deputy ministers.
Deputy Ministers serve no national interest in Zambia. They are just a huge unnecessary drain to the national treasury.
Their salaries are low of course, but their daily allowances are foolishly high such that they don’t even need their salaries. How many expense cars does each of these people drive? And why do we have two deputy ministers in one ministry when some ministries like that of Information and broadcasting are not necessary?
Deputy Ministers don’t even sit in cabinet. So they don’t know what key decisions are made. When the full minister is out, another full minister from another ministry acts in that capacity. So what really is the purpose of these chaps?
Here is one example: “Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Deputy Minister Elijah Muchima has been moved to Local Government and Housing, while Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister Angela Cifire has moved to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services.”
So what? What new skills or ideas does Muchima take to his new ministry which he didn’t implement where he is coming from? Or Angela Cifire, will she influence the ministry to implement the ZNBC act which we are all waiting for?
“President Banda has transferred Hastings Imasiku from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training to the Ministry of Energy and Water Development with a call to help stabilise the flow of fuel in the country, which was erratic in the last few weeks.”
Jesus Christ! Does Imasiku have private oil wells where he is going to tap this commodity from? If Banda trusts this man so much and thinks he is the miracle guy who will end the fuel blues in Zambia, why didn’t he just fire Ken Konga who has failed us on that score and make Imasiku full minister? We definitely need stability in the energy sector.
“President Banda has also moved Community Development and Social Services Deputy Minister Moses Muteteka to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in the same capacity.” That is fine but what did he achieve during his stint there? How many people benefited from the social scheme under him?
“Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development Christopher Kalila has been moved to the Ministry of Works and Supply in the same capacity, while Deputy Minister at Local Government and Housing Lwipa Puma, has been moved to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.”
I have never heard of Christopher Kalila, maybe he doesn’t cry loud enough but the story is the same; moving deputy misters from one ministry to another does not serve an national purpose. It
“The president has transferred Chrispin Musosha, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training, while Deputy Minister of Works and Supply Mundia Ndalamei has been moved to Sport, Youth and Child Development in the same capacity.”
All in all, these changes make no impact but are just a cost to the national coffers.
When such unnecessary changes are made, the affected ministries have to spend unbudgeted for money in printing new stationery for the new deputy ministers. Letterheads, business cards and in some cases even office furniture have to be changed. The cost is enormous if one considers the bulk and quality of material the government uses.
Zambians are expected to receive these changes as business for their rulers as usual. It makes no difference to the unemployed youth; the street vendor who has no stall to sell his merchandise. The poor women struggling to raise their children by selling rotten tomatoes in the market do not benefit to such changes in any way.
It’s just politicians returning favours to each other. Yes, one who is privileged disturbing favours to his buddies…
Meanwhile, the poor Zambians continue yawning for development.
The Author, Lloyd Himaambo, is the Editor of the Zambian Watchdog
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I don’t know about you but these reshuffles remind me of my teachers at school. The teachers taught me that in an exam (It was mandatory that I took exams), if i could not do some questions, I was better off skipping them and doing the ones i can answer and them come bact to the difficult ones at later stage.
I believe our man can not perform some of his critical duties and he jumps to useless/meaningless duties of appointing cabinet ministers. The sad thing is, most of them do not transferable skills but are still swapped.
What a shame!
RB’ s face is typical of a dictator..
You people, one person here needs his head to be properly examined. i think most of you know him. he uses more than to names…clue? as for the watchdog…hmm…you ve articulated your article very well. Unfortunately the people who are suppose to see this are busy looting the national resources and playing blind!! e.g …C and V
Well, it does seem to me that veteran really is a baby in his brain, regardless of his loud rantings. In Zambia politics are about winning votes and getting into higher office regardless of what you are , who you are or what you say. That sata guy may very well be in state house come 2011
hanel:
You probably are new to this blog—I DON’T KNOW!! But if you are a regular on here or LT, you would have noticed my comments on politics & all the Politicians in Zambia. Whether I am balanced or not is a matter of personal opinion. But I can assure you that I have no favourite among any of the current or past govt leaders, in opposition or otherwise. In fact SATA gives me chills to think that he may one day end up at plot 1 given his documented loose mouth and his politics of ’slash-and-burn’. But given our voting patterns/tendencies in Zambia this surely may come to pass one of these days, which will be tragedy. Sata is an unrepentant TRIBALIST who has no business near State House, period!! My humble opinion.
I took exception to Veteran’s comments because I have followed his writings on this blog over an extended period of time and, to me, they sound sterile and inconsequential because they have been so one-sided through and through!!
I would like to think of myself as an equal opportunity observer who gives credit where credit is due. And I think the author’s critique of the situation in Zambia at the moment is spot on! To deny these facts and instead vi-er off into accusations of ‘lack of intellect’ (as Veteran is fond of doing) is to be blind to the truth and facts on the ground in Zambia, bwana hanel!
I have never being a card carrying member of any political party in Zambia. In fact I have voted for both MMD politicians before, but quite frankly, they have disappointed and betrayed my vote. Almost 20 yrs in charge of govt machinery and very little to show for it, other than a blotted cabinet and a tripling of public funds plunderers. If that’s what you call progress, I fear for mother Zambia!!!
thatnkyou RB we now know who you are, though you boasted so much during your campain i dont know wether this is how far you can go; are zambians happy with your performance THAT IS A BIG QUESTION
Whatever your fear, I will not waste my time endorsing your new name
(1)-“The MMD has been opportunistic advantage of thriving on a fragmented opposition but not anymore.” Quote from a PF cadre
Not anymore! This is typical straight jacket disillusionment of Bwana emotion rants. You are really trapped in very emotional rants. Unity what unity? Unity of two tribal leaders disconnected on every fundamental issue has nothing to do with a national constituency that delivers ruling mandate. Nowhere in post cold war era democratic world order has the nonsense of tribal parties reigned.
This is why I sympathize with your disillusioned passion for regional parties. The best you can do is preparing yourself to fill in on during a crisis in 2011 or better for Generational change politics in 2016 after the Banda administration. What unity are you seeing in this circus of recruiting HH into Sata’s megaphone?
(2)-“At the moment all the economy of Zambia is in the hands of the opposition, so what really can the MMD boast about?” Quote from a PF cadre
Question
Really… Do they control revenue from the same urban constituencies? If so then why have they proved lamentable failure to develop any constituency? Go to Nkana, Changa, Mandevu, Munali, Roan Antelope or indeed Chawama constituency. Tell us what PF have done there other than daily soliciting from the central Government for funding? You must a very daft cadre comforting yourself o you don’t understand what you are talking about.
No sober person sees any fundamentally cohesive unity between the two tribal leaders excerpt street kids. Be my witness a time brings your dream into a phase of implosion.
Yambayamba
From your writings, do you you suppose you could hide your incline to the ideas of the fantasist (SATA). Don’t pretend to be balanced.
Just own up, you would wish the eccentric theories of that mad man where put to the test. Just give up, Sata will never have a go at the Presidency.
You might as well start imagining that SATA is an an Angel, which I suppose you do. Pathetic!
And it seems the same critics (of RB’s administration) pretending to be balanced are evidently inclined to support unworkable ideas of Sata.
As concerning the previous topic about claims of RB’s failures, the critics never realize how myopic their propositions are, challenging aimlessly what they would want to magnify (in their minds) what they suppose are larger than life mistakes of RB. Well, it is easy to see their disgruntlement.
For goodness sake, think about how disastrous the alternatives (Sata) available would be. How could anyone ever dream about such larger than life schemes- a power station in every province in 90 days!
Surely, positive growth figures should amidst a world financial crisis must be applauded even by genuine critics. Not to do so is telling on them. Surely something else other than genuine critic motivates them to unwarrantly, unjustly attack RB.
SATA would take us back to the middle ages being a fantasist that he is, given a chance to rule. I am no pugilist but sometimes I feel like throwing a punch or two on some of your hard head may be to unblock your clogged nerves.
Ba editor i have enjoyed reading yo article. Excellent piece.As for RB 2011 will be difficult.Levy the cabbage was a superman.
this silly editor should not incite people against the duly elected president,he does not need to consult who to appoint or disappoint.tell your hakasata,mmembe,mpombo,magande and the so called family tree hiding behind legacy that rb does not need any permission from thes buffons.to all you trolls on this fora,the pact will never form govt that i can assure you
gentlemen out of 150 MPs in parliament only 55 have degrees/equivalent. of the 55 only about 30 belong to the MMD.So if the president retires some ministers where will he get the qualified members of parliament to fill the positions. As per our constitution only a member of parliament can be oppointed to the ministirial position? The president does not appoint MPS, we the people are the ones who elect the MPs.By the way who says the rural vote is misleading the country? Among the 55 MPs with degrees/equivalents, 10 are from eastern, 9 from southern, 8 from luapula, 6 from northern, 5 from western ; 5 from Lusaka; 5 from the copperbelt, 4 from northwestern and 3 from Central province.
This country is on Automated Pilot Gadget but just about to hit the rock hard. I have never in my life seen an egoistic and insensitive President to his people’s need like Banda.
Someone wants to know the sick people in government? Red lips snake, Mboshe and then the other are sick in the head
Veteran:
You are among the few misguided souls who seems to operate like robots every time you blog on here. Your contributions are so predictable, it is amazing! Your lack of deeper perspective on issues is an insult to your blog name–Veteran! Because you expect some balanced well thought out comments from a VETERAN. Not some ‘bull crap’ all the time! I don’t even know why RB hasn’t made you one of his cabinet ministers yet. He seems to appreciate more the advice of ‘Lemmings’ like you.
Every time I have read your comments on this blog and that other one (which shall remain nameless), they all have a similar tone to them: “Hate the bearer of bad news instead of the news itself.” Ba ‘Veeeteraaan’, the news back home isn’t good and the cause, or at least the culprit, for not doing right by the people is the man you seem to worship; BWENZANI. You can be a Party Carder (sp) and still have some sense to know that things ain’t right in Zambia. Unabashed political-cheerleading makes you sound very shallow and out of touch!!
Other than your complaint about the author’s mention of the “Press conference”, what intelligent rebuttal do you have against his fine analysis of these “do nothing, blood sucking” deputy ministers we have in Zambia?! If you can convince me otherwise I might have a little bit of respect for your claim on “intellect.”
By the way, if these people you are calling “armchair critics” have no sway on political events in Zambia, why, on so many occasions, have politicians referred to the so called “misinformation” on the Internet? Well, Mr. ‘Veeeteraaan’, you may be alone on this one, bwana. Surely Zambian politicians are reading and noticing what is being said on the Internet, and are at least concerned about it.
So, ‘Ba Veteran,’ maybe it is just you and RB who are not interested in what is being said on these blogs. Which is fine, but don’t let the figment of your immagination fool you. You can go ahead and “play Ostrich” all you want but the day of reckoning for people of your kind draws nigh!!!
The language in this article is excused. But the points are valid. I totally agree that the posts of deputy ministers should be done away with. However, this cannot be done by the stroke of a pen overnight because the whole government beaurocracy makes this necessary. When a cabinet minister is out of office, piles and piles of documents would remain unacted upon if there was no deputy. That is the problem. The Permanent secretary cannot act as originator and endorser at the same time. What I would suggest is that the Ministers should ‘act’ on behalf of another when one is absent. Something like this: NO deputy ministers. Defence Minister acts as VP when VP is not around. Finance minister, as Defence, and so on. Secondly, the ‘musical chairs’ reshuffles are totally worthless. This is what we have had since independence. Recycling the same old and tired politicians! By old I do not mean in calendar years as the author suggests, because there is value in age old wisdom, but I mean old ideas. There are many bright and intelligent old Zambians who have never been given a chance to run state craft. This well of wisdom has been sidelined purely because of patronage.
Chicago city
Which ones indeed! Let us abe wary of making wild statements please like the POST.
Fortunately government is not run by listening to every and any whining statement/s.
This is very good analysis mr editor, however i disagree on Dr christopher kalila, even though you have never heard of him, he is one of the best deputy minister, having dealt with him at sports ministry and dealt with so many ministers. he is just in a wrong ministry
Mr VETERAN, do you sleep? You are ever commenting! Do you work sir? How do you feed your family, sir? Since you can’t do without commenting, My partners are building a website for chaps like you to keep blogging. Attend to your family, your wife should be bored having such a husband. Sir, mr. Vetinery medicine please sir, keep your family don’t die for MMD!
So RB thinks he will solve problems in the MMD by reshuffling the Cabinet? Welcome to another comedy of errors! Once again, the nation has to pay for the string of underperformances of the MMD in the Bye-election! What a President. I think Rupiah should be voted the funniest President of the Year 2009.
Meanwhile, a friend has just taught me an exercise that I have found so useful. You don’t need to have anything but a working computer. Internet connection is not necessary for the exercise. Here it goes:
1. Open a new document in Microsoft Word
2. Save it as Rupiah Banda. Its not necessary to write anything in the file
3. After saving the document, delete it.
4. A message will appear… “do you want to delete this file?” Click on YES!
5. You have just deleted Rupiah Banda. The exercise is so gratifying. Please try it…
I have missed two points 1. who are the ailing ministers? 2. Which UNIPist and Ngonis are been added to the empire? The rest I have fully agreed.
Another nail in the coffin.RB when are you going to grow up and die?? bravo ZWD good analysis.
The Post + Watchdog= good journalism.
given a ministry to run
The editor is brave just like that of The Post. These changes are not meaningful, most of these deputy ministers are in leadership by chance. Teddy Mulonga may end up frustrating Great Kalu after that election defeat. In Zambia there is witchhunt.One d/minister has been given a minister to run where he was just a mere clerk. Is he going to inspire heavy weights!
If u recall LPM used to indicate reasons he was appointing or firing someone.What is this?Now he is scared of journalists.I repeat the good thing with RB is that u dont need to campaign against him he is doing a damn good job decampaigning himself.Today he is annoyed coz agricluture imputs have not been distributed.He forgets that without reliable fuel supply u cant distribute imports.
Taima taken to education as d/minister…..silence on where the current d/minister has been taken. Is ministry of education gonna have 2 deputy ministers just like it has 2 permanent secretaries?””””””’FOR WHAT? Guys we,re wasting resources.
I know Lloyd to be a stubborn boy just like other thin pipo. In fact he can be a greater danger to Zambia than stupid fred membe
Lloyd Himaambo
Lloyd…I could have agreed with your analysis only that I am a believer in what Late Professor Lameki Goma once told us at our 1975 Graduation ceremony. “The usefulness of useless disciplines”. I suppose if you said ALL deputy Ministers MUST be below the age of 40 so that we give future leaders some little experience I would come with you. And Teddy must not be PS of Football.
How I miss his excellence Levy Patrick Mwanawasa.
In democracy where the right to speak is constitutionally protected and treasured in fostering democratic norms, no ruling administration can manage its agenda on the basis of appeasing armchair critics. Trolls and arm chair critics are there not for the national or common good but in perpetual identity self struggle and emotional distress. Arm chair critics hide no element of their ignorance and susceptibility to irrational sensationalism.
Reshuffles do not necessary call for a press conference but can be communicated through statutory or executive order in the press release. Press conferences interfere with many public services hence should only be held when there are major Policy and other national issues of compelling nature.
Press conferences are not held for the simple questions of when the 2010 scheduled MMD convention will be held. Such are internal party matters you don’t abuse the country, attendance and the diplomatic corps to.
Therefore, even if people are enjoying the freedom of speech while learning to write on blogs, exhibiting some level of intellect and understanding of issues attracts credible readers otherwise, threads become spammed by fellow irrational and inconsequential trolls
Why not just retiring them. They are all failures including the president himself. These jerks.
How i wish time could be fastforwarded to 2011. How does one explain all this? It is another comedy of error which will take up our valuable time in debate for the coming weeks.
Shuffling deck chairs on sinking titanic. We have the most useless President ever in the world after Idia Amin. All he knows is barb-queing, watching WWF and juggling his minions like kids. Yaba!
This is good piece of work sensiless meaningless reshufles indeed
Indeed these changes are meaningless, I wonder why RB,s teeth can not bite? Why is Konga still in govt after the grave mistakes and the highest level of incompetence exibited during the fuel shortage. Why bring in Teddy who lamentably failed to run FAZ? This is another episode in a commedy full of errors and RB is the main Starring.
I think ba Watchdog you are now beginning to work. This is good. Keep it up. We need sharp quick journalists who can analyse events fast. I agree, we don’t need deputy ministers. The money can be put in hospitals