MMD NEC must be credible

The Forum for Leadership Search (FLS) has advised delegates to the MMD’s national convention to elect leaders of high integrity.

FLS executive director Edwin Lifwekelo said in Lusaka on March 27 that it will be important for the delegates to elect leaders who will add value to President Banda’s administration.

“I think President Banda is looking for value addition to his administration. He is not just looking at numbers in terms of individuals.

“Members of the MMD national executive committee must recognise that the positions they are aspiring for relate to the interpretation of MMD policies and programmes,” Mr Lifwekelo said.

He said the aspirants must vie for positions which are in line with their specialties and competence.

Mr Lifwekelo cautioned all the aspirants not to harbour selfish motives, but to aspire for office with a view of putting service delivery before self.

“People, like Dr Mbita Chitala, who were looking for jobs are now regretting supporting President Banda because their support was based on the hope that the President will give them jobs. It is important to ensure that those aspiring for positions do so with the idea of providing service, otherwise they will regret like Dr Chitala,” he said.

He said all MMD national executive committee (NEC) aspirants should make it a point to add value to President Banda’s administration, should they be elected into the NEC.

Mr Lifwekelo said the national convention will provide an opportunity to the MMD to pick a diligent team that will work with President Banda.

He said Mr Banda has not had the latitude to work with people of his own choice, as most of the people he re-appointed as cabinet and deputy ministers were initially in Dr Mwanawasa’s administration.

He said there is no basis on which anyone can accuse President Banda of being tribal.[pullquote]aspirants must vie for positions which are in line with their specialties and competence[/pullquote]

Mr Lifwekelo said credibility and morality will be of paramount importance for MMD delegates to elect leaders of integrity, loyalty and commitment.

The MMD national convention takes place from April 5 to 7, and all the provinces have endorsed Mr Banda as the sole candidate for the MMD presidency.

Mr Banda filed his nomination last week while Vice-President George Kunda filed for the position of party vice-president.

Others, who also filed their nominations include Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Lieutenant-General Ronnie Shikapwasha (chairman security), Minister of Works and Supply Gabriel Namulambe (elections chairman), Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Bradford Machila (chairman lands), Minister of Local Government and Housing Brian Chituwo (chairman local government), Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Maxwell Mwale (chairman mines).

Minister of Education Dora Siliya (chairperson publicity and information), Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training Peter Daka (chairman transport), Minister of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato (chairman labour), Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane (chairman finance and economics), Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Eustarckio Kazonga (chairman agriculture) and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mutale Nalumango (chairperson labour) also filed their nominations.

[Zambia Daily Mail]