MR MWEWA’S DISRESPECTFUL REMARKS AGAINST KASAMA MAYOR ARE UNCALLED FOR Our editorial comment Mr Simon Mwewa’s decision to refer to the Mayor of Kasama as “that chap” simply because he holds a different opinion on how street vending should be managed is a disturbing way of conducting public discourse. Disagreeing with an elected leader over […]

MR MWEWA’S DISRESPECTFUL REMARKS AGAINST KASAMA MAYOR ARE UNCALLED FOR

Our editorial comment

Mr Simon Mwewa’s decision to refer to the Mayor of Kasama as “that chap” simply because he holds a different opinion on how street vending should be managed is a disturbing way of conducting public discourse.

Disagreeing with an elected leader over policy matters is perfectly acceptable, but reducing that leader to dismissive language because you disagree with his approach is disrespectful, not only to the office he holds but also to the people who elected him.

We must understand that Lusaka and Kasama are two different places with different challenges and priorities. While relocating street vendors may be an urgent priority in Lusaka, Kasama’s immediate concern could be the need to construct more markets and provide adequate trading spaces for vendors.

You cannot prescribe the same solution to every community and expect it to work. Local leaders understand the circumstances on the ground and must be allowed to respond to the needs of their respective communities.

Mr Mwewa must also understand that the Mayor of Kasama does not take instructions from him. The mayor was elected to represent the people of Kasama, not to implement the personal preferences of commentators or individuals sitting outside the realities of the local authority.

Political debate should be about ideas, policies and solutions, not belittling fellow elected leaders because they hold different views.

Democracy allows us to disagree, but it does not give anyone a licence to disrespect the mandate of other elected leaders.

The people of Kasama have a right to have their local challenges addressed according to their own priorities. Their mayor deserves the space to explain and pursue solutions that respond to those needs without being subjected to unnecessary personal attacks.

Current Zambia