Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya has questioned assertions by Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa that President Hakainde Hichilema has set an exceptionally high standard of leadership.
Speaking in response to Mweetwa’s comments , in which he expressed concern about finding a successor to match President Hichilema’s leadership in 2031, Kafwaya said the current socio-economic environment paints a different picture.
“What is this bar that has been raised?” Kafwaya asked. “Is it the tightening of cyber laws? Proposed constitutional amendments? Because when you look at the economic indicators, the situation is the most challenging we have seen in years. The cost of living is at a record high, and concerns about democratic space and governance standards are widespread.”
He noted that difficulties in the economy are affecting citizens across the board, including members of Parliament, who he said are now experiencing disruptions such as load-shedding at the National Assembly Motel.
Kafwaya also raised questions about adherence to constitutional provisions and the strengthening of institutions.
“Concerns are being raised about issues such as cadreism in public institutions and the use of administrative processes to influence political activities. If this is what is referred to as a high bar, then there is a genuine reason for reflection,” he said.
The Lunte MP further pointed to reports from oversight institutions such as the Financial Intelligence Centre, suggesting they highlight governance challenges that cannot be overlooked.
Kafwaya emphasized that a true measure of leadership success lies in the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.
“Good leadership must be judged by improvements in people’s lives, not by the privileges enjoyed by a few. There is a need for honest introspection,” he said.
While acknowledging the complexity of governance, Kafwaya called for a broader conversation on the standards by which leadership is evaluated, suggesting that raising the bar must ultimately mean improving the quality of life, strengthening democracy, and fostering inclusive development.
