Munyungano Musisanyani
Ethical leadership and good governance are fundamental political leadership ingredients in any democratic society, essential for fostering economic development, social cohesion and the well-being of citizens. In Namibia, as in many other nations, these political leadership principles represent the bedrock of the nation’s political and social fabric. However, as we delve into the case of the Zambezi region’s political leadership, it becomes apparent that these essential political leadership ingredients are lacking, impeding the region’s progress.
The Zambezi region
The Zambezi region, located in Namibia’s north-eastern corner, is a gateway to central Africa. Zambezi is at the heart of the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area, which spans Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The terrain is endowed with fertile land for agriculture, and the region is traversed by four perennial rivers: Zambezi, Chobe, Kwando and Linyanti. The region has numerous nature conservancies and national parks with abundant wildlife, offering potential for the tourism and transport sectors.
It is Namibia’s most humid region, with an average annual rainfall of 500mm-650mm.
Despite these advantages, the Zambezi region faces challenges in economic development, infrastructure and quality of life, with one of the highest multi-dimensional poverty incidences among its speaking populations at 54%, according to the 2021 Namibia Multi-dimensional Poverty Index Report.
Context of ethical leadership and good governance
Ethical leadership and good governance are crucial for a nation’s prosperity and stability. Ethical leadership involves leaders who exhibit honesty, integrity and a commitment to the welfare of their constituents.
They act as role models and adhere to moral principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in their actions. Zambezi political leaders, however, lack these qualities due to nepotism, tribalism, greediness, corruption, incompetence and egoism. Such ills pose a threat to social, economic and regional integration.
Good governance, on the other hand, involves efficient resources management and fair benefit distribution, accountability, rule of law and fostering trust in government institutions. Without ethical leadership, nations risk corruption, inequality, social hostility and economic underdevelopment, which are central to the Zambezi region.
Dreadful Truth
The absence of ethical leadership and good governance in Zambezi has dire consequences for the region’s socio-economic development. Firstly, corruption is a significant impediment to progress.
Public funds which should be invested in infrastructure, healthcare, education and poverty alleviation programmes are often siphoned off by corrupt government officials. Nonetheless, these individuals remain untouchable.
This misallocation of resources perpetuates poverty and hinders economic growth, thus creating animosity between the citizens and the government. Secondly, the lack of accountability leads to a culture of impunity among leaders. When leaders are not held responsible for their actions, they have little incentive to act in the best interests of their constituents.
This results in a disconnect between the government and the people it is supposed to serve, leading to political apathy and a decline in civic engagement.
Lack of ethical leadership
Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of good governance. It entails leaders who are not only responsible for making decisions, but also for making the right decisions that serve the best interests of the people they represent. Unfortunately, the Zambezi region has been grappling with a leadership crisis characterised by a lack of ethical standards. Corruption, nepotism, patronage politics, ethnocentrism, client politics, belly politics and mismanagement of state resources have been rampant,
eroding public trust and stifling economic growth. One of the most egregious examples of ethical leadership lapses is the misap
propriation of resources intended for infrastructural development and poverty alleviation programmes. Although that is only the tip of the iceberg, it was not long ago when Zambezi regional council officials were arrested in a N$4.6 million corruption probe. Funds allocated for township development, roads, schools, food production, youth development and healthcare facilities often fail to reach their intended destinations, leaving the populace in dire need.
Weak governance structures
Good governance requires effective institutions and mechanisms for ensuring transparency, accountability and participation in the decision-making process.
The Zambezi faces challenges in governance due to ineffective local authorities, grand and systemic corruption, and political interference.
This lack of oversight exacerbates corruption and misuse of public funds, hindering economic and social development. The absence of strong institutions creates a power vacuum, perpetuating poor governance and ethical violations.
Insufficient public participation
A fundamental aspect of good governance is ensuring that citizens have a voice in shaping policies and holding leaders accountable. In the Zambezi region, there is a deficiency of public participation and engagement. Citizens often feel disconnected from decision-making processes, and their concerns are often overlooked. This lack of inclusivity not only undermines democracy, but also leads to policies which do not reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
Way forward
To address these issues and foster ethical leadership and good governance in the Zambezi region, several steps can be taken:
- Strengthen ethical leadership by holding local leaders accountable through anti-corruption measures, ethics training, and strict enforcement of laws to curb corruption and mismanagement of state resources.
- The government should invest in capacity-building for local authorities, and establish independent oversight bodies to enhance their effectiveness and ensure accountability and transparency.
- Establishing public participation mechanisms, such as town hall meetings, citizen advisory boards and feedback channels can bridge the gap between local government and its citizens.
- Arrest and prosecute corrupt leaders. Only in Namibia and throughout Africa do corrupt politicians walk free without being thoroughly prosecuted for their actions. Leaders who fail to fulfill their mandates and engage in corrupt activities should be arrested and prosecuted, and put behind bars for their immorality.
Zambezi has enormous potential, but it is being stifled by inept and corrupt politicians who seek self-glorification.
In conclusion, the Zambezi region, plagued by corruption, weak governance and insufficient public participation, demands immediate action from Namibia’s central government and other stakeholders. They must provide support and resources to overcome challenges, and become a model of ethical leadership. Citizens must elect leaders with integrity, competence, honesty and vision for a prosperous future.
* Munyungano Musisanyani is a food security activist with a keen interest in social justice and human relations.