World over, Presidential aides are expected to be the Eyes, Ears and Mouths of the President among other things! For instance, the political advisor is expected to
provide strategic advice on policy and political matters. It’s also their duty to analyze political trends and advise on potential impacts. As far as we concerned, Levy Ngoma, the political advisor to the President, has perfectly fitted the bill and continues to score high. Wherever there’s political action panning out anywhere across the country, you’ll see him discard his trademark safari suits and do the needful!
In equal measure, the role of the legal advisor entails providing expert legal guidance on matters affecting the presidency, government policies, and executive actions. Chris Mundia, the legal aide, has been on top of things, quietly but diligently executing his duties in the background. Mundia has earned the administration of many, very few individuals if any can actually wonder why the President is still keeping him in that position.
Of course, the list goes on and on and on. However, our main interest for now is that of the Presidential press aide…..a position once occupied and ably executed by Anthony Bwalya. According to our humble understanding, the Presidential press aide is the mouthpiece of the President! They are responsible for communicating the State House’s message, policies, and decisions to the public and media. They’re the face of the administration, handling press conferences, statements, and social media.
Although the nomenclature has since evolved to Communications Specialist, we believe it still remains the responsibility of Hamasaka to speak on behalf of the President……and most importantly, address the media!
When has Clayson Hamasaka ever addressed a press briefing or even emceed a Presidential press conference?
A lot has been said about the call Thabo Kawana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Media and Information made to the President during a live TV programme. There’s been little or zero information coming out of Plot 1 since Bwalya exited. It wasn’t therefore wrong for Kawana to have taken the initiative and called the President!
As seasoned journalist has observed, the public deserves regular, accurate and consistent updates on the President’s whereabouts and general well being, including his health where appropriate.
One may want to argue that Hamasaka has been in the tunnels with the President and therefore to occupy the position since he has the requisite qualifications. This is neither here nor there! Judge Ngoma was Sata’s bodyguard for a long time. Was he rewarded with the position of ADC when Sata became President?
Negative! The position was assigned to people who could handle the job professionally. Truth be told, Hamasaka has lamentably failed to perform in this position. The earlier he’s given another position the better!
Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst
Zambezi
