HH HAS EARS, READY TO LISTEN
…He has been meeting different people – Hamaska
By Mast Reporter
STATE House has dismissed the allegation by historian Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa that President Hakainde Hichilema’s determination to amend the Constitution before the 2026 elections despite the growing opposition is proof that he is a leader who does not listen to the views of the people he governs.
Chief communication specialist Clayson Hamasaka accused opposition party leaders and other critics of Hichilema of “yapping” without offering solutions.
“Since when have we had a sitting president meeting more than 200 people across the country? Since when? Engaging with them at one point. Since when? It has never happened. First time, you know? And then engaging and then it is discussed,” Hamasaka said.
He was reacting to the lead story in yesterday’s edition of The Mast in which Dr Sishuwa, a senior lecturer based in South Africa, was quoted as saying Hichilema was not a good leader because he was not ready to listen to dissenting views from other people on the rushed constitutional amendment process.
“One of the qualities of leadership is effective listening. A good president is one who demonstrates the capacity to listen to dissenting views,” he said.
But Hamasaka pushed back saying Hichilema had been meeting different stakeholders with whom he had been discussing important issues.
“If you ever meet him, he meets all those people. Very regularly, you follow those things. He meets those people, you know? He meets those people. There was a meeting, a historical meeting. You are a journalist,” he said.
Hamasaka accused opposition political party leaders and other critics making allegations against Hichilema of merely yapping without offering solutions.
“…who just want to be yapping. They do not offer any solutions. Nothing. Have you ever heard anyone offering solutions on anything? Have you ever heard?” Hamasaka said.
“I am challenging them now. Have you ever heard anyone? I watch their interviews, I listen to them.”
