IMPACT OF EXTREMISM ON INSTITUTIONS
IHAVE argued and campaigned that we need strong institutions, to support our government and governance. In this piece, I want to bite the bullet and comment on what I see as highly problematic challenges of ineptness and fundamentalism, which undermine institutions.
How are institutions undermined by extremism?
Fundamentalists or extremists are deficient in reason, substance and objectivity. They can be quite unreasonable and are amenable to using underhand methods in achieving their sectarian, personal or private goals.
Take my cousins the Lozi people, who once unintentionally played host to the notorious “group calling itself Linyungandambo” (But correctly and legitimately meaning, a brother’s keeper. The gang, in which I am constrained to make reference, hijacked the normal usage of the term to pursue its questionable agenda). Question: How can a Brother (who is a law enforcer) of a leader of “Linyungandambo” arrest his brother leader, if he is clothed with the power of arrest?
An apologist may argue that “but the late fugitive Roy Mudenda was betrayed and reported to authorities by his relative.” Well, in this case, the relative had reason to be worried in dealing with a man with a track record of sadistic homicide.
We shall never know the truth, but she probably was afraid that she may just be the next candidate for a gruesome murder. Even in the example of “Linyungandambo,” the campaign became a lost cause as time went on partly because of irrelevance; and factors beyond this brief.
The challenges cited here contrast greatly from a relative or clansman who is not only unqualified and incompetent; but a beneficiary of patronage. Such beneficiaries will do all what it takes to ensure that dishonest ways and incidents continue. This is our dilemma! Note that dishonesty, when embedded in character is very difficult to deal with.
It is a dilemma born out of extremism or fundamentalism. Extremists will not see anything wrong in promoting and supporting a wayward agenda. If anything, they will be quite comfortable to call it another “friendly” name, representing a familiar agenda.
A number of institutions are led by individuals who have been head-hunted by an individual or group, which seeks
to use legitimate means to achieve illegitimate goals. In this matrix, never mind what your qualifications are or could be; merit is not an option but more of a coincidence!
That is how the “Matero Institute of forgery” gained ground. Side by side with this infamous institute, are entities which specialise in “selling” qualifications? Some of our lots are very willing to buy degrees and present and carry them as such. This explains why performance in several instances is begging/lacking. (The Law has “covered itself” quite well in this respect. Anyone who holds him/herself as a competent professional, will in the eyes of the law be held to the standard of that profession).
Let’s face it; people are hired based on the professional and academic qualifications they present during the hiring process. This is as it should be. Merit should override any other considerations.
It becomes a mockery and a downright assault on an institution when you ignore merit. Merit is merit. It neither fades nor disappears, simply because a person is not of your choice or indeed in the irrelevant and problematic sense; of your extraction.
I advise professionals in employment that “as long as you stand tall and do your job correctly as a professional, you will not be found wanting in anyway.” No “witch hunt” or prejudice, will catch you. The problem; which actually undermines our institutions, is when professionals take into account irrelevant considerations.
The head of the institution may be there because of other considerations unknown to a subordinate, who gets disciplined, for doing the right thing! What message are we sending? Should this misplaced, archaic and discriminatory process be allowed to fester?
When I was being prosecuted (as many others), I was so shocked that a young lady confidently said, “Well I must look after my family”! Who does not have a family and what is the difference between such an individual and a bank robber? One of the differences is that they are making their living differently but both illegitimately and without community sanction.
But the investigator, unreasonably using/abusing the law, forces facts to fit into a legal assault and uses the Court system to launder incompetence. Extremely shameful! But again, this is my opinion and others may feel and think otherwise.
It is important though to note that Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) holds the view that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another, in a spirit of brotherhood/sisterhood.”
I asked a question here. Should ineptness be allowed and most important, what does it mean? Simple! That we are tolerating Mafia style systems which do not believe in the rule of law! The Mafia is not only illegal, it is also illegitimate and believes in serious underhand methods, where the superior or Capo as he is known, is above reproach.
In our set up, individuals spend time making and giving explanations, which may sound plausible, but which explanations, are part of the problem. The Rule of Law clearly requires that public officers make decisions not based on any other consideration but the law.
I hold the view that in our way of living – co-existence; problems will occur but safety valves, including Courts, are available for dispute resolution.
This means taking issues of whether a decision is rational or reasonable very seriously. For instance, many organisations are guided by internal rules and regulations. I do not know of any organisation in Zambia, which will be unable to make its rules available to its stakeholders. (I am actually quite impressed with the ban on travel by Cabinet office and other austerity measures, which others do not think are working. If you ask me, they are working. Do not just talk. Find out how those who have travelled are travelling!)
Now, just like our laws, these internal procedures and rules are neither a decoration nor a ritual-based inconvenience. They are there for a purpose. Promoting them and ensuring adherence, goes a long way in strengthening that institution. In the same vein working to subvert the rules by taking into account irrelevant considerations, is a real danger that questions one’s patriotism.
If for instance any privileged person wants to ensure a relative or some unsuitable co-operant or dangerously useful person is engaged, it will be difficult, if the rules which pay homage to rationality and reasonableness, without fear or favour are fully and properly followed. The privileged person will, by operation of the law, not be allowed to bring in or plant a whole horde of relatives and associates in positions, which promote or allow impropriety.
A professionally qualified and competent staffer; whether relative, associate or of whatever description, is more likely to follow the rules of her or his profession as opposed to other exigencies, which undermine institutions. The comforting reality is that when oversight institutions are equally strong (and not used to fight personal “wars”) they provide public comfort such that order, prevails.
Within the context of strong institutions such as the categorical Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and on a lighter note, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), there are bodies that are mandated by law to ensure and assure adherence to both ethics and standards. LAZ is doing a good job of law practice. RTSA too, is keeping vigil of safety on our roads.
It would not be possible for Zambians to be complaining about problems of procurement and accounting, if the members of the respectable professional bodies, adhered to what their professions stand for. Why should a professional betray his/her profession for temporary pleasure/comfort?
I have a lot of respect say for the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ). My concern again in the context of strong institution and problems of extremism and ineptness, what is the association doing with the engineering problems this country is facing?
There are many individuals who masquerade as say Architects, yet they may only be either Draftspersons or with a lot of experience working for a firm of Architects. Some are qualified Plumbers but yet masquerade as Engineers; Standards are wanting!!!
A similar problem has been facing the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ). In this respect, I like the posture that the organisation is taking to be more useful to Zambia. It is the leading Authority on Economic matters! We must draw a distinction between Economic advocacy and Consumer advocacy.
It does not mean that because one is privileged to work as a Senior officer in an organisation, then he or she is qualified to make comments on Economic issues affecting the industry/country. Yes, I do write and comment, but I would not comment authoritatively on Economic issues. I would comment, as a Consumer and political observer – but not on core economics!
Just because of working in a Bank or a Financial Institution, does not make one an Economist!
In this respect, the media should call on accomplished authorities, distinguished from pedestrian commentators and ready-made propagandists.
See you next week.