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The undeclared war between former presidential spokesperson George Chellah and South African High Commissioner Emmanuel Mwamba has resurfaced with the former labelling the latter as excited. Chellah says Mwamba’s excitement to break news defies diplomatic etiquette and also does not respect hierarchy in foreign affairs. The face book addicted Mwamba confirmed the evacuation of National Democratic Congress (NDC) consultant Chishimba Kambwili before the matter was concluded causing embarrassment to President Edgar Lungu when the patient declined the offer. Chief government spokesperson Dora Siliya ruled Mwamba out of order for his facebook antics. BELOW IS CHELLAH’S FULL POSTING: WHERE DOES THIS END? The avalanche of spins and media chaos that has ensued from the purported evacuation of Chishimba Kambwili only confirms one thing; there are a lot of functional overlaps and deliberate disregard for standard administrative procedure and hierarchy in our foreign service at the moment. It is very easy to tell that there are other power centers outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hence this display of arrogant contempt for the wishes of key supervisors presiding over the ministry by certain members of the diplomatic staff. I must mention that one or two blunders is tolerable but one too many from the same mission, is no longer a mistake but a deliberate act, which eventually turns the entire ministry into a joke and we’re tired of laughing so can someone please rein in the faulty officers by reminding them that they’re embarrassing both the Head of State and the citizens. In diplomacy, the use of rhetorical, manipulative as well as clumsy and uncoordinated strategies should generally be avoided by those who aspire to be consummate diplomats because diplomacy is all about patience, systematic coordination and of course, being consistent in a helpful way both to the appointing authority and the general citizenry. Government infrastructure in overseas territories such as High Commissions, embassies, consulates and chanceries are not newsrooms that should always be yearning for scoops or breaking news items because whilst news media houses can easily afford to issue an apology, correction or retraction whenever there’s a blunder, by its nature, diplomacy is denied the luxury of offering such instant remedial measures to reckless blunders without consequences. This is why, before moving on any issue, diplomats must make sure that there is enough consultation and logical connection with their governments back home. Its simple, in diplomacy, presuppositions and hurried conclusions are what fire is to gasoline – it blows up. That’s my one ngwee contribution on this matter. Thanks and Happy Sunday Comrades The post Chellah Schools Mwamba on Diplomatic Etiquette appeared first on Zambia Reports.

source: Zambia Reports

Patriotic Front top official Mumbi Phiri’s failure to control her intake of alcohol has landed the official in hot soup with the party moving in to slap a 30 day suspension. The suspension is an indictment on the party’s deputy general secretary and recently nominated member of parliament. Mumbi Phiri was allegedly heavily inebriated during a party function in Chilanga recently at which President Edgar Lungu was guest of honour. Mumbi’s behaviour is said to have caused embarrassment to the party leadership. Party Secretary General Davies Mwila announced the suspension earlier today. BELOW ARE NOTES FROM DAVIES MWILA’S PRESS BRIEFING STATEMENT ON MUMBI PHIRI *C. Disciplinary Hearing for Hon Mumbi J. Phiri, MP and Deputy Secretary General* Following allegations of gross misconduct and impropriety levelled against Hon Mumbi Phiri arising from her conduct at a Party fundraising event in Chilanga District, which event was graced by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia and Party President for the Patriotic Front Mr. Edgar Edgar Chagwa Lungu, a report was tabled before Central Committee to effect the necessary sanction. On 5th March 2018, Hon Mumbi Phiri was requested to exculpate herself of the alleged bad behaviour reported to have caused embarrassment to the Party President and the Party membership at large and she was further asked to show cause within seven (7) days why disciplinary action should not be taken against her following the allegations. In her response, Hon Mumbi Phiri asked for forgiveness as she admitted her wrongs. She maintained the same position during her appearance before the Disciplinary Committee. She was remorseful throughout the disciplinary process and while she deserved stiffer sanctions, Central Committee took into consideration that she was a first time offender and a committed and loyal member of the Party. Article 74, regulation 36 (a) provides jurisdiction to the Disciplinary Committee of the Central Committee “to discipline Party leaders including Members of the Central Committeeâ€. Article 19 of the Party Constitution and the Disciplinary Code Handbook at page 13 provides for sanctions depending on the seriousness of misconduct as follows: (a) Simple warning or caution (b) Written reprimand censure (c) Demotion in office (d) Suspension from office or function in the Party for a specified period (e) Expulsion from the Party by Central Committee Hon Mumbi Phiri has been suspended from Central Committee and from her position as Deputy Secretary General for 30 days effective 24th March 2018. Central Committee hopes that she will use the 30 days to reflect and learn. This is to remind all of us that Patriotic Front has no sacred cows and shall not tolerate indiscipline from its leaders and members at any given time. Let me send this warning that leaders have a duty to lead by example and must be above board. The post Drunk-Behaviour Lands Mumbi Phiri 30 Day Suspension appeared first on Zambia Reports.

source: Zambia Reports