Who is in charge of communications at State House?

By Emmanuel Mwamba

In the meeting, I saw a person rudely interrupt and redirect President Hakainde Hichilema’s special guest and then later he gave closing remarks as if he was the host!

It’s not the first time.

Everytime I watch events at State House on how Special Assitant for Investment, Jito Kayumba directs the meetings between the President and his guests, I try to point out his many errors, interruptions, and gaffes…but then I remember that he is NOT in charge of communication and public relations.

But he seems to run a fully-fledged but seperate presidential communications unit complete with equipment and drones.

Similarly I noticed that major statements recently have all been signed by Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Bradford Machila.

An inevitable question then arises, where is the communications person. If he is incompetent, not eloquent and may not have demeanor to host and direct such meetings, or issue State House communication why keep him? for his work, inefficiency and gaps to be covered by others?

I guess this is the reason 23 other Spokespersons have since emerged!

A few months ago, I shared a video of President Hakainde Hichilema arriving at Ciela Resort to officiate at the Lank linked Zambia Conference.

I used the video to expose the lie in which Government had previously denied buying a brand new helicopter and they insisted that it was on mere lease.

The video showed a fully registered Zambian plane the President arrived in the same asset. We had previously even given details of the purchase and price.

The communications person wrote a long abusive diatribe accusing me of treason for discussing and exposing that matter and he further accused me of capturing the video of the President arriving at Ciela Resort, illegally!

Foolishly, his cronies in public media reproduced his attacks against me.

But President Hichilema’s arrival at Ciela Resort was covered live by his own Facebook page and shared by others!

Bane kindly give us a professional so that we can then discuss their gaps, failures or suggestions at that level.

Video credit: Hakainde Hichilema Facebook page