CHARLES MILUPI: THE UNSUNG HERO

WHILE most of the Ministers serving in President Hakainde Hichilema’s cabinet are taking turns accounting for space in the mainstream media, mostly for all the wrong reasons under the sun, there is a man who is taking his job seriously.

Good leader possess a combination of personal qualities and skills that inspire and guide others. They have a clear vision for the future and can articulate this vision to inspire others and also demonstrate honesty and strong moral principles, building trust and credibility with their team.

As a country, we are in dire need of good leaders who understand and respect the feelings and perspectives of others, fostering a supportive environment to make timely decisions, even in the face of uncertainty, and take responsibility for those decisions.

Effective leaders communicate clearly and persuasively, ensuring that their message is understood and are flexible and able to adjust their strategies and approaches in response to changing circumstances.

One of the scholars, Warren Bennis described leadership as the capacity to translate vision into reality.

Talk about dedication to duty, patriotism, and selflessness, all these attributes are embedded in one Charles Milupi. Milupi reminds us of late Wazakaza Ng’uni, former Lusaka Province Police Commanding Officer who led from the front his entire life.

Under his reign, even notorious students from UNZA and Evelyn Hone had to think twice about rioting because they knew Waza was a no nonsense Police Commander who never tolerated the idea of barking instructions from the comfort of his air conditioned office when there was commotion in any part of the province.

We are not in any way saying Milupi is a perfect being. He has his own shortcomings but realistically speaking, he is one of a few outstanding ministers when it comes to duty. Milupi does not believe in waiting for reports from technocrats in the field. He is a field worker himself.

If there are people who are very good at misleading ministers especially in the current situation where most of the Government institutions are sabotaged, it is the so-called technocrats and most of the successes we have witnessed in the infrastructure sector is because the minister has refused to be fed with lies. He would rather be where things are happening and this is why his ministry seems to be ahead of the rest.

When technocrats realise that you have no clue what is happening under your ministry, they will take advantage of you for their own benefits. Today, the Government is firefighting in most of these ministries because we have a bunch of ministers who have no clue what their mandate is or what is happening under their ministries. As a result, mischief is happening under their noses but they cannot detect it because they are not in touch with reality.

While some of them are puffed up with amassing wealth for themselves, Milupi wants to leave a legacy that will stand the test of time because he has nothing to lose. He has already amassed wealth for himself and what has remained of him is service delivery to mother Zambia. Across the country, Milupi’s works are there for everyone to see.

When it comes to the road network, the New Dawn Government is doing a fantastic job, thanks to the appointing authority for putting the man who knows what is required of him in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development and not these square pegs in some of these ministries that are only good at tarnishing the name of the head of State due to their insatiable appetite for amassing wealth either by hook or crook.

Milupi’s unwavering dedication and hard work in serving the community and his commitment towards facilitating infrastructure development in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision towards making Zambia a transportation hub in the region has not gone unnoticed, and the positive impact he has made is truly commendable.

His leadership style has inspired many and has shown us the true meaning of public service. The countless hours he invests and the passion he brings to his role are evident in the progress we see around us.

While his contributions may not always be in the spotlight, they are certainly making a significant impact on our country and it is evident that his approach to responsibilities, with passion, stem from a genuine desire to create positive change.

In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, productivity is a crucial determinant of a nation’s development and prosperity. For Zambia, a country endowed with rich natural resources and a youthful population, enhancing productivity among its ministers is essential for effective governance and sustainable growth.

Ministers play a pivotal role in shaping policies, implementing programs, and addressing the needs of the citizens. Therefore, it is vital for them to adopt strategies that promote efficiency, accountability, and innovation.

One of the foundational pillars of productivity is effective communication. Ministers must cultivate open lines of communication within their ministries and with the public. Transparent communication fosters trust and collaboration, enabling ministers to better understand the challenges faced by citizens and the needs of their constituencies.

Regular updates on policy initiatives, progress reports, and open forums for feedback can help ministers align their objectives with the expectations of the people they serve. By creating an environment where information flows freely, ministers can make informed decisions that enhance productivity.

Strategic planning is another critical component of enhancing productivity. Ministers should develop clear, measurable goals and objectives that align with national development priorities. By utilizing the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria, ministers must ensure that their initiatives are focused and results-oriented. Additionally, regular reviews of these plans can help identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies as necessary. This proactive approach allows ministers to allocate resources effectively, prioritize projects, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for their ministries and the nation.

Investing in capacity building is essential for enhancing productivity among ministers and their teams. Continuous professional development through training programs, workshops, and mentorship can equip ministers with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex governance challenges.

By fostering a culture of learning and improvement, ministers can enhance their decision-making capabilities, adapt to new trends, and implement best practices in governance. Furthermore, empowering staff within ministries through training and development ensures that the entire team is aligned and working towards common goals.

Engaging stakeholders is vital for enhancing productivity in governance. Ministers should actively involve various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the private sector, and community leaders, in the decision-making process. Collaborative approaches ensure that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more comprehensive and effective policies. By fostering partnerships and promoting dialogue, ministers can create a sense of ownership among stakeholders, which can lead to increased support for initiatives and improved implementation.

Enhancing productivity among ministers in Zambia is a multifaceted endeavor that requires commitment, innovation, and collaboration. By focusing on effective communication, strategic planning, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and leveraging technology, ministers can improve their performance and better serve the needs of the Zambian people.

As Zambia navigates the complexities of development in the 21^st century, the role of ministers in driving productivity will be crucial in achieving sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for all citizens. Through dedicated efforts and a willingness to adapt, ministers can lead the way toward a more productive and prosperous Zambia.

Talk about alliance partners who have embraced the vision of Hakainde Hichilema, Milupi is up there!