SHAKAFUSWA ADVISES PANICKING STATE HOUSE MEDIA
Dear Margaret Mwanza *Psuedo*
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disbelief as I read your piece on Laura Miti. Your critiques, while seemingly sharp, miss the mark on many levels and paint a picture of opportunism that, ironically, mirrors the very behavior you’re accusing her of. With all due respect, it seems that you’re the one who has chosen the side of the opportunist, conveniently overlooking the reality of Miti’s position and work, and most disappointingly, your own inconsistencies.
Your portrayal of Laura Miti as a master of “playing both sides” is not only simplistic but also dismissive of her intellectual and moral autonomy. To say that she owes her current position to the UPND government and that she thrives on chaos is to ignore the depth of her views, which have remained consistent, regardless of the political winds. But here’s where it gets ironic – it’s you who is caught in the game of political opportunism.
Allow me to paint a picture for you, one from my personal experience, to help you see things differently.
I, too, once shared your disdain for Laura Miti’s pointed critiques of Edgar Lungu and the PF government. I believed that her criticisms were misplaced, perhaps even too harsh. I thought she was a voice in the wilderness, one too far removed from reality. I couldn’t stomach her words, especially when it came to her tough stand on Edgar Lungu. But as time passed and I reflected deeply, something became clear: she wasn’t the one being disingenuous—it was me and those around me, feeding into the narrative of sycophantic loyalty.
Miti’s criticisms weren’t about being against a person, they were about pushing for accountability, even when it wasn’t convenient. She challenged us to think critically, not just follow blindly. Over time, I realized that every time Miti pointed out something that seemed like a flaw in the government, I had the opportunity to challenge myself. I didn’t just parrot the party line; I learned to think, question, and yes, play devil’s advocate within my own PF team. And you know what? It made me better at what I did. It helped me become a more rounded individual and, dare I say, it even helped me do my job more effectively.
So, to your point about Miti’s selective outrage and hypocrisy—here’s the thing: when you call her an opportunist for criticizing the government she is a part of, you’re missing the very essence of her role. She is independent in her thinking, and it’s not a question of resignation but of standing firm in the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s easy to sing praises when everything is aligned with your personal or political interests. But it takes real courage to criticize from within, and that’s exactly what she’s doing.
Now, let’s talk about your portrayal of her on matters of corruption and governance. To accuse her of being an insider pretending to be an outsider is not just lazy thinking, it’s also a missed opportunity to recognize her bravery. How many others, like yourself, are willing to step back from a cushy position when the heat is on? How many others are willing to criticize even when they risk losing their seat at the table? You don’t like the way Miti’s words challenge the establishment, but you conveniently ignore the fact that those same words could be a wake-up call for the rest of us to hold ourselves accountable, too.
And here’s where the picture gets even more colorful—what you’re really exposing is not Miti’s opportunism but yours. Just like the chameleon now roaming Mundawanga in rehab, changing its colors to blend into whatever environment suits it, you, too, are ready to sing praises when it serves your interests and tear them down when it doesn’t. What happens when the time comes for you to fall in line behind another regime? Will you be any different from those you so easily denounce? It’s almost as if you’re positioning yourself for a political comeback, ready to adapt as the tides change. In this light, Miti’s consistency stands out as the true testament to her character, whereas your words reek of a much more cynical, self-serving calculation.
You say that if Miti really believed in accountability, she should resign. Well, what about you? If you truly believed in integrity, would you be so quick to tear someone down simply because they challenge the status quo? If Miti stepped down, it would be a hollow victory for those who only want to hear what they want to hear. It would allow the political class to continue with their merry dance, unchecked. So, before you demand Miti’s resignation, perhaps take a long, hard look at your own role in this game.
At the end of the day, it’s clear: Miti doesn’t need to resign. It’s you who needs to step back and consider the real implications of your own words. If you want to be a true advocate for change, learn from Miti’s example: question, challenge, and most importantly, remain steadfast, even when the tides are against you. She’s not the opportunist here—it’s you, caught in the ebb and flow of political convenience.
Ephraim Shakafuswa
Member – Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders.
SHAKAFUSWA ADVISES PANICKING STATE HOUSE MEDIA
