The Importance of Dialogue

24 June 2011

opinion

Dialogue, under whatever circumstances, is the noblest avenue through which humanity has since time immemorial harmonised, resolved and built consensus on the most divergent of views.

Where misunderstanding and conflict arises, dialogue never fails to pacify the situation and promote peace. It is only in a peaceful atmosphere that progress is possible.

The value of dialogue among individuals or groups of people is one which is very familiar to anyone who is in any position of leadership in society.

It is also the preferred path for those in leadership position who are genuine and committed to the attainment of the values that define a society.

It is surprising therefore, that a political leader like Mr Michael Sata who even has ambitions to rule this country can repudiate a path of dialogue and harmony in such an off-hand manner.

Mr Sata’s remarks that he would shun the proposed summit of leaders of all political parties are not only irresponsible but also arrogant.

Most fair minded observers would truly find it difficult to understand Mr Sata’s stand and commitment on issues that affect this country.

This attitude also goes to exhibit a total lack of disregard for fellow leaders on the part of Mr Sata.

He is putting himself above all the other political leaders who are party to an earlier understanding on the need for such a gathering.

In addition, Mr. Sata is implicitly putting across the message that his position on any matters that political parties would like to discuss is the preferred one and should be the one to be adopted by every one.

Such an attitude is hardly what true statesmen are made of.

The true leadership traits of a statesman include a willingness to listen to different views from other parties and to treat others as equals.

Bulldozing and blustering at every opportunity is not a mark of leadership worthy admiring particularly in the current democratic political dispensation in Zambia.

On the contrary, such behaviour only goes to demonstrate a certain key deficit in the required stock of leadership values.

It is indeed very difficult, with this type of attitude for most Zambians to believe in or support such behaviour in someone who would like to pass themselves as a national leader.

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