Masisi, A Symbolic Leader

Presidential inauguration speeches, although not state of the nation addresses, are usually an executive summary of the intentions of the President for their term in presidency.

They set the tone, if you will, establishing areas of priority, and noting matters of concern.

Depending on the leadership styles of the President being named, or introduced, their speech may speak to the political systems and structures of the nation, as well as the building of bridges between groups in conflict, if they are a political leader; a centralisation of the citizenry, it’s needs and giving power to the people, if they are human resource inclined; the ways in which change will be effected during their tenure, if they are structural; and finally if they are symbolic, they would feed a peoples’ need for a sense of purpose and meaning, creating motivation and vision.

Editor's Comment
When power scorns accountability

While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...

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