By Burnett Munthali
A video clip making rounds on social media has put Minister Vitumbiko Mumba under scrutiny after he was caught in a heated confrontation with a woman at a company he ordered to close. The altercation, which has sparked widespread criticism, shows the minister visibly angry and unwilling to listen to the woman’s explanation, ultimately dismissing her efforts by saying, “You guys are stupid.”
The company in question was among several businesses ordered to shut down by the minister on allegations of non-compliance with government regulations. However, in the video, the woman, who appears to represent the company, calmly tries to explain that no employees are working at the site. She further clarifies that the company had hired contractors to address specific compliance issues, asserting that the business was not operational at the time of the inspection.
Despite her detailed explanation, Minister Mumba appears uninterested and continues to accuse the company of defying his closure order. His refusal to engage in dialogue or consider the woman’s statements has drawn criticism for his lack of listening skills and professionalism.
The video has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many condemning the minister’s behavior as a failure in leadership.
One observer commented, “A leader should listen before jumping to conclusions. This attitude only creates unnecessary conflict.” Another wrote, “Even if the company was wrong, dismissing someone trying to explain their side is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
Critics have also highlighted that the minister’s actions could discourage businesses from cooperating with authorities, especially if their concerns are not taken seriously.
Supporters of the company argue that the minister’s assumption that the business was operational was unfounded, as the presence of contractors does not equate to resuming operations. They have called for a fair investigation into the matter and better communication between authorities and businesses.
The incident has prompted calls for Minister Mumba to issue a public apology and reflect on his approach to leadership. Civil society groups and activists have urged the government to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of respectful engagement between public officials and citizens.
One activist stated, “Accountability starts with how leaders interact with the people they serve. Dismissing concerns and using derogatory language undermines trust in public institutions.”
Leadership experts have also weighed in, criticizing the minister’s conduct. They argue that effective leadership requires listening and understanding all perspectives before making decisions.
Dr. Edith Kamwana, a governance expert, noted, “Leaders must prioritize communication and conflict resolution. Dismissing someone’s explanation outright not only damages relationships but also creates an environment of hostility.”
As the video continues to circulate, there is growing pressure on the government to ensure that public officials are trained in communication and conflict resolution. The incident has also reignited discussions about the importance of professionalism in government enforcement activities.
Minister Vitumbiko Mumba’s confrontation with a business representative has highlighted the need for respectful and constructive dialogue between leaders and stakeholders. As the public awaits an official response, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of listening, understanding, and accountability in fostering trust and cooperation between government and citizens.
