Claim
An article received through the iVerify WhatsApp tip line on the 13th October, 2021, claimed that there is crisis of communication at State House. The article further states that the Presidency is taking a lead role in communicating matters of policy, a role which is supposed to be performed by the Chief Government Spokesperson. The article further claimed this was because ministers were failing to articulate on policy positions until they wait on the President’s guidance. These arguments are attributed from the press briefing the President held on 30 September 2021, and his appearance on a live radio programme on Radio Phoenix on 13th October 2021 where he responded to questions from the media and citizens.
Rating Justification
The fact-checking process has determined as misleading the claim that there is a crisis in communication at State House and that the President is taking a lead role in communication policy matters which is the preserve of the Chief Government Spokesperson. The Constitution of Zambia clearly outlines the President’s jurisdictions, including in Article 33 (1) and (2) that clearly state the executive power of the Republic of Zambia is vested in the President. The Constitution further states that the President can exercise those powers directly or through officers subordinate to him. By holding a press briefing and later featuring on a radio programme, the President did not usurp the role of the Chief Government Spokesperson. His appearance on public platforms does not mean that there is a communication crisis in State House, nor that the Chief Government Spokesperson or other ministers are not competent. The President was simply exercising the powers vested in him.
