A clearly angry boss
Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday publicly criticized his aides for allegedly playing a “bad” recording of the national anthem.
He later banned them from playing the “bad” recording at all his events.
This happened during the official handover of the vehicles to 100 leaders in Harare yesterday.
A visibly agitated Mnangagwa rebuked his aides as soon as he began speaking during the handover ceremony.
“Before I start work, do not repeat the national anthem song that I played, the first song,” Mnangagwa said.
“It was bad. I don’t know where you got that recording. Make sure you don’t play it again.”
It is not clear why Mnangagwa did not like the recording of the national anthem.
Sources said Mnangagwa surprised his aides because they played the same recording at most of the events he officiated.
“This is the recording that is always used at national events,” the source said.
“This is the first time the president has publicly complained about the recording of the national anthem.
“Maybe he was upset about something else and was just venting his anger.”
Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba, was not picking up calls when NewsDay wanted to reach him for comment.
Senior Director of Presidential Communications Mutambuzi however referred questions to Charamba.
Meanwhile, Mnangagwa pampered 100 leaders with Isuzu double cab vehicles.
“We will therefore continually pursue such interventions to improve the welfare and general conditions of service of our esteemed leaders,” Mnangagwa said.
“Furthermore, my government will continue to provide medical insurance to our chiefs and village heads from all communal areas.”
“At the same time, the government has drawn up a funeral aid package for the leaders.”
The leaders continued to play a major role in mobilizing support for the ruling party.
Last year, election observers and opposition parties accused the leaders of violating their mandate to stay away from politics.
“Several ministries, departments and agencies have been tasked with providing additional services and facilities” to make presidents’ lives comfortable, Mnangagwa said.
He said these include building and maintaining roads leading to the homes of leaders.
“Electrification of leaders’ homes; The provision of water and sanitation facilities as well as the tillage program, among other services, are equally designed to benefit our communities as a whole.
Chairman of the National Leader’s Council Mtchan Khumalo said they were humbled by the gesture.
“The Traditional Leaders Foundation is humbled by the continuous support provided in terms of vehicles delivered, payment of our allotments, medical support and drilling of boreholes in the homes of the chiefs,” he said. Newsday
