Lusaka - Zambia's former first lady, Maureen Mwanawasa, has claimed that Africa lacks selfless leaders, charging that a "leadership crisis" is sweeping the continent, The Post has reported. Speaking during an address at Rusangu University on Friday, Mwanawasa pointed out emotional intelligence as a key factor in both successful leadership and worthwhile careers, saying that it was an ingredient that should be utilised when dealing with people from different backgrounds.

"We seem to be having a leadership crisis in Africa because those called to service are not selfless; they instead make themselves the commodity at the expense of the masses and rarely take time to listen to their problems," Mwanawasa was quoted as saying. Mwanawasa's sentiments followed the utterances by several Zambians living in Italy complementing President Edgar Lungu and describing him as a "courageous and visionary leader".

According to a report by local newspaper Daily Mail, President Lungu was praised for his exhibition of exceptional leadership skills and his address of several challenges affecting the people of Zambia. The former first lady urged students to work hard to break the chains of leadership crisis and poverty within the country, saying that Zambia would never be better until everyone took part in its betterment.

Mwanawasa also called on Zambian citizens to uphold the dictates of democracy ahead of the upcoming presidential elections to be held on August 11.

News24
Source: www.news24.com/Africa/News/zambias-former-first-lady-laments-leadership-crisis-in-africa-20160222