The last is yet to be heard over the sacking weekend of the Governor, Bank of Zambia, Dr. Denny Kalyalya by the president of Zambia Edgar Lungu. The minister of Finance of South Africa, Tito Mboweni had taken to twitter to criticize the move blaming the total lack of independence of central banks in Africa as being responsible for poor monetary policy formulations in the continent. He wondered why a man who is working hard to stabilize a wobbling economy should be sacked for insisting that right things should be done. In one of his tweets, Minister Mboweni is promising to mobilise if not given reasons why the Central bank Governor has been fired by President Lungu.
Mboweni attracted Lusaka’s wrath when he condemned the firing of Kalyalya by President Edgar Lungu. In his comment, Mboweni implied that Lungu scored an own goal, by firing the central bank boss and called the move ‘nonsense.’In response Zambian government Chief spokesperson described Mboweni’s statement as an element of immaturity. But Mboweni hit back saying he stands by his statement. “Looks like I am in trouble about my statement on the dismissal of the Bank of Zambia Governor adding that “I stand by my statement. Central Bank independence is key.
However, his President Cyril Ramaphosa strongly reprimanded the Minister of Finance following the Twitter comments a response many say was in reaction to a telephone call from the Zambian president complaining over the comments by the South African Minister of Finance. President Ramaphosa wishes to assure the government and people of the Republic of Zambia that the unfortunate remarks do not reflect the views of the South African Government and its people. The issue is being addressed to ensure that such an incident does not occur again.
South Africa and Zambia enjoy strong historical relations dating back to the days of the struggle against apartheid. South Africa remains committed to maintaining the deep and solid bonds of friendship between the peoples of South Africa and Zambia. But it seem that a diplomatic war could be brewing, as South African Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni maintains his stance regarding his comments on the firing of Denny Kalyalya as Bank of Zambia governor.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry