Born to Rule

7. Appointments in Government

33 Born to Rule: Autobiography of a Life President 7 Appointments in Government O f all the thankless tasks that a president performs, none is as demanding of his time, wits and intelligence as the appointment of cabinet ministers. This is one domestic chore I would rather do without, but then it also happens to be one of the most important functions of a president. Many people do not know that before I undertake any major cabinet reshuffle, I have to spend days agonizing over who to appoint to what position and for how long. I sometimes even consult my witch doctor. I have to be sure that the minister is wedded to my philosophy and that he will perform my will. That is not easy in a country like mine in which there are so many ethnic groups that I must seek to appease. Then, of course, there is the issue of qualifications for the job. Too many people have made political mileage out of this but as far as I am concerned, anybody can be a minister since thy get their direction and guidelines directly from me. I initiate all policies and all thee ministers have to do is implement them. Where they have to use their discretion, they must ensure that it is within the guidelines laid down by the party. I have decided, on the basis of my own experience and that of my colleagues in other countries, that being an intellectual is not necessarily a passport for employment. I don’t think there are intellectuals anywhere in the world as dishonest as those we have in Africa. They will criticize anything government does but when they are put in positions where they are supposed to influence government policy, they acquiesce and start politicking because they want better positions. I shall discuss some of the criteria that potential ministers must meet. But before I do so, I believe it would be useful to discuss what has come to be known as my inner circle. 34 Tah Asongwed Inner circle I know of no president worthy of the name who does not have an inner circle, a closely-knit unit of family, friends, hangers on, etc. These are the people whom the President listens to first. The rest he plays by the ear. Because the inner circle helps formulate policy, manipulates the president, and is only interested in wielding its own power over the president, there is usually a lot of infighting. A good president is usually one who knows precisely how to manipulate the inner circle and to pit each member against the other. But this depends very much on how the president chooses his men. I shall open up my inner circle to the searching eyes of the world like no president has ever done. Drivers I am lucky that I have been using the same driver for over 35 years. Dotilaso Famiredo has become like a family member since I recruited him as my chief driver even before I became president. Because he is honest, servile and loyal, he is the only one I can trust. Trust is very important in politics although most people do not realize it. Just as a president must have full trust and confidence in the people that he appoints to key positions, he must not forget the little ones who run his small errands on a daily basis. It is true that all presidents, especially African presidents, are gods in some way, but they are also very human. It is therefore understandable that our people should give us titles out of the great love they have for us. Some of us have been compared to the strongest and fiercest animals in the world while others have been called The Guide, The Father of the Nation, The Father of Independence, The Divine Messenger, The Supreme Leader, etc. Honour to whom honour is due. Those of us who are leaders appreciate the outpouring of love that our people have been manifesting to us. I call my driver by his title-driver. For someone like me who is the Father of the Nation, I must ensure that everyone looks up to me as an incarnation of patriotism, hard work, discipline, and honesty. A driver can be very useful in 35 Born to Rule: Autobiography of a Life President helping a president to project this image. My driver, Mr. Famiredo...