Levy hated lies - Fundanga

Levy hated lies - Fundanga
By Ernest Chanda
Sun 22 Aug. 2010, 04:00 CAT

BANK of Zambia (BoZ) governor Dr Caleb Fundanga has described late president Levy Mwanawasa as a man who hated lies and had a very probing mind. And Levy Mwanawasa Foundation chairperson Nelly Mutti said there could be no better tribute to the late president than building such a facility in his honour.

Launching the Levy Mwanawasa Foundation and a book titled It's How We End That Matters: Leadership Lessons from an African President at the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Friday, Dr Fundanga observed that it was difficult for anyone to get away with lies because of Mwanawasa's probing nature.

The book authored by former special consultant to Mwanawasa, Martin Kalungu Banda, talks about Mwanawasa's leadership style and his vision for the country.

Dr Fundanga said Mwanawasa had a very good understanding of many issues.

“President Mwanawasa portrayed two different persona. In public he never jumped the gun but paid attention to detail and this perhaps deceived those who did not read him well to think that he was not conversant with many issues. To those who had the privilege of knowing him very well and had chance to hold indepth discussions with him, he came out as very intelligent, brilliant and a man with an excellent understanding of many issues,” Dr Fundanga said.

“As an excellent and distinguished lawyer, he had a very probing mind. He looked at an issue from all sides. It was difficult to get away with lies when you dealt with him. Unlike other world leaders who end up being managed by their subordinates, he did not hesitate to check facts with relevant parties if he felt that one was telling him half truths.”

He said Mwanawasa's legacy would remain his relentless fight against corruption.

Dr Fundanga said because of that Mwanawasa used his ascendancy to the presidency as an opportunity to deal with the scourge once and for all.

And Mutti said the foundation would continue to promote the rule of law, as Mwanawasa would have wanted it.

"We will do well to build on this foundation because there could be no greater tribute to our late president. Our late president launched his 'New Deal Government' premised on good governance, zero tolerance to corruption, and the rule of law under the theme 'Continuity with Change'. It is on the basis of these principles that the foundation will anchor its existence and activities," said Mutti.

"Equally we would like to encourage you to support this cause as we need to continuously keep the memories of both our fallen heroes and heroines and those still living to create a reservoir of knowledge for generations to come, otherwise the next generation will judge us harshly for denying them the knowledge which they deserve."

The launch was attended by Mwanawasa's wife Maureen, her daughters Chipo, Ntembe and Lubona and several dignitaries.