Editorial: Transparency could have quelled Ithete's dismissal speculation

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was under no legal obligation to explain the dismissal of deputy prime minister and mines minister Natangue Ithete, as Article 32(3)(i)(dd) of the Constitution grants her complete discretion to appoint or remove ministers. However, democratic governance suggests that transparency strengthens legitimacy and public trust. According to de Fine Licht et al. (2011), citizens are more likely to accept decisions when leaders explain their reasoning, even if they disagree with the outcome.



Similarly, Lazar (2022) argues that democratic authority carries a “duty of explanation,” as power in a democracy must be exercised in a publicly justifiable way.



Stasavage (2003) says voluntary openness within the executive branch reinforces accountability and confidence in leadership. In this context, Nandi-Ndaitwah could have helped end speculation and political rumour by outlining the grounds for Ithete’s dismissal – such as performance, policy alignment or Cabinet renewal. Offering such context would have demonstrated her commitment to transparent governance and reassured the public that the decision was made in the national interest rather than driven by internal political motives. As it is, she left it to the media and the nation to fill in the gaps.