The Fluency Fallacy: Leadership vs Performative Politics

Leadership styles differ in democratic politics.

While some leaders command attention through strong rhetoric, showmanship and public confrontation, others lead through steady service and humility.

Recent remarks by Affirmative Repositioning’s Job Amupanda about the mayor of Windhoek, Sacky Uunona, reveal a tension between ‘performative’ politics and ‘quiet’ leadership in Namibia’s political culture.

Amupanda took to social media to ridicule the mayor, framing his criticism around what he perceives as weak English proficiency.

“This is sooo SAD. We thought we have raised the standards when we (AR) led the City of Windhoek. Swapo has lowered the standards by forcing the 400 000 residents of Windhoek to be led by a semi-literate as a mayor… Imagine mayors of New York, Johannesburg, Singapore realising that this is a mayor,” Amupanda claimed.

Such comments raise an important question about the nature of leadership and the standards by which leaders should be judged.

Should political leadership be measured by fluency in English, or by a person’s record of service, discipline and commitment to community?

DIFFERENT TAKES

Those who have worked with Uunona paint a different picture to the social media ridicule.

According to writer Shishiiveni Hosea, Uunona is not a social media performer.

Rather, he is seen as a practical and dependable leader whose political journey was forged through community work and organisational service.

A number of colleagues within party structures emphasised three qualities that informed their decision to place him first among the party’s candidates for the municipal council.

First is his work ethic. Uunona is known for putting in long hours, consistent follow-ups, and determination to ensure that organisational tasks are completed with precision.

Second is his ability to bring order.

During critical periods of internal organisation, he played a role in restoring discipline and coordination within regional structures.

Third is his loyalty to the community rather than factional politics.

Those who know him well emphasise that he is not a divisive figure but a leader who understands that councillors serve the entire city and not merely a political clique.

People who grew up with him often point to a life shaped by persistence rather than privilege.

Uunona’s rise in politics came on the back of years of grassroots service. Even when he received little support, he continued to serve the communities he represented.
INFLUENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

Reducing political debate to ridicule over English proficiency contributes little to democratic discourse.

In many African societies, English is a second language, often acquired within unequal educational systems shaped by historical and structural realities.

To equate language fluency with intellectual capacity or leadership competence risks reinforcing elitism rather than strengthening democracy.

Public figures like Amupanda command a significant following, and their commentary can shape public perceptions.

This influence carries responsibility. When criticism is based on policy, governance decisions or administrative performance, it enriches democratic accountability.

But, when commentary centres on personal ridicule, it does not contribute to the quality of public debate.

Leadership is not only about powerful speeches and intellectual debates. A humbler leadership style is often less visible but it is no less valuable.

WALKING THE TALK

Quiet leaders should not be dismissed simply because they are not rhetorical performers.

Ultimately, the measure of leadership should be service, integrity, and the ability to improve the lives of citizens.

Language fluency may enhance communication but it should never become the yardstick by which the worth of a public servant is judged.

Perhaps an even broader reflection is required.

If English becomes a barrier in political communication, there may also be value in leaders confidently expressing themselves in vernacular languages.

After all, these are the languages in which communities live, think and organise their daily realities.

That debate, however, is one for another day.

• David Junias is a thought leader; davidjunias@gmail.com

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