THE ZESCO Limited board of directors has announced the imminent departure of its Managing Director, Victor Mapani. We say departure because even if Mr. Mapani has taken leave ahead of the expiration of his three-year contract, the wording of the board’s announcement leaves little to the imagination, so one cannot suppose that he will return to his role after his leave. The ebbs and flows of people, fortune, and misfortune at ZESCO are as familiar to many Zambians as the palms of their hands. Heading ZESCO or occupying any of its senior positions is considered a political appointment, which could end at any moment. Whether or not this is true for every appointment and office holder, what is true is...