In the book "Wars, Guns and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places", there is a passage where its author, Paul Collier argues that one of the differences between African and Western [referring to western Europe and North America] leaders is that Western leaders always try to smile in their public appearances, which is not always the case with their African counterparts. Collier is not implying that African leaders are nastier or more grumpier than the westerners, rather, he is trying to emphasize the fact that western leaders acknowledge their people as masters who gets them into the positions of power, hence a smile, even a fake one, can certainly help them in retaining or winning the elector's favour. In Africa elected leaders are still treated the same way as dictators before them; they are masters to be feared and revered: demigods to be praised.
Perhaps African democracies must be allowed time to mature given that it was only in the 1990s that most African countries turned democratic after gruelling decades of dictatorship, which was preceded by another uncomfortable era: colonialism. This is valid point, and must be acknowledged.
However, the biggest mistake that Africa and Africans can make is to use these past experiences as excuse for the continuing treatment of its leaders or rulers, in this case, as demigods. Given the circumstances in Zimbabwe, it may not be ideal to use Robert Mugabe's reported lavish 86th birthday party and the on coming 30th anniversary of his coming to power, as an example of this point.
Even so, it is still shocking that the Zimbabwe parliament, among other public institutions, is spending a lot of money placing advertisements in the media to wish Mugabe a happy birthday and happy anniversary while 1.6 million Zimbabweans are without food; 1.9 million Zimbabweans are currently surviving on food aid and four in five of the country's young cannot afford school fees.
Of course the money being spent on these lavish activities cannot feed all the people needing food support, but these activities indicates a complete lack of concern and diminished responsibility on the part of the officials.
Incidentally, Zimbabwe is not the only African country that is spending big on its leader while majority are struggling to make ends meet. Recently in Malawi media organisations that are still in good books with the government got more than they bargained for, in advertising revenue. The election of Malawi's president, Bingu wa Mutharika as African Union (AU) leader came barely two weeks before his wedding. Just like in Zimbabwe, both public and private sector seized the opportunity to shower their praises and congratulatory messages for their leader in the local media.
Even charity organisations that are always looking for donations joined the frenzy. One European expatriate working with Population Services International (PSI) in the country was so dismayed that they let it be known on micro-blogging site, Twitter. This is happened in a country where more than half of its 13 million people are leaving below the poverty line.
Walk in every office, bank, shop or any public building in Malawi and you will be greeted by a flamed picture of the president. It was the case under Hastings Kamuzu Banda's presidency; it was the same during Bakili Muluzi's era, and now it is Mutharika turn.
Malawi is a poor democratic country; its constitution guarantees that there will be a different president every ten years, or five years if the incumbent fails to win their second term; and change is a certainty in the case of death of the president. Now, does Malawi have resources to replace all these presidential faces every time there is a change? How much does it cost? Can the government not use this money for better initiatives? Improve the high poverty and illiteracy rates for example.
There is nothing wrong with people being nice and appreciative to their leaders but it must not come at the expense of more important and urgent issues. It is our leaders who take an oath to serve their people and not the other way round. As for Malawi, presidents have enough packages once they have done their time; including tax-free imports.