A POLITICISIZED CIVIL SERVICE THREATENS DEMOCRACY AND THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE
Chishala Kateka for President
President – New Heritage Party
The position taken by Brian Mundubile, regarding the role of the civil service, is not only timely but is also legally sound as it is in conformity with the legal and political regulations of this country. Indeed, if we are looking to restore the Civil Service into a well-functioning unit, the position must be supported by all well meaning Zambians.
The civil service is the engine of government and the custodian of public resources. When it is subjected to partisan influence, service delivery collapses, citizens are treated unequally, and the very foundation of our democracy is weakened.
A professional civil service must serve every Zambian with dignity, regardless of tribal, regional or political affiliation.
Our Constitution and laws are explicit on this matter. Article 266 of the Constitution of Zambia, Amendment Act No. 2 of 2016, requires public officers to uphold the values of public service and prohibits them from holding office in any political party. The Civil Service Code of Ethics and Conduct Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 72 of 2012, further mandates political neutrality and forbids the use of public office, government resources, and official time for partisan activities.
This position has also been reinforced by the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, who has warned Controlling Officers that any civil servant found engaging in partisan conduct will face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
We further caution that any civil servant who will go against or accept to engage in activities that are contrary to the supreme law of the land by engaging in activities that will undermine the will of the people in these coming elections will face the full wrath of the law. The civil service belongs to the people of Zambia, not to any political party, and it must remain professional, impartial and accountable to all citizens.
We commend President Mundubile for his courage, foresight and understanding of statecraft as it relates to the Public Service. We call upon the civil service leadership especially the office of the Secretary to the Cabinet to demonstrate its neutrality and professionalism by adhering to the Code of Ethics without fear or favour.
We urge all civil servants to stand firm, resist undue political pressure, and recommit themselves to Zambia’s Oath of Office whilst serving in the Civil Service. Zambia needs a Civil Service that is not only professional and impartial but is also loyal to the people and not to the party in office. Only then can we safeguard our democracy, promote development, and ensure that public service remains a service to all.
11 July 2026
Iwe kamayo ka Kateka?? UPND changed that PF mentality that had polluted civil service.
RIGHT now there’s no cadrerism in civil service.
Mundubile still posses OLD mentality of the after years.
