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United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) leader, Charles Chanda, has wondered why permanent secretaries in the country are predominantly cadres instead of technocrats
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chanda raised concerns over political interference in top government appointments, particularly for permanent secretaries, who are traditionally the highest-ranking civil servants.
“Why are our permanent secretaries predominantly cadres instead of technocrats?” he questioned. “We need experienced professionals in these roles to ensure effective governance and accountability.”
Chanda urged the government to prioritise fair pay, merit-based appointments, and structural reforms to enhance the efficiency and integrity of Zambia’s civil service.
Meanwhile, Chanda also called for urgent reforms in the civil service, particularly in remuneration practices, as a measure to combat corruption.
He expressed concern over the stark financial disparity between political appointees and civil servants, arguing that such inequality fosters corrupt practices within government structures.
“How is it that civil servants can serve for 20 years without acquiring a single asset, while political appointees amass considerable wealth overnight?” he asked. “This glaring disparity not only erodes public trust but perpetuates the cycle of corruption.”
He emphasized that many long-serving civil servants remained financially strained, despite their decades of dedication, while those in key political positions accumulate wealth quickly.
Highlighting the plight of essential public service workers, Chanda noted that police officers and nurses continue to face severe financial constraints despite their critical contributions to society.
“These professionals are the backbone of our nation, yet they continue to languish in poverty while serving the public diligently,” he said. “It is time for a system that values their contributions and compensates them fairly.”
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