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Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has raised concerns over President Hakainde Hichilema’s intention to consult chiefs for recommendations on public sector appointments as part of efforts to address historical employment imbalances.
Speaking at the Sam Lya Momba traditional ceremony in Namwala, President Hichilema indicated the government’s desire to engage traditional leaders in public sector employment consultations.
However, TI-Z Executive Director, Maurice Nyambe, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, said there was need to maintain a transparent, merit-based recruitment system.
Nyambe highlighted that Zambia’s legal framework prioritised meritocracy and equal opportunity in public service recruitment.
While acknowledging the President’s intention to promote inclusivity, he stressed that allowing non-merit-based recommendations could create opportunities for nepotism and favoritism, undermining the integrity of public institutions.
“Even with the best of intentions, non-merit-based recommendations risk promoting nepotism and favoritism, which could erode the integrity of public institutions,” Nyambe warned.
He cited Article 173 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, which mandated that recruitment in the public service be based on merit to ensure fairness, professionalism and efficiency.
Nyambe further noted that any deviation from these principles could open the door to corruption and abuse of office, as outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
Nyambe also referenced the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018 and the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020, both of which stress the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
“Human resources, like financial resources, must be allocated based on merit to prevent wastage and inefficiency in public service,” Nyambe stated.
He cautioned that biased recruitment practices could erode public trust in the fairness of public institutions.
Nyambe urged traditional leaders, civil society and the public to advocate for a recruitment process that upholds the values of fairness, transparency and accountability.
In response, UPND Deputy Media Director, Cheelo Katambo, reaffirmed President Hichilema’s commitment to a merit-based, transparent recruitment process.
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Katambo explained that consulting chiefs was an inclusive approach aimed at addressing historical employment imbalances, particularly in rural areas.
“The involvement of traditional leaders does not undermine the principle of meritocracy but rather complements it by ensuring that no community is left behind in the national development agenda,” Katambo said.
He assured that any recommendations made by traditional leaders would still undergo the standard recruitment process, with appointments based on qualifications, competency and merit.
“Consulting chiefs is part of a broader strategy to ensure fair representation in national development, but transparency and fairness will continue to be upheld,” Katambo said.
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