PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has cautioned public employees that he will not be sympathetic to them if they are accused of engaging in corrupt practices.
According to Mr. Hichilema, individuals in public office and those who have been appointed to them have done so in order to serve the people of Zambia and not to steal from the government.
Since then, the President has reaffirmed that he will not tolerate a federal official who misuses, misappropriates, or wastes public funds.
At today’s swearing-in ceremony at State House, when he swore in seven appointees to the posts of ambassador, high commissioner, and permanent secretary of the ministry of health, the president urged them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence.
“It is depressing that people continue to do things that they know are wrong and expect those of us sitting in offices to say it is okay. You will not get this from me. That applies to all working in public offices. Sympathy you will not get from me. Let us just do what is right and deliver to the people of Zambia,” Mr Hichilema said.
The President emphasized that public employees should operate within a clear vision and stated there was no need for them to take more than what was provided to them.
“I guess my message is sitting on fertile land,” he advised.
The nominees, according to Mr. Hichilema, were taken into account after a rigorous consultation selection process, so they needed to put in a lot of effort.
“First, I should congratulate all of you for agreeing to serve the country in the roles that you have been appointed. I believe you are very courageous citizens because it will not be business as usual, but hard work,” he said.
Mr. Hichilema also gave advice to people who were considering serving in foreign missions to make sure they attracted investment back home rather than using their energies for politics.
Also, he urged George Sinyangwe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, to perform his duties diligently as the health sector is what propels a country’s economic progress.
The President exhorts Dr. Sinyangwe to make sure that drug shortages are a thing of the past.
Machenje Mazoka is the High Commissioner to the UK, while Chibamba Kanyama was sworn in as Zambia’s ambassador to the US.
Kennedy Shepande is the high commissioner to Canada, while Gladys Lundwe is the ambassador to Sweden for Zambia.
