President Lungu warns civil servants against involving themselves in politics

President Edgar Lungu has given civil servants a warning against involving themselves in politics.

Lungu said that civil servants’ involvement in politics affects implementation of government programmes and ultimately sabotaging its activities. The statements were made whilst the President addressed civil servants in Solwezi this weekend. He expressed sadness that workers in the public service do not passionately work at the same pace with their counterparts in the private sector. He went on to cite late reporting to work and lack of commitment as contributing factors that affect them from meeting their targets compared with those in the private sector.

The President also instructed Secretary to the Cabinet Simon Miti to cascade Performance Management Contracts to all civil servants. He said he is confident the proposal of Performance Management Contracts will change the work culture in the civil service. He also complained that some Heads of department do not read memos from their subordinates, but just rush to sign them.

The President encouraged civil servants who were listening attentively, to acquaint themselves with the Seventh National Development Plan saying it explains the trajectory that the country is taking between now and 2021. He further urged those privileged to participate in procurement, to always think of the country first.

It is not known how this statement has been received by civil servants, many of whom have been mistreated by the state over the past year with countless late salary payments, and often no payment at all.