TI-Z Urges Government To Ensure Public Sector Employment Remains Merit Based

By Staff Reporter 

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) says the recent remarks made by President Hakainde Hichilema during his meeting with traditional leaders in Monze, in which the he indicated that chiefs would be consulted to recommend candidates for public sector positions so as to rectify historical employment imbalances is unwarranted.

TIZ Executive Director Maurice Nyambe notes that the Zambian legal framework clearly establishes the principles of meritocracy in public service recruitment, thereby underscoring the need to guard against creating an environment where these principles can be compromised.

Mr. Nyambe adds that the recruitment of civil servants should not be influenced by family, social, or political connections but instead, it must strictly follow established legal frameworks that guarantee equal opportunities.

The TIZ ED further notes that Traditional leaders, while vital partners in development, must not be placed in a position where their recommendations could inadvertently promote unfair practices.

TI-Z has since called on the government to ensure that public sector employment remains merit based, transparent and free from undue influence.