- Sets ground rules for Cabinet ministers
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday swore in the first four members of his Cabinet, with a caution that he will not entertain non performing public officers who violate the ‘rules of engagement’.
The head of State is concerned that some people have veered off from the rules of engagement by putting their interests first at the expense of the nation, warning that he will not condone the ill.
“May we respect that rule of engagement. Let us uphold confidentiality and collective responsibility. You cannot be part of the Cabinet decision, and after being part of that collective decision, you choose to walk in a different direction. That is the point of exit.”
Mr Hichilema said the rule on confidentiality does not only apply to those in the Executive, but all civil servants.
He said this at State House yesterday when he swore in Situmbeko Musokotwane as Minister of Finance and National Planning and Mulambo Haimbe as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.
The rest are Minister of Health Roma Chilengi and Gilbert Siame as Minister of Green Economy and Environment.
Mr Hichilema said those privileged to be in public office must be smart, serve with humility, integrity, coupled with hard work.
“Yes, hard, but yet smart work, because we now have the tools we never had before. We have the technology that allows us to work smart. All of this should benefit the people of Zambia.”
President Hichilema further warned against corruption, highlighting the need for those holding public office to distinguish between public and private money.
“Those in public office should avoid wastage by applying the three rules: right price, quality and timely delivery.
“No cousin, no brother, no friend or associate will be allowed to break these three rules. No-one, and I mean no-one! Let us focus on results for the people as opposed to appearing at the office at 08:00 hours and knocking off at 17:00 hours,” he said.
President Hichilema said going forward, those holding public officer should focus on Grow Zambia Agenda as it is the New Dawn administration’s mantra.
He said the agenda delivers enormous benefits, including job opportunities for the citizens, business opportunities, and treasury income, which is to be channelled towards various social sectors, including servicing free education.
Mr Hichilema also said the agenda will allow Government to feed citizens affected by the negative effects of climate change.
He added that Zambia will not buy maize from other countries this year – even in view of the anticipated drought – because the country has enough.
“Let me clarify that the 10 10-5-3-3-1-1-1 agenda does not mean that we exclude other sectors. Other sectors, even in health,” Mr Hichilema said. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
