Many people living in Zambia seek careers in the civil service because of the stability and security traditionally associated with government employment. But recent retirements, dismissals and restructuring exercises across several public institutions have unsettled that perception and sparked a national debate about the government’s use of “national interest” provisions.
Among those affected is former public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi, whose departure from the Zambia Police Service was announced in October. Choosing not to publicly discuss the circumstances surrounding his exit, Chilabi simply told media that he had been retired in the national interest.
“Yes, I have been retired in national interest,” Chilabi said. “I can’t give any reason, but know I’m in retirement.”
Chilabi’s departure came amid a series of changes affecting public institutions in Zambia.
Charity Munganga, a Zambia Police Service deputy inspector general, was dismissed, and all staff members at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency were let go as part of a “reset” following a government audit.
Additionally, all directors in senior management at the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) were put on administrative leave to facilitate an institutional realignment exercise.
The affected ZEMA directors will be assessed for their competence, performance and suitability for their positions before a final decision is made on whether they will be reinstated or separated from the institution, according to an October 20 statement by the Green Economy and Environment Ministry cited by the news portal Mwebantu.
Zambia’s public servants on edge
The issue moved to the center of public debate in October, when opposition lawmakers questioned the government in parliament over retirements and dismissals taking place across public institutions following Zambia’s general election in August.
Governance and political commentator Andrew Nguvu told DW that retirements carried out in the national interest raise important questions about transparency, fairness and the protection of a professional public service.
“If at all, there are legitimate reasons for retiring any particular civil servant, then obviously the government should clearly explain,” Nguvu said.
He said public institutions should operate according to established procedures and the law rather than political considerations that could undermine institutional independence.
Zambian law allows service commissions to retire established officers in the national interest under provisions governing public service employment. Previous governments have also used the measure. However, the current exercise has generated significant scrutiny because it is occurring alongside broader restructuring efforts affecting multiple institutions.
Opposition cries hypocrisy
Critics argue that the issue is particularly sensitive because Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) previously opposed the use of retirements in the national interest while in opposition.
As a result, opposition lawmakers, led by Stephen Kampyongo, have criticized the measures, which they view as inconsistent with the ruling party’s earlier position.
Kampyongo, speaking during Vice President’s Question Time in the National Assembly on October 17, asked what assurances the government was giving public servants, who are “working in fear,” and what measures were being taken to ensure that government workers retired in the national interest did not become destitute.
Government pushes back
Responding on behalf of the government, Vice President Mutale Nalumango rejected suggestions that the exercise amounted to a political purge and described it as part of a lawful process of institutional realignment.
Nalumango acknowledged the concerns surrounding the changes but defended the government’s authority to make personnel adjustments within the public service framework.
“As provided for in section 39 of the Public Service Pensions Act, there are situations that arise and people fall by the way side,” Nalumango told the parliament. “[It is] unfortunate that a life was lost, but maybe it is an issue that public servants/public service workers must brace themselves for.”
Nalumango’s comments have been cited by critics as evidence that additional changes could occur as the government continues to restructure public institutions.
The debate has been amplified by comments from UPND National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso, who said governments naturally sought to work with people aligned with their vision.
“Every political party [that] comes to power has to flush out!” Liswaniso said. “[It] has to work with the people aligned with the vision of that political party!”
Critics say such statements reinforce concerns that political considerations may be influencing decisions within the public service.
The civil rights activist David Chishimba rejects the notion that perceived political affiliation should determine a person’s future in government employment.
“The constitution, however, is very clear on this,” Chishimba told DW. “It restricts public officers from participating in partisan politics while in office. This safeguards an impartial civil service. However, it does not prohibit private political belief or otherwise.”
Chishimba said civil servants served the country rather than any political organization. “Civil servants serve Zambia,” he said, “not a party, the president or a campaign.”
Workers face uncertainty
Nguvu said the shift was deeply unsettling for public workers caught in the middle of the administrative realignments.
The measures come as the cost of living and household debt burdens increase in Zambia.
Nguvu said abrupt personnel changes could affect morale throughout the public service and leave workers uncertain about their professional future.
“This can weaken morale and help to destroy institutional memory,” Nguvu said. “Most of these decisions lack clear explanations.”
Nguvu said such concerns had become more acute when explanations for personnel decisions were not communicated clearly.
The reported dismissals have also raised concerns among civil society groups about due process and accountability.
Chishimba, who is also the president of the Zambia Council of Activists (ZACA), called for greater transparency from the authorities.
“ZACA respectfully calls on the government to publish the names and evidence of those facing dismissal, submit every case to due process, and allow the Civil Service Commission to assert its constitutional independence,” Chishimba said
