Civil Service Commission Calls for Discipline and Equal Opportunities in Public Service
The Civil Service Commission has urged civil servants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and non-partisanship in carrying out their duties.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Mr Zechariah Luhanga, Civil Service Commission Chairperson, Dr Choolwe Beyani, emphasised that the Government expects a civil service that provides equal opportunities for career advancement, free from discrimination. He reaffirmed that this long-standing position remains unchanged.
“The Government and the general public expect quality service delivery from all those entrusted with serving the nation. Any civil servant standing in the way of progress will not be entertained,” Dr Beyani said.
He further stressed that the Commission demands excellence and professionalism from Human Resource Management Committees (HRMCs) in executing delegated functions, with plans to assign additional responsibilities based on their performance across ministries.
Monitoring and evaluation, he noted, are essential to ensuring that delegated functions align with President Hakainde Hichilema’s decentralisation agenda.
Mr Luhanga acknowledged that delegating selected human resource functions to ministries has significantly improved efficiency in case management. “Cases which previously took a long time to conclude, such as confirmations, substantive promotions, mandatory retirements, and resignations, are now being processed speedily,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary added that the Ministry is collaborating with the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) to provide targeted training for HRMC members, enhancing their capacity to manage delegated functions effectively.
Mr Luhanga also welcomed the Commission’s monitoring and evaluation initiative, urging that HRMC members remain accountable. He suggested that the exercise be extended to the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) and relevant trade unions from which committee members are drawn.
