LUSAKA – Government has reiterated its warning to civil servants against actively participating in partisan politics, saying such conduct violates the Public Service Code of Ethics and could result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said civil servants are expected to remain politically neutral while serving in public office.
Mr. Kawana warned that any civil servant who chooses to engage in active partisan politics risks losing their appointment and should not expect Government support if disciplinary action is taken against them.
“Civil servants who choose to engage in active politics risk losing their appointments and should not expect any support from Government if action is taken against them,” he said.
During the briefing, Mr. Kawana was asked whether the Government intended to take action against Zambia’s Ambassador to South Korea, Andrew Banda, following reports that he had publicly declared support for and campaigned for President Hakainde Hichilema during the ongoing election campaign.
However, Mr. Kawana declined to comment on the specific case, instead reiterating Government’s general position that civil servants should not engage in active partisan politics.
The Government has maintained that public officers are required to uphold political neutrality in accordance with the laws and ethical standards governing the Public Service.
Source: Phoenix News