Stay out of politics, Kangwa warns civil servants
By Mast Reporter
SECRETARY to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa has warned civil servant against involving themselves in politics.
Kangwa said he would not allow or tolerate civil servants who behave in that unprofessional manner, saying he would not hesitate to push for disciplinary action and their dismissal from the service.
Speaking at the first senior Public Service Management Meeting of 2025, Kangwa emphasized the need for public servants to remain non-partisan.
He said it was a serious offence for government workers to use government time and resources for political campaigns, warning of dismissals.
“Those who want to do politics are welcome to do so, but they must first resign from the public service. They should leave the civil service. A civil service should be a professional establishment,” he said.
Kangwa highlighted the need for professionalism and neutrality in the public sector.
He particularly singled out District Commissioners who have been absent from their official duties, but chose to do politics.
Kangwa warned that such individuals must be held accountable to uphold the integrity of the public service, by demanding that they step aside and concentrate on their political journey.
The Secretary to Cabinet also expressed concern about the increase in corruption in the Civil Service as highlighted in the latest Corruption Perception Index.
He said while there were collective efforts by the civil servants to improving service delivery, the corruption perception was concerning.
Kangwa cited the 2024 Zambia Bribery Perception Index (ZBPI).
He said the report was alarming as it showed an increase in the Aggregate Bribery Index from 10.1 percent in 2022 to 15.3 percent in 2024 a 5.2 percent jump.
“This trend is troubling and calls for urgent interventions to reverse it, as public service leaders let us step up the anti-corruption efforts and rebuild public trust,” he said.
The meeting focused on progress in service delivery, ongoing governance challenges and proposed practical solutions for improving efficiency and accountability across government institutions.
