Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to his cabinet ministers over their behavior during meetings, particularly concerning ministers who are caught dozing off during important discussions. During a swearing-in ceremony for a new minister on Monday, Hichilema expressed his frustration, emphasizing the need for ministers to demonstrate self-control and professionalism.
“In cabinet, somebody’s sleeping at 10 hours — the question is, where were they? If you can start conking out there, to me, that is a crime, a serious crime,” Hichilema stated, making it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. While he did not explicitly define what he meant by “indulgence,” local media have speculated that it refers to excessive alcohol consumption and late-night partying, both of which can result in ministers being inattentive during critical discussions.
The president warned that ministers’ lack of focus and discipline posed serious risks, including exposing state secrets and undermining effective service delivery to the public. He further emphasized that such behavior could erode public trust in the government’s ability to serve the needs of the people.
Hichilema, who assumed office in 2021 after winning a landslide victory, has been keen on improving Zambia’s economic outlook and governance. He has taken a hardline stance on officials’ performance, having previously dismissed several high-ranking individuals, including ministers, due to underperformance.
In his comments on Monday, Hichilema noted that he had repeatedly raised concerns about the issue in private but had now decided to address the matter publicly. He specifically warned ministers about the risks of sharing confidential state information on social media, particularly when they are intoxicated or in “happy hours.”
“I have advised the cabinet that we must have a self-censure. When you’re in public office, you must have self-control, not over-indulge,” Hichilema said, quoting the Bible and warning ministers that such behavior could lead to their own self-destruction.
The president’s remarks come at a crucial time in Zambia’s political landscape, with Hichilema expected to seek a second term in the upcoming general election. He may face significant competition from his predecessor, Edgar Lungu, who has recently made a political comeback but is currently barred from running for president due to constitutional limits on consecutive terms.
