TI-Z Cautions Against Nepotism in Recruitment of Public Sector Workers

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has called on government to ensure that public sector employment remains merit-based, transparent, and free from undue influence.

TI-Z Executive Director, Maurice Nyambe said in a statement that the organization is concerned with the recent remarks made by President Hakainde Hichilema during his meeting with traditional leaders in Monze, as reported in the News Diggers Newspaper that Chiefs would be consulted to recommend candidates for public sector positions so as to rectify historical employment imbalances.

Mr. Nyambe stated that any consultations with traditional leaders regarding public service recruitment should be structured in a way that does not replace or overshadow legal recruitment processes.

He said allowing non-merit-based recommendations, even with the best of intentions, risks creating nepotism and favoritism, thereby undermining the integrity of public institutions.

“While we understand the President’s intention to ensure inclusivity, we must emphasize the importance of maintaining a merit-based recruitment system that is transparent, fair, and impartial. The Zambian legal framework clearly establishes the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunity in public service recruitment, and we must guard against creating an environment where these principles can be compromised for whatever reason.”

“The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, specifically Article 173, mandates that recruitment into the public service must be based on merit to ensure fairness, effectiveness, and professionalism. Any deviation from these guidelines could open the door to corruption and abuse of office, as outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012,” Mr. Nyambe stated.

He noted that the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018 and the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 also stress the need for transparency and accountability in managing public resources, therefore human resources, like financial resources, must be allocated fairly and judiciously, based on merit, to prevent wastage and inefficiency in public service.

Mr. Nyambe cautioned against nepotism and any form of favoritism in the public sector recruitment process, as this violates Zambian laws and also erodes public trust in the fairness as well as integrity of public institutions.

“The recruitment of civil servants should not be influenced by familial, social, or political connections. Instead, it must strictly follow established legal frameworks that guarantee equal opportunities for all Zambians, based on qualifications and competence.”

“Traditional leaders, while vital partners in development, must not be placed in a position where their recommendations could inadvertently promote unfair practices or undermine the rule of law,” he said.

He stressed the need for government to strengthen its commitment to fair recruitment practices by upholding the principles enshrined in Zambia’s legal framework.

Mr. Nyambe further urged traditional leaders, civil society, and the public to continue advocating for a public service recruitment process that is guided by the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

“Only through such a system can Zambia build strong public institutions capable of delivering quality services to its people,” Mr. Nyambe noted.