By Patrice Katuma
Lusaka, Zambia – Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has issued a firm directive to all Zambian civil servants harboring political ambitions to resign from their positions immediately. The warning comes ahead of the 2026 general elections and aims to prevent the misuse of public resources for personal political gain.
Mr. Kangwa delivered the message yesterday during the first senior public service management meeting of 2025, held in Lusaka. He emphasized that while aspiring to a political career is not inherently wrong, using government funds and assets to fuel political campaigns is unacceptable and constitutes a serious breach of public trust.
“It is not wrong to have political intentions, but it is very wrong to use public resources,” Mr. Kangwa stated, addressing the assembled senior officials. His comments highlight a prevalent issue in many African nations, where the line between serving the public and pursuing personal political agendas can become blurred within the civil service.
The directive underscores the government’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring fair and transparent elections. By demanding the resignation of politically ambitious civil servants, the government aims to safeguard public funds and maintain the integrity of the public service, preventing any potential conflicts of interest that could arise from individuals holding both government positions and pursuing political aspirations.
The move is expected to spark debate and potentially lead to a number of resignations from within the civil service as individuals choose between their current positions and pursuing a career in politics. The government’s stance sends a clear message about the importance of accountability and responsible governance in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
