Zambian President Warns Ministers Against Sleeping in Meetings
Zambian President Warns Ministers Against Sleeping in Meetings – Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to his ministers about dozing off during meetings, attributing their lack of attentiveness to “indulgence” and poor self-control.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Local Government Minister Gift Sialubalo, Hichilema publicly voiced his frustration after repeatedly addressing the issue in private.
“In cabinet, somebody’s sleeping at 10 hours—where were they before the meeting to be conking out like that? To me, that is a serious crime,” the president said.
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While he did not explicitly define “indulgence,” local media have interpreted it as referring to excessive drinking and late-night partying.
Hichilema warned that such behavior not only affected productivity but also posed a risk to state security, as some ministers had developed a habit of revealing confidential government information, especially during social gatherings.
“Some of our colleagues have a knack for posting sensitive information on social media, particularly during happy hours,” he noted.
Citing the Bible, he cautioned that a lack of discipline could lead to self-destruction.
The president, who won a landslide victory in 2021 on promises of economic reform, has been firm on performance issues, having dismissed several senior officials, including ministers, since taking office.
His remarks come as he prepares to seek re-election next year, where he may face a strong challenge from his predecessor, Edgar Lungu, who is attempting a political comeback despite being currently barred from running.
Hichilema made it clear that ministers who fail to stay alert and focused have no place in his government. “How do you participate in a meeting when you are sleeping? It means you’re not interested in serving Zambians. So why are you sitting there?” he asked.
