HH must scrutinise his team, identify the liabilities – Sikaile
By Thomas Ngala (The Mast)
IF it takes nearly eight months to detect such a “large-scale theft” it raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of President Hakainde Hichilema’s appointees, says Sikaile Sikaile following the scandal at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZAMMSA).
“The President must scrutinise his team and identify the liabilities. It has been almost three years, and it should be clear who is underperforming,” he says.
Recent reports have shown that 61 containers of essential medicines from Egypt were diverted to a private warehouse in Lusaka instead of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZAMMSA).
Following the revelations, health minister Sylvia Masebo informed parliament that disciplinary measures have begun against all officers allegedly involved in this diversion, which occurred between January and July 12, 2024.
But in a statement, Sikaile, a good governance and human rights activist, said large-scale corruption like “this cannot occur without the involvement of high-level officials”.
“If it takes nearly eight months to detect such a large-scale theft, it raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the President’s appointees. Large-scale corruption like this cannot occur without the involvement of high-level officials. For example, the disappearance of fertiliser trucks during the 2022/2023 farming season remains unresolved,” he said. “Furthermore, there are reports of chief government spokesman [Cornelius] Mweetwa dismissing the Financial Intelligence Centre’s (FIC) recent findings. If this is indeed Mweetwa’s stance, it is unrealistic and concerning. Is he suggesting that the President’s appointees are incompetent and fabricating reports? It is essential for relevant authorities to address the FIC’s findings appropriately.”
Sikaile observed that the root problem lies in the systemic corruption that has plagued the government for years.
He said President Hichilema had an opportunity to assemble a competent and honest team, “yet many current officials are recycled politicians from past administrations (UNIP, MMD, PF)”.
“Expecting different results from individuals who have previously failed is unrealistic. The President must scrutinise his team and identify the liabilities. It has been almost three years, and it should be clear who is underperforming. Without vigilance from his team, financial crimes will continue going unchecked,” he said. “Zambians will continue to express their dissatisfaction as long as these corruption allegations remain unaddressed by His Excellency. Corruption was a major reason why they voted out the PF administration. Under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, Zambians have high expectations for service delivery, given his clean financial record and management skills. However, it is deeply concerning to see similar reports of corruption and large-scale thefts that were prevalent under the PF administration of Mr Lungu.”
He said the situation also serves as a crucial lesson for the President adding that some individuals cannot be reformed regardless of the circumstances.
“After forming the government, President Hichilema retained many officials in key positions hoping they would change. Instead, they have demonstrated a blatant disregard for his directives and a lack of fear of repercussions. The President now faces a choice: continue to tolerate incompetent and self-serving individuals at the expense of his hard-earned integrity or take decisive action to uphold his standards. Building a good name is difficult but it can be easily destroyed,” warned Sikaile. “President Lungu failed to combat corruption because he rehired individuals previously dismissed by president Sata for corruption. President Hichilema must avoid repeating this mistake. If unchecked, corruption will overshadow his administration’s achievements.”
Yaba
Is the case of the 61 containers one of corruption/theft or negligence?
Yes, UPND need up their game.
True Love is about telling your partner the truth. I can safely say that you are true friend to President HH and love him. You have been honestly protected the President and you have truthfully told the President areas of mending or repairs. President HH should consider you as a true friend.
For sure Sikaile has been truthful and honest in ALL HIS DELIBERATIONS.
It is good observation and now it is too late for the president to reorganise and put corrective measures in place. The fight against corruption under the UPND government has been centered on fighting the previous PF regime and blaming it for every failure.
Most of the Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries and other constitutional office bearers the president Hakainde Hichilema appointed have not been helpful in governing this country but have they contributed to the corruption we are hearing. For instance, from inception people complained about the under performance of the Minister of Agriculture but the president did not listen. The issue by then of selling of maize by FRA brought about many concerns and people complained of lack of strategic planning and focus on food security. However, the Minister of Agriculture denied it but later on when the drought hit us it was shameful and embarrassing to find out that the FRA had sold all the maize.
The issue which is going to shock the country is the administration of the CDF through loans, scholarships and grants empowerment. On paper and through pronouncements it is working well. However, when an independent and impartial evaluation will be conducted the findings will be shocking because the abuse of funds under the CDF is too much. The implementation. There is too much misappropriation, mismanagement, misapplication, poor management and elite capture involved in CDF. The intentions of CDF are good but how it is implemented has alot of loopholes for corruption and thieving. The amounts for allocations to CDF should be revised or reduced. Most of its use is on development and priority areas is uncoordinated.
The other thing which has not been done well is the implementation of the decentralisation agenda it should also be looked upon carefully.
The major problem the PF government had which also the UPND government leadership is having is failure to listen to divergent concerned voices rather respecting voices of their close associates. Praise singers and people who are quick to defend a wrong or an allegation without proper analysis of the issue are dangerous. For instance, people who brought down former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu are his close associates people like Bowman Lusambo, Stephen Kampyongo, Mumbi Phiri, Chishimba Kambwili, Kakoma Kanganja, Davies Mwila (SG) and Given Lubinda and so on.He tolerated corruption and caderism and when people complained Edgar Chagwa Lungu boasted that he doesn’t act on rumours and the end was disaster. He also appointed compromised police commissioners, Judges and the DPP.
For the first time Sikaile you have been thorough and hitting the nail on its head.
Personally I observed with disbelief and disappointment by the level of appointments the president has made. In opposition, the president preached about appointments the youth or young people in good positions. The first shock started with the police today, most of the police commissioners heading provinces are retired being recalled. Look at their names . For example Protective Unit had the worst commander with a track record of corruption, nepotism, abuse of power and hatred. He was found wanting, today he has been transferred to Muchinga as second in command transferring one problem to another. He is a retired police obstructing young with full potential to lead, leading to frustration.
VP , she is a disgrace and spiteful. Someone who calls herself as a Christian. People are dying and suffering you give a crude speech? Masebo, Mwiitwa, Nelly, Hamasa, minister of Education, party secretary general, Attorney General, Gilbert Phiri, IG, DGI at state house, judiciary, Mulupi, the list is endless these individuals are insanely dangerous and will cost the president his 2026 because they seem untouchable and can do or say things that one will wonder why? Mwiitwa was one of the most smart and intelligent persons in Opposition but now he is like a section commander overseeing his section to fire on un invisible enemy. Surely as they say , give a man power and you will see the true colours.
The president has too many enemies especially the Catholic Church, Luapula people with poverty mind, Northern and Muchinga, chiefs were insulted just merely welcoming the president, Eastern province Jay Jay Banda , they are quiet but on the ground they are seeing themselves tortured and I understand there have been meetings by chiefs and their subordinates. Lusaka, central , CB I can’t see how the president will win 2026 if he does not clean the mess that is self inflicting by building the damaged bridges so that he can use to go back to the other side