A HUMBLE APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT ON THE RETIREMENT OF POLICE OFFICERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS IN NATIONAL INTEREST.
As a concerned citizen and a lover of this country, I wish to humbly appeal to Government to reflect deeply on the ongoing retirement of Zambia Police Service officers and other civil servants in national interest.
While Government has every right to restructure and to take decisions it believes are in the interest of the nation, it is important to also consider the human side of these decisions. Behind every name on a retirement list is a human being, a family, and a future.
1. RETIREMENT IS HARD TO ACCEPT WHEN IT COMES UNEXPECTEDLY.
Retirement is a process that one prepares for mentally, financially and emotionally. When it comes suddenly, and when the officer least expects it, it becomes very difficult to accept.
Many of these officers had plans. They had school fees to pay, houses to build, businesses to start, and loans to service. They took those loans because they knew they had a stable job. What happens now when they are over-deducted with no salary coming in?
Government should not be surprised if some of these men and women fall into depression, develop high blood pressure, or in extreme cases, contemplate taking their own lives. This is not a threat, it is a human reality that needs urgent attention.
2. FALSE ACCUSATIONS OUT OF JEALOUSY MUST BE GUARDED AGAINST.
Another painful reality is that sometimes, people are reported out of pure jealousy. A colleague who is not happy with another’s progress can easily accuse him or her of supporting the opposition.
Zambia is a democratic country. In as much as every civil servant must be loyal to the Government of the day and must remain professional and non-partisan while on duty, every Zambian still has the right to belong to a political party of their choice, as long as they are not campaigning or using their office for politics.
Loyalty to Government should not be confused with loss of constitutional rights. Decisions must be based on verified facts, not on rumours, jealousy, or malice.
3. THE FRUSTRATION ON THE GROUND IS REAL
I personally know so many police officers who have been retired in national interest. I can confirm that most of them are currently frustrated, stressed, and feeling abandoned. They feel their years of sacrifice, risking their lives for this country, have been forgotten overnight.
If this situation is not handled with care and humanity, we risk losing more of our citizens to stress-related illnesses and depression.
4. THESE PEOPLE HAVE FAMILIES LOOKING UP TO THEM
These are fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives. There are children looking up to them for food, school fees, and hope. When the breadwinner is suddenly removed, the whole family suffers.
5. A SERIOUS NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERN WE MUST NOT IGNORE.
These highly trained officers from Kamfinsa, Lilayi and Sondela were trained at taxpayers’ expense to protect Zambia.
If they are retired suddenly, left frustrated, broke and without support, they become vulnerable. Criminal gangs are always looking for people with such skills and knowledge of police operations.
We must not abandon them and risk turning the skills meant to protect Zambia into a threat against Zambia.
6. A CALL FOR A HUMAN AND FAIR PROCESS
I therefore humbly advise Government to consider the following:
GIVE ADEQUATE NOTICE AND COUNSELLING.
Before retirement, so that officers can prepare psychologically.
ENSURE TERMINAL BENEFITS AND PENSIONS ARE PAID ON TIME.
To avoid destitution and loan defaults.
INVESTIGATE THOROUGHLY.
Before retiring anyone on allegations of political inclination, to avoid punishing innocent people.
CREATE A TRANSITION SUPPORT PROGRAMME.
Financial literacy, business mentorship, and psychosocial support.
TREAT RETIREES WITH DIGNITY.
How we treat those leaving service today is how those still in service will expect to be treated tomorrow.
IN CONCLUSION
Some of these people cannot fight back physically. They will go on their knees in prayer and ask God to fight for them. When God rises, those who wrote those names may one day regret it, especially if one was unfairly added on the list.
Let us not build a nation on fear and frustration. Let us build it on fairness, compassion, and justice.
Government has the power to correct this. I pray it will listen, not with anger, but with a father’s heart.
May God bless Zambia.
By Festus Ivwananji Sinkala ✍️
A Concerned Citizen.