FFTUZ CALLS FOR END TO POST-ELECTION POLITICAL DIVISIONS AMONG PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS
The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia- FFTUZ- has called for an end to political finger-pointing among public service workers, urging citizens to put election differences behind them and unite for national development.
Federation Secretary General Nelson Mwale says the continued scrutiny of workers over their political preferences before the election is unnecessary and risked deepening divisions in the workplace and society.
Mr. Mwale says the Federation is particularly concerned by discussions on social media seeking to establish which civil servants, public service workers and private-sector employees supported particular political camps during the election period.
He says workers should not continue to be judged or blamed for their political choices, arguing that the country had moved beyond the election and needed to focus on development.
Mr. Mwale urged workers to unite and work with the government of the day, regardless of their political preferences, saying national development required cooperation and a shared sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia-AAAZ- has called for political neutrality and professionalism in Zambia’s public service, warning against turning government institutions into extensions of the ruling party.
Organization Communications Officer Melbourne Mushitu says civil servants have a right to hold political views and support parties of their choice, but must separate their political preferences from their professional responsibilities.
Ms. Mushitu has since urged political leaders and public officers to respect the distinction between political leadership and the professional public service, warning that partisan pressure could undermine public trust, service delivery and the effectiveness of government institutions.
UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta recently warned that the ruling party was compiling a list of civil servants who supported the opposition during the general election and vowed to push them out of government.
PN