President Hakainde Hichilema has angrily called out his ministers for falling asleep during important government meetings. He said this shows they lack discipline and self-control.
“In cabinet, somebody’s sleeping at 10 hours – the question is where were they… if you can start conking there? To me that is a crime, a serous crime,” Hichilema said at a ceremony for a new minister.
While he didn’t explain exactly what he meant by “indulgence,” many believe he’s talking about ministers drinking too much or partying late at night.
The president warned that sleepy ministers can’t do their jobs properly. They might accidentally share government secrets or fail to deliver services to citizens.
Hichilema won the 2021 election by a huge margin, promising to fix Zambia’s economy, which depends heavily on copper mining.
Since taking office, he has fired many top officials, including ministers, for not working hard enough.
At the swearing-in of new Local Government Minister Gift Sialubalo, the president said he’s warned ministers many times in private before speaking out publicly.
He also criticized some ministers for posting confidential government information on social media, especially after drinking.
“I have advised cabinet that we must have a self-censure. When you’re in public office you must have… self-control, not to over-indulge,” the president said.
Using Bible references, he warned that this bad behavior could ruin their careers and lives.
“How can you help make decisions for Zambia if you’re sleeping? If you’re not interested, you shouldn’t be in the meeting,” he said angrily.
Hichilema plans to run for president again next year. His main opponent might be former president Edgar Lungu, who wants to return to politics but is currently blocked by law from running.
