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Government has urged senior public service officials to prioritize Cabinet responsibilities above all other duties, warning that failure to respect performance management systems and proper delegation could undermine service delivery.
Acting Secretary to Cabinet, Dr. Oliver Kalabo—represented by Deputy Secretary to Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development, Siazongo Siakalenge—issued the caution when he opened the Fifth Senior Management Meeting of 2025 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
Kalabo emphasized that the monitoring of government projects and programmes is the role of technical officers at lower levels, not Permanent Secretaries (PSs) or controlling officers.
“Monitoring of projects and programmes is not the responsibility of controlling officers or Permanent Secretaries. That role belongs to technical officers on the ground. As PSs, your priority is to provide leadership and policy direction, not to chase after site visits,” he said.
He further advised that most meetings and decisions could be conducted within offices or virtually through platforms supported by the SMART Zambia Institute, noting that government was reviewing the Local Travel and Transport Policy to introduce greater efficiency and accountability.
Kalabo underscored the importance of the Senior Management Meeting, stressing that it must take precedence over other engagements as it directly falls under Cabinet.
“Cabinet responsibilities take precedence over all other assignments. These management meetings are a critical platform for coordination and improved performance across ministries,” he stated.
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On performance management, he explained that early reviews of contracts would help identify challenges in good time, enabling ministries to correct shortcomings before the end of the performance cycle.
He urged officials to finalize appraisals for directors and assistant directors, and begin reviewing contracts for Permanent Secretaries and controlling officers.
Kalabo stressed that performance contracts were not ceremonial but the “bedrock” of accountability in the public service.
“Delaying reviews until the end of the year does not provide sufficient time for improvement. Performance contracts must be treated with the seriousness they deserve if we are to drive reforms and efficiency,” he said.
The Fifth Senior Public Service Management Meeting also received updates from recent Cabinet sittings, particularly on matters of national significance such as the formalization of small-scale gold mining.
Kalabo urged Permanent Secretaries to deliberate with integrity and seriousness, ensuring that resolutions translated into tangible improvements in service delivery.
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