YES, LET CIVIL SERVANTS WRITE EXAMS – CSAWUZ

By NOEL IYOMBWA

THE Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) has backed the Government’s pronouncement for civil servants to start writing exams before promotions.

In an interview, Union Chief Executive Officer Makai Makai said the introduction of exams will bring professionalism among civil servants, adding that the civil service had over the years been infiltrated by cadres, with promotions and appointments often based on political patronage.

He noted that this policy was not new as it existed during the UNIP era and the early days of the MMD before it was scrapped.

“This is a welcome move because for many years, the civil service has been infiltrated by cadres with promotions and appointments based on political patronage,” Mr. Makai said.

In what she termed as a bid to promote efficiency, Vice President Mutale Nalumango recently announced that public service workers will be required to write exams before being promoted.

Speaking when she officiated at the 2024 African Public Service Day celebration, Ms. Nalumango said undertaking exams before promotion would ensure only the most deserving were considered.

“The Government appreciates the role management development institutions play in developing the necessary capacities in the public service for improved service delivery.

 “In this regard, progress has been made to re-introduce mandatory examinations for public service workers at the National Institute for Public Administration and the Chalimbana Local Government Institute.

“The examinations will be undertaken upon entry into public service,” she said.