Government has assured citizens that the ongoing public service recruitment exercise will be conducted through a transparent and merit-based process. Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said all successful applicants will be recruited based on merit, adding…

Government has assured citizens that the ongoing public service recruitment exercise will be conducted through a transparent and merit-based process.

Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said all successful applicants will be recruited based on merit, adding that the exercise will not rely on previous application databases.

Speaking on the News Diggers Podcast, Kawana said some applicants have been advised to submit fresh applications as part of the recruitment process.

He said President Hakainde Hichilema remains committed to transparency and has ensured that government contracts and appointments are awarded on merit rather than political affiliation.

Kawana added that the President has retained several public officers who served under the previous administration because Government values competence and effective service delivery.

Meanwhile, Kawana dismissed allegations that Government vehicles are being used for UPND campaign activities, stating that the ruling party is using its own resources while Government vehicles remain assigned to official duties.

He also rejected claims by the Tonse Alliance that Government is targeting opposition leaders, saying there are no plans to assassinate Alliance leader Brian Mundubile or any other opposition figure.

Kawana said police officers were deployed to Mtendere to maintain public order after Mundubile allegedly failed to notify law enforcement authorities about a planned roadshow following a scheduled rally at Heroes Stadium.

On agriculture, Kawana said the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has not yet announced the maize floor price because the moisture content of the grain remains above the legally required 12.5 percent for safe storage.

He further criticised Brian Mundubile’s campaign pledges, saying the opposition leader lacks a manifesto and is promising programmes that have already been implemented by the current Government.