President Hakainde Hichilema has terminated the appointment of Mr. Joel Kamoko as Permanent Secretary (PS) in Charge of Technical Services at the Ministry of Education following a controversial public appearance. The decision, effective immediately, is made under Article 270 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.
The firing comes after Mr. Kamoko appeared on national television visibly intoxicated, slurring incoherently while attempting to discuss the country’s new curriculum. The incident drew widespread criticism and embarrassment for the Ministry of Education and the government at large.
Public Reaction to Kamoko’s Appearance
The PS’s drunken performance was met with disbelief and ridicule across social media platforms. Critics labeled the episode as a failure of professionalism and an insult to the critical education sector. On the other hand, some supporters, including prominent figures like Zambia’s High Commissioner to Australia, Elias Munshya, and others in the Bakwetu group, defended Kamoko, claiming that he was not intoxicated and dismissing critics as being “bitter.”
However, the widespread outrage overshadowed these defenses, prompting swift action from President Hichilema, who expressed gratitude for Kamoko’s service but emphasized the importance of diligence and dedication in public service.
President Hichilema’s Statement
In his announcement, the President reiterated his commitment to upholding high standards in government:
“All public officers must serve diligently and with dedication to their national duties. We remain focused on building a government that reflects excellence and professionalism.”
The President also wished Kamoko well in his future endeavors.
Political Fallout and Tribalism Claims
The incident has reignited tribal tensions and political accusations, with some individuals alleging bias in government appointments. Critics argued that the incident highlights the importance of merit-based appointments, while others accused opposition members of exploiting the situation to push tribal agendas.
Amid the political noise, President Hichilema has maintained his position, urging Zambians to focus on unity and the larger goal of national development.
What’s Next?
The dismissal of Kamoko serves as a stark reminder of the high expectations placed on public servants in Zambia. As the Ministry of Education works to recover from this embarrassment, the government will likely intensify its scrutiny of public officers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to call for accountability and professionalism, especially in key sectors like education, which play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.