Claim
On 6th February 2024, various online and social media platforms circulated a Press release by Press and Public Relations Office announcing reshuffles made to the Service Commissions and the Drug Enforcement Commission by the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. According to the press release, President Hichilema has in exercise of the powers vested in him pursuant to sections 7(a) and 7(c) of the Service Commisions Act No. 10 of 2016 appointed Dr. Cholwe Beyani as Chairperson, and Mr. Roderick C. Chewe and Mrs. Gladys Phiri Selemani Tavaris as members of the Civil Service Commission.
The President has also appointed Mr. Akalamwa Sumbu as a member of the Local Government Service Commission and Mr. Ronald Hichibulo as a member of the Teaching Service Commission in the exercise of the powers vested in him under sections 15(c) and 9(c) of the Service Commissions Act No. 10 of 2016.
Furthermore, the president has transferred Mr. Tom Silwindi from the Correctional Service Commission to the Police Service Commission and Mr. Simon Kabanda from the Police Service Commission to the Correctional Service Commission in their capacities as Commissioners, while Mr. Mwamba Peni has been moved from the Emoluments Commission to the Cabinet Office as Permanent Secretary Special Duties.
The press release also reveals that using section 9(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the President has appointed Mrs. Beatrice Liluya Mpunga as Deputy Director General of the Drugs Enforcement Commission. The press release was issued by the Chief Communications Specialist, State House, Mr. Clayson Hamasaka.
Rating Justification
iVerify Zambia can confirm that it is true that President Hakainde Hichilema has reshuffled and made appointments to some Service Commissions and the Drug Enforcement Commission. According to the press release by the State House Public and Press Relations Office, President Hichilema has appointed Dr. Cholwe Beyani as Chairperson, and Mr. Roderick C. Chewe and Mrs. Gladys Phiri Selemani Tavaris as members of the Civil Service Commission. These appointments are according to the powers vested in the President by the Service Commissions Act No. 10 of 2016, Sections 7(a) and 7(c).
The President has also appointed Mr. Akalamwa Sumbu as a member of the Local Government Service Commission and Mr. Ronald Hichibulo as a member of the Teaching Service Commission in the exercise of the powers vested in him by Sections 15(c) and 9(c) of the Service Commissions Act No. 10 of 2016.
Furthermore, President Hichilema has transferred Mr. Tom Silwindi from the Correctional Service Commission to the Police Service Commission, and Mr. Simon Kabanda from the Police Service Commission to the Correctional Service Commission in their capacities as Commissioners, while Mr. Mwamba Peni has been moved from the Emoluments Commission to the Cabinet office as Permanent Secretary Special Duties.
The press release issued by the State House Chief Communications Specialist, Mr. Clayson Hamasaka further states that using powers vested in him by Section 9(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, President Hichilema has appointed Mrs. Beatrice Liluya Mpunga as Deputy Director General of the Drugs Enforcement Commission.
The Acts cited in the release confer powers on the Republican President to appoint, disappoint, and transfer Chairpersons, members, and Executives of the various Commissions.
