Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema called out his cabinet members who fall asleep during meetings. He blamed their dozing off on poor nighttime choices and lack of self-control. He spoke about this during a ceremony where he welcomed Gift Sialubalo as the new Local Government Minister. Local news outlets suggested he meant heavy drinking and late parties when he talked about "indulgence."
The president said sleeping through meetings could lead to security leaks and slower help for citizens. He told the crowd he had already brought up these concerns many times behind closed doors. Hichilema made clear he finds it troubling when officials share secret government information on social media, especially after they've been drinking. He mentioned the Bible when warning that such behavior might ruin careers.
Hichilema asked why anyone would sit in cabinet meetings just to sleep through them. He said this showed a lack of interest in helping the Zambian people. Since taking office after his big win in 2021, Hichilema has fired several top officials who didn't meet his standards. He came into power with big plans to fix the economy of Zambia, which ranks as the second largest copper producer in Africa.
The president will likely run for another term when elections happen next year. He may face a challenge from former president Edgar Lungu, who wants to return to politics. However, current rules prevent Lungu from entering the race. Hichilema stressed that public officials must practice self-restraint and take their duties seriously. He called sleeping during important government discussions "a serious crime."
The president said sleeping through meetings could lead to security leaks and slower help for citizens. He told the crowd he had already brought up these concerns many times behind closed doors. Hichilema made clear he finds it troubling when officials share secret government information on social media, especially after they've been drinking. He mentioned the Bible when warning that such behavior might ruin careers.
Hichilema asked why anyone would sit in cabinet meetings just to sleep through them. He said this showed a lack of interest in helping the Zambian people. Since taking office after his big win in 2021, Hichilema has fired several top officials who didn't meet his standards. He came into power with big plans to fix the economy of Zambia, which ranks as the second largest copper producer in Africa.
The president will likely run for another term when elections happen next year. He may face a challenge from former president Edgar Lungu, who wants to return to politics. However, current rules prevent Lungu from entering the race. Hichilema stressed that public officials must practice self-restraint and take their duties seriously. He called sleeping during important government discussions "a serious crime."
