By Patson Chilemba
Information reaching Daily Revelation indicates that the government has recalled Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Mazuba Monze.
And Information permanent secretary Thabo Kawana has confirmed Monze’s recall, saying President Hakainde Hichilema warned that several diplomats will be recalled.
President Hichilema then had expressed frustration with reports of misconduct by some of the diplomats appointed to serve in foreign missions.
Multiple sources have told Daily Revelation that Monze was recalled following the government’s unhappiness with her.
Daily Revelation called Mazuba’s boss, permanent secretary Anamela to confirm the story.
In response, Anamela said she was not ready to speak on the matter.
“I am not in a position to confirm that,” Anamela said, and after a brief pause added, “at the moment.”
Asked if the recall was linked with concerns around work, social – including those that have been talked about previously – or any other matters, Anamela said: “I am not in a position to discuss that.”
Asked when she thought she would be in a position to discuss the same, Anamela said she would get back on the same as she was currently on leave and was driving at the time of the call.
“Let me get back to you. Thank you,” said Anamela.
But Kawana later called to confirm the news.
He said the President appointed people at his pleasure, and those who were appointed served at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
He said just as ministers, permanent secretaries and ambassadors will be appointed the same would also be disappointed.
He said when one was appointed there was no explanation on why they were appointed, and the same applied when they were disappointed.
“So yes, I can confirm that the High Commissioner to South Africa was recalled on Christmas Day, and there are no reasons to be given why she was recalled,” Kawana said. “But you will recall that the President at State House did mention recently that there is a number of diplomats out there that will be recalled back home at different stratus.”
He said there was nothing to hide about the fact that Monze had been recalled.
