Staff Writer
CABINET Secretary, George Simataa says government employees in managerial positions are not allowed to participate in political activities that promote political party ideas.
Simataa released a public service management circular on Tuesday addressed to the National Assembly, Executive Directors, National Council, Chief Electoral Officer, Regional Councils, labour unions, and other government-affiliated organisations.
According to the Public Service Act (Act No. 13 of 1995), government employees in management positions are not permitted to preside over public political meetings that promote political party ideas.
Simataa’s proclamation follows media reports on senior government officials who are said to be seeking senior positions in the ruling Swapo party, while others are said to be pushing for jobs in the same party.
He stated that his office has received a lot of requests to clarify the requirements of the Public Service Act (Act No. 13 of 1995) pertaining to Public Service staff members’ engagement in political activities, particularly those in the management positions.
He explained that staff workers in management positions who are found to be in violation of the Act are guilty of misconduct if they – utilize their position in the public service or any state property to promote or prejudice the interests of any political party. This is done to ensure responsibility from senior government officials.
“I must, once again, emphasise that the restrictions provided in Section 30 (i) and (ii) of the Act on political participation of staff members in the management positions, is purely in pursuit of the impartiality of the public service. Executive Directors/Accounting Officers are herewith reminded to sensitise staff members and managers alike on the above provisions and ensure adherence. The content of this circular must be brought to the attention of all staff members in offices, ministries, agencies and Regional Councils,” said Simataa.
He added that subject to the provisions of section 25 (1) (f) and subsection (2) of the section, a staff member may be a member of a political party, attend, preside at or speak at a public political meeting, draw up or publish any writing to promote the interests of any political party, be an office bearer of whatever designation of a political party.
“Provided that such a staff member shall, at any time while he or she is required to discharge his or her official duties in the public service, perform any act in the exercise of any political party.
“Provided further that, to ensure the impartiality of the public service, a staff member who holds any post in the management of the public service may not preside at a public political meeting or draw up or publish any writing or deliver a public speech or make a public statement with the intention to promote or prejudice the interest of any political party: (ii) be an office bearer of whatever designation of a political party,” explained Simataa.
