Zambia Air Force ( ZAF) Brig General Montah Chileshe has warned officers against involvement in political activities as the country builds up to the 2011 Presidential and general elections.
Brig General Chileshe said there is need for the military personnel to avoid politicking or getting involved in partisan politics at all costs.
Brig Gen Chileshe noted that the role of military personnel is to serve the government of the day hence the need to maintain a non partisan stance as demanded by the national constitution and oath of allegiance.
He was speaking at the ZAF Headquarters Officers’ annual Ball held at Chamber valley officers Mess last night.
Brig Gen Chileshe also called for discipline and integrity among military personnel in the prevailing global economic crisis.
Meanwhile Twin Palm ZAF Brig Gen Daniel Banda has urged officers to be alert and guard against vices of sabotage, pilferage, theft and damage of property.
Brig Gen Daniel Banda was speaking in Lusaka last night at the ZAF Twin Palm 2009 officer’s annual ball at Twine Palm Officers’ Mess.
Brig gen Banda further urged the officers to continue being disciplined noting that their commitment and hard work shown throughout the year should continue.
He said discipline and integrity among military personnel was cardinal and further urged them to desist from extravagance lives with the prevailing global economic crisis.
He also thanked the ZAF Ladies Club for their continued support in uplifting the welfare of ZAF personnel and communities through building of hospitals and schools in their bases.
ZANIS
Lazy soldiers!! This is why we have indisciplined politicians in the country. The armed forces should be felt at all levels of governance.
Military personnel should not worry about all this ‘ Serving the government of the day’ bla,,bla.. bla. Just wait patiently for 2011 when you will express your feelings decisively on the ballot paper without Brig General Chileshe looking over your shoulders. I know that even the Brig General himself will do his own thing on his ballot paper.
Its true. As a force they shouldn’t be siding with any political party. But, as individuals they have a right to belong to or support any political party of their choice and even freely discuss politiks when they are freely inter-mingling with the civil society.
Brig General, looks like you are the one who is politicking.
Peter
Military personnel should heed the advice. The constitution does not allow military personel to be card carrying member of o party and can’t hold any office in a party whilst serving in the force. But you are right that they can vote for the party of their choice. They can’t be seen pasting HH or RB posters while chating with civilians-thats enganging in active politics. We don’t want a case like in Zim where generals say they wont recognize Tsvangirai as commander in chief
#5 Very good comment (I do not like your name though). We have always had very professional men and women in uniform in Zambia and it is important that such timely reminders are always put across. Too bad so many immature bloggers here. We had a very smooth transition after KK. A few weeks ago Mr. Sata was seen addressing Police Officers in Solwezi – and they stood listening to him – as a citizen of the country of course. Only in Zambia do such things happen because we are civilized and it is important that people like Gen. Chileshe preach such messages. Thank you # 3 Peter.
Nice Comments all, enjoying my day, ARE YOU?