I am writing to express my profound concern and distress over what appears to be a recurring pattern of exclusion from employment opportunities within the forestry sector of the Zambian civil service. Despite my qualifications and ongoing efforts since my graduation in 2009, I have yet to be shortlisted for any position in this sector, an issue that seems to be shared among several of my peers, particularly those specializing in forestry.
This persistent challenge has led me to speculate on the factors contributing to our collective inability to secure employment within the government services, despite the change in political leadership and promises of a more inclusive and fair hiring process. Initially, I attributed the difficulty to the political and professional climate under the previous administration, which posed challenges for forestry professionals. However, the continuation of these issues under the new administration has prompted me to reconsider the root causes of this exclusion.
In an effort to advocate for change and highlight the plight of forestry professionals in Zambia, I have engaged in article writing and research, aiming to use my voice to bring attention to these systemic issues. Unfortunately, this approach has not yielded the desired change, and it has been suggested to me that my outspokenness may have inadvertently affected my employment prospects.
Additionally, my experience as a registrar at the Veterinary Council of Zambia further exemplifies the challenges I have faced in my professional endeavors. Despite being initially shortlisted for re-engagement, I was ultimately not selected, under circumstances that I believe were influenced by external pressures aimed at undermining my candidacy and professional reputation.
There is also a concern that personal biases, including those based on ethnic origins, may be influencing the selection process, a deeply troubling notion that, if true, undermines the principles of fairness and equality.
I am making this statement not only as a personal account of my experiences but also as a call to action for a more transparent, inclusive, and equitable hiring process within the Zambian civil service. It is my hope that by bringing these issues to light, there can be a concerted effort to address and rectify the underlying problems, ensuring that all qualified candidates, regardless of their background or personal beliefs, have an equal opportunity to serve their country.
I trust that this matter will be taken seriously and that steps will be taken to investigate and address the concerns raised.
Sincerely,
Chaliafya katungula
@ Chaliafya Katungula
You’re a problem yourself…i know your kind…people who always talk about their qualifications are the worst employees…..very unproductive and they think just having a piece of A4 paper is enough….they don’t work at all just blah blah and boasting about what qualifications they have ba pompwe…..like in construction you hire an engineer with papers just know that you’re in trouble…the works will be substandard….but bring in a Mr Banda from Chawama ( with no formal education)to do some construction work and you will be amazed by the quality of his work
Qualification is just an one advantage and if one doesn’t use it in practical terms he face difficulties. What company owner would employ paper instead of producers
The only ones facing challenges are those from northern, luapula, muchinga, copperbelt and Eastern provinces
The article above is very justified. Foresters are not appreciated in Zambia. Zambia or any African country cannot fail to have a job for a Forester. This is a case of having none or wrong priorities because Africa’s forests are a paradise that we dont appreciate.
Since my grade one I have been reminded of Zambia’s number one enemy as deforestation meaning the country has an overbearing duty to grow and protect our forests. We need forests more than we need skyscrapers but Zambia will train more construction engineers whom it doesnt use than agriculturists and foresters. The state should employ foresters
Corruption, tribelists,and hared for one another.
He could be right.From 2009 to 2024 unemployed…awee chenachakana.Let us have a record of who should completed when?