President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed two new Cabinet ministers, replacing the ministers who previously held the Health and Small and Medium Enterprise Development portfolios, while also making changes at permanent secretary level.
According to a statement issued by State House on March 13, Solwezi East Member of Parliament Alex Katakwe has been appointed Minister of Health, taking over from Elijah Muchima.
The President also appointed Mfuwe Member of Parliament Mufunelo Malama as Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, replacing Elias Mubanga.
State House said the appointments were made under Articles 92 and 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, which empower the President to appoint ministers from among Members of Parliament.
The announcement also confirmed changes in the provincial administration where Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Mathews Chilekwa has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
Government has appointed Tuesday Bwalya as the new Permanent Secretary for Muchinga Province in accordance with Article 184 (1) of the Constitution.
In another administrative change, Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu has been transferred to Cabinet Office, a move made under Article 92 (1) of the Constitution.
President Hichilema expressed appreciation to Reverend Chilekwa for his service to the nation and extended his best wishes to the officials taking up the new appointments.
The changes were announced in a statement issued by Clayson Hamasaka, Chief Communications Specialist at State House.
Why do Provinces have permanent secretaries? Have job audits been done for these numerous government positions we hear every day?
Minister for 2 months.