MR.CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI could not say while holding a Ministerial position what he is saying today for the following reasons. Someone who is appointed cannot speak like someone who is disappointed. This is the exact case of Mr. KAMBWILI.
It is both confusing and unfortunate to hear Cabinet Ministers using such an excuse instead of providing answers to Mr. Kambwili’s questions. Ministers take an oath of “secrecy” and that is further compounded by “Collectivity responsibility while serving as Cabinet Minister”. What is Collectivity Responsibility? The answer is simple!Collective responsibility entails that every decision which is been made, or by level of committee by which it was taken, should not be disclosed to the public. Collectivity responsibility is supported by two things namely Cabinet Confidentiality and Declaration of interest. Cabinet Confidentiality is the strict adherence to the principle of confidentiality in handling Cabinet documents and discussion of Cabinet Meetings. During such meetings there is a high level of openness and frankness of discussions which are protected by the strict observance of confidentiality, which should never be breached. In this case Ministers (KAMBWILI at that time as a Minister) should never disclose to Members if Parliament, the Press, the Public or officials in the Government any information on views of individuals’ ministers or detail of discussion at Cabinet or Cabinet Committee meetings. In accordance with the State Security Act number 36 of 1969. Secondly, is Declaration of interest within Collectivity Responsibility. Ministers must declare interest or members of their immediate families in Cabinet or Cabinet Committee Meeting matters, where interests may conflict with their public duty as ministers. If Ministers are concerned on conflict or potential conflict of interest-The Rainbow Zambia November 2017 Edition 58 Page 5 www.rainbownewszambia.com