Patrick Kangwa
| Patrick Kangwa | |
|---|---|
| |
| Office | Secretary to the Cabinet |
| Term start | October 12, 2021 (acting); confirmed thereafter |
| Term end | |
| Predecessor | Simon Kamwendo Miti |
| Successor | |
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Political party | |
| Residence | |
| Occupation | |
Patrick Kangwa is a Zambian civil servant who has served as Secretary to the Cabinet since October 12, 2021, under President Hakainde Hichilema. Formerly Deputy Secretary in charge of Administration, he leads the public service and coordinates work across ministries.
Career
Kangwa began as National Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) under the Office of the Vice President from 2012 to 2017. He was then appointed Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Administration) in October 2017 by President Edgar Lungu. In 2019, he acted as Secretary to the Cabinet before returning to his deputy role.
He was appointed Acting Secretary to the Cabinet on 12 October 2021 by President Hichilema after the dismissal of Dr Simon Miti, and was later confirmed in the post.[1]
Key Initiatives
As Secretary to the Cabinet, Kangwa has:
- Promoted efficiency and discipline in the public service.[2]
- Championed anti-corruption, warning permanent secretaries and CEOs to resign or face dismissal if implicated in graft.[3]
- Advocated digitisation of government processes and launched the Citizen Support Service Portal.[4]
- Urged investment in sports to address social challenges including gender-based violence.[5]
Controversies
His appointment has been challenged by political figures such as GPZ President Jackson Silavwe, who claimed Kangwa lacked the 10-year experience as a Permanent Secretary required by the Constitution.[6]
Another instance of controversy arose when President Hichilema overruled Kangwa’s directive limiting use of government vehicles after 18:00 in light of national drought relief efforts.[7]
International Diplomacy
In January 2022, Kangwa met Chinese Ambassador Li Jie to strengthen China–Zambia ties under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).[8]
See also
References
- ↑ "Patrick Kangwa: the acting man at Cabinet Office", Zambian Observer, 15 Sep 2024.
- ↑ "Secretary to the Cabinet warns government officials against disobeying Presidential directives", Lusaka Times, 14 May 2023.
- ↑ "Resign or get fired, Kangwa tells corrupt PSs, CEOs", News Diggers!, 4 Nov 2024.
- ↑ "Govt unveils Citizen Support Service Portal", Zambia Monitor, 6 Dec 2023.
- ↑ "Secretary to Cabinet calls for investment in sports coaching", ZANIS, 16 Dec 2024.
- ↑ "President Hichilema Secretary to Cabinet appointment in breach of Constitution", Lusaka Times, 25 Nov 2022.
- ↑ "HH overrides Kangwa’s ban on use of Govt cars", Daily Nation Zambia, 26 Jun 2024.
- ↑ "Ambassador Li Jie Meets with Patrick Kangwa", Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 27 Jan 2022.
