12/10/2026
🇿🇲 CAN MINISTRIES FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT MINISTERS?
In my opinion, if Permanent Secretaries are qualified, competent and supported by experienced directors, ministries should be able to function effectively even in the absence of ministers.
Ministers provide political leadership and policy direction, while PSs oversee administration and implementation. In fact, an experienced PS may have a deeper understanding of a ministry’s operations, challenges and ongoing programmes than an incoming minister, particularly when appointed on merit rather than political affiliation.
This is not to suggest that ministers are unnecessary. Their role remains important. However, government operations should not come to a standstill simply because political appointments are pending.
This is precisely why I’ve consistently advocated for a professional, competent and politically neutral civil service.
Strong institutions must be capable of delivering services and planning beyond political terms.
