FRA Under Siege: A Strategic State Enterprise Hijacked by Tribal Interests as Corruption and Regionalism Take Hold
By concerned FRA Employees (for fear of being victimized, our true identities are concealed)
In the heart of government, a powerful tribal group within the ruling party wields significant influence. They have a reputation for getting what they want, no matter the cost. Their latest target is the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), a state enterprise, where they seek to install one of their own as CEO.
It all began in 2023 when this tribal cabal, through the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Siazongo Siakalenge, was approached by the group’s leaders. They demanded that he facilitate the appointment of their tribesman, Mr. Justine Chuunka (nephew of Anderson Masoka, founder of UPND), as CEO of FRA. However, Mr. Chuunka lacked the necessary operational and managerial skills and experience for the position.
Despite his reservations, Mr. Siakalenge was pressured by the tribal group to push the appointment through. He ignored the advice of the Solicitor General, who had warned that the appointment would be illegal and potentially disastrous for the Agency.
Mr. Siakalenge reluctantly agreed to proceed, but he encountered resistance from the existing board of directors, led by Kelvin Hambwezya. The board refused to approve Mr. Chuunka’s appointment and instead confirmed the then-acting CEO, Mr. Chamatete, citing his lack of qualifications, concerns over tribalism, and potential risks to the state enterprise.
Enraged by the board’s defiance, the tribal group’s leaders demanded the dissolution of the board and its replacement with more compliant members.
In the absence of the board, Mr. Chuunka was seconded to the Agency from the Cabinet Office as Food Reserve and Marketing Manager. He physically forced out Mr. Humphrey Musonda, the substantive office holder. FRA Management was compelled to create a new department for Mr. Musonda to defuse the situation.
A new board of directors was then hastily appointed. The Chair and Vice Chair positions went to Hon. Suresh Desai and Richard Lisimba, individuals closely aligned with the tribal group.
Fast forward to December 2024: Mr. Chamatete went on leave and appointed Mr. Siamiyoba, the Finance Manager, to act in his position. The Board Chair rejected this acting appointment and instead recommended Mr. Chuunka to act as CEO.
A week before the substantive CEO was due to return, Mr. Chuunka and the Board Chair invited the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit of the Agency’s operations. Most of the issues raised in the audit had already been dealt with and concluded earlier. As a result, the CEO, several managers, and other senior staff were placed on two months of forced leave to facilitate the audit.
To date, the Auditor General has found no evidence to incriminate the officers on leave. This further highlights the suspicious nature of these actions. As we write this, sixteen (16) members of staff have been suspended for four months without any charges being laid against them.
This episode has exposed the darker side of politics, where tribal loyalty and personal interests can take precedence over the law and the greater good. The consequences of the tribal group’s actions are likely to be far-reaching and devastating.
Their actions — pushing for their preferred candidate as CEO, concocting allegations, and pressuring the Board Chair and Vice Chair to send the CEO and senior managers on forced leave — reek of manipulation and abuse of power.
It is alarming that the Chair and Vice Chair took such actions without a full board and without permission from the line ministry. This demonstrates a clear disregard for proper governance and procedures.
The Auditor General’s failure to find incriminating evidence further underscores the questionable nature of these moves.
The ultimate goal of this tribal grouping appears to be the hijacking of the state enterprise for the benefit of their own tribe and political party. This is a textbook case of nepotism and corruption, where positions and opportunities are manipulated to favour a select few.
In such situations, board members have a duty to take a firm stand and speak out. As outlined in principles of conscious governance, they must voice concerns and escalate issues where necessary. If the situation continues, concerned board members may need to consider resigning or seeking external intervention.
As the suspended CEO and managers await their fate, the tribal group’s plan is unfolding. The board, now firmly under their control, has appointed acting officers to the vacant positions. However, most of these appointments are not based on merit or qualifications.
The majority of the acting officers hail from the same region and tribe as the group’s preferred candidate. It is clear that the board has prioritised tribal loyalty over competence and experience.
The acting CEO appointed by the board is a clear example. Despite lacking the necessary experience, he was handed the reins of FRA. His first actions have been telling: he has surrounded himself with loyalists from his own tribe and region.
We, the staff of FRA, are dismayed by these developments. Morale has plummeted. It has become evident that the tribal grouping’s agenda is being prioritised over the well-being of the Agency. The atmosphere is tense, and many fear for their jobs given the board’s conduct.
The Minister of Agriculture and the Permanent Secretary’s inability to intervene — despite being aware of the situation — raises serious questions about the extent of their power and control. It appears the tribal grouping’s influence has created a complex web of interests and allegiances that even the highest authorities at the Ministry are hesitant to challenge.
The situation at the Food Reserve Agency is deeply alarming. As a strategic institution, the FRA plays a critical role in maintaining national food security through strategic food reserves. With the marketing season underway, the FRA’s priority should be purchasing grains from farmers to replenish reserves. Instead, the Agency is being undermined by tribal politics and corruption.
This threatens its ability to fulfil its mandate.
It is essential that the government takes decisive action to address the situation and ensure the FRA can operate independently and effectively.
This includes protecting the Agency from political interference and ensuring leadership appointments are based on merit rather than tribal affiliation.
The key players in this tribal clique hold significant influence and power within government and state institutions. The Auditor General plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
The Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet is responsible for supporting the Cabinet Secretary in coordinating government business.
The FRA Acting CEO, Board Chair, and Vice Chair are also central to this clique and wield considerable sway over the Agency.
The concentration of power and influence among these individuals raises serious concerns about governance, accountability, and the potential for abuse of power. In a well-functioning democracy, robust checks and balances are essential to prevent such concentration and ensure institutions serve the public interest. https://zambianwhistleblower.com/
The Acting CEO and Board Chair claim that instructions are coming from State House, with a Mr. Bradford Machila also being mentioned. Can the concerned authorities or community please intervene?
In the meantime, the situation at FRA remains volatile. A revolt is looming, and the consequences could be devastating.
IT WILL END IN TEARS.
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FRA Under Siege: A Strategic State Enterprise Hijacked by Tribal Interests as Corruption and Regionalism Take Hold
