PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema’s recent proposal to involve chiefs in the recruitment of civil servants by recommending two or three candidates has raised questions around the intention. At face value, the suggestion seems rooted in a desire to ensure equal opportunities for all Zambians, particularly those from rural chiefdoms who may feel left out of the national recruitment process. However, a closer examination reveals that this proposal is fraught with potential pitfalls, from encouraging nepotism to deepening the already pervasive issue of tribalism in Zambia. We believe President Hichilema, who has personally suffered from allegations of tribalism, should be the last person to flirt with such ideas. We find ourselves in agreement with ActionAid Zambia’s Country Director, Faides Tembatemba, who rightfully...