By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI –
DEFENCE Minister Davies Chama has warned military personnel against abusing social media.
Mr Chama said this in Choma of Southern Province when he addressed military personnel at the Zambia National Service officers’ mess.
He said social media should be used for social interaction and education purposes and not to malign the Government and distort information.
He said some of the military personnel had lost employment as a result of abusing the social media in the country.
“I wish to urge you to desist from abusing social media which has become a big problem and has led to some of the military personnel losing employment,” he said.
He also counselled the military officials against involving themselves in active politics, but concentrate on their core mandate of defending mother Zambia against internal and external enemies.
He said, however, that those who were interested in joining politics, were free to resign from the defence forces.
“As you are aware, being members of the defence force you are not allowed to actively participate in active politics,” he said.
He said that the government was encouraging the military personnel to get involved in agriculture activities so that they contribute to the country’s national food basket.
Earlier, Mr Chama toured the construction site of the Zambia Army regional offices, and also visited the ZNS cattle ranch.
The Zambia Army offices were being built by the military engineers, this pleased the Minister upon hearing this.
He expressed happiness at the quality of the works that had so far been done on the newly constructed building which comprised 14 offices.
“The works are impressive, this is cost effective and the money is being retained within the country,” he said.
Upon arrival, the Minister paid a courtesy call on Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale who appealed to Mr Chama to assign some marines to Kariba so as to enhance security at the Lake.