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HEA Conducts Performance Evaluation for its Board Members

May 9, 2025 Featured

In a bold demonstration of commitment to transparency, accountability, and transformational leadership, the Higher Education Authority (HEA)has conducted a performance evaluation for its Board of Directors. This marks a revolutionary milestone in public sector governance.

Held from Friday, 2nd May to Sunday, 4th May, 2025, at Twalumba Resort and Hotel, the evaluation was facilitated by Dr. Kelvin Moyo Sokuni, Group Chief Executive Officer of KSM Management Consultants, a firm widely respected for its expertise in corporate governance, institutional performance, and leadership development.

The evaluation was complemented by a review and update of the HEA Board Charter to align with best corporate governance practices and the provisions of the Higher Education Act, 2013, and the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021. The Charter now reflects modern governance frameworks, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and clearer guidelines on Board roles and responsibilities.

These activities serve not only to strengthen HEA’s internal effectiveness, but also to position the Authority as a model regulator in the Zambian public sector.

“As we implement a transformative agenda for higher education in Zambia, we must begin by transforming ourselves. That transformation starts with the Board that governs the Authority, because it is this very Board that governs Higher Education Institutions,” said Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, Director-General of HEA.

Why This Matters

Across the world, high-performing organisations, especially regulators, are embracing board evaluations to ensure strategic alignment, efficient oversight, and accountability. In Zambia, very few government institutions have proactively undertaken such introspective governance exercises, making HEA’s initiative truly pioneering.

By evaluating its own performance, HEA’s Board is modelling Principle 6 of the King IV Code on Corporate Governance, which recommends that governing bodies should ensure regular performance evaluations of itself, its committees, and individual members. This ensures transparency, reduces governance risks, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.

KSM Management Consultants, known for its solid track record with private and public institutions alike, guided the process with discretion, integrity, and robust methodology, ensuring the exercise was not only comprehensive but also solution-focused.

The evaluation is expected to result in actionable insights that will sharpen the Board’s oversight role, enhance strategic decision-making, and foster a stronger connection between governance and impact in the higher education sector.

The Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, Part II Section 7 (1) prescribes the composition of the Board of the Authority There is hereby constituted a Board of the Authority as consisting of the following part-time members appointed by the Minister:

  1. one representative each of the ministries responsible for—
    1. Higher education; and
    1. labour;
  2. a representative of the Attorney-General;
  3. a representative of the Zambia Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry;
  4. a representative of the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ);
  5. a representative of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM);
  6. a representative of the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA);
  7. a representative of a civil society organisation working in the education sector;
  8. a person with knowledge and experience in matters relating to higher education; and
  9. the Director-General, as an ex- officio.

The current Members of the Board of the Authority are:

  1. Prof. Levy Siaminwe – Chairperson of the Board
  2. Ms. Teza Nakazwe-Musakanya – Vice Chairperson of the Board (ECZ)
  3. Mr. Cleophas Takaiza, Board Member (TEVETA)                                         
  4. Ms. Faith Moono Wamundila, Board Member (Attorney-General)
  5. Mr. George Hamusunga, Board Member (Civil Society)
  6. Ms. Mazila Mwinga, Board Member (ZIHRM)
  7. Mrs. Linda Siwale, Board Member (Ministry of Education)
  8. Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu, Ex-Officio Member, Director-General, HEA
Figure 2: Professor Chinsembu (3-L) contributes during the meeting.

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The Authority.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is a grant aided institution established under the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013, to ensure quality of delivery of services by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

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