EXAMINATIONS Council of Zambia (ECZ) director, Chekani Sakala has with immediate effect been suspended following reports of alleged financial impropriety, maladministration and abuse of office at the examinations body.
Education, Science and Vocational Training Minister, John Phiri who announced Mr Sakala’s suspension has also dissolved the ECZ council and requested the Auditor General’s office to carry out a forensic audit at the council.
Dr Phiri said during a media briefing at the ministry in Lusaka yesterday that following articles which appeared in the Sunday Times of Zambia of November 6, 20 and 27, 2011 in which the workers alleged that a senior ECZ official was involved in financial impropriety, maladministration and abuse, he constituted a team to investigate the allegations.
The investigation team comprised officers from the Directorates of Human Resources and Administration, Standards and Curriculum, Planning and Information, Education and Specilaised Services, Procurement and Accounts Units.
The objectives of the investigative team whose findings were reported on January 3, 2012, were to establish whether the allegations leveled against ECZ were true, make appropriate recommendations and report on any related matters of interest.
“From the report, it is evident that there was financial impropriety, maladministration and abuse of office at ECZ but further investigations would be necessary,” his said.
Dr Phiri said based on the report the investigative team submitted, he decided to immediately suspend Mr Sakala in accordance with the ECZ and Public Service Disciplinary Codes and allow for further investigations.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me as Minister, pursuant to Provisions of Article 4 of the Examination Council of Zambia Act, CAP 137 of 1983 of the Laws of Zambia, I have dissolved the Council of ECZ with immediate effect. A new Council will be announced soon to foster continuity in the operations at ECZ,” Dr Phiri said.
He said to make further investigations and verifications; he requested the office of the Auditor General to carry out a forensic audit at ECZ and urged them to expedite their work.
[Times of Zambia]
I SUPPORT THE DISSOLUTION OF THIS BOARD. WE NEED DECENCY AND CREDIBILITY AT ECZ. I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT
Yes actually need Forensic auditing Balay pafula aba bantu. I know what Im talking about too.
The all accounting officers should be audited. Bashita amayanda ama mutocar pafula
Ama leaky!!!
We need these audits in every Institution..we need to be proactive and not wait for reports from workers.Well done Doc.
Chekani? The man might be innocent but his name makes him really vulnerable. Even when he avoids asking he is still called Chekani, what a predicament he is in.
nakatemwa
See, no need for commission of enquiry. Just by use of ordinary and existing institutions and structures. Less expensive and without the painfully political inclination. Difference between a grade 7 kaponya president and a PHD minister.
I can see the gvt is doing alot to fight this animal called corruption.As individuals we all need to put our efforts together and help this gvt. Laziness and late coming at work should be avoided. Zambia is the only country we can call ours. Let us all work to build a better Zambia. we also need to check these leaders so that while they fight corruption, they do not fall into the same trap. Report any corrupt leader to ACC or police, or even the press so that he is exposed. Dont wait for any one to do it for you.
The move has long being overdue with the current country wide examination leakages.The next step should ne aimed at plugging these exam paper leakages and one found wanting should go on the chopping board.
Forensic InvestigationY? Yapena nomba
My wife was made to resit and repeat an examination (SME) which she had actually cleared and passed due to inefficience and buearoclacy at ECZ. Even to collect the results was a big problem.
But seriously how do you name a child ‘Chekani’ please. Later in life when they grow up such a name gives low self esteem.
What’s the meaning of the name?
‘Chekani’ and its proverbs essentially mean to ‘cut’, and nowadays in urban Zambia it is synonymous with cutting a portion of loot (usually for yourself), hence the awkward connection to corruption. You ‘ve been away from Zambia for too long, dear Zambian Abroard eeih?
Ba LT tell us about Zampost also. The uneducated CEO has also been fired finally with with entire rubber stamp directors. But why leave out the so called Audit Manager and the old man, the head of IT who doesn’t know anything also apart from designing forms?
Mr. SATA was really needed otherwise the spiral to the ditch was on the upswing in nearly every public sector! I wonder what would have become of Zambia if this man never came forth!
mbambo phiri….. muna ndabwisa….how can you let down your fellow easterner like this
Probably too much leakage. And education standards are too low!! I love my school board in my district. I dont even have a clue where to start in order to restructure ECZ.
Pliz visit ministry of defence, there are terrible scandals there
Every part of the civil service in Zambia is corrupt. People are poorly paid but they live well. How? Why else would a highly educated person work as a civil servant? Medics like nurses and doctors have left the country because there is little scope for them to fiddle the system. People in areas that deal with Land, Works and Supply, Vehicle Licensing, etc., are all on the take. I have dealt with the Lands Department and I know that they are not there to serve the public. Instead, they are there to put obstacles in the public’s path.
Corruption in this country can only be likened to a cancer. I understand there was/is a scam where mining licences are given to some favoured Zambians who are then flogging them to foreigners for a “fortune”. Maybe Mwale, ex Mines Minister can shed some light on this.Simuusa should ask for a “forensic” review of the mining licences issued.
This should have been done ages ago. Chiluba’s govt had the best opportunity seeing as we were doing away with the old and welcoming the new in 1991. Now we already have a nation saturaated with fake certificates from ECZ. The low education standards are there to see. Most of the stories we read in newspapers and the websites are so poorly written it is a shock to learn that they are done by someone with a Grade 12 certifficate and a professional qualification. the bloggers are also a reflection of the country’s education standards. When I check the Kenya, UK US blogs I see a wide gap between these and Zambian blogs. Education standards have decayed in Z and the govt has shown no concern. The fake certificates and exam leaks must be stopped now
Chekani………Pls parents be mindful of the names you give to your children.
Yes i totally agree with No 17
#17 and 19 You are soooo right Corruption is Zambia’s biggest enemy. ECZ has given forged certificates to 1000s of pipo who failed and they go on to get good jobs. Its just like the fake Kwacha notes printed by the MMD
DAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN GOOD LIFE NOW BAD
Corruption youlve been away dear zambia to long ari.