President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed government’s unwavering support to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), urging all citizens to embrace a zero-tolerance approach to corruption as the country works toward building a corruption-free Zambia.
President Hichilema has called on all Zambians, particularly young people, whom he described as key partners in the fight against corruption, to denounce the vice at all levels.
The President emphasised that fighting corruption requires a dual approach involving both law enforcement and the instilling of strong moral values from an early age.
President Hichilema stressed the importance of protecting public resources, noting that national assets belong to the people of Zambia and not individuals.
He said his administration is committed to sealing corrupt leakages to ensure that public funds are channeled towards national development, including critical sectors such as health and education.
“Zambia must work as one to curb corruption,” he said, adding that families must not shield offenders but instead support efforts to hold them accountable.
He also underscored the need to review certain laws to strengthen the fight against corruption through prosecution and asset recovery.
And Anti-Corruption Commission Board Chairperson Evans Hamaundu called for a holistic approach to combating corruption, reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to act on any case, regardless of who is involved.
ACC Director General Daphne Chabu appealed for a corruption-free future for the country’s youth, noting their central role in building tomorrow’s Zambia.
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali reaffirmed the organisation’s support to Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts and commended government’s reforms, including the ACC online whistleblower initiative.
Ms. Mutali said young people are powerful agents of change in the anti-corruption agenda.
Transparency International Zambia Chapter President Priscilla Chansa urged youths to continue amplifying their voices in anti-corruption advocacy, stressing that digital innovation must be harnessed to build resilient and integrity-driven institutions.
Representing young people, Brian Mungandu of the Information and Communication University (ICU) Anti-Corruption Club noted that corruption impacts youth heavily and threatens the future they aim to build.
Put zero tolerance into place, would we still have a police force ??