Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Brian Sichande, has declared that the success of Zambia’s new anti-corruption drive hinges on the collective commitment of every citizen, from government officials to the general public.
Speaking at a workshop in Chinsali District today for the dissemination of the 2023 National Policy on Anti-Corruption (NPAC), Mr. Sichande emphasized that the policy is not just for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) but a national blueprint for all stakeholders.
The event marks the beginning of efforts to ensure the principles and objectives of the policy, launched nationally by the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema in May 2024, are understood and implemented at all levels.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Permanent Secretary outlined the severe impacts of corruption, describing it as a major hindrance to economic and human development that undermines governance, the rule of law, and public trust.
“Corruption robs the nation of resources needed to develop the country and deliver essential services to our people,” Mr. Sichande stated.
He highlighted that the 2023 policy is a reviewed and more robust version of the first ever National Anti-Corruption Policy launched in 2009. He noted that its preparation was highly consultative, with provincial meetings held in two districts in all ten provinces, making it “our policy; your policy.”
Mr. Sichande pointed to measures already implemented by the current administration, such as the Fast-Track Court and asset recovery laws, which have led to the recovery of many embezzled properties.
“government has laid down a clear agenda for an inclusive fight against corruption in all its forms in line with the principle of ‘zero tolerance to corruption’,” he said. This agenda focuses on prevention, increasing transparency, and strengthening accountability in public affairs.
However, the DPS cautioned that the policy’s launch was just the beginning. He warned that a failure to disseminate the previous 2009 policy effectively was a key reason for its lack of success.
“Dissemination is not merely about sharing information; it is about empowering individuals, institutions, and communities to take ownership of the fight against corruption,” he urged.
He called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, faith-based organizations, and the media, to rally behind the policy’s implementation and translate its provisions into concrete actions.
Mr. Sichande commended the Ministry of Justice, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and Transparency International Zambia for ensuring the policy is disseminated across all provincial centres.
He concluded by thanking cooperating partners and all Provincial Heads of Government Departments who attended the workshop for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to provide guidance and support for the policy’s implementation.
