Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for joining us for this press briefing as we reflect on Zambia’s governance and anti-corruption landscape over the past year. The journey through 2024 has been a mix of progress, setbacks, and ongoing challenges that highlight the complexities of fostering accountability and good governance in our nation. As we reflect on 2024 today, we will highlight what we see as areas where progress has been scored, while also highlighting the critical areas that require immediate, and long-term intervention.
This year began on a hopeful note, with Zambia’s improved performance in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) from 33 to 37, an achievement that raised expectations of a strengthened fight against corruption. This improvement, announced in January 2024, seemed to signal a renewed vigor in addressing corruption at all levels. However, the euphoria of this milestone quickly waned as systemic challenges persisted, threatening to undermine the progress in combating public sector corruption measured by the CPI.
Amid this landscape, the launch of the National Policy on Anti-Corruption in May 2024 provided a beacon of possibility. The policy sets out Zambia’s ambitious objectives to tackle corruption comprehensively, but its promise remains tied to the effectiveness of its implementation. Without tangible actions and robust monitoring mechanisms, even the best-intentioned policies risk becoming mere rhetoric. The challenge therefore remains that there is need for comprehensive implementation of the National Policy on Anti-
For more details, get in touch with the TI-Z Communications Officer, Ms. Zanji Valerie Sinkala on zsinkala@tizambia.org.zm 2
Corruption, as merely having a policy, as good as the policy is, will not lead to the anti-corruption outcomes that the policy has envisioned. On this same score, we wish to reiterate our continued commitment to work with government and other stakeholders to ensure that the objectives of the National Policy on Anti-Corruption are realized.
Despite these positive developments, certain unresolved issues continue to cast a shadow over Zambia’s progress in tackling existing governance and corruption challenges. The investigation into the Solicitor General Mr. Marshal Muchende, SC is a case in point. Allegations surrounding his conduct were serious enough to warrant an investigation, as confirmed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and yet the matter appears to have died a natural death. This silence undermines public trust and raises questions about the independence of investigative processes. Equally troubling is the lack of action by the President to suspend the Solicitor General during the investigation period. Such inaction sends a dangerous signal that accountability is negotiable when it involves individuals in positions of influence. We therefore urge the ACC to provide a comprehensive update to the nation on how far the investigations into the Solicitor General have gone. We reiterate our position earlier this year that this investigation will be a litmus test for the UPND administration’s professed commitment to the fight against corruption, especially when the allegations concern a key member of the administration.
Equally disconcerting was the ACC’s disclosure that several cabinet ministers are under investigation for suspected acts of corruption, yet these individuals continue to hold office rather than being suspended in order to pave way for unhindered investigations. This has continued to raise profound concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in general, and to the anti-corruption agenda in particular. The reluctance of the ACC to name these ministers and that of the Republican President to suspend the ministers while they are being investigated undermines public confidence in governance structures and in the extent of the administration’s commitment to the fight against corruption. The situation is compounded by the prolonged leadership vacuum at the ACC following the resignation of its Director General and the dissolution of its Board a few months ago. The absence of substantive leadership hampers the commission’s operational effectiveness, and could potentially lead to a reversal of any positive strides
For more details, get in touch with the TI-Z Communications Officer, Ms. Zanji Valerie Sinkala on zsinkala@tizambia.org.zm 3
that have been made in the fight against corruption. We are of the view that this situation is not ideal and must be rectified without further delay.
Turning to the Mopani Copper Mines transaction, this year saw significant confusion over the nature and transparency of the deal. In November, the Minister of Mines characterized the transaction as a reallocation of shares through ZCCM-IH, distancing it from being labeled as a sale or transfer. Yet, these semantics have done little to allay concerns about the opaque manner in which the deal was conducted. Public confidence demands clear and comprehensive disclosure of the transaction details, particularly in light of the financial stakes involved and their implications for Zambia’s mining sector. As TI-Z, we will continue to not only keenly follow developments surrounding the Mopani issue, but also seek further information on it, and we hope to be able to give our comprehensive position on it over the course of the coming year.
Another issue that continues to cause concern has to do with the Office of the Auditor General, where systemic vulnerabilities that need urgent attention have continued to be at play. There is a pressing need for the government to appoint a substantive Auditor General as mandated by the Constitution (Amendment) No. 2 of 2016. The prolonged reliance on an Acting Auditor General undermines the independence of this critical oversight institution, as the protective measures, including formal procedures for removal, do not extend to individuals acting in this capacity. On that same score, we urge the government to adhere to the constitutional provisions for the one holding this position, including the provision in Article 252 which specifies the age of 60 as being the age at which the Auditor General shall retire. We note that various stakeholders have raised concern about the current office holder being past the retirement age, and we urge the government to urgently and decisively respond to these concerns.
Beyond this, TI-Z urges the government to operationalize the Public Audit Act of 2016 and the State Audit Commission Act of 2016. These laws are pivotal for ensuring the administrative and financial independence of the Office of the Auditor General, enabling it to function effectively as a cornerstone of public accountability. Strengthening this institution is not merely a constitutional obligation but a necessity to safeguard public resources and enhance governance systems.
For more details, get in touch with the TI-Z Communications Officer, Ms. Zanji Valerie Sinkala on zsinkala@tizambia.org.zm 4
Another area of concern is that several promises of governance reforms made by the UPND administration remain largely unfulfilled, despite repeated commitments at various international and local platforms. Constitutional reforms, a flagship pledge outlined in the 8th National Development Plan, have stalled, and the lack of transparency around the government’s plans only deepens public skepticism. While the administration initially highlighted constitutional reforms as a cornerstone of its governance agenda, little progress has been made, and no clear roadmap has been provided. This opacity has left stakeholders in the dark and raises doubts about the sincerity of the government’s commitment to such a critical undertaking. We urge the government to end this continued opacity by announcing in no uncertain terms the roadmap that they will follow in the constitutional making process. On this score, in the event that the government does not consider this to be a priority, an open and honest conversation with the Zambian people must take place rather than letting speculation take root.
Ladies and gentlemen, the current administration’s failure to implement asset declarations and lifestyle audits is another missed opportunity to demonstrate transparency and accountability. While the operation recovery, a strategy promised in the UPND manifesto, has been actualized, the absence of a comprehensive asset declaration mechanism undermines efforts to hold leaders accountable. This omission leaves critical questions unanswered about the wealth and financial dealings of key officeholders, including the President and Vice President. We therefore reiterate our call for the enactment of a comprehensive asset and liability declaration law that will address this critical area. We also wish to remind the government that Parliament passed a motion in December 2021 – moved by Mwembeshi UPND Member of Parliament Hon. Machila Jamba – to introduce legislation on lifestyle audits. To date, no such Bill has been tabled before the House and we urge government to actualize that commitment in the new year.
Another key concern throughout this year has been the proliferation of consent judgments, often seen as a means of resolving disputes efficiently, but which have in many cases become a conduit for questionable financial settlements or compensations. The case involving Kaizar Zulu epitomizes this concern, highlighting the potential for such judgments to be exploited for personal gain. The lack of transparency in these processes
For more details, get in touch with the TI-Z Communications Officer, Ms. Zanji Valerie Sinkala on zsinkala@tizambia.org.zm 5
not only undermines legal integrity but also poses a significant threat to public resources. The wider concern around this is that it appears that such compensations are almost exclusively being paid to those affiliated to the UPND administration, and in a climate where the vast majority of Zambians are struggling to make ends meet, dishing out large sums of tax payers money in the manner we have seen does not demonstrate prudence in management of public resources. We urge the administration to take this matter with the seriousness it deserves and to bring a complete stop to it.
This year has also seen troubling encroachments on democratic freedoms. Opposition parties have faced undue restrictions on their right to peaceful assembly, a fundamental liberty enshrined in Zambia’s constitution. Instances of selective law enforcement and intimidation of dissenting voices further highlight the shrinking space for political pluralism. Such actions erode public trust and contradict the principles of fairness and inclusivity that underpin a functioning democracy. We therefore urge the government in general, and the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police in particular to resist the temptation of trampling on citizens’ freedoms. Instead, they should facilitate citizens’ enjoyment of those freedoms as long as they are not breaking the law or causing any disorder.
The absence of legislation to regulate political party financing remains a glaring gap in Zambia’s governance architecture. Without a transparent framework, political parties backed by big funders continues to benefit disproportionately from financial advantages skew electoral competition while exposing the country to the risk of state and policy capture. The enactment of the Political Parties Bill is long overdue and we urge government to take significant steps in actualizing this. This legislation is essential not only for leveling the political playing field but also for reducing the risks of policy capture and electoral corruption.
The health and education sectors have not been spared from governance challenges. The case involving Health Permanent Secretary Prof. Christopher Simoonga, who is alleged to have awarded a US$6.8 million contract to a company linked to his other affiliations, underscores the systemic nature of corruption in public procurement. Similarly, the Ministry of Education’s unauthorized K3.6 million procurement, which placed financial burdens on schools, highlights the need for stricter adherence to procurement laws. These cases are emblematic of broader governance failures that demand comprehensive reforms. We commend the President for taking swift action to act on the Health Permanent Secretary, but we urge for similar decisive action on other government officials who have been accused of corruption.
Ladies and gentlemen, land administration and management has also presented several concerns all through the year. Among these are land tenure security issues especially for customary landholders, who include marginalised groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities. Further, in the face of the economic expansion through large scale land-based investments such as the mining, agricultural, forestry and climate change mitigation efforts, land tenure systems for communities are affected. In cases where displacements have occurred, ensuring transparency and fairness in the compensation processes remains problematic. Corruption in the land sector is rife as evidenced by several reports, which we have received through our Legal Advice for Citizens, throughout the year. With the opportunity of strengthening the land sector legal framework, through the Lands Bill of 2024, TI-Z looks forward to a participatory process with honest reflections, taking on board key stakeholders to foster transparent, equitable and corruption free land governance.
As we conclude 2024, it is evident that Zambia stands at a crossroads. The progress made this year offers hope, but the challenges we have outlined raise the urgent need for decisive action. TI-Z remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. We urge the government to fulfill its promises and build a corruption-free society that upholds the principles of justice and equity for all Zambians.
Thank you and may God bless Zambia.
For Immediate Release
Date: Monday 23rd December 2024
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TI-Z End of Year Statement for 2024
Delivered by Mrs Priscilla C. Chansa, TI-Z Chapter President
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