Group decries persistent corruption, as 2024 governance landscape marked by mixed fortunes

The Non-Governmental Gender Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has described 2024 as a year of mixed outcomes in governance, citing progress in some areas and setbacks in others.

NGOCC Board Chairperson, Beauty Katebe, speaking at a year-end media briefing in Lusaka on Monday, acknowledged efforts to combat corruption but expressed concern over political and governance irregularities.

Katebe highlighted the suspension, dismissal, and conviction of high-profile individuals involved in financial crimes as positive steps.

However, she criticised persistent corruption, emphasising that it disproportionately harms vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.

“Corruption diverts resources meant to uplift the livelihoods of citizens, particularly women and girls, who make up the majority of the poor in Zambia,” Katebe said.

She also raised the alarm over findings in the Financial Intelligence Centre and Auditor General’s reports, noting that irregularities remained unaddressed.

“The glaring financial discrepancies are deeply worrying, and no concrete action appears to have been taken to address them,” she stated.

Katebe condemned the prolonged detention of protesters in 2024, attributing it to the outdated Public Order Act.

She reiterated NGOCC’s call for reforms to the legislation, describing it as repressive.

“The government must ensure justice is visibly served, with fairness and equality before the law, including for those exercising their right to protest,” she said.

Katebe also urged the government to operationalize the Gender Equity and Equality Commission, which has remained dormant since its establishment in 2015.

“The Commission, enshrined in the Zambian Constitution, is vital for mainstreaming gender in policy, legal, and administrative frameworks. Its absence denies women and girls a mechanism to promote gender parity,” she explained.

Katebe emphasized that activating the Commission would enhance efforts to address inequalities and promote gender justice in Zambia.

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