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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has raised concern over remarks made by former Health Minister, Dr. Alex Katakwe, suggesting that public officials receiving “something for talk time” was acceptable.
Chilufya Chisanga, Acting Head of Corporate Communications at the ACC said the remarks were made during his farewell address last Thursday and risked encouraging public officials to accept rewards for services rendered.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Chisanga stated that under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, corruption included the soliciting, accepting, giving, or offering of any gratification as a bribe or personal inducement.
“The Commission wishes to categorically state that the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 clearly defines corruption as the soliciting, accepting, obtaining, giving, promising, or offering of gratification by way of a bribe or any other personal inducement or temptation,” she said.
Chisanga noted that gratification referred to any corrupt payment in cash or kind, other than a casual gift and a casual gift should be conventional, unsolicited, of modest value, seasonal, and not connected to the performance of official duties.
She said a bribe was often disguised as a gift or token of appreciation after a favour or service has been rendered.
“Consequently, the remarks attributed to Hon. Dr. Katakwe are unfortunate, as they have the potential to encourage public officials to accept rewards in exchange for services rendered to members of the public, an act that contravenes the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012,” Chisanga stated.
She also referred to the revised Code of Ethics for the Public Service and Local Government, which demanded high standards of ethical conduct.
Chisanga quoted the code as stating that a public servant shall not accept gifts, rewards, hospitality, or benefits that may compromise personal judgement, integrity, or impartiality.
“A public servant shall not accept gifts, rewards, hospitality, or benefits of any kind from any person or organisation which may compromise his or her personal judgement, integrity, or impartiality,” she said.
Chisanga urged all public officers to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Code of Ethics and to disregard the statements attributed to the outgoing Minister.
She said public officers were expected to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality, professionalism, and accountability, emphasizing that this was necessary to uphold public trust and confidence in public institutions.
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