————- Government says chiefs
are well positioned to take a leading role in developing programs that
will facilitate the reversal of cultural and traditional customs promoting corruption.
Central province permanent secretary Annie Sinyangwe said in Kabwe
today that this would be in line with the social objectives of the
national Anti-Corruption policy.
Mrs. Sinyangwe said this in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Ronald Sinyangwe
at a one day dissemination workshop for the national anti-corruption policy for
traditional leaders at Kabwe Lodge.
Mrs. Sinyangwe noted that as custodians of social values and norms in
communities, chiefs were therefore well placed for social mobilization
against corruption and subsequent enhancement of good and acceptable
values that deter corruption.
She said it was for this reason that the national anti-corruption
policy carries as one of its objectives, the need to facilitate chiefs
involvement in social mobilization against corruption.
She said while the fight against corruption is the responsibility of
everyone, the role played by traditional leaders is even greater because of the
influence that they have on their subjects.
She said government was happy and grateful that the department of
international development and other cooperating partners have
continued to provide support to Zambia in the anti-corruption fight.
And speaking earlier, Anti Corruption Commission central province regional manager Charles
Mwanda said the purpose of the workshop was to highlight the roles
chiefs will play in the implementation of the policy and various
strategies that will be used.
Mr. Mwanda said the effective implementation of the national
anti-corruption policy is vital to the lives and welfare of the
people of Zambia as the scourge has been an impediment to economic
development.
The workshop is being attended by chiefs from Itezhitezhi, Mumbwa and
Chibombo districts .