Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has welcomed the conviction of former Southern Province Permanent Secretary Anne Sinyangwe for corruption involving K 89,253.00.
In a statement, TIZ Information Officer Charles Chulu says the conviction and sentencing of Ms. Sinyangwe will send a strong deterrent signal to would-be offenders.
Mr. Chulu says while TIZ does not take delight in seeing people going to jail, it strongly feels society needs to have good leaders who plant good seeds of integrity, accountability and transparency and also lead by example.
He says it is only a fact that when a leader falls short of values relating to integrity, accountability and transparency, their actions or lack thereof, may conflict with the law and the stipulated punishment could be that they to go to prison.
Mr. Chulu states that TIZ hopes that the conviction of Ms. Sinyangwe will serve as a good lesson to the current PF leadership, opposition parties and public service workers on the need to respect tax payer’s money, public authority and office.
And Transparency International Zambia has called for quick action to be taken against controlling officers who were found wanting in the 2015 Auditor General’s report.
Mr. Chulu has cited the revelation by the Auditor General’s report on the bills incurred by the Eastern Province administration totaling to K169,481 as accommodation and other hotel services where the Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo was lodging while his official residence was under renovation.
He says it known for a fact that cabinet office through the Secretary to the Cabinet did not authorize Mr. Kasolo to be accommodated in a hotel and as such action rather than words should be taken on this matter if the fight against corruption and the message from the president on 9th December, 2016 on the UN Anti-Corruption day is to be taken serious.