Melo News | Friday,19 January 2024 | Lusaka
Dr. Ron Mwambwa, the Acting Auditor General, made a notable appearance yesterday in front of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights, and Governance. His purpose was to present a compelling submission regarding the ongoing battle against corruption in Zambia. With his expertise and insights, Dr. Mwambwa shed light on the crucial measures required to combat this pressing issue and emphasized the importance of upholding transparency and accountability within the nation’s governance system. His appearance served as a significant step towards fostering a more just and corruption-free society in Zambia.
In his presentation, Dr. Mwambwa shed light on the existing legal structure, the key stakeholders involved, the obstacles faced, and put forth a set of suggestions for the Committee to ponder upon. By delving into the intricacies of the current legal framework, he provided valuable insights into its strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of understanding the various players involved in order to effectively address the challenges at hand. Dr. Mwambwa’s recommendations offered a roadmap for the Committee to explore potential solutions and make informed decisions moving forward.
During the constitutional review, Dr. Mwambwa emphasized the importance of reevaluating the definition of a public officer to ensure inclusivity. According to Dr. Mwambwa, it is crucial to revisit this definition in order to encompass a wider range of individuals who serve in public positions. By doing so, the constitutional review can address any existing gaps and ensure that all individuals fulfilling public roles are appropriately recognized and accounted for.
In his submission, he emphasized the stark contrast between the current definition stated in the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act of 2016 and the one outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2012. He stressed the importance of aligning the supreme law of the land, the Constitution, with the provisions of the enabling Act to ensure harmony and coherence between the two.
Dr. Mwambwa further emphasized the need for the Government to contemplate the establishment of the Office of Administrator-Asset Manager, which would play a crucial role in effectively handling the forfeited property. This proposal highlights the importance of having a dedicated entity responsible for managing these assets, ensuring their proper utilization and maximizing their potential benefits for the nation. By introducing such an office, the Government would demonstrate its commitment to efficient asset management and contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the country.
Without wasting a moment, he promptly emphasized that currently, the Ministry of Finance holds complete responsibility for the accountability of all public assets.
The members of the Committee eagerly seized the opportunity to pose their inquiries regarding the effectiveness of the existing legal framework. Each member took turns, ensuring that every aspect of the framework’s adequacy was thoroughly examined. They delved into the depths of the issue, discussing whether the current measures were sufficient in combating corruption or if further actions needed to be taken. The room was filled with a sense of urgency and determination as they brainstormed and debated on the potential solutions to eradicate corruption once and for all.
