State House Reaffirms Zero Tolerance on Corruption

State House has firmly distanced itself from comments attributed to former Minister of Health Dr Alex Katakwe, reaffirming the Government's uncompromising stance against corruption.

In a statement issued by Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, State House described the Government's position as "unequivocal," stressing that any benefit accepted by a public officer in connection with a public contract constitutes corruption, with no acceptable threshold.

"There is no threshold of moderation," the statement read. "The President has always been clear that such thinking does not represent the values he seeks all in the government to uphold and will not be tolerated."

State House went further, describing corruption as "a cancer that can never be tolerated," and signalling that the principle applies without exception across all levels of government.

The remarks underline President Hakainde Hichilema's consistent message since taking office that public service must be conducted with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The Government has repeatedly emphasised that the fight against corruption remains central to its governance agenda, particularly as Zambia continues to strengthen public confidence in state institutions.