The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has called on the media to play a more active role in promoting whistleblowing and exposing corrupt practices, describing journalists as key partners in strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in Zambia.
ACC Director General, Daphne Chabu, says the Commission recognises the media as one of its most strategic partners in the fight against corruption, with its unique responsibility to inform and educate the public, influence opinion and expose wrongdoing through responsible and ethical journalism.
Speaking during the opening of a media capacity-building workshop on the role of the media in promoting whistleblowing and exposing corrupt practices in Lusaka today, Mrs. Chabu stressed that corruption thrives in environments characterised by silence, secrecy and fear, making it essential for citizens to have confidence to report suspected corruption without fear of victimisation or reprisals.
“Whistleblowing remains a critical tool in detecting and preventing corruption,” said Ms. Chabu.
She highlighted Zambia’s recent progress in strengthening governance, transparency and accountability systems through institutional reforms and the adoption of digital platforms to enhance citizen participation.
Ms. Chabu has highlighted that Zambia continues to explore ways of strengthening whistleblower protection mechanisms to improve their effectiveness, responsiveness and public confidence, adding that the media and other stakeholders have a critical role to play in supporting these efforts.
She further urged journalists to go beyond reporting corruption cases by educating the public about the importance of whistleblowing, legal protections available to whistleblowers and the reporting channels provided by the ACC and other relevant institutions.
And United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representative, Gregory Saili, said corruption, whether global or local, remains one of the major barriers to development, mostly affecting vulnerable communities.
Mr. Saili has since called on all stakeholders, including government and the media, to work together to address the challenge.
By Margaret Mwanza
