The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has distanced itself from allegations circulating in an audio clip suggesting the organisation was financially engaged to support the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025.
The audio, allegedly involving two Members of Parliament, claims a budget was allocated to incorporate NGOCC into the amendment process, claims the state has dismissed as Artificially intelligence AI generated.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, NGOCC Board Chairperson, Beauty Katebe, reaffirmed the organisation’s opposition to any constitutional amendment process that excludes citizens, especially women and the youth.
“On June 2, 2025, NGOCC categorically rejected the amendment process of Bill No. 7 due to its lack of inclusivity, transparency, and failure to meet key minimum standards,” said Ms. Katebe.
She described the allegations as baseless, misleading, and an attack on the organisation’s credibility, demanding an immediate retraction and public clarification from those behind the claims.
Ms. Katebe reiterated that NGOCC remains a non-partisan, independent body committed to good governance, equity, and gender equality.
By Margaret Mwanza
