As part of the 2024 Annual Corruption Prevention Action Plan (ACPAP) for the Solwezi Municipal Council Integrity Committee, a sensitization meeting was today held to re-orient and remind members of staff on the need to uphold integrity as they discharge their duties.
During the meeting, Solwezi Municipal Council Town Clerk Mr Stanley Mbewe appreciated and awarded K1000.00 each to two female Officers under the department of Legal Services for their exceptional acts of integrity.
On 28th February, 2024, Clara Kapobe (Legal Assistant) and Nase Muwowo (Clerical Officer) demonstrated remarkable honesty and professionalism by picking money in the female ablution block which was promptly surrendered to the Head of Department, subsequently returning the money to the rightful owner.
In addressing the members of staff who convened in the Council Chamber, Solwezi Municipal Council Town Clerk Mr. Stanley Mbewe said the Municipality will continue to raise awareness on corruption issues through various platforms such as: placement of integrity material around Council premises, featuring on radio programs and one on one interactions.
Mr. Mbewe noted that the Integrity Committee has been instrumental in the process of limiting occurrences of corruption as the Council endeavours to be a corrupt free zone.
He further indicated the need for concerted efforts in the fight against corruption as it can only be conquered when everyone is adherent to values of integrity.
Also at the meeting was North-Western Province Anti-Corruption Commission Regional Manager Mr. Chileshe Mulenga who commended the Integrity Committee for its strides in constantly engaging Council employees and other partners on integrity matters.
Mr. Mulenga noted that the strides achieved by the Municipality through the Integrity Committee has changed the image and perception of the Council; which is admirable and worth emulating.
He expressed confidence in the Integrity Committee members and their ability to train personnel from other Local Authorities in the Province who have expressed interest in formulating Integrity Committees.
Meanwhile, Integrity Committee Chairperson, who is also Director of Human Resource and Administration Mrs Carol Mkandawire Chanda said the orientation meeting on integrity issues was paramount especially for members of staff that had recently joined the Local Authority to acquaint themselves with the Conditions of Service, operations of the IC, acquire knowledge on channels to follow in reporting any issues bordering on corruption.
The IC Chairperson also requested departmental heads to nominate an Officer that can be considered for the Anti-Corruption Commission Director General’s Award at the Integrity Committee Chief Executive Officer’s Forum which will be held on 1st November, 2024.
During the sensitization session, the following issues were tackled by the Integrity Committee, coupled with a plenary session:
✓ Administrative ethics, Code of Conduct for SMC and Conditions of Service
✓ Integrity Committee program in Zambia
✓ The Corruption phenomena
✓ Rewards Policy for SMC
✓ Complaints Handling Procedure for SMC


