APOLOGY AND CLARIFICATION ON PUBLIC SERVICE CONDUCT REMARKS
To the People of Zambia,The Office of the President,The Anti-Corruption Commission,and the Staff of the Ministry of Health
I write to apologize for the remarks I made during my farewell media engagement on 15th May 2026 regarding the conduct of public officers.
My intention was to stress two points: first, that corruption in any form is unacceptable and must be rejected; and second, that public officers should remain vigilant against practices that blur the line between genuine appreciation and improper inducement.
Unfortunately, the way I phrased my comments regarding “tokens of appreciation” and “eating moderately” created the impression that I was endorsing conduct inconsistent with the Anti-Corruption Act and the Public Service Code of Ethics. That was not my intent. I now recognize that such language was inappropriate and risked undermining public confidence in the standards we are obligated to uphold.
I unreservedly withdraw those remarks and apologize for any confusion or offense caused to the government, my former colleagues, and the Zambian public. I fully align with the position stated by State House and the Anti-Corruption Commission: any benefit accepted by a public officer in connection with a public contract constitutes corruption and must be rejected.
As a public servant, I remain committed to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability. I urge all public officers to continue discharging their duties impartially and in strict accordance with the law.
I thank the public for holding leaders to account and reiterate my regret for this lapse in judgment.
Respectfully,Dr. Alex Katakwe
Former Minister of Health
Republic of Zambia
18th May 2026.