"Say no to Corruption" Urges President Banda

LUSAKA, Zambia, December 9, 2010 - His Excellency, Mr. Rupiah Banda, President of the Republic of
Zambia, has today marked International Anti-corruption Day, pledging his
commitment to instill integrity and good governance in Zambia.

Since December 9th 2005, when the United Nations' convention
against corruption became international law, the Zambian Government has
placed the fight against corruption at the top of the national development
agenda.

President Banda said of the occasion: "Corruption weakens
democratic institutions, perverts the rule of law, discourages investment and
aid, undercuts public confidence, feeds inequality and disenfranchises large
segments of the population. It is a severe obstacle to development and should
be "nipped in the bud" with the aggressiveness it deserves."

Demonstrating his commitment, the President launched the
"National Anti-corruption Policy" in August 2009, followed by an
implementation plan in March this year. The policy and its implementation
plan, both a Zambian first, provide a framework for developing and
implementing anti-corruption measures at three levels; legal, institutional
and social.

This is evident through initiatives such as the 'Integrity
Committee Initiative', designed to prevent corruption in government agencies
and the private sector. The initiative is being rolled out by the
Anti-Corruption Commission and so far has been established in 17 government
ministries, departments and agencies.

President Banda has committed resources to delivering
educational programmes, which take the core message about anti-corruption
across government and business. His goal is clear: to ensure robust and
reliable foundations for building tomorrow's Zambia.

Calling on all people to work together in this crusade,
President Banda said: "My Government is determined to rid this country of
corruption. But we cannot do it alone. We need the involvement of the private
sector, civil society organizations, religious organizations and the ordinary
citizen if we are to truly make a difference at the heart of our great
country".

Issued by:

                                  Dickson Jere
                           Special Assistant to the President
                               Press and public Relations

Contact: Dickson Jere, e-mail press at presidentbanda.com