Former Minister of Health Dr. Alex Katakwe has issued a public apology and clarification regarding remarks he made concerning the conduct of public officers during his farewell media engagement on May 15, 2026. The apology was specifically addressed to the People of Zambia, the Office of the President, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Staff of the Ministry of Health.

In a statement released in Lusaka, Katakwe explained that his original intention was to highlight two critical points: first, the unacceptability and necessity of rejecting corruption in all its forms; and second, the importance for public officers to remain vigilant against practices that blur the line between genuine appreciation and improper inducement. However, he acknowledged that his choice of words unfortunately created a misleading impression.

Dr. Katakwe recognized that his phrasing, particularly regarding “tokens of appreciation” and advising public officers to “eat moderately,” inadvertently suggested an endorsement of conduct inconsistent with the Anti-Corruption Act and the Public Service Code of Ethics. He explicitly stated that this was never his intent and recognized that such language was inappropriate, risking damage to public confidence in the standards public servants are obligated to uphold. Consequently, he formally withdrew the contentious remarks.

The former minister affirmed his full alignment with the positions articulated by State House and the Anti-Corruption Commission on the matter, emphasizing that any benefit accepted by a public officer in connection with a public contract constitutes corruption and must be rejected. He urged all public officers to continue discharging their duties impartially and in strict accordance with the law, reiterating his personal commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability as a public servant. Katakwe also thanked the public for holding leaders accountable and expressed regret for what he termed a lapse in judgment.

Katakwe’s apology followed direct condemnation from the Anti-Corruption Commission concerning his initial comments on gifts. The ACC clarified that under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, corruption is explicitly defined as the soliciting, accepting, obtaining, giving, promising, or offering of any gratification as a bribe or personal inducement. The Commission stressed that such remarks had the potential to encourage public officials to accept rewards for services rendered, an act that directly contravenes the stated Act.

Furthermore, the ACC distinguished between “gratification” and a “casual gift.” A casual gift, according to the Commission, must be conventional, unsolicited, of modest value, seasonal, and crucially, not connected to the performance of official duties. The Commission also referenced the revised Code of Ethics for the Public Service and Local Government, which mandates high standards of ethical conduct. This code unequivocally states that a public servant shall not accept gifts, rewards, hospitality, or benefits of any kind from any person or organization that might compromise their personal judgment, integrity, or impartiality.