We will fight corruption regardless of dangers – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema says the New Dawn administration is prepared to carry forward the fight against corruption, regardless of the dangers which are associated with waging such a fight.

He was speaking during the 2025 international anti-corruption day in Lusaka today.

The event ran under the theme: “Uniting with youth against corruption: shaping tomorrow’s integrity.”

The President reiterated Government’s strong stance against corruption.

He said youths are great partners in the fight against corruption.

“Government’s stance on corruption is zero-tolerance. If you take what is not yours and you break the law, you are on your own. I have said this from day one in office, at the risk of losing political popularity,” he said. 

President Hichilema said Zambians must appreciate the government’s posture and political will to fight corruption.

“The fight against corruption is lonely but it’s not lonely when you see youths sending a clear message against corruption. I want to encourage oversight institutions that you are not alone.

“We will continue to fight corruption together,” the President said.

President Hichilema said fighting corruption is a noble cause that the UPND-led government is prepared to carry forward, no matter the perils which are associated with it.

He added that fighting corruption is not only a legal issue but also a moral one, and therefore society needs to detest corruption and not protect those who engage into the vice.

“I’m emotionally attached to the fight against corruption. I really feel bad when fellow citizens want to protect those who are stealing from the people.

“As a nation, we must be agreed that we do not support corruption and the corrupt. We must not celebrate corruption. We must stand together in the fight against corruption,” President Hichilema said.

The head of State further said all Zambians must play a part in the fight against corruption because: “doing so will benefit society.”

“We must internalise the fight against corruption and take it as our own,” he said.

 The President also said when corruption is fought, public resources are secured to fund initiatives like free education which essentially lift the lives of Zambians.

“Our Government’s relentless fight against corruption should not be doubted and it is a campaign that targets no one.

“We will continue supporting the efforts of all our investigative wings so that the fight against corruption can be won,” said President Hichilema.