.WINA
By NAKUBIANA MUMBUNA –
ACTING President Inonge Wina has called for a self-cleansing exercise in organisations if they are to become corrupt free and contribute to the fight against graft.
Ms Wina who was speaking at a national council for the Zambia Red Cross said a self-cleansing system in all organisations was cardinal in winning the fight against corruption in Zambia.
Ms Wina was impressed with the cleansing exercise that the Red Cross had undertaken in changing its image stating that she was impressed that the humanitarian organisation was now enjoying warm support from international organisations.
“My Government has followed with keen interest steps that your organisation has taken in changing its image.
“The Red Cross is now widely talked about and local and international donors are now more willing to work with you,” Ms Wina said.
She stated that Government was happy with the performance of Red Cross adding that it would endeavour to strengthen its partnership with the humanitarian organisation.
Ms Wina added that Government was now ready to receive any request from the Red Cross aimed at streamlining it operations.
Ms Wina revealed Government was now seriously considering reviving the Government monthly grant that was discontinued.
“I therefore request Zambian Red Cross Society, to renegotiate with Government through the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health as most of the core functions are at the community level,” she said.
Zambia Red Cross society President Godfrey Simasiku said the humanitarian organisation had in the recent past suffered multiple challenges emanating from governance inadequacies and lapses.
“As a result of this, the Red Cross from 2012 took a bold decision of self reform and transformation in order to turn it into a well functioning society that would operate according to the laid down principle of the Red Cross movement,” Mr Simasiku said.
He said the steps to reform that the organisation were paying off.
Mr Simasiku has since called on Government to seriously consider reviving the Government’s yearly grant.
