MINISTRY OF EDUCATION EMBROILED IN K3.6 MILLION SCANDAL: NAQEZ DEMANDS HEADS TO ROLL
In what has been dubbed one of the most disgraceful financial scandals in recent history, the Ministry of Education has been exposed for squandering K3.6 million on a dubious census software, M.SAT, without proper justification. The revelation has sent shockwaves across Zambia, with calls for immediate accountability intensifying.
The scandal came to light during the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) hearings, where Ministry officials were left fumbling for answers on how such an enormous amount of taxpayers’ money was funneled into a shadowy deal. The software, M.SAT, remains a mystery to many, with no evidence of its functionality or necessity in the education sector.
The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has since issued a scathing statement, labeling the involved officials as “enemies of the people” and demanding decisive action from President Hakainde Hichilema.
“School grants are critical to running educational activities in the country. To see millions wasted in this manner is an insult to every Zambian child struggling to learn in dilapidated classrooms,” fumed NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa. “This blatant abuse of authority must not go unpunished. The President must act now.”
Chansa further threw his weight behind PAC’s efforts to recover the stolen funds while urging the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to launch a thorough investigation.
“Citizens are tired of being told to tighten their belts while officials shamelessly loot public funds. This is the time for the ACC to prove its worth,” he added.
As outrage mounts, Zambians are questioning how such a reckless expenditure could have slipped past oversight mechanisms. Social media is ablaze with citizens demanding answers and insisting that heads must roll in the Ministry of Education.
“This isn’t just a scandal—it’s a betrayal of the Zambian people. While children sit on the floor due to lack of desks, officials are busy lining their pockets. Enough is enough!” wrote one enraged commenter.
The Ministry of Education is yet to issue a satisfactory explanation, further fueling public suspicion. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for President Hichilema to demonstrate his government’s commitment to rooting out corruption—a key promise of his administration.
Failure to act decisively could spell political disaster, as Zambians grow increasingly impatient with corruption scandals that rob the nation of progress and dignity.
KUMWESU DEC 7, 2024