Promoting Good Governance in Zambia: 7 Key Institutions Explained

In this post, we delve into the crucial institutions that uphold good governance in Zambia, exploring their roles and impact on the nation’s development. From the legislative functions of the Zambian Parliament to the anti-corruption efforts of the ACC, the judicial fairness upheld by the Judiciary, and the human rights advocacy by the Human Rights Commission, learn how these bodies work together to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in Zambia.

Institutions that Promote Good Governance in Zambia

Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how these institutions shape everyday life and contribute to the country’s stability and growth.

The Human Rights Commission (HRC)

• The government established the Raman Rights Commission (HRC) in 1996 specifically to focus on the protection and promotion of human rights.
• The HRC has since its inception enhanced its accessibility through a decentralisation programme which has seen the establishment of some provincial offices; partnership and collaboration with various stakeholders; establishment of prohibited immigrant’s fund; and a complaints database.
• The complaints handled by HRC include employment and labour related cases, torture, and child abuse.
• The HRC also undertakes a number of prison visits. It is worth noting that the HRC faces a number of challenges which range from inadequate funding and logistics to understaffing.

The Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA)

• In 1999, the government established the Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA) which commenced its operations in 2002.
• The PPAC addresses public complaints against police misconduct in order to secure individual fundamental human rights and freedoms and achieve professionalism in the Zambia Police Service.
• Zambia has submitted her state party reports to various treaty bodies as provided for in various international and regional human rights instruments ratified or acceded to by the state.

The National Assembly of Zambia

• In trying to promote good governance, through its functions the National Assembly enhances transparency and accountability.
• The legislature has three main functions namely, to make laws, to vote money for public expenditure, and to oversee government administration and subject its activities to scrutiny.
• Other functions are also undertaken such as ratification of certain presidential appointments, and representation of the electorate.
• Under the Parliamentary Reform Project (PRP), the National Assembly has undertaken to reform its operations in five key areas namely, the legislative process, member- constituency relations, administration of the National assembly, support services to Parliament and the Committee system.
• The PRP activities included; the development and implementation of a strategic plan; review of the standing orders;

The Office of the Vice President Parliamentary Business Division (OVP-PBD)

• This is a governance institution which coordinates the executive side of Government business in Parliament.
• The institution concentrates on enhancing transparency, accountability and collective responsibility of the Cabinet in the discharge of parliamentary business, particularly the oversight function of parliament over Government Administration.
• The task of co-ordinating parliamentary duties was in 1994, delinked from Cabinet Office to the Office of the Vice-President, where the Vice-President became the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)

• The Anti-Corruption Commission was established in 1980.
• The ACC has three main functions namely, to prevent corruption; to investigate and prosecute offenders; educate the public about corrupt practices and foster public support in the fight against the scourge.
• The ACC consists of five part-time commissioners who are answerable to Parliament and under them is the Director-General who heads the directorate.
• The ACC has been strengthened by decentralising its operations and establishing offices in all provincial centres of the country.
• The ACC strategic plan and organisational structure were reviewed in 2003 and new ones developed.
• Furthermore, in 2003 the Government conducted a National Governance Baseline Survey whose aim was to measure perceptions of corruption and public service delivery with a view to developing a comprehensive strategy to combat corruption and enhance public delivery.
• The survey provided empirical data on corruption in Zambia and is assisting the ACC develop appropriate corruption prevention mechanisms and interventions.

Amnesty international

They lobby and advocate for abuse of human rights

Local and national civil society organisation

• They represent interest and the rights of different groups of people
• Examples, Zambia National Farmers Union(ZFNU),Women for Change(WC)

Revision questions

1. In your own understanding, define the concept of governance
2. There was good governance in Zambia’s pre-colonial society. Discuss.
3. Name and briefly explain the work of some of the institutions that promote good governance in Zambia.