JCTR’s Observations on President Lungu’s Speech to Parliament on the Progress of National Values and Principles
Abstract
On Friday, 15th March, 2019, the President of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, delivered his speech to Parliament on progress made in the application of national values and principles. Looking at the statistics cited in the speech, many of these successes are significant. Among these were, how various public servants, including the police, have developed codes of ethics encompassing the national values. The progress reported in the reporting of Gender Based Violence (GBV). In addition to this, a considerable number of the victims were male, which entails a good sign towards ending the stigma attached to GBV. He mentioned the enactment of the Public Finance Bill which will further transparency in the use and management of public funds.
Description
The President’s address to Parliament demonstrates the government’s willingness and commitment to applying the national values. There is no doubt that this is commendable. This paper documents the progress made in the application of national values and principles, but also questions the extent of this progress, what it lacks, and what more can be done?