Lusaka, Zambia – May 18, 2026 — Former Minister of Health Dr. Alex Katakwe has issued a formal apology and clarification following public backlash over remarks he made during his farewell media engagement held on 15th May 2026, in which he spoke about public officers receiving “tokens of appreciation” and “eating moderately.”
In a statement addressed to the people of Zambia, State House, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and Ministry of Health staff, Dr. Katakwe acknowledged that his words created widespread misunderstanding and raised serious concerns about corruption and public service ethics.
Dr. Katakwe explained that his original intention was to emphasize two key messages: that corruption must be rejected in all forms, and that public officers must remain vigilant against practices that blur the line between genuine appreciation and improper inducement.
However, he admitted that the way he phrased his remarks gave the impression that he was endorsing behaviour that contradicts Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Act and the Public Service Code of Ethics.
“Unfortunately, the way I phrased my comments regarding ‘tokens of appreciation’ and ‘eating moderately’ created the impression that I was endorsing conduct inconsistent with the Anti-Corruption Act and the Public Service Code of Ethics,” he said.
The former minister stated that he now recognizes that such language was inappropriate and risked undermining public trust in the integrity standards expected from public officers.
He further said he was withdrawing the remarks completely and apologised for any confusion or offence caused to government institutions, his former colleagues, and the Zambian public.
“I unreservedly withdraw those remarks and apologize for any confusion or offense caused to the government, my former colleagues, and the Zambian public,” Dr. Katakwe said.
Dr. Katakwe also affirmed that he fully supports the position already issued by State House and the Anti-Corruption Commission, which clarified that any benefit accepted by a public officer in connection with a public contract is corruption and must be rejected.
“I fully align with the position stated by State House and the Anti-Corruption Commission: any benefit accepted by a public officer in connection with a public contract constitutes corruption and must be rejected,” he stated.
The former minister added that despite the controversy, he remains committed to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability, urging all public officers to discharge their duties impartially and within the confines of the law.
“As a public servant, I remain committed to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
Dr. Katakwe concluded his apology by thanking Zambians for holding leaders accountable and expressing regret for what he called a lapse in judgment.
The apology, dated 18th May 2026, comes amid growing public demand for strong ethical standards in public institutions, particularly in sectors such as health where procurement and public contracts often attract scrutiny.
