It's all Lies

NGOCC defends its credibility against accusations of backdoor support for Bill No. 7. Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe says the organization categorically denies any involvement in the alleged funding plot revealed in a leaked audio recording.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (July 21, 2025) 'The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has strongly refuted claims that it received government funding to promote the controversial Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025.

Addressing journalists in Lusaka, NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe dismissed the allegations—circulating in a purported audio recording between two Members of Parliament—as “false, defamatory, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the organization’s reputation.”

In the audio clip, one of the MPs suggests that public funds may have been allocated to select civil society groups to mobilize support for the bill, naming NGOCC among them. Katebe said the organization had no involvement in any such arrangement.

"Let us be clear—NGOCC has no part in this alleged scheme. We distance ourselves entirely from these claims, which lack both evidence and merit," she stated.

Katebe reminded the public that NGOCC had officially rejected Bill No. 7 in a statement issued on June 2, 2025, citing the bill’s failure to meet fundamental standards of inclusivity, transparency, and democratic legitimacy.

“Our opposition is grounded in principle,” she explained. 

“Any constitutional reform process that excludes the voices of ordinary citizens—especially women, youth, and marginalized communities—cannot be considered legitimate.”

She stressed that NGOCC operates as a non-partisan, autonomous organization committed to advancing justice, good governance, and gender equality.

“These accusations are not only baseless, but also a direct assault on our integrity and the values we uphold,” Katebe said. 

“We demand an immediate and public withdrawal of these malicious claims.”

Reaffirming NGOCC’s position, Katebe urged citizens to remain alert to misinformation and to defend Zambia’s democratic processes.

“We call on all well-meaning Zambians to safeguard our democracy from distortion and undue influence,” she said.

For over two decades, NGOCC has been at the forefront of championing gender equity and inclusive policy-making in Zambia.