Media's Role in Combating Corruption in the Education Sector's Procurement Process

By Daily News Reporter

Corruption in the procurement process within the education sector poses a significant threat to economic stability and the effective delivery of public services. The media plays a critical role in uncovering and addressing corruption, thereby safeguarding the economy and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and transparently.

As a watchdog, the media is instrumental in exposing corrupt practices in procurement, such as bribery, bid-rigging, and the embezzlement of funds. By shedding light on these issues, the media not only deters corruption but also pressures authorities to take corrective action. This vigilance is crucial in a sector as vital as education, where financial mismanagement can have long-lasting effects on the nation’s future.

Chilufya Sampa, an expert in public procurement, explains that procurement constitutes a considerable percentage of any country’s GDP. "It is vitally important that the entire process, from start to finish, is transparent and accountable to ensure that the public gets value for money," Sampa emphasized.

"Effective public procurement determines the quality of public infrastructure and services, impacting the range and depth of what a state can provide to its citizens. Money wasted due to collusion or corruption ultimately results in fewer public funds," he added.

Public procurement malpractices include overpricing contracts, non-delivery of obligations, failure to follow procedures, non-disclosure of conflicts of interest, facilitation payments, and the quick processing of tenders and payments. While these actions are not necessarily violations, they become problematic without reasonable justification.

Mr. Sampa further noted that corruption, gross negligence, political influence, and failure to adhere to procedures continue to plague public procurement processes.

Jack Phiri, a resident of Kalingalinga Compound in Lusaka, emphasized the detrimental impact of corruption on the economy and the importance of media oversight. "Without the media, the public would remain unaware of how school funds are misused. Corruption in procurement affects the quality of education and drains resources that could be better spent on improving our schools," Phiri stated.

The media also plays a vital role in informing the public about procurement processes, helping to ensure they are transparent and fair. By keeping the public informed, the media prevents the secrecy that allows corruption to thrive. This transparency is essential for maintaining trust in public institutions and ensuring that taxpayer money is used for its intended purpose.

Veteran Media Consultant Kellys Kaunda highlighted the economic consequences of corruption in the education sector, noting that it undermines development and erodes public trust.

"Corruption in procurement leads to inflated costs, substandard materials, and delayed projects, all of which have a negative impact on the economy. Through investigative journalism, the media can expose these practices and advocate for reforms that enhance accountability," Kaunda remarked during a media capacity-building workshop on public procurement in Zambia organized by CUTS International Lusaka.

CUTS is implementing a project titled ‘Enhanced Oversight and Monitoring of Public Procurement in Zambia’s Education Sector,’ which aims to stimulate broad discussions toward adopting a transparent, fair, and competitive public procurement system. The project focuses on legislative and regulatory frameworks such as the Public Procurement Act of 2020, the Anti-Corruption Act of 2012, the Public Finance Management Act of 2018, and the Companies Act of 2017.

Allan Chanda Chitwamali, Programme Officer at CUTS International Lusaka, stressed that media scrutiny is essential for holding government institutions accountable. "The media’s role in following up on procurement outcomes—such as the quality of materials delivered and the implementation of educational projects—ensures that public funds are used effectively. When corruption is exposed, it forces a reevaluation of policies and practices, ultimately leading to better economic outcomes," Chitwamali added.

Chitwamali also urged the media to continue investigating and reporting on allegations of corruption within the procurement process. Such efforts are crucial for promoting accountability and ensuring that those responsible for economic mismanagement are held accountable.

Overall, the media is a powerful tool in the fight against corruption, playing a vital role in protecting the economy and ensuring that the education sector’s procurement processes are conducted with integrity and in the best interest of the public.