The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called on all political parties and leaders to uphold civil and issue-based language ahead of the 13th August General Elections, condemning remarks that dragged a candidate’s elderly mother into political attacks. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe expressed concern over comments allegedly attributed to President Hakainde Hichilema during […]

The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called on all political parties and leaders to uphold civil and issue-based language ahead of the 13th August General Elections, condemning remarks that dragged a candidate’s elderly mother into political attacks.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe expressed concern over comments allegedly attributed to President Hakainde Hichilema during recent campaign rallies in Mazabuka.

The remarks appear to have drawn the elderly mother of Mazabuka Central aspiring candidate Gary Nkombo into political attacks against her son.

“Such conduct crosses a line no political contest should cross,” Katebe said, in a statement.

She noted that while Zambia’s democracy thrives on robust debate, there is a clear distinction between challenging candidates on policy and targeting family members.

“The elderly mother is not a candidate. She did not seek public scrutiny, and she deserves none,” she stated.

NGOCC warned that using women connected to political figures as “soft targets” amounts to gendered political violence.

“Women, mothers, wives, daughters are frequently weaponised to wound their male relatives, exposing them to public ridicule, online abuse, and in some cases genuine safety risks,” Katebe said.

“This is a form of gendered political violence, and NGOCC will not stay silent when it happens, regardless of who the perpetrator is.”

The Council urged President Hichilema and all candidates to redirect campaign discourse to issues affecting Zambians.

“We urge all leaders to focus on jobs, the cost of living, agriculture, healthcare, education and national development at large. Zambians deserve a campaign of ideas, not insults aimed at family members who never sought the podium,” Katebe added.

Francis Chipalo