The Editor Zambia
POLITICAL Commentators have questioned the impartiality of Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe regarding her involvement in politics.
Beauty Katebe is under scrutiny, with allegations suggesting that she is using her position in the civil society organisation to advance personal political interests. 
Over the weekend, Katebe attended the Tonse Alliance manifesto launch in Lusaka on Saturday, a move that has drawn scrutiny from those who view it as a breach of her non-partisan mandate.
Formed in 1985, NGOCC remains a non-partisan umbrella network active in coordinating and strengthening non-governmental organisations, faith-based, and community based organisations.
The civil society organisation is known for its work towards equality, recognising the importance of women’s role in social, cultural, political, and economic development of the nation.
Political commentators have accused Katebe of using the non-partisan organisation to push her Tonse Alliance agenda to become Brian Mundubile’s running mate in the August 13 general elections.
The claims stem from Katebe’s full participation and attendance at all Tonse Alliance engagements, including the recent manifesto launch, amid accusations that she acts without consensus from the board.
Katebe was attending a political party manifesto launch wearing full NGOCC regalia. Surprisingly, Katebe was introduced as a member of the Tonse Alliance.
Is Katebe using the council to champion her political agenda?
Is NGOCC a member of the Tonse Alliance?
Has NGOCC joined politics?
Katebe’s participation in all Tonse Alliance activities confirms the civil society’s opposition political alignment and answers to suspicion of its vigorous campaign against Bill 7.
Katebe was at the centre of discrediting and misleading Zambians on bill 7, claiming the constitution amendment was meant to prolong the stay of President Hakainde Hichilema in office.
Katebe and the former Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Lungisani Zulu were the most loud in misleading Zambians on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) delimitation exercise of constituencies. At the time, the dual claimed exercise would only benefit one region, the Zambezi.
Analysts have warned NGOCC to avoid partisan politics while actively engaging in advocacy to promote women’s rights.
Analysts say the civil society organisation’s engagement in political alliance with the opposition jeopardises its work to lobby for women emancipation.
Though NGOCC justifies the move as a broader strategic engagement to monitor and assess the extent to which political parties are mainstreaming gender in their policies and commitments, this position is watered down following the organisation’s position on certain national matters.
