23/06/2026
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE:23 JUNE 2026
ZANESWA OFFICIALLY RE-BRANDS TO SESWI; DEMANDS STRONGER WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS AHEAD OF AUGUST POLLS
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA- The organization formerly known as the Zambia National Economic and Social Welfare Association (ZANESWA) wishes to officially inform the public, partner institutions, and the media that it has transitioned to its new corporate identity: the Sustainable Economic and Social Welfare Initiative (SESWI)
This strategic re- branding reflects the organization’s evolved and expanded mission to drive long-term, sustainable socio-economic development, youth empowerment, and strict public accountability across Zambia.
Marking its first official national policy intervention under the new SESWI name, the initiative has joined public oversight bodies and civil society networks in commemorating World Whistle blower Day 2026. Under the global theme, “Whistle blowing with Peace of Mind,” SESWI demands that statutory regulators urgently strengthen protection mechanisms for citizens as the country enters the critical phase of the 2026 electoral cycle.
Speaking on this landmark transition, SESWI Chief Strategic Officer, Stephanie Mtonga stated that the change from ZANESWA to SESWI marks a bold step toward aggressive grassroots civic literacy, especially during high-stakes political transitions.
Our transition to the Sustainable Economic and Social Welfare Initiative (SESWI) signals our deepened commitment to safeguarding our nation’s institutional integrity. We cannot expect everyday Zambians to safeguard public assets and ensure electoral integrity ahead of the August polls if they do not have peace of mind. Whistle blowing is a foundational pillar of democratic survival. As SESWI, we must collectively build a culture where reporting wrongdoing is legally secured and institutionally supported,
To actively launch its new corporate era, SESWI has announced two major upcoming interventions:
1. National Youth Integrity and Corporate Governance Symposium:Scheduled for Saturday, 25 July 2026, bringing together state regulators, student leaders, and corporate boards.
2. The Grassroots Civic Toolkit Project: The imminent deployment of secure, community-level monitoring resources designed to help local leaders report institutional malpractices safely and lawfully.
SESWI challenges all academic institutions, student unions across Lusaka, and grassroots youth cooperatives to recognize this institutional shift and collaborate closely with the secretariat to reject complacency. The organization stands fully prepared to serve as a reinforced civil society bridge, ensuring that national anti-corruption policies translate directly into local community protection.
Stephanie Mtonga
Chief Strategic Officer CSO/Founder
0779654454
