Germany’s ambassador to Zambia, Anne Wagner Mitchell, has returned a package of gifts she received from a Lusaka-based chief executive officer, stating that she can only accept gifts of minor value.
According to a letter she wrote to the CEO, Mitchell stated that the package included several expensive electronic gadgets, such as a flash drive, power bank, and thermos flask with a digital temperature display. From the package, the ambassador only took a season’s greeting card.
“I received a package with season greetings from your company. The package contained several electronic gadgets, including, among others, a power bank, a flash drive, and a thermos flask with a digital temperature display. Christmas cards, but gifts beyond a minor value: Return to sender,” she indicated.
Instead, Mitchell advised the CEO to channel the gifts to a charitable organisation caring for the poor and vulnerable in the south African country.
“I am sure the money spent on these gifts would be highly appreciated as a donation to a charitable charity caring for the most vulnerable and poor in Zambia’s society,” read the letter in part.
Mitchell informed the local boss that her decision to reject the gift was to uphold the integrity of her position.
“Please be informed that, as a German civil servant and a public official, I am compelled by law to avoid even the appearance of gaining any personal advantage or benefits that may arise from my formal duties or to be susceptible to any influence from an external force. Hence, I am not allowed to accept any gifts beyond those of minor value,” she said.
In a strong warning to the CEO, the ambassador underscored the strict directive against sending any gifts in the future.
“Please do not send me any gifts in the future,” she warned.
