adminMangaliso Kabulika and Nokutenda Rusero
CIVIL servants from various ministries have signed integrity pledges as part of the Government’s efforts to fight corruption.
They signed the pledges at the Roll-out of the Integrity Pledge to Civil Servants: Sensitisation Workshop on the Establishment of Integrity Committees and Signing of the Pledge by Chief Directors and Directors in the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The move comes amid concerns about the prevalence of bribes in Government institutions.
The pledges, which are being introduced across Government departments, are seen as a significant step towards promoting honesty, accountability, fairness and transparency.
PSC general manager, talent management, Grace Machakaire, said there has been a rise in corrupt practices in Government institutions and the signing of integrity pledges is a step forward in eradicating corruption in all sectors. She said this will provide a broad base of operation in all institutions and by signing them, the civil servants are reaffirming to fight corruption.
“The Government declared zero tolerance to corruption and this initiative is a bold step towards fighting corruption.
“There is a need to get rid of all forms of maleficence within the PSC since its members are at the forefront of serving the public therefore and are exposed to the vice.
“By signing integrity pledges, individuals are joining in promoting a culture of honesty, accountability, fairness and transparency in all our institutions.
“Lack of integrity pledges within our institutions erodes the moral value of individuals and institutions and the country as a whole,” said Machakaire.
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission general manager for prevention and corporate governance, Clara Nyakotyo, called for the establishment of integrity committees within Government institutions to monitor and prevent corruption.
“Integrity Committees adopt a proactive rather than a reactive approach in dealing with corruption within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“This can be achieved by mainstreaming corruption prevention mechanisms into the routine business within MDAs,” said Nyakotyo.
Online Reporter