Londile Moyo
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SCORES of Government officials deployed in Beitbridge District on Tuesday signed Integrity Pledges (IP) under a programme facilitated by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
The initiative is part of ongoing nationwide multi-stakeholder awareness campaigns by ZACC, targeting border agencies, travellers and citizens in a bid to curb corruption, particularly in strategic areas such as border posts.
Authorities say the programme is designed to address concerns over rent-seeking activities and the smuggling of banned goods at the Beitbridge Border Post, which has been affecting Government revenue collection.
An Integrity Pledge, in the Zimbabwean context, is a formal commitment by individuals or institutions to uphold ethical conduct, transparency and accountability in their duties. It serves as a public declaration to resist corruption, promote honesty and adhere to the rule of law.
Among those who signed the pledges are officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Immigration Department, Vehicle Inspectorate Department, as well as representatives from parastatals and local authorities.
The Government is targeting at least 400 public workers in Beitbridge to sign the pledges as the programme is rolled out in phases. The first phase, which focused on senior managers, was conducted last year.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, ZACC provincial manager for Matabeleland South, Mr Albert Midzi, said the initiative is anchored under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), launched by President Mnangagwa in July 2020.
He said the signing of Integrity Pledges and the establishment of Integrity Committees fall under Pillar Three of the strategy, which focuses on the prevention of corruption.
“As part of the implementation of NACS, ZACC is advocating for the signing of Integrity Pledges by both public and private sector employees,” said Mr Midzi.
“We are also advocating for the establishment of Integrity Committees in parastatals, State-owned enterprises, Government departments, ministries and agencies, as well as in the private sector.
“The Integrity Pledge is a document that provides a set of positive principles and values to guide ethical conduct, including integrity, honesty, objectivity, impartiality, professionalism, transparency, accountability, courtesy and humility.”
Mr Midzi said the Government has adopted a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, with integrity pledges and committees forming part of broader efforts to promote ethical behaviour and strengthen corporate governance.
He added that the initiative draws from international best practices in countries such as Denmark, Singapore, Sweden, Japan and China, where similar measures have contributed to improved ethical standards and reduced corruption levels.
“This is a clarion call to all citizens to commit to acting in an honest, transparent and accountable manner at all times. The signing and commitment to integrity pledges and the establishment of integrity committees are envisaged to instil good ethics, foster trust, credibility, honesty, promote fairness, transparency and accountability,” said Mr Midzi.
Online Reporter