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Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
The Sadc region is expected to intensely discuss corruption as it finds itself grappling with the pervasive and insidious issue, which threatens socio-economic development.
This multi-faceted scourge not only undermines the socio-economic development of the Sadc member states, but also poses a significant threat to peace and security in the region.
Corruption has woven itself into the fabric of many SADC countries, permeating various sectors, including Government, law enforcement, and private sector.
The ramifications of this endemic corruption are far-reaching, creating a breeding ground for inequality, poverty and political instability.
Moreover, the illicit flow of funds due to corrupt practices hampers efforts to combat transnational crime, terrorism, and other security threats, making it a pressing concern for the entire Sadc community.
The SADC Protocol Against Corruption, adopted in 2001, serves as a cornerstone for the region’s anti-corruption efforts.
The protocol outlines measures for preventing and combating corruption, promoting integrity and accountability, and enhancing transparency in the public and private sectors.
However, despite this framework, the prevalence of corruption continues to hinder progress and erode public trust in governance institutions.
During the summit, President Mnangagwa will lead Sadc leaders in the debate on corruption as it tops the agenda.
In his first state of the nation address of the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the Senate in December 2017, President Mnangagwa promised zero tolerance in his Government’s push to punish corruption.
“Corruption remains the major source of some of the problems we face as a country and its retarding impact on national development cannot be overemphasized,” President Mnangagwa said.
“On individual cases of corruption, every case must be investigated and punished in accordance with the dictates of our laws. There should be no sacred cows. My Government will have zero tolerance towards corruption, and this has already begun.”
To address this critical issue, SADC member states need to prioritise the implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption laws and regulations.
They should establish independent anti-corruption agencies with the necessary resources and authority to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption without fear or favour.
Additionally, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in both public and private sectors is imperative to root out corruption at its core.
In statement at a meeting of the Heads of Sadc Anti-Corruption Agencies in Johannesburg two years ago, regional heads concurred that corruption continued to inflict significant damage to economic and social development and undermining transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
The SADC Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies attended by representatives from Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Malawi, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe discussed emerging trends in corruption and strengthening cooperation in the fight against the scourge and to strengthen implementation of the SADC Strategic Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023-2027) as well as share experiences and best practices.
SADC anti-corruption agencies pledged to continue to share best practices to facilitate strengthening of regional cooperation and capacity in fighting against corruption and to facilitate creating mechanisms that will make cooperation among them flexible to speed up their anti-corruption work.
The agencies also agreed that there was need for increase capacity on an on-going basis, particularly in emerging trends and issues that require new skills to effectively respond to the evolving nature of corruption and other related crimes which corruption facilitates.
It was also agreed that there was need to enhance collaboration with the SADC Parliamentary Forum in enhancing the role of parliaments to use their constitutional mandate in fighting corruption and domestication of the protocol against corruption and other instruments.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting the acting director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, Ms Kealeboga Moruti, said corruption had the potential to undermine peace and stability of member states and exacerbate inequalities as it leads to unequal distribution of wealth and capacity o deliver socio-economic development to secure a better life for all citizens.
As the Heads of State from SADC gather for the 44th Sadc Summit in Zimbabwe in August where President Mnangagwa will assume the chairmanship of the regional block, the agenda must include robust discussions on strategies to dismantle the scourge of corruption.
This includes fostering regional cooperation in sharing best practices, intelligence, and resources to combat cross-border corruption and money laundering.
Furthermore, the summit presents an opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the SADC protocol against corruption and to pledge concrete actions to strengthen its implementation.
It should prioritise the establishment of a regional mechanism for monitoring and reporting on progress in the fight against corruption, ensuring mutual accountability among member states.
By fostering a culture of transparency and integrity, the region can build a solid foundation for sustainable development, peace, and security.
Transparency International Zimbabwe executive director, Mr Tafadzwa Chikumbu, said corruption remains a challenge within the region and the Sub-Saharan African region as a whole and should top the agenda at the Sadc Summit.
“The Sub-Saharan average on the Corruption Perceptions Average is 33/100. It is therefore crucial for SADC member states to put corruption on the agenda of the regional board. Key among other issues are matters relating to Mutual Legal Assistance, asset recovery and whistle-blower protection,” Mr Chikumbu said.
Given that corruption is a transnational crime, countries in the region should cooperate in investigations, prosecution, and recovery of assets.
“This therefore requires member states to mutual legal assistance agreements to ensure sharing of evidence, witnesses, and information across borders.
“This simplifies extradition and repatriation of fugitives and recovered assets and promotes harmonisation of laws and judicial procedures,” he said.
According to experts, the Sadc Summit should amplify the corruption debate taking into cognisance that the 2024 Africa Anti-Corruption Day focussed on protection of whistle-blowers.
The summit should amplify this debate to ensure that member states who are lagging in putting in place legal frameworks for whistle-blowers protection are encouraged to come up with such. This will enable the public to report corruption across sectors.
Corruption in the region is a complex and deeply entrenched issue that demands urgent attention.
The upcoming summit in Zimbabwe provides a platform for decisive action and collaboration among member states to confront this threat head-on.
By embracing the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency, the SADC community can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.
Online Reporter