Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
THE fight against corruption requires a unified front and Civil Society Organisations must play a supportive role rather than resort to negative branding, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Michael Reza, has said.
He made the call yesterday at the launch of the national consultative process for the development of the second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 2) held in Harare.
This launch follows three consultative seminars held in the provinces of Bulawayo, Midlands and Manicaland last week.
“I appeal to civil society organisations to have the national agenda at heart and resist the temptation to be agents of negative branding for the country,” Mr Reza said.
“Zimbabwe, just like any other country that is signatory to various international and regional conventions, acknowledges the detrimental effects of graft and is championing zero tolerance to corruption.
“Let us join hands and increase anti-corruption awareness, which is empowering the citizens with knowledge and information that is crucial in ensuring their active participation.”
He stressed that combating corruption is a collective responsibility that requires the active involvement of all stakeholders, rather than a solo endeavour.
“I encourage all citizens to buy into the development of NACS 2, recognising that the fight against corruption is not the exclusive domain of anti-corruption agencies, law enforcement and the judiciary.
“This narrow approach has consistently failed across the world because it fundamentally misconstrues the nature of corruption itself. Corruption is not an isolated act committed by a few bad actors in dark corners. It is a complex system of behaviours, incentives, cultural attitudes and institutional weaknesses that permeates all levels of society.”
Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Senator Charles Tavengwa also weighed in, saying the fight against corruption requires an all-stakeholder approach.
“As we meet today, we do so with a deep understanding that corruption is not merely an administrative problem or a legal issue to be addressed through policy documents alone,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary for Harare Provincial Minister of State and Devolution Mr Cosmas Chiringa.
“Corruption strikes at the very heart of our social contract, undermines the trust between Government and citizens, and robs our communities of the resources and opportunities they deserve.”
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