Corruption: Time to act

Victoria Ruzvidzo Business Focus
As he concluded his speech at the official opening of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament of Zimbabwe yesterday, President Mugabe made a very profound statement:
“As we forge ahead as a nation, let us remain united in our quest to build a foundation for lasting peace which, without doubt, is the precursor to, and stimulus for sustainable national development. Indeed as Members of Parliament, we bear on our shoulders the interests and hopes of our people.

“We should, therefore, discharge our esteemed mandate in a manner that does not erode their stock of trust in us.

“Legislature will, therefore, demand total commitment and participation from all of us, from the Executive to members of the public.”

Indeed, the generality of Zimbabweans have put a lot of trust in Government and all its arms but much of the trust has already been eroded as a result of corruption. So much of it has gone unrecorded while for that which is recorded, very little or no action at all has been taken to send the message home.

As I read the President’s body language at the opening of Parliament and at the luncheon held, I could sense his desire for everyone to expend their energy on progressive programmes and projects in a manner that would bring out a better country economically and in all aspects.

He said those in office should not abuse their authority but should instead know that they are in those positions to serve and should, therefore, not abuse the power entrusted in them.

But, as revealed by the Auditor-General’s report, there is gross abuse of the power and it is hurting the economy big time.

Even outside the latest report, the same office has released reports that have not been auctioned while high levels of corruption in parastatals and other institutions have also been unearthed.

Voices objecting to this kind of behaviour have been muted either voluntarily or involuntarily in many instances as the issues die down somewhat.

In the quotations above President Mugabe did not mention the word corruption but an average person can easily decipher that he was talking about bad behaviour that has elicited remonstrations and feelings of mistrust within the populace and corruption stands out as the vice that has been this country’s greatest undoing.

Billions of dollars have gone down the drain. Many are indeed burning the midnight candle but for the wrong reasons. This is the time they use to cut deals that enrich them while compromising the welfare of this nation at large.

Readers have this past week unleashed so much venom as they lament the fact that there has not been bold action taken to tame the scourge. This follows my instalment on the Auditor-General’s report where she lamented gross abuse of office in at least 18 ministries.

They insist that corruption will not go away unless drastic measures are taken on those who are caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Many have suggested that the 18 ministries caught offside should be named and officials brought to account to effect a proper clean-up process.

Below are a few of the responses sent via WhatsApp and the internet. They carry some pointers regarding the mood in terms of the growing levels of corruption.

Robzam wrote:
“As a newspaper and reporters in particular, you are doing a sterling job in keeping these issues alive when there are concerted efforts to silence you. My problem is very simple, unless the highest offices in the land start acting, you will shout hoarse. In most countries, the Vice President/Deputy Prime Minister normally takes charge of ensuring that this vice is dealt with.

“Its high time a commission headed by a retired judge be put in place to investigate these issues of corruption and anybody found wanting, no matter how high the office is, should be visited by the full wrath of law. Forget about the anti corruption commission, it’s a toothless bulldog and also susceptible to corruption.”

Mimi had this to say: “The Auditor-General’s Ms Chiri would have done a lot better if she had informed the nation on the 18 ministries that she has found still flouting Government procurement procedures even after having been warned.

“Merely trying to protect these ministries will not help because they will continue doing that which is not wanted. Or is it part of Government’s Secrecy Act to withhold them. If so, then why mention the issue to the public in the first place?”

Paul of Tarsus lamented: “Part of the problem is that we have over 18 ministries in the first place. Switzerland has seven ministers and a population of about eight million. They have no deputy ministers. We have ministers, senators, governors, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, countless MDs and GMs in parastatals, several national directors, head administrators. Despite this we are not as efficiently run and managed. We do not seem to grasp the concept of efficiency and value for money. They say only people who show money respect, get more money.

“We show no respect to money therefore we are poor. We act like it comes easy but you forget that every dollar that comes to the fiscus is money that someone else sweated for. Perhaps it is because none of our ministers has had a regular job in 34 years. That’s why I think we need to have more regular changes in our politicians, not the same guys for a third of a century!”

Another said: “Thank you very much for your today’s article ‘Sad day for our country’. You have indeed hammered the nail on the head. But what continues to disturb the ordinary populace is the disability of the course of justice.

“Someone ordered Snow Graders at the Road Department. No arrests. Some Airzim people and insurers defrauded the airline of millions and they are now free. Who is fooling who? As long as you are so and so’s son or grandson who is a top Government official you remain untouchable and no court of law will convict you of felony.

“This is Africa sister Vicky. Africa for Africans! Remember Salarygate and Jonathan Moyo became the villain instead of pursuing the criminals. The chief culprit is now in charge of the national Football Association. God help us!

“No-one cares as long as their own bank accounts and wallets are fat. Each man for himself and God for us all.

“In Europe governments look after the people but in Africa it is the people who look after the government.”

Regis Nhunduma weighed in with his thoughts: “Corruption is a word which a Grade one pupil can spell out and even define its meaning.

The State’s coffers are dry and now on deficit but still no one is man enough to grab the bull by its horns.

“Our jails have not yet accommodated such culprits.

“A lot has been said about salary scandals but none took ownership of responsibility. Instead we heard that it was oversight as ministers slept on duty. Today they have again created other avenues by creating conducive environments for defrauding the state of the little that is available. Cry my beloved country.

An unnamed reader based in South Africa said: “Your innocent facts are just falling on deaf ears but excellent observation though Ruzvidzo. Keep on praying, one day salvation shall come. Thanks a lot for your efforts (as you help to) protect our beautiful country.”

Nick Zemura: “Thanks for your piece in The Herald. That was very brave and true. I do have a question for you: Why is it that in Zimbabwe we talk about institutional corruption and seem to bristle when it comes to naming names?”

One reader stated: “Hie. I read your article ‘Sad day for our country’, you hit the bull. I am also finding it difficult to believe that no action is being taken by the authorities despite the revelations by the Auditor-General. Keep on the good work comrade. One day Zimbabwe will see.”

The common thread from these submissions and many more that could not find space was that action needs to be taken if this country is to rid itself of the destructive tendency. The commitment and stern warnings issued by President Mugabe on this subject could imply that the unmasking of those involved in corruption could be happening sooner rather than later.

In God I Trust!