Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE digitisation and automation of Government services, particularly in the processing and issuance of passports, tax payments, title deeds, company registrations, land management, and procurement processes – have significantly reduced opportunities for petty corruption, a Government official has said.
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson of the Prevention and Corporate Governance Committee, Commissioner Chido Madiwa, made this assertion on Monday while delivering a keynote address during the Manicaland leg of the national consultative process for developing the second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 2).
This follows the expiry of the first National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 1).
The Manicaland edition of the consultative process follows successful events in Bulawayo and the Midlands, with further consultations planned for all provinces to ensure inclusivity in tackling corruption.
The National Anti-Corruption Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for systematically addressing corruption across all levels of society and institutions.
The strategic blueprint serves as a roadmap, outlining specific objectives, measurable targets, and coordinated actions.
“The digitisation and automation of Government services during NACS 1 implementation, particularly in the processing and issuance of passports, tax payments, title deeds, registration of companies, land management and in procurement processes has eliminated opportunities for petty corruption.
“Numerous surveys will measure public perceptions of Government integrity and service delivery quality. Business climate assessments will track improvements in regulatory transparency and reduced corruption burdens on enterprises,” said Commissioner Madiwa, underscoring the importance of community leaders in the fight against corruption.
“Religious and traditional leaders wield significant influence over community attitudes and behaviours. Their voices in condemning corruption and promoting ethical values reach audiences that Government messaging alone cannot reach.
We will work closely with these leaders to ensure that anti-corruption messages resonate with cultural and spiritual values that communities hold dear,” said Commissioner Madiwa, as she spoke on the importance of inculcating honesty and civic responsibility in younger generations.
She said the media plays an important role in the fight against corruption.
“Educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, shape the values and behaviours of future generations. Teachers, lecturers, and administrators have the profound responsibility of modelling ethical behaviour while teaching students about integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility. Every lesson about honesty, every discussion about fairness, and every demonstration of transparent processes contributes to building a generation that refuses to accept corruption as normal.
“Media organisations play a crucial role in exposing corruption, educating the public, and holding officials accountable.
Investigative journalism requires support and protection to function effectively. Quality journalism that accurately reports on corruption cases and anti-corruption efforts helps maintain public awareness and support for our work,” she said.
Four years ago, Government embarked on implementation of the first National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 1) following its launch by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“This moment as we embark on the second anti-corruption strategy development trajectory, we do so with the wisdom of experience, the clarity of hindsight, and the strengthened resolve that comes from understanding both our capabilities and our limitations,” said
Commissioner Madiwa.
In NACS 1, Government implemented hard and soft measures that closed critical loopholes previously exploited by corrupt actors. Measures and actions such as facilitation of the establishment of institutional Integrity Committees and signing of Integrity Pledges, emanating from NACS 1, complimented the existing robust anti-corruption legislative framework.
Since the advent of NACS 1 over 20 000 integrity pledges have been signed and Integrity committees have been established in most Government Agencies, Departments and local authorities.
