Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance towards corruption and unethical conduct, warning that such practices undermine environmental governance and threaten the sustainable management of Zimbabwe’s natural resources.
The agency said corruption not only compromised development but also weakened institutional credibility, undermined public confidence and exposed communities and ecosystems to environmental degradation.
EMA said it was strengthening ethical governance through awareness campaigns, employee sensitisation programmes, compliance monitoring, internal controls and partnerships aimed at promoting accountability and professional conduct.
“Recognising that preventing corruption requires collective action, EMA continues to strengthen ethical governance through awareness campaigns, employee sensitisation programmes, compliance monitoring, internal controls and partnerships that promote ethical conduct and accountability,” the agency said.
EMA said its approach was guided by the values of integrity, transparency, accountability, professionalism, responsiveness, Unhu/Ubuntu and inclusivity.
The agency said every employee was expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and perform their duties fairly, impartially and in accordance with the law.
“Every employee is expected to uphold ethical conduct and accountability. These initiatives empower employees and stakeholders to identify, prevent and report unethical practices without fear of victimisation,” said EMA.
As part of its efforts to strengthen whistleblowing mechanisms, EMA said it was a member of the Axcentum platform, which provides secure channels for reporting suspected corruption, fraud and other forms of unethical conduct.
The platform allows employees, contractors, suppliers, business partners and members of the public to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially or anonymously.
EMA said the initiative reinforced its commitment to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that reports were handled professionally and objectively.
“EMA is a member of the Axcentum platform that provides secure channels for reporting suspected corruption, fraud and other unethical conduct. The platform enables employees, contractors, suppliers, business partners and members of the public to report incidents confidentially or anonymously,” the agency said.
It also highlighted its EthicsLine, an independent and confidential whistleblowing platform designed to provide another avenue through which suspected wrongdoing can be reported.
EMA said the fight against corruption was particularly important given its mandate under the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], which requires the agency to safeguard Zimbabwe’s environment and promote sustainable environmental management.
“Corrupt and unethical practices not only violate the law but also undermine sustainable development, weaken public confidence in its operations and threaten the country’s natural heritage and the wellbeing of communities and ecosystems,” EMA said.
The agency urged its employees and stakeholders to champion integrity, transparency and accountability as fundamental principles in protecting Zimbabwe’s environment.
EMA said maintaining high ethical standards was critical to ensuring that environmental services were delivered efficiently and professionally while protecting the interests of present and future generations.
