Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has issued a rallying call for Zimbabweans to unite in the fight against corruption, emphasising collective action to achieve a graft-free nation.
This appeal was made on Wednesday by ZACC general manager for prevention of corruption and corporate governance Mrs Clara Nyakotyo in Marondera at the Mashonaland East Provincial launch of the consultative process for developing the second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 2).
The first NACS was launched by President Mnangagwa in 2020 and concluded in 2024.
The new strategy is being developed and will focus on five critical pillars; public engagement, legal reform, institutional reform, enforcement and priority areas.
Under the public engagement pillar, ZACC aims to actively involve citizens and communities in anti-corruption initiatives to foster transparency and accountability.
The legal reform pillar will review and strengthen laws to prevent corruption, close loopholes, and ensure effective enforcement, with the institutional reform pillar seeking to enhance institutions and systems that prevent corruption while promoting good governance and accountability.
The enforcement pillar will concentrate on investigating and prosecuting corruption cases effectively, recovering stolen assets and deterring future corruption.
Under the priority areas pillar, ZACC will focus on specific sectors vulnerable to corruption, requiring targeted interventions due to their substantial economic, social, and political implications.
In her address, Mrs Nyakotyo said the fight against corruption should not be left to a select few.
“The success of NACS 2 depends on the involvement of every citizen. We must move beyond the misconception that fighting corruption is only the responsibility of a few,” she said.
“Corruption affects us all, and it is time for a collective response.”
She acknowledged that the first strategy may not have fully addressed all corruption issues but emphasised that sustainable anti-corruption efforts must be owned and championed by the people affected by corruption.
“Sustainable anti-corruption efforts cannot be imposed from above. They must be owned, championed, and defended by the very people whose lives are diminished by corruption,” said Mrs Nyakotyo.
She then called on various stakeholders to actively contribute to the anti-corruption strategy, adding that the private sector is the engine of the economy as it creates jobs and wealth.
“You understand better than anyone how corruption distorts markets, increases the cost of doing business, disadvantages honest competitors, and ultimately drives away investment,” she said.
Mrs Nyakotyo urged the private sector to commit to ethical business practices and reject bribery.
Turning to traditional and community leaders, she highlighted their pivotal role in bridging formal State structures and grassroots communities.
“To the women in this room, you bear a disproportionate burden of corruption’s consequences. When school fees are inflated through corrupt procurement, mothers struggle to educate their children.
“When healthcare resources are stolen, women suffer in underfunded maternity wards. When jobs are sold, qualified women are excluded,” she said.
To the young people, Mrs Nyakotyo encouraged them to lead the charge against corruption while emphasising its impact on their futures.
“You are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; you are stakeholders of today and will live longest with the consequences of our actions or inactions.
“Corruption steals your future. Your creativity in using technology and social mobilisation for accountability is invaluable in this fight,” she said.
The civil society was also rallied to strengthen citizen oversight and make information accessible to the public. She urged them to focus on the country’s strengths rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Mrs Nyakotyo then turned to civil servants, who she called on to provide frank assessments of the factors driving corruption in public institutions.
Their insights are crucial for developing an effective anti-corruption strategy.
The success of NACS 2 hinges on the collaborative efforts of all sectors of society to create a transparent and accountable Zimbabwe.
