Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Government remains firmly committed to eliminate corruption in all its forms and dimensions, ensuring that Vision 2030 becomes a reality as the country transitions into the National Development Strategy (NDS2), a senior Government official has said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, made the remarks during the International Anti-Corruption Day commemorations held at Sakubva Stadium last Friday.
Minister Mugadza said the fight against corruption was no longer optional, but central to the development agenda and national dignity.
“The fight against corruption is not optional, it is essential for development, dignity and national progress. Corruption continues to stand in the way of our national aspirations and directly undermines our collective efforts to achieve Vision 2030,” said Minister Mugadza.
The commemorations, organised by the City of Mutare, under the global theme – Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity – brought together Government officials, local authority leaders, anti-corruption agencies, churches, civil society organisations and youths, underscoring the growing emphasis on collective responsibility.
Minister Mugadza warned that corruption is not a victimless crime, stressing that its effects are felt most by ordinary citizens.
“Corruption denies a child clean water, it takes away medicine from a clinic, it steals opportunities from youths, and weakens the social contract between citizens and Government. It slows down service delivery, reduces investor confidence and diverts public resources from where they are needed most,” he said, adding that Government’s commitment to fighting corruption is anchored in concrete institutional and policy measures, including strengthening oversight bodies and embracing digital governance systems.
“We will continue to support institutions such as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, National Prosecuting Authority and Zimbabwe Republic Police. We are also advancing digital systems that reduce human interference in procurement and financial management, because transparency is key to preventing abuse of power,” he said.
Minister Mugadza commended City of Mutare for taking a leading role in local-level anti-corruption initiatives, noting that councils were custodians of service delivery and community welfare.
“Strengthening anti-corruption systems within municipalities directly improves the lives of ordinary citizens. Initiatives like this demonstrate that the fight against corruption must begin where services are delivered,” he said, outlining prevention, protection and participation as key pillars guiding Government’s approach, while urging councils to prioritise robust internal controls and transparent procurement systems.
“Preventing corruption is more effective than reacting to it. I encourage local authorities to reinforce staff codes of conduct, strengthen internal audits, promote public participation and fully digitise billing, revenue collection and records management,” he said.
Minister Mugadza said City of Mutare has established an integrity committee with the assistance of the ZACC, ensuring that all employees and councillors signed integrity pledges.
Minister Mugadza also emphasised the need to protect whistle-blowers, journalists and community leaders who expose wrongdoing.
Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka echoed similar sentiments, expressing determination to translate words into action.
“Integrity cannot be achieved by declaration alone. It requires systemic clarity, institutional courage and unwavering collaboration,” he said.
Mr Chafesuka said the city is strengthening its internal controls, enhancing transparency through public disclosure of budgets and contracts, and protecting whistle-blowers.
Mutare mayor, Councillor Simon Chabuka said corruption is a direct threat to the city’s development and public trust.
He said the council fully supports efforts to root out corruption and committed to expanding participatory governance.
