Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC) chairperson, Retired Justice Webster Chinamora, says the organisation should benchmark with other jurisdictions, both regionally and internationally.
He believes adopting successful models from other countries can enhance the Commission’s operations.
Justice Chinamora said ZICC is lagging in its benchmarking efforts, despite significant Government support in maintaining its timelines.
Speaking after signing integrity pledges with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in Harare, he noted that ZICC is receiving backing from various institutions, including the Judicial Service Commission, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Treasury.
However, he said financial support remains inadequate to meet all foundational needs.
“We have received some assistance, but not to the levels that we desire,” he said.
Justice Chinamora stressed that by now, ZICC should have undertaken benchmarking trips to regional counterparts in Africa, such as Kenya, as well as to international models in Australia or the United Kingdom.
He also updated attendees on the progress in drafting statutes to regulate the Commission’s operations, mentioning that the Attorney General’s Office is actively working on these drafts.
“We are making progress in terms of regulations to guide the Commission’s procedures. Our drafts have gone to the Attorney General’s Office, and we are collaborating closely with them to expedite the process,” he stated.
At the signing ceremony, Justice Chinamora said the Commission’s progress should be measured not only by the volume of reports or resolutions but also by its ethical compass.
“The act of pledging is both symbolic and substantive. It is an oath to ourselves, the institution, the people of Zimbabwe, and to posterity,” he said.
He reinforced the idea that corruption is not just a governance issue but a violation of human rights, undermining fair access to justice and eroding public trust.
“ZICC aims to set standards that even those under investigation can look up to. There can be no Vision 2030 without ethical visionaries to carry it forward. ZICC must be the lodestar of that ethical leadership,” he added.
ZACC prevention and corporate governance committee chairperson, Ms Chido Madiwa, who led the event, urged ZICC to establish integrity committees.
“Corruption in public institutions is a poison that undermines economic growth and social progress. I encourage ZICC to consider forming a dedicated Integrity Committee to promote ethical behaviour throughout the organisation,” she said.
