Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MAKONDE Rural District Council (RDC) workers signed integrity pledges last Friday in the presence of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officials at the council offices in Lions’ Den, to improve transparency and accountability.
Council chairman Councillor Misheck Nyarubero and chief executive officer Dr Paradzai Munyede led in the process, which marks a milestone for Makonde’s efforts to promote good governance and curb corrupt practices.
Speaking at the event, Dr Munyede said the initiative positioned Makonde RDC as a pacesetter in the fight against corruption and abuse of office by its staff.
“This integrity pledge signing ceremony is a historic moment for our council as we become the first in the province to make such a commitment,” he said.
“Our objective is to ensure that all our employees, including students on attachment, serve the people diligently and professionally without soliciting for bribes or any form of kickbacks.”
He said the move was in line with the broader national effort to build a corruption-free public sector, anchored in accountability and service delivery.
Ms Blessing Sekai, a representative from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, said corruption remained a major impediment to socio-economic development and required collective action to eradicate.
“Corruption is like a cancer that is rapidly spreading and eating into the fabric of our economy and society. The fight against corruption should be a collective effort, with all stakeholders, from grassroots communities to the highest offices, playing their part,” she said.
Ms Sekai commended Makonde RDC for taking a proactive stance, adding that integrity pledges were a practical tool to instil ethical conduct within institutions.
Council employees who attended the awareness session and signed their pledges said the programme had broadened their understanding of corruption and its consequences.
Ms Varaidzo Dandira from the Accounts department said the engagement had been an eye-opener.
“The awareness session helped me to appreciate that corruption takes many forms, some of which we may not even realise.
“It made me understand that even seemingly small actions can have serious consequences, hence the need to always uphold integrity in our duties,” she said.
In his remarks, Cllr Nyarubero underscored the importance of ethical leadership in local governance, saying public officials should be exemplary in their conduct.
“As public servants, we have a responsibility to serve our communities with honesty, transparency and accountability for every cent entrusted to us,” he said.
“We must lead by example and ensure that integrity becomes the cornerstone of our operations.”
Clr Nyarubero, who is also the Mashonaland West chairperson for the Association of Rural District Councils, said he would champion the adoption of similar initiatives across other local authorities in the province.
“I will engage my fellow chairpersons to ensure that this noble initiative is cascaded to other councils so that, together, we build a corruption-free environment across the province,” he said.
The integrity pledge signing is part of ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to foster a culture of accountability and zero tolerance for corruption in both public and private institutions.
