Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions of accountability, applauding the media for its consistent role in exposing malpractice and reinforcing national integrity systems.
Officiating at the third edition of the ZACC Media Awards in Harare last night, the minister praised the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for its role in solidifying its position as a leading guardian of national integrity.
The media, Dr Muswere said, are amplifiers of accountability who ensure that the conduct of public officials, private entities and institutions is constantly subject to the test of public interest.
“While the media is largely acclaimed for its normative role of informing, entertaining and educating, we also notice that it strengthens public institutions and fosters a culture of good governance that is essential for peace and security in our nation.
“This vital role is formally embedded in our national blueprint, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), which was recently launched by His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, and charts our course to an Empowered and Prosperous Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030.”
The awards celebrated journalists whose work has complemented ZACC’s mandate by highlighting issues of transparency, promoting ethical conduct and reinforcing the national fight against corruption. Five journalists were honoured across categories that included Anti-Corruption Journalist of the Year, Integrity Champion, Anti-Corruption Photojournalism, Public Service Accountability, and Prevention of Corruption and Awareness.
Dr Muswere said ZACC’s steady progress in tightening its operational systems demonstrated strong commitment to national expectations.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is committed to strengthening the anti-corruption architecture in the country. As you are aware, recently Cabinet approved the Whistleblowers and Witness Protection Bill.
“The Bill provides a framework within which whistleblowers can disclose information regarding conduct inimical to the public interest without suffering any threat or harm, and also provides for the protection of witnesses.
“The Bill further provides for the establishment of a Witness Protection Unit within the National Prosecuting Authority as well as a Witness Protection Appeal Tribunal. We hope this Bill will be gazetted by Parliament without further delays, as its enactment is long overdue,” he said.
Minister Muswere said with satisfaction that the Commission now has up-to-date audited financial statements with unqualified opinions for both 2023 and 2024.
This, he said, reflects ZACC’s determination to lead by example in matters of accountability.
Dr Muswere emphasised that ZACC’s improved performance aligns with the national vision under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), launched by President Mnangagwa, which places governance, oversight and integrity at the centre of Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.
“In the implementation matrix of the NDS2, ZACC falls under the national priority area of Governance, Institution Building, Peace and Security. This priority area calls for the promotion of ethical conduct, the strengthening of oversight institutions, and the deepening of transparency and accountability across both the public and private sectors.”
“I hope this will be adequately captured in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS2), which is currently under formulation. Your work as the media directly fuels the Vision 2030 agenda by giving voice to the principles enshrined in NDS 2. The Second Republic’s stance has been consistent from NDS1 and is now being intensified through NDS2.”
The Minister said ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s anti-corruption framework — in which ZACC plays a central coordinating role — continue to bear fruit. Among these is the Whistleblowers and Witness Protection Bill approved by Cabinet, designed to create a safe environment for reporting corruption and safeguarding witnesses throughout legal processes.
Dr Muswere also pointed to the decentralisation of Anti-Corruption Courts and the introduction of Fast-Track Courts, which are expected to work closely with ZACC in ensuring the swift prosecution of corruption-related cases. He said these measures will enhance inter-agency cooperation and accelerate justice delivery.
“On top of the Anti-Corruption Courts that have been decentralised, the Government has also introduced a Fast-Track Courts System that is designed to expedite the resolution of cases. This system is poised to enhance inter-agency collaboration by streamlining judicial processes, creating a more cooperative environment and accelerating the prosecution of cases, particularly those involving corruption and other economic crimes.
“This Fast-Track Courts System will ensure cases are handled with greater efficiency and promote a unified strategy in combating corruption. It is my belief that the utilisation of Anti-Corruption Courts and the Fast-Track Courts System will address the current public perception of ‘catch and release’.”
Dr Muswere commended ZACC for maintaining strong partnerships with the media, describing the relationship as a key pillar in the national anti-corruption architecture.
He said the awards were evidence of ZACC’s commitment to empowering journalists and recognising their contribution to building a corruption-free society.
The Minister said the Second Republic remains firmly behind ZACC as the institution continues to strengthen systems, uphold transparency and advance the fight against corruption.
