Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched the Mashonaland East provincial consultative workshop for the development of the Second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS2).
The event was held in Marondera yesterday, where representatives from various institutions, public and private, attended to give their input.
The event follows eight successful consultative seminars in Bulawayo, Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland North and South, Masvingo, Mashonaland West and Harare.
In her remarks, ZACC’s general manager for prevention of corruption and corporate governance Mrs Clara Nyakotyo highlighted the importance of the consultative meeting.
“The launch of this consultative seminar today underscores our shared understanding that corruption is a societal issue requiring active participation, commitment and vigilance from all citizens, institutions and sectors,” he said.
“Let me speak directly to the different constituencies represented here today about why your specific involvement matters.
“To our private sector representatives, you are the engine of our economy, the creators of 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. We need your commitment to ethical business practices and to refusing to pay
bribes.”
She went on to implore traditional leaders to also contribute in the fight to end corruption.
Breaking the cycle of corruption, she added, requires changing social norms and creating a critical mass of people and institutions that refuse to participate in corrupt practices.
“When all sectors are genuinely invested in the anti-corruption agenda, implementation of the strategy becomes more effective because different actors complement each other’s efforts as the Government enforces laws, civil society monitors implementation, the
private sector adopts ethical practices, communities exercise social accountability, and citizens refuse to offer bribes and report corruption,” she said.
