Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting against all forms of corruption, which it describes as tantamount to stealing from the poor and a gross sabotage to national development warning that those caught engaging in it will be severely punished.
The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said this on Friday in a speech read on his behalf by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Dr Omphile Marupi, during the African Anti-Corruption Day in Gwanda.
He told delegates that those found engaging in acts of corruption, diverting public funds and sabotaging public service delivery, will face the full wrath of justice.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) hosted the event in Gwanda in line with the devolution agenda under the theme:
“Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption.”
Among the participants was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick
Mangwana, officials from Zacc, Zimbabwe Gender Commission, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), ZRP, ZPCS, Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, political and civic society leaders and civil servants.
Minister Nguluvhe said eradicating corruption was a key element under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which builds momentum towards Vision 2030.
Zimbabwe is already a signatory to the several international and regional human rights instruments, reaffirming its determination to upholding the rights of all citizens.
“Corruption is one of the most egregious violators of these rights. The people’s right to health is violated when medicines meant for public hospitals are stolen and sold on the black market,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“The right to education is undermined when parents are forced to pay bribes to secure school placements for their children. The right to shelter is trampled upon when corrupt officials engage in fraudulent land deals, depriving deserving citizens of housing opportunities.
“These abuses demonstrate that corruption is not a victimless crime, it directly harms the most vulnerable in our society. No one has the right to violate the economic and social rights of others under the guise of personal freedoms,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said Government will always protect people’s rights until perpetrators respect the rights of other citizens, national security and national interests.
He said Government is working on legislation to protect whistle-blowers and witnesses against corruption to ensure these are not victimised for exposing graft.
He called for the strengthening and reform of institutions such as Zacc, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to ensure they operate with increased efficiency.
Zacc chairman, Mr Michael Reza, said this year’s theme exemplifies the core values of Zacc, which is to combat corruption with integrity, transparency and respect for the dignity of every Zimbabwean.
He said Matabeleland South was the host in line with the Second’s Republic’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
“Matabeleland South and Gwanda in particular are pivotal to Zimbabwe’s economic and social fabric. The province is home to the country’s busiest port while Gwanda serves as a key transit route to and from Beitbridge Border Post,” he said.
“This strategic position exposes the region to significant vulnerabilities like smuggling and bribery. Rampant smuggling at Beitbridge fuels a web of corrupt practices like bribery among public and private sector officials as well as citizens alike.
“In most instances, citizens seeking to evade compliance with the law initiate these bribes, perpetuating a cycle of corruption.”
Mr Reza said Zacc will aggressively confront corruption, ensuring that Matabeleland South does not become a hub of illicit activities and corruption.
He said the commission’s investigations are impartial, and respectful, safeguarding the rights of both complainants and the accused.
“In line with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda espoused in the National Development Strategy (NDS1), Zacc is working towards establishing a provincial office in Gwanda and another satellite office in Beitbridge,” said Mr Reza.
“This is aimed at enhancing accessibility, allowing citizens to engage directly with Zacc, report corruption, and make use of our services.
This is our way of ensuring that every Zimbabwean, from urban centres to rural villages, has a voice in the fight against corruption.
“The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. Zacc’s intensified presence in Matabeleland South is indicative of our desire to protect our nation’s wealth and dignity.
“We call on every citizen to uphold the law, report corruption, and reject illicit practices. Let’s work together to preserve public resources and ensure every citizen’s dignity is respected.”
@DubeMatutu
