Chronicle Editor
Austin Nyathi, Chronicle Correspondent
MATABELELAND South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Abedinico Ncube has implored communities to desist from all forms of corruption, saying the scourge impedes the country’s socio-economic growth.
Speaking during a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) awareness campaign in Garanyemba village in Gwanda district recently, Minister Ncube said communities have an obligation to complement Government’s efforts in fighting corruption.
“It is important that we embrace the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission’s awareness programme, which is aimed at empowering rural people with knowledge to be able to resist, refuse and report all forms of corruption within their respective communities,” he said.
“Communities have a duty to report all forms of corruption. As empowered citizens, we also have a duty to defend the country from corrupt individuals and institutions.”
Minister Ncube urged Zacc to leave no one and no place behind in the fight against corruption. This comes as the Second Republic has put in place multiple mechanisms to tackle the scourge of corruption, which remains one of the greatest threats to the country and Africa’s development.
Launching the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Strategic plan for 2021 to 2023, a roadmap for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to fulfil its mandate, President Mnangagwa said his administration will not shy away from taking corruption by the horns as it has the debilitating effects of retarding economic growth and development.
Harnessing ICT, the President said, laws will be passed to strengthen anti-corruption legislation, while at the same time public entities are directed to put in place technology-based procedures and processes which curtail and reduce the use of discretionary power by public officials.
President Mnangagwa said Government will continue to support the work of the Zacc as the main institution mandated by the Constitution to combat corruption.
With corruption often going beyond borders, the President underscored the importance of creating synergies and collaborations on the African continent to root the malpractice which is estimated to cost the continent US$50 billion annually.
Zimbabwe has taken concrete steps to tackle corruption, with the Second Republic strengthening bodies like the Zacc to execute their roles with minimal hindrance.
Minister Ncube urged those spearheading national programmes to be smart and desist from corruption.
“To those spearheading national programmes in education, health, social welfare, intwasa and others, I urge you to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability, good corporate governance and teamwork as they are key drivers in reducing corruption in all your operations,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, Zacc Commissioner Gabriel Chaibva said while police and citizens morally do their roles, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is letting them down.
The campaign was attended by scores of villagers, traditional leaders and civil servants.
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