Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched a multi-stakeholder awareness campaign in Beitbridge, targeting border agencies, travellers and citizens to combat corruption.
This initiative aims to address concerns over rent-seeking activities and leakages of banned goods at the Beitbridge Border Post, which affect Government revenue collection.
It is envisaged that travellers, cross-border traders, customs officials and the public will benefit from the awareness campaign, promoting transparency and compliance with laws.
Additionally, the campaign seeks to foster a culture of compliance, transparency and accountability, ultimately dismantling bribery and smuggling networks that plague the border post.
ZACC has been working to educate the public on corruption issues, including a recent campaign against illegal land dealings in areas like Mahusekwa and Seke District.
It is also understood that the Commission is partnering with other organisations, such as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), to enhance cooperation and information sharing in fighting corruption.
Chairperson of ZACC’s Prevention of Corruption Committee, Commissioner Chido Madiwa, said the Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign will run from today and end on Friday, although the initiative is a continuous process.
“We are here as ZACC in Beitbridge on a mission to engage everyone as we fight corruption. We want a multi-stakeholder approach. We want everyone on board, including those in the civil service, private sector and ordinary citizens,” said the Commissioner.
“It’s critical that we all come together in the fight against corruption and we are here to make sure every stakeholder is doing their part. This includes ZACC, the police, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), and all public service departments and citizens.”
Commissioner Madiwa said Zimbabwe was joining the rest of the continent in celebrating Africa Union Day Against Corruption, and that the main event had already taken place in Gwanda last week.
She said ZACC’s research department had so far gathered that there are many corruption-related problems in Beitbridge which require a multi-stakeholder approach to resolve.
The Commissioner said it was key to engage and educate one another to troubleshoot the problems with all the stakeholders.
“We have noted that there are several challenges with customs processes and enforcement of anti-smuggling related regulations,” said Commissioner Madiwa.
“In that case, we want to understand the flow-through process so that we may inform or recommend policies to the Government to ensure social cohesion and create an enabling environment for improved revenue collection.
“This can happen if we are all honest and adopt a corruption-free society. As ZACC, we are there to advise the Government on processes and systems to eradicate corruption.”
Commissioner Madiwa said ZACC was receiving reports of intercity and cross-border buses plying the Beitbridge routes along the Bulawayo or Harare highways being turned back at the border over a number of enforcement issues.
“This needs us to approach it cautiously with a shared mind-set. We are not here to frustrate or scare anyone; we are promoting business and encouraging citizens to have integrity and be honest in their way of doing business,” she added.
Commissioner Madiwa said although ZACC acknowledges the concerns from citizens, it has also been established that there are ordinary citizens fuelling corruption as well.
Fighting corruption in Beitbridge is crucial for economic stability, national security, and social well-being.
Corruption at the border post, including bribery, smuggling, and under-declaration of goods, leads to significant revenue losses for both Zimbabwe and South Africa, fuels human trafficking, and undermines public trust in institutions.
