Online Reporter
Luthando Mapepa
Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is rolling out district anti-corruption chapters across all districts in Manicaland Province as part of efforts to empower citizens to actively participate in the fight against corruption.
These chapters will consist of ordinary citizens drawn from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Last week ZACC established new chapters in Mutare and Mutasa respectively.
Speaking during the Mutare District launch at Chigodora last Wednesday, ZACC senior public education officer, Mrs Charity Mudavanhu, said the initiative is designed to strengthen grassroots involvement in combating corruption.
She said the chapters will operate at district, ward, and community levels across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces.
“The mandate of ZACC, as outlined in the Anti-Corruption Commission Act (Chapter 9:22), is to raise awareness, institute preventive mechanisms, investigate corruption, and recover illicit proceeds.
“ZACC is therefore seeking community support in establishing sustainable structures in all districts of Manicaland and beyond,” she said.
Mrs Mudavanhu added: “Anti-corruption chapters will be led by ordinary citizens to continuously educate communities on anti-corruption matters. They mainly target individuals outside formal institutions who may not have signed integrity pledges.
“The programme will be coordinated through District Development Coordinators across the province.” she added.
Speaking at same event, Mutare District Development Coordinator, Mr Tendai Kapenzi, represented by economist, Mr Gwinyai Mafasitera, urged chapter members to work closely with ZACC and report corruption to help achieve national and local development goals.
“We encourage communities to take part in fighting graft. Corruption is happening everywhere, even in rural areas where rampant illegal activities occur but are not pursued. Those elected into these chapters must report corruption cases to ZACC without fear, and the law will protect them,” said Mr Mafasitera.
Headman Chigodora welcomed the initiative, noting that the chapters will provide a platform for ordinary citizens to report corruption and malpractice.
“As traditional leaders, we welcome this programme. It will help our people know where to report corruption, ensuring that justice prevails. We are ready to work with ZACC for this programme to success,” he said.
Community member, Mr Mateu Chaponda, who lives with a disability, added that the programme will assist disadvantaged groups by promoting equity in resource distribution.
“This platform will allow us to report abuse of office cases, ensuring fairness in how resources are shared,” he said.
So far, anti-corruption chapters have been established in Chipinge, Buhera, Chimanimani, and Mutare districts, with plans underway to expand the programme to the remaining districts in Manicaland.
