Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) officials have signed integrity pledges reaffirming their commitment to combating corruption while strengthening transparency and accountability.
The signing ceremony, held in Harare today and overseen by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), saw commissioners, executives and senior officials led by the ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba and the secretariat pledging to play a role in fighting corruption.
Integrity pledges are social contracts through which individuals affirm their commitment to act against corruption.
Integrity pledges serve as social contracts where individuals commit to act against corruption.
An integrity pledge is a key component of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), designed to foster transparency, honesty and adherence to ethical principles across all sectors.
The NACS has rolled out various initiatives, including the establishment of integrity committees across ministries and Government agencies.
By signing the pledge, individuals publicly declare their commitment to act with integrity, reinforcing the overarching goal of creating a corruption-free society.
The event was attended by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson, Mr Michael Reza and ZACC Commissioners, including Mr Kindness Paradza.
So far, over 140 institutions, including Government departments, parastatals and private entities, have established integrity committees to combat corruption in the country.
At least 12 000 individuals from these institutions have signed integrity pledges, committing to uphold ethical standards.
Local authorities contribute the bulk of corruption cases reported to ZACC, with 13 percent of all reports being of corrupt council officials.
The corruption watchdog received 999 reports in 2023, of which 559 were against public officials, local authorities (109) and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (22).
