Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Several public officials deployed by the Government to the Beitbridge Border Post on Monday signed integrity pledges during an anti-corruption awareness campaign launched by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in the border town.
ZACC is carrying out a week-long multi-stakeholder awareness campaign in the area, targeting border agencies, travellers and citizens to combat corruption.
This initiative aims to address concerns over rent-seeking activities and smuggling of banned goods at the Beitbridge border post, which affect Government revenue collection.
An integrity pledge, particularly in the Zimbabwean context with ZACC (Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission), is a commitment by individuals or institutions to uphold ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in their actions and decisions.
It serves as a public declaration to resist corruption, promote honesty, and adhere to the rule of law.
Among those who signed the pledge are officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Immigration, Vehicle Inspectorate Department, parastatals and local authorities among others.
“The border campaign was conceived with the notion of involving multiple stakeholders, including the police, Zimra, Immigration, Border Management Authority, Cross-border association, passenger association and local authorities among others,” said ZACC’s prevention of corruption committee, Chido Madiwa.
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.
“We have come here to educate each other on the negative impact of corruption and hence it is critical that we move with a shared vision to build a culture of honesty,” said Commissioner Madiwa.
“Among other things, our objective is to sensitise the public about corruption and anti-corruption mechanisms to prevent and combat corruption.
“This programme is informed by research reports regarding the demand for payment of bribes by cross-border officials.
“In addition, we have also received reports on smuggling activities at the country’s border post, actions which deprived the Government of much-needed revenue and other issues relating to trafficking and issues to do with the use of fake customs and immigration stamps to move cargo and people.”
The commission is also partnering with other organisations, such as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), to enhance cooperation and information sharing in fighting corruption.
Commissioner Madiwa said the Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign will run from Monday and end on Friday although the initiative was a continuous process.
