KEY POINTS
- Parliament called on Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to address corruption concerns.
- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission faces criticism over weak enforcement.
- Corruption remains a major challenge to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery.
Zimbabwe’s parliament has called on Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to address the country’s worsening corruption record following a report that ranked Zimbabwe as the most corrupt nation in Southern Africa.
According to Transparency International, the global anti-corruption watchdog, corruption continues to undermine governance in Zimbabwe, placing the country among the worst-performing nations globally.
The report is a damning reflection of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, particularly given his 2017 pledge to eradicate corruption upon assuming office.
During a parliamentary session, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Gladys Hlatywayo urged the government to take responsibility and explain what steps are being taken to combat corruption.
She emphasized the negative effects of corruption, such as the erosion of social services and the misuse of national resources.
Weak enforcement and lack of whistleblower protection
The enforcement system for fighting corruption received strong criticism from members of Parliament because it lacked effective mechanisms for robust action.
ZACC (Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission) has received significant criticism due to its practice of safeguarding government officials belonging to ZANU PF.
Critics strongly condemn the commission because it has not successfully prosecuted important offenders while corruption continues to spread out of control.
One key issue in modern society is that no Whistleblowers’ Act exists to shield the people who uncover corrupt practices.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda stressed the urgency of introducing the Whistleblowers’ Bill in the National Assembly. “The Whistleblowers’ Bill must come to this House as soon as possible,” he stated.
Hlatywayo also questioned the government’s commitment to accountability, urging the Justice Minister to clarify the progress on whistleblower and witness protection legislation.
According to New Zimbabwe, she emphasized that without such safeguards, citizens remain vulnerable when reporting corruption cases.
Corruption remains a major obstacle for Zimbabwe’s economic reforms
The fight against corruption is a crucial part of Zimbabwe’s ongoing discussions with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Structured Dialogue Platform.
To achieve economic recovery and debt relief programs, authorities need to prioritize the elimination of corruption.
The country’s entrenched corruption practice dissuades investors from entering the market and impedes development, while the citizens witness little progress against corrupt individuals providing no justice.
Weak implementation of anti-corruption measures creates doubt about whether the nation can win international support.
As Parliament demands answers from Ziyambi Ziyambi, there is growing pressure on Mnangagwa’s administration to take concrete action against corruption.
Lack of actual reforms will worsen Zimbabwe’s economic circumstances and force the country to remain distant from major key institutions.
