The recent reports from Zimbabwe’s Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) paint a disturbing picture of mismanagement and corruption. The findings, from the year ending December 31, 2023, reveal systemic issues that demand urgent attention. This corruption disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, pushing the poor further into the margins of society.
The OAG’s detailed reports suggest multiple crimes, many appearing to be inside jobs with some taxpayers as accomplices. Public officials responsible for managing tax money and public assets are often found enriching themselves at the expense of public welfare. Where looting opportunities are absent, assets are neglected and left to deteriorate.
One of the most troubling aspects of these reports is the lack of accountability. Despite rampant corruption and negligence, few officials face consequences. This ongoing issue has led to widespread frustration, anger, and indifference among the populace. The cycle of misconduct remains unbroken, with successive OAG reports highlighting similar issues year after year.
For instance, the first black Comptroller and Auditor-General, Abdulman Eric Harid, uncovered shocking findings from 1987 to 2004. However, subsequent administrations have failed to address these persistent problems, leading to a culture of impunity.
While taxpayers face increasing financial burdens from both central and local governments, they are met with evidence of corruption and mismanagement. The latest OAG reports further confirm the ruling elite’s disregard for taxpayers, with public resources being misused with little fear of retribution.
Acting Auditor-General Rheah Kujinga’s reports reveal that many longstanding issues remain unresolved. Officials often ignore the OAG’s inquiries and recommendations, showing little respect for the office’s authority. Kujinga continues to expose these issues despite occupying her position in an acting capacity, which could potentially compromise her mandate.
The Treasury, the custodian of public resources, is notably one of the worst offenders. The OAG highlighted that many ministries, departments, and agencies fail to maintain financial records or submit financial statements. For instance, the Ministry of Finance acquired property in Bindura for US$150,000 without proper valuation and failed to transfer ownership, highlighting gross negligence.
Additionally, state-owned enterprises (SoEs) and parastatals are hotspots for corruption, especially in procurement. The OAG found that between 2020 and 2023, significant sums were paid for goods, including vehicles and laptops, that were never delivered. Despite advance payments totaling ZWL$1.7 billion and US$2.3 million, no one has been held accountable.
The reports are filled with examples of poor governance, weak internal controls, and non-compliance with tax laws. Conflicts of interest, late submission of financial statements, and a critical shortage of skilled personnel plague government operations and service delivery. For example, ZWL$10.3 billion intended to support older persons, children, and basic education remains unused due to the lack of an effective mechanism to identify beneficiaries.
Several entities, including the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration, received qualified reports from the Auditor-General, indicating doubts about their viability as ongoing concerns. The Ministries of Mines and Mining Development and Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development were among the worst performers, with millions in payments unaccounted for.
This lack of transparency and accountability creates opportunities for corruption, necessitating thorough investigations. For example, inputs for farmers under the presidential scheme were stolen, and irrigation equipment ended up with non-farmers, highlighting how public funds are misused.
At the core of this widespread mismanagement is nepotism and political appointments of unqualified individuals. State-owned enterprises and parastatals suffer as jobs are given based on connections rather than expertise. An independent judiciary and a competent legislature are essential to hold civil servants accountable for misappropriation and negligence.
The evidence in the OAG’s reports should compel the Prosecutor-General to take action. Reforming the civil service and replacing the current government are crucial steps to address these issues. However, entrenched interests within the civil service often undermine any new administration’s efforts.
The OAG’s findings highlight urgent issues that should galvanize citizens, the media, civil society, and the opposition. These groups must continue to demand accountability and keep these issues in the public eye. There should be mechanisms, such as class action lawsuits, to ensure accountability within state-owned enterprises, and central and local governments.
Zimbabweans must not wait for another alarming OAG report. The time to act is now.
Source: Newsday
