The United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) is gravely concerned about the rampant corruption that continues to plague our public institutions, eroding the fabric of our society and undermining our democracy. The credibility of our electoral procedures and the integrity of our public sector are at risk due to widespread corruption. Recent media reports have revealed serious irregularities that require immediate and decisive action by the relevant authorities.
Zimbabwe ranks 157 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, a clear indicator of the high level of corruption in our country. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stressed that tackling corruption in Zimbabwe is an urgent priority - as it poses significant risks to the country's macroeconomic stability and performance. The public sector is rife with corruption, leading to inefficiency, misallocation of resources and loss of public trust. Due to this corruption, the Public Service Commission and other public institutions are failing to deliver services effectively.
The scandal involving Messrs Chimombe and Mpofu in the disastrous $87 million Presidential Goat Scheme and the corruption allegations against Chivayo are symptomatic of deeper problems in our procurement processes. Although the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) denies rumours of irregularities in the procurement of electoral materials, these allegations are material and require an urgent and transparent review of procurement policies and procedures.
Corruption in the public sector has devastating social and health impacts. According to our Ministry of Health, corruption in healthcare procurement has led to critical shortages of essential medicines and equipment, directly impacting the lives of millions of Zimbabweans. A 2022 study found that 40% of the allocated health budget was lost to corruption, and citizens were deprived of basic health services. Given these grave concerns, there is a high probability that fruitless and wasteful expenditure, irregular expenditure and unauthorised expenditure have been made.
The above-mentioned scandals highlight the urgent need for stronger anti-corruption controls and safeguards. Stricter controls must be implemented to prevent and detect irregularities, as it is concerning that ZACC only responded to some of these allegations after an audio leak, highlighting capacity deficiencies in our institutions. We propose the introduction of more robust oversight mechanisms to prevent such blatant misconduct in the future.
Comprehensive Investigations
A transparent investigation into the procurement processes that led to allegations against Chimombe, Mpofu and Chivayo must be conducted by relevant authorities, including the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Auditor General's Office and the Public Accounts Committee. The investigation of public office bearers, or those charged with governance to the extent that they neglected their contract management duties, is crucial.
Consequence Management
All individuals involved, irrespective of their political affiliation or position of authority, must face appropriate legal consequences if found guilty. It is imperative that the law is applied impartially to restore public confidence.
Recovery of Embezzled Funds
Embezzled public funds must be recovered and repurposed to ensure that public resources are utilised for the good of the nation.
Corruption is a pandemic that has spread across Zimbabwe’s public institutions and Africa at large, destroying public trust and hindering national and continental development. By advocating for accountability, transparency and stronger anti-corruption measures, UZA aims to promote a culture of integrity and good governance, which are essential to the country’s future. Our nation deserves leaders who will act with integrity and in the best interest of all Zimbabweans. The fight against corruption begins now.
