Take decisive action to break corruption
Corruption in Zimbabwe has taken the form of a termite that eats away at a building’s foundation and if left unchecked, one day it can bring down the house crumbling.
Contrary to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s message of “zero tolerance to corruption,” it has been a prominent and important topic in business and industry this week, as well as other areas.
It appears it has become fashionable for one to become corrupt.
We woke up to the depressing news as reported elsewhere in this publication, that corrupt police officers are taking advantage of the ongoing “Tame the Traffic Jungle” campaign to demand bribes from anxious drivers.
Drastic action has to be taken.
In other places, it was argued, particularly by business leaders, that the failing economy would lose confidence if the widespread corruption and poor governance were not addressed.
It also comes at a time Zimbabwe is losing close to US$2 billion annually to corruption and illegal transactions, according to official data obtained from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).
Government must lead the way in exorcising the country of this demon.
A report from Transparency International Zimbabwe estimates that 82% of public spending is tainted by financial irregularities.
The recently appointed Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sthembiso Nyoni, acknowledged the need to address government corruption.
“I want to agree. Let us be on board together to create corruption-free zones from wherever we stand. If it is the government or private sector, let us try and attack it, “ Nyoni said.
Let there be no place for corruption.
