Integrity Pledges Boost Corruption Reporting in Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe — The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has announced a significant rise in reported cases of graft, attributing the increase to the integrity pledges and committees established in 2022. According to the country’s primary corruption watchdog, nearly 1,000 cases of corruption were reported last year, with a majority involving public officials.
ZACC revealed that in 2023, a total of 999 cases were reported, a notable spike that the commission credits to its recently implemented integrity measures. Of these cases, a staggering 56 percent—559 cases—were lodged against public officials, highlighting the prevalence of corruption within government circles.
“In 2023, we received 999 reports. It is disheartening to discover that reports against public officials accounted for 56 percent of these cases,” stated ZACC Chairperson Michael Reza. The new figures underline the challenge Zimbabwe faces in its fight against corruption, especially within its own government institutions.
The increase in reported cases follows the launch of integrity pledges and committees in 2022, aimed at fostering a culture of zero tolerance toward graft and corruption-related activities. The initiative is seen as a critical step in encouraging citizens and officials alike to report and resist corrupt practices.
This Monday, the integrity pledges program expanded to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, where senior government officials publicly committed to fighting corruption. Speaking at the event, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, underscored the detrimental impact of corruption on public service delivery.
“Corruption is cancerous. It leads to poor service delivery. Integrity is the cornerstone for building our success. We must lead by example,” Minister Garwe said. He further pointed to the issue of land barons as a direct result of corruption, urging senior public servants to commit to transparency and integrity in their roles.
The integrity pledges and committees, along with the public commitment from government ministries, are part of a broader strategy to curb corruption and restore public confidence in the country’s institutions. However, with over half of the reported cases involving public officials, the road to achieving a corruption-free society in Zimbabwe remains a challenging one.