By Tinashe Sambiri
For decades, Zanu PF has been the subject of widespread accusations surrounding corruption, looting, and the mismanagement of public funds.
Despite numerous pledges to fight these issues, critics argue that the party continues to grapple with deeply embedded systemic problems, and the country’s struggles with corruption seem far from over.
The party’s track record has been marred by accusations of plunder and self-enrichment by top officials.
The multi-billion-dollar theft of public funds, misgovernance, and abuse of power have become significant concerns, both within Zimbabwe and internationally.
Critics often point to the greed of a select few who, over the years, have siphoned public resources to enrich themselves, while the nation’s most vulnerable citizens continue to suffer.
Zanu PF, which has governed Zimbabwe for the past 45 years, has faced repeated calls to address corruption and ensure accountability, but many are skeptical about the party’s ability to make real progress. “Corruption has become institutionalized in the country,” said one political analyst.
“It’s not just a few bad apples; it’s the entire system that is built on patronage, with little to no consequences for those who abuse their power.”
Despite efforts to introduce anti-corruption initiatives, such as the establishment of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the party’s leadership has struggled to maintain credibility.
Cases of looting and corruption among top government officials continue to surface regularly, with little meaningful action taken to hold individuals accountable. Public outcry is common, yet tangible reforms remain elusive.
The accusations extend beyond corruption to broader issues of maladministration and misgovernance, with critics alleging that the ruling party has often placed its interests above those of the nation. Public resources have reportedly been misused, and funds intended for national development have vanished into the pockets of the politically connected.
Opposition groups and activists have long accused Zanu PF of enabling corruption by turning a blind eye to the actions of its members, often protecting them from prosecution. They argue that this behavior undermines any meaningful progress and prevents the country from addressing its fundamental problems. “The opposition and enablers of the corrupt elites are as much to blame,” said one analyst. “It’s a cycle that feeds into itself, and the public continues to bear the brunt of this mismanagement.”
Despite these challenges, Zanu PF has publicly stated its commitment to eradicating corruption and promoting transparency. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took office in 2017, promised to introduce reforms and tackle corruption head-on, yet many believe the rhetoric hasn’t translated into significant change on the ground. “It’s not enough to say you want to eradicate corruption. Action is what matters, and the people are still waiting for the real reforms,” said a prominent human rights advocate.
For now, the question remains: will Zanu PF ever truly eradicate corruption and looting, or will these practices continue to plague the nation’s future? The public’s patience is wearing thin, and as the country’s economic and social challenges mount, it’s clear that action is needed—not just promises—for Zimbabwe to move forward.
The next steps could define the political landscape of the country for years to come.