ZACC vows to restore broken public confidence

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has said it will continue to restore broken public confidence, trust and dented credibility in the fight against corruption.

This was revealed by ZACC secretary Mr Silence Pondo on Thursday during a national anti-corruption dialogue meant to discuss measures to fight corruption held in Harare.

The event was attended by officials from Parliament, the Attorney-General’s Office, National Prosecuting Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and representatives of civic and religious organisations. Mr Pondo said public expectations were high for further intensification of the anti-corruption drive, adoption and implementation of bolder changes.

“As the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, we, therefore, strongly acknowledge that the task before us is a daunting one,” he said.

“We must carry forward the hope and expectations of the millions around the country and the world who remain impoverished and deprived of their basic human rights as a result of corruption. It is here at this strategic dialogue where we take the lead in restoring the broken confidence, trust and dented credibility, and foster an impregnable culture of zero tolerance for corruption.”

Mr Pondo said corruption was complex, universal and a global social phenomenon that should be collectively fought on many fronts. He said the successful fight against corruption will inevitably ensure accountability, transparency and good corporate governance in both private and public sector.

“The landmark United National Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), adopted on December 2005 represents a timely global response to a global problem,” said Mr Pondo.

“International collaboration on extradition, mutual legal assistance, law enforcement and joint investigations are new potent tools that could help overcome the barriers that obstruct the process of bringing guilty parties to justice.”