Mnangagwa must demonstrate resolve to tackle graft

LAST week, we reported that a forensic audit commissioned by government to help authorities get to the bottom of troubles confronting Premier Service Medical Aid Society (Psmas) exposed rampant corruption.

What we have are only snippets from a huge report that has been kept under wraps for many months by government.

But we know that if those determined to keep it out of public scrutiny decide to release its contents, the report will open another can of worms – a Psmas Mafia.

Still, it boggles the mind to see that a government that has all along been preaching transparency suddenly develops cold feet when a crucial report is about to be released.

Who is protecting who here, and why? The audit was not the first to expose a governance crisis at the society.

Just over a decade ago, serious corruption surfaced at Psmas, which was at the time looted through obscene salaries and perks by its high rolling executives.

At the time, Zimbabwe’s health delivery system was collapsing.

Salaries of up to US$500 000 per month for Psmas bosses were exposed, meaning that they were earning far higher salaries than many of the world’s leaders.

This cannot be allowed to continue.

The economy is clearly relapsing and many of the country’s low-income earners need Psmas’ services.

A solution to the prolonged problems must be immediately found, and this must be implemented immediately.

But what is surprising is that Psmas’ problems lie within the circles of those with the mandate to manage and protect it.

They don’t do it for free, they are paid. Many politically connected senior civil servants with interest in the medical sector have dipped their fingers into Psmas’ coffers.

They have enjoyed protection because of their close proximity to power at the expense of millions who cannot afford even a penny for medical attention.

It is a clear capture of the business by a few that must be broken.

The explosive revelations should be a starting point for government to take decisive actions to rescue Psmas and combat serious crimes that could be killing people.

The rot at Psmas mirrors similar mismanagement cases reported across state agencies and parastatals, which have not been addressed.The Psmas fiasco is just the tip of an iceberg.

Difficult decisions must be made in dealing with the graft, which is now rampant across state-run institutions and agencies.

The problem is, as they fight to control vital institutions in government, civil servants and politicians are placing their selfish interests first at the expense of millions.

Most parastatals have become cash cows for government officials and ministers.

This must change.