Government tackles corruption

CORRUPTION has created a negative impact on all sectors of the country, including the economic sector, resulting in the increase on the cost of doing business.

The scourge also results in loss of revenue, reduced foreign direct investment, subdued domestic investment, externalization of foreign currency, closure of industry and deterioration of public services among others.

Addressing delegates at the recently held Director of the year (Doya) awards Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)’s chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said the government had therefore addressed policy inconsistencies, entrenched weaknesses and indiscipline in the management of public finances and ushered in measures that addressed Public Enterprises and Local Authorities reform.

“As a matter of high priority, the government also introduced measures that address combating all forms of corruption, smuggling, tax evasion, money laundering practices, illicit financial flows, externalization of foreign currency, unlawful and illegitimate deals and transactions and under-ground foreign exchange transactions, among other corrupt conducts.” Matanda-Moyo explained.

Alive to its obligation to revive the economy, the new dispensation came up with a wide range of economic blue prints aimed at improving economic governance in a bid to promote sustainable economic growth and alleviate poverty.

The government has pronounced a “Zero Tolerance” to all forms of corruption and the need to deal with corruption decisively.

Zimbabwe's aspirations of Vision 2030 of a prosperous and empowered upper middleincome society are anchored on improved governance and the rule of law, an aggressive fight against all forms of corruption, creation of a competitive and friendly business environment, respect for human rights and property rights, attainment of responsive public institutions, broad based citizenry participation in national and socio-economic development programmes, among others.

“ZACC was created to combat all forms of corruption both the public and private sector. The Commission has two operational departments the investigation department and the prevention department. The prevention department is there to look at systems and policies in all institutions to ensure transparency and accountability and it is also responsible for educating the public on the ills of corruption.

Given such a mandate you will all agree with me that the fight against corruption is not only the duty of ZACC alone. This fight requires cooperation from all institutions in the country including the private sector,“she said.

Matanda-Moyo challenged every director, leader and most importantly every Zimbabwean to ensure that the country’s vision is realised.

“Thus by 2030, we are building “Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle Income Society with Job Opportunities and High Quality of Life for its Citizens”.

“As a country we have policies such as the

“Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) Reforms Agenda” which is currently running from October 2018 to December 2020. The TSP's task was centered on macro and fiscal stabilization and laying a foundation for the overall goal of a strong, sustainable and shared growth,” she explained.

The TSP introduced institutional reforms in budget expenditure, public service, public sector, operationalization of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act. The TSP also contained specific measures to uproot entrenched indiscipline, corruption, including nipping in the bud all opportunities for rent seeking. In addition, the TSP introduced the Results Based Management approach, using the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) methodologies.

The TSP will be superseded by the NDS 1 running from January 2021-2025. ZACC falls under the Governance pillar.

The government adopted a comprehensive legal framework to promote good corporate governance, transparency, accountability and prevent conflict of interest in the public sector. Such legislation includes the Constitution of Zimbabwe which addresses issues pertaining to basic values and principles governing public administration, responsibilities of public officers and principles of leadership.

Section 3 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the founding values and principles of Zimbabwe and among the values is good governance. The principles of good governance, which bind the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level, include transparency, justice, accountability and responsiveness.

The Government is now obliged through Section 9 to adopt and implement policies and legislation to develop efficiency, competence, accountability, transparency, personal integrity and financial probity in all institutions and agencies of government.

The Public Entities Corporate Governance Ac of 2019 and the Public Entities Corporate Governance (General) Regulations 2018 enhance transparency and accountability in the public sector.

The Zimbabwe Code of Corporate Governance (Zimcode) although it has been enacted through PECOG, it also applies to the private sector. The code speaks of ownership and control issues of a business entity and proper conduct of those who own or control business enterprises; the role and function of the Board of Directors; conflict prevention and resolution; compliance and enforcement including stakeholder relations which are key in combating corruption.

Compliance to such policies as the ZIMCODE should not come with effort but naturally amongst those holding leadership positions.

The government has also launched the National AntiCorruption Strategy 2020-2024, a document that now allows Zimbabwe to have a national consensus in the fight against corruption.

This NACS has six objectives which include increasing public demand for transparency, and accountability and rejection of corruption in government, SMEs, public institutions and the private sector.

ZACC said Matanda-Moyo has a vision of making a citizenry and institutions that uphold integrity, good governance for a corruption free Zimbabwe.

“Achieving this dream requires a culture that is anchored on integrity, transparency and accountability.

Such mindsets are fostered through sustainable partnerships with institutions that help the breeding of practices of good corporate governance such as the IODZ,” she said.

In its preventative strategy, ZACC has been concentrating more on public institutions. “However, this does not mean that in the private sector there is no corruption. Corruption that takes place in the private sector has a huge impact on the economy as it results in illicit financial flows. For instance trade mis-invoicing where companies do not declare the true values or quantities of goods exported.”

The Zacc chairperson said this is done to enable companies to move capital from Zimbabwe to another country. There ia also importation of machinery where values are overpriced to allow companies to retain a certain amount outside the country.

Explaining procurement corruption MatandaMoyo said it is usually companies that bribe public officials to be awarded tenders corruptly.