Story by Tamuka Charakupa
KADOMA – NEWLY sworn-in commissioners of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) have pledged to play an active role in the fight against corruption, following their official induction held in Kadoma this Tuesday.
The induction comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed and swore in additional ZACC commissioners in April this year, a move aimed at strengthening the Commission’s capacity to execute its mandate.
Commissioner Kindness Paradza welcomed the training, describing it as a vital step in capacitating the new commissioners.
“As a newly sworn-in commission, we welcome this induction, which has enhanced our understanding of the ZACC mandate. We are sending a clear warning, we will act against those breaking the law through corrupt practices,” he said.
Commissioner Zalerah Hazvineyi Makari emphasised that the anti-corruption drive required collective responsibility.
“Fighting corruption should be a collaborative effort. While we may be steering the ship as commissioners, we need the support of all stakeholders and the general public to defeat this scourge,” she said.
Commissioner Rumbidzai Meme Zvimba said the training was comprehensive, equipping commissioners with key knowledge in accountability and transparency.
“We are grateful for this capacity-building initiative, which is helping us understand how to combat corruption effectively. The decentralisation of ZACC operations is already underway to ensure no community is left behind,” she said.
ZACC Chairperson Mr Michael Reza underscored the importance of integrity and ethical leadership in executing the Commission’s duties.
“The training was meant to empower Commissioners with knowledge of effective corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in the execution of their duties. Corporate governance standards are a compass that directs the Commission’s long-term strategy and once the Commission sticks to the dictates in letter and spirit, it will shine as an example in the fight against corruption. Corporate governance forms the foundation for trust between the organisation and the society the Commission operates in; between leadership and personnel; and between entities and their stakeholders,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Corporate Governance Unit under the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Allen Choruma, applauded public entities for improved alignment with national objectives.
“Our mandate is to ensure that public entities align their strategic plans with national and sectoral Key Result Areas. We are pleased with the 72% compliance rate recorded in our most recent survey this reflects responsible utilisation of public resources,” he noted.
Meanwhile, ZACC has initiated the decentralisation of its operations through the establishment of provincial offices to improve access to services and ensure timely investigation of corruption-related cases across the country.
