Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Michael Reza (File Photo)
By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Chairperson, Michael Reza, today emphasized the critical need for integrity and transparency in local governance during a ceremony for the signing of integrity pledges by officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. The event, held in Harare, marked a significant step in the ministry’s commitment to ethical conduct and the fight against corruption.
In his opening remarks, Reza praised the ministry for its proactive stance in integrating corruption prevention into its operations. “Today, officials from the ministry are declaring a public commitment to integrity by taking an oath against the vice of corruption,” Reza stated. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between ZACC and the ministry, aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance practices.
Reza revealed concerning statistics on corruption within the public sector, noting that out of 999 reports received in 2023, 56% were against public officials, including 13.11% involving officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. Despite these “disheartening” figures, Reza acknowledged the efforts by local authorities to tackle corruption, such as the establishment of integrity committees in 84 local authorities across Zimbabwe.
“Integrity is key to improved and efficient service delivery,” Reza asserted, highlighting the direct impact of corruption on citizens. He called on public officers to demonstrate a commitment to integrity to rebuild public trust and ensure better use of public resources.
Reza reaffirmed ZACC’s dedication to supporting local authorities in strengthening their integrity frameworks and promoting transparency. He announced current initiatives, including action plan programs to enhance local governance operations, and lauded the adoption of e-governance systems by several local authorities.
Concluding his remarks, Reza commended the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for taking a crucial step in combating corruption. “The Integrity Pledge is a vital step in our shared journey to build a more ethical, transparent, and responsive local governance system,” he said, urging civil servants to fully commit to this pledge.
The signing of the integrity pledges reflects Zimbabwe’s continued efforts to fight corruption across all levels of government, reinforcing the nation’s zero-tolerance stance on corrupt practices.