Officials from Ministry of Home Affairs during the Signing Ceremony; Pictures by Kennedy Madzianike
By Dickson Bandera
Officials from various departments within the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, including Forensic Science and Policy and Administration, gathered today at the National Archives to sign the Integrity Pledge Against Corruption, marking a significant step in Zimbabwe’s ongoing battle against corruption.
The ceremony, led by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), was an important moment in the national drive to eradicate corruption. Mr. Magobeya and Mr Kajese from ZACC, administered the oath and explained the significance of the Integrity Pledge, emphasizing the importance of shunning corruption and upholding ethical standards.
This pledge is part of a broader national strategy aimed at combating corruption. Through signing the pledge, officials from Zimbabwe’s public service institutions made a collective commitment to eliminate corruption and promote ethical conduct at all levels of government.
While participation in signing the pledge is voluntary, it is viewed as a critical step in the ongoing efforts to improve integrity within government institutions. The pledge underscores a commitment to transparency and accountability, values essential for restoring public trust in government operations.
ZACC’s efforts also encompass continuous awareness campaigns, investigations, and other initiatives, including system reviews. These reviews assess processes, offer recommendations for enhancing accountability, and provide an implementation matrix to ensure consistent progress.
One notable success where new systems have reduced corruption has been seen at the Passport Office, where new measures have brought in efficient and transparent passport application process, thus reducing corruption.
The mandate of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is drawn from Section 254 of the Zimbabwe Constitution, which empowers the commission to investigate, prevent, and combat corruption within public institutions.
