Transperancy International Zimbabwe releases scaring corruption level figures

A new Transparency International-Zimbabwe (TI-Z) survey released this month found that 65% of young people say they have been asked to pay a bribe for public services, ranging from issuance of driver's licences to passports and national identity cards.

The Vehicle Inspection Department was cited as the most frequent institution demanding bribes, followed by education and police.

And young people feel powerless.

The TI-Z report found that 49% of the youths surveyed said they believe they cannot make a difference in the fight against corruption," because they lack political power.

"Everything is for sale here," said Tinashe Marufu, a 26-year-old teacher. He has given up waiting in long queues for a passport and cannot afford the US$150 bribe to expedite the process.

Disillusionment from corruption is concerning in a country where 77% of the population is under 35, the report said.

"To secure the future of youths there is need to safeguard the culture of accountability, integrity and good governance," the report, led by TI-Z researcher Farai Mutuondoro, said.