Opinion / Columnist
No sacred cows in anti-corruption drive
13 Dec 2015 at 19:53hrs | Views
As the world commemorated World Anti-Corruption Day this past week, we were all met with news of the impeachment proceedings in Brazil against their president, as well as accusations levelled against the Malaysian Prime Minister, both over alleged corruption.
These accusations brought home the need for Zimbabweans to soberly reflect on our own seriousness in tackling this scourge that has been, arguably, the main cause of our country's economic malaise.
This challenge similarly goes out to the recently appointed Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). The question is: Just how far is the ZACC prepared to go in combating corruption in Zimbabwe? Is it prepared to ruffle some heavyweight political and corporate feathers?
No one can argue that corruption in Zimbabwe has become so entrenched that it would be foolhardy, if not downright deceitful, to suggest that corruption at the highest echelons of Zimbabwean society does not exist.
One needs only to take a closer scrutiny at the accusations and counter-accusations of corruption traded between perceived members of rival factions within the ruling party ZANU PF.
The question is: If corruption accusations within ZANU PF are only made against those that have fallen out of favour with the powerful, then is it not logical to assume that corruption is taking place even amongst the still-favoured, but protected powerful?
A case in point is that of the expelled former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her counterparts, who had for ages been accused of corruption by the generality of Zimbabweans, but were protected by the ruling elite. However, when they eventually fell out of favour, suddenly the same people who protected them all along, became their main accusers.
As such, if the ruling elite can protect its own from scrutiny, even when it knows that they are involved in some illegal dealings, only to turn against them when relationships sour, what is to stop the rest of Zimbabwe to assume that there are hordes of powerful people who are involved in illegal activities, but are being shielded from investigation and the subsequent prosecution?
Therefore, the question for ZACC still remains. Just how far are they prepared to go in their investigations into corruption? Are we one day going to hear that the very powerful are being prosecuted for corruption, without first having to wait for them to fall out of favour with their political elite colleagues? Or is that asking for too much?
What this country needs now is not some political sycophants parading as Anti-Corruption crusaders, but needs serious minded people who would not mind getting their hands dirty and even sacrificing their own freedoms and even lives.
We need the type of Anti-Corruption crusaders similar to those we find in such ultra-corrupt countries as Mexico, who are prepared to tackle the bigwigs - risking their lives for the sake of their country.
Allegiances for towards the country, not individuals or groups - no matter who they are.
It would never help this country is we continue doing things for show. Establishing all manner of commissions that are merely for window dressing will neither benefit the country, or its citizens. We all have witnessed and experienced the adverse effects of corruption. We have seen how companies have been forced to shut down due to corruption. How tens of thousands of Zimbabweans have been rendered unemployed. How numerous families are now living in poverty. How numerous Premier Service Medical Aid Society members are now denied treatment at most health institutions without core-payment. How the number of deaths on our roads have increased due to accidents caused by unlicenced drivers who bribe police officers. How people who have committed crimes against us walk away scot free as they would have bribed court officials. The list is endless.
The only way Zimbabwe's glory days can be brought back is through a serious and concerted battle against corruption. I know its still early days for ZACC, but let's all stand together in showing the commission that Zimbabweans mean business, and we are watching it's every move.
Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a community activist, communications consultant, journalist, and writer based in Redcliff. He writes in his personal capacity. Feedback is very welcome. Please call/WhatsApp +263782283975, email: tendaiandtinta.mbofana@gmail.com
These accusations brought home the need for Zimbabweans to soberly reflect on our own seriousness in tackling this scourge that has been, arguably, the main cause of our country's economic malaise.
This challenge similarly goes out to the recently appointed Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). The question is: Just how far is the ZACC prepared to go in combating corruption in Zimbabwe? Is it prepared to ruffle some heavyweight political and corporate feathers?
No one can argue that corruption in Zimbabwe has become so entrenched that it would be foolhardy, if not downright deceitful, to suggest that corruption at the highest echelons of Zimbabwean society does not exist.
One needs only to take a closer scrutiny at the accusations and counter-accusations of corruption traded between perceived members of rival factions within the ruling party ZANU PF.
The question is: If corruption accusations within ZANU PF are only made against those that have fallen out of favour with the powerful, then is it not logical to assume that corruption is taking place even amongst the still-favoured, but protected powerful?
A case in point is that of the expelled former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her counterparts, who had for ages been accused of corruption by the generality of Zimbabweans, but were protected by the ruling elite. However, when they eventually fell out of favour, suddenly the same people who protected them all along, became their main accusers.
Therefore, the question for ZACC still remains. Just how far are they prepared to go in their investigations into corruption? Are we one day going to hear that the very powerful are being prosecuted for corruption, without first having to wait for them to fall out of favour with their political elite colleagues? Or is that asking for too much?
What this country needs now is not some political sycophants parading as Anti-Corruption crusaders, but needs serious minded people who would not mind getting their hands dirty and even sacrificing their own freedoms and even lives.
We need the type of Anti-Corruption crusaders similar to those we find in such ultra-corrupt countries as Mexico, who are prepared to tackle the bigwigs - risking their lives for the sake of their country.
Allegiances for towards the country, not individuals or groups - no matter who they are.
It would never help this country is we continue doing things for show. Establishing all manner of commissions that are merely for window dressing will neither benefit the country, or its citizens. We all have witnessed and experienced the adverse effects of corruption. We have seen how companies have been forced to shut down due to corruption. How tens of thousands of Zimbabweans have been rendered unemployed. How numerous families are now living in poverty. How numerous Premier Service Medical Aid Society members are now denied treatment at most health institutions without core-payment. How the number of deaths on our roads have increased due to accidents caused by unlicenced drivers who bribe police officers. How people who have committed crimes against us walk away scot free as they would have bribed court officials. The list is endless.
The only way Zimbabwe's glory days can be brought back is through a serious and concerted battle against corruption. I know its still early days for ZACC, but let's all stand together in showing the commission that Zimbabweans mean business, and we are watching it's every move.
Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a community activist, communications consultant, journalist, and writer based in Redcliff. He writes in his personal capacity. Feedback is very welcome. Please call/WhatsApp +263782283975, email: tendaiandtinta.mbofana@gmail.com
Source - Tendai Ruben Mbofana
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