Mnangagwa admits his government engulfed by corruption

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has acknowledged the pervasive corruption within his government, issuing a stern warning to officials at all levels of governance, including local authorities, as he committed to intensifying efforts to eliminate the scourge.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) "All Councillors Indaba" in Harare yesterday, attended by over 2,000 councillors from the nation's 92 local authorities, Mnangagwa expressed deep concern over the extent of corruption, describing it as a major impediment to the country's development. The President's comments were reported by the State media, The Herald.

"I am deeply concerned by cases of corruption in the local government space and the entire society. This government is engulfed by corruption, and it must stop," Mnangagwa declared. "Those perpetrating such acts must face the full wrath of our country's law. No one, including local authorities, will be spared. Let us root out this menace from our society."

The President's remarks echo those of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who previously described corruption as a serious threat to Zimbabwe's national security. "Corruption has reached a level where it is no longer just an ethical issue but a national security threat," Chiwenga stated. "It undermines governance, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust in leadership. We cannot allow this cancer to continue spreading unchecked."

Mnangagwa used the occasion to urge local authorities to prioritize transparency, accountability, and people-centered development. He stressed that councils, whether urban or rural, must work in unison to deliver effective services that improve the lives of citizens.

"All local authorities must operate in unison, sharing experiences and crafting responsive policies for the benefit of Zimbabwe," he said. "This is not the time for silo mentalities or a sense of entitlement. We must act decisively and with urgency."

The President also encouraged local authorities to expedite key projects, including the reconstruction of the Mbare Traders Market, one of Harare's oldest trading hubs, aimed at modernising and revitalising the area.

While acknowledging progress in some councils, particularly in property valuation and service delivery, Mnangagwa admitted that significant challenges remained.

"The Call-to-Action blueprint was only the first stage. Now, we must scale up efforts to provide basic infrastructure and ensure that grievances from the people are addressed in a timely manner," he said.

In addition to his remarks on corruption, the President highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness, particularly in light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. "Climate change has taught us the harsh reality of its impact on communities. We must remain vigilant and prepared for any eventualities," Mnangagwa emphasized.

The President also praised the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for collaborating with the Chitepo School of Ideology to train mayors and council executives. He described the initiative as critical to aligning governance with Zimbabwe's national vision and fostering shared priorities.

"This programme reinforces our national values and helps leaders focus on advancing our country's development agenda," Mnangagwa stated.

The Indaba underscored the urgency of tackling corruption and inefficiency, with Mnangagwa and Chiwenga both stressing the need for immediate and decisive action to restore public confidence and drive national development.

As Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 goals, the President's candid admission of corruption within his administration signals a renewed commitment to accountability and reform across all sectors of governance. This pivotal moment could mark a significant shift in Zimbabwe's efforts to tackle corruption and ensure that governance serves the interests of its citizens.