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Release of Corruption Perception Index 2003 - Transparency International Zimbabwe
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TI-Z)
October 2003

View the Corruption Perceptions Index Table

Transparency International Zimbabwe is part of the international anti-corruption movement, which at present stands at more than 90 National Chapters worldwide, with over 35 NCs in Africa. As part of this movement we are involved annually in the production of the corruption perception index, which seeks to track the progress of countries with respect to their handling of corruption. It is important to note that the index is based on perceptions of those who deal with this country largely as existing investors or potential investors in Zimbabwe.

This year's CPI has added 30 new countries too the list which was utilized in 2002. Consequently because of this and other a largely unchanged negative perception regarding Zimbabwe, the country's position on the CPI has dropped dramatically. Clearly the negative perception has been reinforced by the apparent lack of urgent action designed to deal with a very real problem as well as the negative perception.

Transparency International Zimbabwe has been calling for the establishment of an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission, as a mechanism that may have the potential to deal with corruption in the country. Clearly the recent problems both political and economic and the manner in which they have been dealt with have played a major role in the perception index, particularly in relation to the handling of private property rights.

The perception that there has been corruption even in the process of the land distribution simply reinforces broader problematic perceptions in respect of economic and political corruption.

Matters relating to political and civic participation, media operating environment, access to information, judicial independence (which is crucial to the enforcement of all rights and particularly property rights), all play a major role in forming a perception about the state of fair play or lack of it in Zimbabwe.

Statements have been by at least two senior ministers of government and a motion has been tabled in Parliament about the need to establish an Anti-Corruption Commission. We at TIZ add our voices to these and would further wish to reiterate the urgency with which this matter should be dealt. Clearly Zimbabwe is a country that is in desperate need of investment both external and internal, however, no substantial investment can be expected where perceptions about the country are clearly negative. However, the fight against corruption is also important for rejuvenating our own sense of national pride, integrity and commitment to work for the good of Zimbabwe.

We therefore urge the authorities to view this edition of the CPI as a useful barometer of what needs to be done and the urgency with which we will need to apply ourselves to the task of reversing this level of negative perception. Clearly a first step would be to commence the process of developing a national strategy to combat corruption and a full implementation of a zero tolerance policy towards corruption. As always TIZ stands ready to assist in these efforts.

Visit the TI-Z fact sheet

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