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The appointment of a Minister of Anti-Corruption and Anti-Monopolies and the Anti-Graft Regulations
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TI-Z)
February 16, 2004

Although Transparency International Zimbabwe (TI-Z) welcomes the recent Presidential appointment of a Minister of Special Affairs in the President’s Office in Charge of Anti-Corruption and Anti-Monopolies, TI-Z is however totally opposed to the recently promulgated anti-graft regulations, as they are a direct infringement on constitutionally enshrined civil liberties.

Unfortunately the creation of the Ministry will not necessarily make any meaningful impact in fighting the scourge as a line Ministry can never be as effective as an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission. A cabinet minister is highly unlikely to investigate his cabinet colleagues and fellow political bigwigs within the party.

On government’s recently promulgated anti-graft legislation, TI-Z considers it unfortunate in that it totally negates the whole fight against corruption. "The new regulations have eroded the public’s confidence in government’s sincerity and commitment to ridding the country of corruption. The good intention of fighting corruption needs to be conducted properly. The fight against corruption must be consistent with the fight for human rights," said Dr. Makumbe TI-Z Chairman.

In line with the Zimbabwean Constitution, anyone alleged to have committed any crime is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Neither the Constitution of Zimbabwe nor the Prevention of Corruption Act provides for "reverse onus." TI-Z attributes the proliferation of corruption in Zimbabwe to inter alia, the general breakdown of the rule of law and ad hoc legislation directed at specific persons. The regulation therefore represents a further breakdown of the rule of law in itself. TI-Z recommends that government revises or amends the Prevention of Corruption Act and other related legislation. In addition we continue to urge government to set up an inviolable Independent Anti-Corruption Commission which will not be subjected to political or organizational manipulation and which will regularly report directly to parliament.

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