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Zim corruption an 'epidemic' - study
Caiphas Chimete, The Standard (Zimbabwe)
November 18, 2007

CORRUPTION has reached "epidemic" proportions in Zimbabwe and the public are skeptical of the government's seriousness in tackling graft, a recent study by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has concluded.

A Comparative Study of National Integrity Systems in five Southern African countries launched in Harare last week says institutions established to spearhead the anti-graft crusade are "fledgling", and anti-corruption crusade is only targeting the weakest members of society.

"Corruption in Zimbabwe has reached epidemic proportions . . .," says the report. "The public is largely skeptical about the seriousness of the government efforts, in light of the reported levels of corruption in the public sector by high-level officials that seem to escape the wrath of the law."

According to TIZ corruption perception index of 2006, Zimbabwe is ranked 130 out of the 163 countries, closer to Africa's most corrupt nations such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Kenya. These countries are ranked 142.

The previous year, Zimbabwe was ranked 107 together with Zambia, Vietnam, Belarus and Eritrea.

The TIZ comparative study also looked at Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia, where there were also indications of an increase in corruption levels.

TIZ says the establishment of the Ministry of State for State Enterprises, Anti-Monopolies and Corruption as well as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to fight graft had not made any difference.

"Neither the Ministry nor the ACC are fully operational at this stage," says the study.

The Minister of State Enterprises, Anti-Monopolies and Anti-Corruption, Samuel Undenge, could not be reached for comment as he was said to be attending meetings.

Zimbabwe has many unsolved cases of graft that involved senior politicians since 1980.

Several senior government officials were named in the Willowgate scandal, the Pay-for-Your-House scheme and War Victims' Compensation Fund but their cases were either dropped or left hanging in the air.

The First Lady, Grace Mugabe, was among those said to have "undeservedly" benefited from the Pay-for-Your-House scheme.

Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri, Vice-President Joice Mujuru, her husband retired General Solomon Mujuru, among others, were said to have benefited unfairly from the same fund.

In its recommendations, the TIZ urges the government to empower anti-corruption institutions so that "they have teeth to bite". They should be endowed with adequate resources to effectively carry out the job.

"The government must strengthen its resolve to combat corruption in and outside the state and move from more symbolic to a more substantive commitment," says TIZ.

Speaking at the launch TIZ-Zimbabwe regional advocacy, desk officer, Mary-Jane Ncube, said she was hopeful the study would help in the fight against corruption.

TIZ also launched another book, Whose Fault Is It? an in depth look at the declining state of public service delivery in five southern African countries, including Zimbabwe.

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