Transparency International Zimbabwe

Despite having established the government of national unity Zimbabwean political leaders have not changed much in prioritizing their own personal interests ahead of national interests. Our political leadership still has that thirst fornational resources and this may drag all national development efforts backwards. Political leaders should realize that leadership entails greater responsibility on their part as they are elected to serve the nation and to observe national rather than personal interests.

Transparency International Zimbabwe is greatly concerned about the issues that have been reported in the media which are clear testimony of abuse of political power and office by politicians. A shocking report was made concerning ministers and other politicians who have been implicated in the poaching of rhinos. These politicians have prejudiced the nation of US $ 5 million. There is no doubt that this abuse of national resources shows that corruption roams freely in Zimbabwe and this is costing our economy a great deal.

At a time when the nation is striving to make ends meet in this economic scene, politicians are on the record of abusing national resources at free will and as a culture they justice delivery system and law enforcement agencies are toothless. In a related issue, the Mawere/SMM saga is a classical example of abuse of political power. Allegations are that politicians are benefiting from the continued estrangement and do not wish to let go. The President of Zimbabwe and the Reserve Bank governor have supported the repatriation of the assets to the rightful owner. This is clear evidence of the use of political muscle to continuously and illegally obtain benefits from another person’s property. Transparency International Zimbabwe is also concerned about the thirst for national resources shown by our members of parliament. The media reported a very disturbing story about out MPs. It was reported that some MPs are demanding state cars worth up to US$30 000 dollars at a time when the nation has an ailing economy and is striving to secure foreign currency for economic reconstruction. Let it be put to the attention of parliament that leadership is also a sacrifice, this unquenchable thirst for national resources and any attempt to abuse national resources is unacceptable.

There is no doubt that members of parliament are entitled to state benefits as they are in positions of leadership. Never the less, MPs should realize that leadership also entails greater responsibility on their part. The sad story of most African nations (Zimbabwe being no exception) and most nations globally is that usually those in political leadership have embraced a tendency of abusing state resources to satisfy their personal interests. The Zimbabwean members of parliament should even be more responsible and reasonable given the economic status of the nation. As such, we condemn such attempts to abuse state resources and the illicit deals which they are and have been involved in. Such an environment is a precondition for take off and a major prerequisite for national political, economic and social development.