Moffat Mungazi
Rodgers Irimayi
Cultural Perspectives
DISCUSSING the relationship between the role of traditional leaders and corruption is complex as there are various factors at interplay.
In our communities, people rarely discuss this topic, but there is rampant abuse of power by some leaders who lack guidance.
It is important for those in authority to know their duties as explained my previous article.
This week we will table some key points for consideration which include transparency, accountability, social pressure and bias, limited resources, embezzlement, nepotism, bribery and abuse of power.
There is need to examine these and even other contributing factors.
One major challenge facing traditional leaders is lack of transparency when handling issues brought before them.
Traditional leaders may not always be transparent in their decision-making processes, leading to opportunities for corruption. This might be a result of favouritism brought about by other factors such as relationships.
Our communities are composed of families that are mostly related by blood, totems or inter-marriage. Such relations have great influence in the process of trying to balance between fair treatment and bias.
Traditional leaders also face another challenge of limited accountability as they may not be held accountable for their actions, creating an environment conducive to corruption.
They do not report to anyone although in some cases they refer cases to other leaders. Their actions and decisions are mostly accountable to themselves. There has been a lot of outcry when it comes to compiling the lists of beneficiaries of various goods and services, with some claiming unfairness where traditional leaders include those close to them, sidelining genuine cases.
Traditional leaders face cultural and social pressures in prioritising beneficiaries as they play into the interests of their family, clan, or community over the greater good.
The challenge of limited resources is crucial as traditional leaders may end up depending on external sources of funding, which can create opportunities for corruption.
Forms of corruption associated with lack of funding include embezzlement which is the misuse of funds or resources intended for community development or cultural preservation.
The issue of nepotism also arises where there is favouritism towards family members or close associates in decision-making and resource allocation.
Lack of resources might also lead traditional leaders into bribery where they end up accepting or soliciting bribes in exchange for favours, influence, or access to resources.
Abuse of power by traditional leaders is rampant and it hinders development in the community. This is where traditional authority is used to exploit or oppress community members, or to silence critics.
There are many who then suffer in silence because they fear to report or do not even know where to launch their complaints.
Some traditional leaders take advantage of that ignorance and exercise excessive power over their subordinates.
There are factors that contribute to corruption among traditional leaders and these include weak institutions.
In many villages, there are no such organs, although some have ineffective institutions such as councils of elders, village or community assemblies. The absence of such institutions can create an environment conducive to corruption. Lack of education and training is a serious deficit which hampers community development and breeds corruption.
Limited education and training on governance, ethics, and accountability can contribute to corrupt practices. There are some leaders who lost their positions to others because of ignorance.
Our system of traditional leadership prescribe inheritance through bloodline for one to be considered for the position. This downplays the level of education one might have acquired which then affects decision making by the traditional leader. Some communities suffer because of ill-decisions made by their leaders.
Poverty and economic pressure also present challenges to traditional leaders. A leader facing life hardships and poverty can create pressures that lends one in corrupt practices.
During distribution of food-aid some leaders allocate themselves more because of poverty.
External influences such as corruption in Government or business, can influence traditional leaders to engage in corrupt practices.
To addressing corruption among traditional leaders, there is need to establish and strengthen institutions such as the councils of elders, village or community assemblies as these assist the leaders to promote transparency and accountability.
There is need to for Government to provide education and training programmes on governance, ethics, and accountability for traditional leaders.
It is imperative to encourage community participation and engagement in decision-making processes to promote transparency and accountability.
The establishment of external oversight mechanisms, such as audits or investigations to detect and prevent corrupt practices among traditional leaders is long overdue.
Such a move will whip many into their proper positions.
For community development to be successful, traditional leaders should shun corruption and lead by example by being morally upright, demonstrating fairness and being accountable.
Rodgers Irimayi is the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Masvingo Provincial Information Officer. He writes in his personal capacity and can be contacted on +263778246098 or [email protected]
