Sinokubonga Nkala
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
PARLIAMENT has shortlisted 47 candidates from 145 nominations to serve on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).
Public interviews for the shortlisted individuals are set for December 19, as part of the rigorous selection process mandated by the Constitution.
According to a notice issued yesterday, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) received 145 nominations, comprising 112 males and 33 females.
“In accordance with Section 237 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) invited the public to submit nominations of persons for possible appointment to the Commission.
“The Parliament of Zimbabwe received 145 nominations of 112 males and 33 females. The CSRO duly convened and shortlisted suitable candidates for possible appointment to serve on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission” reads the notice.
Notable individuals shortlisted for interviews include outgoing Bulawayo town clerk Mr Christopher Dube, former Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Kindness Paradza, former Gokwe-Nembudziya legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena, former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioner, Dr Qhubani Moyo, former MDC-T legislators Mr Anele Ndebele, and Mr Tongai Matutu and outgoing Zacc Commissioner Gabriel Chaibva.
Others include Bulawayo lawyer Kholwani Ngwenya and Mrs Thandiwe Thando Mlobane among others.
The CSRO invited public nominations earlier this year to fill positions as the tenure of current Zacc commissioners approaches its end. Parliament’s top committee, chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly and including both Government and opposition representatives, is responsible for this selection process.
From the 47 shortlisted candidates, 12 will be recommended to President Mnangagwa, who will appoint eight commissioners. The chairperson is selected separately by the President, following consultations with the CSRO.
The tenure of the eight current Zacc members, sworn in 2019, will soon expire, except for chairperson Michael Reza, who was appointed earlier this year to replace Justice Loice Mutanda-Moyo.
As per Section 255 of the Constitution, Zacc is tasked with investigating and exposing corruption in public and private sectors, combating theft, misappropriation, and abuse of power, promoting honesty, financial discipline, and transparency, receiving public complaints and directing police investigations, and referring cases to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution.
Commissioners must demonstrate integrity, expertise in crime investigation or prosecution, and general suitability for the role. Specific qualifications include at least one legal practitioner, one public accountant or auditor, and an individual with at least 10 years of crime investigation experience.
The Constitution emphasises that Zacc members must enhance integrity and accountability across sectors, ensuring adherence to the principles of transparency and good governance.
The public interviews will be a critical step in identifying candidates who align with these values and possess the expertise to strengthen Zacc’s mandate.
