Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
SENIOR Government officials have taken lead in the fight against corruption and are part of 12 600 individuals who have signed integrity pledges in the past year.
An integrity pledge is a commitment to act honestly and openly in all aspects, promote transparency and accountability, and abide by the law and ethical principles among other vows.
The top Government officials that have signed the pledges include Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Deputy Chief Secretaries, the Commissioner General of the Police, the Prosecutor General, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
In a speech read on his behalf by Dr Onesmus Nyaude, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) co-ordinator for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza said in the fight against corruption, the importance of integrity cannot be overstated.
Mr Reza said integrity was the foundation upon which people build a just society.
“Integrity is building trust in our institutions and it is against this background that we believe shaping tomorrow’s integrity begins today, by instilling strong ethical values among our youths and ensuring they stand firm against corruption,” he said.
“As ZACC, over the past four years, we have been able to roll out a programme on the establishment of Integrity Committees and the signing of Integrity Pledges in the public and private sectors. The intention is to build strong, accountable, resilient, transparent institutions and individuals with integrity who are not prone to corruption.
“Under this initiative, several ministries, government departments, and agencies were trained, and integrity committees have been set up. Over 12 600 individuals have signed integrity pledges and these include Government Ministers, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, the Deputy Chief Secretaries, the Commissioner General of Police, the Prosecutor General, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and myself, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.”
Mr Reza said that as people reflect on the global struggle against corruption, they must recognise that corruption, in all its forms, militates against sustainable development.
“Let us be reminded that corruption is a reality that affects the livelihoods of ordinary people and the aspirations of young men and women,” he said.
“As we look to the future, let me reiterate that fighting corruption is a battle we must wage together, young and old, public and private sectors, civil society, and Government.
“To the youth of Zimbabwe, you are not just the future; you are the present.
“Your voice, actions and commitment to integrity will shape the governance practices when you take over leadership tomorrow. Let us continue working together for the attainment of Vision 2030.”
