corruption can be overcomed and the Zimbabwe we want is possible.
If we are to minimise corruption in Zimbabwe, we need to be strict on
petty corruption and have very punitive measures so that we nip it in
the bud. We will need to make fraud or theft not worth it and institute
very stiff penalties while publicising it. When people know the high
penalties they must pay, they will not be attracted to corruption. The
costs or consequences to individuals involved in corruption and fraud
must be much more than the benefits and the punishment must be applied
consistently without fear or favour. Unfortunately our current
politicians cannot lead this process.
Corruption is a mind-set; it is a value system that is exacerbated by
sheer greed and lack of accountability. There are various levels of
corruption from petty corruption, which is very easy to get used to and
accept; to the high level corruption which is mainly hidden and
misunderstood by many and in most cases, never exposed.
In order to deal with the high level corruption, we will need an
independent institution that deals with it. The Zimbabwe we want will
have an economic intelligence and anti-corruption unit made up of
professionals whose role is to investigate any suspected or reported
corruption cases properly. This entity must be independent and operate
outside all state institutions and especially not linked to the police.
Supporting this must be an anti-corruption commission that is
independent and made up of objective people who are beyond reproach and
have no fear. This commission must be above politics.
In the Zimbabwe we want, a crack force on corruption will sit in the
President’s office. The individuals involved must be well paid and
incentivised to avoid bribes and cover ups. We cannot have people who
are not well remunerated dealing with corruption as is the case now. It
must be a highly rewarding job to attract professional people who
deliver quality work and put national interests first.
Even those officials and board members who are over paid must be investigated and see if every one in that organisation are getting fair salaries. of course some people are highly paid due to to their positions they hold. but it might raise eye brows when one person is getting more than expected and the companies are not doing so well.
Dealing with corruption benefits the country and makes it attractive
for foreign investments. In a society where there is accountability
corruption decreases and the rate of development improves, there is no
doubt about that.
We believe that ethical and principled leadership is critical in
effectively dealing with corruption. We need honest and competent
leadership at all levels of public and private sector enterprises and
institutions. In the Zimbabwe we want, the media will play the leading
role in exposing corruption; this will also act as a deterrent.Boards of directors are the gate keepers and we will expect a high
level of professionalism. These boards must also be accountable in the
case of corruption cases so that everyone is liable for allowing
corruption under their watch
It is evident to us that lack of competence contributes significantly
to corruption. In government we must ensure that people are trained and
skilled to do the jobs that they get paid for. We will also expect good
governance especially the strengthening of the boards of directors in
state enterprises. Our boards must be very competent to control
management and they must act as a barrier to corruption.
.
Our external auditors must also have direct access to the
anti-corruption commission where fraud has been suspected to avoid
directors not acting on corruption.
Our efforts will be to inculcate new value systems especially within
state institutions. We must ensure that the recruitment of employees is
done professionally, that performance reviews are done regularly and
that people must do their work as expected. Government employees can
spread corruption through their daily habits. They also must be
remunerated fairly to avoid temptation.
Our tax authorities must be professional, informed and effective in
doing their work. Our police must be well paid and looked after so that
they are effective in their job. Working for the police must be made
attractive and it must be satisfying and respected profession. The
Zimbabwe we want will have well trained professional police that is
apolitical and serves Zimbabwe first. Their activities must however be
continually monitored.
It takes two to tango, reducing corruption requires that we reduce the opportunity space for corruption in all spheres of life.The Zimbabwe we want cannot emerge if the abuse of national resources
that we are seeing now continues. Where justice is selectively applied
and politicians can get away with corruption. The government has the
responsibility to effectively manage the resources of the country.
Lastly we will need a professional legal fraternity where objectivity
and professionalism are paramount. Typically they regulate themselves
through a peer review system and this needs to be encouraged and
strengthened.
We must anticipate a totally new paradigm in the future, a paradigm that
says that the people of the Zimbabwe come first and everyone is
accountable.
but the main question is: CAN ANYONE BE HONEST ENOUGH TO AVOID CORRUPTION??
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