The International Monetary Fund has warned that corruption remains the biggest threat to Zimbabwe’s economic revival and we found the observation to be timely coming a time the country is gripped by major scandals involving the abuse of public funds.
Two businessmen, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, are spending the weekend behind bars after they were arrested for allegedly defrauding the government of millions of dollars meant for a goat scheme.
Mpofu and Chimombe are also linked to another scandal where the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) allegedly bought election materials for last year’s polls at inflated prices from a South African company.
The duo’s role was exposed through documents and audio recordings of their conversations with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo where they were quarrelling over their alleged loot.
Both scandals were exposed while an IMF staff team led by Wojciech Maliszewski was conducting a second mission to Zimbabwe between June 18 to 27 to conclude the 2024 Article IV Consultation.
In a statement Maliszweski said the “mission discussed structural reforms aimed at improving the business climate, strengthening economic governance, and reducing corruption vulnerabilities.
“Zimbabwe’s economic governance has significant weaknesses and corruption poses risks to macroeconomic performance.
“Addressing these weaknesses remain key to promoting sustained and inclusive growth.”
We fully endorse the recommendations by the IMF.Corruption has been an impediment to Zimbabwe’s economic growth for years and the culture must be uprooted without delay.
This is why it is necessary to deal decisively with cases of abuse of public funds whenever they are identified. The scandal engulfing Zec must be investigated without fear or favour.
Zec must be forced to account for the money that it was given by treasury for procurement of materials for last year’s elections.
The invoices and other documents that have been leaked so far point to some criminality that has to be investigated.
Zacc chairperson Michael Reza also made a public announcement that they had gathered information incriminating Chimombe, Mpofu and Chivayo.
The ant-graft seems to have developed cold feet as they are yet to charge anyone over the tender scandal.
Zimbabweans are waiting with bated breath to see what will happen to the case and the commission must never sweep the matter under the carpet.
Zacc needs to step up its fight against corruption by pursuing those who abuse public funds and ensuring successful prosecutions. Corruption is taking a toll on the economic and this must not be allowed to continue.