ZIMBABWE is failing to exorcise the ghost of corruption as it has been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries on the continent, a survey has revealed.

BY OBEY MANAYITI

According to Afrobarometer and Transparency International’s 10th edition of the Global Corruption Barometer, 60% of Zimbabweans think that corruption levels have increased in the past 12 months.

Seventy-one percent think that the government is doing a bad job in fighting corruption, while 25% of public service users paid a bribe in the past 12 months and 45% think the general public can make a difference in the fight against corruption.

According to the survey, overall bribe rate has increased from 22% in 2015 to 25% in 2019. Other key institutions that have been dogged by corruption include public schools, public clinics and health centres, identity documents procurement and the police.

Compared to 2015, there has been a 2% decrease on corruption with regards to the President’s Office which now stands at 28% from the 30% in 2015.

Other institutions that are affected by corruption include legislators and government officials, local government officials, the police, judiciary, business executives and traditional leadership.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone have the highest percentage of public service users who paid a bribe in the previous 12 months, Mauritius, Botswana, Cabo Verde have the least incidences of bribes.
The survey was conducted in 35 countries between September 2016 and September 2018, with 47 000 people aged 18 years and above, participating.

Recommendations were that African governments should investigate, prosecute and sanction all reported cases of corruption, with no exception; Enforce international bribery laws, like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Convention on Combatting Bribery of Foreign Officials; Ratify, implement and report on the African Union Convention to Prevent and Combat Corruption (AUCPCC); Establish public registers, in open data format, with information on the actual owners of private companies and trusts ; Adopt open contracting practices, which make data clearer and easier to analyse and develop minimum standards and guidelines for ethical procurement.
The survey comes at a time when the government and Zanu PF are making efforts to name and shame corrupt officials within the rank and file of power.

Senior Zanu PF officials including secretary for administration Obert Mpofu and other politburo members were named in a name and shame exercise by the party’s youth wing.

The youths also exposed senior government officials as being at the centre of corruption, prompting the Politburo to institute a commission of enquiry into the allegations.

CIVIL servants are today expected to engage their employer in a make or break meeting to address their remuneration as calls for industrial action get louder.’

BY OBEY MANAYITI

The government has on many occasions conceded to calls to increase salaries for its workers although the adjustment has always fallen short of expectations.

Today’s meeting between the Apex Council and the government is set to review the ZW$97 adjustment offered by government against demands to peg the salaries as of October last year in United States dollar terms to the current interbank rate.

This will see the least paid worker getting at least ZW$3 000.

Apex Council secretary David Dzatsunga confirmed today’s meeting after a similar one failed to kick off last week.
“We are going to discuss the cost of living adjustment. The meeting is a follow-up to the previous meeting where government offered ZW$97,” Dzatsunga said.

“We are now going to look at their revised offer and our actions going forward will be based on that offer, whether it fits into our demands. We believe the cost of living adjustment should be premised on the food basket. ZW$97 is far from what we are looking for. Our income has been eroded and we are demanding that we take our earnings as of October last year and then multiply (it) by the interbank rate.”

Asked what action they are likely to take if the government fails to give another offer, Dzatsunga said although they might declare a deadlock, they will consult their members before taking any action.

“We may have to declare a deadlock, but we have to listen to them [government] first. Definitely we have plans. If the offer is not what we are expecting then we will go back to consult our members.

“The truth of the matter is that workers are incapacitated. When things are like this it is difficult for us to go to work. People cannot afford it and we want this addressed in our make or break meeting with government,” he said.
While Dzatsunga spoke of hearing the government’s side before taking action, others within Apex Council said they are pushing for industrial action if negotiations fail to yield results.

They claim they have been patient enough with government which has failed to play its part.

Today’s meeting comes hot on the heels of the continued increase in prices, pushing the cost of living further upwards.

RENOWNED filmmaker Marc Mandisoul is set to release an action-packed drama series, House of Stone, in September this year in a bid to change the face of the film industry in the country.

BY LIFE & STYLE REPORTER

Mandisoul said they have introduced a number of innovations to enhance the quality of local productions.

“We are making final touches for the release of our action packed drama series, House of stones, to be released in September and it will have 13 episodes.

“For this one, we are focusing on Zimbabwe, so we will have Zimbabwean actors, but on the following series we will include actors from other countries,” he said.

“This drama series will be first of its kind in Zimbabwe (as we try) to change the face of film industry in Zimbabwe because we are used to soaps. But this time around there will be a difference as we are targeting at many things and chief among them to improve our production so that our movies are at par with international productions.”

Mandisoul emphasised the need for the local industry to look into production value in order to meet international standards.

“This is our first drama series and there are a lot of things that we are targeting to improve and these include production budget and production value in order to meet international standards. We are using 4K cameras which have good quality for visuals to meet the standards of global movies. Our movies may have good storylines, but lack production value, which is considered at global awards, so we need to work on that,” he said.

The filmmaker is currently working on cost and packaging so that the series is in the class of international productions such as Empire, Power and How To Get Away with Murder.”

His other project State of Malambia will be screened on TelOne DEOD in the next few weeks.

“House of Stone Series will have a huge impact because it’s targeted at a global audience in terms of broadcast platform and we are shooting it in 4k format to meet all international broadcast standards. This is my biggest project yet,” the filmmaker added.

ZIMBABWE has been on the regional and global agenda for the wrong reasons for two decades now. Yes, there are 20-year olds born and raised in this hardship environment who still hope that the next 20 years will be better, even though the current optics are at odds with that dream. It is a sad story for a country that was won after so many years of suffering and whose birth brought so much hope and promise.

The country has swung, from being the elderly revolutionary leader to which most African countries looked up, to become a political nuisance. Its economy has plummeted from being the breadbasket to become a perpetual basket case. It is very clear to everyone how the country ended up where it is today. The natural resources that made this country great are still available, but a productive mind-set is the missing link.

Embarrassingly, evidence of lack of a productive mind-set and how that has ripped apart a once promising country is littered across our borders and all over the world. Of course, the first sign is being a perpetual problem at region meetings such as the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc).

It is beyond discussion that there is indeed something very wrong with our present leadership’s mind-set. Picture this, before you label this emotional. It is a known fact that all our neighbouring countries and those in far places as Europe and Asia are hosting political and economic refugees from Zimbabwe. The deepening poverty will push millions more people out of the country as the current leadership continues to prove its bareness every day.

Now imagine that, the same countries that are offering refuge to our destitute people are also reported to be hosting looted funds from our country. What happened to the resources plundered during the land reform, the companies invasions? There are so many stories when looting by the same people in power became the order of the day. But the highlight of them all is the Chiadzwa diamonds. If we tell our children today that Zimbabwe was, at some point in the history of this world, the leading diamond-producing country, they will be justified to think that we are hallucinating.

The search for answers continues. In the opposition political circles, the answer lies in reforms to level the playing field during election time. The assumption is that elections hold the solution to all problems as reforms are expected to cage Zanu PF from manipulating their outcome.

It is a frail proposition that occupies centre-stage in the mainstream political discourse. It gives Zanu PF several choices. They can choose to give in on reforms, but still manipulate the elections or refuse the reforms and still manipulate the elections. They now know that nothing will happen to them.

In the economic circles, similar logic obtains; fix politics in order to grow the economy. They do not provide a specific definition of what fixing politics means. Even though some hesitate to mention it, but the real problem is Zanu PF. Reforms will not change their behaviour and that behaviour underlies the devastating politics. Every broken part of this economy bears a Zanu PF finger print. If capital is shy, as they say, the same fingers that destroyed the economy cannot be trusted with rebuilding a new one.

But again, here is how our situation looks more like a mental one rather than a political or economic case. The resources looted from the country and kept in offshore accounts or invested in those countries, are contributing massively towards the political and economic development of those countries.

As their economies grow, so does the lifestyle of their people. But at the bottom of their ladders are destitute Zimbabweans who are begging for anything that can help them meet the food requirements for the day.

They fled hunger from their country of plenty to feed from the crumbs in neighbouring countries whose economies feed from our resources. It is a case of a greedy parent who steals food from his/her own household and stores it at the neighbour’s house where his/her children feed from the same neighbour’s left overs. How sad.

Do these acts of sheer folly end there? No! Not at all. Despite that, if our own money owned by our own same leaders, but kept elsewhere can be brought back to turn around our economy and bring peace, tranquillity and happiness to our lovely nation, would they choose to go and beg for help, opening lines of credit and mortgaging the future of the country? We now have begging citizens and leaders in the same countries, but different streets.

This is folly because it is contradictory to try and convince external funders to bring their resources in an environment where you cannot trust to bring your own resources. Who does that? That on its own is the foundation where confidence is instilled or destroyed. We need a leadership renewal.

 Tapiwa Gomo writes in his personal capacity

GOVERNMENT should implement recommendations made by Auditor-General (AG) Mildred Chiri and Parliament before allocating any funds to line ministries, a legislator has urged.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

Chairperson of the portfolio committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development , Felix Mhona made the suggestion while addressing a budget analysis workshop for lawmakers held in Bulawayo recently.

“It is high time our recommendations as Parliamentary Committees are taken seriously and feed into the national budget. I believe that it is time that this new dispensation ensures that no public funds are disbursed to any line ministry without the Executive implementing the recommendations raised by the Auditor General as well as Parliament, especially, those from the post audit committee, the Public Accounts Committee,” Mhona said.

Every year, Chiri has been churning out reports detailing the extent of weak corporate governance and in most cases outright corruption in government and State-run enterprises.

He said the AG has noted inadequate coordination between the Ministry of Finance and various ministries wherein direct payments were made and documentation for same being insufficient.

Mhona said committees should play their part in curbing corruption through effectively scrutinising all public expenditure and ensure that those who abuse public resources were brought to book.

“It is disheartening to note that some ministries continue to breach the clear legislative provisions by not submitting statutory reports to Parliament and their accounts for audit by the Auditor-General in terms of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) from Section 32 to 35 that compel ministries to submit monthly and quarterly financial and accompanying reports to the Accountant-General, the AG and their respective portfolio committees,” Mhona said.

“There is, therefore, need to invoke Section 86 of the PFMA which include dismissal for wilful or negligently failing to comply with part IV and V of the Act, which covers the production and presentation of financial statements,” he added.

In order to ensure compliance, Parliament developed quarterly reporting guidelines to assist line ministries with the content and structure of the reports.

“Parliament plays a crucial role in plugging leakages which are continuously haemorrhaging this economy. Our legislative role requires us to be innovative and push for laws that address the challenge of leakages in revenue, corruption and maladministration in the public sector,” he noted.

Tired of walking long distances to access medical services, villagers in Dumba, Beitbridge East constituency, have pulled resources together to build a clinic at a local business centre.

BY SILAS NKALA

In June last year, the villagers appealed to the government and development agencies to construct primary health care facilities in the district.

It is reported that in some areas, villagers are travelling over 15 kilometres to the nearest health institution.

According to World Health Organisation standards, people must not walk for more than 8km to access primary health facilities.

Dumba business centre is located 30km east of the border town and recently councillor for Ward 15 (Shabwe), Meniere Boy Ndou told the villagers that they have since identified sites where more clinics could be constructed with Dumba business centre being one of them.

Area legislator Albert Nguluvhe (Zanu PF) has donated towards the project.

“This afternoon (Saturday), I met with the Dumba community. They have put together resources to build a clinic at their business centre. So far, they have moulded 20 000 standard bricks,” Nguluvhe said on the constituency development update platform.

“I have donated 100 bags of cement to mould 18 000 more bricks. I will continue to mobilise resources to support their initiative. Let us continue to work together in promoting infrastructure development in our area.”

An estimated 160 000 people live in Beitbridge with 100 000 believed to be in the rural part of the district.

Recently, the Beitbridge Rural District Council, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration, constructed a new clinic to service close to 6 000 villagers in Chabili.

A BEITBRIDGE magistrate has dismissed an ex-parte application by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi seeking to have solitary access to a bank account he jointly holds together with two other businessmen he has since dumped.

BY REX MPHISA

Beitbridge magistrate Perseverance Makala gave Mohadi, through his lawyer Norman Mugiyo, a date to come for a proper hearing and that he must serve for the hearing Oscar Chiromo, Tichaona Mushipe and the CBZ Bank cited in the failed application as respondents number 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

Makala also found the “embarrassingly defective” chamber application by Mugiyo for Mohadi was not urgent.

“In what terms of rules are you basing your application, since it’s not mentioned in form c1/17 of the new rules and order,” asked Makala, who also failed to understand why the application was devoid of commissioned affidavits, a basic requirement.

“Order 22 Rule 7 of the Civil Rules indicate the procedure to be followed when it comes to an ex parte application. I am basing on Order 23,” she said in her dismissal of the application.

She asked Mohadi to proceed by a notice, saying the application before her did not fall under ex parte.

In the application, Mohadi sought an order from the court to allow him to withdraw funds raised from a joint business operation with Chiromo and Mushipe banked with CBZ Bank at Beitbridge.

He alleged the two were refusing to release his money held in an account they jointly opened.

Malindi Storage and Logistics (PVT) Limited, a company Mohadi formed with Chiromo and Mushipe was cited as the first applicant.

Mohadi sometime this year dumbed his partners through another court application in which he said the two were taking advantage of him and misusing his good name.

In that application, Mohadi said he had not gone into the joint venture willingly and wanted out.

HIGHLANDERS… (1) 1
FC PLATINUM… (1) 1

HIGHLANDERS and FC Platinum shared spoils in an exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday that was dominated by the hosts although with a jittery defence.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

FC Platinum remain at the top on the log-standings as Chicken Inn fell to Hwange at the Colliery in a match also played yesterday.

The visitors surged ahead six minutes before the break through their Cameroonian striker Albert Eonde, who capitalised on a defensive blunder by Tendai Ndlovu to beat goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.

Sibanda got the equaliser for Highlanders in the first half’s optional time from the spot after FC Platinum midfielder Rainsome Pavari fouled Devine Mhindirira inside the penalty box.

It was Sibanda’s fourth goal for Highlanders this season.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza praised his charges for the fighting spirit.

“The guys worked very hard. It is about character and fighting for each other. I am happy the boys are pushing and we are still on top. Last week we had just 13 players available and today we had three youngsters from the under-19s. It is not easy at all,” Mapeza said.

On the bench for FC Platinum were three developmental players Hagiazo Magaya, Keith Madera and Panashe Mutimbanyoka.

His counterpart Mandla Mpofu felt his side had dropped two points.

“We cannot make those kind of mistakes that we made at this stage, but overall we played very well. It is two points lost than a point gained. We are not happy with the result. The position that we are in is not looking good and we are not scoring goals; it is one aspect we have to work on,” Mpofu said.

Teams:

Highlanders: A Sibanda, C Siamalonga, M Ndlovu, T Ndlovu, P Muduhwa, N Masuku, R Lunga (M Sibanda 69′), B Banda (A Silla 83′), P Dube, D Mhindirira, C Kapupurika (T Makanda 83′)

FC Platinum: F Tizayi, G Mbweti, G Bello, K Madzongwe, F Madhananga, R Pavari (W Stima 69′), N Tigere, D Chafa, R Kutsanzira, C Sibanda (P Chikwende 38′), A Eonde

Liverpool — Vitality Netball World Cup debutants Zimbabwe, bolstered by a rapturous support, bested Sri Lanka 79-49 to get their campaign off to a flying start yesterday.

With remarkable shooting statistics from both sides, the match was a complete competitive affair.

With their raucous support creating an unparalleled atmosphere, the Zim Gems made a huge impressive with their first ever World Cup victory.

The initial minutes were tentative as each team got a feel for the other, with both connecting well with their shooters. Zimbabwe got balls to goal utilising
their speed and agility, while Sri Lanka delivered the ball to their towering GS Tharjini Sivalingam, who, standing at 6’9, is the tournament’s tallest player

Any turnover in this quarter was to be found either in the centre third or through penalties, and after finally breaking the steady goal-for-goal rhythm that
had started the game, Zimbabwe gathered momentum and with that the lead, ending the first quarter 19-14 ahead.

Sri Lanka came out the blocks fastest at the start of the second quarter, quickly reducing the goal deficit. They were able to steal ball from the Zim Gems
where they hadn’t before and the steady, stalwart presence of Sivalingam, shooting at 100%, was able to reap the rewards.

However, Zimbabwe’s athleticism soon shone through again and the Zim Gems were able to locate the tips, intercepts and turnovers they needed to push on. With
Ursula Ndlovu and Joice Takaidza firing at 93% and 92% respectively, Zimbabwe led 38-29 at half time.

The third quarter was a much more even affair, with Sri Lanka staying in contention by matching Zimbabwe’s physicality. Sivalingam maintained her 100% flawless
shooting, a statistic matched by her supporting goal attack, Dulangi Wannithileka.

Despite injures to both Ndlovu and Sharleen Makushka, Zimbabwe’s tenacious play wasn’t disrupted, and they led 53-42 heading into the final quarter.

They continued to dominate, with Sri Lanka only able to put their first shot of the quarter in as the ninth minute died away. They found their rhythm, but it
was too-little too-late, and the partisan supporters were able to delight in a final score of 79-49 in the favour of the World Cup debutants. — nwc