Dennis Lobuntu Ndlovu |Zim GBC News
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has called for renewed national commitment to eradicating corruption, describing it as a direct violation of human rights that undermines access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
Speaking during the African Human Rights Day commemorations in Bulawayo, Takunda Mandura, the organisation’s Communications and Advocacy Officer, said the fight against corruption is inseparable from the protection of fundamental human rights.
“We as Transparency International believe in a Zimbabwean society which is free from all forms of corruption,” Mandura said.
“Someone would ask, why are you here when there are human rights issues? Corruption is a human rights issue.”
He explained that when public funds meant for critical services are misused or stolen, citizens’ basic rights are directly affected.
“For instance, if money meant for medication in a hospital is stolen through corrupt means, someone’s right to health has been infringed,” he said.
“If money made for education is stolen, someone’s right to education has been violated.”
Mandura urged Zimbabweans to recognise the deep link between corruption and human suffering, saying the normalisation of corrupt practices in everyday life must end.
“Our corruption has affected us as a country,” he said.
“We have sort of normalised corruption, which is something we should not do. We should not pay those unofficial payments that people give to acquire basic services in areas like healthcare.”
He added that Transparency International Zimbabwe is working to raise awareness and mobilise citizens to demand accountability.
“We are saying to Zimbabwe, let us save the Zimbabwean society from all forms of corrupt practices. This is the message we are sending to the people today,” Mandura emphasised.
Meanwhile, Khanyile Sithole, the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) Regional Officer, emphasised the vital role of access to information in advancing transparency and protecting human rights.
“Our stance as the Zimbabwe Media Commission is to ensure access to information and the proper development and regulation of the media sector in Zimbabwe,” She said.
She explained that the right to information is at the core of human rights promotion.
“Without access to information, we cannot exist meaningfully as citizens,” she said.
“We ensure that everyone has access to information through the Freedom of Information Act, which came into being in 2020.”
Sithole added that the law empowers all Zimbabweans, not just media practitioners, to seek and receive information held by public entities.
“Our role is to make sure that everyone, whether in the media or an ordinary citizen is able to access information. In doing so, we ensure that transparency, accountability, and the promotion of rights are upheld,” she said.
The remarks from both Transparency International and the Zimbabwe Media Commission underscored the theme of this year’s African Human Rights Day “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” highlighting how corruption and restricted access to information remain barriers to justice and equality in Zimbabwe.
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