Nkosentsha Khumalo
A recent National Anti-Corruption Youth Conference in Bulawayo was marred by young voices crying out against corruption in Zimbabwe.
The conference, organized under the theme “Empowering Youths as Catalysts for Accountability: Bridging the gap between Governance and Community Engagement”, brought together concerned citizens, students, and youth leaders to discuss the pressing issue of corruption in their society.
This youth-led conference was attended by representatives from a number of organizations dedicated to promoting accountability and transparency in Zimbabwe, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ), and the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (Zimcodd).
The National Anti-Corruption Youth Conference served as a platform for Zimbabwe’s young leaders to join forces and tackle the pressing issues of corruption and governance in their country.
This gathering provided an opportunity for youth to voice their concerns to local authorities and national stakeholders, and to work together to develop solutions that promote transparency, accountability, and democratic values in their communities.
Many speakers called attention to the impact of corruption on their lives, particularly the high levels of unemployment faced by youth due to entrenched cronyism and bribery in government.
As the conference continued, speakers shared personal experiences and data to support their claims of corruption’s pervasive presence.
One issue raised was that of corruption at the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), where bribes are allegedly paid to secure driving licenses and evade penalties for traffic violations.
Young citizens also voiced their frustration at the lack of retirement of older employees, leading to a lack of job opportunities for graduates. This, they claim, has created a cycle of corruption as the newer generation seeks to emulate the corrupt practices of their predecessors.
Patience Slavet Sithole, an Advocate for Young People, highlighted a key issue with her statement, “When it comes to corruption, there are people who have been in office for an excessively long period of time, resulting in a lack of job opportunities for university graduates.
“For example, in the Bulawayo City Council, there are individuals who have exceeded their working years. If we want to effectively combat corruption, we must set clear terms of office to ensure that young people have the opportunity to serve their communities before they become jaded or entrenched in corrupt practices themselves.”
Youth leader Pride Ndlovu added his voice to the call for reform, stating in addition to setting clear terms of office, there must be serious consequences for individuals who break the law.
This he said is particularly true for those working in the Vehicle Inspection Department, where bribery and corruption have become commonplace.
“The Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) has become a hotbed of corruption, with many officials fueling the problem. These officials often demand bribes in exchange for licenses or to overlook traffic violations, perpetuating a culture of corruption that extends beyond their organization.
“This type of bribery contributes to the overall prevalence of corruption in the country, as young people learn that bribery is the way to get things done. This must stop if we want to build a fair and just society.”
Prosecutor and National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe representative D. E. Kanengoni urged the public to step up and play a role in the fight against corruption.
She stated that if the public witnesses or experiences corruption, they should report it immediately and follow up with the courts. By coming forward and speaking out, the public can hold the corrupt accountable and ensure that justice is served.
Kanengoni explained, “The only way we can stop corruption is if everyone becomes an advocate against it. Don’t be afraid to speak up and report what you see. If you do, we will listen and act.”
D. E. Kanengoni emphasized that transparency and public participation are crucial in the fight against corruption, stating,” It is vital for people to come forward and report any cases of corruption they witness. Gone are the days when people were not allowed to attend court proceedings.
“Today, people are encouraged to attend court and find out the status of cases they have reported. Joining WhatsApp groups and following the NPA Twitter page can also help people stay informed about ongoing cases.”
Kanengoni went on to say that the NPA is committed to prosecuting any official involved in bribery, regardless of their position.
“We are prosecuting our own prosecutors and magistrates, who have been accused of corruption. Some of these individuals have even been denied bail due to the seriousness of the charges. If we expect to create a fair and just society, we must hold everyone accountable, regardless of their position or status.”
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission representative added his voice to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of individual action in combating corruption.
“Every day, we are faced with situations where we are tempted to pay bribes for services that should be free. But if you choose to resist this temptation and stand up for what is right, you can make a difference.
“By refusing to engage in corrupt practices, you are sending a message to those who seek bribes that their behavior will no longer be tolerated. If everyone does their part, we can gradually root out corruption in our society and create a brighter future for us all.”
Zim GBC News ©2024