Under government ownership corruption can flourish just as rankly as under private ownership. Theodore Roosevelt
Corruption has been headlining news and sparking general debate, both online and offline and on public spheres in the Zimbabwean context as of late.
This article will discuss several corruption incidents plaguing the country, aiming to raise awareness among readers about the cancerous effects of corruption that are devouring the nation.
The writer hope to solicit solutions and suggestions from readers in the comment box below.
Willogate, Asiagate, Covidgate, Mbudzigate, and ZECgate are some random examples of the numerous major corruption scandals that have plagued Zimbabwe since 1980, with little to no consequences for the offenders.
Former Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister, Prisca Mupfumira, was recently acquitted of charges involving the alleged theft of US$90 million from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
The lack of further investigation and accountability on matters such as this serves as a final blow, allowing the actual perpetrator to go scot-free.
Mupfumira case’s outcome perpetuates the notion that the government selectively enforces justice, arresting and releasing offenders who are aligned with the ruling party, while neglecting to hold them truly accountable for their actions.
Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, the alleged whistleblowers who exposed the ZECgate corruption scandal, have been arrested on charges related to Mbudzigate allegations, a case which occured 2 years ago and might have swept under the carpet until the alleged exposee.
It seems that the authorities may be using the Mbudzigate charges as a pretext to silence the whistleblowers, rather than pursuing the more serious ZECgate corruption allegations that implicate high-ranking government officials and ZEC chairperson.
The silence of the Zimbabwean President in a situation like this is deafening, and in the court of public opinion, his silence can be perceived as complicity, even if he is not involved.
The President is known for actively commenting on various debates and issues, often outlining the government’s position on such matters, making his silence in this case all the more conspicuous.
The writer draws wisdom from the Greek tradition and invokes Greek mythology to illuminate the significance of silence, drawing inferences from the myths to shed deeper insight into the consequences of remaining silent in the face of adversity.
In Greek mythology, there is a story about the silence of the goddess Hera, who was known for her outspokenness.
When her husband Zeus was accused of adultery, Hera remained silent, which was seen as a sign of her complicity in the matter.
This silence was interpreted as a tacit approval of Zeus’ actions, and it ultimately led to further conflict and strife.
The story illustrates the idea that silence can be just as powerful as speech, and that failing to comment or speak out can be seen as a form of tacit approval or complicity.
This theme is echoed in the phrase “silence implies consent,” which suggests that by not speaking out against something, one is implicitly condoning it.
In the context of President’s silence, the mythological reference highlights the importance of speaking out and taking a stance, especially in situations where leadership and guidance are expected.
However, the President’s spokesperson has commented on the issue, but the spokesperson’s diatribe, marked by arrogance rather than reason, has only exacerbated the situation.
It is imperative that the President himself address the nation in an effort to headon confront the cancer of corruption that is devouring the country.
Other regions have successfully prosecuted corrupt former leaders, and Africa should follow suit to correct this wrong.