MNANGAGWA VOWS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION BUT FACES A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has spoken out strongly against corruption in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the Zimbabwe Local Government Association Annual Indaba in Harare, he said he is worried about corruption in local authorities and across the country. He promised that those involved would face the full power of the law.
Mnangagwa said, “I am deeply concerned by the cases of corruption in the local government space and the entire society. Those perpetrating such acts must face the full wrath of our country’s law. No one, including Local Authorities, will be spared. Let us root out this menace from our society.”
His message was clear. Corruption is a big problem, and it needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly. But there is a challenge. Corruption in Zimbabwe has become worse during Mnangagwa’s time in office. Many people believe the problem is not just with local authorities but also with people close to Mnangagwa.
Some of Mnangagwa’s political allies and associates have been accused of corruption. These people are said to use Mnangagwa’s name to commit corrupt acts. They also use his name to protect themselves from being punished. This has made many people lose trust in the government’s ability to fight corruption.
Corruption in Zimbabwe has affected every part of society. It has made life harder for ordinary people. Money meant for improving services like water, roads, and health care often disappears because of corruption. This leaves people with poor services and no hope for change.
When corruption happens at the local government level, it directly affects communities. Local councils are supposed to deliver basic services like clean water, garbage collection, and road maintenance. But corruption makes it hard for them to do their job. Resources are stolen or misused, and projects are delayed or abandoned.
Mnangagwa’s promise to take strong action against corruption is important, but many people doubt that real change will happen. The problem is not just about laws and speeches. It is about holding everyone accountable, including powerful people close to the president. If his allies are allowed to act without punishment, the fight against corruption will fail.
Some believe that Mnangagwa must start by addressing corruption in his own circle. He needs to show the country that no one is above the law. This would be a big step toward rebuilding trust with the public. Without this, people will continue to think the government’s fight against corruption is just talk.
To truly end corruption, there must be strong institutions that can act without fear or favor. Independent courts, a free press, and a strong police force are all needed to expose and punish corrupt individuals. At the moment, many of these institutions are weak or influenced by powerful people. This makes it hard to fight corruption effectively.
The president’s speech at the local government meeting is a good start, but words alone are not enough. Action is needed. People want to see results. They want to see corrupt officials arrested, tried, and punished. They also want stolen money and resources to be returned to the public.
Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. Corruption has eaten away at the country for too long. Mnangagwa has a chance to show leadership and take bold action. But it will not be easy. Corruption is deeply rooted in the system, and fighting it will require political will, strong institutions, and public support.
The question now is whether Mnangagwa will deliver on his promise. Will he go beyond speeches and take real action? Or will the fight against corruption remain just another empty promise? Only time will tell, but for the sake of Zimbabwe, many hope he will rise to the challenge.