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President Mugabe

Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT must remove corrupt leadership at state enterprises and parastatals if economic revival and growth are to be achieved, parliamentarians said yesterday. They made the remarks in the National Assembly while debating President Mugabe’ speech when he officially opened the First Session of the Eight Parliament. The legislators threw their weight behind President Mugabe’s call that Government would exercise zero-tolerance on corruption.

The legislators’ comments follow reports that top management at Premier Services Medical Aid Society, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Air Zimbabwe, Marange Resources and Harare City Council might have fleeced the nation of millions of dollars through salaries, allowances and misappropriation of public funds.

The MP for Mazowe North, Engineer Edgar Chidavaenzi (Zanu-PF), said corruption was a threat to investment and economic growth.
“I totally support the President’s call for zero tolerance to corruption in all its forms and norms. I implore this House to demand thorough investigations into operations of parastatals, Government-affiliated and Government-supported institutions so as to root-out all malpractices and policies that contribute to their perennial failures and put in place new strategies, policies and framework that are development friendly.

“We hail Government for taking stern measures against corrupt people especially in parastatals. These people have been doing these things on their own yet at the same time tarnishing the image of the ruling party and Government,” said Eng Chidavaenzi.

Several legislators and other stakeholders have already called on the State to prosecute all those involved in misapprorpiation of public funds.

Midlands legislator Cde Melody Dziva (Zanu-PF) said it was important for Government to focus on economic revival to address challenges that faced the country while Gokwe-Kabuyuni legislator, Cde Leonard Chikomba (Zanu-PF) also hailed President Mugabe for his stance on zero-tolerance to corruption.

“The President spoke of transparency (when he officially opened Parliament). Corruption makes our country less attractive to investors,” said Cde Dziva.

She then called for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe saying the embargo was a violation of human rights, a position backed by

Mashonaland West MP Cde Nomsa Mhlanga (Zanu-PF).
Buhera North MP Cde William Mutomba (Zanu-PF) said it was important for Government to focus on busting the illegal sanctions instead of complaining about the embargo.