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Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe has a lot to learn from China in dealing with corruption and the development of a positive work ethic, academics said on Thursday. They said this ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Zimbabwe next week.

The University of Zimbabwe Department of Political Science held a roundtable meeting, cutting across all faculties to discuss how Zimbabwe could benefit from the Chinese leader’s visit.

Head of the department Professor Charity Manyeruke said China’s systems did not tolerate corruption.

She said Zimbabwe should craft policies that deal with corruption decisively.

Prof Manyeruke said a lot had been said about corruption in Zimbabwe, but nothing tangible had been done to bring the perpetrators to book.

“We have a lot to learn from China,” she said. “The issue of corruption is high on the agenda because (President) Xi Jinping has been forthright in terms of handling corruption even before he became president.

“He has anti-corruption policies and strict rules and regulations with regards to corruption and even dealing with high-profile figures.

“This is what Zimbabwe should learn that no matter how high you are in terms of profile, you should come under scrutiny, transparency and declaration of assets should be put on the agenda.

“There is a lot of talk that corruption is bad but in terms of actual dealing with corrupt officials, we see some hesitancy, but we want action to be taken against those people and we should have explicit rules and regulations to deal with corruption. Corrupt officials must be off the system.”

Prof Manyeruke said the Chinese had also developed a positive work ethic that had worked towards the development of their nation.

“China’s whole system does not tolerate corruption and also their work ethic – they are a hardworking people. It is that hardworking ethic that have gotten them this far. This is what we need as Zimbabweans.

“They have also developed a policy of happiness by reducing the gap between the rich and the poor by working on rural development and dealing with the conditions for workers.”

Another lecturer from the UZ, Professor Hasu Patel, said it was his hope that the much hyped mega deals signed between the two countries would come to fruition.

He, however, added that it was important to note that Chinese investments in Zimbabwe were not charity but loans that have to be paid back.

“We hope that the much talked about mega deals will come to fruition,” he said. “Chinese money is long-term loans so it is a debt that has to be repaid.”