ZACC Chairperson Urges Diplomats to Uphold Integrity

By Ilyana Sithole

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Chairperson, Mr. M. Reza urged the country’s ambassadors to lead by example in the fight against corruption in a recent signing ceremony of integrity pledges.

Mr. Reza addressed the gathering of ambassadors, senior government officials, and members of the media, expressing his pride in solidifying their pledge in fighting corruption. “Your roles as representatives of our country on the global stage make you critical partners in our national endeavour to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” he said.

This was in furtherance of the commitment of the Government of Zimbabwe to realize a “Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030,” as enunciated by the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. And it is essentially rooted in an aggressive fight against corruption, which is also an important pillar of the National Development Strategy, NDS1.

Mr. Reza noted that ambassadors do more than just shy away from corrupt deals; they are supposed to be facilitating cooperation on extra-territorial investigations and helping in recovering assets that have been hidden abroad. “As you go back to your postings, you are going to help Zimbabwe forge beneficial relations with designated institutions for Mutual Legal Assistance,” he called upon them.

The ZACC Chairperson emphasized that international cooperation was one important principle in fighting corruption: “The fight against corruption is a global battle that requires international cooperation and a united front.” Ambassadors are supposed to facilitate faster investigation and prosecution of corruption-related crimes, furthering their responsibility to lead by example.

Mr. Reza underscored personal and professional integrity, articulating that ambassadors’ conduct reflects Zimbabwe’s national values and commitments. “You are the emissaries who carry our message, protect our interests, and build bridges of cooperation with foreign governments,” he reminded them, urging conduct beyond reproach.

In signing the integrity pledges, the ambassadors promised that they would uphold the highest level of ethics and prevent corrupt deals and practices while entrenching Zimbabwe’s commitment to eradicating corruption. “By signing the Integrity Pledge, you are sending a loud and clear signal to the world that the Government of Zimbabwe is dead serious in its fight against corruption,” Mr Reza said.

Reza praised the ambassadors for having come forward voluntarily and said their action reflected the commitment of the government to uproot corruption.

He urged the ambassadors to be persons of integrity in their conduct of duties and gave a biblical underpinning for the need for ethical practices. “Proverbs 11:3 says, ‘The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.'” He ended with the slogans, “REFUSE, RESIST, REPORT CORRUPTION.” His statements reminded the audience of their pledge to integrity as they went out to represent Zimbabwe on the global frontier.

The event has marked a milestone in the country’s continuous battle against corruption, in calling for individual responsibility and commitment of ambassadors to ethical standards and leading with integrity in carrying out their duties within their respective missions.