President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to Zanu-PF members, urging them to shun corruption and refrain from misusing party-led empowerment initiatives.
Speaking at the Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting in Harare on Thursday, Mnangagwa stressed that corruption has no place in the ruling party and promised decisive action against those implicated.
His remarks echo repeated calls by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to clamp down on corruption, which he has often linked to individuals flaunting ill-gotten wealth, dismissively referred to as “zviganandas.”
According to Transparency International, Zimbabwe was ranked the most corrupt country in the SADC region in 2024, heightening pressure on the government to act.
“Corruption of any kind and excesses that alienate us from the people can never be condoned. Integrity, discipline and unity, concern for the people and clean governance must be synonymous with Zanu-PF,” Mnangagwa said.
He added that the party’s constitution empowers it to take bold measures against members tarnishing its image through self-serving or unethical conduct.
The President also cautioned against the abuse of empowerment facilities intended for grassroots communities, citing the Presidential Women’s League Empowerment Fund as an example.
“Recently, I launched the Presidential Women’s League Empowerment Fund to facilitate income-generating projects for women. Abuse of these facilities will not be accepted. We must maintain our character as an inclusive, fair and people-centred Party,” Mnangagwa said.
Critics argue that despite various youth and women’s empowerment programmes rolled out by the government, many facilities rarely reach their intended beneficiaries, particularly young people struggling to access formal economic opportunities.
Source – NewZimbabwe
