SAPNAC Chairperson Temba Mliswa (left) and Deputy Prosecutor General, Nelson Mutsonziwa sign the MOU
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Corruption is a cancer which undermines the rule of law, hinders economic development and deprives citizens of their fundamental rights hence there is need for concerted efforts to eliminate the vice; Prosecutor General Honourable Loyce Matanda-Moyo has said.
Honourable Matanda-Moyo revealed this on Wednesday in a speech read on her behalf by her Deputy, Nelson Mutsonziwa, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe and the Southern African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (SAPNAC).
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our collective fight against the scourge of corruption. Corruption is a cancer that erodes the foundations of our societies.
“It undermines the rule of law, hinders economic development, and deprives citizens of their fundamental rights.
“In Southern Africa, we have witnessed the devastating impact of corruption on our economies and our communities.
“It is a challenge that requires a united front, and a concerted effort from all sectors of society,” said Honourable Matanda-Moyo.
She added that the NPA is dedicated to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and safeguarding the interests of the Zimbabwean people.
“Mandated by Chapter 13 of the Constitution to combat corruption, the NPAZ recognizes the necessity of strong partnerships.
“We collaborate closely with key domestic institutions, including the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Financial Intelligence Unit, ZIMRA among many others.
“Our work is also reliant on the judiciary (for resolution of matters in court), and the legislators, who provide the legal framework, and last but not least the public, whose vital role as whistle-blowers and witnesses is essential in holding corrupt individuals accountable.
“That is why this partnership with SAPNAC is so important. SAPNAC brings together parliamentarians from across Southern Africa, providing a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“By working together, we can strengthen our collective capacity to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption.”
Honourable Matanda-Moyo said the MOU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including: technical assistance, information sharing, joint projects, best practices and capacity building.
“We will provide each other with technical assistance through research and training. We will establish secure channels for the rapid exchange of information on corruption and economic crimes.
“We will engage in joint projects that leverage technology to address common challenges. We will exchange information on best practices in corruption prevention and investigation. We will engage in joint training on corruption prevention, investigation, and asset recovery.
“This MOU is not just a piece of paper. It is a commitment – a commitment to work together to build a region free from corruption. It is a call to action for all of us – government officials, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and citizens – to play our part in the fight against corruption,” said Honourable Matanda-Moyo.
She added that with SAPNAC they will strive to make a make a real difference in the fight against corruption in the region.
SAPNAC Chairperson Temba Mliswa said their organisation works with the United Protocol of the fight against corruption as well as the African Union and he added that they have a number of countries that are very much involved.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that there has been a lot that has been said about corruption but we have also come up with many ways of giving a true story as countries in the SADC Region.
“We also want to ensure that laws which work for the better governance of any nation are done properly through the lobbying, through the various chapters which fight corruption.
“You must understand that the Legislature is key for the good governance of any country but it can only be good if we have laws that speak to that.
“A lot is happening in terms of crime, cyber; so you cannot have laws enacted 10 years ago to try and fight the crime which is there, so we will be there to ensure that as legislators we are pushing that,” said Mliswa.
SAPNAC Vice Chairperson, Honourable Mutinta Mazoka from Zambia said concerted efforts are key to fight corruption which has led to the collapse of many economies.
