Do Not Breach the Constitution for ED Mnangagwa
The beginnings of our article regarding the false "modesty" of E D Mnangagwa and his claims of "It's what the membership {of Zanu PF} want me to do"!! Also see the research on the "Identity Politics" of Corrupt Governments CLICK HERE
Assisted by DeepSeek via perplexity.ai Using non Chinese Servers
"Why is Zimbabwe's Government so corrupt and intent upon looting the nation?"
Zimbabwe's government has long been accused of widespread corruption and looting of national resources, contradicting official narratives that often blame economic challenges on external factors like sanctions.[1] The reasons for this entrenched corruption are complex and multifaceted:
Under President Mnangagwa's leadership, Zimbabwe has become the most corrupt nation in the SADC region, as opposition CCC say no to 2030 "vision". Zimbabweans cannot continue suffering under the same government, with same man who used to be an 'enforcer' of former late president Robert Mugabe.
1. Lack of accountability
Zimbabwe's Prosecutor General recently estimated that the country is losing $1.8 billion annually due to corruption, describing it as a major barrier to economic recovery. This massive sum bleeds the economy of revenue meant for sustainable development and improving citizens' lives.[1] The lack of strong prosecution systems for corruption cases allows this to continue largely unchecked.[3]
2. Patronage networks
Corruption has become institutionalized within Zimbabwean social systems, creating a patronage system where allegiance to leadership is rewarded with immunity from prosecution. This has normalized corrupt practices across many levels of society and government.[3]
3. Exploitation of natural resources
The president has been accused of enriching himself through gold and diamond smuggling networks and using his power to protect criminals facilitating these illicit markets.[4] Former officials have claimed that even when presented with evidence of diamond revenue looting, top leadership refused to act, dismissing concerns.[5]
4. Weak institutions and rule of law
The political elite has developed an elaborate system to protect their power and access to resources through security apparatus and legislation that shields them from public scrutiny. This has created an environment where access to political power significantly influences success in other socio-economic spheres.[3]
5. Economic instability
The nature of the state changed considerably during economic crises, leading to the emergence of more authoritarian governance and domestic tyranny. This shift allowed for increased corruption and abuse of power.[3] Zimbabwe as a country with the highest inflation rate currently 635%,[9] leading Nigeria. In less than a year after ZiG[10] was introduced. President Mnangagwa does not have the expertise within cabinet to help achieve his "Vision 2030".
6. Lack of transparency
Government officials have been accused of various corrupt practices, including bid-rigging for contracts, misallocation of foreign exchange, overpricing by connected suppliers, abuse of company resources, and false expense claims. Efforts to investigate and publicize these issues have often been suppressed.[2]
7. Impunity for high-level officials
Top government officials have been accused of using violent repression [7], election fraud [8], and intimidation tactics to maintain power. This includes allegations of deploying security services to silence dissidents and political opponents through kidnapping, torture, and other human rights abuses.[4] Let's say no to Corruption with one voice, demand lifestyle audits of all Mbingas who are funding 2030.
The combination of these factors has created a deeply entrenched system of corruption that has proven difficult to dismantle, despite its devastating effects on Zimbabwe's economy and its citizens' well-being.
Citations:
- [1] VOAnews.com - Corruption Hurting the Economy
- [2] IWPR ZISCO Scandal
- [3] Power and Corruption Research
- [4] US Sanctions on Mnangagwa
- [5] Mugabe aware of 15bn Diamond Looting
- [6] Tackling Corruption in Zimbabwe
- [7] Country Profile Zimbabwe
- [8] Amnesty International - the 2023 Zimbabwe Election Fiasco
- [9] Steve Hanke on X calculates Inflation at 635% {29th Jan 2025}
- [10] ZiG an Abject Failure and Not Supported by Gold
- Country Report Zimbabwe
- CITE ZW Article - Food Aid Stolen
- Niemanreports.org/3 months in-zimbabweanprison
Zimbabwe's government corruption and looting stem from entrenched systemic issues, including the intertwinement of political elites, business cartels, and the military. These groups exploit public resources for personal gain, undermining democratic institutions and economic development.
### Causes of Corruption and Looting
1. **Political Elite Exploitation**: The ruling ZANU-PF party has been implicated in widespread corruption, including looting COVID-19 relief funds and food aid. For instance, masks procured for $0.65 were sold to the government for $30 through shell companies linked to political elites[1][4]. Food aid is often manipulated to coerce political support or punish dissenters, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations[2].
2. **Weak Institutions and Impunity**: Audit reports exposing corruption are routinely ignored, and high-profile arrests often result in selective prosecution or acquittals. This "catch-and-release" approach fosters a culture of impunity[7].
3. **Economic Mismanagement**: Public resources, such as gold and diamonds, are smuggled or misallocated. For example, $100 million worth of gold is reportedly smuggled out monthly, enough to fund critical sectors like healthcare[4][5].
4. **Repression of Opposition**: The government uses judicial manipulation, arrests, and violence to suppress opposition parties like the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), further entrenching its power[3][6].
### Potential Solutions
#### **Local Opposition Efforts**
1. **Strengthen Internal Structures**: Opposition parties like the CCC must establish clear leadership frameworks and constitutions to avoid internal conflicts that weaken their credibility[6].
2. **Grassroots Mobilization**: Building trust with rural communities—often coerced by ruling party tactics—could help counteract ZANU-PF's dominance in these areas[2].
3. **Expose Corruption**: Continued investigative journalism and whistleblowing can raise public awareness about corruption despite significant risks[1][4].
#### **Global Political Pressure**
1. **Sanctions on Individuals**: Targeted sanctions against corrupt officials could deter further abuses without harming ordinary citizens.
2. **International Oversight**: Organizations like the UN or AU could monitor elections and human rights abuses to ensure fairness and accountability.
3. **Aid Conditionality**: Donors should tie financial assistance to transparent governance reforms and anti-corruption measures.
Addressing Zimbabwe's corruption requires a combination of domestic resilience from opposition forces and sustained global advocacy for accountability and reform.
Citations:
- [1] Niemanreports.org/3 months in-zimbabweanprison
- [2] CITE ZW Article - Food Aid Stolen
- [3] Country Report Zimbabwe
- [4] Zimbabwe's Health System failing - Due to Corruption
- [5] Zimbabwe Diamonds Briefing 6th Dec 2018.pdf
- [6] BBC Africa Report
- [7] Retaliation reporting corruption compounds pandemic
- [8] Facebook Article and Photo