Transparency International Zimbabwe (TI-Z) has launched a study to evaluate how corruption has destroyed the country’s social, political and economic fabric and determine how much the nation lost due to graft.
By XOLISANI NCUBE
The research, according to TI-Z director, Mary Jane Ncube, seeks to assess and document the political, economic and social structural elements that have fuelled corruption in Zimbabwe since 2000 when the country started experiencing an increase in the vice, which has been blamed for the economic crisis.
“(The research) will assess and quantify how corruption has impacted negatively on the political, economic, social and cultural sectors,” she said.
“It will propose timely, feasible and attainable recommendations on curbing corruption.”
To undertake the study, TI-Z has assembled a team of experts, who will do field research and traverse throughout the country trying to understand what has caused corruption to be so high and its impact on society in general.
“Zimbabwe has remained in the highly corrupt zone on the Corruption Perception Index, with a very low score, which has never been above 30 since 2012. This is indicative of a highly corrupt society, which has normalised and institutionalised corruption,” Ncube said.
Using a multi-disciplinary perspective, TI-Z will assess and quantify the cost of corruption on crucial sectors over the past 15 years.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The proposed study will employ a triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data will be collected largely through review of secondary data and key informant interviews,” the TI-Z head said.
Ncube said TI-Z will work with experts in economics, political science and development studies in producing the report.
The experts include developments economists and professors Lloyd Sachikonye, Prosper Chitambara and Sandra Bhatasara, while Ncube is the coordinator. The research should be done by December 2016.
“At the end of the study TI-Z will also host another validation workshop to share the findings from the inquiry and more importantly to consult on practical policy recommendations to curb corruption in Zimbabwe,” Ncube said.
