Zimbabwe state enterprises are reeling under the weight of corruption and bad management, which, according to Masunda, could be minimised by appointing suitable people as directors.
The boards have been accused of letting chief executives at state enterprises award themselves obscene salaries and other benefits at a time when the organisations have been under-performing.
Masunda told The Zimbabwean that “people in responsible positions should draw a clear line between personal and non-personal issues. He also emphasised the need to appoint boards on a non-partisan basis.
Masunda said he was an example of a deserving board director since he sat on several boards because of his performance and unquestionable integrity.
He suggested that boards of directors be composed of suitably trained and experienced members. Corruption in Zimbabwe continues to spiral despite the country having an anti-corruption commission in place.
On paper, the commission has the mandate to expose cases of corruption in the public and private sectors. It is supposed to combat corruption, theft, misappropriation, abuse of power and other improper conduct in the public and private sectors. Alongside investigation and prosecution, its aim is to foster honesty, financial discipline and transparency in the public and private sectors.
ZACC directs the commissioner general of police to investigate cases of suspected corruption and report back on the results. Investigated cases are then referred to the national prosecuting authority for prosecution “without fear or favour”.
The commission is also supposed to make recommendations to the government and responsible offices on measures to enhance integrity and accountability in the public and private sectors. People can approach the commission with complaints regarding irregularities at public and private institutions for action.
However, the ZACC has yet to prove itself. Observers have blamed corruption on government’s unwillingness to tame the scourge in the bud.
Early in 2013, ZACC attempts to raid offices of the former indigenisation and empowerment minister, Saviour Kasukuwere; former transport minister, Nicholas Goche, and former mines minister, Obert Mpofu, were foiled by police and Zanu (PF).
Instead, some commissioners were accused and arrested.
“ZACC should be empowered to dignify the country and help uphold honesty, integrity and self dedication against corruption among citizens,” said a top government official.
Former minister for state enterprises and parastatals, Gorden Moyo, said efforts by his ministry to bring normality and accountability to state enterprises were foiled by the powers that be.
Post published in: News
Am surprised by Masunda’s comments. When he was Mayor of Harare, Masunda presided over the the obscene salaries earned by directors. He further refused to divulge these salaries justifying it on the flimsy excuse that the salaries were a private and confidential matter between employer and employee. Yet these directors are employed by the citizens of Harare and the citizens have a right to know how much they pay their employees. Maybe Masunda was also on the gravy train. He is the last one to talk about good governance. He was a let down at Harare and that’s why the rot is still there. If he could justify these salaries , then I am afraid he is an example of the unfit Board members. I heard him justifying high salaries so that an organization can get the best personnel. In an bankrupt economy like Zimbabwe, one can not justify, under any circumstances, paying $25,000 per month to anyone!! Yet Masunda thinks its ok. I wonder how he actually is rated in the Boards he sits on. I am not convinced by the guy’s understanding of issues of governance.
ZACC is a corrupt entity on its own.They want personal wealthy not stopping it.WE should know by now that people appointed by Zanu are there to do what Zanu does,steal.Its time we learn to recruit from abroad,expatriates who are after the job not affiliated to any party to take some of these top jobs, otherwise never again are we going to find fairness.Who is not scared of disappearing?