via Bulawayo24 NEWS | Corruption – The Achilles Heel in Zimbabwe by Tendai Kwari 11 November 2013
Corruption is the rotten and stinking Albatross slung around our necks. The demolition of houses in Zimbabwe is brutal, heartless, sad and inhuman. Over 700 000 people were affected by Operation Murambatsvina in 2005. Many have still not recovered from that operation.
Firstly, if these structures being destroyed are built on land designated for other purposes, who allowed the structures to go ahead in the first place? Who sold the plots or stands? Why were the structures allowed to go ahead? There is no way a competent government will allow houses to be built on wetlands, on top of the sewer system and directly under electric cables. Sadly, we do not have a competent government in Zimbabwe.
Secondly, my fellow Zimbabweans, are we that gullible? Have we got such a short memory? Have we already forgotten Murambatsvina 2005? Surely, in this modern era, we cannot allow anyone to build or put up any structure anywhere. We should learn and endeavour to stop corruption by demanding legal procedures to be followed; otherwise we are the ones fuelling corruption and are the victims as well.
Who is to blame then? Is it solely the government to blame? It is mainly the corruption bedevilling Zimbabwe and the government has dismally failed to curb it. There is no doubt that some residential stands on undesignated council land were parcelled out for political mileage in violation of the Regional Town and Council Planning Act and the Urban Councils Act. Partisan officials, corrupt political leaders subvert the law and perpetuate their politics of patronage.
The one who suffers is the ordinary man and woman on the street. If you know anyone or you are one of the victims of this corruption, get organised and demand your money back from the unscrupulous government officials, business people or politicians.
This issue is above partisan lines. Seeking political mileage from this sad state of affairs is hypocritical, misguided and immature. Both Zanu PF and MDC officials made a lucrative business by parcelling out illegal plots on wetlands and other prohibited areas. Statements like “the MDC-T, which controlled most urban local authorities around the country are responsible” or “before the July 31 elections, Zanu PF MPs encouraged people to illegally construct houses in exchange for votes” are reckless and belated.
Above all these shenanigans, as we continue to fuel corruption, we must remember that thousands of children will get affected this winter. Thousands will be homeless. The poor will get poorer. The politicians and corrupt government officials are smiling all the way to the bank.
Today, take a stand. Say NO to Corruption. Stop greasing the corrupt government official and politician. We are the victims and should demand an end to corruption.
Yes, corruption is the maggot infested Albatross slung around our necks. “God save thee, ancient Mariner. From the fiends, that plague thee thus, Why look’st thou so? – With my cross-bow I shot the ALBATROSS. Ah.. well a-day, what evil looks had I from old and young. Instead of the cross, the Albatross about my neck was hung.” Coleridge (1798)
COMMENTS
Excellent article. Thank you Tendai.
The journalist Tandai does not understand the difference between local government and government get that right edit the article and you are on the way forward.
Otsc meant to be an antoi governmemt Zanu, article and it does the reverse. MDC ran the Municipality, therefore the corruption and negligence allowing illegal structure to be built is squarely on their head.
It was the Zanu council and government that removed them last time. The media then made an idiot of themselves as well saying those in the illegal structures were MDC supporters, whereas obviously you need a fixed address to be a voter.
We need national compulsory course to train journalists on how to tell the truth and investigate stories,
AIDS—political persecution—corruption across all levels—a perfect storm of national suffering and despair. Life expectancy among males has decreased from 60 years of age in 1990 to 37 today, with the life expectancy of females now at 34! This is one of the worst rates in the world—it means Zimbabweans live less than half the lifetime of most Westerners! One must wonder about those who are too poor to leave the country. Where can they go to find enough food for their families? What can they do to survive?
In a native dialect, Zimbabwe means “the great or big house built of stone boulders.” Today, that big house of stone has crumbled to its foundation. Despite the horrific conditions in which the average Zimbabwean lives, the nation’s upper class lives quite comfortably—allegedly “bleeding the economy dry. The elite few—especially those attached to government bureaucracy—enjoy luxurious lives. The platinum mines can keep the core of the elite living in the manner they’re accustomed to—just in a sea of poverty. Reportedly, many well-paid legislators think nothing is wrong in their country. There is no need for political change, they claim, because Zimbabwe is a democracy. Meanwhile, millions of their fellow countrymen continue to suffer, subsisting in abject poverty and fearful uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring. The nation] has now become a monumental museum of failure. The air is fraught with frustration, with anger, with despair, and some people have just given up.
There is a power game here John. While you blame the MDC Municipalities for the mushrooming of these illegal structures in the past few years, I totally agree with you there but remember this is the culture ZANU PF municipalities had allowed 2005 going back to 1980. The main problem here is the ZANU PF legacy of lawlessness and corruption. I think you know ZANU PF has been creating new illegal estates around Harare without council approval, Caledonia farm etc. The MDC council had no power to stop this madness by Chombo. In the same manner Chombo gunners the support of the state machinery and starts evictions in Ruwa. It’s all chaos
You have to be a lot more knowledgeable Clemance to rewrite history.
MDC made a huge song and dance when illegal squatters were moved out of Harare claiming they were MDC supporters.
Whist they had crime in common, they had no fixed address needed to be a voter.
With larger houses built there at a time when it was cheaper to buy a ready built home – only a crook would do this feeling protected by fellow criminals.
Who would spend funds building a large home on land he didn’t own?
Regarding the establishment of governments and their leaders, the Bible states that “the powers that be are ordained [appointed] of God” (Rom. 13:1). It also states that God “changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings, and sets up kings: He gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (Dan. 2:21; see also 4:17, 25).Why would the Creator allow such governments of men—monarchies, totalitarian states, brutal religious regimes, lascivious democracies—to rise to power? Why would He permit suffering to run rampant among innocent civilians and children? Why doesn’t God intervene? The answer—which millions of professing believers fail to grasp—is simple: This is not God’s world. For the last 6,000 years of human existence, our Creator has allowed men to do “that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). The lasting peace, joy, security, prosperity and sense of purpose that all long for continue to be an unattainable dream because human beings do not know how to govern themselves. Governments of communism, socialism, monarchies, dictatorships and democracies have all failed under the guidance of human hands. Zimbabwe is no different. In some ways, it is a study in failure. The Bible is almost entirely a message about a coming world government. Everywhere Christ went, He preached—announced—the coming of the kingdom of God. He explained that it would be a world-ruling government that would smash and replace all the governments of men. He brought exciting, thrilling good news, in advance of its arrival. He spoke of a utopian, wonderful world tomorrow—now imminent—explaining how many would qualify to rule with Him. God has a Master Plan! No man could ever think of it, or bring it to pass if he did. Yet it will solve every problem related to overpopulation, pollution, and production, procurement and distribution of food and water. It will involve a complete change in entire weather patterns around the earth, including ocean currents, jet streams and flow of arctic air. Beautiful, clear water will be available—and in abundance—in all parts of the world. The nature of mountain ranges, islands and even placement of continents will allow a repopulation of earth simply inconceivable to modern planners of cities and nations. Though the current situation for Zimbabweans is dire, hope remains. Man cannot solve his ever-growing problems, but his Creator can—and will! Today’s governments and their imperfect economies, educational systems and societies will soon be replaced by a perfect world-ruling super government—the kingdom of God
Perhaps God is wiser than you and realizes that these are illegal dwellings with no sanitation, that, a child may die of disease – that we need to protect our children and other Christians from those who disregard laws made to protect us from disease.
Thank the lord for saving us and the children for disease and guiding those in charge to remove disease from our midst.
Perhaps God is wiser than you and realizes that these are illegal dwellings with no sanitation, that, a child may die of disease – that we need to protect our children and other Christians from those who disregard laws made to protect us from disease.
Thank the lord for saving us and the children from disease and guiding those in charge to remove disease from our midst.
Do you believe in God my child ?
Of course, im not a child, problem is I don’t believer in your imagination and what you wrongfully promote in gods name, may god forgive you.
God always has a plan, you have to believe in him to understand that.
And what exactly makes you think that God’s plan is in full accordance of your beliefs ?Obviously, we all have a right to our own opinion. We do not, however, have the right to construct the world in our own image. We might want to, but that doesn’t give us the right to.Obviously, we all have a right to our own opinion. We do not, however, have the right to construct the world in our own image. We might want to, but that doesn’t give us the right to.Before God we are all equally wise and equally foolish. That way leads to the human equivalent. The souls of emperors and cobblers are cast in the same mold.
It all started on 19 April 1980. Youreap what you sow
Zanu PF won with corruption and you expect it to go. Even this writer is the number 1 corrupt. If you don’t involve in corruption be prepared to die with nothing, becoz u know what …………..
What an idiot
Obviously, we all have a right to our own opinion. We do not, however, have the right to construct the world in our own image. We might want to, but that doesn’t give us the right to. Before God we are all equally wise and equally foolish.
Thank you for that apology Pastor.
You remain aloof despite all suffering they endure under the hands of Mugabe’s irresponsible governance.How convenient for Zanu pf. The level of cowardice and disunity among the Zimbabwean people is so appalling. If you choose to cannibalize others through shoddy deals, the end result is total national collapse. Signs of total collapse already manifest. Look at the corruption at VID, police roadblocks, municipal governments, school examinations council, passport office to name just a few. It will be extremely difficult or even impossible to get back to normal fair behavior after having been corrupt for so long and so much. Corruption is out of control in Zimbabwe. Corruption for you is normal and where everybody practices it. Zimbabwe is fast becoming a failed state.
Dai kusina corruption unoti Zanu yaiwhina here?
Zimbabweans love corruption. That’s why so many still vote the ZANU ticket–they expect to benefit. What they don’t like is when corruption does not benefit them. But corruption itself: love it, love it.
MDC are a different race, they looted all public funds including medical aid at the municipality, Nasa, Old Mutual pensiom fund and not to mention Zesa – currently 50 million was given to tsxvangerai’s son for importing the prepaid meters that we were told are compulsory and free – in fact there is no legislation saying they are compulsory and is legislation saying if you want one the installation and cost may be added to your bill as an unpaid bill.
Currently under investigation by serious crimE at fraud squad it doesn’t count because its MDC corruption and fraud.
Then we have Harare Power station theyb talk of 2 more generators 30 MW and a deal with Namibia – 95 million paid in power we don’t have enough of – inflated last week to 135 million – actual cost of top of the range GEC 30 MW generators x2 IS 10 million
Cant be corruption can it, impossible beyond reason its MDC.
What a joke.
Remember the issue about those getting electricity bills for millions, it s easy to explain what they were doing is syphoning off cash to their private accounts – individuals with inflated bills of 1 million would go to zesa and zesauld credit same – having credited 1 million in the zesa account the account would now balance – simple way of stealing zesas funds.
That’s why so many voted Zanu
Keep on fooling your self.
Seems you were one of the few that were conned into believing they were honest – someones a fool and its not me Angel
Equal distribution of wealth does not mean we all should be millionaires – it only means no one should die of hunger. n the democracy of the dead all men at last are equal. We continuously try to trip our brothers but we forget that we are chained ankle to ankle with them and when we hurt them, their pain reflects back to us. Think outside of the box, create your own path in life. You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh because you are all the same.
No,no,no,no, you are not a fool. Simply you are completely misguided, confused and cunning.
What pastor is forgetting to add is that god allows an evil and corrupt government or, as in some cases, an invading alien army, to judge a sinful people and a wayward church. And Washumba needs to know that corruption, unrepented of, will lead to the fires of eternal judgment. The Lord has promised to provide for the righteous in any and all situations. It is a huge spiritual law that truth and honour and integrity will lead to blessing. Corruption has pulled Zimbabwe down into the pits of degradation. And we call ourselves a Christian nation. is there no fear of God and no senses of what is right and wrong???
Africa’s future is up to Africans. The United States supports the Zimbabwean people in their effort to fully realize the promise of democracy, human rights, and economic development. We should put the past behind us, no matter how grave, and recognise that the land reform was a necessary and irreversible process to correct historical wrongs which ridded Zimbabwe of the dual agrarian structure. We must make the best of a bad job by providing security of tenure and supporting those now occupying the land to improve productivity. With donor assistance, some compensation may even be paid to former white commercial farmers for the assets they lost. It is a vision with an appealing narrative – replete with reconciliation, land rights for indigenous people, a land audit to weed out cronies, political compromise and stability.But any such hope will remain an elusive dream until Zimbabweans rediscover their shared international values by creating a culture of tolerance, by deepening democracy, by defending human rights, and by respecting international law.