By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, December 13, 2025 – Mutare City Council yesterday led an anti-corruption march from Quest Motors Manufacturing Company to Sakubva Stadium as part of activities marking International Anti-Corruption Day, with city leaders and Government officials calling for strengthened transparency, accountability and citizen participation in local governance.
The march, which involved councillors, council management, Government officials, youths, civil society organisations and residents, was held under the global theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
Addressing the gathering at Sakubva Stadium, Deputy Mayor Alderman John Nyamhoka, who read a speech on behalf of Mayor Councillor Simon Chabuka, said corruption continued to undermine service delivery and development, disproportionately affecting ordinary residents and the youth.
He said council leadership was committed to providing firm political oversight and creating an environment that enables the administration to implement strong anti-corruption systems without fear or favour.
“Corruption is a tax on the poor and a burden on honest citizens. As councillors, we must lead by example, submit to scrutiny, and ensure transparency in the management of public resources,” Nyamhoka said.
Town Clerk Mr Kapuya Blessing Chafesuka said the commemoration marked a shift from declarations to action, outlining measures being implemented by council to curb corruption.
These include strengthening internal controls, enforcing procurement and audit systems, publishing budgets and contract awards, protecting whistle-blowers, and working closely with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and other law enforcement agencies.
He said council, with support from ZACC, had established an Integrity Committee, while all councillors and employees had signed integrity pledges.
The keynote address by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution was delivered on his behalf by District Development Coordinator Mr Tendai Kapenzi, who said corruption remained a major barrier to national development and service delivery.
Mr Kapenzi said Government was advancing digital systems to reduce opportunities for corruption and urged local authorities to strengthen preventive mechanisms, protect whistle-blowers, and encourage citizen participation.
Following the speeches, the programme concluded with sporting activities aimed at promoting youth engagement, where Mutare City Club defeated Ghetto Stars in a friendly football match played at Sakubva Stadium.
Officials said the march and associated activities were meant to reinforce the message that the fight against corruption requires collective responsibility and active participation from all sectors of society.