There is an urgent need to implement e-procurement processes to combat corruption within local authorities, according to Dr Wayne Malinga, a senior lecturer at Lupane State University.
Dr Malinga expressed these views during his presentation on the Auditor General’s latest report at the 2024 midyear economic review meeting hosted by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) in Bulawayo yesterday.
The report highlighted rampant misuse of devolution funds by local authorities, with funds either not being used for their intended purposes or being poorly managed and accounted for.
Additionally, the report identified numerous governance irregularities, including weak internal controls over inventory and cash management, lack of bank reconciliations, unsupported adjustments, and incomplete records.
“Let’s consider the adoption of technology. In Zimbabwe, the moment you get employed in government, paperwork becomes overwhelming. You’re expected to be signing documents constantly, but now we have e-government, and e-procurement—this is where we should be focusing. Technology can detect acts of corruption, but at present, because we rely on human beings, they are easily manipulated,” said Dr. Malinga.
He warned that if these issues remain unaddressed, the Auditor General’s report would continue to highlight the same problems every year.
“This is where we have a major challenge. As long as these issues are not addressed, this will become a ceremonial report every year, with the same issues being reported. You can imagine the recommendations from 2021 not being implemented, and now in 2023, it’s the same report, highlighting the same challenges faced by local authorities. This will continue unless action is taken.”
Dr Malinga further pointed out significant gaps in transparency and accountability within public finance management, particularly in the performance of local authorities and the government.
“We are seeing major gaps in the performance of our local authorities and even the government itself. There is a lack of transparency and accountability, which does not reflect well on these irregularities and the corruption rampant within local authorities and the mismanagement of public funds. Addressing these issues is crucial, as they are now an impediment to development.”
“Public service delivery is vital. People need access to water, infrastructure, land, homes, education, and healthcare. We need to identify how to ensure these mandates are delivered,” he added.
Dr Malinga also called for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to intensify its efforts in investigating corruption within local authorities.
“Their role is to investigate corruption issues and then forward them to the National Prosecuting Authority. However, since ZACC’s establishment, it has not been visible in leading anti-corruption efforts, and there is little public trust in ZACC as we haven’t seen anyone being arrested or prosecuted. For those who have been arrested, there is what we call the ‘catch and release’ phenomenon,” said Dr. Malinga.
“I believe it is ZACC’s prerogative to lead in addressing corruption issues. In Zimbabwe, after COVID-19, corruption is the biggest pandemic we face. Our society is deeply entrenched in corruption. Why can’t we report on corruption issues? It’s crucial that ZACC revisits its mandate and finds the best way to tackle corruption.”
Dr Malinga also urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to strengthen their role as watchdogs, particularly concerning corruption in local government.
“As much as CSOs can monitor, there needs to be a relationship between CSOs and the local authority or government. CSOS must be given leeway. Remember, CSOs are supposed to be the government’s watchdog, ensuring that the interests of citizens come first. Unfortunately, there is this notion that the government takes care of the 30% that votes and leaves the other 70% to NGOs. We need to address such issues,” he said.
