President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s concerns over corruption in local authorities, particularly those run by opposition parties, have reignited the debate on governance and accountability in Zimbabwe. These concerns, highlighted at the recent Zimbabwe Local Governance Association (ZILGA) Conference, expose a systemic failure that has left urban residents suffering under the weight of poor service delivery, financial mismanagement, and blatant abuse of office.
Freeman Chari, a long-time opposition activist and supporter, recently shed light on the entrenched corruption within opposition circles. His damning admission that “opposition politics both in parties and Civil Society Organisations is for personal aggrandisement” exposes the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy within these structures. Chari’s statement underscores how corruption, evident in scholarship programs and urban councils, has persisted unchecked since the early 2000s.
Urban residents, particularly in Harare and Chitungwiza, are bearing the brunt of this misgovernance. Essential services like water supply, waste management, and road maintenance are either non-existent or woefully inadequate. Residents continue to live with broken promises and poor service delivery from councils more focused on personal enrichment than public service.
What is most troubling is the opposition’s selective approach to corruption. Its members are vocal in accusing ZANU PF of mismanagement while turning a blind eye to the rot in their own ranks. This hypocrisy not only erodes their credibility but also betrays the trust of the electorate. Leaders must be held to account regardless of political affiliation.
The situation also highlights the damaging role of foreign donors and neo-imperial agendas. Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), masquerading as champions of democracy, have been complicit in fostering corruption within opposition-led councils. Donor funds intended for development projects often vanish into private pockets, leaving communities worse off than before.
Freeman Chari’s candid observations are a wake-up call. They reveal a troubling truth: the opposition, in its current form, cannot present a viable alternative for Zimbabwe’s future. Governance is about integrity, accountability, and delivering results—not perpetuating self-serving agendas.
As the electorate evaluates its choices, there must be a collective call for higher standards in governance. Corruption knows no party colors, and only leaders who prioritize the needs of the people over personal gain can restore public trust and drive meaningful development. The opposition must address its internal failings and rebuild its structures if it hopes to earn the respect and support of Zimbabweans.
While ZANU PF remains the dominant political force, it too must continue strengthening accountability and service delivery to maintain its legitimacy. Governance is not about slogans; it is about results. Zimbabweans deserve leadership that is honest, competent, and focused on building a prosperous future for all.
2050 and beyond, Zimbabwe must thrive not because of one party or another, but because its leaders—across the board—have chosen integrity over corruption, service over self-interest, and nation-building over partisan agendas.
