The National Anti Corruption Strategy Two has entered a defining moment as the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission Chairperson Mr Michael Reza delivered a firm and reflective message on the future of Zimbabwe’s integrity systems during the validation workshop held in Harare. His remarks were not ceremonial. They carried a strong undertone signalling that the country’s fight against corruption is shifting from polite statements to a more strategic and development anchored approach.
Mr Reza highlighted that the second National Anti Corruption Strategy rises on the foundation built by NATS1, which recorded more than sixty one percent achievement in investigation and prevention metrics according to independent evaluators. But he also stressed that success measured by statistics alone is not enough. Zimbabwe’s next phase of anti corruption reform must directly support national development goals under the National Development Strategy Two. It must equally align with regional commitments such as the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and international frameworks like the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
The Chairperson noted that the validation workshop is not a procedural exercise but an attempt to ensure that NATS2 becomes an actionable and evidence based blueprint capable of driving real change. With representatives from government, civil society, the private sector, and religious organisations in attendance, the gathering reflected the national consensus required to fight corruption in a holistic manner. Mr Reza emphasised that the struggle against corruption can no longer be left to Chapter Thirteen institutions alone. Every ministry, every agency, every leader and every citizen must be accountable for the public resources they control.
Speaking with clarity and urgency, Mr Reza reminded participants that corruption is not an abstract governance issue but a direct attack on the development agenda. Funds diverted through procurement manipulation, fraud or abuse of office translate into delayed infrastructure, under equipped hospitals, compromised education and weakened social protection. In his view, the fight against corruption is inseparable from the pursuit of growth, stability and prosperity. A nation cannot realise its economic ambitions while public resources are leaking into private pockets.
One of the most striking elements of Mr Reza’s address was his insistence on a whole of government and whole of society approach. He pointed out that the diversity of stakeholders present is evidence that corruption affects every sector and therefore requires a collective response. He encouraged open engagement, honest interrogation of proposals and bold contributions that strengthen the final document before nationwide implementation.
Mr Reza’s tone became even more resolute when he called for national discipline in resisting and reporting corruption. He urged Zimbabweans to confront the culture of silence that allows corrupt practices to flourish. He expressed confidence that through unity of purpose and commitment to transparency, the country can build integrity systems strong enough to sustain a corruption-free development trajectory.
As the workshop concluded, Mr Reza officially opened the validation process with a message anchored on hope, responsibility and national duty. His call remains clear. Zimbabwe must refuse corruption, resist corruption and report corruption. And under NATS2 the country has an opportunity to redefine its governance culture and advance towards a more accountable future.
