Assess the success and failures of ZACC to curb

corruption in Zimbabwe from 2010 to 2019.

By

NYAKUDYA TAFADZWA
R1711561

Bachelor of Social Sciences Honors Degree in Political

Science
1.0 Introduction

This proposal gives a critical assessment of success and failures of Zimbabwe Anti-
Corruption Commission (ZACC) to curb corruption in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has faced a
multidimensional crisis which has negative effects to the citizens and has resulted in a vicious
cycle of poverty, creation of commodity cartels and black elitists. Zimbabwe was once the
“bread basket” of the Southern African region, due to corruption and its related effects it have
turned to be a bagging basket for its neighbouring countries and beyond African boarders.
Zimbabwe’s social and economic crisis is indeed a typical example of post-colonial state
failure in Africa as witnessed by many social ills. Corruption is indeed one of the cancers that
are eroding most of Zimbabwe’s public institutions. The researcher will seek to find out the
causes of corruption, its effect and how the government through ZACC has managed to deal
with corruption related cases in Zimbabwe.

The researcher will also look at the background of the study considering how the subject
matter has started, the statement of the problem, the purpose of the study, objectives and
research questions, significance of the study, study limitations, delimitations, assumptions
and recommendations on how to curb corruption in Zimbabwe. The study will therefore give
an analysis of the crucial role played by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission in
trying to curb corruption in Zimbabwe from its inception to 2019. It will also look upon the
impact of corruption and its contributions to the Zimbabwean crises.

1.1 Background of the study

This research study is largely motivated by the Zimbabwean crisis and the effects of
corruption. Transparency International (2017) defines corruption as the abuse of power for
private gain. Some recent analyses have defined corruption as behaviour that is opposite to
“ethical universalism” or “impartiality” in the exercise of public power, Uslaner and Bo
Rothstein (2017).The issues of corruption have concerned philosophers, social scientists, and
policy makers around the world. While some countries seem to have been able to carry out
substantial reductions of corruption, perceived levels of corruption remain high throughout
much of the world. In the 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index from Transparency
International (TI) measuring elites’ evaluations of the honesty (or dishonesty) of political and
economic institutions in different countries, 131 of the 178 nations fell below the midpoint on
the 10-point scale of the index, with higher scores representing low corruption ,John Joseph
Wallis (2014). Therefore this research is going to be shaped by the continuous prevalence of
corruption in the world and Zimbabwe in particular.

The rise of corruption in Zimbabwe was exacerbated by the decline in the state’s economy as
a result of the effects of colonisation and the introduction of neoliberal polices such as the
Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP). Following ESAP, the country
experienced continual shortages of essential commodities such as fuel and maize. The
shortages created a breeding ground for corrupt activities such as the hoarding of basic
commodities by the manufacturers and traders who later resold them at exorbitant prices on
the black market. There was also the externalisation of foreign and domestic currency to
neighbouring countries for purposes of speculative profit making by senior government
officials such as James Makamba the former Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic
Front (ZANU-PF) Central Committee member, Gilbert Muponda, Francis Zimuto and the
former Minister of Finance Chris Karuneri (Moore 2007). Nyarota (2006) also argues that the
failure of ESAP led to shortages in basic commodities. Consequently, the bureaucrats seized
the opportunity to engage in corrupt activities. Munyae and Lesetedi (2008) argues that
corruption became a way of doing everyday business, which Nyarota (2006) argues that it has
reached a stage that may take a long time to reverse or remedy, and today, it has a
demonstrably negative impact on the development of Zimbabwe.

Raftopoulos and Mlambo (2009), argue that the effects of colonialism have continued to be
felt long after decolonisation. Corruption and other economic evils that bedevil Zimbabwe
today are directly attributed to this historical past (Gatsheni 2009). As argued by Munyae and
Lesetedi (1998) and Gatsheni (2009), the nature of corruption in post-independent Zimbabwe
is largely a response to the character of colonialism. Gatsheni gives the corrupt land
redistribution programme between 2000 and 2005 as an example that echoes the colonial
Land Apportionment Acts of the 1930s which were also corrupt in their nature.

The crisis of corruption was, however, widely neglected by the state, civil society and
academics as the ZANU-PF regime became widely corrupt and entrenched. Makumbe (1994)
argues that the problem of corruption in Zimbabwe is interconnected to the climate of
unethical leadership and bad governance, which in turn has generated a situation in which
corruption has flourished. Makumbe argues that the national leaders are unethical due to their
roles and conducts in plundering national resources meant to benefit the state and its people.
Good examples of such plunder include the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Scandal of 1982,
the National Railways Housing scandal of 1986, the Willow gate scandal of 1988, the War
victim’s compensation scandal of 1994, the VIP Housing scandal of 1996, and the invasion of
white-owned commercial farms in 2000. All these scandals mentioned saw the ZANU-PF
political elite and their relatives directly implicated.

Whilst corruption could be argued to be endemic in all societies to varying degrees (Rose-
Ackerman 1999, and Szeftel 1998), Zimbabwe has experienced the severe repercussions that
corruption can have upon the development and the consolidation of good governance and
democracy (Shana 2006). Corruption has undermined the already precarious economic
growth and reduced the resources available for the development of infrastructure, the public
sector, and has weakened anti-poverty programmes. In response to the corruption crisis,
several Anti-Corruption strategies have been promoted by the state and other Anti-Corruption
agencies such as the transparency International-Zimbabwe (TI-Z) since the 1990s (David
2002). Among the state’s numerous and significant measures has been the creation in 2004 of
the Ministry of State Enterprises, Anti-Monopolies and Anti-Corruption, and the Zimbabwe
Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) of 2004 and 2011. Therefore this research will look
upon the contribution, success and failures of ZACC as an anti-corruption strategy that was
employed by government of Zimbabwe. Judging by the decreasing CPI score of Zimbabwe
(2012), it would seem that the corruption crisis is far from being eradicated, not in the
predictable near future despite the proliferation of the Anti-Corruption institutions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The problem being assessed in this study is the impact made by ZACC in trying to curb
corruption in Zimbabwe its failures and success. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption
Commission was given a constitutional obligation under section 254 of the 2013 constitution
of Zimbabwe to investigate, expose, receive and consider complaints from the public on
corruption related issues. Thus this research saves to show how ZACC has dealt with issues
of corruption since its inception or whether if it has been a toothless bulldog or not. There is a
public outcry in different platforms in Zimbabwe about the impact of corruption to social and
economic development. Corruption among a number of challenges that are facing Zimbabwe
today, is being viewed as the cancer that erodes Zimbabwean public institutions. There are a
number of cases of fraud, embezzlement of funds, externalisation of funds by public officials,
mismanagements of public funds and nepotism, all forms the question of the problem why
the researcher chooses to assess the success and failures of ZACC in curbing corruption in
Zimbabwe.

1.3 Research Objective

 To give an assessment of the causes of corruption in Zimbabwe.

 To examine the contribution of ZACC in curbing corruption.
 To examine the major contributors to corruption in Zimbabwe.
 To identify the challenges faced by ZACC in curbing corruption in Zimbabwe.
 To examine how corruption affect the socio economic and political development in
Zimbabwe.

1.4 Justification of the Study

It is vital to note that little research has been made on the success and failures of ZACC in
trying to curb corruption since its inception. The researcher’s quest is to fill the bygone
knowledge gap that was left by researchers on the duties and obligations of ZACC in curbing
corruption in Zimbabwe. The researcher seeks to contribute literature on the contribution of
ZACC in its quest to curb corruption in Zimbabwe and its duties in giving direction to the
National Prosecution Authority and Commissioner General of Police. The information
gathered will be of supreme significance to the nation as it will deliver recommendations and
suggestions that can drive towards a crises free Zimbabwe and drive the nation to economic
development. The research is also of vital importance to policy makers in Zimbabwe as it will
inform them on what needs to be done as far as the issues to do with curbing corruption is
concerned in Zimbabwe. The most beneficiaries of this research are the citizens of Zimbabwe
but most particularly the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the National
Prosecution Authority, the Judicial Service Commission and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Therefore the researcher has a great expedition in undertaking the research on the success and
failures of ZACC in curbing corruption from its inception to 2019.

1.5 Methodology

Methodology is merely the study of a particular method for reaching a desired end and
different methods of studies can be used in the research. Methodology can be described as the
framework associated with a particular set of exemplary assumption that can be used to
conduct research, Sharpe (2008). Babbie (2001) notes that, research methodology refers to
the strategy or decision lying behind the use of particular methods. The researcher qualitative
researcher method is going to be used in trying to understand success and failures of ZACC
in curbing corruption in Zimbabwe.

1.5.1 Data Collection Methods

The researcher will use a number of methods to collect data which include in-depth
interviews, key informant interviews, focus discussion group and questionnaires to get facts
from different respondents and present them on graphs, pie charts and tables. Presenting
information on graphs and pie charts is easier as it makes readers of this project easily
understandable. Eckstein (2002) argues that data collection procedures involve the following
steps, making appointments with research subjects, through telephone, fax, or letters,
distribution and administering of instruments on the sample for example by hand, mail or
through research assistants and lastly through retrieval of instruments.

The researcher also used the focus discussion groups in acquiring information about the
challenges faced by students at University of Zimbabwe in accessing and acquiring education
in Zimbabwe. Babbie, (2010) argues that a focus group discussion involves gathering people
from similar backgrounds or experiences together to discuss a specific topic of interest. It is a
form of qualitative research where questions are asked about their perceptions attitudes,
beliefs, and opinion or ideas abid. Bogdan, R, C. and Biklen, S, K. (2007) also states that in
focus group discussion participants are free to talk with other group members; unlike other
research methods it encourages discussions with other participants. It generally involves
group interviewing in which a small group of usually 8 to 12 people. It is led by a moderator
(interviewer) in a loosely structured discussion of various topics of interest. The group's
composition and the group discussion should be carefully planned to create a non-
intimidating environment, so that participants feel free to talk openly and give honest
opinions Bogdan, R, C. and Biklen, S, K. (2007). Since participants are actively encouraged
to not only express their own opinions, but also respond to other members and questions
posed by the leader, focus groups offer a depth, nuance, and variety to the discussion that
would not be available through surveys and interviews.

Kvale and Flick (2007) describe the interview as a conservation that has a structure and a
purpose determined by the interviewer and in which the researcher asks about, and listens to
what people relate, in words, about their lived world. Babbie (2010) stresses that interview
allow the participant to speak for him/herself instead of responding to predetermined
hypothesis based questions. This technique is characterized by extensive probing and open-
ended questions. As a result, the research used semi-structured interviews to the key
informants as they give a room for deeper probing and explanation of issues to be raised. The
researcher will use the key informant interviews to acquire information from different
respondent within the broad area in Zimbabwe. Interviews allows the researcher to
understand the subject matter and also have a face to face conversation with the respondent
and get a clear understanding on what they think are the success and failures of ZACC in
curbing corruption in Zimbabwe.

1.5.2 Data Collection Instruments

Research instruments are useful in collecting information that is pertinent to the study. Sales
and Folkman (2000) defines research instruments as device used by investigators for
collecting data. While Miller (2018) defines research instruments as a tool used to collect
measure and analyse data related to the subject and the tools can be tests, questionnaires,
focus group discussion and interviews. In this research, questionnaires, focus group
discussions and interviews will be used. McLeod (2018) defines a questionnaire as research
instrument coasting of a series of questions for the purpose of gathering information from
respondents. Conneway and Powell (2010) define an interview as a qualitative research
technique which involves conducting interview individual interviews with a small number of
respondents to explore their perspectives on a particular idea, programme or situation. These
research instruments are vital in helping the researcher to get vast information from different
people in their perceptions on the success and challenges of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption
Commission in its role to curb corruption in Zimbabwe. They are fast methods of getting the
information from different people in the country.

In this research study both structured and unstructured questionnaires will be used to collect
data. According Denzin and Lincoin (2000) a questionnaire is a systematically prepared form
of document with a set of questions deliberately designed to elicit responses from
respondents or research informants for the purpose of collecting data or information.
Furthermore Denzin and Lincoln (2011) says that it is a form of enquiry document which
contains well organized series of questions from respondents or research information for the
purpose of collecting data or information .The respondents are the population in the study and
the answers that will be provided by the respondents will contribute to the research project.

These have control or guidance, which is given for an answer. Structured questionnaires may
be described as close form because the questions are basically short, requiring the respondent
to provide yes or no. Gubrium, Guba and Lincoln (2000) refer to questions that require a yes
or no as dichotomous questions. It may also be multiple-choice options which the respondent
selects the answer close to the opinion. The respondent‘s opinion is limited to the set of
options provided. A structured questionnaire has the advantages that the researcher is able to
conduct large number of people quickly, easy and efficiently using a posted questionnaire. In
addition questions are relatively quick and easy to create code and interpret if the closed
questions are used. Seale C (2006) is of the opinion that a question is easy to use and
standardize. For instance every respondent is asked the same questions in the same way. The
researcher therefore can be sure that everyone in the sample answers exactly the same
questions, which makes this a very reliable method of research.

It is easy to use structured questions when addressing questions such what are the
contributors to corruption in Zimbabwe, people feel free to write on questionnaire because no
one can trace them and has no chance to victimize him. Structured questionnaires have found
to have limitation in collecting data. Bryman (2004) asserts that the format of questionnaires
makes it difficult for the researcher to examine complex issues and opinions. With the postal
questionnaire the researcher does not see the respondent and cannot be sure with him. It is
believed that the absence of the researcher when the questionnaire is filled makes it difficult
for the researcher to believe whether the respondent has understood the concepts.

To add some, the researcher will used an interview as data collection instrument. The
researcher will make an interview guide to guide in collecting and obtaining data from
different respondents. Interviews are very useful way of getting vital information from
managers and employees pertaining to the study. Interviews are direct way of finding
information through face-to-face conversation. Interviews are important in research methods
as they provide useful information for gathering quotes and stories. On the same note
interviews allow respondents to describe what is important to them. Seale (2006) opines that
interviews are useful for gaining insight and context into a topic. Although interviews are
useful they have drawbacks for instance they are susceptible to bias. Gubrium and Holstein
(2000) adds that they are time consuming and expensive compared to other data collection
methods. Interviews at their own are intrusive to the respondents.

1.5.3 Data Analysis

According to Chambers and Skinner (2003) data analysis is the process of systematically
applying statically and logical techniques to describe and to illustrate condense, recap and
evaluate data. Korn and Graubard adds that data collection is the process of evaluating data
using analytical and logical reasoning to examine each component of the data provided.
Interviews will be analysed quantitatively using content analysis. Content analysis involves
examination of words in order to make inferences about the respondents. Responses from
closed ended questions in questionnaire will be analysed quantitatively. Chambers and
Skinner (2003) says quantitative involve categories categorization of data and frequency
counting. Presentations of results will be done in form of tables so as to make data easy to
manage and detect patterns. Averages will also be used to analyse data in some areas of
concern. The researcher choose to use content analysis as a way to try to get the right content
without bias from different respondents. Content analysis will enable the researcher to judge
and reach a better conclusion about the subject matter.

1.5.4 Ethical Consideration

Ethics are important in maintaining good relations between participants and the researcher.
The research will use a number of ethics in carrying out the research in different
organisations in Zimbabwe. The researcher will be honesty in all-scientific communications
about the topic. Furthermore, the researcher will not fabricate information or falsify or
misrepresent data concerning corruption cases in Zimbabwe. More so, respondents will be
allowed to withdraw from the research at any time they feel so. No force will be used to
gather information and cheating will be avoided. The researcher will be objective in
conducting his research. The researcher will do his best in trying to avoid bias in data
analysis, data presentation and personal decision among other reasons. At the respondent’s
request, the researcher might disclose personal or financial interests that may positively or
negatively affect him. As far as the research is concerned, the researcher will keep the
agreements, promises, act with sincerity and strive for thoughts and actions. Care will be
taken on examining the work itself and the work of other peers. On the same point the
researcher will keep good record of research activities, such as data collection, research
design and correspondence among patterns or journals by other scholars.
In addition the findings of the research will be shared to promote brain circulation. Also the
researcher will be free to welcome critics from the participants themselves as long as the
ideas advance the research topic. Confidential information will be protected so as to protect
the image of the organization itself. Protecting the information protects the respondents from
victimization, as political players and leaders tend to victimize people for releasing secrets of
their organization. During the research process if the researcher come across political parties
papers or discover vital information accidentally he will keep the information as a secret. If
the researcher wants to publish the dissertation he will seek permission from the authorities of
different players to publish the project. The purpose of the publication will be to advance
research and encourage a collective approach in curbing corruption in Zimbabwe.

1.6 Delimitations of the Study

The research mainly focuses on the success and failure of ZACC in curbing corruption in
Zimbabwe since its inception up to 2019. The study will be confined on the assessment of the
success and failures of ZACC in curbing corruption in Zimbabwe from 2010 to 2020, this
will allow the researcher to find enough information from different respondents.

1.7 Limitations
This research project might be characterised with a number of limitations. Limitations are those
conditions beyond the control of the researcher that may place restrictions on the conclusions of
the study and its application to other situations, Best and Kahn (1996). In this case the timeframe
for the research for the assessment of the success and failures of ZACC in curbing corruption is
limited as it requires full knowledge and information from different stakeholders. Some of the
limitations might include bias and reluctance by respondents to answer certain questions which
will affect the research results, information availability (respondents may fail to accommodate
the researcher due to their busy work schedules) and financial
1.8 Conclusion

This paper has presented the background of the research, the research questions and
objectives, literature review and research methodologies to be undertaken which include
research philosophy, approach and design, target population, sample and sampling
techniques, description of instruments used in data collection, limitations, reliability, validity,
ethical consideration and the techniques used in data analysis. Henceforth the above shows
the apparatus on which one is going to use in undertaking the research on the assessment of
ZACC in curbing corruption in Zimbabwe since its inception up to 2019.