A corporate integrity pledge is an institution’s public declaration and commitment to upholding values of integrity, transparency and accountability.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing corruption and upholding integrity by signing the corporate integrity pledge.
Speaking at the Zimra corporate integrity pledge signing ceremony in Harare last week, board chairperson Anthony Mandiwanza said the pledge was more than just a signature but a public declaration for the authority’s unwavering commitment to integrity.
A corporate integrity pledge is an institution’s public declaration and commitment to upholding values of integrity, transparency and accountability.
“This pledge is not ceremonial rhetoric; it is a compass for our collective conduct, a beacon guiding the authority towards ethical excellence in all its endeavours,” Mandiwanza said.
“The pledge is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in public service, particularly in the African context where corruption is estimated to siphon in excess of US$50 billion annually.”
He said such figures were a reminder that integrity is not merely aspirational, but existential, forming the cornerstone of societal trust and institutional legitimacy.
“By doing so, we affirm that Zimra is a custodian of public trust, a bastion of integrity and a catalyst for national development.”
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) chairperson Michael Reza said Zimra’s journey in the fight against corruption began in 2019 when it became the first institution to establish an integrity committee.
“I am heartened by Zimra’s journey in the fight against corruption. The journey is not just starting, but it began in 2019 when it became the first institution to establish an integrity committee, setting the pace for all other public sector institutions in the country,” he said.
Zimra played a key role in strengthening Zacc’s capacity to establish integrity committees, with more than 250 committees established in ministries, departments and agencies, as well as local authorities.
The two agencies collaborated on several high-profile cases, including a joint investigation into the abuse of the Civil Servants Motor Vehicle Rebate Scheme, with the investigation leading to the recovery of over 500 vehicles valued at close to US$2 million and hundreds of dockets submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe for prosecution.
Reza commended the collaboration between Zimra and Zacc, saying it has resulted in “substantial progress being recorded under NDS 1 (2021-25)”.
He called on Zimra and Zacc to intensify their collaboration and upscale financial investigations to curb tax evasion and revenue leakages.
“By embracing integrated integrity management, Zimra is weaving ethics into every facet of its operations,” Reza said. -newda
