All Eyes On Chiwenga

By Shingirai Vambe

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has delivered a strong warning to entrepreneurs he terms “phantom,” cautioning against corrupt practices that undermine Zimbabwe’s economic integrity.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) congress in Victoria Falls, Chiwenga emphasized that real businesses are built through hard work, discipline, sacrifice, and value creation, not through unexplained wealth or shady dealings.

Chiwenga’s message was clear, the government will not tolerate financial dealings that lack accountability or legitimacy.

Citizens have welcomed Chiwenga’s stance against corruption and bold statement against individuals taking advantage of their closeness to the echelons of power. Many in Government, private sector and in the Governing Party, welcome Chiwenga’s speech and position regarding the country’s economy. However, not every is celebrating and or happy with his stance.

He condemned “unscrupulous, so-called business people operating from briefcases with no traceable capital or legitimate enterprise,” describing this culture of phantom entrepreneurship as “economically corrosive” and “ethically bankrupt”.

The Vice President hinted at forthcoming measures targeting unethical business conduct, stating that “the day of reckoning is inevitable for those who undermine our economic integrity by engaging in shadowy dealings”.

He emphasized the need for integrity and accountability in business, particularly in public-private partnerships aimed at catalyzing economic growth.

Chiwenga’s comments are seen as a rebuke to businessmen like Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who recently defended “tenderpreneurs” or individuals who thrive on government contracts.

 

The Vice President’s stance has been echoed by many Zimbabweans who are frustrated with corruption and the lavish spending of individuals like Wicknel Chivayo, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chivayo has been splashing large sums of money and cars to citizens, an act described as “dry cleaning” of ill-gotten wealth.

The public’s perception is that Zimbabwe is struggling due to corruption, and many are calling for change. Some, like Blessed Runesu Geza, a wanted fugitive, are even calling for President Mnangagwa to step down, citing his failure to govern the country effectively.

Chiwenga’s renewed focus on corruption comes as Zimbabwe continues to struggle with the issue. Corruption has been on the increase, plummeting to an all-time low, worsening to unprecedented levels since 2016, as the country continues to lose billions to graft and impunity.

In contrast, some citizens see Chiwenga as a potential solution, hoping he will bring about the much-needed change.

This year’s ZNCC congress ran on the theme Unlocking Business Potential Through Policy, Partnerships and Productivity. The event is a major gathering of business leaders, industry experts, policymakers and entrepreneurs.

According to the results of the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index released in February, Zimbabwe scored 21 points out of a possible 100, down from 24 points in 2023, highlighting a decline in transparency and accountability. Zimbabwe performed below the sub-Saharan average score of 33 and the global average of CPI of 43. The highest Zimbabwe has scored since 2016 is 24.

VP Chiwenga has indeed been vocal about corruption, and earlier this year, he spoke out against it at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, and condemned corrupt, politically connected businessmen, referring to them as “mbingas” and vowed that the government would take action against such practices.

Chiwenga emphasized that Zimbabwe’s vision for 2030 is for all citizens, not just a select few who accumulate wealth through questionable means. He stated, “Our Vision 2030 is for all of us, not for those you call mbinga,” highlighting the need for equal opportunities and accountability

 

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