by Gideon Madzikatidze
HARARE – Acting President, General (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga, has emphasised the need for ethical leadership and an end to endemic corruption, citing that Zimbabwe is poised for accelerated growth if there is adherence to collective commitment in upholding integrity and transparency at all levels.
Chiwenga called (and challenged) on everyone to genuinely condemn the scourge and complement his quest to fight all those elements involved in corruption for Zimbabwe to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
While presiding over the burial of late national hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, at the National Heroes Acre, Chiwenga’s remarks were laced with anti-corruption crusade tones and choruses.
“We need to take note of significant progress under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). As we transition into National Development Strategy 2, Zimbabwe stay poised for accelerated growth – provided we entrench ethical leadership at all levels, defeat corruption and uphold a whole government approach,” Chiwenga said.
Chiwenga also highlighted that, “Realising our vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy society by 2030 hinges on our collective commitment to ethical behaviour and rejection of selfish enrichment practices. Our focus must be on industrialisation, value addition and inclusive growth. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to the economy, generate quality jobs and enhance the livelihoods of our citizens,”
Furthermore, “In this moment of reflection, let us channel our grief into a renewed commitment to our country, fostering the spirit of unity that Brigadier General Ngarava so fervently championed,” added Chiwenga.
Unlike previous burials, there were no notable placards or songs endorsing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 unconstitutional term extension agenda, a development seen as a significant departure from the usual ZANU PF ‘mourning turned rallies’. Chiwenga’s speech focused on the importance of ethical leadership, industrialisation and inclusive growth, without directly referencing Mnangagwa’s ambitions.
The burial has sparked speculation about ZANU PF’s internal dynamics, with Chiwenga’s message seen as a veiled critique of Mnangagwa’s leadership.