Press statement issued by Linda Masarira
Harare, Zimbabwe. – The past two weeks have exposed a troubling and dangerous trend in Zimbabwe’s public discourse, the normalisation of corruption through selective outrage and strategic silence.
Last week, the nation erupted in controversy following the announcement that Fadzayi Mahere had been voted Zimbabwean of the Year by listeners of ZiFM’s Rush Hour programme. Social media was ablaze. Motives were interrogated. Political affiliations were weaponised. Zimbabweans debated passionately.
This week, however, a far more serious issue has emerged, and the nation has largely gone quiet.
A verified Auditor-General’s report details how US$372,260 of public funds was used to refurbish the private residence of the Senate President in clear violation of procurement laws and procedures. The report cites inflated costs, absence of open tendering, hand-picked suppliers, multiple payments exceeding legal thresholds, and explicit breaches of procurement regulations.
Yet there has been no national outrage. No sustained public debate.
No urgent calls for accountability. This silence is deeply concerning.
*Accountability Cannot Be Optional*
Public office is a public trust. Public funds are not personal benefits, rewards for seniority, or privileges of rank. They belong to the people of Zimbabwe, millions of whom are enduring economic hardship, collapsing public services, unpaid wages, and rising poverty.
When documented misuse of public resources is met with indifference, we are not merely ignoring corruption. We are normalising it.
The Auditor-General’s Office exists to safeguard public interest, not to produce reports for ceremonial consumption. Its findings are meant to trigger consequences: investigations, recovery of funds, disciplinary action, and systemic reform.
Anything less renders constitutional accountability meaningless.
*Selective Outrage Is Complicity*
Zimbabwe can not claim to be serious about fighting corruption when outrage is activated selectively loud over symbolism, silent over substance.
Accountability is not opposition politics. It is not character assassination. It is not disrespect. It is patriotism.
A nation that debates radio polls with more passion than verified misuse of public funds is a nation drifting dangerously toward moral fatigue.
Our Demand Is Clear
We demand:
▪︎ That the Auditor-General’s recommendations be fully upheld
▪︎ That procurement violations be investigated without fear or favour
▪︎ That public funds irregularly spent be accounted for and recovered
▪︎ That no office, rank, or title places anyone above the law
Silence is no longer neutral. It is endorsement. Zimbabwe deserves accountability that is consistent, uncompromising, and citizen-centred.
Issued by:
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
President – Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD)
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