By Rungano Dzikira

Government has challenged South African businessman, Matshela Koko to expose corrupt officials frustrating the implementation of a licensed US$250 million solar power deal by demanding bribes, as Government escalates its fight against corruption threatening potential investment in the country.

This dare follows claims by the former SA power utility, Eskom, chief executive on social media that implementation of his licensed 100MW project has been facing hurdles since being licensed in July due to officials demanding bribery.

Responding to these allegations, the Energy and Power Development Minister, Fortune Chasi said that there was need for corrupt figures to be brought to book in line with Government’s stance to weed off corruption hindering Government efforts to make the country an attractive investment destination.

“We take bribery very seriously as Government and it’s one of the areas that we are focusing on and I want to urge him to publicly give me the names and individuals who have asked for a bribe from himself and I can assure you that Government will take action against the individuals.

 “I have met Mr Matshela many times since the time that he came to apply. He has all the freedom and, in fact, he has popped up at my offices without appointment and I have seen him. So what I need in order for us to go forward, is not vacuous statements,” he said.

Only this week Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption board ZACC joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day in line with Government’s stance to arrest this corrosive ill.