Staff reporter

Zimbabwe’s church leaders are calling on the Government to strengthen its crackdown on corrupt public officials, emphasizing that eradicating corruption is essential for the country’s Vision 2030.

At a consultative meeting organized by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) in Bulawayo, the clergy voiced their support for the church’s role in combating corruption.

In a recent interview, Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) administrator, Reverend Mbongeni Proud Dube expressed deep concern over the misuse of Government funds, particularly those meant to uplift local communities.

“The church’s commitment to social justice and its pivotal role in fostering a transparent and ethical society cannot be overemphasized. We call for stronger measures to prevent the misappropriation of public resources, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda, which seeks to empower local communities through targeted funding.

“These funds are meant to drive grassroots development and uplift citizens. If they are diverted or mismanaged, we are failing the people and hindering the nation’s progress towards Vision 2030,” he said.

Former ZCC president, Bishop Lazarus Khanye echoed this sentiment, highlighting the nation’s progress toward Vision 2030.

“We are close to achieving Vision 2030, but some individuals are standing in the way. The church has a role to play in correcting these issues, as the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on the Government but on us as well.

“The moral responsibility of the church is to ensure that public office bearers uphold the highest standards of integrity, noting that this issue goes beyond mere policy and touches on the well-being of the nation’s most vulnerable.

“As a church, we cannot stand by while corruption stifles the growth and potential of our communities. It is our duty to speak out, to act, and to hold those in power to their word,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, residents expressed their belief that many public office holders are members of the church, placing a significant responsibility on religious institutions to address corrupt behavior within their ranks.

The clergy has firmly condemned corruption and is actively urging the Government to take decisive action against those who abuse their positions of power.

The church continues to position itself as a force for development, advocating for ethical leadership, peace, and the transformative policies needed to ensure Zimbabwe attains its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.

Through active participation in policy formulation and nation-building, churches are driving forward the country’s development agenda.