Zimbabwe to host SADC anti-corruption expo and games

Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]

ZIMBABWE is set to host more than 800 anti-corruption officers from eight Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states at the regional Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls from September 17 to 19.

The event will be officially opened by Vice-President Dr Kembo Mohadi on September 17, with Zimbabwe hosting the regional gathering under the theme: “Scaling Up Integrity Actions Across SADC.”

In a press statement, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson Commissioner Michael Reza said the three-day event would provide a platform for anti-corruption practitioners from across the region to exchange experiences, showcase innovative strategies and strengthen cooperation in the fight against corruption.

The programme will start with a cultural showcasing session on September 17, followed by sporting activities and an anti-corruption exhibition on September 18 at Chinotimba Stadium.

The games will feature four sporting disciplines — men’s and women’s volleyball, soccer and netball — with the competitions designed to promote camaraderie, networking and team spirit among anti-corruption practitioners.

Comm Reza said the exhibition would facilitate the sharing of innovative anti-corruption strategies and best practices among participating SADC member states.

“The event will be preceded by an anti-corruption procession aimed at raising awareness of the SADC Protocol Against Corruption and demonstrating regional unity in the fight against graft.

“As part of preparations for the event, ZACC has partnered with the Victoria Falls Municipality and other stakeholders on a legacy project that has resulted in the construction of two netball courts and two volleyball courts at Chinotimba Stadium,” said Comm Reza.

The project has transformed the stadium into a multi-disciplinary sporting facility while leaving behind infrastructure for the Victoria Falls community and the broader Matabeleland North Province.

Comm Reza said hosting the expo and games demonstrated Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional, continental and global anti-corruption frameworks, including the SADC Protocol Against Corruption, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Zimbabwe will be seeking to improve on its performance at last year’s edition held in Swakopmund, Namibia, where it won the Best Exhibitor Award and three silver medals in netball and volleyball.