ZACC and NSSA Under Fire Over Uninvestigated Land Scandal

Transparency is the cornerstone of governance, yet it appears elusive in Zimbabwe’s public institutions. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) are at the center of a 20-year-old land acquisition scandal, currently being exposed by social justice campaigner, Munashe Masiyiwa.

This issue first came to light through the Auditor-General’s 2023 report on State-Owned Enterprises. In the report, it was revealed that NSSA, Zimbabwe’s pension fund, purchased 526 hectares of land in Chegutu in 2003. That land remains unaccounted for. One might ask: where did it go? Or, more importantly, why have 20 years passed without recovery or proper documentation?

Masiyiwa, representing the public’s interest, has filed a legal challenge to compel ZACC to investigate NSSA’s murky transaction. His lawyer, Obey Shava, a member of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, has raised significant concerns about ZACC’s apparent inertia. The case now lies in the hands of the Harare High Court, waiting for a decision that could either redefine or undermine the fight against institutional corruption in Zimbabwe.

But this is not just about a missing plot of land. It’s emblematic of the broader issue of public sector mismanagement. The NSSA, entrusted with the welfare of pensioners and Zimbabwean workers, finds itself repeatedly under scrutiny for questionable investments. Yet, despite repeated calls for transparency, few have answered.

Masiyiwa’s lawsuit is not just about reclaiming land; it’s about demanding accountability. The socio-economic justice campaigner’s stand shines a light on how corruption, hidden beneath bureaucratic layers, can erode public trust. Corruption doesn’t only steal public resources, it steals faith in public institutions. And with every delay or obfuscation, that faith weakens.

The constitutional responsibility of ZACC is clear—combat corruption without bias or hesitation. Yet Masiyiwa’s legal claim reveals an uncomfortable truth: inaction by anti-corruption bodies is as dangerous as the corruption they are tasked with fighting. By failing to investigate NSSA’s purchase, ZACC has failed its constitutional duty, Masiyiwa argues.

So, what’s next? If the High Court grants Masiyiwa’s petition, ZACC will be legally bound to investigate NSSA’s land deal. The findings, if published, could bring to light more than just this one transaction. It could expose a systemic failure within state-run institutions to safeguard public assets.

The question, however, remains whether ZACC’s investigation—if it happens—will be thorough or merely symbolic. The people of Zimbabwe have seen countless inquiries result in little to no action. What’s different this time? Perhaps the sheer weight of evidence compiled by the Auditor-General is enough to tip the scales toward justice.

It’s worth noting that the Auditor-General’s report serves as an authoritative source, exposing irregularities that demand attention. State-owned enterprises have a long history of questionable practices in Zimbabwe. In the past, funds intended for national development have often been diverted or mishandled. And yet, few have been held accountable.

The potential consequences of the High Court ruling in Masiyiwa’s favor extend beyond this case. A ruling could set a legal precedent, compelling ZACC and other oversight bodies to act more decisively in future cases. It may also force NSSA to come clean about other controversial investments, restoring a semblance of accountability to the institution.

The broader implications of this case cannot be overstated. The ZACC’s mandate, as outlined in Section 255(1) of the Constitution, is to tackle corruption swiftly and effectively. Failure to do so not only undermines its purpose but also erodes public confidence in the rule of law.

As Zimbabwe grapples with ongoing economic challenges, institutional accountability becomes even more critical. NSSA, in particular, plays a vital role in the social safety net, making its financial dealings a matter of public concern. Mismanagement of public resources directly affects citizens, especially vulnerable groups like pensioners.

The case underscores the need for Zimbabwe to strengthen its oversight mechanisms. Public institutions should be transparent, and those who lead them must be held accountable for their actions—or inactions. If the judiciary rules in Masiyiwa’s favor, it will send a powerful message to those in power that corruption, no matter how deeply buried, will not go unchecked forever.

This legal battle is not just about land—it’s about reclaiming the integrity of Zimbabwe’s institutions. Masiyiwa’s fight is a reminder that the battle for justice is often a long one, but it is a fight that must be fought nonetheless.

Public trust in institutions like ZACC and NSSA can only be rebuilt if transparency becomes the norm rather than the exception. This case may be the tipping point that forces those in power to finally take corruption seriously. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

The Zim Bulletin