The Sunday News
Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has resolved to cooperate with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption (Zacc) to help fight graft in the private sector.
Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo was one of the speakers at the 2021 ZNCC annual congress which ended in Victoria Falls on Friday. She expressed concern about the extent of corruption in the private sector which she said was the haven of graft in the country.
The ZNCC resolved to work with Zacc and will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). ZNCC president Mr Tinashe Manzungu said the chamber had signed a number of MoUs with various bodies for cooperation locally and internationally.
“Over the past few months we have tried to make sure the country moves forward despite Covid-19. We have signed several MoUs with various organisations in India, Angola, Canada and other local organisations such as media houses. Next week we will be signing an agreement with China.
“From here we are going to be signing as soon as possible an MoU with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
This is not a partnership, but to form a working relationship because ZNCC is an independent body. We want to be seen as business to be fully engaged in fighting corruption and make sure we work together with Zacc,” he said.
The congress also resolved, among other things, to have business engagements with Parliament through quarterly meetings with the aim of sharing notes on how to drive the economy from an industry perspective.
There must be full implementation of the Dutch online bidding auction and tightening of foreign exchange policies, and ensure there is a tracking system on funds to beat corruption.
The chamber also resolved to engage Government on the issue of multiple licences and permits and offices, saying there should be implementation of a one-stop-shop approach for ease of doing business.
ZNCC will also establish business ventures with the Zambian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) on areas of mutual interest. ZCCI president Mr Chabuka Kawesha was one of the speakers at the congress.
Meanwhile, the City of Gweru won the customer service oriented business of the year award with Schweppes Zimbabwe as the runner-up at an awards ceremony held at the close of the conference. Plan International was voted the winner in implementation Sustainable Development Goals despite Covid-19 and Bulawayo City Council was runner up.
Chronicle senior reporter Oliver Kazunga won the outstanding media personality in Covid-19 award with Tariro Manamike the runner-up. The lifetime achievement went to Professor Hope Sadza.
The businessman of the year award was won by Mr Samuel Demairo with Mr Kenneth Drummond as runner-up.
Mrs Georgina Chirume and Mrs Matilda Muzvondiwa were businesswoman of the year winner and runner-up respectively. University of Zimbabwe scooped the innovation award and Midlands Metals was runner-up while Mine Easy won the best emerging business award.
— @ncubeleon
