Saying No to Impunity in Zimbabwe

Frank Mphalo (author of this blog) at a “No to Impunity” event in Harare.

Transparency International Zimbabwe joined the world to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day, which falls on 9 December every year.

The festivities involved four flash mobs in four different locations around Harare. (A flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual act for a brief time and then quickly disperse for the purpose of artistic expression.)

The four flash mobs had a “No to Impunity” theme and involved plays, drama, quizzes and music.

Left: “No to Impunity” flash mob in Chitungwiza, Harare Right: About 1,500 people (combined) were exposed to the flash mob messages.

We used flash mobs because of their crowd-pulling effect and the lasting impression they leave on participants.

The community representatives who were present noted that impunity remains the greatest hurdle to community development.

Speakers identified that the selective application of the law in the country motivates high-level government officials to siphon off public resources, knowing they are immune to arrest or prosecution.

Left: Transparency International Zimbabwe at the Sakubva flea market in Mutare. Right: Anti-Corruption Day activties in Nkulumane.

Carousel image: Copyright, Transparency International Zimbabwe