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By Spy Uganda
Prominent Zimbabwean philosopher, author, and public speaker Joshua Maponga has launched a scathing attack on corruption within Zimbabwe’s political establishment, warning that self-interest among political leaders is undermining democracy and constitutional governance across Africa.
Speaking to fellow Pan Africanist via phone call, Andrew Irumba Katusabe who is the Pan African Pyramid (PAP) Speaker & Chairman, Maponga revealed that some Zimbabwean politicians had been offered large sums of money to support controversial constitutional amendments currently being considered by the government.
According to Maponga, reports reaching him suggested that legislators were allegedly receiving between US$50,000 and US$200,000 to support the proposed constitutional changes.
“Our politicians don’t care about the Constitution. They don’t care about the people. They don’t care about the government. They only care about themselves,” Maponga said.
The outspoken commentator argued that corruption within legislative institutions poses a serious threat to democracy because lawmakers are entrusted with safeguarding constitutional principles and holding governments accountable.
“When people who are supposed to protect the Constitution are demanding corruption at this level, what is left?” he asked.
Maponga further contended that corruption is not limited to executive leadership but often permeates multiple levels of government, including parliaments and other oversight institutions.
He suggested that public debate frequently focuses on heads of state while overlooking the role played by legislators and other public officials in enabling corruption and weakening governance systems.
His comments come amid growing debate over the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3, which seeks to introduce significant changes to the country’s governance framework.
Among the proposals under discussion are plans to extend the terms of the President, Parliament, and local government councils from five years to seven years. The bill also proposes replacing direct presidential elections with a system under which Parliament would select the country’s leader.
Government officials have defended the proposed reforms, arguing that longer electoral cycles would reduce political tensions associated with frequent elections and create a more stable environment for implementing long-term national development programs, including Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.
Supporters of the amendments say the reforms would strengthen institutional efficiency and improve governance by restructuring key state institutions involved in elections and public administration.
However, opposition parties, civil society organizations, and constitutional experts have expressed concern that the proposals could weaken democratic accountability and concentrate greater power within the executive branch.
Critics argue that extending the tenure of elected leaders without a fresh mandate from voters would undermine citizens’ democratic rights. Concerns have also been raised over proposals to transfer voter registration functions from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar-General’s office and to allow direct presidential appointments of judges.
Maponga said the challenges facing Zimbabwe reflect a broader governance crisis confronting many African countries.
, https://www.spyuganda.com/joshua-maponga-corruption-in-our-parliaments-is-africas-biggest-political-disease/
