In the past few years, Africa has witnessed a new wave of some leaders expressing commitment to fight corruption despite all the odds they face.

These new leaders, like the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, recognized that good governance is the key to fostering growth and economic development.

In Zanzibar, unprecedented efforts have been made to raise public awareness on economic sabotage and corruption, their insidious nature and the effects on the development and how they deter local and foreign investment.

This goes parallel with having a well-defined democratic process and the observance of human rights.

But tackling corruption is not as easy because of the risks of being harassed, harmed politically or physically by the exclusive club of the powerful elites.

Experience in different countries shows that fighting corruption is a herculean task, especially in places where those involved have almost convinced themselves it is their right to act unjustifiably and no one has the right to block their dirty game.

However, Dr. Mwinyi, soon after taking the post took the courage to show his goodwill and commitment to fight against corrupt practices, despite facing a heap of obstacles.

During his visits to the public institutions responsible for revenue collections and development projects, he uncovered shocking corruption scandals.

What surprised him and many Zanzibaris was that those trusted with public funds and those responsible for safeguarding the revenue were on the frontline in robbing the Isles Treasury.

He sacked several top government officials and dissolved some board of directors because there were indicators of collaborating with officials of the corporations to misuse public funds.

Dr. Mwinyi restructured some corporations, sacked some officials and replaced the boards of directors.

The list of institutions that were on the ‘black list’ includes the Zanzibar Ports Corporation, the Fisheries Corporation, the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) and the Zanzibar Water Authority.

There was also a big shake-up in all law enforcing agencies of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government – the Anti-Smuggling Squad, Rehabilitation Facility Centre (Prisons), the National Service (JKU) and the Fire Brigade.

The reason for the reshuffle was reports of corruption and misuse of office and public funds.

There were also reports that municipal and town councils had large-scale economic sabotage and corrupt practices.

The President instructed the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption to investigate indicators of malpractices.

He took several measures to expose corrupt activities, keep the public sector honest, transparent and accountable, help stop dishonest practices and discrimination and make sure the civil servants act in the public interest.

All in all, the public has gained confidence that Dr.Mwinyi has not only displayed that he has the goodwill of lowering the scale of economic sabotage and corruption in his administration.

Now the public is closely following what is next and is looking forward for the fight against corruption to gain pace and all responsible are held accountable.

From what we saw in his first year in office we can say beyond any doubt that Dr. Mwinyi has lived to his commitment to take Zanzibar a few steps forward towards prosperity. But there is still much to be done.

No doubt his most remarkable achievement was once again to unite Zanzibaris through the formation of the Government of National Unity with the opposition ACT-Wazalendo.

His governance has been impressive and has been open though some of his assistants are reluctant to be transparent, media-friendly, cares to listen to the voices of the voiceless, bold and above all he does it by abiding by the constitution and the laws of the land.

Source: Zanzibar Mail