Masvingo Embraces ‘Howfar’ Campaign

By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu


Masvingo- The residents of Masvingo have embraced the ‘HowFar’ campaign stating that the civil society should continue calling for accountability and transparency from the government on behalf of its citizens.


The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development on the 3rd of September 2021 spearheaded the campaign where they created a platform to ask and know how public funds are being used. The campaign is aiming at making sure every citizen has the platform to question the government (both local and national), private sector, civil society and any other player with an obligation to the public on their mandate on public resource management.


Every citizen has the right to access any information held by the state or by any institution or agency of government at every level, in so far the information is required in the interest of public accountability
Interviews carried out in Masvingo indicated that citizens were rallying behind the campaign and happy they are being given a platform where they can question key players responsible for handling public funds.


“The constitution of Zimbabwe states that us as citizens we have the right to information but in the country we have a different case. Some information is being gate kept and we cannot access it. There should a public platform where we know we can access information when we need it. The use of public funds should be accessed by all and we should be able to know how our funds are being used for the development of our country. We need to move at once as a nation, moving with the issue of accountability and transparency,” said Nigel Chakanyuka.


“Our funds are being misused each and every day and as citizens we cannot do anything about it, through this campaign at least we have the power to question those in power and call for transparency so that corruption is dealt with. We do get funds but these funds are being misused and fall into the wrong hands. Funds we are getting must be used to revive our economy rather than have the money misused. We need to hold those responsible accountable and we hope the campaign by ZIMCODD will spearhead change,” said Dianna Mulalazi.


The campaign seeks to entrench democracy, good transparent and accountable governance and the rule of laws. It seeks to further promote “Measures to expose, combat and eradicate all forms of corruption and abuse of power by those holding political and public office.