Former Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Mayor Justice Wadyajena has been shortlisted for public interviews next Thursday to select new commissioners for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
This announcement comes as Parliament publishes the names of 47 candidates vying for the crucial roles, with several affiliated with the ruling ZANU PF party.
A Competitive Selection Process
Among those set to be interviewed are notable figures such as Tongai Matutu, Gabriel Chaibva, and former ZANU PF MPs Berita Chikwama, Zalerah Makari, and Kindness Paradza.
Additionally, former ZEC commissioner Qhubani Moyo is also in the running.
Parliament received a total of 145 nominations for potential appointments to ZACC, highlighting the competitive nature of the selection process.
The vacancies arose due to the expiration of terms for all sitting officers this year.
The Appointment Process
Every five years, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders selects and submits 12 nominees to the President, who then appoints eight members to the commission.
The President also consults with the committee to choose the chairperson.
The recent expiration of terms for the eight ordinary members sworn in 2019 has prompted this new round of nominations, which were advertised in August.
Notably, ZACC chairperson Michael Reza remains unaffected by these changes, having been appointed in March this year to replace Justice Loice Mutanda-Moyo, who is now the Prosecutor General.
Controversy Surrounding Wadyajena
Wadyajena’s candidacy has sparked debate due to his previous legal troubles.
In 2022, he faced allegations of fraud and money laundering involving USD $5 million while serving as chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on land and agriculture.
Although ZACC impounded his luxury vehicles and haulage trucks during the investigation, the High Court later ordered their release due to insufficient evidence linking him to corruption.
As one of the shortlisted candidates, Wadyajena’s potential appointment raises questions about balancing experience and public trust in a commission tasked with combating corruption in Zimbabwe.
Public Interest in ZACC Appointments
The upcoming public interviews for ZACC commissioners are generating significant interest, given the commission’s vital role in addressing corruption within Zimbabwean institutions.
As Wadyajena and other candidates prepare for their interviews, many will be watching closely to see how their backgrounds and qualifications align with the expectations of a commission that has faced criticism over its effectiveness in tackling high-profile corruption cases.
The final decision on appointments is expected soon, with implications for Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption efforts hanging in the balance.
Source: Pindula