Staff Reporter
Harare – Twenty-five young Zimbabweans have graduated from the 2026 School of Integrity, with speakers urging them to take a leading role in fighting corruption and promoting accountable governance.
The programme, run by Transparency International Zimbabwe, attracted 261 applications from across the country, but only 25 participants were selected.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Harare this Friday, guest of honour Mr Rex Shana said corruption continues to evolve and requires young people with courage and technical knowledge to confront it.
“Corruption is rarely obvious. It is often sophisticated, adaptive, and opportunistic,” said Shana.
“I have seen it. I have encountered it. I have observed its evolution.”
Shana, who is Deputy Chairperson of the Law Development Commission, said corruption was damaging the economy, weakening institutions, and denying citizens access to services.
“Corruption distorts markets. It discourages investment. It increases transaction costs,” he said.
He urged the graduates to position themselves in governance spaces and help shape policy reforms, especially in sectors such as mining, climate governance, and public procurement.
“Zimbabwe needs young people who are technically competent, ethically grounded, and civically engaged,” he said.
The Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe said corruption was standing in the way of development and public service delivery.
“Corruption steals from the future,”
“It undermines healthcare, education, food security, and economic growth.”
The ambassador said young people were not just future leaders, but “leaders of today” who can use technology and community action to demand transparency and accountability.
Sweden has been supporting anti-corruption programmes in Zimbabwe through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Board chairperson of Transparency International Zimbabwe, Ms Isheanesu Chirisa, said the School of Integrity was created to empower young people to become active participants in governance issues.
“Corruption is not waiting. And neither should young people,” she said.
She warned against the normalization of corruption in society.
“People increasingly say, ‘This is how things work.’ Once corruption is normalized, it becomes invisible,” said Chirisa
“But its consequences are everywhere, in potholes, poor hospitals, struggling schools, and limited opportunities.”
Chirisa said the organisation now has 125 graduates from five cohorts of the School of Integrity, with many already leading accountability conversations in their communities and workplaces.
The graduates underwent a week-long training programme covering integrity, transparency, accountability, corruption in extractive industries, human rights, media, and governance.
Organisers said the programme aims to build a new generation of ethical leaders who can help strengthen accountability systems in Zimbabwe.
