Chiwenga Urges Ethical Leadership as Zimbabwe Pursues 2030 Vision

Acting President Chiwenga calls for ethical leadership and anti-corruption measures, stressing that Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals depend on integrity, transparency, and unity across all sectors (image source)

HARARE – Acting President General (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga has called for ethical leadership and a strong national stance against corruption, saying Zimbabwe’s goal of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030 depends on integrity and transparency across all sectors.

Chiwenga made the remarks during the burial of national hero Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava at the National Heroes Acre, addressing mourners on the country’s development trajectory under the National Development Strategy (NDS) framework.

He highlighted the progress recorded under NDS1 as a foundation for future growth, but stressed that success under NDS2 would require ethical conduct and discipline in both public and private institutions. “We need to take note of the significant progress made under National Development Strategy 1. As we transition into National Development Strategy 2, Zimbabwe remains poised for accelerated growth, provided we entrench ethical leadership at all levels, defeat corruption and uphold a whole-of-government approach,” Chiwenga said.

The Acting President emphasised that Vision 2030 would only be realised if leaders and citizens rejected corrupt practices and prioritised productivity-driven growth, including industrialisation, value addition, and inclusive development. “Realising our vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 hinges on our collective commitment to ethical behaviour. We must remain focused on growing the economy, creating quality employment and improving the livelihoods of our people,” he said.

Chiwenga also encouraged Zimbabweans to honour Brigadier General Ngarava’s legacy through unity and national service. “In this moment of reflection, let us transform our grief into renewed commitment to our country and strengthen the spirit of unity that the late Brigadier General consistently upheld,” he said. Observers noted that the burial proceeded without chants or placards calling for a presidential term-extension beyond 2030, focusing instead on the life of the deceased and national values.

Analysts have remarked that Chiwenga’s speech emphasised governance standards and development priorities, framing it around ethics, policy, and national cohesion, without explicit reference to internal party politics.