Vice President Constantine Chiwenga has sounded a strong warning against what he described as “phantom entrepreneurship” and corrupt practices that threaten Zimbabwe’s economic stability. Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) congress held in Victoria Falls, Chiwenga criticized business activities with unclear or illegitimate sources of capital.
“We must shun unscrupulous, so-called business people operating from briefcases with no traceable capital or legitimate enterprise. This culture of phantom entrepreneurship, where money appears without any known source, is not only economically corrosive, but ethically bankrupt,” he told the assembled delegates.
Chiwenga stressed that the government will no longer tolerate financial dealings lacking transparency or accountability. “We all know that money does not fall from the heavens like manna, the time of Moses is no longer here. Real businesses are built through hard work, discipline, sacrifice and value creation,” he added.
The Vice President also hinted at new measures to be introduced soon to tackle unethical business conduct. “The day of reckoning is inevitable for those who undermine our economic integrity by engaging in shadowy dealings. It’s coming, let us not mortgage our nation’s future for fleeting gain.”
He emphasized the importance of integrity and accountability as Zimbabwe seeks to deepen public-private partnerships and drive economic growth. “Equally imperative to this shared national and developmental vision is our corrective stance on integrity and accountability,” Chiwenga said.
“As we deepen public-private partnerships and catalyse economic growth, we must decisively shun corruption. In all its ugly forms. There can be no room for rent seeking behaviour and muddy practices in a modern competitive economy.”
The Vice President’s remarks reflect a firm government stance against corruption and financial malpractice as Zimbabwe pushes to build a stronger, more transparent business environment.
