Accountability Lab Zimbabwe

As we wrap up another impactful year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community of changemakers, partners, and supporters. Together, we’ve continued to reimagine accountability, celebrate integrity, and build trust in ways that inspire a brighter future. This festive season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving, transparency, and collective action. May your holidays be filled with joy, reflection, and the courage to drive positive change in your communities. As we step into 2025, let’s carry forward the values of integrity, empathy, and hope. Here's to a new year of collaboration, impact, and more bold strides towards a world where accountability leads to opportunity for all. #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople #FestiveSeason #YearEndCelebration #AccountabilityMatters

Primrose Matono, as you embark on your final year and new adventures, we want to express our deepest gratitude for everything you've contributed during your time with us. Your dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact across multiple teams. Whether supporting the programs team, assisting communications, or collaborating with finance, you consistently went above and beyond. Your integrity, excellence, and commitment have shone through in every task you’ve taken on at Accountability Lab. As you continue on your journey, know that the mark you’ve left here will never be forgotten. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and thank you once again for your invaluable contributions. You will be truly missed!

" With just four years left before retirement, Mrs Merjury Sikundla (61). a dedicated Matabeleland South-based civil servant, has been honoured with an Integrity Icon Award for her exemplary work ethics and commitment to ethical leadership." - The Chronicle publication Dive deeper into Merjorie’s reflections as an Integrity Icon honoree by clicking here for the full story https://lnkd.in/d3GznEpN #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople #integritymatters #2024II

Congratulations to our Staff Member of the year! 🙌 🎉 🥳 " Beatrice Macebe embodies the values of integrity and transparency, demonstrated in her work. Most colleagues attest to the fact that she is trustworthy. She is the custodian of the ALZ's assets, a role she has executed so well over the years. She safeguards jealously the assets of the organisation ensuring all necessary procedures are observed before releasing assets to any staff member. Her work ethic is exemplary as shown in her professionalism, sense of accountability and consistence in delivering set tasks She is a great collaborator who has added value to all departments within." - ALZ Team #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople

Congratulations to our Staff Member of the year " Beloved Chiweshe has elevated Accountability Lab Zimbabwe’s programs department, driving innovation and impactful programming. Under his leadership, initiatives like the Climate Justice Bootcamp, integrated training for accountapreneurs, film fellows, and Voice2Rep artists, and policy engagement dialogues with parliamentarians have flourished. He has empowered program officers to lead, fostering their growth and learning. Beloved embodies the Lab's values of innovation, practicality, and collaboration. His innovative approach has introduced new programming strategies, while his practical mindset has addressed gaps, such as enhancing media relations through an editor's convention. His collaborative spirit has strengthened ties with key stakeholders like ZACC and the registry department. Through initiatives like the Local Governance Integrity Summit and ALL Cohorts training, Beloved has led with humility, allowing others to shine while providing steadfast guidance. His integrity and vision have laid a solid foundation for the Lab's future, deserving recognition and encouragement for his remarkable contributions," - ALZ Team #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople

2024 Integrity Icon Awards Highlights 📣 “Through the Integrity Icons campaign that Accountability Lab has been championing, we see the power of recognition when we celebrate the actions of those who lead with integrity, encouraging others to follow their example," said Armindo Banze, Head of the Democracy, Rights, and Governance Office at USAID Zimbabwe , during the 2024 Integrity Icon ceremony. This annual ceremony reminds us of the immense potential to transform the narrative around public service by “naming and faming” civil servants who uphold honesty and high ethical standards. Watch the attached highlights video of this year’s edition and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our honoured Integrity Icons: Simon Zinhoro – Ward Development Coordinator for Harare North, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training. Mpumelelo Musekiwa – Principal Human Resources Officer, Esigodini Agricultural College. Audrey Tasaranarwo – Public Relations Officer, Chitungwiza Hospital. Merjorie Sikundla – Provincial Development Officer, Matabeleland South. Remember, voting is still open for the People’s Choice Award! Cast your vote and help recognize the civil servant who inspires you most. 🗳️ Click here to vote: https://lnkd.in/d7Tzk6n8 #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople #integritymatters @followers

2024 Integrity Icon Awards Highlights 📣 “Through the Integrity Icons campaign that Accountability Lab has been championing, we see the power of recognition when we celebrate the actions of those who lead with integrity, encouraging others to follow their example," said Armindo Banze, Head of the Democracy, Rights, and Governance Office at USAID Zimbabwe , during the 2024 Integrity Icon ceremony. This annual ceremony reminds us of the immense potential to transform the narrative around public service by “naming and faming” civil servants who uphold honesty and high ethical standards. Watch the attached highlights video of this year’s edition and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our honoured Integrity Icons: Simon Zinhoro – Ward Development Coordinator for Harare North, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training. Mpumelelo Musekiwa – Principal Human Resources Officer, Esigodini Agricultural College. Audrey Tasaranarwo – Public Relations Officer, Chitungwiza Hospital. Merjorie Sikundla – Provincial Development Officer, Matabeleland South. Remember, voting is still open for the People’s Choice Award! Cast your vote and help recognize the civil servant who inspires you most. Click here to vote: https://lnkd.in/d7Tzk6n8 #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople #integritymatters

Ending Year 2024 With A Bang 🔥 🔥 🔥 Congratulations to our Voice to Represent (V2R) artists for their remarkable achievements at the 2024 Hip Hop Awards! Friday night was a celebration of talent, impact, and dedication to using art for social change. Leading the way was our very own Banshee (V2R 2023), who not only wowed the audience with an electrifying opening act but also scooped the prestigious Best Spoken Word Award. Her poetry, rooted in social consciousness, demands justice and amplifies the fight for human rights. The evening brought more excitement with Mike Cibeh (V2R 2024) earning an award for Positive Social Impact, a recognition of his inspiring efforts to use music as a tool for accountability and positive change. Finally, we are also proud of Mr Moreni (V2R 2024) for his nomination for Best Alternative Artist. His work showcases unique artistry in promoting good governance through creativity. These awards and nominations are a testament to the dedication and passion these young artists bring to their craft, using their voices to inspire action and advocate for a better society. We are immensely proud of their achievements and their commitment to making a difference through art. Join us as we celebrate their recognition and awards. #makinggovernnanceworkforthepeople

2024 Zimbabwe Integrity Icon Highlights "Integrity, while a virtue, is not always shared. We must embrace indigenous systems of integrity, like Ubuntu. It’s a journey and progress starts with preparation, planting seeds, and nurturing growth," says McDonald Lewanika Last night, this vision came to life as we proudly honoured this year’s 5 Integrity Icons—exceptional civil servants selected through community nominations for their unwavering commitment to ethical service. The Integrity Icon Campaign flips the narrative from "naming and shaming" unethical conduct to "naming and faming" leaders who uphold integrity in public service. This year's Icons include Simon Zinhoro, Ward Development Coordinator for Harare North under the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training. Mpumelelo Musekiwa, Principal Human Resources Officer at Esigodini Agricultural College. Audrey Tasaranarwo, Public Relations Officer at Chitungwiza Hospital. Merjorie Sikundla, Provincial Development Officer for Matabeleland South. Now in its 4th edition, the awards ceremony continues to grow as a platform to celebrate honesty, inspire others, and build public trust. This year’s success was made possible through the continued support of USAID, with a special thanks to Armindo Banze, Head of the Democracy, Rights and Governance Office at USAID, for delivering the keynote address. He eloquently reminded us that integrity is not just a value, but a principle-driven practice that shapes our actions, decisions, and behavior. We are also deeply grateful to the Registry General’s Office and Registrar General, Mr. Henry Machiri, for their unwavering support and for joining us once again to celebrate the Integrity Icons. Adding to the evening’s vibrancy were performances by Voices to Represent artists—Mr. Moreni, Ruunique, Sher ZW, Banshee, and Shingirai Manyengavana —whose poetry and music carried powerful messages of integrity, accountability, and transparency. A heartfelt thank you to General Fire Colloso for a captivating flame tribute honoring the Icons. We also extend our gratitude to the Icons from this year and past editions who celebrated with us alongside their families, friends, and colleagues. Your presence underscores the importance of collective support in fostering a culture of integrity in Zimbabwe. Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to our incredible hosts, Bathabile Dlamini and Makomborero Carl Muropa for expertly steering the ship! Together, we continue to champion ethical leadership and strengthen the values that bind us as a nation. #2024integrityicon #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople

📣 Integrity Icon Summit Highlights Yesterday's panel discussion, "Building an Ethical Public Service: The Role of Unions," moderated by ALZ fellow Farirai Gumbonzvanda, offered valuable insights into fostering accountability and ethical practices in government. The discussion highlighted the importance of better remuneration to shield workers from financial pressures and non-monetary benefits, such as affordable housing, to support public servants. Panelists also called for reinstating duty deferment for essential imports, like buses, and increasing budgets for training institutions like the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration (ZIPA). They emphasized the need for collaboration platforms where government, trade unions, and other stakeholders can align on shared goals. Dr. Sifiso Ndlovu of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association stressed the critical role of unions in promoting ethical behavior, stating, "Staff associations create foundations for accountability—but they must behave ethically themselves. Introspection is key; before asking others to act ethically, I must behave ethically." The discussion reinforced that integrity in public service is a shared responsibility and a cornerstone for upholding human rights. #IntegrityIcon2024 #makinggovernanceworkforthepeople