A Beacon of Integrity: ZOU’s Renewed Pledge Ceremony Championed by ZACC as National Model
Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) has once again solidified its vanguard position in promoting ethical governance, as faculty, staff, and students convened on Thursday, 8 May 2025, for the institution’s annual Integrity Pledge Signing Ceremony at its Hatcliffe campus. This consistent demonstration of commitment, from being the first university to adopt the national Integrity Pledge in 2022 to its steadfast annual renewals, drew high commendation from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Manager Compliance and Systems Review, Mr Tafirenyika Maringire, who hailed ZOU’s efforts as a model for the nation.
ZOU Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Gundani, holds his Integrity Pledge with Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Manager Compliance and Systems Review, Mr Tafirenyika Maringire
Mr Maringire articulated ZACC ‘s profound appreciation for ZOU’s unwavering dedication, emphasizing that the renewal of integrity pledges is a powerful acknowledgment that ethical commitment is not a static, historical act but a living, breathing principle requiring continuous nurturing. “ZOU’s leadership in renewing these pledges underscores that integrity is an ongoing journey,” Mr Maringire remarked. “ZACC recognizes individual and institutional growth and reaffirms dedication in the face of new challenges, setting a commendable precedent.” He stressed the vital role such academic institutions play in the broader fight against corruption, shaping societal values and fostering ethical leadership.
Echoing this sentiment, ZOU Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Henry Gundani, in his keynote address, described the annual pledge as a “social contract” and a cornerstone of ZOU’s operational ethos. He passionately connected the university’s commitment to President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s philosophy of self-driven national development (“Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”), framing the Integrity Pledge as an essential tool in achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. Professor Gundani asserted that combating corruption, which former ZACC Commissioner Adv. Jessie Majome termed as a “cancer,” is integral to national progress. He detailed the proactive work of ZOU’s Integrity Committee, empowered by ZACC’s training, in embedding ethical practices and ensuring transparency, ultimately enhancing institutional trust and reputation. “Integrity gives you real freedom because you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide,” Professor Gundani affirmed, quoting Zig Ziglar, inspiring the ZOU community.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission seized the occasion to issue a broader call to action, urging other higher learning institutions across the nation to emulate ZOU’s proactive and sustained approach. “The fight against corruption cannot be won in isolation; it demands a robust alliance of committed institutions,” Mr Maringire pledged the Commission’s unwavering support for ZOU’s continued efforts. The ceremony concluded with attendees signing the pledges, a tangible act reinforcing ZOU’s unwavering leadership and profound commitment to fostering a corruption-resistant culture within Zimbabwe’s educational landscape and beyond.
Present during the signing ceremony were senior officials from the University among them PVC Research, Innovation and Enterprise Development, Professor Tavonja Njaya who also doubles as the Chairperson of the ZOU Integrity Committee, Librarian, Mr. Wilbert Zvakafa, Bursar, Mr. Gairinesu Shoko, Deputy Registrar, Human Resources, Mrs Yeukai P. Museruka who was standing in for the Registrar, Acting Legal Manager, Mr. Tapiwa Kasuso, Unit Directors, Faculty Deans, Officers, Secretaries, Clerks, and Security Guards. ZACC was represented by Principal Compliance and Systems Review Officer, Mr Anthony Gonga-, Compliance and Systems Review Officer, Mr. Kudzai Kajese and Lawyer Mr Gwezhira
Integrity Pledge signing in pictures
