An investigation into the effects of corruption on national development in sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Zimbabwe (2000-2014).

Abstract

The causes and effects of corruption have been discussed to a significant extent all over the world. The fact that corruption exists in frighteningly large levels within Sub –Saharan Africa makes it mandatory for researchers to identify the effects of corruption on national development so as to come up with solutions. This region has been dubbed one of the poorest in the whole world and corruption has posed as a major factor deterring these countries` national development. Corruption has resulted in very weak economic growth, political instability and social disintegration. In the case of Zimbabwe this has torn down the ability of the nation to abide by good governance and self-reliance for the purpose of development. Corruption has seen to it that the majority of Zimbabweans abandon hopes of investing in the nation`s development, working towards future development and the aspect of social cohesion. The high level of corruption that exists within the country has corroded the mind-set of the whole populace such that anyone who has got control of the means of production seeks to satisfy their selfish needs first instead of directing it towards the good of the majority; greed has acquired much dominance over Zimbabweans. In the Zimbabwean context being corrupt has become more normal than shunning corrupt activities. Those who notice fraudulent acts do not report or take actions to do away with corruption. Instead they seek bribes or they are lured into accepting bribes due to economic hardships. Studies of the subject under discussion have highlighted that this largely undermines democratic aspects such as the rule of law, brings about poverty of the people in the country, reduction in terms of productivity, inadequate social services amongst other factors. The moral fibre of the nation is destroyed and hopes for development become shuttered. There are a number of types of corruption which impact on national development from different dimensions, and their effects can be negatively witnessed through a low Gross Domestic Product (economic), patronage and nepotism (political) and common bribes and cut-off in the formal and informal sector (social). The researcher suggests that political will and the strengthening of anti- corruption mechanisms will help solve this problem.