The Conundrum of Corruption During a Coronavirus Lockdown in Zimbabwe: Lessons for Social Work

ABSTRACT

Faced with the serious threat of the deadly coronavirus, governments of different nations were swift to respond to the pandemic by declaring national lockdowns. Having confirmed fewer than ten cases of coronavirus that had tested positive, Zimbabwe called for a national lockdown which initially lasted three weeks before declaring it ‘indefinite’. Despite the fact that the lockdown declared in Zimbabwe was in the interest of public health, anecdotal evidence indicates that there has been an inextricable nexus between the lockdown and increased corrupt tendencies. This paper, which is a product of qualitative research, utilised a narrative research approach and documentary analysis to explicate the relationship between Zimbabwe’s coronavirus lockdown and corruption. The paper looks at the different forms of corruption that occurred during the coronavirus lockdown in Zimbabwe and the implication of these on the well-being and welfare of economically vulnerable groups. In conclusion, the paper indicates the role that can be played by pro-human rights professionals such as social workers in the fight against corruption during emergency times to ensure transparency and accountability.

KEYWORDS:

• Corruption
• coronavirus
• lockdown
• Zimbabwe and social work

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cornelius Dudzai

Cornelius Dudzai is a PhD student for social work within the School of Health and Society at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Cornelius holds a Bsc degree in Social Work and an Msc degree in Social Work both obtained from the University of Zimbabwe in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Cornelius has taught social work at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University. Prior to that, he was a Teaching Assistant for social work at the University of Zimbabwe. Cornelius is interested in indigenisation of social work practice, anti-oppressive practice, environmental social work, social justice, human rights and corruption and anti-corruption management.

Robert Kudakwashe Chigangaidze

Robert Kudakwashe Chigangaidze holds a Master of Clinical Social Work degree from Midlands State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Zimbabwe. He is a motivated, versatile and registered social worker who has special interest in the advancement of humanistic philosophies. Robert is a client-centred practitioner who believes in diversity, human rights, competence and critical reflection with special interests in mental health.