Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Michael Reza has put Air Zimbabwe under renewed pressure, urging the loss making national airline to overhaul its governance systems and enforce strict ethical standards to secure its future.
Speaking at the airline’s 3rd Annual General Meeting in Harare where board members and senior executives signed integrity pledges under ZACC supervision Reza said Air Zimbabwe’s operational and financial struggles make strong leadership and zero tolerance for misconduct more urgent than ever.
He warned that corruption in the aviation sector carries far-reaching national consequences.
“Corruption in such an industry is not just a financial or administrative risk. It is a national risk,” Reza said. “For an airline, credibility is capital, and integrity is currency.”
His comments come after Air Zimbabwe released its 2023 annual report, which shows the parastatal remains in deep distress. Revenue fell 39.6% to US$7.54 million, while the cost of sales rose to US$12.47 million, leaving the airline with a total comprehensive loss of US$10.44 million.
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The report also highlights a worsening brain drain, with 14 workers—mainly aircraft engineers—leaving during the period.
Air Zimbabwe acknowledges that its reputation remains fragile and cites governance weaknesses, a shrinking route network and chronic financial instability as major concerns. The airline says ethics, transparency and compliance are essential to rebuilding confidence.
Reza said the integrity pledges signed at the AGM must translate into daily practice, not symbolic gestures. He added that the government expects all state-linked enterprises under the National Development Strategy and the Mutapa Investment Fund to demonstrate professionalism.
“Every dollar, every contract and every decision must withstand ethical scrutiny,” he said.
He stressed that the airline’s ability to maintain international routes, meet safety requirements and attract global partners depends on restoring trust in its systems.
“Air Zimbabwe operates in one of the world’s most highly regulated industries. Reputation and integrity are not optional—they are the basis for viability,” he said.
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