The Causes and effects of corruption on performance of local authorities: a case of Ruwa local board · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author: Gemu, Thelma F.
Title: The Causes and effects of corruption on performance of local authorities: a case of Ruwa local board
Abstract: The causes and effects of corruption on performance of local authorities: a case of Ruwa local board. The research study sought to investigate the forms, causes, and effects of corruption within the Ruwa Local Board, amid persistent allegations of maladministration and misuse of public resources that undermined effective governance and service delivery .The goal of the study was to investigate the major forms of corruption, to assess the root causes of corruption and to determine the effects of corruption at Ruwa Local Board. A qualitative research was used, with data collected through the use of semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Stratified random and purposive sampling procedures were used to a sample size of 35. Embezzlement, nepotism and cronyism and abuse of power were the forms of corruption identified and bribery being the most prominent one. The causes of corruption were political interference, lack of transparency, recruitment procedures poor remuneration and weak accountability mechanisms as the major cause. Poor service delivery was the most effect of corruption amongst the others which includes decline in public trust, economic stagnation, social inequality and misallocation of resources. Corruption at Ruwa Local Board was widespread, systemic and driven by weak accountability, political interference and poor remuneration. It takes various forms mainly bribery and severely undermines service delivery, deepens inequality and erodes public trust in local governance. To effectively address the deep-rooted corruption in local authorities, it is recommended that the Ruwa Local Board, in consultation with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, establish an independent and well-resourced Internal Audit and Ethics Oversight Unit and also the Public Service Commission, in liaison with the Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA), should undertake a systematic remuneration and incentive reform strategy for all local government staff.
Date: June 2025
Publisher: BUSE
Keywords: Corruption; Local Authorities
Supervisor: Nil

Item sets: Department of Intelligence and Security Studies

Media: Gemu, Thelma F..pdf