The presence of stringent laws, empowering the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA) to investigate all forms of corruption, including sexual corruption within both governmental and non-governmental institutions, and providing adequate protection for witnesses and whistleblowers, will aid in reporting such offenses to this agency.
These sentiments were expressed during a special meeting involving ZAECA, the Zanzibar Female Lawyers Association (ZAFELA), and Tanzania Media Women’s Association, Zanzibar (TAMWA ZNZ).
Mr Bakar Hassan, the Director of Prevention at ZAECA, stated that the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 5 of 2023, specifically in Section 52, condemn sexual corruption for obtaining or withholding services. He said offenders can face imprisonment for a term of not less than seven years but not more than ten years with a fine of not less than Fifteen Million Tanzanian Shillings but not more than Twenty Million Tanzanian shillings.
Furthermore, Hassan emphasized that ZAECA is committed to providing education to ensure awareness of this law among citizens.
He highlighted the authority’s significant powers to handle such cases with utmost confidentiality. The law also imposes penalties on officials who violate ethical standards in the course of their duties. Quoting Section 52(1), Hassan said, “A person who, by any means, solicits, accepts, or promises a given favor of sexual nature or subjects to another person to such favor or accepts a promise thereof in order to render or omit the service, commits an offence”, he said.
He stressed the importance of public understanding and avoidance of such offenses, as they deprive individuals, especially those in vulnerable positions, of their rights to employment, promotions, and other entitlements.
“Education is still needed, and the task of curbing these acts of corruption, including sexual corruption, is not solely ZAECA’s responsibility but requires the participation of every institution, given that prevention is better than cure,”
he added.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Mzuri Issa, the Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association, Zanzibar (TAMWA ZNZ), highlighted the significant challenges faced by women and girls in achieving their development aspirations, including sexual corruption, without specific recourse.
Dr. Mzuri noted that the introduction of the new ZAECA law would open a new chapter in the fight against corruption, particularly sexual corruption in national and political workplaces, especially as the country approaches the 2025 general elections.
Ms. Jamila Mahmoud, the Director of ZAFELA, emphasized the importance of providing education on sexual corruption, starting from the grassroots level, including schools. She said this is crucial to understanding the consequences, and any incidents should be reported promptly to the relevant authorities for appropriate action against the perpetrators.
