Hopewell Chin’ono Receives International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award

Zimbabwean journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono has been awarded the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in Doha, Qatar.

Chin’ono, a vocal critic of the government, was involved in the exposure of a US$60 million alleged corrupt deal by Ministry of Health officials to procure COVID-19 test kits and medical equipment in 2020.

Posting on Twitter, Chin’ono said he received the award from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the presence of the United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption. Wrote Chin’ono:

I have just been awarded the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in Doha, Qatar.

I received the award from the Emir (King) of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the presence of the United Nations @UN Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption.

Also present is the President of Rwanda, @PaulKagame & @UN Under Secretary General, Dr Ghada Waly.

This is an important milestone not just for me, but for my country which is struggling to move ahead because of unprecedented looting of public funds and abuse of the judiciary!

I want to pay great tribute to my social media followers who have been a great source of information & support throughout my persecution by the Zimbabwean Government.

I also want to thank my lawyers Beatrice Mtetwa, Doug Colart, Harrison Nkomo, Gift Mtisi, and the @ZLHRLawyers

I dedicate this award to all the victims of corruption in Zimbabwe who have died because there was no medication in hospitals and the 2500 women who die annually because there are no maternity theaters, and those who die from cancer because there are no radiotherapy machines.

I also want to thank my family & my friend Unopa who was there for me daily when I was in jail for over 85 days.

I want to thank all the journalists who have covered my political persecution and the many corruption stories. @Cde_Ostallos & CCC, thank you for defending my home.

Finally, I want to thank all my friends who supported me at the Tutu Fellowship.

Nkosana Moyo, Maggie Mwamuka and my late cousin George Mukusha who came to my home & stood with me when I was being persecuted by the police in 2020.

My two sisters Juliet and Edwina, thank you.