Panacea to the Zimbabwean Crisis? - MARCH - MISA Resources
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Vol. 1 Issue 28
MARCH
2 0 1 9
Panacea to the Zimbabwean Crisis?
TOWARDS THE NATIONAL TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITY • DIALOGUE: GOAL AND OUTCOMES
THE ESSENCE AND SKILLS OF NEGOTIATIONS • ALL PARTIES HAVE A STAKE
INCLUSIVE DIALOGUE PANACEA TO ZIMBABWE’S CRISIS • WOMEN’S VOICES MATTER
IS ZIMBABWE HEADED FOR SECOND GPA? • LET’S TACKLE THE ROOT CAUSEAs Zimbabwe’s socio-economic and political form, content, course and actions the envisaged Without visionary leadership, Zimbabwe will
environment continues to deteriorate, there dialogue should take. remain barren, living far beneath its potential
are increasing calls for a broad-based and as the ruling elite line up and stampede to deep
inclusive National Dialogue to rescue Zimbabwe Zimbabwe and her people envisage a leadership their fingers into the national treasury at a
from the precipice and avert its implosion. that is responsive to the country’s desperate time when children and expecting mothers are
plight for socio-economic and political stability dying in hospitals due to lack of medication.
The crescendo in the calls for dialogue among critical to leapfrogging the country into a
all the national stakeholders come in the wake durable and sustainable orbit of prosperity and Zimbabwe should rise beyond the petty polity
of an increasingly restless citizenry struggling development. It is deplorable to note that the of personalities and kick-start a genuine national
to make ends meet resulting in the violent country has never gone for more than a decade dialogue process that takes the country forward.
protests, demonstrations and lootings that tore without plunging into strife, which has stifled
the country in August 2018 and this year development and its ability to fend for its While the views and opinions expressed in this
in January. own citizens. edition do not reflect the position of the
publishers of Thinking Beyond, in their articles
Regrettably, lives were lost as the army was Suffice to note that the country has great contributors to this edition, proffer their ideas
deployed to quell the demonstrations, sparking potential to unlock development and economic on issues critical to the dialogue such as:
local, regional and international outrage on the growth, through visionary leadership. A
disproportionate use of force against unarmed leadership which sees beyond narrow personal • Setting the agenda: what are the issues and
civilians by security personnel. gains and is subservient to the ethos of servant why they should be subjected to national
leadership to deliver the country from the discourse.
This also comes on the backdrop of the findings current yoke of poverty, unemployment, biting • Who are the key players/stakeholders
and recommendations of the Motlanthe economic crisis, run-away inflation and and why?
Commission of Inquiry into the August 2018 failing industry. • How do you ensure inclusivity: who gets
killings of six civilians of which the army was invited to the table.
blamed for the deaths. Zimbabwe has a health mix of minerals, fertile • Who should be entrusted with the
lands for agriculture, conducive climatic mediation process and why.
These unfolding events, notwithstanding the environment that lures tourists from across the • The role of SADC, African Union, United
stalled pace of the envisaged economic and globe coupled with a culture of hard working Nations and the international community.
political reforms and the disputed 2018 citizens which are critical ingredients for • Conflict resolution: role and mandate of
presidential elections outcome, have placed successful economies. political parties, business, civic society,
Zimbabwe at the crossroads hence the increasing church/women’s groups, youths.
calls for genuine national dialogue. However, there is a glaring deficiency in • Lowering the political temperatures: the
leadership that is catalytic in pulling the feuding media and conflict sensitive journalism.
Our theme for this edition of Thinking Beyond: stakeholders to the negotiation table and write • Gender and National Dialogue: the issues.
Dialogue: Panacea to the Zimbabwean Crisis? seeks a new narrative for the country.
to generate ideas and debate on the shape,
ii M A R C H 2 0 1 9Towards the National
Transitional Authority
I B B O M A N D A Z A & T O N Y R E E L E R claims political power by virtue of the
disputed 2018 elections. The MDC-
Introduction: of a constitutional order, but also a heavily Alliance claims political power by virtue
disputed presidential election. There is of being the majority party in reality.
In 2016, the Platform for Concerned consequently continuing political and social
Citizens (PCC) warned that the country unrest in which, since 1 August 2018 to Secondly, the Zimbabwean NTA does not
was heading into deep trouble and a the present, at least 23 citizens killed, have to produce a constitution as part of
possible coup. This was the only possible scores injured, many abducted, a number its work. Zimbabwe has a highly operable
outcome for the disintegrating securocrat of women raped, and the apparent sense constitution, a sitting parliament, and a
state. of permanent siege against the opposition functioning judicial system. Since all these
and civic society. are in place, there will be no need for
In 2019, we now have a dysfunctional state, complex negotiations about a constitution
made worse by a crisis of illegitimacy, and - The compelling evidence, therefore, that and the nature of the state.
in desperate need for re-engagement with there is a Party/State Conflation that has
the international community. This re- lost the people, with little or no hope of Constitutional ar rangements:
engagement grows more remote by the recovery in the foreseeable future.
day with reports of gross human rights Since the Constitution remains in force,
proliferating, prompting some to term - The compelling and urgent need for an and, remembering the GPA, the
these crimes against humanity. agency (the NTA): This will provide the constitutional basis for the NTA is relatively
basis through which constitutional rule simple. The legal basis for the NTA will
Underpinning all of this is infighting within and the requisite separation of powers require the suspension of Chapter 5 (Parts
the state and party that seems without restored, characterized by an accountable 1 & 2) and its replacement by a Schedule
end, going on since 2013. It is now executive, a vibrant legislature and a outlining the powers of a Transitional
common cause that the state and party has fiercely independent judiciary. Thus, Executive Council (TEC).This TEC would
completely lost the consensus and confidence, at home and in the Diaspora, be time-limited, but, given the depth of
confidence of the citizenry, and is incapable will be restored and re-engagement with the problems facing Zimbabwe, would
of either political or economic reform. the global community can take place, probably need at least two years in order
We now have the hard landing that the without which the Economic Recovery to implement the reforms, and a “rescue
PCC tried to avoid in 2016 by calling for Programme cannot succeed package” to take effect.
a soft landing and a National Transitional
Authority (NTA). It seems obvious in all the discussion about There will undoubtedly be those that will
a national dialogue that there must be an object, as they have done in the past, to
Why the NTA? end goal. In the current crisis, a national any suggestion of amending the
dialogue cannot be merely a talk shop. All constitution, but the point here is that the
This state of affairs is the reason for the who are talking about the national dialogue only amendment envisaged will be to the
calls for a national dialogue and a NTA. clearly are thinking about a process that clauses on the Executive. This will be
Accordingly, the NTA is urgent because resolves the legitimacy crisis, initiates a temporary, for the duration of the NTA,
of the following factors: substantial process of reforms, and takes and will be necessary.We can all remember
the country through to an undisputed the problems of the GPA and the manner
- A dysfunctional Party/State Conflation: election. in which the Executive was able to block
this is incapable of reform (except at the all reforms.
risk of involuntary abdication), neither There are two important points to bear in
politically nor economically. mind here. Legislative arrangements:
- The burden of an incurable Illegitimacy Firstly, neither of the political parties wants Parliament remains in place as currently
: this is exacerbated not only by the absence to give up political power. ZANU-PF constituted, since their role of oversight
M A R C H 2 0 1 9 1there should be monitoring bodies, one
per ministry, with members each chosen
from civil society and the churches.
The aim behind monitoring is to ensure
that there is the greatest possible
confidence in the NTA from a citizenry
that is both deeply divided as well as
distrustful of government.
A critical step for building confidence will
be the disbanding of JOC, and its
replacement by the National Security
Council (NSC), as already required by the
Constitution. The two TEC leaders, with
church, business and civil society
representation, should chair the NSC.
and legislative powers will be critical for the country forward. Here it will be critical
the implementing of the Constitution, to ensure separation of powers. The TEC, Finally, there needs to be the setting up of
amending past laws and instituting new as the Executive, will be accountable to a policy unit under the TEC.
law, and authorising policies. Parliament parliament, and the legislature will have
will have such an important role during the very important role of holding the Guiding principles for policy:
the transition in its general oversight Executive to account.
function, most particularly if it can We have stated the guiding principles many
demonstrate to the citizenry that Additionally, there should be support from times before in the past three years, and
parliamentarians can work together in the an advisory body. This should have a chair most are currently included in the
national interest. This is another reason to from the UN, and have members drawn Common demands by civil society to
replace the Executive by a more inclusive from the AU, SADC, the EU, the 2019 crisis. They are relatively
body, the TEC. Commonwealth and BRICS. This will straightforward:
provide the crucial “scaffolding” that all
Composition of the TEC: transitions need, and Zimbabwe especially Political Principles:
needs with the recent history of
The Schedule to the Constitution will international incoherence about how to • Adherence to the constitution and
define TEC’s structure and competence. deal with the country. institutionalising the principles of
Since this body will be the de jure political constitutionalism;
power, it is very important that it will have Administrative arrangements:
protection from narrow political party • Reform of key institutions that
interests, and the current distribution of The administrative arrangements will be impede the above;
political party power within parliament. very important, need streamlining in order
Hence, the suggestion is that the TEC to efficiently and effectively undertake the • Reform of the electoral process,
operates according to “consensus”, and be many needed reforms. These reforms will to create conditions for genuinely
inclusive of all national interests. be guided by an overall “reform and rescue” free and fair, elections, and devoid
policy. of all controversy;
A possible structure for the TEC would
involve 18 members drawn from In order to overcome the present Economic Principles:
Zimbabweans, from both home and cumbersome and conflicting arrangements,
abroad, with familiarity of the Zimbabwean we need to reduce the number of • Stabilising of the economy and the
political and economic process. More ministries: many countries have far fewer setting in place of an Economic
particularly, they should be persons about ministries and are able efficiently to run Reform Agenda aimed at
whom there is wide consensus across the the affairs of the state. the following:
political spectrum about their competence
and suitability for the difficult task they All ministers should be “technocrats”, with • Debt management, and recovery
will face. no political party affiliation, and assigned of misappropriated assets,
to a Ministry because of proven nationally and internationally;
The TEC (and parliament) will be competence in the area with which the
responsible for the designing the policies ministry is concerned. One TEC member • Comprehensive macro-economic
and reforms that are so necessary to move assigned as liaison for each ministry, and fundamentals;
2 M A R C H 2 0 1 9Setting the agenda:
• Policy consistency;
• Land policy and property rights;
•
•
Revival of productive sectors;
Mobilizing the diaspora into the
economic life of the country.
what are the key issues?
Zimbabwe has been descending into a
social, political and economic crisis for
Inter national “Scaffolding”: nearly two decades now.
Few transitions are successful in the The end of Robert Mugabe’s reign who
absence of strong international support, ruled with a heavy fist for a record of 37
what we term “scaffolding”. We use this years did not put a lid on these ills. His
term in order to point out that successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa is
Zimbabweans do have the capacity to feeding from his predecessor’s political
resolve our own problems, if the script.
international community unites as a whole
to suppor t this, and avoids any The November 2017 power transition By Costa Nkomo
sectarian interest. brought with it hopeful political
undertones with Mnangagwa pledging to
uphold people’s rights in letter and spirit. stands, Zimbabwe remains unstable
The crisis over the past two decades has
But all has become pie in the sky as because there is a general shared feeling
seen differences between the West, SADC Zimbabwe quickly returned to its default among the public, in particular, the urban
and the AU, and these differences must be settings. Political contestation post-2018 folk where the opposition commands
put aside for the better ment of elections, has left a trail of bloodshed and numbers, that the government in power
the citizenry. property destruction on the back of is illegitimate.
disputed presidential election results. The
As an incentive for refor m, the standoff between the major political According to international election
international community needs to create players; President Mnangagwa and observer mission reports, the electoral
a substantial “rescue fund”. This should opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, ground was not level. Although the African
aim to provide an international (and has resulted in economic and political Union and SADC as per their tradition,
integrated) monitoring group; emergency stagnation as the two protagonists continue saw nothing wrong in the manner in which
assistance for the many problems currently to pull in different directions. the elections were run, the legitimacy
faced by Zimbabwean citizens; and provide question needs to be discussed.
re-structuring cost support (the “rescue In consideration of the foregoing,
package”). Zimbabweans have pressured the two Military must stay off politics
leaders to find common ground for the
good of the country. When Mugabe first came out lashing at
T h i s “ re s c u e p a c k a g e ” , r a i s e d the security service chiefs for meddling in
internationally, can be allied to the So the intended dialogue must at all costs Zanu PF politics in 2015, those who read
development of a US$5 billion Sovereign oscillate around constitutionalism to rescue ahead of time saw the light. The old man
Wealth Fund (SWF), in particular repaid Zimbabwe’s constitution from total had lost the securocrats’ confidence.
and replenished by receipts from mineral obliteration. In short, the country is Because this is the constituency that
exports. This will provide security for the trapped in a constitutional crisis on which shielded Mugabe, the latter’s fall was
national currency and guarantee a stable the national dialogue must be anchored. therefore evidently imminent two years
national economy. This article unpacks these pricking issues later. Following the military inspired power
in a simpler form. transition in November 2017, there was
Of course, these ideas of the small group hope Mugabeism had come to an end, but
under the PCC cannot be definitive - much Legitimacy question his predecessor adopted the same political
more discussion is needed - but the style of over reliance on the military.
discussion needs to begin in earnest if Following the dispute around the 2018
dialogue is to have any purpose. presidential election outcome that saw the The military has since been involved in
Constitutional Court upholding President civil matters, a case in point is on how the
Mnangagwa’s victory, civil unrest has military has become a central player in
Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler are co-convenors threatened to tear the country apart. quashing civil protests. The involvement
of the PCC. This article first appeared in the of the military in civil matters is against
weekly Zimbabwe Independent. To date, the opposition MDC president the Constitution. Hence, it is important
still maintains elections were rigged in that the intended dialogue puts an end to
favour of President Mnangagwa. As it the abuse of the military.
M A R C H 2 0 1 9 3Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to discharge four normative roles, namely; manipulation. Those who will be at the
the monitorial, participatory, facilitative dialogue forum need to extensively discuss
Looking at what has been obtaining in and radical functions (Christians on how best to improve the economy.
Zimbabwe since 2000, ZEC as an et al, 2009).
institution has lost credibility and has Once legitimate dialogue takes place, there
become a breeding ground for political So for media to meet the above obligations, is no doubt the economy will start
disturbances which in turn impacts its autonomy must be respected. Post July performing. International relations can be
negatively on the economy. The dialogue 2018 elections, universally, observer mended and genuine re-engagement
must discuss on how this institution can mission reports established that the state begins. Foreign direct investment will be
be rebranded to regain its lost reputation. media failed to abide by the middle of the guaranteed to flock in. Industry will
road approach in discharging its duties. reopen, a move that would see the
Allegations that the institution is run by unemployment rate being reduced.
military personnel is not health for The state media, constitutionally, should
democracy. It always raises eyebrows.There be able to give fair coverage to all political Who should be entrusted with
must be an agreement among political players in a democratic society as mediation and why?
players; the church, business and the Zimbabwe claims to be one. The
ordinary men, on what should be done for lampooning and caricaturing that the A worldwide scholarly view ascertains that
this country to hold a clean election with opposition political groups and Civil mediation means intervention in a dispute
less controversy. Society Organisations have been subjected with a view to resolving it. To that effect,
to, points to the desperate need for media any interventions to resolve Zimbabwe’s
The 2018 election has given increased policy reforms. political and economic crisis needs an
public mistrust on ZEC. Those who will impartial mediator who understands the
find themselves at the dialogue table need It would be a fundamental error for any historical part of this crisis. This article
to push for solid frameworks that guarantee dialogue to circumvent a discussion around submits three key players that could be
the autonomy of the Commission including this important institution. entrusted with the mediation role to help
appointment of reputable and dignified Zimbabwe rediscover itself. These are:
people. The issue of elections and ZEC Social contract Souther n Afr ican Development
must be fully exhausted in line with Community (SADC), South Africa, African
constitutionally stipulated guidelines. This is a key aspect the dialogue should Union and the United Nations.
never omit. For policy programmes to
Traditional leaders succeed; both political and economic, there Before delving into the question of who
should at least be restoration of trust can be entrusted with leading dialogue in
This factor flies in the face of President between the governed and the governing. Zimbabwe, it would be a good starting
Mnangagwa whose support is anchored The antagonism that exists between the point to give the church an opportunity
on the rural folk with traditional chiefs state and its people in Zimbabwe at the to convene all key relevant players for
employed as Zanu PF commissariats, a moment is not healthy for any development negotiations. The church is a neutral body
practice which is wholly against the the country may need to embark on. where frameworks and points of references
Constitution. The failure by Mnangagwa can be made before finding a mediator.
to rebuke Chiefs Council President, Government policy programmes are
Fortune Charumbira, who declared his received with cynicism. Reports and Using geopolitical lenses, it will be most
support for the ruling party on the eve of allegations of corruption levelled against appropriate to burden SADC with dialogue
the 2018 elections, and repeatedly at the senior government officials further widen facilitation in Zimbabwe, as has been the
Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference last the gap of trust between the governed and case in the past. It is, however, wise to take
December, point to a deliberate disrespect the governing. a breather and comprehend first if
of the Constitution. As if it was not enough, Zimbabwean people have confidence
Charumbira defied the court order which Zimbabwe’s judiciary system has lately lost in SADC.
ordered him to withdraw his statement of public confidence too for many reasons.
allegiance to the ruling party. This is one Recently, lawyers took to the streets in In the wake of the January 2019
example which the dialogue must discuss. protest against deterioration of justice disturbances that rocked the country
delivery. These are the issues that should including the 2018 August 1 shooting of
The media be discussed. The government needs the civilians in the streets of Harare, the
confidence of its people. country’s closest four neighbors as
As a fourth estate, the ideal role of media represented by Cyril Ramaphosa of South
can then be traced to Edmund Burke’s The economy Africa, Botswana’s Mokgweetsi Masisi,
saying that there were “three Estates in Edgar Lungu and Filipe Nyusi of Zambia
Parliament; but, in the Reporters’ Gallery A hungry man is an angry man. The and Mozambique, respectively, reserved
yonder, there sat a Fourth Estate more country’s economy is in bad shape. their voices.
important far than they all.’” Shortages have become the source of chaos.
Because people are struggling to make In turn, the people of Zimbabwe have
To that end, the media is ideally supposed ends meet, they are vulnerable to political spoken badly about SADC due to its failure
4 M A R C H 2 0 1 9to rein the country’s crisis.This means that
Zimbabweans have little faith in the
regional body as far as solving this country’s
political crisis is concerned. Would it not
be a political blooper to therefore burden
these personalities with the broker’s job?
Accordingly, Professor Jonathan Moyo
attempted to answer this question when
he wrote on his micro blog twitter late in
January 2019. He maintains: “In Sadc there
is solidarity within solidarity among and
between former Liberation Movements.
ANC, CHAMACHAMAPINDUZA,
FRELIMO, MPLA, SWAPO, and
ZANU PF.”
Southern African states, must be made to Key players/stakeholders and why?
This being the case, SADC becomes unfit agree that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe.
to leading dialogue in Zimbabwe because They must acknowledge that for the sake The key stakeholders to Zimbabwe’s much
there is presumption that the regional body of trust and confidence restoration with anticipated dialogue are the people of
is not impartial. There cannot therefore the people of Zimbabwe, they need to Zimbabwe in their diversified values and
be a legitimate outcome from the accept that they are compromised. beliefs. Thus, it is perfidious to set the
intended dialogue. Because the outcome of the dialogue must framework and agenda for a dialogue
be legitimate, a legitimate institution with without their input. Wide consultations
While South Africa stands out in the region little or no controversy must take the lead. should therefore be carried with the
as being the preferred broker and reliable ordinary men and women on the streets
longstanding trading partner with The AU (African Union), as the apex as well as in the village with a view to
Zimbabwe, the question of impartiality continental body, stands a better chance giving them an opportunity to define the
remains the same. of leading dialogue in Zimbabwe. One of nature of the dialogue they want.
the objectives of the AU is to promote
Do Zimbabweans have faith in Cyril peace, security, and stability on the There are institutions from which
Ramaphosa and his ANC? Recently, South continent. Its Peace and Security Council representatives of these people can be
Africa’s ruling African National Congress (PSC) and Pan-African Parliament, are drawn from. The key institutions are
(ANC), had its high powered delegation effective organs the AU can employ to help political, business, academia, young people,
visiting Zimbabwe and met with their Zimbabwe dialogue a way out of the crisis. civil society, the church, traditional leaders,
counterparts in Zanu PF. The ANC and people with disabilities.
delegation was led by SA’s ruling party While AU leads dialogue, the key players
Secretary General Ace Magashule. The at the dialogue table must adopt a The first institution appearing in the above
crew spoke less on the deaths of civilians. resolution where both AU, SADC and list is politics. Once politics becomes
United Nations become underwriters of flummoxed, chaos reigns supreme in any
On the contrary, SA opposition political the resolutions the dialogue will arrive at. state and this cuts across other institutions.
party leaders did not shy from condemning The UN, by virtue of being the global Politics is poisoned the moment the state
the military crackdown on civilians. The overseer is an empowered institution that views dissenting voices as an enemy. In the
Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) can ensure agreements reached are Zimbabwean case, this is contrary to the
President Julius Malema and his guaranteed and secured. letter and spirit of the Constitution.
counterpart, Democratic Alliance (DA) Available political literature shows that
leader Mmamusi Maimane, condemned UN has been assisting in alleviating from 2000, Zimbabwe went through
the human rights violations that Zimbabwe’s humanitarian crisis for a very various political stages of abrogation of
characterised the mid-January shutdown long time. Some of these problems constitutionally enshrined human rights
protests called by the Zimbabwe Congress emanate from political instability and (and) at most by the state.
of Trade Union (ZCTU). In light of this economic mismanagement.
view, literally, it is not possible to have the As a result, the country suffered an
above-mentioned leaders as brokers in the Under these circumstances, this article international blackout with United States
intended dialogue. Ideally, South Africa concludes that Zimbabwe’s crisis can only of America (US) instituting an economic
is out. be exhaustively dealt with if a legitimate and political embargo in the name of the
mediator takes charge of the negotiation Zimbabwe Development Economic
However, if SADC and South Africa in process. The leading institution must be Recovery Act (ZIDERA). The Europeans
particular cannot be entrusted to lead in reputable and dignified to ensure the also imposed sanctions on the Zimbabwean
the dialogue facilitation process, they still outcome of the very dialogue is government, albeit, the state describing
have to be at the negotiation table. These internationally accepted. the move as a farcical.
M A R C H 2 0 1 9 5Political players The dialogue also and most importantly economists and analysts on the negotiation
should not be restricted to political leaders table. They must be given an opportunity
In 2008, Zimbabwe again fell into a dark alone. Central to it should be the young to proffer their minds on the economy.
political and economic period in which people. This is the most affected
the opposition members, in particular constituency. Young people have become The church
those from the late Morgan Tsvangirai-led victims of political violence. Some have
Movement for Democratic Change lost their lives, some maimed, some raped The church’s role in peace keeping and
(MDC), were killed, maimed and tortured. and some were left with lifetime scars. unifying society dates as far back as it was
The violence that rocked the country Any state that fails to safeguard the lives founded. The church is a vital institution
emanated from the controversial election of its young people, to ensure the that stands ready in providing healing to
outcome in which Tsvangirai won the first advancement of its youths in its wide socio-political and economic victims. Its
round of the 2008 presidential elections. endeavors, is in actual fact an enemy of hand cuts across political lines.
its future.
Robert Mugabe, the then president and The church, in the Zimbabwean case, has
his government, disputed Tsvangirai’s win South African President Nelson Mandela, been a pillar of hope, harmony and unity.
arguing the late opposition leader had failed speaking at the Bastille Anniversary in Paris Zimbabwe found her independence in
to cross the constitutionally stipulated line on 14 July 1996, said: “Young people are 1980 with the church having played an
thereby calling for a presidential runoff capable, when aroused, of bringing down important role during the liberation
election. The violence only ended with the the towers of oppression and raising the struggle. Therefore, any national event
Global Political Agreement in September banners of freedom.” cannot go without the blessings of
2008. The GPA led to the Government of the clergymen.
National Unity (GNU) with former South Unemployment, to them, is oppression
African President Thabo Mbeki as and a new form of colonialism which must When people are hopeless, they (church)
a mediator. be fought. So when awakened, because provide hope.When people are in disarray,
they are a frustrated constituency, they the church provides a platform for unity.
Fast forward to 2018, after the fall of thus engage in violent protests. Their lives The church’s position in our society, must
Robert Mugabe in November 2017, hope are at stake. therefore be understood and honored in
for democracy in Zimbabwe was largely this dialogue discourse.
revived. President Emmerson Mnangagwa Academia
whose new dispensation gospel, anchored Traditional leaders
on a smokescreen of fustian and abstract The academia having strength in research,
Zimbabwe is Open for Business, tricked some has an important role to play in this Traditional leaders and people with
locals and the international community to dialogue. Their research often influences disabilities have a stake to guard in this
believe that Zimbabwe had parted ways policy formulation. The academia most dialogue.Traditional leaders are key players
with its past. importantly produces human capital for in that they are the ambassadors of our
the development of the economy. There cultural, beliefs, values and norms. In a
Allowing international election observer should be rapport between the government democratic society they help people to
missions to observe the elections was not and the academia in light of the human unite and abide by societal values
enough. Instead, this exposed the new capital development. and norms.
administration. Universally, all election
observer mission reports including SADC Captains of industry Also, more importantly, traditional leaders
and AU, exposed the state media’s shortfalls have lately been used as political agents by
in its coverage of the election season. In a free market economy, which President the ruling government. They have been
Mnangagwa advertised in January 2018 in employed to carry intimidation campaigns
Considering the foregoing, political players Davos, Switzerland, business institutions among the rural folk. This is a clear
become significant thespians in this have freedom to set their prices in line violation of the constitution which instructs
negotiation and must be guided by with market forces. Mnangagwa’s dialect traditional chiefs to be apolitical. Their
sincerity. Both President Mnangagwa and of laissez-faire gave hope to investors locally meddling in politics needs to be discussed
MDC president, Nelson Chamisa, and and internationally. In contrast, there have and a resolution must be made to
other opposition groupings must commit been discord in the business sector on the that effect.
to political and electoral reforms which back of value loss of the bond note. Added
have become the bedrock for disputes in to this, has been government policy Costa Nkomo is a journalist with online
this country. They have become sources of inconsistency. publication 263Chat. He writes in his personal
antagonism in this country oftentimes capacity. He is also a presenter for the National
allowing their tensions to spill into Price distortions have been bearing a Question program. He is contactable on
violence. It is, thus, important to persuade negative effect in the business sector. costahnkomo@gmail.com
these political representatives to meet and Shortages became the order of the day as
establish common ground. foreign currency ran out forcing companies
to close while others downsized. It is thus
Youths noble to have captains of industry,
S E P T E M B E R T O O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5
6 M A R C H 2 0 1 9Setting the framework
for national dialogue generally been inked by the powerful
B Y G E O R G E M A K O N I
politicians of the day. This precedence
Calls for national dialogue to solve the after speaker at the breakfast meeting, seems to be continuing given the
deep-rooted socio-economic and one could easily realise that the chief above background.
political crisis currently rocking protagonists, Zanu PF and MDC
Zimbabwe have intensified from all Alliance, are the main actors. Case- These include the Lancaster House
circles in Zimbabwe including the main studies on what was done by the likes Agreement (1979) which featured
protagonists Zanu PF and of Joshua Nkomo, Robert Mugabe and Patriotic Front (ZAPU and ZANU),
MDC-Alliance. Morgan Tsvangirai in line with bringing Zimbabwe Rhodesia government and
peace to Zimbabwe, dominated most the British Government. The Unity
The crisis has seen the generality of of the speeches and less was said about Accord (1987) signed between Zanu
Zimbabweans sinking into the murky other stakeholders. PF and PF ZAPU, Agreement on
waters of poverty. Amendment 18 and reforms on the
Stakeholders such as civic society, trade Electoral Act (2007), signed between
This has resulted in violent protests by unions, youths, women and other Zanu PF and two MDC formations.
the citizenry across the country, while downtrodden groups, were just The Global Political Agreement
the state has responded with heavy- mentioned in passing. The role of civic (2009), signed by Zanu PF and two
handedness in suppressing these society and other players was not MDC formations. The precedence
protests. Other stakeholders including prominently stated in the national presented here cannot be easily thrown
civil society, industry/business, faith dialogue process as opposed to that of into the dustbins of history.
based organisations, political parties, political parties.
diaspora and trade unions, are in Against the above background, it is key
agreement that dialogue is the panacea The calls for meaningful inclusion to state that none of the mentioned
to the challenges facing Zimbabwe. should start from the initial stages. It’s agreements was effective and
high time civic society comes up with sustainable in bringing a lasting solution
The church through Heads of a framework which involves them in to the political and socio-economic
Denominations comprising Zimbabwe the mentioned process. Once the crisis rocking Zimbabwe at given times.
Council of Churc hes (ZCC), politicians start moving the train, it In fact the majority of these agreements
Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe will be very difficult for other players have created even more problems in
(EFZ) and Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops to jump in. the areas they sought to create
Conference (ZCBC), went a step solutions.
further by inviting all the stakeholders Dialogues have higher chances of
to a “National Dialogue” prayer succeeding if they factor in the For instance, the Lancaster House
breakfast in Harare to deliberate on following conditions: inclusion - far- Agreement did not adequately address
the framework for non-violent reaching agenda - transparency - a the issue of land in the post-Rhodesia
engagement in finding the lasting credible convener - public participation era and many other socio-political and
solution to the crisis being faced - appropriate and clear rules of economic issues in Zimbabwe. Equally,
by Zimbabwe. procedure and an implementation plan. the Unity Accord did not address issues
Contrary to what should be the of healing and justice to the wounds
While the initiative by the church is a scenario, the history of the pacts of Gukurahundi.
good start, from the tone of speaker concluded in Zimbabwe thus far, have
M A R C H 2 0 1 9 7The Global Political Agreement (GPA) To secure the participation of a wide Mahtar M’Bow chaired the 2008-2009
also failed to end an electoral dispute variety of stakeholder groups and to Assises Nationales.
which ensued between Zanu PF and avoid perceptions of bias, a credible
MDC-T in the 2008 harmonised convener is of the utmost importance. This broad participation can be
elections and the ultimate presidential This convener may take the form of a achieved by linking local dialogue
run-off election. single person, a group of people, an processes to the national dialogue as
organisation, or a coalition of well as through public consultations,
In fact, the decline of the GPA brought organisations. regular outreach and coverage in the
even more misery to Zimbabweans, media. Delegates can be mandated to
with the temporary economic boom The aim is to unite opposing factions hold consultations with the groups that
experienced during the Government around the ideal of achieving long- they represent as was the case during
of National Unity coming to an end. term peace, unity, justice, and Kenya’s 2004 Bomas conference on
Political polarisation and hurt/hate prosperity for all Zimbabweans. In this constitutional reform.
speech resurfaced with more vigour case, it seems the church is acceptable
and intensity after the 2018 to both parties since it has thus far During Senegal’s 2008-2009 Assises
Harmonised Election. managed to bring everyone on the Nationales (national dialogue),
table through the mentioned meeting outreach teams conducted
It is therefore the contention of this held in Harare. consultations in each of Senegal’s
writer that as envisaged by Crisis in governorates and also engaged the
Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) in their Dialogue processes in Tunisia and diaspora in France, United States, and
statement on National Dialogue: The Senegal owe much of their success to Canada. For public consultations, it is
problems confronting the country are much the credibility of the conveners. In also important that the members of
bigger than politics. It is our conviction Tunisia’s 2013-2014 national dialogue, the national dialogue (or the secretariat
that the national dialogue process must four civil society organisations - general that supports them), have the capacity
involve all stakeholders and a national workers union (UGTT - employers to analyse the resulting information.
visioning process that has civil society, union (UTICA) - Tunisian Bar
government, political parties, business, Association and the Tunisian League In conclusion, it is key not to ensure
religious groups and labour unions. for Human Rights (LTDH), served as politicians do not solely take an active
the convening entities. role in deciding critical national issues.
This was echoed by Zimbabwe Peace It’s high time everyone gets an
Project which added that the diaspora With long-standing moral authority important stake in determining the
and victims be included as key and broad constituents bases, this future of the country so that there can
stakeholders to the process. In support coalition of organisations was seen as be collective responsibility on the
of meaningful inclusion of diverse credible by a significant proportion of implications of the results of the pact
groups in the dialogue process, it is the Tunisian population. In Senegal, that would have been achieved.
important to state and elaborate ways former UNESCO director general and
of making sure all citizens are on board. respected Senegalese citizen Amadou- This will even enhance the participation
of all and sundry in ensuring that the
best decisions are taken to take the
nation forward.
George Makoni is a Human Rights Activist,
currently working as an Advocacy Officer
for Centre for Community Development in
Zimbabwe (CCDZ).He is based in Wedza
distr ict. He can be contacted
@chiefmakoni@gmail.com
8 M A R C H 2 0 1 9Why the need
for national dialogue
B Y L A W R E N C E P A G A N G A national expenditure is often redirected
towards security as incumbents try to
ZIMBABWE has a deep history of which has claimed over 20 lives.While protect their rule and development
bitter political conflict dominated by death has been replicated, what has oriented expenditure is often
death, arson and rape. made the conflict even complex is that subordinated.
is has also taken the unenviable
While these conflicts have differed in character of dire economic distress. In a season of political conflict, the
their origins and intensity, what is effects cascade right down to family
common among them is that they have While previous conflict epochs pitting level. Jobs are lost and this often catches
ended with the belligerent parties traditional rivals, Zanu PF and MDC, up with family bliss as couples go their
finally resolving their differences have seen activists directly linked to separate ways due to problems
through dialogue. the two dominant parties suffering associated with lost livelihoods.
damage, the current conflict has seen
Some of the most costly conflicts in non-activists suffering death as was the Families break up with young children
the country's recent history include case in the August 1, 2018 post-election often bearing the brunt. Children are
the liberation war which killed an violence and lately, the January anti- orphaned with a lot of them
estimated 50,000, but ended with the government protests in which civilians unfortunately finding themselves
Lancaster House Agreement and with no known links to the two parties becoming breadwinners at young ages.
independence; the 1980s Matabeleland lost precious lives.
and Midlands disturbances which killed The sad reality is that most children,
20,000 and ended with the signing of What is even unique with this who are obviously too young to be
the Unity Accord; the Zanu PF-MDC particular conflict is that bare criminal employed formally or have not
conflict which killed over a hundred activity has taken centre stage with acquired the professional qualifications
and was concluded with the Global outlaws committing offences while to be absorbed into decent jobs, often
Political Agreement. clad on army fatigue. find themselves joining illicit and
dangerous occupations such as
Currently, Zimbabwe has relapsed into In a season of political conflict, apart prostitution and crime while also
another episode of political conflict from death, livelihoods are lost, taking drugs.
This, as is the case with scenarios
associated with conflict, remains
undesirable to many if not all, hence
the need for solutions. While the
scenarios above are of a general nature,
it is easy to note that the current
situation prevailing in the country, is
of similar nature.
Our current conflict has seen the death
of over 20 civilians as the army has
been roped in to quell citizen protests
torched by anger on how they are
being governed.
M A R C H 2 0 1 9 9The conflict has manifested mostly political boundaries. The election predictability within the economy so
through a spiraling economy that has results dispute that has caused the that investors can come in freely and
seen many jobs being lost on a daily current logjam must be buried on the indeed to restore political sincerity
basis while the economy continues to promise that the country shall begin and policy consistency.
spiral. Investors have also stayed away. again on a path to solving the problems
Zimbabwe’s conflict has also seen that brought the conflict. Outcomes
mistrust between citizens and their
gover nment with national W h i l e P re s i d e n t E m m e r s o n The outcome should be restoration on
developmental programmes being Mnangagwa feels the opposition needs a path to development. Although
often denied citizen buy-in. to recognise him as duly elected leader remote, a truth and reconciliation
of the country, he must also know that commission could be considered. The
The country’s conflict has seen incomes he needs to take the compromise of army and police must come clean on
being eroded by price increases. removing the very same things that that they are non-partisan as they are
National consensus is broken as each have created conflict. seen as enemies of the people.
citizen tries to do whatever they think
shall help them put food on the table It would be naïve, however, to believe The outcome should be a society that
at the end of the day, however the current differences are just limited feels wanted and that knows that crime
detrimental to the national good. to Zanu PF and MDC. The ghost of is punishable by the law despite one's
Gukurahundi still haunts the country political status and affiliation, the
Because of this mistrust, each up to now with people in the western ditching of impunity.
government programme, however parts of the country still feeling
noble, is often quickly shot down by cheated. There has been no attempt to Although also remote, a national
citizens who no longer take time to appease them in anyway. transitional authority that involves
examine its merits and demerits. eminent personalities representing the
This could be resolved by the Zanu PF various interest groups in the country
Due to the constant fear of its people, led government owning up to the can be formed. The ruling party needs
government also takes a default stance. transgressions. This would even be to acknowledge that much as it has
Suffice to say the degree of its fear is more significant in that most of the control of the levers of power. It does
exhibited in the force often used in alleged perpetrators of mass murder not have monopoly over wisdom and
dealing with citizen unrest as each are still alive. the task of bringing development to
action is viewed as an attempt to the nation needs to be shared and this
overthrow the sitting administration. While lives lost can no longer be entails bringing in brains like those of
restored, a deliberate attempt to bring prominent opposition politicians such
In this conflict, just as any other, there development to the affected places as ex-Ministers Tendai Biti and Nkosana
is no clear winner. which have lagged behind in terms of Moyo, among others.
national programmes can be a good
With that obtaining, it is almost a cliché ice-breaker. Political prisoners need to be released
to say that national dialogue is as unconditionally to ease tensions in the
imperative as it is urgent. Zimbabwe Goal should be to unite the nation country and prepare the ground for
cannot afford to bleed further under one flag.They should be to psych sincere talks.
than this. the nation towards building and not
destruction. They should be to win Lawrence Paganga is a Zimbabwean
Goals hearts and not lose them; to redefine freelance journalist. He can be contacted
patriotism and not to attach it to a on email: paganga@gmail.com.
Any resolution to the country’s conflict certain political persuasion to the
must not leave anyone feeling exclusion of the rest.
victorious or defeated. It must be a
resolution that must not injure Goal should also be to build trust in
egos too. state institutions such as police and
army, to end inherent mistrust between
The goal should be to do away with government and NGOs, to bring
10 M A R C H 2 0 1 9Who defines and sets
the agenda top branches of the national baobab Minister's (PM) address on all policy
tree could be the beginning of the end debates in parliament.The roles involve
and the end of the beginning. responding to the definitions and setup
of policy set forth by the PM, presenting
Let’s go to the period between August the case and position of
1, 2018 to 31 January 2019.The term the opposition.
National Dialogue can be attributed or
linked with members of the opposition The opposition could have considered
or local and international media that is advocating on increasing the frequency
critical to either the ruling party and of appearances and accountability to
government. parliament of the President for by
Dumisani Ndlovu
creating the Leader of Opposition in
Lest we forget, nothing becomes a trend Someone starts it and propels it. If it’s parliament requires direct and
and trends unless concerted efforts are a phrase that was coined by the consistent communications of the two
being made day in day out to make a opposition, who (then), do they need roles. This is so because this new
topic an issue. the dialogue with? opposition role would in turn be
expected to respond, rebuff and provide
Public policy studies would tell you the If it’s the ruling party and government an alternative argument to the President
most important issue for public policy that coined it, who again do they want or Prime Minister in that same
makers is agenda setting. An item that the dialogue with given that during its parliament.
goes onto the agenda is the item that conference in Esigodini, Zanu PF said
will be discussed. So the battle in the it would not engage in any dialogue as If the MDC Alliance had carefully
public space will always be on what it does not negotiate with losers? considered the creation of the Leader
item goes on the agenda. of Opposition in Parliament, higher
In Zimbabwe's political circles the levels of accountability would have been
It’s important to look at the author, the (suggested or proposed) position of achieved and other governance changes
originator and the beneficiaries and (Nelson Chamisa) being Leader of the would have emerged.
who needs what. Remember we are Opposition in Parliament was widely
operating in a political space when we misunder stood. The common On this matter the main opposition has
are trying to dissect this issue of misconceptions was that this was just only focused on one strategy which
National Dialogue. As defined by a way to incorporate the opposition involved replacing Zanu PF in the
Lasswell, politics is about who gets leader into parliament thereby limiting current governance setup as opposed
what, when and how. We should and silencing his political influence. to creating systems that promote
therefore look at who needs dialogue efficient, effective and accountable
more than the other for them to get The lack of formal recognition and governance. A strategy for dialogue
their what, when and how. respect the leader of the MDC-Alliance aimed at changing these governance
experienced at the recent state funeral rules would in turn then help the party
If I may ask, who coined the words of the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi shows influence and change issues they
National Dialogue and made them that the ruling party and government currently contest.
trending? Is it individuals or the nation indicates left while turning right.
through participatory methodology? I Following the collapse of the dialogue
wonder? There is nothing national In the British parliamentary system, the window, several church organisations
without ‘nationals’ engagement. Leader of Opposition is given the like the Zimbabwe Council of Churches
Consultation from the grassroots to the honours to speak after the Prime (ZCC), Catholic Commission for
M A R C H 2 0 1 9 11Dialogue:
goal and
outcomes
President Mnangagwa at State House with 21 political party leaders
Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe Twenty one (21) political parties
(CCJPZ) and other civic organisations, embraced the path of dialogue created
have been attempting to bring these by ED (Emmerson Dambudzo
main political parties to dialogue. Mnangagwa), under the political
parties’ dialogue banner to find lasting
In my view the major problem with all solutions to the country's challenges By Ian Mapira
these organisations seeking to facilitate in various sectors.
this process is the lack of unity among The government is in the process of
themselves in demanding for this In attendance were NCA leader rebuilding Zimbabwe into a great nation.
process. These organisations have Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Noah
approached the two political parties as Manyika, Dr Thokozani Khupe, Daniel Such a mission requires turning around
individual organisations hence are not Shumba, Ambrose Mutinhiri, Brian the country's economy which is in a
speaking in tune with one Mteki, Dr Nkosana Moyo, Elton crisis. In order to turn around
powerful voice. Mangoma, Lucia Matibenga, among Zimbabwe's economy, the Minister of
other party leaders. Finance (Mthuli Ncube), introduced
Extensive research has it that the other austerity measures which are "painful"
major problem for churches to mediate Absentees to the dialogue were Nelson to the ordinary citizens. Austerity
the process alone is the inability they Chamisa of the MDC-Alliance and Dr measures are government actions to
have in dealing with many of the Joice Mujuru of the National people's widening the tax base and cutting
government expenditure at the
political grievances that exist between Party (NPP). In this respect the MDC
same time.
the MDC-Alliance and Zanu PF. believes that genuine dialogue can only
One analyst has previously suggested take place if regionally facilitated and As the government moves on with its
to them that an independent non- mediated by SADC and guaranteed by austerity measures, fissures among
partisan political actor who is well the AU and the UN. citizens either widen or are created with
informed and vested in these political some believing that the economy is going
conflict issues needs to assist them in Dumisani Ndlovu is a journalist, a published down. The results of this are violent
the process. author, anthologised poet, arts director, protests, high price increases, shops
playwright and widely published scribe. He looting producing millions of losses as
I believe that at this stage all our is a rural development advocacy, people’s well as the death of civilians.
political actors desiring progress and rights defender. He can be contacted on
national healing must act more dndlovu64@gmail.com. He writes in This shows division among the people
responsibly. All our leaders must refrain consultation with YAAYEDU worldwide of Zimbabwe and there is need for
from (making) public utterances in the Initiative. dialogue with the goal of uniting the
media as these only create more pre- people. Unity brings with it progress,
peace, development, trust and ends
recognition issues and conditions that
violence as outcomes. The argument
might hinder the goal of uniting and here is that Zimbabwe needs a national
healing the nation. dialogue with a goal of bringing peace
among the people.
12 M A R C H 2 0 1 9Venturing into the root cause of the progress in its relations with Zimbabwe, Zimbabweans themselves. Currently
current division one discovers that the is now reviewing its position on the there is no trust between the two largest
July 2018 elections process played a part African nation. All this shows progress political parties Zanu PF and MDC-
in dividing the people. When the that has been lost as protests broke out Alliance. Zanu PF believes MDC-Alliance
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in January. Zimbabwe seems to be losing is up to sabotage government policies to
announced Emmerson Mnangagwa as its progress and getting back to effect regime change.
the winner, Nelson Chamisa could not international isolation again.
accept the defeat. The opposition leader MDC-Alliance has always been accused
claimed that elections were rigged and Peace in Zimbabwe is now questionable. by the ruling party of going to Western
would not recognise Mnangagwa as the “Peace is not merely the absence of war countries to beg for economic sanctions.
legitimate President of Zimbabwe. but the presence of justice, of law, of MDC-Alliance, on the other hand,
order -in short, of government,” Albeit blames the ruling party for rigging
Using ZEC results as the statistics of Einstein said. Basing on Einstein’s quote, elections as well as capturing state
followers, it is possible that the more classification of Zimbabwe as a peaceful institutions including the judiciary and
than two million voters that follow country becomes problematic. the security services.
Chamisa do not recognise Mnangagwa
as a legitimate leader. This has therefore The country’s legal practitoners have Such mistrust is unhealthy for the nation
divided the people of Zimbabwe with also protested against the justice system as political violence victims fail to report
some accepting Mnangagwa (over two calling it compromised. This raises the their cases for due process of law to take
million voters), while others believe that question whether there is justice in action. Since January, the media has been
the government of the day is illegitimate. Zimbabwe’s judiciar y system. reporting of women who were raped
and failed to report their cases to the
In uniting the people, progress becomes The Zanu PF government has been police. Through dialogue, Zimbabweans
one of the key outcomes. With divisions blaming MDC-Alliance for sponsoring can address their differences to unite and
among the people, it becomes almost the recent violent protests. In response, build trust.
impossible for Zimbabwe as a nation to the largest opposition party on the land
a c h i eve t h e p ro g re s s n e e d e d has denied the allegations and blames Unity in Zimbabwe reduces violence
economically and even in policies. this on government policies. Protests in that rocks the country. Elections in the
Zimbabwe caused the death of at least country have been filled with violence
Zimbabwe's progress in re-joining the six people last year and more than 12 with people losing lives and property
Commonwealth league is already at stake civilians in January this year. and some having permanent injuries. It
with the United Kingdom saying it will is only unity and tolerance that can
not support the southern African country If Zimbabweans are to be united such reduce such violence in Zimbabwe.
following riots against fuel hikes that loss of lives can be avoided and peace
took place in urban areas. can be restored again. In the July 2018 elections, the political
parties met and signed a non-violence
Progress in Mnangagwa’s participation Economic development is being stalled treaty. This helped reduce cases of
was also stalled as the President by a number of things that point to violence before and during elections
postponed a trip to Davos, Switzerland, divisions in Zimbabwe. An English man although there was violence after
where he was expected to sell investment once said: "Divided we fall and united the elections.
opportunities in the country to investors. we stand." Zimbabwe's economy is likely
Finance Minister Ncube had to spend to nose dive if the country remains It is important to dialogue, unite and
some time at the World Economic Forum divided. reduce violence which may lead to loss
meeting trying to justify why a country of precious lives in Zimbabwe.
that is facing violent protests is perfect It becomes hard to speak with one voice
for investment. against sanctions when some believe that In a nutshell, the Christian Bible says:
the restrictions are not to blame for "A kingdom that divides itself is dead.”
Zimbabwe's bid in the removal of Zimbabwe's economic woes but Dialogue must unite the people for
sanctions is also at risk as the latest violent g ove r n m e n t m i s m a n a g e m e n t . peace, prosperity and development.
protests opened issues to do with human Government policies for economic
rights. One of the conditions for the development are being received with Ian Mapira is a blogger and a journalist who
removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe protests showing division within writes about economic issues affecting
is the country’s respect for human rights. the people. the youths and women in Zimbabwe. He can
be contacted at: ianmapira7@gmail.com
Britain, which seemed to be making Unity may also build trust among
M A R C H 2 0 1 9 13You can also read
