[featured_image]
Download
Download is available until [expire_date]
  • Version
  • Download 75
  • File Size 1.24 MB
  • File Count 1
  • Create Date September 27, 2022
  • Last Updated September 27, 2022

SENATE HANSARD 27 SEPTEMBER 2022 VOL 31 NO 69

PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE

Tuesday, 27th September, 2022

The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.

PRAYERS

(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE

BILL RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to inform the Senate that I have received from the National Assembly, the Finance Bill [H. B. 9B, 2022]. The National Assembly has adopted the amendments to Clauses 2 and 3 recommended by Senate without further amendments. In terms of Standing Order Number 136 (2), the amended clauses are recommitted to the Committee of the whole House.

RECOMMITTAL STAGE

FINANCE BILL [H. B. 9B, 2022]

House in Committee

Clauses 2 and 3, put and agreed to

House resumed

Bill reported without amendments

Third Reading: with leave, forthwith.

THIRD READING

FINANCE BILL [H. B. 9B, 2022]

THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHIDUWA): I move that the Bill be now read the third time.

Motion put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

HON. SEN. MATHUTHU: I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.

HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF HON. WATSON KHUPE

          HON. SEN. MANYAU: May we move this to tomorrow. I lost my brother and discussing this brings more memories.

          THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I thought you are the one who brought this?

          HON. SEN. MANYAU: I did, I lost my brother recently but if you insist…

          THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE:  If you are not ready, you ask the House to stand over the Motion.

          HON. SEN. MANYAU: I am not ready because I recently lost my brother. 

         

MOTION

REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 7TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARIANS NETWORK ON DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION HELD IN MOROCCO

HON. SEN. CHIEF NECHOMBO: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report of the Delegation to the 7th Annual General Meeting of the African Parliamentarians’ Network on Development Evaluation held from 1st to 3rd   August, 2022 in Rabat, the Kingdom of Morocco. 

          HON. SEN. CHINAKE: I second.

          HON. SEN. CHIEF NECHOMBO:  

1.0    Introduction

1.1    The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda led a

delegation of Parliamentarians to the 7th Annual General Meeting AGM)

of the African Parliamentarians’ Network on Development Evaluation

(APNODE). The AGM was held from 1 to 3 August 2022 in Rabat, the

Kingdom of Morocco. Running under the theme, “Effective

Parliamentary Public Engagement for Inclusive Development,” the

AGM was held at the House of Councillors of Morocco.

2.0    Composition of Delegation

The Zimbabwe delegation

2.1    The Speaker’s delegation comprised of Hon. Sen. Langton

Nechombo, Hon. Paurina Mpariwa, Hon. Omega Sibanda and Hon.

Tatenda Mavetera. Members attended the APNODE Executive

Committee’s meeting held on 1 August 2022 before proceeding to join

other Members of APNODE at the Orientation Session which Hon.

Mavetera chaired. After the Orientation Session, the Members

participated in a training session on, “Using Evidence in Policy and

Practice: Lessons from Africa,”

Hon. Mavetera chairing a session

3.0    Special Session for Speakers and Presidents

3.1    The Speaker of Parliament’s first engagement at the AGM was a special session for Speakers of National Assemblies and Presidents of Senates held on 1 August 2022, hosted by H. E. Enaam Mayara, the President of the Moroccan House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco. The House of Councillors is the equivalent of the Senate in Zimbabwe. Also, in attendance were Sen. Lindiwe Dlamini (Senate President in Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini), Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta (Speaker of the National Assembly of the Gambia), Hon. Delfim Santiago Das Neves (Speaker of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Principe), Hon. Simplice M. Sarandji (President of the National Assembly of the Central African Republic) and Hon. Mary Ayen Mijpk (1st Deputy Speaker of the Council of States of the Republic of South Sudan). The session was held behind closed doors.

        From left to right, Hon. Delfim Santiago Das Neves, Hon. Simplice M. Sarandji, Sen. Lindiwe Dlamini, His Excellency Enaam Mayara, Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda, Hon. Fabakary Tombong  Jatta,

4.0    Official Opening Ceremony

4.1    On 2nd August 2022, the AGM was officially opened by the President of the House of Councillors in the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Enaam Mayara. Hon. Mayara welcomed the delegations to the Kingdom of Morocco. He acknowledged the presence of five leaders of Parliaments at the AGM and noted that the meeting was a landmark development for APNODE. He commended the theme of the AGM for reflecting inclusive development which he admitted was an important aspect of people’s development aspirations. Parliamentarians were called upon to contribute towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. His Excellency Enaam Mayara indicated that challenges could be overcome through unity of purpose leveraging on Africa’s abundant natural resources. He pledged the Kingdom of Morocco’s support for APNODE to ensure that the Network achieves its objectives and assured the meeting that the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco would join APNODE as an institution following in the footsteps of Zimbabwe.

4.2    The Speaker’s Remarks

4.2.1 As part of the opening ceremony, there were several Speakers who included the Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe who made some remarks. In his remarks, Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda acknowledged the incisive opening remarks by the President of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, which had covered critical areas on Development Evaluation (DEV). He also recognised the dynamic Chairman of APNODE, Hon. Adomahou and his Executive Committee for doing exceptionally well in driving the APNODE agenda. The Speaker tendered the Zimbabwe delegation’s gratitude for the hospitality extended to it and through His Excellency, President of the House of Councillors, send a congratulatory message on the anniversary of the 23rd year of the King of Morocco’s accession to the throne.

          4.2.2 Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda then drew the attention of participants to the African Union (AU’s) Agenda 2063 alluded to by the host President of the House of Councillors. He outlined the eight (8) key areas to which the Agenda addresses as follows:

  • African Identity and Renaissance;
  • Struggle against Colonialism and the Right to Self Determination for people still under Colonisation;
  • Integration Agenda;
  • Agenda for Economic and Social Development;
  • Agenda for Peace and Security;
  • Democratic Governance;
  • Determining Africa’s Destiny; and
  • Africa’s place in the World.

4.2.3 The Speaker pointed out that these were very challenging areas where development evaluation should apply its critical thought. He reminded participants that there were only eight (8) years left to get to 2030, the set period of achieving the SDG targets. Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda noted that following its formation in 2014, APNODE only had fourteen (14) member states out of a possible fifty-four (54) countries. He viewed this as a serious indictment on the current Members who had joined the team that champions Development Evaluation (DEV). 

4.2.4 He called upon all Parliaments under the AU flag to raise the APNODE flag higher as he opined that inclusive development must be championed by all Parliaments under the AU not only by the current Parliaments that have APNODE Chapters.

4.2.5 The Speaker encouraged participants not to despair by reflecting on the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, where the idea of the organisation was championed by fourteen (14) people in two groups, the Casablanca group and the Monrovia group. He explained that eventually, the two groups had collapsed into one group and in 1963 the Organisation of African Unity had been formed by thirty-three (33) member states. Fifty-nine years later, virtually all fifty-four countries had become members of the African Union.  

4.2.6 Furthermore, Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda expressed the view that APNODE should create a sense of urgency in ensuring that all the fifty-four (54) AU countries and their Parliaments embrace APNODE without fail. He highlighted that Development Evaluation was the heart of Parliaments’ oversight, representation and legislative roles. He emphasised that since Parliaments look at value for money in the expended Budget, the taxpayer’s money that emerges as the public purse, Parliaments were enjoined to ensure that there is prudential accountability of that public purse.

4.2.6 He proffered that the APNODE Executive Committee was enjoined to address the five (5) regions that constitute the Pan-African Parliament for them to embrace and that resources had to be mobilised so that the Executive moves around to convince those Parliaments that are still hesitating to join APNODE. He stressed that this was a critical assignment. The Speaker argued that doing so would be a demonstration that African Parliaments share the African identity and its renaissance. He further pointed that the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) would not be effective without the use of barometer of Development Evaluation.

4.2.7 The Speaker highlighted the cardinal need for the continent to be seen as one Africa, with one voice singing the APNODE melody. He identified the current COVID-19 pandemic as a risk that countries had to contend with in APNODE’s journey as it had destabilised the countries’ Gross Domestic Products (GDP), in some instances resulting in zero Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. He stated that Parliaments were expected to ensure that their governments get out of the zero-growth rate by coming up with mitigatory measures.

4.2.8 The Speaker also identified climate change as another risk to be addressed by Parliaments as the risk is likely to derail the development agenda. He observed that climate change had in fact destabilised the world economy as funds that were meant for development ended up being utilised for infrastructural reconstruction after the disastrous impact of climate change. He noted that the droughts, floods and the tornedos had been extremely destructive of people’s livelihoods. Thus, Parliaments have the responsibility to come up with stout budgets to address the climate change adversities. 

4.2.9 Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda referred to the Russia-Ukraine conflict which had also destabilised the world economy. He indicated that in the middle of that destabilisation, Parliaments should play a role in ensuring that the conflict does not continue to destabilise their economies. He expressed his pleasure with the efforts which have been taken by the Inter-Parliamentary Union of establishing a taskforce from the five (5) African geo-political groups to engage the Parliaments of Ukraine and the Parliament of the Russian Federation so that lasting peace can be attained through dialogue. He bemoaned the effects of war which brings about massive destruction of human life and infrastructure, hence the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. 

4.2.10 The Speaker highlighted that it was important for Parliamentarians to bear in mind the risks that may threaten the championing of APNODE’s vision, mission and objectives among Parliamentarians in the Continent.   

4.2.11 Additionally, the Speaker stated that ACFTA together with Agenda 2063 should be tools that bring Africans together to achieve continental development. He observed that quite a number of Parliaments had not ratified Agenda 2063 and the ACFTA. He further expressed his displeasure for the Eswatini and his delegation’s failure to travel from their two respective countries directly to Rabat as they had to pass through Dubai and France, then come down to Rabat in Africa.  

4.2.12 He stressed the need to establish an African identity, a renaissance that Africa must awaken and exploit its natural resources which are enormous. Hon. J. F. N. Mudenda demanded that Africans should refuse to be the “Dark Continent” in the world and that APNODE should assist in ensuring that such a misconception about the African Continent is re-directed elsewhere.

4.2.13 The Speaker concluded by wishing APNODE and the African Union success in embracing development evaluation as a tool to influence inclusive development. 

5.0    APNODE’s Annual Report

Hon. Mpariwa presenting the Network’s Annual Report

5.1    Hon. Mpariwa presented that Network’s Annual Report (2021-2022). The following were key areas covered in the report:

  • Meetings of the Executive Committee;
  • The Network’s Strategic Plan and Costed Work-Plan (2021-2023);
  • Expanding the Network;
  • Cementing the Network through National Chapters; and
  • Capacity Building; and Resource Mobilisation.

6.0    APNODE’s Financial Report

Hon. Senator Chief Nechombo presenting the Network’s Financial Report

6.1    Hon. Sen. Chief Nechombo presented the Network’s Financial Report (2021-2022) with the following key highlights:

  • Opening balance of US$ 25 947, 26;
  • Network’s membership fees;
  • In-kind donations from development partners;
  • Expenses incurred during the financial period; and
  • End year balance of US$ 41 087, 26 because no capital expenditure was incurred.

7.0    High Level Panel Discussion 1

7.1 On the same day, the Hon. Speaker of Parliament participated in a High-Level Panel discussion on the topic “Eight (8) years to realise the SDGs: Re-imaging African Parliamentarian’s Strategic Imperatives.” The other Speakers who were present at the AGM also took part in the discussions and shared their country experiences. The following are some of the issues raised during the panel discussion:

  • That Parliaments should play a more constructive role in ensuring that sound national policies are formulated and implemented.
  • That the implementation of Agenda 2023 places people at the centre of development which should, therefore, encompass the youth, women and vulnerable groups.
  • That Parliaments should ensure that National Budgets reflect the demand for government development agenda and must provide robust oversight to avoid imprudent management of the public purse.
  • That in pursuing the development agenda, peace, security and liberties are prerequisites.
    • The Hon. Speaker of Parliament made the following interventions:
  • The topic for discussion called for reimaging, rebranding and repositioning of our Parliamentary processes which accentuate the implementation of SDGs.
  • Zimbabwe had suffered economic sanctions in the last twenty-two (22) years but had set its vision of an upper middle-class economy by 2030 despite the heinous sanctions.
  • In Zimbabwean law, reforms had been instituted to achieve the ease of doing business and in the process attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
  • The Transitional Stabilisation Policy (TSP), an economic policy characterised by austerity measures had helped the country to save resources for other sectors during the implementation of the TSP’s successor programme, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
  • Parliament of Zimbabwe had established an Expanded SDGs Committee under the supervision of the Hon. Speaker and the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders in order to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs by 2030.
  • It was no longer business as usual as some Ministries had to work during the weekends in order to ensure the achievement of SDGs as directed by His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe under the periodic 100 days performance cycle.

8.0    High Level Panel Discussion 11

Hon. O. Sibanda participating in a panel discussion

8.1    Hon. O. Sibanda participated in the second High-Level Panel discussion whose topic was “Institutionalising Evaluation as a Governance Tool: What Role must Parliamentarians Play to Realise this Goal.” Hon. Sibanda made some of the interventions below:

  • Zimbabwe had a National Evaluation Policy and a Ministry in the President’s Office responsible for Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes.
  • The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Adv. J. F. N. Mudenda was Parliament’s champion on issues of Development Evaluation.
  • A couple of awareness workshops had been held with Parliamentarians on Development awareness.
  • Civil society organisations, churches, community leaders and other stakeholders must be capacitated on the importance of Development Evaluation.

9.0         Closing Ceremony

Hon. Speaker chairing the closing session

8.1    On 3 August 2022, Hon. Advocate J. F. N. Mudenda chaired the closing session of the AGM. The host President of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Mayara delivered the closing remarks. He congratulated all the participants for a successful AGM which the people of Morocco felt honoured to have hosted. He thanked the APNODE Executive Committee for the trust demonstrated in selecting Morocco as host of the AGM and announced Parliament’s resolution to support APNODE to ensure that Network achieves its objectives. He assured participants that the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco was working hard to overcome its challenges that militated against the improvement of the lives of the people. He concluded by indicating that the Kingdom of Morocco was open for future cooperation at bilateral and or at multilateral levels. To buttress his support for APNODE, he affirmed that their Parliament would also join as an institutional member of APNODE.  I thank you.

HON. SEN. CHIEF NECHOMBO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

          HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: I second.

          Motion put and agreed to.

          Debate to resume: Wednesday, 28th September, 2022.

          MOTION

FOURTH REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON PEACE AND SECURITY ON THE BENCHMARKING VISIT TO THE PARLIAMENT OF RWANDA

          HON. SEN. DR. PARIRENYATWA: I move the motion standing in my name: That this House takes note of the Fourth Report of the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security on the Benchmarking Visit to the Parliament of Rwanda on the 20th to 25th February 2022

          HON. SEN. CHIEF. NGUNGUMBANE: I second.

         HON. SEN. DR. PARIRENYATWA: Introduction

The Thematic Committee on Peace and Security conducted a Bench-marking visit to the Senate Chamber of Rwanda from the 20th to the 25th of February 2022.The benchmarking visit was fully funded by the Parliament of Zimbabwe.

The delegation to Rwanda comprised of six Members and two staff members namely, Hon. Sen. Dr. P.D.  Parirenyatwa, Hon. Sen. Chief Ngungumbane, Hon. Sen. E. Mudzuri, Hon. Sen. D. Mabika, Hon. Sen. A. Matiirira, Hon. Sen. E. Baipai, Ms Faith Manhivi (Committee Clerk) and Ms Tapuwa Sukuta (Committee Researcher).

The delegation held meetings with Rwanda Parliamentarians and Ministry of Local Government, focusing on territorial administration, Rwanda Governance Board on home grown solutions in fostering public order and security, Rwanda National Police on internal security management in addition to touring the Kigali Genocide Memorial Park, Museum for the Campaign against Genocide and Isange One-Stop Center. The Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Professor Charity Manyeruke attended most of the meetings that the delegation had.

Objectives of the Visit

  • To enhance Members of the Committee’s understanding of peace and security structures in Rwanda with a view to adopting and recommending best practices in all aspects in the crafting of our own laws.
  • To give Members an opportunity to learn how Rwanda has managed to foster a conducive peaceful environment and good governance system.
  • To expose Members of the Committee to diverse ways of enhancing the peace and security architecture in line with the vision 2030.
  • To accord the Members of the Committee with an opportunity to discuss the legal impediments and enablers towards improving peace and security in the country during pandemics and the role that Parliament can play in enhancing the same.

  Bilateral Relations between Rwanda and Zimbabwe

Rwanda and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial relations cemented by the presence of embassies in the two countries. These relations   have been further strengthened in the Second Republic. The two countries have been collaborating in a wide range of programmes that are mutually beneficial. These include collaborations in trade and investments, infrastructure development, energy, civil aviation, environment and climate change among others.

The Rwanda-Zimbabwe Trade Conference involving both countries’ public and private sectors held in 2021 saw several agreements being signed between the two countries. The cooperation agreements were in ICT and e-governance, environment and climate change, agriculture and livestock, tourism and business events. The conference aimed at exploring and consolidating areas of collaboration and partnerships. The relationship has been further cemented by the RwandAir which flies to Zimbabwe twice a week thus further enhancing cooperation between the two countries.  

Courtesy Call to the Right Honourable President of the Senate: H E. Augustin Iyamuremye.

The Committee was welcomed to Rwanda Parliament by the Right Honourable President of the Senate H E Augustin Iyamuremye. The President of the Senate highlighted that the Parliament of Rwanda is bicameral and is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The Parliament of Rwanda has 61% women representation in the Chamber of Deputies and 38% women representation in the Senate respectively.

The administration of each Chamber is headed by a Clerk, assisted by a Deputy Clerk, in Charge of Legislative Affairs and the Clerk of each Chamber is independent and he/she is the chief budget manager. The President of the Senate commended the bilateral relationship that already exists between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, which forms the basis for learning and exchange visits and indicated that they would be interested in also sending a delegation to Zimbabwe to benchmark as well. The Committee had an opportunity to give a brief overview of the Parliament of Zimbabwe and indicated that we have the same scenario as Rwanda, where the Parliament of Zimbabwe is bicameral and is composed of the National Assembly and Senate.

        History of Genocide

A brief history of the Rwanda Genocide of 1994 was given by the President of the Senate, where members of the Hutu ethnic majority murdered close to a million people, mostly of the Tutsi minority within 100 days. He noted that the history of the country has contributed immensely on how the country has developed and has united over the years. He concluded by pointing out that if it has been possible for Rwanda to become a destination for all to learn, it is also possible for other countries to develop.

Tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial

The delegation toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial and they observed that the people of Rwanda embrace peace and reconciliation and they are committed to fight the ideology of genocide. The memorials found throughout the country are moving testimonies in memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the people who lost their lives.

The Memorial was Inaugurated in 2004, the delegation was informed that the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. This memorial also serves to educate about how the Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century. The memorial gardens provide a place for quiet contemplation about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi. They allow visitors to reflect on how we all have a personal responsibility to prevent discrimination and mass atrocity. The delegation noted that the centre also provides support for survivors, in particular orphans and widows.

Tour of the Museum for the Campaign Against Genocide

The Rwanda Parliament building was chosen as the location for this museum because it housed 600 Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPF/A) soldiers from December 1993 to 1994 as they were preparing for the formation of the Broad-Based Transitional Government and the National Transitional Assembly.  The Museum depicts in detail how the Campaign Against Genocide Plan was executed by RPF/A following the withdrawal of UN troops leaving the targeted Tutsi under the mercy of the Genocidaires and how only the RPF/A forces who were in the war of liberation took the unilateral decision to stop Genocide, rescue victims of Genocide and defeat the Genocidal forces.

Meeting with the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security

         Specific Missions of the Senate

Apart from the common missions for both Chambers, it was highlighted that the Senate of Rwanda focuses more on critical issues that concern the country and provide advice. In particular, the Senate monitors the application of fundamental principles specified in Article 10 and that of the provisions of Articles 56 and 57 of the Rwanda Constitution.

 The Fundamental Principles referred to in article 10 of the Constitution consist of:  

  • Fighting the ideology of genocide and all its manifestations;
  • Eradication of ethnic, regional and other divisions and the promotion of national unity;
  • equitable sharing of power;
  • Building a State governed by the rule of law, a pluralistic democratic Government, equality of all Rwandans and between men and women which is affirmed by women occupying at least thirty percent (30%) of positions in decision-making organs;
  • Building a State committed to promoting social welfare and establishing appropriate mechanisms for equal opportunity to social justice;
  • Constant quest for solutions through dialogue and consensus.

 

          It was indicated that there are four (4) Standing Committees in the Senate:

  • Standing Committee on Political Affairs and Good Governance;
  • Standing Committee on Economic Development and Finance;
  • Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Human Rights and Petitions;
  • Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security.

The Committee highlighted that similar to the case of Rwanda of having Standing Committees in the Senate, the Senate in Zimbabwe has Thematic Committees which are designed according to the theme or broad area(s) they cover. The committee indicated that the function of Thematic Committees is to examine government policies which fall under or relate to the designated theme or themes, and other matters falling under their jurisdictions as the Standing Rules and Orders Committee may determine.

Committee Business

 Pursuant to Article 89 of the organic law of Rwanda, determining the functions of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security is specifically responsible for monitoring the application of the fundamental principle of prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide, fighting against denial and revisionism of Genocide as well as eradication of genocide ideology and all its manifestations. Regarding the oversight of the Executive action, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security is responsible for monitoring the following:

  • The implementation of foreign affairs and cooperation policy;
  • International agreements;
  • The functioning of Rwanda foreign missions;
  • State protocol in general
  • National security and integrity;
  • The organization of Security organs;
  • Rwandan nationals living abroad

The Committee on Peace and Security in turn highlighted that it was guided by Section 117 (2) (b) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which states that “Parliament may make laws for the peace, order and good governance. Consequently, this gives Parliament the mandate to strengthen governance systems by calling the executive to account for the manner it determines and executes public policy and programs. Parliamentarians, through their law-making and oversight functions, can ensure that government institutions promote peace, security and gender equality by guaranteeing that all laws in their intent and in their application promote and protect human rights and embrace inclusive governance.

The Peace and Security Committee has the responsibility of examining government policies which relate to peace and security and other matters falling under their jurisdiction as the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders may determine. It encompasses issues of conflicts, terrorism, cyber security, war, food security, political and economic instability, civil unrest and other social issues.

During its presentation, the Committee took the opportunity to mention that in 2008, Parliament of Zimbabwe took an initial decision to seek the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) Certification as part of its Institutional Strategic Plan. The ISO 9001:2015 focuses on quality management systems and performance and this standard has assisted Parliament of Zimbabwe to develop a management system that aligns quality with its institutional strategic plan (2018-2023). The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security of Rwanda indicated that there were interested in knowing more about the ISO processes.

Meeting with the Minister of Local Government Hon. Gatabazi Jean Marie Vienne focusing on Territorial Administration

The delegation was informed that the Ministry of Local Government ensures the coordination of good governance and high-quality territorial administration programs that promote economic, social, and political development throughout the nation.

The Ministry of Local Government is responsible for:

  • Developing, disseminating, and coordinating the implementation of policies, strategies and sector programs through the formulation of national policies, strategies and programs of good governance, territorial administration, social affairs and group settlement sites to ensure sustainable community development.
  • Developing a legal framework for good governance, territorial administration, settlement and social-economic development.
  • Developing institutional and human resources capacities of the decentralised entities
  • Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of sector and sub-sector policies, strategies and programmes.
  • Overseeing the functioning of institutions supervised by the Ministry.
  • Promoting effective intergovernmental relationships.
  • Mobilizing resources for the ministry's activities.

The delegation noted that the Ministry of Local Government has six programmes and directorates that are mandated to implement the ministry's core mission of ensuring the coordination of good governance and high-quality territorial administration programmes to promote economic, social and political development throughout the nation.

 Meeting with the Rwanda Governance Board, Dr. Kaitesi Usta, Chief Executive Officer on Home Grown Solutions in Fostering Peace and Security

The delegation held a meeting with the Rwanda Governance Board on Home Grown Solutions on fostering peace and security. To build the nation, promote national culture and restore dignity, based on their values, Rwandans initiated home-grown mechanisms (based on Article 11 of the Constitution) to deal with matters that concern them. Home-Grown Solutions were therefore, established to manage the many challenges Rwanda faced after the 1994 genocide to inculcate a mindset shift away from dependence towards economic self-reliance, integrate citizens as active participants in their own development processes.

The delegation noted that the homegrown solutions were divided into thematic areas which are:

  • Peace Building and Social Cohesion- Gacaca Courts, Abunzi Committees, Legal Aid Bureau (MAJ), Transformational Security Sector and Unity & Reconciliation.
  • Public Sector Performance & Service Delivery- Imihigo, Public Sector Innovations, and Public Finance Management.
  • Community-Centered Development and Empowerment- Umuganda, Citizen Participation & ownership, Community services, Itorero, Girinka, Ubudehe, VUP, Mutuelle de Santé, CHWs, 9&12YBE, and SACCOs.
  • Economic Development, Business Environment and Climate Change- Tax reforms and investment reforms, new technological changes, solutions for environment protection, and business reforms etc.

The Committee highlighted that similar to the scenario in Rwanda, Zimbabwe has also come up with home grown solutions. For instance, consistent with the collective aspirations and determination of the people of Zimbabwe to achieve an Empowered and Prosperous Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030, the Second Republic launched Vision 2030 to chart a new transformative and inclusive development agenda. The National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025) is expected to deliver broad based transformation, new wealth creation and expanding horizons of economic opportunities for all Zimbabweans, with no one left behind. The Committee also highlighted that the Pfumvudza home grown concept aims at ensuring food, nutrition and livelihood security at household level. Pfumvudza Programme is the flagship programme in the implementation of Zimbabwe’s government Agriculture Recovery Plan. The Government of Zimbabwe also introduced AIDS Levy as a 'homegrown' solution that provided country ownership and reduced dependence on donor funding. Resources for the fund are collected through a Parliament special tax act, which requires formal employers and their employees in Zimbabwe to contribute 3 per cent of their income. It is considered a resourceful approach to ensure sustainability and reducing aid dependency in the national response to HIV.  

Meeting with the Inspector General of the Rwanda National Police on Internal Security Management through Community Policing and Rwanda’s Contribution to Peacekeeping Missions

Rwanda Internal Security

Rwanda internal security policy aims to guard against crimes through cooperation with the citizens, security bodies in support to the process of good governance, unity and civic education, rehabilitation of offenders. It also aims to promote economic growth and improve living conditions of citizens, provide adequate capacity for intervention in areas hit by hazards and disasters. It also ensures availability of clear legislation regarding crime investigation, prosecution and taking offenders before the courts of law. Internal security therefore, requires collaboration of institutions and international cooperation, right from the regional level.

Specific objectives of the Internal Security are:

  • To ensure security for people and their property;
  • To enable citizens to play a greater role in maintaining their own security;
  • To eradicate the culture of impunity and self-justice;
  • To enforce the law;
  • To improve institutional collaboration in areas of internal security;
  • To facilitate creation of private security companies and streamline their management;
  • To promote friendship and cooperation with other countries so as to prevent and identify repressed criminals and their perpetrators;
  • To train professional police officers and prison security guards and provide them with adequate skills and logistical equipment;
  • To establish a community-based police force in which citizens are confident;
  • To improve management of small and light arms;
  • To establish correctional facilities that ensure respect of national laws and international conventions relating to the rights of prisoners;
  • To ensure self-sufficiency by correctional facilities
  • To improve rehabilitation centres for vagrants, beggars;
  • To conduct rescue interventions in case of floods, earthquakes, arson, motor vehicle accidents and other disasters likely to endanger security of people and their property;
  • To prompt prisoners to repent and change both in attitudes and thoughts;
  • To assist prisoners through training and skills upgrading to allow them to earn their living and contribute to the country’s economic growth

The Committee mentioned that similar to Rwanda’s community policing initiative, the Zimbabwe Republic Police introduction of the community relations scheme saw the birth of the Neighborhood Watch Committees and Junior call programmes. The Committee highlighted that the police developed new initiatives to accommodate the aspirations of the community in areas of service delivery, human rights and new policing philosophies. In the process, a culture of planning was incepted and has taken root, and this saw the introduction of the Strategic Plans, Tactical Plans, Service Plans and the Service Charter. The police developed new standards as well as systems and procedures tailored to accommodate the entire human resource base in the organisation and develop levels of decision making at Provincial, District and Station levels and a process of democratisation of the organisation. The transformation saw the creation of new departments in the police like the Information Systems and Information Technology. The strategic links with other organisations enabled the police to fulfill its constitutional obligations.

Rwanda contribution to peace keeping

After the loss of more than one million innocent souls during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda government felt it had a moral duty to prevent similar tragedy from happening elsewhere and was passionate about protection of lives in conflict affected areas.

The first Rwanda National Police (RNP) Peace Keeping Mission took place in 2005 when Police officers were deployed to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) later to be renamed United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). This was just five years of RNP’s existence as a young force that was created on June 16, 2000 with just 3500 total force.

As a young force, RNP spared part of its personnel to restore peace in other affected countries and to equally live Rwanda’s “moral duty.” Over the last 15 years, more than 7700 Rwanda Police officers have participated in peacekeeping duties across the globe, of which over 1400 of them are women. Over the last 15 years of the RNP peacekeeping journey, they have also participated in restoring peace and security in Ivory Coast, Mali, Liberia and deployment of FPUs in Haiti; Police Professional staff in the United Nations Headquarters in New York as well as heading the Police components (Police Commissioner) in Ivory Coast (UNOCI) and South Sudan (UNMISS).

Today, Rwanda continues to live the country’s “moral duty” as the 2nd largest Police contributing country to UN Peace Support Operations with over 1000 officers. RNP has been applauded for their resilience, discipline, professionalism and for exported Rwandan cultural values like promotion of dignity for women to the host nation. Rwandan peacekeepers have also introduced home grown solutions, like Umuganda, supporting vulnerable groups like orphans and building or renovating houses for the less privileged, medical assistance all of which contribute to the general welfare of the people, inspire confidence and partnership among the indigenous population.

On peacekeeping, the delegation indicated that Zimbabwe cherishes and values the honour of serving humanity, having experienced a protracted struggle for independence, which was not only long but had many casualties. In this regard, Zimbabwe also sent various contingents to both African and United Nations missions who have gone to excel in their assigned various tasks. This is evidenced by Zimbabwe Republic Police officers who were deployed to the United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID), being awarded with UN Service peace medals.

Tour of Isange

IsangeOne Stop Centre is a structure for a comprehensive response to address gender-based violence and to complement the nation-wide efforts by the Ministry of Health, the National Police and the Ministry of Justice. The Isange is located at Kacyiru Police Hospital, Gasabo District, and Kigali.

The delegation was informed that the program is aimed at providing psychosocial, medical, police and legal services to adult and child survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse occurring in the family or in the community at large. The centre was named Isange Centre, which means "Feel free/Feel welcome", communicating a message of security and openness for the survivors. The delegation noted that by establishing Isange Centres countrywide the National Police, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice aim at improving the linkages of different ministries, referrals and care of gender-based violence victims/survivors at centralized and decentralized levels.

 Key Observations

  • The administration of each Chamber is headed by a Clerk, assisted by a Deputy Clerk, in Charge of Legislative Affairs.
  • Clerk of each chamber is independent and he/she is the chief budget manager.
  • Members of Parliament are given permanent seats in the Plenary Hall in accordance with alphabetical order of their surnames.
  • The Parliament utilises ICT in its daily activities especially in the Voting system, mailing and correspondence.
  • The Parliament of Rwanda has 61% women representation in the Chamber of Deputies and 38% women representation in the Senate respectively.
  • The Senate of Rwanda has the Committee in charge of Assessment of the Senate’s Activities, Senators’ Conduct and Immunity.
  • Home Grown Solutions have been successful in Rwanda because of the methodology employed and driven by the Leadership’s Commitment and ability to build purpose and direction.
  • The security forces play an important role in community development which includes protecting national territory, sovereignty and people; building professional security forces that are developmental and pro-people; gender mainstreaming in security forces; and participation of citizens in security.
  • Rwanda’s security forces participate in socio-economic development of the country. This is done through initiatives such as Umuganda, Police and RDF community outreach programs where they offer services to citizens in health, education, infrastructure, energy as well as environmental protection.
  • They also extend services through their specialized institutions like Rwanda military hospital, RDF and Police schools and training centers.
  • The result of such initiatives has created trust and strong working relationship between security forces and the citizens. This is confirmed by the results of the Citizens Report Card 2021 where citizens’ confidence in the RDF and RNP was 99.6% and 96.5% respectively.
  • The Police force engages in awareness campaigns for example security and hygiene annually where they provide a car for the winner, COVID awareness, crime prevention awareness through sports to increase the interaction between security forces and the citizens.
  • No single institution can effectively manage Gender Based Violence & Child abuse
  • The Isange One Stop Center reduces the risk of tainted evidence and this supports the process of justice and increased institutional collaboration & coordination through the multi-sectorial approach
  • Rwanda has managed to achieve a good level of economic growth. The Government invests efforts in supporting several categories of the population that are vulnerable to poverty including older people, those living with disabilities, young children, female-headed households, genocide survivors and the historically marginalised.
  • Rwanda has an independent board that monitors and evaluates the performance of Ministries.
  • Rwanda is among one of the top ten countries free of corruption in Africa.
  • Submission of value of assets annually by high ranking officials.
  • Each District has a Mayor and two deputies. Each ward has four councilors who represent women, youth, people with disabilities and civil servants.
  • Equitable distribution of resources based on History and background of Rwanda.
  • National institute of statistics conducts annual evaluations as to achieve set targets.

 Recommendations

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage should provide security systems at all ports of entry, for instance full body scanners, sniffer dogs by 31 August 2022.
  • The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should avail adequate remuneration which is above poverty datum line to the Security sector so as to motivate them and reduce corruption with immediate effect.
  • Unity must always be given top priority as it is the core foundation of peace and security, as such the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in collaboration with the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission should continue to monitor peace and ensure the spirit of ubuntu amongst its citizens.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade should facilitate the issuance of National Identification Cards and birth certificates in respective Embassies by 31 December 2022.
  • The Ministry of Health and Child Care in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs should provide two more One-stop centers for victims of GBV and child abuse by 31 December 2022.

Conclusion

Rwanda has achieved political stability, public safety, economic growth and poverty alleviation and this attributed to peace and tranquility in the nation. There is therefore need for the government of Zimbabwe to adopt best practices by Rwanda Government in all aspects of peace and security so as to achieve economic growth and poverty alleviation in all sectors of the economy in line with achieving an upper middle-income economy under vision 2030. I thank you.

HON. SEN. CHIEF NGUNGUMBANE: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity to support the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Dr. Parirenyatwa and it was indeed an eye opener to our Committee. I would also want to thank the Administration of Parliament for affording this Committee to undertake a benchmarking visit and that this trip was wholly funded by Parliament. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks.

Mr. President, the issue of ethnic hatred that was portrayed prior to 1994 in Rwanda is something that has taken the world by storm. In 1914, the world engaged in the First World War where you had allies and in the Second World War, the same thing happened. When I make a deep analysis Mr. President, it was a war based on ethnicity more than anything else because we had the British on their own being British. We had Italians and the Germans fighting against each other. When the Second World War ended in 1945 Mr. President, in 1948 we had the UN Charter where the world hoped and viewed that the pain that was inflicted by man on another man will never happen again, that is why we had the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Fast-forward to 1994, the same human rights that we enacted in St Francisco in the United States of America were violated where a war that took place over a period of 100 days and wiped out more than one million people was a war once again based on ethnicity where one ethnic group eliminated the other. We had a period of 100 days of manslaughter where even the church was no longer secure. People ran to churches thinking that once they sought refuge in churches, they would be secure but it turned out that the blood of ethnicity became thicker than the blood of Christ and that was seen during that period of 100 days.

Mr. President, the lesson that the people of Rwanda rose from their own obituary as the international community had written off Rwanda. Some of them were quiet, they did not raise alarm and it was only after the Rwandans had taken a decision that they would need home grown solutions to stop and find each other. That is when we had the international community coming in but if you look at the build-up to this ethnic war, you find that the international community was one way or the other directly involved. There was mention of the French who were promoting ethnic cleansing to one ethnic group.

When the war started, the international community as guided by the Universal Charter of Human Rights was quiet. What we also learn is that after the war, there was a UN Peace Mission to Rwanda where international judges were invited to try the perpetrators of violence, killings and manslaughter. However, it is not a one size fits all approach. What you use in the United States is not applicable to Africa and vice versa. So, the Rwandans taught us that you would need to come up with home grown solutions to the problems that do take place in Rwanda.

What impressed us Madam President was that the citizens have a prominent role to play in the governance issues of Rwanda. There is a Citizens’ Report on Governance that is produced yearly where the citizens themselves give Government and its departments ratings on how they have performed in terms of governance. I think that is something that is important. Yes, we are doing it but we would want the citizens to also say look, we have produced a report over and above what Parliament has done in terms of holding Government to account.

Madam President, what we also learnt as a group was that the electoral process in Rwanda accommodates most of the political parties there.  It is not the first-past-the-post where the winner takes all.  The other parties are accommodated because if you look at the structure of Parliament, if party X provides as the majority in that House, they provide for the President of the Senate. It is therefore given that the other party has to nominate a Deputy President of Senate and this perhaps could be one of the reasons as to why there is inclusivity in their politics. 

          Madam President, we were also impressed by the police.  You know, as Hon. Sen. Dr. Parirenyatwa alluded, that we had the whole command of the police coming to welcome a very small delegation which showed how serious and determined they were in service delivery.  Madam President, we were charmed by their appearance.  You know, the Rwandese police are very smart.  Their uniforms are very attractive; you can see and feel that I am talking to a police officer and that I feel is something that we should emulate.  In developing a code for our police Madam President, we can emulate.  You know, before you talk to somebody, your attire speaks volumes.  I think women in this House can attest to the fact that when you see a man, one of the key things they look at is whether this man is attractive in terms of attire and that we realised with the Rwandese police.   They also mentioned that they are held accountable by the citizens of Rwanda and they have played a prominent role in peacekeeping missions in Africa and the Hon. Chairman has alluded to this. 

One of the fundamentals that we discovered was that there is adequate funding to Government departments including that of security sectors which enables them to carry out their mandate of providing security because Madam President, Rwanda is one of those countries that is very peaceful.  I recall when we drove into town from the airport;  I think it was around 0200hrs; we came across a woman walking alone in town.  When we enquired, we were informed that Rwanda is peaceful such that people are able to walk at night without any fear.  I do not know whether people can walk in Zimbabwe at that time of the night without being mugged or being robbed.  I think it is a challenge Madam President to our police that they would also need to up their provision of security.

Madam President, we have seen a surge in robbery; something that was unheard of in Zimbabwe.  It is becoming a culture where people participate in robbery.  It no longer matters whether you are in major centres, small towns, rural areas or at the border; robberies have become so rampant.  It is my appeal that the Government should review its policy towards criminals because we have cases where the police force has lost members in the execution of their roles.  I strongly feel that the police should be protected; when push comes to shove, they have a sacrosanct duty of also protecting life as much as providing security.  So Madam President, it is important that we strive as Parliament to ensure that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development gives adequate money to the security sector among other sectors of Government in ensuring that they carry out their mandate.

Madam President, Rwanda is an envy when it comes to women empowerment.  As alluded to by the presenter of this report, where the Parliament of Rwanda has more than 61% of women in Parliament, it is not only in Parliament but in all key decision making positions of Government and the private sector.  I think that is something that we can emulate.  I know we have taken strides, and have made measures to ensure that the sunset clause that was there where women had seats reserved carries on without any hindrance. 

Madam President, as alluded to by Hon. Sen. Dr. Parirenyatwa, this was a benchmarking visit.  You know, as you exchange notes, you also realise how far you were born as a Parliament and how far you were born as Senate.  One of the key fundamentals that we realised was that as part of our home grown solutions, Hon. Senators would agree with me that in 2013, we came up with a home grown Constitution which was driven by this Parliament.  It gives a sense of ownership and we have a duty of holding Government to account, an oversight function and making laws for our country.  I think that is very important.

Madam President, I will not dwell much on the home grown solutions that the presenter has done but I would want to say that, in order to enhance or to achieve democracy, there is need to improve institutional cooperation in areas of internal security.  I know we have taken strides as a country, and Rwanda has also taken strides that we need to develop key institutions in the security sector so that we are able to achieve the role of presenting security in our country.

Last but not least Madam President, we learnt as a delegation that Rwanda has zero tolerance to corruption.  Anyone who is seen to be flouting the laws of the country engaging in corrupt practices is promptly sent to jail.  I know as Zimbabwe, we have taken strides in fighting the scourge of corruption.  It is my learned view that Madam President, let us resource institutions that have a constitutional obligation of fighting corruption. 

Madam President, with those very few words, I would want to thank you for the opportunity that you have given me but in ending, it would be remiss of me not to quote the Bible.  In the book of 2 Corinthians 13:11, it talks about love because love is one of those key pillars of peace.  It says, this is Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, he says aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind and live in peace.  It is my view that in whatever we do, we should be of one mind.  We may have divergent views, we might think - we might see things differently but Paul says be of one mind and live in peace.  If we have a peaceful country, I know peace begins at home and transcends to where we are. We are able to train because most  youths are engaging in heinous acts, they have gone against the spirit of ubuntu.  If we do not take action as adults, we would have failed our youths.  We need to build a certain environment for our youths.  The late President Franklin Roosevelt of the United States on the 20th September 1940 when he was addressing students at the University of Pennsylvania said, ‘we cannot always build the future for our youth but we can build our youth for the future’.

          I know there is a misconception that we want to build a future for our youths, we cannot build that future because that future does not belong to us.  We live in the present; what we can do is to empower our youth.  One way of empowering our youth for the future is giving them a peaceful environment so that they have something to hold and dream for in the future.  I thank you.

          HON. SEN. DR. PARIRENYATWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

          HON. MKHWEBU: I second.

          Motion put and agreed to.

          Debate to resume: Wednesday, 28th September, 2022.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE 51ST PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM

Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the 51st Plenary of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

Question again proposed.

HON. SEN. MATHUTHU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

HON. SEN. S. MPOFU: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Wednesday, 28th September, 2022.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF COUNTER TERRORISM HIGH LEVEL CONFERENCE HELD IN ITALY

Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation to the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism High Level Conference on Parliamentary Support to victims of terrorism.

Question again proposed.

HON. SEN. DR. PARIRENYATWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Wednesday, 28th September, 2022.

MOTION

PROVISION OF FUNDS FOR COMPLETION OF DAM CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need for government to provide adequate funds for the completion of dam projects.

     Question again proposed.

     HON. SEN. MATHUTHU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

HON. SEN. NKOMO: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Wednesday, 28th September, 2022.

On the motion of HON. SEN. MATHUTHU seconded by HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA, the House adjourned at Four o’clock p.m.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post comment