29 Mar 2019
The tropical Cyclone Idai which left a trail of regrettable destruction in Manicaland exposed the nefarious attitude of diamond companies operating the Eastern Region.
For so many times we heard that they are undertaking projects to assist communities. They must have mastered the art of misleading a nation. In as much as they may have done some development work, one has to be more analytical as to the quantum of their contribution towards cooperate social responsibility versus what they are getting from mining diamonds.
Although it was expected that the cyclone was going to hit Manicaland, it is the state of preparedness that leaves a lot to be desired. The approach by the state and diamond companies was rather too lackadaisical. For instance, some diamond mine workers in Chimanimani had to resort to staying on top of mountains without food or warm clothing due to flooding. ZIDAWU once indicated in their previous report that workers in Chimanimani were living in squalid conditions and it seems it fell on deaf ears. Accommodation crisis looms as Ngangu settlement was virtually swept away by the floods.
It remains a mystery why the Odzi Bridge in Chiadzwa has not been given a face-lift especially after carrying all the machinery and equipment of more than six companies that operated in Chiadzwa. This is the very bridge that claimed the life of Headman J. Chiadzwa some years ago following a head-on collision with an Anjin mine staff bus. Cyclone Idai nearly swept the Odzi Bridge thereby isolating Chiadzwa community from the rest of Manicaland for almost two days.This bridge was built before Zimbabwe’s independence and it was meant for a sizeable number of the then remote Bocha people.
Companies like Anjin, Mbada Diamonds, Jinan Mine, Kusena Diamonds, DMC and Marange Resources used this low lying narrow bridge to carry machinery and equipment worth millions of dollars. These are the companies that failed to remit any meaningful taxes to the treasury when they were operating. Former Finance Minister Hon Tendai Biti and subsequent ministers of finance complained about these companies not paying any royalties to state coffers.
It came not a surprise when Sakubva Marketing Stall in Mutare was swept by Cyclone Idai during the weekend. This is the project which many civic society organizations high;ighted on the subjectof tender procedures conducted by City of Mutare and Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC). It maybe not be a shoddy job but surely they could have done better.
Recently ZCDC bragged about their ‘benevolence’ to Marange community. This included the 5 million Bond Dollars donated to Zimunya Marange Community Share Ownership Trust, 25 boreholes and repairing some schools and clinics. Although what they have done is commendable, it is the issue of prioritisation of projects that is a cause of concern. In most cases the intended beneficiaries complain of lack of consulted prior to the commencement of the projects.
As a way forward, companies should work closely with communities and stakeholders. This will lessen the rate of rejection of projects that are imposed on communities. No one should be left out in terms of socio-economic development as we are all partakers to national development. Diamond companies should not elbow out other stakeholders as they can assist in identifying priority areas to be attended.
The article was written by C. Sunguro.
29 Mar 2019
Early March 2019, a Tropical Cyclone Idai ravaged through parts of the Manicaland Province to become one of the deadliest storms ever recorded to hit the country. The storm caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, and large numbers of casualties across some districts in the province.It left whole villages, plantations and business centres either submerged or completely obliterated from the face of the earth. The Zimbabwean and international community responded enthusiastically with donations and assistance in rescue efforts. This saw thousands of private citizens descending on the affected areas for various reasons. While everybody is focused on saving lives, little has been said about the attendant risks of Gender Based Violence (GBV) associated with displacement.
The risks of GBV during displacements caused by conflicts are well-understood and documented. However, GBV during displacement caused by natural disasters is little understood. The little literature and evidence available suggests that people displaced by a natural disasters are especially vulnerable to sexual assault by strangers, at highest risk are particularly those relocated to temporary shelters. Displacement seems to create risks in large measure because people are uprooted from their traditional social security networks. The increased vulnerability can be attributed to a breakdown in the protection nets usually available at village level where neighbours watch out for each other’s safety. Commonly, in Zimbabwe your neighbour your closest relative even though there may be no blood ties.
After cyclone disaster, people are either forced to move into communities where they know no one or move into camps while those whose villages were not completely destroyed see their communities suddenly invaded by desperate strangers seeking shelter. All this leads to a breakdown in social cohesion and long established social security nets creating conducive conditions for the manifestation of GBV.
Apart from destroying infrastructure, cyclone Idai left thousands of people food insecure. This food insecurity presents a high risk and is fertile ground for the rise in incidents of transactional sex. Various humanitarian missions’ research reports over the years have revealed that transactional sex occurs primarily because food is insufficient and women needed to provide for their families. The cyclone disaster comes just as the world is trying to come to terms with the Haiti GBV scandals perpetrated by aid workers on vulnerable people. Then, one shudders to imagine the harm that may likely have been perpetrated by private citizens, untrained in the ethics and conduct of humanitarian work that descended on Manicaland to provide the much needed assistance following Cyclone Idai. In this regard apart from increased protection programming there exists a need to provide the displaced communities with adequate reproductive health education and services. Disappointingly, over the past weeks of sourcing for donations, all manner of materials have been procured but not enough effort have been put towards procurement and distribution of condoms and contraceptives.
As earlier mentioned, the influx of individual private citizens in Manicaland to assist with rescue efforts, deliver and distribute aid and also for disaster tourism compounds the complexities of the Zimbabwean situation. While their humanity is commendable it has to be noted that these people are accountable to no one, some are not trained to provide standardised assistance in disaster zones and are not bound by any ethical codes. Over the years research findings have noted that disaster zones are a magnet to paedophiles, were they commit criminal acts under the guise of the ongoing confusion and breakdown of law and order. The continued presence of these private players in the disaster zone on its own poses risks and increases the vulnerability of the affected populations.
Beyond the disaster response period research suggests that how poverty is addressed (or not addressed) in the post-disaster context can have an impact on GBV. Where they lack economic alternatives, women and girls in a desperate situation have little choice but to remain trapped in the cycle of GBV. Due to poverty and desperation, they may be forced to adopt negative coping strategies, such as child or early marriage or transactional sex. They become more vulnerable to traffickers and other criminals. In general, single women living in temporary shelters are very vulnerable to violence.
Despite the availability of a national Disaster Risk Reduction Policy in the country, it does not have concrete or practical provisions for preventing and addressing GBV. This reflects and contributes to the generally low awareness of GBV in disasters. NGOs on the other hand have as part of their structures, operational guidelines and accountability mechanisms to identify risk factors, address and mitigate GBV in the conduct of their work and are able to hold their staff to account for any misconduct. Furthermore, there is need for an increased coordination of efforts through the Civil Protection Unit, individuals and development partners declaring centrally their aid, what area they will work in and populations they will assist. This will mitigate against politicisation of aid, aid fraud, human trafficking and GBV.
Beyond the cyclone Idai disaster, the country needs to rethink its disaster preparedness and response model and also its operationalisation with the view of decentralising the resource banks for preparedness and response. A lot of lives would have been saved had authorities acted on time and responsibly.
The auther, Nhlanhla Mlilo can be contacted at nmlilo@hotmail.com or on twitter @mlilon
29 Mar 2019
Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) are one of the greatest challenges to human development in Africa, hampering organic growth, and the ability of governments to provide infrastructure, deliver public services and reduce poverty.
There is no settled definition of IFFs and their measurement is complex. IFFs are driven by crime, bribery, terrorism, corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking, money laundering, capital flight in disobedience of currency controls, tax evasion and tax avoidance (Forstater, 2018)[1]. Global Financial Integrity (2015) defined the IFFs as those funds, crossing borders but illegally earned, transferred and or utilized. Thus, IFFs comprise transnational financial transactions which contravene domestic and international law in both letter and spirit or are normatively and morally unacceptable. Broadly, some define IFFs as money legally owned but illegally transferred, money illegally owned but legally transferred, or money both illegally owned and illegally transferred.
IFFs from Africa increased from an estimated US$50 billion in 2015 to above US$70 billion by 2017 (Bokosi, 2019)[2]. Global Financial Integrity data and other sources show that IFFs peaked in 2009 at nearly US$85 billion. Between 2009 and 2013, an estimated US$173 billion left SADC yet nearly an equal amount of US$175 billion was attracted through foreign direct investment (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Zambia is among the most affected countries, with IFFs increasing from about US$2 billion in 2009 to US$4.2 billion in 2012. Malawi is estimated to have lost an estimated annual average of US$650 million. For Zimbabwe, the RBZ estimated a loss of US$3 billion between 2015 and 2017 while a research by AFRODAD estimates that US$2.7 billion was lost from the mining sector between 2009 and 2013. The RBZ further posited that an estimatedUS$684 million was remitted outside Zimbabwe or externalised under dubious and unwarranted circumstances in 2015 while Global Financial Integrity data shows that Zimbabwe lost an estimated US$670 million through trade misinvoicing in 2015.
Revenue linkages from the continent confirm its richness, Africa has never been poor and is not poor, resources are yet to be exhausted. If effort to attract FDIs and ODA is equated to efforts to curb IFFs, development will be phenomenal in Africa. The continent has great resource potential to drive organic economic transformation through infrastructure investment and significantly improve public expenditure on health, education and social security for the attainment of social and economic rights.
Some empirical findings on IFFs include the following:
Among the factors jeopardizing capacity to curb IFFs include liberalisation and deregulations as governments seek to attract and compete for investors. It is within the policies which seek to balance between the interests of investors (maximisation of returns and profits) and those of the nation (society) that illicit financial flows occur. As business became global, governments policy attempt to balance between not being tax havens (offering minimal tax liabilities to foreign individuals or businesses) and a risk country. The spaces in-between, particularly created by corruption, weak institutions, lack of expertise, information asymmetry, technological backwardness, lack of policy implementation, are exploited by business, politicians, criminals and individuals resulting in IFFs.
The digital economy has also become a significant driver of IFFs as it comprisesinternet-based companies, telecommunications, electronic commerce, digital payments, cyber security, sharing economy and digital skilling that makes taxation complex. Physical companies are fast transforming to global online based companies,yet laws are still stuck on taxing physical companies. Laws provide for the taxation of companies based on income sources and location yet online companies are difficult to locate due to their multiple presence within the global economy. Block chains, crime (offered as a service business model), block transactions, electronic sales suppression zappers andvalue networks makes the digital economy a driver of IFFs. With most SADC countries struggling with taxing the informal economy, the digital economy becomes more complex.
Addressing challenges posed by the digital economy calls for dynamic legal and regulatory framework for the digital economy, responsive digital infrastructure, creation of departments within revenue authorities to detect movement of the digital wealth, and train and capacitate inspectors and auditors in revenue departments.More importantly, there is need to invest in skills and capacitate personnel to better negotiate contracts and agreements.
Resources are leaving African countries at a time the continent is privatizing the provision of public services through private-public partnerships, excluding the poor and the marginalised from accessing such services. More so, Africa is burdened with a debt crisis as 8 African countries are in debt distress, 15 countries are in high risk of debt distress, 23 are in moderate risk of debt distress and only 8 are in the low risk of debt distress category[3]. The urgent need to combat IFFs should be informed by the need for resources to reduce poverty, resolve the debt crisis, declining developmental resources from the north and growing need to fund Pan-African development projects enshrined in the agenda 2063 and Vision 2030. Thus, governments must prioritise domestic resource mobilization, mobilise remittances from diaspora, curb IFFs and renegotiate mineral contracts to expand Africa’s fiscal space.
In order for governments to curb IFFs, there is need for greater political will, push for the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative,enforcing the Addis Tax Initiative, improve transparency in contract negotiation, strengthen the oversight role of Parliament in contracts negotiation, increase public access to information and increase global cooperation against financial flows. Strengthening the role of Parliament is pivotal, countries must not sign agreements without the approval of Parliament. More importantly, deals and contracts with investors must be open andtransparent (investors need to go through competitive bidding, less reliance to tax incentives that fuel race to the bottom), improve on fiscal transparency, create regional mineral value chains based on countries capabilities and establish policy and regulatory support for the artisanal small-scale miners.
On 21 and 22 March 2019, civil society organisations, churches, government ministries, revenue authorities, regional parliamentary forums like Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC), academics and media houses convened in Gaborone, Botswana, for a regional dialogue on IFFs. The event was hosted by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD). IFFs represent critical revenue linkages from the African continent, undermining public service delivery, and the attainment of social and economic rights. Hence the AFRODAD regional conference shared ideas, solutions, successes and challenges on curbing the immorality.
Admire Mutizwa is a development economist working with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches as a Programme Officer, Economic Justice and Youth Empowerment. Views expressed in this article are personal and they do not, in any way represent the official position of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches or the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD).
[1]Maya Forstater (2018). Illicit Financial Flows, Trade Misinvoicing and Multinational Tax Avoidance: The Same or Different?
[2]FanwellKokosi. Presentation on the Developmental Impacts of Illicit Financial Flows in SADC. 2019 Regional Dialogue on Curbing Illicit Financial Flows from AfricaGaborone, Botswana
[3]Tirivangani Mutazu (2019). Analysis of the link between Debt and IFFs. Presentation during the AFRODAD Regional Dialogue on Curbing Illicit Financial Flows, 20 – 21 March 2019; Cresta Lodge, Gaborone Botswana
22 Mar 2019
Cyclone Idai hit five districts in Masvingo Province and these are Gutu, Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi and Masvingo.
The province recorded five deaths (2 children and 3 adults). There are 5214 households that were affected in various ways in the whole province. In Bikita 3134 were affected, 948 in Gutu, 753 in Zaka, 35 in Chiredzi and 345 Masvingo. A total of 17 from Zaka and Bikita sustained injuries.
13 schools were affected in Gutu district, 71 blair toilets washed away and two classroom blocks collapsed. Guzuve Primary School in Gutu was completely destroyed by the cyclone and the roof of Mutimurefu prison cells and kitchen was blown away.
To assist the affected people of Masvingo, well wishers can donate any of the items listed below:
Non food items including soaps for bathing and washing
Minister of State, Ezra Chadzamira, came up with an idea of engaging the private sector and NGOs to help the victims affected by Cyclone Idai. The resources donated will be channelled to the Civil Protection Unit that will distribute to the victims.
The information was compiled the Provincial Cyclone Idai Coordinating Committee on Thursday 21 March 2019.
22 Mar 2019
NANGO applauds the decision by the high court to nullify suspension of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (Cotrad).
The two organisations were suspended by Masvingo District Administrator, Roy Hove, on March 11, 2019 pending investigations into registration.
High Court judge Justice, Loice Matanda-Moyohe, stated that the District Administrator’s decision to suspend Cotrad’s operations is set aside and declared to be null and void and accordingly of no force and effect. The first applicant is not a voluntary organisation as contemplated in terms of the Private Voluntary Organisation Act. The DA is not empowered by any law to suspend or stop the operations of NGOs and therefore the DA was ordered to pay the cost of this application on a legal practitioner and client scale.
As NANGO we are confident in the work of our members. Where NANGO members are suspected to be operating outside their mandate, we encourage government to engage, express their grievance or request clarity through proper channels.
It should be noted that wrongful closure of NGOs disadvantages thousands of beneficiaries spread across the country. The work of NGOs should be appreciated for complimenting the efforts of government.
Cotrad, a member of NANGO, is a trust registered with the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The youth oriented organisation was formed by a group of former student activists striving to promote informed and positive participation of youths and reintegrate youth victims of political violence into the mainstream society. It values respect for human rights and the desire to have Zimbabwe youth participating in the build up to sustainable justice, freedom, peace, development, democracy, rule of law and security of all persons.
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is the largest umbrella body for non-governmental organisations and was established in 1962. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe.
22 Mar 2019
The International Women’s Day 2019 campaign theme of #BalanceforBetter is a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world. Better the balance, better the world. This day seeks to celebrate women’s achievements while calling for a more gender-balanced world. It aims to highlight the importance of creating conditions for the elimination of discrimination against women and for their full and equal participation in socio economic development. Hence the need for a better world that takes into cognizance the plight of women and how their sacrifices can be both treasured and addressed.
This day first emerged from the activities of labor movements in the Global north. The first gathering for its commemorations was conducted in 1911. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually on the 8th of March, and adopted as a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation.
Today, the International Women’s Day is commemorated in many countries; it is a day that celebrates womanhood. While today’s woman is juggling between various roles, she is still struggling to find her footing. The average woman is still juggling housework, motherhood, community roles and that of corporate work. The average woman still gets off a bus where she is manhandled rather than raise voice for her rights. The average woman still gets left out of social bonding over late night drinking sessions and probably gets left out of crucial decisions as well.
There are many challenges that women are facing, the International Day of Women is celebrated simply because the original aim to achieve full gender equality for women in the world has not been fully realized. Women are still facing challenges compared to their male counterparts, for example in business and political spaces, a gender pay gap continues to persist despite efforts made to address gender disparity. Figures show that globally, women’s education, health and violence towards women is still worse than that of men. Even in Zimbabwe there is still high prevalence of violence against women and girls. The issue of child marriages in most parts of Zimbabwe especially the rural and peri – urban areas is still being perpetuated. Zimbabwe as a nation continues to record high rates of violence against women, in particular, rape cases. According to Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency, recent statistics for the first quarter of 2018 released in May last year recorded that 7 394 rape cases were reported in 2017. The home is not the only spot for abuse, there is the work place and several public places. Children are also exposed to abuse with most of it coming from close relatives. All duty bearers need to work hand in glove to address the plight of women and girls for an enabling environment to reach their potential.
In particular rural women and girls in Zimbabwe are often exposed to all forms of abuse due to poverty, patriarchy and marginalization. Statistics has it that women are engaged in most unpaid work and in rural areas they rely on subsistence farming. With the current poor rains one wonders how they will cope. Young women have not been spared by these hard times. Some end up resorting to transacting sex for a living. They are forced by hard situations into early marriages; this has many consequences as they drop out of school, and have complications in pregnancy, contract sexually transmitted diseases. Some end up with unwanted pregnancies, forcing them into unsafe abortion and complications from high risk pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. On International women’s Day, women across the world come together to force the world to recognize these inequalities while also celebrating the achievements of women who have overcome some of these barriers. According to a 2017 report by the World Economic Forum, it could still take another 100 years before the global equality gap between men and women disappear entirely, the gender gap won’t close until 2186. Hence the need to continue working tirelessly to prevent such a delay towards a balanced world.
International Women’s Day is a worldwide event with a human rights theme, highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements and contributions made by women. The day also sees demonstrations and protests aiming to further gender equality. It is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights. In some areas the day has become an occasion to express appreciation for women in general. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. This day aims to highlight the importance of creating conditions for the elimination of discrimination against women and for their full and equal participation in social development.
The idea of this theme # BalanceForBetter is to consider how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective achievement of gender equality and empower all women and girls. Celebrating womanhood, the power endowed in women and mobilization of human capital, should interact to find solutions to issues affecting them and impeding their
progress in today’s environment. A woman is a nurturer, educator, in most cases a primary caregiver taking care of her loved ones even when she herself is in pain or ill. In society and the workplace in general women have so much more to overcome, be it various forms of violations, discrimination or stereotypes, hence they need to gain their rightful place, garnish respect and support from not only men but other women in their midst.
Women make up more than half the population in the country but there are largely underrepresented in decision making positions. The general paucity of women in decision making risks replicating gender inequality and dispersing discriminatory attitudes within communities. Yet this is happening in the era of empowerment. It is still a struggle to see women in positions associated with power, hence the need to dismantle structural gender inequalities in order to adequately voice the concerns of society for both men and women. We cannot wait for change to drop like manna from heaven. Sarah Ruddick, a feminist, views women as better leaders, because of motherhood women are more sensitive to issues that affect people hence they lead from a more humane centered perspective. It is through our own transformational efforts as women that we can land ourselves in better positions. We need brilliant, creative, honest and caring people to take part in leading our world and these incredible qualities can be found in women. This is a call for Zimbabwean women to act, even towards the 2023 elections, to also partake in taking the positions of power and we quote Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni’s sentiments on the World day of Prayer where she urged Christian Women to join politics, as we serve our country by being politicians.
The Zimbabwean government has paid allegiance to international and regional instruments and adopted a progressive constitution that takes into cognizance the plight of women. However this has been a contentious matter on the ground as there is a general consensus that efforts being made are not fully implemented as we still witness large gender gaps. Women still possess the room to push for more policy changes in Zimbabwe
We commend the women who have broken down barriers, who have entered in the domains previously regarded as preserves of men. Women can climb up the career ladder provided the environment is conducive and they are willing to do so. We appreciate women who have made it life and climbed up the corporate ladder despite the barriers encountered. Those who have made significant strides such as the former Vice President Joyce Mujuru, the female ministers, the first female mayor, Angeline Kasipo, women CEO’s and chairpersons, female clergy such as Eunor Guti to mention but a few. As the YWCA motto reiterates ‘By love we serve one another, and lift each other as we climb’. It is an appeal to women leaders to tirelessly uplift and support fellow women. Hence they should strive to be transformative leaders.
According to Sarah Ruddick, a mother’s gender attitude is more influential than the father’s in shaping children’s gender views. Hence our gender awareness as women will go a long way in transforming the gender perspectives of future generations.
The IWD is a reminder that women need to be appreciated, loved and their contributions in society recognized. It is a time to give thumbs up to all the women who have fought the good fight and managed to break the ceiling of barriers. This is a call to action to accelerate gender parity, for unity, reflection and action for a better, gender balanced world, #BalanceforBetter
Young Women Christian Association of Zimbabwe (YWCA) is a non-profit making, charitable organization which was established in 1894 in some global north countries and in Zimbabwe it was established in 1957 by women who united to support fellowship among women of different Christian backgrounds. The organization was formed out of the recognition that women and girls are not socially and economically empowered, so it realized the need to empower them in body, spirit and mind. In a bid to ensure that today’s woman is walking the path in equally strong strides alongside a man.
In doing this the organization recognizes the following values which are human dignity, justice and freedom. The organization complies with Christian principles of peaceful nations through peaceful co-existences in the homes. YWCA seeks to contribute towards eradication of poverty in women and to dislodge social injustices with the consciousness that as a nation we must form a gender sensitive, prosperous and a stable society to lessen the plight of women. In the light of such discoveries YWCA established economic empowerment centers in Harare, Bindura, Gweru and Bulawayo where young women are able to pursue their studies in vocational trainings. YWCA has embarked on projects to uplift the economic and social status of women through empowerment trainings, SRHR trainings, leadership and development trainings among other efforts. YWCA is an affiliate of the World YWCA based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Muchanyara Mukamuri, Ivy Shelly Begede, and Tavonga Mhungu
8 Mar 2019
As a feminist I have a plethora of reasons to celebrate International Women’s Day. I see this as a day to push for affirmative action while celebrating women. Of course as women we have a lot of issues that need to be addressed but that should not stop us from celebrating ourselves.
I have often been asked what is so special about the day and I will never tire from giving this history lesson.
Here’s the short lesson, International Women’s Day is annually commemorated on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The first International Women’s Day occurred on March 19 in 1911. The inaugural event, which included rallies and meetings, was a big success in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The March 19 date was chosen because it commemorated the day that the Prussian king promised to introduce votes for women in 1848.
The promise gave hope for equality. The UN drew global attention to women’s concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women’s Year. It also convened the first conference for women in Mexico City that year. The UN General Assembly then invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace in 1977. The day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women. It also focused on helping women gain full and equal participation in global development.
International Men’s Day is also celebrated on November 19 each year. I’m definitely going to celebrate this too and I will write something as well.
I hope I didn’t lose you in our history lesson, so now that you know why we celebrate International Women’s Day. I thought I should share why as a proud black African woman I celebrate it and maybe motivate you to also celebrate it.
For me it’s a day of reflecting on the past and current initiatives successful or otherwise to address gender inequalities and injustices. It’s a day to celebrate different women who did varying things for women to be where they are today. It’s a day that I celebrate my female friends, co-workers, female faith based leaders, stay at home mothers, female vendors, females in the security sector, females with disabilities and many others pushing for empowerment of a woman.
For me it’s a day to remind me that I need to do more so my daughter, niece, sister, mother, aunt, grandma and granddaughter can fully enjoy being a woman. I hope you will also find your reason of celebrating the day. I hope that my family, colleagues, community, country and the world can become woman friendly. With that I say woMandla!!!
Tadiwanashe Burukai is a freelance writer and advocate for sexual reproductive health and rights. She writes for Khulumaafrika.com and also contributes to NANGO platforms. @TadieBurukai
8 Mar 2019
One death and five cholera cases have been recorded at Mont Dor and Karara resettlement areas in Shamva following a portable water disconnection that has gone on for over five weeks.
Due to the water supply disconnection at Shamva Gold Mine by Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) the mine is reportedly temporarily supplying approximately 4000 residents with untreated water drawn from Mazowe River. The mine is said to be discouraging residents for drinking the water.
It is unfortunate that ZINWA engages in retrogressive measures like arbitrary water disconnections, an infringement of the right to safe, clean and portable water.
Community Water Alliance has noted with concern, the use of outdated regulations and water by-laws by state institutions that permit disconnecting water supply. Stakeholders must take into consideration Section 86 of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe which states may be limited only in terms of a law of general application and to the extent that the limitation is fair, reasonable, necessary and justifiable in a democratic society based on openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom, taking into account all relevant factors.
The nature of the right to water is such that it is linked to the rights to life and health. The purpose of disconnecting water affects public safety, public health and public interest. With 4000 people at risk in Shamva, ZINWA’s water disconnection has gone beyond a reasonable limitation.
ZINWA has the option of issuing summons to recover its debt from Shamva Gold mine. The water disconnection by ZINWA is therefore unfair, unreasonable, unnecessary and unjustifiable in a democratic society. It defies openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom of the residents.
Arbitrary water disconnections justify Community Water Alliance’s calls for review of water disconnection by-laws so that they echo provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
27 Feb 2019
It has dawned on me that we can’t spend a day without someone releasing a sex tape. Almost every morning on Facebook there’s someone asking if you’ve seen the video and another person offering to send it to your inbox.
Filming that takes place behind closed doors may be a personal choice since we have different views and opinions about sex and sexual preferences. I don’t judge your personal choices trust me, I am anything but perfect. My issue is on consent. Do people consent before recording the video? Do they actually know that someone is recording them? What are the circumstances leading to distribution of a video that was shot with the consent of the people engaged in the sexual act?
People always say why did one consent to recording a video in the first place. What of those who did not consent to the recording? What of those who did not consent to publicity of the tapes? After circulation of sex tapes some have lost their jobs, scholarships, opportunities as well as relationships with family, church and friends. Others have even committed suicide.
Allegedly, in most cases these also turn out to be cases of revenge porn. Revenge porn, according to The draft Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bill of Zimbabwe, is the revealing of sexually explicit images or videos of a person by posting on the Internet, typically by a former sexual partner, without the consent of the subject and in order to cause them distress or embarrassment. Simply put, revenge porn is the sharing of private sexual materials with intent to cause distress.
In the paragraphs to follow I intend to shed light on those that have been a victim of revenge porn directly or indirectly and are wondering what they can do to seek redress.
So what does the Zimbabwean Law say about this?
Zimbabwe legal framework on revenge porn and cyber-bullying
The current legal framework lacks protection of victims of revenge porn or cyber-bullying. The relief available for victims remains of a civil nature where one can claim damages for defamation of character, pain and suffering and loss of income for a ruined reputation etc. As such the lack of a criminal resort still costs the victim in civil suit costs. Be that as it may, there is hope as there is a cyber crime and cyber security legal framework being tabled before Parliament. The 2017 Bill is very comprehensive provides for cyber-related offences with due regard to the Declaration of Rights under the Constitution. Of particular interest is sections 16 and 19. Section 16 provides that cyber-bullying and harassment are offences and the perpetrators of such offences are liable to a fine or imprisonment. Section 19 goes further to address situations where there has been transmission of intimate material without consent. Both these offences have become very common in this digital age. Despite the Bill having other shortfalls and succumbing to criticism by human rights activists on its infringement on freedom of expression, it is a step in the rights direction for victims of revenge porn and cyber bullying.
Thus it can be noted that revenge porn is still a sticky issue and currently no law or legislation has been enacted that address such crimes.
The two authors discourage sharing of explicit/nude pictures or videos of yourself, sexual partner or anyone as one may never know where these might end up. The article was written by Tadiwanashe Burukai and Ruwadzano Makumbe, advocates for human rights.
26 Feb 2019
The Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has welcomed self regulation of Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), an initiative that will improve the quality of services provided by NGOs by helping NGOs to adopt high standards of conduct and to devise efficient decision-making processes.
The Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said “Like any other institution there should be a policy that outlines the regulation of NGOs one that should not be imposed but crafted by NGOs themselves.”
The minister added that he wants to gain a fuller understanding of the operations of NGOs in the new dispensation.
“I am studying how my office can relook at the work that NGOs are doing because I intend to fully appreciate NGO work in Zimbabwe. There are some NGOs that have been doing things that are not patriotic and this brings the need for a policy that is guided by the constitution,” he said.
The minister said this at a meeting requested by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) to forge the best way to work together with the ministry and build meaningful synergies for the enhancement of justice, law and order in Zimbabwe.
NANGO has always believed that the best form of regulation of the NGO community is self-regulation and not heavy-handed government regulation. By taking responsibility for ensuring the NGOs adhere to commonly accepted standards, the NGO community is engaging in a system of self-regulation, self-governance and self-discipline. Without such a system in place, the government will intercede to regulate this sector.
The purpose of self regulation will certainly not be to constrain or hinder NGOs from carrying out their socially beneficial work; it will simply articulate the common value system of NGOs and try to provide a set of common standards to which NGOs can subscribe. These standards are designed to strengthen the NGO sector, improve the quality and impact of the service delivery by NGOs and increase transparency and accountability by NGOs.
Self regulation will outline norms, principles and values which can be used to ensure ethical behaviour by all those involved in NGO activity. It provides that NGOs as are voluntary, not-for-profit, non self-serving, non-governmental, non-partisan and independent organisations which are involved in the promotion of social justice and development.
NGOs have been in the forefront of the campaign to make governments and private corporations more open, transparent and accountable for their activities. NGOs themselves should therefore ensure that they too perform their work in an open, transparent and accountable manner. Strengthening accountability increases legitimacy among the public, policy makers and the donor community.
Minister Ziyambi met with NANGO National Board Chairperson, Wadzanayi Vere, leader of the children’s sector Rev. Taylor Nyanhete, Northern Region Boad Chairperson, Ronika Mumbire, and the Executive Director, Leonard Mandishara.
