Budget analysis and advocacy are critical tools for ensuring progressive realization of human rights, advocating alternative policy choices and prioritization, and ultimately for strengthening the accountability of duty-bearers in the fulfilment of their obligations. In view of this, parliament, with technical and financial assistance from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and NANGO organised a capacity building workshop for committee secretariat and the Parliament Budget Office (PBO) whose objective is to equip participants with budget analysis and advocacy techniques which they can use to support their respective portfolio and thematic committees. The workshop was held pursuant to output 1.1 on Increased Budget Transparency and Openness for Zimbabwe of the adopted cooperation framework between parliament and UNICEF. The two-day workshop was held on 15 and 16 August 2018 in Kwekwe. 31 participants comprising of 14 committee clerks, five researchers, five PBO staff, two parliament management representatives (assistant clerk and principal director finance), two NANGO representatives, one director from Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and 1 protocol officer attended the workshop.
The primary objective of budget analysis was to ascertain progress, challenges and opportunities for improving the quality and quantity of public spending. It generates the evidence required to engage effectively with policy and budget makers and is also a tool for various advocacy strategies. In view of this, the capacity building workshop on Budget Analysis and Advocacy was convened with the following objectives in mind: to equip participants with skills for budget tracking and analysis; to foster an understanding of the budgeting process in Zimbabwe, main actors and policy making process in relation to the budget; to outline the existing legal/policy framework guiding budget process; to foster understanding of the common approaches in budget tracking and advocacy techniques; and to develop Action Plan on budget tracking and advocacy so as to entrench and sustain accountability work.
Key points
Development Watch Issue: The 2022 Mid-Year Budget Review Statetement
Development Watch Volume 4, Issue 5
Development Watch Volume 4, Issue 4
Women’s organisations have concurred over the need to promote constitutional literacy of women in Zimbabwe, lobby for more seats for women in parliament and in public offices as well as set up gender observatory. The women also highlighted the need for intergenerational continuity in order to strengthen women’s movement.
The above sentiments were shared where women’s rights movement organizations convened to take stock, discuss and share election observation findings in the political, economic, social and environmental context following the 30 July harmonised elections.
At the meeting there was a general consensus that there is still no parity within political parties, society as a whole is still patriarchal and the media is still biased towards men.
Speaking with regards to the political context, it was highlighted that challenges such as polarization and violence against women are some of the drawbacks noted. In the economic context issues such as lack of resources, economic uncertainty and lack of funding were drawbacks to women emancipation. On social context, it was highlighted that women face difficulties in accessing justice and information. The current environment, according to women, is polarized and unpredictable. On the legal context, equality on political representation is still low, the electoral act is silent on political parties and gender parity, Political Parties Finance Act is silent on funding aspiring female candidates, vote buying and intimidation, cyber harassment and constitutional literacy.
The women’s organisations explored co-creating a feminist-driven platform for post-election advocacy agenda to strengthen women’s participation and positioning. The point of departure was a strong independent and autonomous women movement that will maintain women’s voice.
The host, Women’s Coalition had invited Women in Politics Support Unit, Her Zimbabwe, Women’s Action Group, Taga life, National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO) and UN Women, to name a few, convened under the theme “The post-2018 Zimbabwe harmonised elections agenda for women rights and gender equality: Stocktaking, opportunities and accountability”.
Girl Child Empowerment of Zimbabwe (GCE Zim) works towards giving equal educational opportunities to girls through a campaign titled ‘My pad, my period, my pride’. The campaign is run through National University of Science and Technology and Great Zimbabwe University clubs.
The GCE Zim supports girls by donating stationery and re-usable sanitary pads in marginalised parts of Masvingo and Matabeleland. This assists in guaranteeing that girls do not miss lessons during their menstrual cycles.
The girls that received stationery and sanitary pads said provision of these improves their attendance and chances of excelling academically.
During the campaign at Mzinyathini High School, pupils pointed out that most of their parents are unemployed and cannot afford to buy sanitary pads. They then resort to using old clothes which leave them prone to infections. Some said they miss school for a week every month.
Siphiwe Nkawule, said, “There are schoolmates that struggle to get sanitary towels. It is very embarrassing when one does not have them.”
GCE Zim is ensures that rural commercial farmers, women in mining, marginalised and vulnerable girls and women have access to health care, fundamental human rights, safe and clean water, sanitation, shelter and food.
NANGO members have agreed on the need to observe elections and monitor the pre and post-election environment. This comes after the realisation that member organisations with diverse interests can find common ground.
24 organisations that attended the membership planning meeting on Wednesday 21 March 2018 concurred that NANGO should be involved in electoral processes that have been initiated by Zimbabwe Election Commission.
There is a need for NANGO to get the true reflection of election readiness from organisations that are already observing the political arena.
The meeting also emphasised that civil society needs play a parliamentary oversight role ensuring that election reforms are discussed taking into consideration the concerns of the electorate.
NANGO director, Leonard Mandishara, said NANGO is aligning itself with key players in order to observe pre and post-elections.
“NANGO is reaching out to key players with regards to elections. This will see to the harmonisation of partners dealing with elections,” he said.
Mandishara added that coordination will make it possible for civil society to come up with a barometer that covers all election related issues including mapping of conflict hot spots especially were election violence is most likely to occur.
NANGO members that were present also agreed on the importance of continuous interaction and rejuvenation of NANGO with a particular focus on the imminent elections.
NANGO has been holding membership visits with the aim of familiarising with its members and strengthening synergies. The visits are the first of their kind and will extend to the southern, eastern and western regions.
The meetings that have been held so far are giving direction to NANGO while also bringing to the fore issues that individual members are most passionate about and what programming is expected in that regard.
The National Director, Leonard Mandishara has so far met with directors of Counselling Services Unit (CSU), ZimRights, Heal Zimbabwe, Kunzwana Women’s Association, Practical Action, Zimbabwe Association of Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender (ZACRO), Harare Residents Trust and Legal Resource Foundation.
The heads of these organisations have concurred that 2018 is a politically complicated year as the country prepares for elections that indicate to be like none other.
CSU director, Dr Frances Lovemore, said there is need for peace champions to be present at every polling station. She also suggested that commissioners should be met so that they are furnished with details of the current political landscape in order for them to find what role they can play in ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections.
Okay Machisa, ZimRights director, asserted that NANGO has a role of liaising with various organisations so that they each find their footing with regards to impending elections.
“Organisations in each sector of NANGO have a crucial role to play during the election period. Players should not be limited to human rights and elections. With the proper engagement NANGO can even sit with humanitarian organisations and deliberate issues around elections,” he said.
Rashid Mahiya, Heal Zimbabwe director, spoke on the need to prevent electoral violence and mitigate effects of violence. He highlighted that this is an ongoing process that should not be limited to election periods.
Harare Residents’ Trust director reiterated the importance of civil society setting the tone as the nation heads for a plebiscite.
“There is need for membership development and leadership development within structures. This will prepare organisations and citizens to handle community conflict that may rise during and after elections,” said Precious Shumba.
Mandishara also met NANGO members in Gweru and Bulawayo where members presented their challenges and proffered solutions that are specific to the regions.
The member organisations encouraged NANGO to hold sector specific programs, open space within sectors to allow for more players and prioritise membership capacity development.
Simphiwe Development Trust a non-governmental orgainisation in the Western Region is conducting a donation of books campaign that aims at assisting orphans and vulnerable children towards improving their academic needs in Matebeleland North.
The campaign is an initiative by Simphiwe Development Trust to assist and care for the less fortunate who cannot afford basic stationery. The organisation is targeting at least 1000 exercise books to be donated to vulnerable children.
Leeman Dube, Executive Director of Simphiwe Development Trust said “I believe that everyone has a social responsibility especially as Zimbabweans or Africans. One of our core values is Ubuntu which entails that we have to take care of each other.”
Dube also said, “The donation of books is a start of contributing to society as Zimbabweans, so I would like to urge everyone to make a difference and change the learning environment of orphans and vulnerable children.”
Last year, Simphiwe Development Trust donated over 900 exercise books to schools in Tsholotsholo. Some of the schools that beneficted from this donation include Matupula Primary, Sepepa Primary and Tsino Primary.
This year, the organisation is targeting the Khoisan children in schools as a way of encouraging them to focus on their education despite walking long distances to school.
Dube said they want to donate some of the books to a Khoisan Early Childhood Development (ECD) center in Tsholotsho.
“The San people are amongst the minority groups in the country, this year we want to donate some of the books to over 80 ECD children in Tsholotsholo and other San children doing their primary and secondary education,” said Dube.
Directors of organisations in the children sector praised Simphiwe Development Trust for starting a campaign that would benefit many children in the region.
Tapuwanashe Mapenga, Director of Educate a Child Foundation, said, This is a good initiative by Simphiwe as they try to make a difference to orphans and vulnerable children, let’s all unite and support them by donating exercise books.”
Nosihle Ndlovu, Director of Revival of Hope, said, “A simple donation of an exercise book for a child can make a difference in changing their attitude towards their education. Therefore, let’s come together and support Simphiwe in their campaign.”
Those who want to contribute in helping the orphans and vulnerable children can make their contributions by contacting the Executive Director of Simphiwe Trust, Leeman Dube on 0784093737.
Also, direct funds can be sent through ecocash to Godfrey Moyo on 0774689754 or visit www.simphiwe-trust.org for more information.
By Lovejoy Phiri, NANGO Western Region
NANGO has been working closely with its membership to ensure that the 2018 harmonised elections are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful environment.
NANGO observers were manning polling stations as early as 6am on 30 July 2018 and were stationed until vote counting and closing of election day processes. Through the observers, NANGO is informed that most polling stations opened at 7am. One polling station in Chegutu had the wrong ballot papers and it has been confirmed that it will be open until midnight.
Reports indicate that there was resounding turnout of women and youth and the NANGO command centre is still verifying the statistics. A few polling stations were not disability friendly while others did not offer rest rooms for voters.
A major cause of concern on election day was voters that were turned away after they reported to the wrong polling stations. The highest number that has been reported by end of day on 30 July was 63 people in Mkoba, Gweru. In some parts of the country voting went on until very late and it seems this was not anticipated as there were no provisions for lighting within polling stations. We hope Zimbabweans that are still queuing will not be deterred but will be patient and exercise their right to vote.
We will continue giving you updates on developments that will be coming to keep you informed on the key issues.
As we wait for the counting and announcement of the votes NANGO urges the nation to be peaceful and tolerant during this period.
NANGO is the umbrella body of non-governmental organisations operating in Zimbabwe. It is an apolitical, non-profit making and non-denominational umbrella body of NGOs, founded in 1962. NANGO promotes a proactive community of NGOs that are responsive and committed to the sustainable development needs of all people in Zimbabwe and the full realization of human rights, democracy, good governance and poverty alleviation.
Presented by Wadzanayi Vere, NANGO Board Chairperson and Head of Mission of the NANGO Election Observation Mission on 30 July 2018.
NANGO is deeply concerned and condemns violence that occurred in Harare where the sanctity of life was violated resulting in the loss of lives of innocent people. NANGO implores all stakeholders to explore all possible dialogue channels to resolve any forms of conflict and differences without resorting to violence. Our sincere condolences go to the families that have lost beloved ones in these skirmishes. May their souls rest in eternal peace.
NANGO commends all observers that were part of the NANGO Election Observer Mission who diligently observed election processes from mid-day on Sunday 29 July until the early hours of Tuesday 31 July. Ultimately, NANGO static and roving observers assessed voting at 3244 polling stations sampled across the country. We also extend our appreciation to Zimbabwean citizens in their entirety that remained peaceful and calm.
In an effort to promote election transparency, 364 NANGO observers manned polling stations until ballot boxes were securely transferred to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission command centres. Our teams made a number of key observations which will be highlighted in detail in the Preliminary report shortly. However, NANGO deems unfortunate the high number of potential voters that were turned away for various reasons ranging from bringing with them invalid identity documents, being in the wrong polling stations or their names missing completely from the voters roll despite having been registered.
Building on election transparency, NANGO believes that results should be traceable up to polling station level. In this regard, before transferring of ballot boxes, in accordance with the Electoral Act Chapter 13 Section 64, candidates and party agents should have been present to observe recording of results on the polling-station return.
Social media keeps the citizens abreast on what is happening countrywide, however the same unfortunately is being used largely to then circulate unofficial and wrong information which may resultantly cause alarm and despondency. We urge all NANGO members, observers and general citizens to refrain from circulating unconfirmed information and to maintain peace and harmony.
NANGO is an apolitical, non-profit making and non-denominational umbrella body of NGOs in Zimbabwe, founded in 1962. NANGO promotes a proactive community of NGOs that are responsive and committed to the sustainable development needs of all people in Zimbabwe and the full realization of human rights, democracy, good governance and poverty alleviation.
NANGO was accredited as a local observer mission by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), and had 364 local observers to cover the various sampled polling stations. NANGO endevoured to ensure that the election process becomes more transparent. Our position is that true democracy should reflect the voice of its people, with credible elections being a foundational element. NANGO extends its gratitude to ZEC for permitting participation in the 2018 harmonised elections as local observers.
THE OBSERVER MISSION PRONOUNCEMENT ON THE ZIMBABWE 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Our mission provides an analysis of the 2018 harmonised elections covering the pre-election phase, polling day, counting and tallying of the votes, announcement of results, and the post-election phase. Further, the mission provides recommendations for future elections
Guided by the International Standards for democratic elections referred to above, the legal framework for Zimbabwe and the observation undertaken through the specified methodological approach, the NANGO Observer Mission makes the following preliminary statement on the July 30 2018 harmonised elections in Zimbabwe;
NANGO, therefore, through this statement, pronounces the interim observation on the 2018 harmonised elections that was held on 30 July 2018. This pronouncement is underpinned by the founding objectives of the constitution of Zimbabwe, and is premised on:
The Legal Framework, Principles and the Context
The Zimbabwean election has been held under the Zimbabwe Constitution (No.20) Act 2013, the Electoral Act 2018 (Chapter 2 6:2018) which, among others, made provision for Media dispensation, codes of conduct for the political parties, candidates, chief election agents, election agents and observers as well as the subsidiary piece of legislation namely Electoral Regulation 2005 (89/2013). This legal framework provides guidelines to be followed in the preparation and conduct of elections in Zimbabwe.
The regional and continental principles on elections, on the other hand, provide the basis for the establishment of the democratic electoral systems and procedures for member states, which Zimbabwe is a signatory. These principles find expression in both legislation and the political environment within which elections are conducted. The principles include:
The NANGO Election Observer Manual equally informed by the said principles and standards provided practical guidelines through which civil society can assess the extent to which states adhere to the above principles. It is a firm belief of NANGO that assessment on the basis of this framework provides a reflection that could go a long way in ensuring democratic elections.
THE NANGO OBSERVER MISSION METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO OBSERVE THE 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
The work of NANGO in relation to the 30 July 2018 harmonised elections were in five phases. The first phase involved setting up of policy engagement platforms to facilitate behaviour and attitude change, that put in place a community and national level infrastructure for peace. At the same time non-state actors interacted with key stakeholders such as political party leaders, independent commissions, development partners, traditional leaders, police amongst others.
The second phase involved CSO capacity building initiatives, on conflict prevention, management, resolution and transformation, voter education and election observation. The third phase involved dissemination of information on elections through various media platforms. The fourth phase monitored other stakeholders’ participation in the electoral process such as the independent commissions, media, political parties, CSOs and security sector. This work led to the fifth phase of election observation.
Composition and Deployment
The Observer Mission was made up of 364 civil society and church representatives from across Zimbabwe, deployed under 22 teams which were distributed in all the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, with 9 teams predominantly in rural areas which are Binga, Zvimba, Mazowe, Mutoko, Lupane, Gwanda among others. Of these 342 were static observers whilst 22 were roving supervisors.
Observer Operations
The NANGO Observer team had 342 static observers who manned 342 polling stations, whilst the long-term observers and roving teams visited additional ones and a total of 3244 polling stations were visited before the polls, during voting and at counting. In these places, the mission observed the preparedness of ZEC for voting in terms of availability of key material, environment under which people were voting and the manner in which officials conducted their work and other key observation issues as contained in the observer check list designed by NANGO.
Noting the improvements at ZEC such as BVR registration, there has been a huge concern ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections on the level of ZEC autonomy, resulting in lack of confidence in ZEC. This compromised ZEC’s independence and professional integrity. Although Sections 235 and 239 of the constitution attempts to establish guarantees of the commission’s independence, stating that “the Independent Commissions are independent and are not subject to the direction or control of anyone’ must exercise their function without fear, favour and prejudice. The commission seemingly was susceptible to influence by the ruling party, Zanu PF.
Concerns for ZEC during the 2018 elections include:
Women’s representation
NANGO noted with great concern the low representation of women as candidates in various political parties vying for public office. Further, the hostile political environment together with economic challenges militated against the full participation of women in politics.
Media reporting and accessibility
Although the Electoral Act sections on Media Coverage of Elections resonates with the AU Charter on Democracy, Governance and Elections, SADC as well as other instruments listed above on the equitable access by contesting parties and candidates to state controlled media during elections, the election coverage by state owned media has been heavily biased towards the Zanu PF. Where opposition parties, especially the MDC Alliance, have received coverage the angle has been negative. In a like manner the election coverage by the private media has been biased towards MDC Alliance, with negativity towards the ruling party.
Of key observation in the 2018 elections is the increase in use of social media especially Twitter, Facebook and Youtube as discussion and campaign platforms for political parties and independent candidates.
However, concern has been on the subsequent use of hate and derogatory language often times levelled against women, spreading of false and sensational information and general disregard for the law in these platforms.
Of note, public media coverage was overwhelmingly focused on the presidential race, with scant attention being paid to the parliamentary and local government elections.
Recommendations
Conclusion
In consideration of the regional and continental principles, the Zimbabwe legal framework referred to above and the observation of its teams, the NANGO Observation Mission makes the following preliminary determination;
Though the scope and extent of the impact of the observed anomalies on the outcome of elections could not be immediately ascertained, they in themselves constitute serious electoral deficits. This Mission concludes that the credibility, legitimacy, free and fair conduct of the July 30 2018 harmonised elections and therefore their reliability as the true expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe have been compromised.
National Economic Consultative Forum AND THE Zimbabwe Agricultural Society
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2018 Annual National Agribusiness Conference Concept Note
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Field to Industry: Produce, Connect, Develop
VENUE: Andy Millar Conference Centre ZAS Grounds
DATE: 29 August 2018
INTRODUCTION
The Annual National Agribusiness Conference (ANAC) is a high-level dialogue platform that discusses policy issues on the agricultural sector with a view to increasing its contribution to the national economy. The conference, which is a partnership of the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) started in 2013 and the 2018 Conference marks the 6th Edition of this popular event. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Zimbabwean economy contributing over 60% of the raw material to the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, the sector is the major contributor to national employment with an estimated 70% of the population employed in the Agricultural Sector. Cognisant of this important contribution of the sector and the need to increase its production and productivity, an idea was conceived to have a special high-level dialogue platform on Agriculture where frank discussions and recommendations on how to steer the sector forward are made and thus giving rise to the birth on ANAC in 2013. The conference is held on the Wednesday of the Harare Agricultural Show week.
Over the past five years for which ANAC has been in existence, it produced critical recommendations and policy positions on Agriculture most of which have been taken on board by Government.
THE 2018 ANAC
The 2018 ANAC comes at an opportune time when there is a New Dispensation in terms of national governance in the country. The fact that the current Government is amenable to listening to the people`s views makes it more interesting to participate in the conference knowing that the contributions from the dialogue will be taken seriously. More importantly, the conference comes at a time when preparations for the 2018/19 summer cropping season will be afoot.
The focus of the 2018 Conference will be on the entire Value Chain of the Agricultural Sector and it will run under the theme “Field to Industry: Produce, Connect, Develop”. In light of the theme, the conference seeks to consolidate, broaden and deepen value chains, while highlighting the inseparable linkages between sustained agricultural productivity, industry resuscitation and increased capacity utilisation, and the resultant improved economic growth.
DATE AND PLACE
The 2018 Edition of ANAC will be held on 29 August 2018 at the Andy Millar Conference Centre, Harare Exhibition Park
FORMAT OF THE CONFERENCE
The conference proceeds by way of presentations and discussions on interesting topics on Agriculture and development in Zimbabwe. There will also be a session for the official opening of the conference which is done at Presidium level.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS
The conference is known for its high level caliber of participants who are drawn from the constituencies below:-
NATIONAL ECONOMIC CONSULTATIVE FORUM
3rd Floor Old Reserve Bank Building
P.O Box CY 2285 Causeway, Harare
Tel: 701092/4; 792994/5; Fax: 701095
Website: www.necf.org.zw
13 July 2018
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE AT THE 6TH ANNUAL NATIONAL AGRI-BUSINESS CONFERENCE (ANAC) TO BE HELD ON 29th AUGUST 2018 AT THE ANDY MILLAR CONFERENCE CENTRE, HARARE SHOW GROUNDS.
The National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) in partnership with the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) invites you to participate at the 6th Annual National Agri-Business Conference (ANAC) to be held on the 29th of August 2018 at the Andy Millar Conference Centre, Harare Exhibition Park.
The focus of the 2018 Conference is on the entire Value Chain of the Agricultural Sector and it will run under the theme “Field to Industry: Produce, Connect, Develop”. In light of the theme, the conference seeks to consolidate, broaden and deepen value chains, while highlighting the inseparable linkages between sustained agricultural productivity, industry resuscitation and increased capacity utilisation, and the resultant improved economic growth.
It is in view of the foregoing that the NECF is cordially inviting your organisation to participate at the conference. Participation fee for the conference is $100 per individual.
To facilitate our arrangements for the conference, we would appreciate receiving the list of officials who will participate from your organisation by the 19th of August 2018.
For further information regarding participation at 2018 ANAC, kindly contact the following conference organisers:-
Or NECF Secretariat on 701092/792982, necf@necf.org.zw
We have attached the draft programme and the conference concept note for your reference.
N. M. Chakanetsa
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
