The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is seriously concerned with negative effect of the 2019 Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review and Supplementary Budget Statement presented by the Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube on 1 August 2019.
The supplementary budget, instead of giving hard pressed Zimbabweans some room to breathe, proposes a host of tarrif hikes that will further improverish Zimbabweans. In particular increases such as ZESA tarrifs by over 273%; tollgates fees by 500%, Public service Vehicle Operations’ licences; Route Authorisation fees and ZINARA services will simply mean that these costs will be passed on to consumers. Read more in the PDF below
24 Jan 2019
Preamble
Cognizant of the current socio-economic and political challenges Zimbabwe is facing, the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), an official umbrella body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe, convened membership meetings in the NANGO Northern, Western, Eastern, Midlands and Southern Regions on 21 to 23 January 2019.
Noting that the last 18 months have not been easy for the general citizenry who continued to experience cash, food and fuel shortages and an escalating cost of living amid suppressed salaries for the bulk of the labor force. This has undermined the propensity to progressively realize the socio-economic and political rights of the general citizenry.
Alive to the economic recession, coupled with governance deficit, impunity, social, economic and political exclusion that has seen the majority of the population particularly the marginalized susceptible to hunger, social dislocation of families, high levels of poverty, unemployment and underemployment, human rights violations as well as severe shrinking of NGOs’ operating space.
NANGO is concerned and notes that intra and inter political party violence and discord is escalating at the expense of national development. This further results in disenfranchisement of the already marginalized communities. This comes amid incessant corruption in government, poor service delivery, decline in health care and education systems and the general contempt for the rule of law by the military and the police.
Desirous to see Zimbabwe emerging from the economic, social and political doldrums and adhering to the fundamental principles, norms and ethos that entrench the drive to a common and shared vision for the nation which is critical for the attainment of sustainable development.
NANGO reaffirms the need to adhere to section 59 of the Constitution. When demonstrating citizens should not infringe on other people’s rights and demonstrations should be done in a peaceful and non-violent manner.
In this vein, NANGO condemns the looting, theft and vandalism of property and assets that was done during the demonstration and encourages the general citizenry to shun such practices as they are detrimental to both the agenda and spirit of demonstration and ultimately cause untold economic destruction.
We condemn lawlessness and human rights abuses and demand return to rule of law and constitutionalism.
We further, condemn all forms of overt and covert violence perpetrated by the state on citizens and by citizens on other citizens and demand all community and political leaders to foster peace and inculcate a culture of tolerance.
In the context of protecting the rights of children, we note with great concern the abuse of children that was rife during the protests we therefore condemn the incarceration, beating and unprocedural handling of minors in the justice delivery system.
We are still concerned with the continued presence of soldiers within communities and demand that soldiers immediately go back to the barracks and police play their role of protecting and serving citizens. In the same vein, we condemn the law enforcement agents that exude a semblance of being political. Law enforcement agents should at all times stick to their constitutional mandate. We therefore demand that political parties should refrain from giving instructions to law enforcement agents.
We deplore the use of live ammunition on civilians as the right to life is enshrined in the national constitution, regional and international instruments.
We strongly condemn wanton attacks and abductions of civilians and demand an immediate end to abuses and that security of the citizens is ensured.
We condemn the clampdown on NGOs and any threats on leaders of civil society organisations by government officials and state security officers. Acting within the provisions of the constitution NGOs should be left to serve communities as well as advance peace and development.
We note with concern the unwarranted internet shutdown that was experienced across the country and urge the government that this should not be repeated in future as it constitutes a gross violation of human rights. Citizens should at all times enjoy their freedom to access information
Recommendations
In pursuit of a Zimbabwe people want, which is characterized by rapid and sustainable economic, social and political development underpinned by the rule of law, constitutionalism and unity, NANGO proffers the following recommendations for consideration:
NANGO reiterates that, NGOs in Zimbabwe adhere to their mandates in accordance with the Private Voluntary Organisations Act section 10 and other instruments within which they were constituted and they contribute positively to national development. Non-state actors strongly feel that the continued labelling and heavy handedness by the state is compromising development and will further marginalize vulnerable groups and communities. Therefore, all organs of the state are implored to desist from willy-nilly labelling any organized or non-organized mass protests and also cease threatening the security of civil society leaders.
NANGO is a non-party political, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational official coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe with a membership complement of over a thousand organisations. It carries under its wings an amalgam of various issue constituencies and representative groups all with the singular focus of meeting the development needs of men, women and children in Zimbabwe.
24 Jan 2019
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), the official umbrella body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe, implores President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration to understand that a fuel price hike under the current economic conditions may have untold repercussions.
The price increase comes at a time when most companies have halted production and in a country where unemployment is very high. This new fuel prices will spiral into price increases of many other basic commodities, systematic erosion of salaries, charging of some basic commodities in United States Dollars and resultantly increase the cost of living.
Social media is awash with civil society, workers unions, pressure groups and economics experts proffering advice and solutions on how the situation can be abated. This brings the realisation that government should engage all interested stakeholders before imposing exorbitant fuel prices.
The nation looks forward to a nation building endeavour premised on homegrown solutions albeit with assistance from external investors. This does not negate the need for structural reforms with inclusion of youth, women, children and people with disabilities in the decision making process as well as observance of human rights.
NANGO encourages all citizens to exercise restraint and refrain from violence and looting. The police and army are also encouraged to respect human life and not suppress constitutional liberties.
NANGO is a non-party political, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational official coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe with a membership complement of over a thousand organisations. It carries under its wings an amalgam of various issue constituencies and representative groups all with the singular focus of meeting the development needs of men, women and children in Zimbabwe.
24 Jan 2019
High Court judge Justice Owen Tagu on 21 January 2019 ruled that the Minister of State in the President’s Office Responsible for National Security does not have the authority to issue any directives in terms of the Interception of Communications Act.
This means that the directives issued by Minister Owen Ncube to shut down Internet in Zimbabwe are illegal and therefore, without effect. The Interception of Communications Act is one of 12 Acts directly administered by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The President does have the right to assign any other Cabinet members to act on his behalf to administer any of these 12 Acts.
Click on the PDF below to read the entire statement.
High Court judge Justice Owen Tagu on 21 January 2019 ruled that the Minister of State in the President’s Office Responsible for National Security does not have the authority to issue any directives in terms of the Interception of Communications Act.
This means that the directives issued by Minister Owen Ncube to shut down Internet in Zimbabwe are illegal and therefore, without effect. The Interception of Communications Act is one of 12 Acts directly administered by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The President does have the right to assign any other Cabinet members to act on his behalf to administer any of these 12 Acts.
Click on the PDF below to read the entire statement.
MISA Communique – 21 January 2019.pdf
21 Dec 2018
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Dr. John Mangudya said a discussion on disbursement of forex required to secure water treatment chemicals had been overtaken by events because the RBZ disbursed US$1,2 million to City of Harare.
The Governor said this in response to Community Water Alliance’s request for a meeting on Friday 21 December 2018. The alliance sought a detailed explanation on the disbursement of foreign currency for water treatment chemicals.
While Community Water Alliance appreciates the effort by the RBZ to disburse US$1,2 million, it is very important to mention that City of Harare requires at least US$2,5 million and has no other source of foreign currency other than the Reserve Bank.
Community Water Alliance will seek interface with City of Harare to clarify whether this allocation will ensure that daily water production move from the current 330 megalitres per day to at least 600 megalitres per day before 31 December 2018.
Residents implore RBZ officials to act in a manner that is consistent with Section 194 on principles governing public administration particularly swift response to people’s needs and accountable administration which addresses development needs.
#PotableWaterIsAPriority
21 Dec 2018
Community Water Alliance note with concern the burden imposed on Harare residents by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) through legacy debt.
ZIMRA is doubling its legacy debt on a monthly basis and this is crippling capacity of City of Harare to generate revenue required for fulfilment of the right to safe, clean and portable water. The fees are paid by residents and the yoke is too heavy on the neck of citizens paying rates in Harare.
An assessment by Community Water Alliance revealed that legacy debt and interest charges were doubling on a monthly basis e.g $25 million would increase to $50 million over one month. We appreciate that the operations of ZIMRA are lawful but these actions have crippled City of Harare’s capacity to raise revenue needed for critical areas like water and sanitation.
Community Water Alliance has noted that currently City of Harare owes around $170 million legacy debt to ZIMRA. This amount allegedly increased through absurd interest charges.
If the central government cannot hive-off the legacy debt as it has done with other banks and parastatals, then law makers need to revisit these laws and ensure Local Authorities do not carry a heavy burden.
21 Dec 2018
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Sekai Nzenza has assured Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) that there is no need for panic following reports that the government could be planning a clampdown on PVOs.
“There is no need for panic, it is a thing of the past and we are not going back there. We want PVOs to stick to their mandate and if they fail, we will follow the due process that may lead to revoking of licenses,” Minister Nzenza said.
“I understand that there may be one or two incidents that led to this and there was concern that the particular organisations were undermining the direction that the new dispensation is taking. Yes, the language sounds like that of the previous administration but that is not where we are headed.”
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare was speaking at a meeting with the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) National Board Chairperson, Wadzanai Vere, National Board Children Sector representative, Reverend Tailor Nyanhete, Director of the Department of Labour, Langton Ngorima and Acting Director of Social Welfare Department. Criswell Nyakudya. The meeting was requested by NANGO, as it sought clarify of what had widely been construed as a bid to clamp down on PVOs.
Following a cabinet meeting on December 11, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare cautioned PVOs to stick to their mandate and stop dabbling in politics, raising fears that the government could target some organisations.
NANGO Board Chairperson, Wadzanai Vere, said the ministry needs to be cognisant that a blanket statement threatens the security of the broader civil society including trusts that report to their boards and not the ministry.
“We need the ministry to categorically state that there is no need for panic and the situation is under control. It should have been clear if the statement applied to PVOs that are regulated by government. Nonetheless, NANGO members are curious as to what the security threat is, who the implicated organisations are and background leading to issuance of the statement,” said Vere.
The Director of the Department of Labour, Langton Ngorima, asserted that government has various sources of information and that it may be difficult to pinpoint culprits at this stage.
“The statement was more of a warning, something that the previous era would not issue. The ministry is open for dialogue and we are glad you sought audience,” Ngorima added.
In a bid to foster engagement between the parent ministry and NGOs, officials from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare welcomed invitations to platforms that bring together NGOs, government ministries and other stakeholders. They noted the need to reassure people, engage and help NGOs appreciate where government wants to take communities.
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. NANGO, the largest umbrella body for non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. 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.
16 Dec 2016
Zimbabwe is a signatory to international and regional human rights instruments thatpromote the realization of child rights. These include the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). It is critical to note that, the fulfillment of child rights has budgetary implications. In light of this, the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO), with support from Save the Children and UNICEF is implementing the Child Friendly National Budgeting Initiative (CFNBI) that lobbies for the disbursement of adequate resources to expend on child development programmes, in view to enhanced child welfare. Developmental spaces were opened up for children through the Child Parliament (CP), Junior Councils (JC) and Junior School Development Committees (JSDCs) to participate and influence national, local and school level budget processes to make them child sensitive. These initiatives have resulted in the creation of improved child led institutions, policy spaces that are child friendly, and enhanced capacity and awareness of policy makers on child sensitive policies and expenditures. However, the socio-economic challenges faced bychildren still persist chiefly because of the failure by the national budget to support sustainableand progressive child development programmes and projects.
Children through the CP and JC have been engaging policy makers using the Children’s 10 Point Plan, their budget advocacy tool, which outlines children’s national and local budget aspirations. Due to the constrained fiscal space most of these aspirations are not funded and therefore not fulfilled. NANGO is convinced that the level of Investment in education, health and social protection determines how robust the future growth and development prospects of the economy would be. Investment in children forms a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth, human capital and health nation and socially healthy environment that is key to economic development.
NANGO carried out a child sensitive national budget analysis for the period 2012 to 2016.The child budget analysis further exposed the fiscal space constraintthat the country is entangled in. This demonstrates the continued incapacities of the national budget to disburse resources to child related programmes and projects. As such there is a big challenge in promoting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of children in Zimbabwe. There exist a huge variance between budget appropriations and expenditures on child development programmes across all the line ministries with child development mandates.
Allocation and expenditure to the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), and School Feeding Programmes have consistently underperformed. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MPSE), Ministry of Health and Child Care (MHCC) and Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare (MPSLSW) account for about 31% of national budget. Across the three ministries, budgets dedicated to children services have low budget utilization. In this context, the national budget has over years been reduced to a rhetoric budget, which promises child development initiatives that do notmaterialize. It is critical to note that without national budget expenditure, child rights and welfare will remain a mirage. For the period, 2012 to 2016, the allocation to the MHCC declined by 4.3%. In addition, the proportion of national budget to health did not meet the Abuja Declaration, which states that at least 15% of the national budget should be allocated to health. The allocation to the MPES grew by 14.6%. Cumulatively, the MPSE was allocated approximately US$3.2 billion over a period of five years. However, the bulk of this went to recurrent expenditure, to cover remuneration.
14 Dec 2018
In its 2019 budget presented by Councillor Luckson Mukunguma, City of Harare allocated $51 856 200 to water and sanitation against a total budget of $472 248 300. This is a milestone increment in budget allocation to water and sanitation for the past 10 years. Water and sanitation therefore got a 10,98% allocation of the total budget. Community Water Alliance advocated for a 10% budget allocation in letters sent City of Harare and engagements with Mayor of Harare Councillor Herbert Gomba.
City of Harare’s capital budget stands at $125 981 600. The allocation on water and sanitation is 41,16% of the city’s capital budget. We are glad that City of Harare has presented a water budget. The water account is expected to contribute $100 million in 2019 and the allocation given to water and sanitation is a positive move by the City of Harare.
Community Water Alliance however takes note of the following issues that need to be improved in the budget:
Besides issues that need improvement as noted above, Community Water Alliance highly commend City of Harare for presenting a water budget. The allocation is a pointer to both progressive realization and fulfilment of the human right to water enshrined in Section 77(a) of Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) 2013.
Hildaberta Rwambiwa
National Chairperson
Community Water Alliance
+263 773 874 484
