The meeting of the high-level political forum on sustainable development in 2018 convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council will be held from 9 to 18 July 2018; including the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum from 16 to 18 July 2018 in New York, USA.
The theme is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies”. The meeting will review progress towards Sustainable Development Goals and sub-set of Sustainable Development Goals that will be reviewed in depth by the HLPF 2018 will be the following, including Goal 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development) that will be considered each year:
In addition, 47 countries are expected to present their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) during the ministerial meetings and Zimbabwe will not be present. For more information, click https://sustainabledevelopment.un.rg/hlpf/2018
Objectives
In accordance with General Assembly resolutions 66/288 and 67/290, the Forum, consistent with its universal intergovernmental character, shall:
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
___________ __________________
2018 Annual National Agribusiness Conference Concept Note
____________________________________________________
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
The year 2015 saw the end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) which were guiding national development planning and programming in view to attain the 8 global goals which sought primary to address global poverty and inequalities. Many nations Zimbabwe included did not achieve the majority of the MDGs as such there is the unfinished business. However, the global commitment to address the socio-economic challenges assisted in developing a common framework of addressing these challenges across the world. In view of this, the Heads of State and Government adopted a successor package of global development goals and indicators to synchronize the efforts of member’s states in addressing the economic, social, governance and environmental challenges facing the world today through the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a life span of 15 years that is 2016 to 2030.
A few hours ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections NANGO deployed observers in the sampled 364 of 10985 polling stations in the northern, eastern, western, midlands and southern regions of Zimbabwe.
Unfortunately, political parties, independent candidates and civil society had not received the final voter’s roll from Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. This is deplorable as it is a breach of the Electoral Act.
NANGO continues to call for the nation to uphold peace and tranquillity during the entire electoral process. Political parties, candidates and the general citizenry are reminded to maintain peace, desist from hate speech and observe human rights before, during and after the elections.
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 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.
Presented by Wadzanayi Vere, NANGO Board Chairperson and Head of Mission of the NANGO Election Observation Mission on 29 July 2018.
27 Jul 2018
Political candidates in Manicaland ceased the opportunity to engage community members ranging from youth, women, people with disabilities and the elderly. The candidates eagerly set themselves apart and were clear on why they deserved to win in the looming elections.
Mr K F Chiororo an independent candidate, Takawira Mupakati from National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) and C Hlatswayo from MDC Alliance explained the need for strong policies and promised to address these when elected into office. The youthful candidate from NCA proposed that when elected into office he will ensure legal reform processes to repeal the Communal Lands Acts which gives government power to dispossess people’s land without offering compensation. The National Constitutional Assembly aspiring candidate also argued that the current constitution centralises power in the hands of the president and said his party would spearhead a constitutional reform process which will usher in a new people driven constitution. The MDC Alliance candidate Mr C Hlatswayo promised effective service delivery.
Chipinge South independent candidate Mr K F Chiororo promised the electorate improved service delivery by the local authority and to crackdown corrupt council officials. He said that devolution could bring local economic development and added that all the candidates should pledge to campaign in peace and urge their supporters to co-exist despite divergent political ideologies. The candidates pledged to be accountable to the people and all agreed to use constituency development funds to build satellite clinics and other necessities which are not available in the constituency.
Platform for Youth Development Trust in collaboration with NANGO held this dialogue meeting between the electorate and candidates at New Checheche Conference Centre. Three out of an expected six candidates attended the meeting and more than 100 community members braved the chilly weather to interface with their potential leaders. This public dialogue meeting accorded citizens opportunity to discuss with the aspiring leaders issues affecting sustainable development and service delivery. A series of dialogue meeting will be held in all constituencies in Chipinge district and this would allow the interface between citizens and potential leaders.
27 Jul 2018
Harare residents have bemoaned the poor state of service delivery and call for all aspiring candidates to honour their pledges if they do win in the harmonised elections. Residents said that aspiring candidates should also respect the code of conduct which political parties have been mandated to sign and comply with.
Residents commended the code of conduct which binds all political parties, promotes conditions that are conducive for free and fair elections and a climate of tolerance in which electioneering activity may take place without fear, coercion, intimidation or reprisals.
However, somewhat content with the peaceful election environment, residents from the different constituencies highlighted grievances that cut across all constituencies. Residents called on the aspiring candidates to find lasting and sustainable solutions to poor access to clean and portable water, erratic electricity supply, irregular refuse collection, exorbitant rates, dilapidated recreational facilities, poor roads among other issues.
Residents also encouraged some of the aspiring candidates to relook at their priorities and ensure that what they prioritise is in line with needs of the people they intend to serve. As part of development for their communities, the candidates promised youth empowerment projects, setting up ward non-partisan ward development committees, improving road networks within constituencies, advocating for more water sourcing for areas like Mabvuku and Chitungwiza, fundraising to procure a local ambulance, resuscitating recreational centres, refurbishing public toilets, renovating designated public transport pick up points, introducing neighbourhood watch to curb criminal activities and to lobby for affordable education for orphans and vulnerable children.
The aspiring candidates that got the opportunity to interact with their respective community members were Mary Terai and Tafadzwa Thomas both from Build Zimbabwe Alliance, Fortunate Musinake of the People’s Rainbow Coalition, Cleytos Mahlathini and Luke Dzinamarira from Coalition of Democrats, Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi and Blessing Nhende representing MDC Alliance and Margaret Mweru from Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity. Only one aspiring Member of Parliament, Simbarashe Manomano participated in the interactions. He is vying for MP representing MDC led by Thokozani Khupe.
Less than two weeks before the Harmonised elections, Harare Residents Trust (HRT) and NANGO held meetings to capacitate residents and rate payers so that they make informed decisions come the election day. It was of paramount importance to also create platforms of engagement between the electorate and candidates vying for public office.
Picture by NANGO
HRT, a citizen rights group in Harare and NANGO, organised the interaction dubbed ‘Meet your potential leader’ with some of the candidates set to contest in the elections in Glen Norah, Mabvuku, Tafara, Chitungwiza and Highfield constituencies.
NANGO is a non-party political, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational official 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. NANGO also coordinates various civil society responses to emerging issues in Zimbabwe.
By Keane Matenga and Franklin Mukwaira
