InfocusNews 04 - 08 April 2022
Local Authorities Trained on Corporate Governance
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OCAL Authority representatives from Bulawayo City Council (BCC), Gwanda Rural District Council, Kusile Rural District Council (KRDC), Municipality of Beitbridge, Umzingwane Rural District Council (URDC), and Hwange Local Board were equipped with skills that would aid them in corporate governance. The Corporate Governance training was conducted to equip Local Authorities with knowledge on the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act of 2018, the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Procurement Act. Dr Gorden Moyo, former State Enterprises and Parastatals Minister, presented on some of the corporate frictions that distabilise implementation of duties at Local Authorities. He cited examples such as those that emanate between elected Local Authorities and professionfacebook.com/wildtrustzim |
al staff, frictions between elected Local Authorities and traditional leadership authorities, frictions between Local Authorities and Residents Associations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). He cited an existence of a grey area between Local Authorities and Central Government, resource scarcity and political interference and political influence. Bulawayo Ward 12 Councilor, Lilian Mlilo cited that corporate friction inhibits the possibility of Local Authorities to reaching common ground when debating matters of residents’ concern. “I could relate with the presentation about the existence of corporate frictions at Local Authorities,” said Mlilo. “Meetings are at times interrupted due to the frictions that are at play between elected local Authorities and professional staff.”
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Bulawayo Ward 22 Councilor, Rodney Jele cited how corporate friction hinders productivity within Local Authorities. “Projects are not executed accordingly due to corporate frictions at play between elected local authorities and professional staff,” said Councilor Jele. Presenting on the Principles of Public Financial Management, Dr Moyo cited: “Sound, transparent and accountable is key pillar of governance reform and of vital importance to provide public services of good quality to citizens, as well as to create and maintain fair and sustainable economic and social conditions in a country.” Dr Moyo challenged CSOs to consider skills strengthening on tendering processes so that they are in a position to monitor the possible gaps at play in public procurement.
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InfocusNews of the CSOs. The Government should, however, recognize the CSOs as critical development partners that will complement some of their efforts.” Jabulani Chikomwe exclaimed.
Residents encouraged to submit written submissions after public hearings
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he Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill hearings that were facilitated by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee last month in Bulawayo were characterised by chaos and disruptions from groups that were in attendance. This can be said to have been attributed to some not being able to fully express their sentiments on the Proposed Bill, and some of the attendees’ views were lost in the noise. Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) and Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) conducted a post-public hearing community feedback meeting which brought together selected Members of Parliament, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and informal traders to deliberate on the PVO Bill and how it impacts
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citizens’ rights. It was highlighted by attendees that the PVO Bill was opposed by many during the hearings who shared concerns that if the bill is passed, it will compromise the good works and projects that the PVOs are doing for the communities, emphasising that the Government of Zimbabwe should not recognise the CSOs as critical development partners. “The Bill has three purposes: to comply with recommendations made by the FATF, to streamline administrative procedures and allow for the efficient regulation and administration of PVOs, and to prevent PVOs from undertaking political lobbying. But one would realise that the Bill will give the Minister powers to interfere in the day-to-day running
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Speaking at the meeting, Honourable Jasmine Toffa highlighted that the chaos that might have characterised the hearings could potentially have hindered some people from sharing their thoughts on the issue, but people should not lose hope and be left in despondency as they also have an opportunity to submit their written submissions. “Everyone has a right to make their contributions during any hearing, as the main scope of conducting hearings is to obtain public views and recommendations on public and policy programmes. If people’s sentiments on the proposed Bill are not heard, it defeats the purpose of the hearing. I hear you are saying that some people might not have gotten an opportunity to speak, but you should know that there is another option of submitting your written submissions to the Parliament. This also gives you a chance to express yourself fully with regards to the proposed Bill. Hence, let’s use such channels to share our views,” said Honourable Toffa. Some attendees assured that in case they fail to share their views during the hearings they will submit their written submissions to Parliament.
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Picture Credit: Transparency International Zimbabwe
BCC urged to recognise the equality of women’s land rights
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HE City of Bulawayo has been urged to recognize the equality of women’s land rights, which is a move towards implementing equal access to resources as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. During a panel discussion at a Policy Dialogue that was facilitated by Transparency International Zimbabwe, Ntokozo Tshuma, a Local Governance Consultant cited the need for women to be allocated adequate land rights. Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) conducted a Policy Dialogue on Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Public Service Delivery. The Policy Dialogue sought to identify and discuss corruption risks and vulnerabilities within the public procurement process, land administration and national housing at local government level. During the discussion under the
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theme: “Addressing corruption in land administration and housing,” Ntokozo Tshuma, a Local Governance Consultant said: “BCC should be the first Local Authority that will accord full land rights to women as they are the worst affected by the poor allocation of land and housing administration.” For women, land rights mean a more equal power within the home and community, and ability to realize economic opportunity and legal rights. For everyone, regardless of gender, stronger rights for women and girls means more prosperity, peace, and sustainability. Most marriages in Zimbabwe are customary, unregistered unions that give no legal protection or inheritance rights to women if the union ends. However, a Zimbabwe Supreme Court ruling last year granted women the right to equal property if the marriage is registered.
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Presenting during the same session, Nikiwe Ncube- Tshabalala, a Legal Expert cited that land acquisition for women remains a challenge that has seen some acquiring it in a manner that is not correct. “Women who may want to own land are given terms and conditions that are unfair to a point that they end up acquiring land in an unruly manner,” added Ncube-Tshabalala. She urged stakeholders to consider amending the Communal Land Act so that it can also accommodate access to land for women and not be limited by matrimony. Tshuma cited possible mitigation measures that would reduce land corruption, administration and housing highlighting the need for increased accountability, transparency, and equality to women’s land rights.
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