The current effort to resuscitate Zimbabwe’s economy needs to involve more participants to include non-political entities and institutions which have expertise in mobilizing financial and other economic resources. One such Institution that can play a leading role in mobilizing recovery resources and investor interest is the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange ( ZSE) .
The ZSE can play a leading and prominent role in marketing Zimbabwe as a suitable and promising investment destination by attracting foreign and local investors who have an appetite for emerging market growth prospects.
Whilst the political leaders criss-cross the globe in search of AID, Donations ,grants and other forms of assistance the ZSE must be re-focused as a leading vehicle in attracting Foreign direct investment to Zimbabwe .The shares on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange continue to out perform most other exchanges due to the fact the market may have been mis-priced after years of investor and capital flight.
The current transitional phase presents a unique opportunity for the ZSE to re-position Zimbabwe as a centre for various areas which Africa still lags behind. Many countries in Southern Africa have greatly benefited from the economic meltdown by attracting Zimbabwe’s skilled professionals especially from the banking and financial sector.
The ZSE can be pro-active is re-attracting these professionals by adopting clear and progressive listing requirements and linking up with other exchanges in being a modern and innovative financial centre. This in turn will attract banking and finance professionals who will obviously bring back a wealth of experience and vast network in credit and financial markets. This experience and networks will subsequently be a national treasure as it will serve to attract international capital into Zimbabwe’s economy.
This trend will quicken Zimbabwe’s re-integration into the global financial system which is critical for the economic recovery. It is clear aid and grants can no finance the economic recovery .This makes it imperative for private capital to be part of the recovery process and this should be mobilized through institutions such as the ZSE.
There are several areas that the ZSE can deliberately promote and encourage which will position Zimbabwe ahead of other countries on the continent. The Financial sector is one such area due to the well developed infrastructure and highly experienced and educated professionals.
The second area is the information ,communication and technology (ICT) sector which Africa is still lagging behind. This presents a clear opportunity Zimbabwe to brand itself the Silicon Valley of Africa, a title that is slowly being claimed by Rwanda. Zimbabwe has excellent infrastructure to build on a decent hub which can attract capital into the country. This can be channeled through the ZSE.
For this to happen the ZSE must actively and aggressively encourage Information, Communications and Technology companies to list .Econet and Celsys are already listed as Technology stocks which have over the years proven the value. Other companies from the sector such as Net-One ,Tel-One and Telecell should be given incentives and encouraged to broaden shareholding and raise expansion capital through a ZSE listing.
The planned listing of 3MG MEDIA Limited presents yet another opportunity to help position the ZSE as a forward looking, progressive and critical institution in encouraging capital mobilization and attracting investment. Africa has great potential in ICT and a clear market gap exist for an exchange that can position itself as the centre for African ICT capital raising activities. This will have multiple benefits and positive spin offs for the economy as jobs are created whilst service is enhanced.
Whilst the Global economy is in a tailspin Zimbabwe has to look at various ways to fund the recovery effort besides the traditional model of over-reliance on donors. Due to the current difficult credit market conditions this presents an opportunity to break with tradition and instead seek to finance the recovery exercise with Private capital and Foreign direct investment backed by investment from non-resident Zimbabweans who have built various support networks overseas.
The effort must be co-coordinated by a respectable body such as the ZSE which doesn’t suffer much from political ideology difference which is likely to affect any Government led effort to directly appeal for funds.
The ZSE is better placed to assist in that investors will do their own risk assessment and channel their funds in areas showing great potential. Instead of directly seeking funds the Government is better advised to focus more on creating a conducive and stable economic environment with protection of property rights and respect rule of law.
This will slowly attract investors whose goal is economic benefits whilst the Government gets its fair share in form of tax and other normal fees payable by business. As part of the Zimbabwe re-branding exercise it is important that Institutions such as the ZSE be at the forefront, with a clear theme such as encouraging ICT or particular service sectors which can anchor future growth.
Gilbert Muponda is an Entrepreneur based in Canada. He is CEO and Co-Founder of 3MG MEDIA Limited. He can be reached at;
Email: gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com Skype ID: gilbert.muponda
Phone: 1-416-841-5542
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Zimbabwe needs to engage farmers in the fund raise efforts
The recent political developments have really made sad reading about Zimbabwe’s potential compared to where it is currently going. Politics has overtaken everything such that there is no clear visible national economic model and national will to implement that national economic model. There has been enough analysis on the demerits f the GNU and as such its just like discussing how to pull out the bus from the ditch .The conservation needs to shift to how can we pull the bus ( Zimbabwe Economy ) from the ditch. Clearly there are over expectations on what the GNU can do for Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans need to be realistic and proactive in creating the Zimbabwe we want. The conversation needs to be more about the Economic recovery and investment environment which can be the only way to improve the standards of Living.
The current environment is a product of years and decades of ruinous economic policies supported by a repressive economic environment. One key aspect that has to be addressed is how to attract investors back into Zimbabwe. How to get industries back to be productive. How to stop ZSE listed companies from market cannibalization whereby supposedly industrial companies are forced to trade each others shares instead of expanding productive capacity. A way needs to be found to re-attract the highly experienced commercial farmers. They are critical in assisting recovery of Zimbabwe’s agro-driven economy.
One of the GNU’s key agreement points was that the land reform was irreversible. This is generally understood to mean that those who lost their farms have no recourse to law. The process also kills land as an asset which one can use to access funding., since most ownership is disputed. So there is an urgent need to resolve the dispute so that land once again becomes a real, realizable asset which one can pledge to his bankers as collateral to secure a loan.
Once this ownership dispute is resolved those who are having the land can sell it ,bankers can finance those who want to farm and the owners can get compensated for that land and improvements. And most farmers would gladly accept payment and start all over again as long as they are paid a decent value for their farms or investment into those farms. Therefore the challenge is how to finance compensation to the farmers. Where will the money come from? Who will write the compensation cheque.
This is where the GNU could do wonders in terms of re-assuring farmers and other would be investors. The GNU has been going all over the world looking for financial assistance ,but the use of the funds has been a rather vague statement that the use of proceeds would be “ for Zimbabwe’s economic recovery“. In the world of finance the use of proceeds is critical assessment for who ever is being asked to write a check. So normally the fundraising effort must be focused and clear , vague terms are to be avoided as they normally serve to turn off potential financiers. Therefore when the GNU goes on to say we need money to recover the economy not only are they barking to the wrong tree but also in the wrong forest.
The GNU needs a clear fundraise plan just like any one who is trying to finance their venture. In Zimbabwe’s case since its fairly clear on who may give the money and under what conditions. If and if I was tasked with structuring the fundraise I would prominently include the following .The figures are for illustrative purpose only .
Amount Required ; $ US 5 billion
Purpose ; Finance Zimbabwe Economic recovery
Use of Proceeds ; US$ 2 billion - pay farmers compensation
US$ 3 billion - Health, Education, Infrastructure etc
Road Show Team; A few politicians, bankers, entrepreneurs and farmers.
The rest can be usual formalities but it is absolutely key that in the fundraise amount compensation for the farmers be included. Not just in words but in true spirit of paying a fair price and closing a sad chapter. This is critical as it addresses 2 key aspects .Firstly the former owners would then give up their claim on the land once fairly paid. Secondly the new owners can then get legally and generally acceptable marketable asset which they can sell to anyone including the former owners who would use their compensation to pay for the land .
This sounds rather far fetched and somehow awkward but it is a practical step that can sufficiently address a complicated chapter. It is agreed generally that many farmers would go back to Zimbabwe and resume operations once they are assured of safety, property rights and compensated.
The GNU due to some goodwill still out there can champion this cause and this should be an easy sell to both the farmers and the new farmers or beneficiaries of the land reform. They both need each other. And they all want to move forward , but the lack of fair compensation makes this impossible. So since the GNU declared that the land reform was irreversible ,the same GNU must take the initiative in compensating the farmers and try to re-attract some of them as part of the closure of the process.
This approach will show a serious will and commitment that Zimbabwe is serious about reform and protecting investor interests. The key is to let the international community that yes Zimbabwe acknowledges the need to pay for the farmers and its ready to do that as soon as the International community agrees to avail some of the resources. The farmers don’t have to be paid the full amount at once but can be paid in tranches and as Zimbabwe recovers the state may be able foot some of the bill.
This model or modified version thereof presents a clear opportunity to turn the current exercise from a begging circus into and investment mobilization plan. There is need to send a clear message that we need money and some of this money will be used to compensate farmers , who in turn will re-invest the money in Zimbabwe. This is an opportunity to include the farmers in that process and make them part of the investment mobilization effort with clear commitments that they will be compensated with an expectation that they re-invest into farming and help in the recovery process. It is when things like that start happening that even the international community will be ashamed to keep any form of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Gilbert Muponda is the CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital .
He can be reached at email ; gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Skype ; gilbert.Muponda
Web ; www.gmricapital.com
The current environment is a product of years and decades of ruinous economic policies supported by a repressive economic environment. One key aspect that has to be addressed is how to attract investors back into Zimbabwe. How to get industries back to be productive. How to stop ZSE listed companies from market cannibalization whereby supposedly industrial companies are forced to trade each others shares instead of expanding productive capacity. A way needs to be found to re-attract the highly experienced commercial farmers. They are critical in assisting recovery of Zimbabwe’s agro-driven economy.
One of the GNU’s key agreement points was that the land reform was irreversible. This is generally understood to mean that those who lost their farms have no recourse to law. The process also kills land as an asset which one can use to access funding., since most ownership is disputed. So there is an urgent need to resolve the dispute so that land once again becomes a real, realizable asset which one can pledge to his bankers as collateral to secure a loan.
Once this ownership dispute is resolved those who are having the land can sell it ,bankers can finance those who want to farm and the owners can get compensated for that land and improvements. And most farmers would gladly accept payment and start all over again as long as they are paid a decent value for their farms or investment into those farms. Therefore the challenge is how to finance compensation to the farmers. Where will the money come from? Who will write the compensation cheque.
This is where the GNU could do wonders in terms of re-assuring farmers and other would be investors. The GNU has been going all over the world looking for financial assistance ,but the use of the funds has been a rather vague statement that the use of proceeds would be “ for Zimbabwe’s economic recovery“. In the world of finance the use of proceeds is critical assessment for who ever is being asked to write a check. So normally the fundraising effort must be focused and clear , vague terms are to be avoided as they normally serve to turn off potential financiers. Therefore when the GNU goes on to say we need money to recover the economy not only are they barking to the wrong tree but also in the wrong forest.
The GNU needs a clear fundraise plan just like any one who is trying to finance their venture. In Zimbabwe’s case since its fairly clear on who may give the money and under what conditions. If and if I was tasked with structuring the fundraise I would prominently include the following .The figures are for illustrative purpose only .
Amount Required ; $ US 5 billion
Purpose ; Finance Zimbabwe Economic recovery
Use of Proceeds ; US$ 2 billion - pay farmers compensation
US$ 3 billion - Health, Education, Infrastructure etc
Road Show Team; A few politicians, bankers, entrepreneurs and farmers.
The rest can be usual formalities but it is absolutely key that in the fundraise amount compensation for the farmers be included. Not just in words but in true spirit of paying a fair price and closing a sad chapter. This is critical as it addresses 2 key aspects .Firstly the former owners would then give up their claim on the land once fairly paid. Secondly the new owners can then get legally and generally acceptable marketable asset which they can sell to anyone including the former owners who would use their compensation to pay for the land .
This sounds rather far fetched and somehow awkward but it is a practical step that can sufficiently address a complicated chapter. It is agreed generally that many farmers would go back to Zimbabwe and resume operations once they are assured of safety, property rights and compensated.
The GNU due to some goodwill still out there can champion this cause and this should be an easy sell to both the farmers and the new farmers or beneficiaries of the land reform. They both need each other. And they all want to move forward , but the lack of fair compensation makes this impossible. So since the GNU declared that the land reform was irreversible ,the same GNU must take the initiative in compensating the farmers and try to re-attract some of them as part of the closure of the process.
This approach will show a serious will and commitment that Zimbabwe is serious about reform and protecting investor interests. The key is to let the international community that yes Zimbabwe acknowledges the need to pay for the farmers and its ready to do that as soon as the International community agrees to avail some of the resources. The farmers don’t have to be paid the full amount at once but can be paid in tranches and as Zimbabwe recovers the state may be able foot some of the bill.
This model or modified version thereof presents a clear opportunity to turn the current exercise from a begging circus into and investment mobilization plan. There is need to send a clear message that we need money and some of this money will be used to compensate farmers , who in turn will re-invest the money in Zimbabwe. This is an opportunity to include the farmers in that process and make them part of the investment mobilization effort with clear commitments that they will be compensated with an expectation that they re-invest into farming and help in the recovery process. It is when things like that start happening that even the international community will be ashamed to keep any form of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Gilbert Muponda is the CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital .
He can be reached at email ; gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Skype ; gilbert.Muponda
Web ; www.gmricapital.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
ZANU determined to continue looting
The recent demotion of ICT Minister Hon. Nelson Chamisa by the ZANU PF leader Mr Robert Mugabe only serves to confirm how insincere ZANU-PF remains about genuine partnership with the opposition. ZANU PF has a defined plan to weaken and decimate the opposition ahead of elections .
It is clear that ZANU believes MDC should be a junior partner in the power-sharing arrangement despite the fact that MDC won the election and should be the ruling party whilst ZANU PF should be recovering as a opposition party. The whole GNU concept was ill-conceived from the start. This has been worsened by the general view that those who do not support the GNU are not patriotic.
It is clear ZANU PF does not support the proposed Media reforms and access to information which Hon Chamisa was spear heading. These are the key reforms that Zimbabwe needs for the “sanctions” to be lifted. By demoting Hon Chamisa Mr Mugabe is making it clear he doesn’t care about sanctions or the welfare of Zimbabweans who desperately need International support and assistance .
What is clear is ZANU is determined to hold on to National Assets such as Net-one which are being looted left ,right and centre. The introduction of Hon Chamisa presented a road block for the looting gravy train. Just like its exclusive access to the Diamond mines in Chiadzwa ,ZANU PF remains focused on denying MDC any access to resources or power. This explains why the state Media continue to take a dim view on all activities of the MDC.
According to ZANU PF when they lose election power has to be shared but when ZANU “won” past elections there was never a suggestion that power should be shared. This trend is totally disturbing as it goes against the whole concept of having elections in the first place. The parties should simply sit and dived power without wasting time ,resources and killing opposition activists just to proceed to divide power between election losers and winners .
The MDC clearly was duped ,intimidated and forced into a Government meant to legitimize an illegal government that has committed serious crimes against humanity. After losing an election and then proceed to commit mass murder ,rape, torture against Zimbabweans ZANU PF does not deserve to be rewarded or legitimized by being accommodated in some fancy Government structure as a senior partner in that Government.
It is clear ZANU is determined to use all tricks and tactics to frustrate and impede Zimbabwe’s recovery. The recent press reports of the Reserve Bank dishing out Quasi Fiscal Activities left over vehicles to Mps is just but one clear sign that Zimbabwe remains in the woods. The MPS are being silenced through such perks which are still dripping with blood from crimes against humanity. The very same vehicles are the “unmarked vehicles” that were used through out the country to abduct, torture and murder opposition and human rights activists. And now Members of Parliament are being rewarded with such tainted vehicles used to commit such horrible crimes against innocent Zimbabweans? How can then the MPs be expected to question the source of the vehicles or what the vehicles were used for in the past?
MDC is categorically being dismantled and weakened much to the disadvantage of Zimbabweans who have all their faith in MDC as an agent of change. The two MDC Ministers from who much was expected are slowly being entangled in a massive web resembling a circus. Finance Minister Biti was widely expected to be a new broom at the Ministry of Finance , but he is unlikely to deliver much as long as the International Community withholds support. Given that the removal of the Reserve Bank Governor has been made a condition precedent for any resumption of Aid means Minister Biti will find it hard to achieve the 100 day plan goals. The Reserve Bank Governor has made it clear that he is borrowing his Principal’s favorite song - handiende. Now if you have individuals who are willing to hold the nation at ransom just to remain in office it doesn’t take much to figure that such people cant be taken as serious partners with a genuine will to see the country recover.
The recent documentary on Prisons conditions show how ZANU PF has committed crimes against humanity. The evidence is undeniable .According to Wikipedia
Crimes against humanity, as defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Explanatory Memorandum, "are particularly odious offences in that they constitute a serious attack on human dignity or grave humiliation or a degradation of one or more human beings.
They are not isolated or sporadic events, but are part either of a government policy (although the perpetrators need not identify themselves with this policy) or of a wide practice of atrocities tolerated or condoned by a government or a de facto authority. Murder, extermination, torture, rape, political, racial, or religious persecution and other inhumane acts reach the threshold of crimes against humanity only if they are part of a widespread or systematic practice .
The conditions in Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s Prisons clearly show how fellow human beings are degraded, abused and humiliated in a scale that’s clearly a crime against humanity .
When you have partners who are prepared to do things such as keeping fellow human beings under such conditions and come out to deny or support it its clear such a Government can not be progressive. As such MDC may need to re-think its partnership with ZANU-PF since Governments operate on the doctrine of share responsibility and accountability. Some of these crimes against humanity need to isolated and be clearly linked to those who committed them .
It is clear that the MDC needs to remain alert to the various schemes and tactics that are being employed to weaken it. Ministers Biti and Chamisa were particularly expected to deliver a lot on behalf of the MDC and as elections draw closer it may be harder for them to show any real progress due to the traps and snares prepared for them in ZANU-PF bid to tarnish MDC reputation and image .Zimbabwe needs a ruling party and an opposition ,not de-facto one party state.
Gilbert Muponda is Founder and CEO of GMRI Capital. He can be reached at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
It is clear that ZANU believes MDC should be a junior partner in the power-sharing arrangement despite the fact that MDC won the election and should be the ruling party whilst ZANU PF should be recovering as a opposition party. The whole GNU concept was ill-conceived from the start. This has been worsened by the general view that those who do not support the GNU are not patriotic.
It is clear ZANU PF does not support the proposed Media reforms and access to information which Hon Chamisa was spear heading. These are the key reforms that Zimbabwe needs for the “sanctions” to be lifted. By demoting Hon Chamisa Mr Mugabe is making it clear he doesn’t care about sanctions or the welfare of Zimbabweans who desperately need International support and assistance .
What is clear is ZANU is determined to hold on to National Assets such as Net-one which are being looted left ,right and centre. The introduction of Hon Chamisa presented a road block for the looting gravy train. Just like its exclusive access to the Diamond mines in Chiadzwa ,ZANU PF remains focused on denying MDC any access to resources or power. This explains why the state Media continue to take a dim view on all activities of the MDC.
According to ZANU PF when they lose election power has to be shared but when ZANU “won” past elections there was never a suggestion that power should be shared. This trend is totally disturbing as it goes against the whole concept of having elections in the first place. The parties should simply sit and dived power without wasting time ,resources and killing opposition activists just to proceed to divide power between election losers and winners .
The MDC clearly was duped ,intimidated and forced into a Government meant to legitimize an illegal government that has committed serious crimes against humanity. After losing an election and then proceed to commit mass murder ,rape, torture against Zimbabweans ZANU PF does not deserve to be rewarded or legitimized by being accommodated in some fancy Government structure as a senior partner in that Government.
It is clear ZANU is determined to use all tricks and tactics to frustrate and impede Zimbabwe’s recovery. The recent press reports of the Reserve Bank dishing out Quasi Fiscal Activities left over vehicles to Mps is just but one clear sign that Zimbabwe remains in the woods. The MPS are being silenced through such perks which are still dripping with blood from crimes against humanity. The very same vehicles are the “unmarked vehicles” that were used through out the country to abduct, torture and murder opposition and human rights activists. And now Members of Parliament are being rewarded with such tainted vehicles used to commit such horrible crimes against innocent Zimbabweans? How can then the MPs be expected to question the source of the vehicles or what the vehicles were used for in the past?
MDC is categorically being dismantled and weakened much to the disadvantage of Zimbabweans who have all their faith in MDC as an agent of change. The two MDC Ministers from who much was expected are slowly being entangled in a massive web resembling a circus. Finance Minister Biti was widely expected to be a new broom at the Ministry of Finance , but he is unlikely to deliver much as long as the International Community withholds support. Given that the removal of the Reserve Bank Governor has been made a condition precedent for any resumption of Aid means Minister Biti will find it hard to achieve the 100 day plan goals. The Reserve Bank Governor has made it clear that he is borrowing his Principal’s favorite song - handiende. Now if you have individuals who are willing to hold the nation at ransom just to remain in office it doesn’t take much to figure that such people cant be taken as serious partners with a genuine will to see the country recover.
The recent documentary on Prisons conditions show how ZANU PF has committed crimes against humanity. The evidence is undeniable .According to Wikipedia
Crimes against humanity, as defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Explanatory Memorandum, "are particularly odious offences in that they constitute a serious attack on human dignity or grave humiliation or a degradation of one or more human beings.
They are not isolated or sporadic events, but are part either of a government policy (although the perpetrators need not identify themselves with this policy) or of a wide practice of atrocities tolerated or condoned by a government or a de facto authority. Murder, extermination, torture, rape, political, racial, or religious persecution and other inhumane acts reach the threshold of crimes against humanity only if they are part of a widespread or systematic practice .
The conditions in Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s Prisons clearly show how fellow human beings are degraded, abused and humiliated in a scale that’s clearly a crime against humanity .
When you have partners who are prepared to do things such as keeping fellow human beings under such conditions and come out to deny or support it its clear such a Government can not be progressive. As such MDC may need to re-think its partnership with ZANU-PF since Governments operate on the doctrine of share responsibility and accountability. Some of these crimes against humanity need to isolated and be clearly linked to those who committed them .
It is clear that the MDC needs to remain alert to the various schemes and tactics that are being employed to weaken it. Ministers Biti and Chamisa were particularly expected to deliver a lot on behalf of the MDC and as elections draw closer it may be harder for them to show any real progress due to the traps and snares prepared for them in ZANU-PF bid to tarnish MDC reputation and image .Zimbabwe needs a ruling party and an opposition ,not de-facto one party state.
Gilbert Muponda is Founder and CEO of GMRI Capital. He can be reached at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Zimbabwe ministerial retreat a critical step
The on-going Zimbabwe Ministerial retreat conference in Victoria Falls is an important step in trying to create a normal environment for Economic recovery. It is important to note that this was facilitated by the World Bank. Whilst the people are understandably angry about a gathering at a major tourist attraction area this is a gathering which forms part of the national healing process and creating a national unity of purpose sense. The politicians have to lead by example of being tolerant to each other and it is when people see such gatherings that they will believe MDC and ZANU-PF can really sit together without being forced by Mr Thabo Mbeki or Mr Ian Khama and discuss how they want to re-build their country and ensure that the Zimbabwe Economy recovers.
The Zimbabwean leaders by meeting without the presence of foreign leaders or being arm-twisted are showing that its indeed possible for Zimbabweans to develop a Zimbabwean solution to the Zimbabwean problem. The foreigners and neighbors have played their role. Now is time for Zimbabweans to engage each other and start confidence building measures which will ultimately result in a normal society and economic prosperity.
The healing and Economic recovery process is a sensitive process. The gathering of leaders who are co-operating sends an important signal to the business and investment community. This is why even though the world is going through the worst financial crisis leaders of the 20 leading economies invested in time and resources to gather in London to map the way forward. Even though it was just a talk shop the financial markets responded positively after a communiqué was issued from the summit. Summits have the impact of setting the tone and direction of future trends and by merely hosting them it acknowledges there is a serious problem ,which has been identified and is going to be solved. This is what all financial markets need and this will filter into the business community to start investing again or at least to stop down scaling.
The whole GNU minister lineup have to be sensitive to the suffering around them and have to distance themselves from what may appear to be wasteful expenditure and lavish lifestyle to salvage any credibility. What is clear is that there is a lack of communication between the citizens and those entrusted in solving the national problems. As Zimbabwe prepares to craft a new constitution one hopes that the communication and public awareness campaign will be more rigorous and people centered
The Ministerial retreat is an absolute necessity given the challenges which need a proper plan and team work for Zimbabwe’s Economy to recover. However the people have not been properly educated and informed about the need and benefits of the retreat and other similar functions.
It will be very difficult to measure the exact benefits of this particular retreat but in the practical world such meetings and gatherings are necessary as they create a common understanding that there is a national vision or attempts to set up one. From gatherings like this investors and other stake holders have an opportunity to read the “body” language from the politicians to see if they are really committed to the idea of a Unity Government and Zimbabwe‘s Economic recovery agenda.
This event could easily have sent the wrong signal to the International Community if one of the major participants had turned it down. The mere presence of all the major players in the GNU sets a stage for encouraging those skeptical and doubtful that indeed Zimbabweans have stopped fighting or are about to start behaving maturely with national interests at heart. This can in the long run persuade the International community to serious start supporting these efforts. Obviously the GNU is imperfect and undesirable but it has presented a rare opportunity of stopping Zimbabwe from developing it a totally failed state. And for this reason there is need to encourage and highlight positive and progressive developments which assist in creating a conducive environment for Economic recovery.
The people have a right to ask and the politicians an obligation to answer and be accountable. This is how strong nations are built on the basis of accountability to the people. Given the widespread allegations of corruption and abuse of state resources the people are within their rights to query anything that may slightly appear to be replicating the previous Administration. Politicians need not be offended by this but rather take it as an opportunity to meaningfully engage the public on how a Government functions and how various policies are formulated.
Once politicians start talking and gathering the nation becomes hopeful that a new era is upon us. Obviously those who still carry scares from the immediate past history begin to expect a day in which a Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be set up to finally close a sad chapter. Hosting the retreat is a good starting point showing Zimbabweans can sit and discuss national issues despite clear differences. This can then be summed up by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission by Zimbabweans and for Zimbabweans.A truth commission or truth and reconciliation commission is a commission tasked with discovering and revealing past wrongdoing by a government, in the hope of resolving conflict left over from the past. It allows the nation to formally get a new beginning which is what Zimbabwe is working towards .
Gilbert Muponda is the CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital . He can be reached at email ; gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Skype ; gilbert.Muponda
Web ; www.gmricapital.com
The Zimbabwean leaders by meeting without the presence of foreign leaders or being arm-twisted are showing that its indeed possible for Zimbabweans to develop a Zimbabwean solution to the Zimbabwean problem. The foreigners and neighbors have played their role. Now is time for Zimbabweans to engage each other and start confidence building measures which will ultimately result in a normal society and economic prosperity.
The healing and Economic recovery process is a sensitive process. The gathering of leaders who are co-operating sends an important signal to the business and investment community. This is why even though the world is going through the worst financial crisis leaders of the 20 leading economies invested in time and resources to gather in London to map the way forward. Even though it was just a talk shop the financial markets responded positively after a communiqué was issued from the summit. Summits have the impact of setting the tone and direction of future trends and by merely hosting them it acknowledges there is a serious problem ,which has been identified and is going to be solved. This is what all financial markets need and this will filter into the business community to start investing again or at least to stop down scaling.
The whole GNU minister lineup have to be sensitive to the suffering around them and have to distance themselves from what may appear to be wasteful expenditure and lavish lifestyle to salvage any credibility. What is clear is that there is a lack of communication between the citizens and those entrusted in solving the national problems. As Zimbabwe prepares to craft a new constitution one hopes that the communication and public awareness campaign will be more rigorous and people centered
The Ministerial retreat is an absolute necessity given the challenges which need a proper plan and team work for Zimbabwe’s Economy to recover. However the people have not been properly educated and informed about the need and benefits of the retreat and other similar functions.
It will be very difficult to measure the exact benefits of this particular retreat but in the practical world such meetings and gatherings are necessary as they create a common understanding that there is a national vision or attempts to set up one. From gatherings like this investors and other stake holders have an opportunity to read the “body” language from the politicians to see if they are really committed to the idea of a Unity Government and Zimbabwe‘s Economic recovery agenda.
This event could easily have sent the wrong signal to the International Community if one of the major participants had turned it down. The mere presence of all the major players in the GNU sets a stage for encouraging those skeptical and doubtful that indeed Zimbabweans have stopped fighting or are about to start behaving maturely with national interests at heart. This can in the long run persuade the International community to serious start supporting these efforts. Obviously the GNU is imperfect and undesirable but it has presented a rare opportunity of stopping Zimbabwe from developing it a totally failed state. And for this reason there is need to encourage and highlight positive and progressive developments which assist in creating a conducive environment for Economic recovery.
The people have a right to ask and the politicians an obligation to answer and be accountable. This is how strong nations are built on the basis of accountability to the people. Given the widespread allegations of corruption and abuse of state resources the people are within their rights to query anything that may slightly appear to be replicating the previous Administration. Politicians need not be offended by this but rather take it as an opportunity to meaningfully engage the public on how a Government functions and how various policies are formulated.
Once politicians start talking and gathering the nation becomes hopeful that a new era is upon us. Obviously those who still carry scares from the immediate past history begin to expect a day in which a Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be set up to finally close a sad chapter. Hosting the retreat is a good starting point showing Zimbabweans can sit and discuss national issues despite clear differences. This can then be summed up by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission by Zimbabweans and for Zimbabweans.A truth commission or truth and reconciliation commission is a commission tasked with discovering and revealing past wrongdoing by a government, in the hope of resolving conflict left over from the past. It allows the nation to formally get a new beginning which is what Zimbabwe is working towards .
Gilbert Muponda is the CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital . He can be reached at email ; gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Skype ; gilbert.Muponda
Web ; www.gmricapital.com
Friday, April 3, 2009
Africa missing in action at G20 Summit
The recent G20 summit in London was held under the worst Economic crisis ever faced in the last 60 years, with African nations having little say. It was an opportunity for leading nations to revise an economic recovery plan ,but the summit went further in confirming a new world order in Global finance. The era of total domination by London and New York in world finance is now a clear thing of the past. New powers set to be heard and claim their place in Global stage with China leading the charge for the total reform of the International Monetary Fund.
Africa predictably missing in action when it came to re-divide the global voice in how the world’s Financial system and resources are being managed. The reason is very clear Africa remains dependent on Commodities whose prices are set elsewhere. And once the revenue from these commodities fail to meet national requirements many nations have been forced to rely on Aid. Those nations which have made rapid economic progress have been able to stand up on the Global stage and demand that the IMF and its sister organizations be reformed taking into account the new reality that the Anglo American era of financial domination is slowly passing.
Even other western nations such as Germany and France were keen to see some reform of some sort that would limit the influence of the Anglo-American combination which many are blaming for the current Economic crisis. The crisis presented a new front for settling old scores and resentments.
The once famous " old Washington consensus," a description for the policy prescription of open borders, floating exchange rates and fiscal prudence long favored by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund has been declared officially inadequate to handle today’s Global Financial challenges .
The reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - the world's bank of last resort - which has 185 members is critical. Countries go to it when they have tried everything and are facing bankruptcy. This means the IMF is currently overstretched by the need to bail out so many economies at the same time.
This is what created the opportunity for the Asian nations led by China, India and Japan. IMF like most other Financial institutions requires additional capital to recapitalize it to face current and future challenges. Africa’s position remained as before where the continent could not forcefully push for any meaningful reforms due to lack of financial clout which the Asians had.
There is a clear lesson in this for Africa. Who could have imagined 20 years ago the world could seriously talk of a G 2 and not a G20. The G 2 being the group of 2 made up of the USA and China? China has made such serious progress over the last 20 years that it has accumulated enough reserves and financial clout such that even the USA now relies on China to buy its debt to finance American budget deficits. This proves that progress can be made in a space of less than 20 years and within that generation a nation can rise to be a financial super power.
This hasn’t happened by accident by careful planning over many years and disciplined political leadership. China has been able to use its export earnings to build huge reserves .
China, India and Japan were among the key nations to demand reforms to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutions to better match economic and political realities. These are direct benefit’s the economic success of China and its other Asian partners.
The reason for the shift in influence lies in the fact that Asian economies account for nearly a quarter of all the world's exports, and they have trillions of dollars in foreign reserves. Africa with huge reserves of natural resources has no valid excuse to keep under-performing when it comes to create wealth and accumulate some meaningful reserves.
Asia’s economic success has given it enough clout and reason to aggressively push for IMF reforms. IMF power structure has been a reflection of the world order of the past 60 years. While the United States has a veto, Europe has 32 per cent of the voting power and China has just 3.9 per cent. This is bound to be changed as the Asian nations foot much of the new US$ 850 billion bill to re-capitalize the IMF.
The Asian example is a clear motivating factor for a region like Africa. Value addition to exports has been Asia’s key strategy over the last 30 years. Africa needs to export more value added products and reduce exports of raw materials .
Gilbert Muponda is CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital. He can be reached at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Africa predictably missing in action when it came to re-divide the global voice in how the world’s Financial system and resources are being managed. The reason is very clear Africa remains dependent on Commodities whose prices are set elsewhere. And once the revenue from these commodities fail to meet national requirements many nations have been forced to rely on Aid. Those nations which have made rapid economic progress have been able to stand up on the Global stage and demand that the IMF and its sister organizations be reformed taking into account the new reality that the Anglo American era of financial domination is slowly passing.
Even other western nations such as Germany and France were keen to see some reform of some sort that would limit the influence of the Anglo-American combination which many are blaming for the current Economic crisis. The crisis presented a new front for settling old scores and resentments.
The once famous " old Washington consensus," a description for the policy prescription of open borders, floating exchange rates and fiscal prudence long favored by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund has been declared officially inadequate to handle today’s Global Financial challenges .
The reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - the world's bank of last resort - which has 185 members is critical. Countries go to it when they have tried everything and are facing bankruptcy. This means the IMF is currently overstretched by the need to bail out so many economies at the same time.
This is what created the opportunity for the Asian nations led by China, India and Japan. IMF like most other Financial institutions requires additional capital to recapitalize it to face current and future challenges. Africa’s position remained as before where the continent could not forcefully push for any meaningful reforms due to lack of financial clout which the Asians had.
There is a clear lesson in this for Africa. Who could have imagined 20 years ago the world could seriously talk of a G 2 and not a G20. The G 2 being the group of 2 made up of the USA and China? China has made such serious progress over the last 20 years that it has accumulated enough reserves and financial clout such that even the USA now relies on China to buy its debt to finance American budget deficits. This proves that progress can be made in a space of less than 20 years and within that generation a nation can rise to be a financial super power.
This hasn’t happened by accident by careful planning over many years and disciplined political leadership. China has been able to use its export earnings to build huge reserves .
China, India and Japan were among the key nations to demand reforms to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutions to better match economic and political realities. These are direct benefit’s the economic success of China and its other Asian partners.
The reason for the shift in influence lies in the fact that Asian economies account for nearly a quarter of all the world's exports, and they have trillions of dollars in foreign reserves. Africa with huge reserves of natural resources has no valid excuse to keep under-performing when it comes to create wealth and accumulate some meaningful reserves.
Asia’s economic success has given it enough clout and reason to aggressively push for IMF reforms. IMF power structure has been a reflection of the world order of the past 60 years. While the United States has a veto, Europe has 32 per cent of the voting power and China has just 3.9 per cent. This is bound to be changed as the Asian nations foot much of the new US$ 850 billion bill to re-capitalize the IMF.
The Asian example is a clear motivating factor for a region like Africa. Value addition to exports has been Asia’s key strategy over the last 30 years. Africa needs to export more value added products and reduce exports of raw materials .
Gilbert Muponda is CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital. He can be reached at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Zimbabwe must lift internal sanctions first
Zimbabwe’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has started off better than most people anticipated. Slowly hope is being restored to the people who had all but given up on the country ever recovering. There have been widespread calls to have the international Community to lift targeted “sanctions” to allow the flow of Aid and investment back into Zimbabwe. Whilst the GNU has focused on calling for lifting of external sanctions many observers will notice the presence of internal sanctions which have made it difficult to convince the International Community that Zimbabwe is indeed on an irreversible reform path.
As part of showing that Change has come to Zimbabwe a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a good starting point. This will act as foundation for a new beginning for the Third Republic and bring a formal closing to a sad and cruel chapter in Zimbabwe’s short but eventful history. This is an act which can go a long way in convincing the West and the International Community that Zimbabwe deserves help and support as it seeks to break away from a ruinous path.
The sanctions were imposed for very specific reasons .The inclusive government is keen on removing external sanctions while leaving internal sanctions intact .The removal of the internal sanctions will send a clear signal that indeed change has come to Zimbabwe or rather Zimbabwe has changed for the better.
The mere campaign that sanctions should be lifted without being accompanied by visible and irreversible reforms will only save to undermine all the major players in the GNU. Calling for removal for sanctions when the actions and activities that brought the sanctions in the first place are still taking place seems to suggest the message being sent by those imposing sanctions is not being heard or understood.
The external sanctions were imposed as a reaction to the internal sanctions that had been imposed by the state on various sectors of its population .As a natural progression of the scenario the internal sanctions or actions that brought about external sanctions must be addressed and once this is done it will then be clear that those imposing external sanctions are being unreasonable if they insist on keeping the sanctions in place .As it there are various acts, events and activities which serve to justify the imposition if not the extension of sanctions.
The continued acts of farm invasions, selective arrests in political violence cases, reported renewed abduction of journalists, open hostility to independent media and a general lack of accountability of individuals who disappeared continue to give currency that sanctions must remain. It is therefore the GNU’s duty to do a simple check list and assess if Zimbabwe is complying with a bare minimum expected in a normal modern society ?
When one reviews the recent documentary on the state of Prisons then its clear internal sanctions are more pronounced and deadly than external sanctions. Those abducted were kept in the same cells and under the same conditions as those shown in the Documentary. Those still missing could be among those very weakened and neglected prisoners.
The recent documentary on conditions is just but one indicator that Zimbabwe is far from being a normal society. One wonders if the state can not take care of individuals legally in its custody how does one expect the same state to look after individuals who have been illegally detained?
When the state is now clearly failing to discharge its simple duties such as taking care of individuals in its custody the world then wonders whether that country is normal or is it moving towards normalcy when those in charge continue to deny allegations that are backed by irrefutable evidence such as those shocking videos and pictures in the documentary.
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission will help to indicate that Zimbabwe has closed a sad chapter. The state of Prisons and the Prisoners themselves send a clear signal about how much those in power care for other human beings whom they have been entrusted to take custody of. Some food for thought for the GNU.
Gilbert Muponda is CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital. He can be contacted at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
As part of showing that Change has come to Zimbabwe a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a good starting point. This will act as foundation for a new beginning for the Third Republic and bring a formal closing to a sad and cruel chapter in Zimbabwe’s short but eventful history. This is an act which can go a long way in convincing the West and the International Community that Zimbabwe deserves help and support as it seeks to break away from a ruinous path.
The sanctions were imposed for very specific reasons .The inclusive government is keen on removing external sanctions while leaving internal sanctions intact .The removal of the internal sanctions will send a clear signal that indeed change has come to Zimbabwe or rather Zimbabwe has changed for the better.
The mere campaign that sanctions should be lifted without being accompanied by visible and irreversible reforms will only save to undermine all the major players in the GNU. Calling for removal for sanctions when the actions and activities that brought the sanctions in the first place are still taking place seems to suggest the message being sent by those imposing sanctions is not being heard or understood.
The external sanctions were imposed as a reaction to the internal sanctions that had been imposed by the state on various sectors of its population .As a natural progression of the scenario the internal sanctions or actions that brought about external sanctions must be addressed and once this is done it will then be clear that those imposing external sanctions are being unreasonable if they insist on keeping the sanctions in place .As it there are various acts, events and activities which serve to justify the imposition if not the extension of sanctions.
The continued acts of farm invasions, selective arrests in political violence cases, reported renewed abduction of journalists, open hostility to independent media and a general lack of accountability of individuals who disappeared continue to give currency that sanctions must remain. It is therefore the GNU’s duty to do a simple check list and assess if Zimbabwe is complying with a bare minimum expected in a normal modern society ?
When one reviews the recent documentary on the state of Prisons then its clear internal sanctions are more pronounced and deadly than external sanctions. Those abducted were kept in the same cells and under the same conditions as those shown in the Documentary. Those still missing could be among those very weakened and neglected prisoners.
The recent documentary on conditions is just but one indicator that Zimbabwe is far from being a normal society. One wonders if the state can not take care of individuals legally in its custody how does one expect the same state to look after individuals who have been illegally detained?
When the state is now clearly failing to discharge its simple duties such as taking care of individuals in its custody the world then wonders whether that country is normal or is it moving towards normalcy when those in charge continue to deny allegations that are backed by irrefutable evidence such as those shocking videos and pictures in the documentary.
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission will help to indicate that Zimbabwe has closed a sad chapter. The state of Prisons and the Prisoners themselves send a clear signal about how much those in power care for other human beings whom they have been entrusted to take custody of. Some food for thought for the GNU.
Gilbert Muponda is CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital. He can be contacted at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Zimbabwe must lift internal sanctions first
Zimbabwe’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has started off better than most people anticipated. Slowly hope is being restored to the people who had all but given up on the country ever recovering. There have been widespread calls to have the international Community to lift targeted “sanctions” to allow the flow of Aid and investment back into Zimbabwe. Whilst the GNU has focused on calling for lifting of external sanctions many observers will notice the presence of internal sanctions which have made it difficult to convince the International Community that Zimbabwe is indeed on an irreversible reform path.
As part of showing that Change has come to Zimbabwe a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a good starting point. This will act as foundation for a new beginning for the Third Republic and bring a formal closing to a sad and cruel chapter in Zimbabwe’s short but eventful history. This is an act which can go a long way in convincing the West and the International Community that Zimbabwe deserves help and support as it seeks to break away from a ruinous path.
The sanctions were imposed for very specific reasons .The inclusive government is keen on removing external sanctions while leaving internal sanctions intact .The removal of the internal sanctions will send a clear signal that indeed change has come to Zimbabwe or rather Zimbabwe has changed for the better.
The mere campaign that sanctions should be lifted without being accompanied by visible and irreversible reforms will only save to undermine all the major players in the GNU. Calling for removal for sanctions when the actions and activities that brought the sanctions in the first place are still taking place seems to suggest the message being sent by those imposing sanctions is not being heard or understood.
The external sanctions were imposed as a reaction to the internal sanctions that had been imposed by the state on various sectors of its population .As a natural progression of the scenario the internal sanctions or actions that brought about external sanctions must be addressed and once this is done it will then be clear that those imposing external sanctions are being unreasonable if they insist on keeping the sanctions in place .As it there are various acts, events and activities which serve to justify the imposition if not the extension of sanctions.
The continued acts of farm invasions, selective arrests in political violence cases, reported renewed abduction of journalists, open hostility to independent media and a general lack of accountability of individuals who disappeared continue to give currency that sanctions must remain. It is therefore the GNU’s duty to do a simple check list and assess if Zimbabwe is complying with a bare minimum expected in a normal modern society ?
When one reviews the recent documentary on the state of Prisons then its clear internal sanctions are more pronounced and deadly than external sanctions. Those abducted were kept in the same cells and under the same conditions as those shown in the Documentary. Those still missing could be among those very weakened and neglected prisoners.
The recent documentary on conditions is just but one indicator that Zimbabwe is far from being a normal society. One wonders if the state can not take care of individuals legally in its custody how does one expect the same state to look after individuals who have been illegally detained?
When the state is now clearly failing to discharge its simple duties such as taking care of individuals in its custody the world then wonders whether that country is normal or is it moving towards normalcy when those in charge continue to deny allegations that are backed by irrefutable evidence such as those shocking videos and pictures in the documentary.
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission will help to indicate that Zimbabwe has closed a sad chapter. The state of Prisons and the Prisoners themselves send a clear signal about how much those in power care for other human beings whom they have been entrusted to take custody of. Some food for thought for the GNU.
Gilbert Muponda is CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital. He can be contacted at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
As part of showing that Change has come to Zimbabwe a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a good starting point. This will act as foundation for a new beginning for the Third Republic and bring a formal closing to a sad and cruel chapter in Zimbabwe’s short but eventful history. This is an act which can go a long way in convincing the West and the International Community that Zimbabwe deserves help and support as it seeks to break away from a ruinous path.
The sanctions were imposed for very specific reasons .The inclusive government is keen on removing external sanctions while leaving internal sanctions intact .The removal of the internal sanctions will send a clear signal that indeed change has come to Zimbabwe or rather Zimbabwe has changed for the better.
The mere campaign that sanctions should be lifted without being accompanied by visible and irreversible reforms will only save to undermine all the major players in the GNU. Calling for removal for sanctions when the actions and activities that brought the sanctions in the first place are still taking place seems to suggest the message being sent by those imposing sanctions is not being heard or understood.
The external sanctions were imposed as a reaction to the internal sanctions that had been imposed by the state on various sectors of its population .As a natural progression of the scenario the internal sanctions or actions that brought about external sanctions must be addressed and once this is done it will then be clear that those imposing external sanctions are being unreasonable if they insist on keeping the sanctions in place .As it there are various acts, events and activities which serve to justify the imposition if not the extension of sanctions.
The continued acts of farm invasions, selective arrests in political violence cases, reported renewed abduction of journalists, open hostility to independent media and a general lack of accountability of individuals who disappeared continue to give currency that sanctions must remain. It is therefore the GNU’s duty to do a simple check list and assess if Zimbabwe is complying with a bare minimum expected in a normal modern society ?
When one reviews the recent documentary on the state of Prisons then its clear internal sanctions are more pronounced and deadly than external sanctions. Those abducted were kept in the same cells and under the same conditions as those shown in the Documentary. Those still missing could be among those very weakened and neglected prisoners.
The recent documentary on conditions is just but one indicator that Zimbabwe is far from being a normal society. One wonders if the state can not take care of individuals legally in its custody how does one expect the same state to look after individuals who have been illegally detained?
When the state is now clearly failing to discharge its simple duties such as taking care of individuals in its custody the world then wonders whether that country is normal or is it moving towards normalcy when those in charge continue to deny allegations that are backed by irrefutable evidence such as those shocking videos and pictures in the documentary.
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission will help to indicate that Zimbabwe has closed a sad chapter. The state of Prisons and the Prisoners themselves send a clear signal about how much those in power care for other human beings whom they have been entrusted to take custody of. Some food for thought for the GNU.
Gilbert Muponda is CEO and Founder of GMRI Capital. He can be contacted at gilbert@gilbertmuponda.com
Zimbabwe needs a Truth and Reconciliation Commission
As Zimbabwe slowly re-engages the International Community a rare opportunity exists to address past misdeeds without necessarily rocking the reconciliation and unity boat. The best way to do this is through a Truth and Reconciliation Commission which may have powers to forgive in exchange for honest testimony or refer matters for further investigation. A truth commission or truth and reconciliation commission is a commission tasked with discovering and revealing past wrongdoing by a government, in the hope of resolving conflict left over from the past.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa is a known supporter of the Zimbabwean people and his expertise can be drawn in crafting the framework and terms of reference for a similar commission for Zimbabwe.
In the 1980s Zimbabwe held the Sandura Commission which investigated the corruption surrounding the distribution of new vehicles at Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries. Whilst no-one was arrested or jailed directly from the Commission’s findings the Commission succeeded in reshaping the political landscape especially within ZANU -PF with several party heavy weights resigning from top leadership positions.
In addition the Sandura Commission served as a critical platform to keep a check on the corruption cancer which was beginning to take root. Therefore the Commission by merely being constituted and making public its hearings can result in significant results without prosecuting or persecuting those exposed by such findings.
Zimbabwe’s short but eventful has witnessed some horrific and sad moments inflicted upon its citizens by those expected to provide protection and safety. In addition to human rights abuses there are other material and dramatic events that have taken the country in the wrong direction. These include Operation Murambatsvina, Operation Sunrise , Financial Crisis of 2003-4 , Quasi Fiscal Activities , Chiadzwa Diamond killings and torture and various other events which resulted in massive economic melt down and human suffering.
The Commission would then be able to investigate and document these various events in a manor that allows the healing and developing systems and rules which will make it difficult for such events from ever recurring.
For a Transitional democratic state such as Zimbabwe the Commission’s purpose would be to foster national legitimacy and reconcile the past for the sake of national unity which will allow national healing without some national guilty of a national cover up.
Canada, Argentina, Ghana, Fiji, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Morocco, South Africa ,South Korea and The United States are among a list of nations that have held Truth and Reconciliation commissions to investigate and document various past misdeeds which were partially blamed on the Government .
These nations have managed to build on the these Commissions and develop a more balanced and tolerant society. Such a process is critical in re-gaining national pride and building the citizens’ confidence that the country is more open and all people are safe and secure.
Truth commissions are often criticized for allowing crimes to go unpunished, and creating an escape loophole for serious human rights violators . One of the difficult issues that has arisen over the role of truth commissions in transitional societies such as Zimbabwe, has centered around what should be the nature relationship between truth commissions and criminal prosecutions. This can be debated and modified depending on where the national healing process is but the presence on such a Commission alone sends a clear message that this is a new Zimbabwe and change is irreversible.
Whilst there are calls for lifting of sanctions and renewed aid the commission can also play a role in alerting the International Community that Zimbabwe is serious about respecting its citizens wishes for a better life and secure future.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa is a known supporter of the Zimbabwean people and his expertise can be drawn in crafting the framework and terms of reference for a similar commission for Zimbabwe.
In the 1980s Zimbabwe held the Sandura Commission which investigated the corruption surrounding the distribution of new vehicles at Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries. Whilst no-one was arrested or jailed directly from the Commission’s findings the Commission succeeded in reshaping the political landscape especially within ZANU -PF with several party heavy weights resigning from top leadership positions.
In addition the Sandura Commission served as a critical platform to keep a check on the corruption cancer which was beginning to take root. Therefore the Commission by merely being constituted and making public its hearings can result in significant results without prosecuting or persecuting those exposed by such findings.
Zimbabwe’s short but eventful has witnessed some horrific and sad moments inflicted upon its citizens by those expected to provide protection and safety. In addition to human rights abuses there are other material and dramatic events that have taken the country in the wrong direction. These include Operation Murambatsvina, Operation Sunrise , Financial Crisis of 2003-4 , Quasi Fiscal Activities , Chiadzwa Diamond killings and torture and various other events which resulted in massive economic melt down and human suffering.
The Commission would then be able to investigate and document these various events in a manor that allows the healing and developing systems and rules which will make it difficult for such events from ever recurring.
For a Transitional democratic state such as Zimbabwe the Commission’s purpose would be to foster national legitimacy and reconcile the past for the sake of national unity which will allow national healing without some national guilty of a national cover up.
Canada, Argentina, Ghana, Fiji, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Morocco, South Africa ,South Korea and The United States are among a list of nations that have held Truth and Reconciliation commissions to investigate and document various past misdeeds which were partially blamed on the Government .
These nations have managed to build on the these Commissions and develop a more balanced and tolerant society. Such a process is critical in re-gaining national pride and building the citizens’ confidence that the country is more open and all people are safe and secure.
Truth commissions are often criticized for allowing crimes to go unpunished, and creating an escape loophole for serious human rights violators . One of the difficult issues that has arisen over the role of truth commissions in transitional societies such as Zimbabwe, has centered around what should be the nature relationship between truth commissions and criminal prosecutions. This can be debated and modified depending on where the national healing process is but the presence on such a Commission alone sends a clear message that this is a new Zimbabwe and change is irreversible.
Whilst there are calls for lifting of sanctions and renewed aid the commission can also play a role in alerting the International Community that Zimbabwe is serious about respecting its citizens wishes for a better life and secure future.
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