by Anesu Pedzisayi
The Commission of Inquiry (COI) over the 1 August post-election violence, has been under so much spotlight, from the time President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed it on 29 August. The Commission, headed by former South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe was given three months’ time frame to come up with its findings and recommendations over the incidence and present its report to the Head of State.
President Mnangagwa had earlier on, made a pledge that he would take measures to address the matter in a transparent manner and in the public interest, thus the Commission earnestly started public hearings, gathering evidence from victims and witnesses.
Recently, the COI announced that it had submitted an executive summary of its findings to the President, drawing a backlash from the civil society and the opposition alleging that the Commission had hurriedly concluded on its report, days after closing its doors on public hearings.
From the time the Commission was set up, there has been constant criticism from its composition, how it conducted the public hearings and now how it ended the hearings. It seems the different groups of citizens, from non-governmental organisations, political activists, Government critics, all had different views on what the team should have done, not done and so forth. Its independence has been subject to scrutiny and judgement with most groups choosing to be antagonistic.
I would want to be believe that the COI should have been allowed to carry out its work professionally without any political interference and bullying. As much as there is a lot of input that could come from these various civil groups and associations, there should also be regard that President Mnangagwa set up a Commission capable of delivering credible results. There should also be acknowledgment that the President, picked up a team basing on their individual expertise and would collectively work to their best ability. Above all, there should also be regard that the Commission was set up independently, specifically to avoid such interferences.
Instead, there should be more effort from interested groups to support the Commission so that their work remains in the confines of the parameters set out in their terms of reference. Interference to settle political goals does not only mislead the public but also diverts people’s interests from the real issues at hand.
The Commission was actually sabotaged by some political officials, especially from the MDC who took it as an opportunity for political grandstanding instead of giving evidence as required. From another angle, Nelson Chamisa took the proceedings as a stage and platform to announce what he called an MDC mother of all rallies to protest against Government. It was also seemingly a platform for ousted former ZANU PF members, the likes of Jim Kunaka and Shadreck Mashayamombe to vent their frustrations, making it clear that they were bitter for no longer being in the Party structures.
On their side as civic organisations, should be promoting and protecting citizens’ rights and not fuel political contestations. Political parties also, have the right to propagate party intentions but on appropriate platforms. Political parties should not be the reason the nation divides, but should work collectively towards nation building.
Overally, the COI played its part under public scrutiny and should be commended for doing so without fear or favour. Bullying and political influence will not benefit anyone but only compromise the credibility of the final report, which has been the intentions of some opposition elements all along.
President Mnangagwa has also over time, reiterated that he is a listening President, who is guided in his work ethics by transparency, accountability, unity and love. In the end, it is important that Zimbabweans be guided by the Head of State’s intention and sincerity in bringing to light what happened on 1 August. Working in the Second Republic and under the new dispensation, Zimbabweans should find assurance that President Mnangagwa will stand by his word and deliver as he promised.
