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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Academics, former legislators, educationists, lawyers and the clergy were among people who battled it out to be appointed to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) during interviews conducted by Parliament yesterday.

Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders Committee invited 30 people from diverse backgrounds for the interviews aimed at identifying commissioners for the ZGC.

Only 12 names will be submitted to the President who will in turn appoint eight of balanced gender.

The interviews began on Monday where the SROC interviewed people to constitute the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission following vacancies that arose in the two constitutional bodies.

In yesterday’s interviews, former legislators Mr Obert Matshalaga (Zvishavane), Bishop Paul Kadzima (Nyanga North) and former Deputy Minister of Health Tsungirirayi Chimbunde-Hungwe turned up for the interviews while the clergy included Pastor Sibusisiwe Kumalo Chiriseri and Prophetess Faith Wutaunashe.

Academics included former Great Zimbabwe University vice chancellor Professor Obert Maravanyika, while lawyers included retired judge Justice Selo Nare, former magistrate and Law Society of Zimbabwe deputy executive secretary Mr Wilbert Mandinde.

The interviews were conducted by a sub-committee of SROC chaired by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Cde Mabel Chinomona and Kuwadzana East MP Mr Nelson Chamisa.

National Assembly Speaker and chairperson of SROC Advocate Jacob Mudenda observed the interviews that were conducted in full view of the members of the public.

Some of the responses given by candidates drew laughter and brought lighter moments to the process. Mr Matshalaga was one of those candidates who brought mirth to the auditorium.

He said “I preferred the wrong question” after Matabeleland North Senator Thokozile Mathuthu read a question which she eventually withdrew saying it was the wrong one and had to take the correct question.

In another instance, Mr Matshalaga, who is former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. remarked “Anything else Mr Shumba” after providing response to Masvingo Urban MP Dr Daniel Shumba.

One candidate, Dr John Saungweme remarked “the question is heavily loaded” before responding to one of the questions.

The question that had been asked was the relationship between the ZGC and the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, civil society and traditional leaders.

The process is expected to continue today with interviews aimed at constituting the newly created National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.