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Farirai Machivenyika

Senior Reporter

The new National Peace and Reconciliation Commission must enhance the observance of human rights and democracy in the discharge of its duties, Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda told members when they paid a courtesy call at Parliament on Tuesday.

The commission was led by its chairperson Retired Justice Selo Nare.

Adv Mudenda said the commission was one of the independent commissions established under the Constitution and should be guided by objectives set out in the Constitution.

“You must support and entrench human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe,” he said. “In other words, you have to ensure that the exercise of your mandate is guided by Chapter 4 (of the Constitution) on the Bill of rights.” 

The interests and sovereignty of Zimbabweans should also guide the Commission in its operations and the commission should be transparent and accountable in carrying out its mandate.

 “You should also ensure that injustices are remedied,” said Adv Mudenda. 

“The commission would need to collaborate with other independent commissions if it were to succeed in discharging its mandate and should work with Parliament and MPs to ensure the generality of the population understand its work and its mandate.”

In his remarks, Justice Nare said their meeting with Adv Mudenda was meant to equip the new commission with expectations from Parliament as it carried out its duties.

The six commissioners who were appointed by President Mnangagwa last month following public interviews held by Parliament include experts in conflict and peace resolution Dr Donwell Dube and Mr Tinashe Rukuni, Reverend Chiropafadzo Moyo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, former deputy police commissioner-general crime Josephine Shambare, former MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu and seasoned peace-building campaigner Ms Nomaqhawe Gwere.

The President retained the services of Ms Lillian Chigwedere and Dr Golden Chekenyere, who were serving in the previous commission.