HARARE – Members of Parliament have criticised the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) for allegedly failing to deliver on its promises of fostering peace and reconciliation in the country.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Chipinge South legislator Clifford Hlatywayo, accused the NPRC of glossing over key issues, such as the neutrality of traditional leaders during elections and the violence faced by the opposition party CCC.
He further criticised the appointment of a spokesperson with ties to the ruling party, raising concerns about the Commission’s impartiality.
“…..the Commission suggests that Zimbabwe had free campaigns. It is common knowledge that CCC had more than 140 rallies that were banned and violently disrupted.
“I also wish to place it on record that the independence of this sensitive Commission was massively undermined by the presence of known ruling party activists such as the Spokesperson of the NPRC, Obert Gutu who openly supported Zanu-PF.
“This seriously affected the credibility of the Commission and its standing in the public eye. The Commission also never publicly denounced perpetrators of violence despite reports that were made by stakeholders,” Hlatywayo said.
Hlatywayo highlighted the Commission’s failure to address historical injustices. He specifically mentioned the Gukurahundi massacres and the post-election violence of 2008.
According to Hlatywayo, the NPRC did not take any steps to investigate these atrocities or offer reparations to the victims.
Hlatywayo argued that the limited time the Commission had due to delays in the enabling act, coupled with constant changes in leadership and lack of resources, hampered its effectiveness.
He lamented the absence of public hearings aimed at uncovering the truth and criticised the lack of guarantees put in place to prevent future violence.
The opposition MP called the NPRC a “major disappointment” and a “white elephant.” He emphasised the need for a truly independent Commission with the political will to confront past wrongs and establish a foundation for lasting peace.
Harare South MP Trymore Kanupula meanwhile said there is a need to avail equal opportunities for the youths in order to resolve conflicts involving illegal parceling of land.
“On land related conflicts handled by the Commission, it is evident that still in Manicaland and Mashonaland East, land issues remain.
“It is a fact that the land reform, land acquisitions, still have some issues pending especially in peri-urban Harare, peri urban Mashonaland East and Gimboki in Manicaland.
“Availing equal opportunities to the youths will assist greatly in resolving these conflicts involving illegal parceling of land and violent clashes on farms among many other issues.
“In conclusion, I acknowledge the need to ensure that the land laws and the mining laws are harmonised to ensure that the ambiguity sometimes presented by some sections are resolved.
“A miner cannot just come and peg on any farm because he or she has a permit from the Ministry of Mines. Agriculture is equally important. But before issuing some permits, the Ministry of Lands must be consulted and the farmer must be heard.
“Mr. Speaker Sir, I am convinced in the Second Republic that Zimbabwe is on the right path to reduce political violence, and together we can,” he said.