adminFarirai Machivenyika and Diana Nherera
The panel appointed by Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders Committee yesterday completed the two-day interview exercise for prospective commissioners to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
The interviewing panel was chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate Cde Chen Chimutengwende.
The commissions are part of the independent commissions that were created by the new Constitution adopted in 2013 and included members drawn from zanu-pf and the MDC-T.
The first to be interviewed were prospective commissioners for ZACC, who were made up of a number of former senior police officers.
First to appear before the sub-committee was former national police spokesperson Mr Wayne Bvudzijena who said there was no room for political considerations in investigating corruption.
“I don’t see anything sensitive about investigating crime,” he said in response to a question.
“Crime is crime, politics shouldn’t be placed in the matrix of investigating crime.
“Investigations should be done without fear or favour or to achieve any political ends.”
Another former senior police officer Mr Emmanuel Chimwanda, who also served in the previous commission, said he hoped his vast experience would be ideal for him to be retained in ZACC. He also called for deterrent sentences to be passed against those convicted of corruption.
“Sentences should be mandatory and should indicate the seriousness in the way corruption is handled,” said Mr Chimwanda. “Issues involving corruption should also be publicised, naming and shaming the perpetrators.”
Some of the questions that were posed to the prospective commissioners included how they would deal with politically sensitive corruption cases, their knowledge of national laws and international statutes to combat corruption and their personal attributes.
Some of the prospective ZACC commissioners interviewed included former ZACC chairperson Denford Chirindo, former police officers Martin Chari, Wonder Chenjerai, Albert Mandizha, Edmore Veterai and Solomon Mubatapasango.
Others that were shortlisted included Terrance Chimanya, Edward Dube, Christine Fundira, Shepard Gwasira, Thandaza Masiye-Moyo, Dr Sylvester Maunganidze, Cathy Muchechetere, Priscilla Munangati, Argument Mbengo, Phineas Murapa, Barrister Ngazimbi, Goodson Nguni, Sandra Nhau, Jacob Nhidza, Tsitsi Sakonda, Michael Santu, Dr Nanette Silukhuni and Boyana Ndou.
Interviews for prospective commissioners for the Zimbabwe Media Commission were done yesterday and saw some media practitioners and former commissioners being invited.
Media consultant and former Sunday Mail Editor, and former Ziana Editor-in-Chief Mr Henry Muradzikwa said journalists should cease advocacy roles and stick to being objective and concentrate on writing news.
Mr Muradzikwa said there was need for commissioners who are committed to their duty in order for the ZMC to succeed.
A chief reporter with New Ziana, Mr Mvelo Zondo, said commissioners that would be appointed should be well versed with media laws and ensure that the public has access to information.
Others interviewed for ZMC were Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri, Reverend Noah Pashapa, Plaxedes Wenyika, Robson Mhandu, Matthew Takaona, Dr Thompson Tsodzo, Sheila Sidambe, Dennis Rwafa, Professor Bhekimpilo Sibanda, Sihle Nyathi, Virginia Muwanigwa and Christopher Mhike.
Online Reporter