adminPamela Shumba Senior Reporter
MEMBERS of the public will for the first time nominate commissioners to the anti-corruption commission as provided for in the new constitution.Clerk of Parliament Austin Zvoma yesterday called on members of the public to nominate candidates of their choice, saying the term of office for the eight commissioners expired on August 31, 2013, while that of the chairperson will expire on August 31, 2014.
Previously the commissioners were nominated by the executive before being appointed by President Mugabe.
The outgoing commission was chaired by Denford Chirindo and included Teresa Mugadza, Dr Elita Sakupwanya, Emmanuel Chimwanda, Lakayana Dube, Dr Goodwill Shana and Shepherd Gwasira.
“The standing rules and orders committee of the Parliament of Zimababwe is mandated in terms of sections 237 and 254 of the constitution, to nominate candidates for appointment by President Mugabe to serve as commissioners on the Zimbabwe anti-corruption commission provided for in Chapter 13 part 1 of the constitution,” said Zvoma in a statement.
“The commissioners must be chosen for their integrity, knowledge and experience in administration or the prosecution or investigation of crime and general suitability for appointment.”
He said the candidates must be qualified and have at least seven years experience as legal practitioners and accountants or public auditors in the country adding that the commissioners must also have at least 10 years experience in the investigation of crime.
Zvoma said the functions of the anti-corruption commission include investigating and exposing cases of corruption as well as promoting honesty, financial discipline and transparency in the public and private sectors.
They also receive and consider complaints from the public and take action as the commission considers appropriate and also direct the commissioner-general of the police to investigate cases of suspected corruption before reporting to the commission the results of the investigation.
Zvoma said the commission was also expected to refer matters to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution and make recommendations to the government on measures to enhance integrity and accountability as well as prevent improper conduct in the public and private sectors.
The nomination material, Zvoma added, should consist of type-written submissions of not more than two A4 pages stating why the person nominated is a suitable candidate together with a nomination form, which can be obtained at Parliament offices or downloaded from www.parlzim.gov.zw.
He said members of the public should address their nominations to the Clerk of Parliament in envelopes, clearly marked with the name of the commission and must be either posted, hand delivered or emailed to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.The closing date for the submissions is August 31, 2014.
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