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Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent
PARLIAMENT has urged the Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU) to conduct empirical research on national security issues and share its findings with Cabinet to inform robust policy decisions.
The call comes as lawmakers seek to leverage ZNDU’s expertise in identifying potential loopholes and developing effective strategies to address evolving security threats.
Deputy president of the Senate, Sen Mike Nyambuya, made the call yesterday while presenting on the topic: “Parliament’s oversight role and contribution to national security”, at the Zimbabwe National Defence College in Harare.
“Accordingly, you must always make use of this revered institution because our future and that of posterity hinges on anchoring our national security policies on sound and credible laws that meet the demands of international law and instruments which must always advance peace and security nationally and internationally,” he said.
“In that context, the Zimbabwe National Defence University is challenged to conduct empirical research on national security issues and share the research results with Cabinet as this organ is the engine room of most of the Bills that are subsequently tabled in Parliament.”
Sen Nyambuya added that Parliament expects Bills that are grounded on incisive research so that the resultant laws pass the test of legal legitimacy that is promotes national security.
However, he said that sound laws on their own are not enough to guarantee national security, adding that Parliament must be well-resourced for robust oversight.
“At strategic levels, there is need to match the laws and strategic operational plans with the requisite financial resources to enable the realisation of the national security vision and mission.
“In this regard, section 305 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe gives exclusive powers to Parliament to appropriate resources for deployment to various State institutions, including the security sector.
“Equally, Parliament itself must be well-resourced in order to exercise robust oversight over all State institutions and agencies in the interest of national security,” Sen Nyambuya said.
He said some of the laws that were enacted such as the Cyber and Data Protection Act are part of efforts to curb the ever-evolving security threats posed by social media.
“It is apparent that national security is grounded on constitutionalism, legality, the rule of law and sustainable Parliamentary democracy.
“There is, therefore, need for each one of us to embrace the emerging doctrine of Constitutional Patriotism, which compels all citizens to put the Constitution above all else as the cornerstone of the rule of law and the unflinching observance of the Bill of Rights which guarantees equality before the law.
“Parliament will endeavour to ensure that it makes meaningful contributions to the realisation and development of a sound national security legal framework,” Sen Nyambuya said.
He also implored security institutions to always maintain a high degree of vigilance so that the nation is eternally secure.
Parliament’s oversight role in Zimbabwe is multifaceted, focusing on various aspects of security to ensure citizens’ well-being and prosperity.
This role encompasses key areas such as national security, food security, health security, socio-economic security, environmental security, and human security.
Online Reporter