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Final report: Conference on governance in the Zimbabwean context
Centre for Peace Initatives in Africa (CPIA)
November 14, 2006

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Executive Summary

The Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa convened a National Conference on Governance in the Zimbabwean context from the 14 - 16th November 2006 at the Holiday Inn in Bulawayo. The Conference brought together 85 participants that included representatives from the Government of Zimbabwe (represented by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and parliamentary Affairs), all Political parties, the Church, Civil Society, CPIA donors, diplomats, the youth and the media.

CPIA decided to convene this Conference because at various forums organised by the Centre on constitutionalism, democracy and human rights, the question of governance invariably crops up - perhaps underscoring the need for stakeholders to take a closer look at the subject. As different stakeholders continue to engage in discussions and consultations regarding the future of our country, it is absolutely vital for all Zimbabweans to have a common understanding of governance or good governance from a Zimbabwean perspective.

Previously, CPIA held a number of Conferences and consultative meetings with various stakeholders aimed at mapping a way forward on the future of Zimbabwe and coming up with strategies on how to resolve the current problems. These include:-

• In 2004 - Conference in Mutare on the follow-up of the Vision and Values Conference;
• In 2005 - Conference in Masvingo to consider the CPIA study on Zimbabwe: The Next 25 Years, the results of the Vision and Values Conference;
• In March 2006 - Conference in Mutare on the Constitution and Constitutionalism;
• In September 2006 - Conference at Vumba on National Reconciliation;
• In November 2006 - Conference in Bulawayo on Governance in the Zimbabwe Context.

The Conferences and consultative meetings held, identified the need to establish frameworks for dialogue on the contentious issues affecting the nation. From the consultative meetings with CPIA's stakeholders, the concept of the National Conference on Governance in the Zimbabwean context was developed to set-up a national plan of action or political framework on governance.

The National Conference facilitated the much needed dialogue on governance among the people of Zimbabwe in order to get the Government and political players to agree on the political framework on the way forward with regard to the future of the country. The overall objective of the Conference was to contribute towards the initiatives aimed at having enhanced peace, stability, security and development through sustained dialogue.

The specific objectives included:-

• To facilitate and promote the much needed dialogue on Governance among the people of Zimbabwe for tolerance and unity of purpose;
• To promote dialogue between or among political players as a transcendence to the conflict in Zimbabwe;
• To ensure engagement and participation of political parties, Government, the Churches, civil society, trade unions, women and youth groups as major players in the democratisation process of the country;
• To get the Government and political players to agree on the way forward with regard to the political, economic, and social future of the country; and to produce a blue-print that outlines the national plan of action on Governance in the Zimbabwean context.

The expected outcome of the Conference was the:-

• Establishment of an environment that is conducive for sustainable and mature dialogue among and between the people of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders
• Contribution towards the elimination of long standing points of conflict in Zimbabwe
• Acceptance to move to the process of a home-grown Constitution
• Production of a blue print that embodies the Zimbabwean views and elements of democracy and good governance

From the deliberations during the Conference, CPIA came to a conclusion that Zimbabweans are in agreement on many issues affecting the Nation. The issue of the Constitutional reform, it was noted, should be the fulcrum of a governance process designed to redeem the country from the current ills, notwithstanding other important variables that have a bearing on the resolution of the problems befalling Zimbabwe.

The National Governance Conference agreed that there was need to establish a political framework as a basis of addressing the issues highlighted during the conference. It was also identified that it is necessary to understand the importance of establishing agreed governance structures, with broad support from the electorate, before embarking on other processes that might have a bearing on the regulation of behaviour, and the conduct of Business. The Conference acknowledged that the Constitution must be at the centre of any approach in addressing these concerns.

Dr. Leonard T. Kapungu
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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