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Report on National Social Accountability Conference 21-22 June, 2007
National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO)
August 03, 2007

http://www.nango.org.zw/news/view.asp?id=780

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Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction and Overview

1. Address by the NANGO Chair, Ms Mildred Sandi

1.1 Keynote Address by Ms Luta Shaba
Plenary Discussion i

2. Sector Perspectives on Social Accountability

2.1 Labour Perspective by Mr. Mutemeri
2.2 Informal Sector Perspective by Ms Mugijima
Plenary Discussion ii

2.3 Church Perspective by Rev Dr Zinyemba
2.4 Parliament Perspective by Ms Misihairambwi-Mushonga
Plenary Discussion iii

2.5 Domestic Violence by Ms Muchawa
2.6 Disability Perspective by Mr Mukuta
Plenary Discussion iv

2.7 HIV and AIDS Perspective by Ms Thondhlana
2.8 Youth Perspective by Mr Musemwa
Plenary Discussion v

2.9 Private Sector Perspective by Ms Hativagone
2.10 Audit of Operation Garikai by Mr Mufema
Plenary Discussion vi

2.11 Accountability from a Child Rights Perspective

3. Next Steps and Recommendations

4. Final Remarks and Vote of Thanks

5. Conclusion

6. Participant List

Executive summary

The National Social Accountability Conference that was convened by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO) provided a much-needed 'safe' space for individuals and the civil society to deliberate frankly on current national challenges. The structure of the conference allowed for different voices to be heard, and these included the voices of people with disabilities who gave compelling evidence on the nature of discrimination that they face in their daily lives. Mr. Farai Mukuta, from NASCOH, especially pointed out that people with disabilities face major challenges when it comes to securing jobs, even if they have the requisite qualifications. He also noted that accessing information on HIV and AIDS is particularly challenging for the visually impaired and the deaf and dumb, many of whom are not even aware of condoms.

Informal traders were another voice that was heard at the conference. They too gave a moving account of the difficulties that they are facing as they try to make an honest living for themselves and their families. The charging of passport fees and visas in foreign currency and the unavailability of identification papers and emergence traveling documents were said to be some of the greatest hindrances to informal traders. They lamented that the informal sector is often treated as a peripheral economy, and yet it is arguably the biggest employer in the country at the moment. The conference was persistently haunted by the specter of Operation Murambatsvina, whose impact on ordinary Zimbabweans is still felt quite strongly, two years later. It was evident from the discussions that there is a lot of raw anger amongst Zimbabweans, many of whom view the exercise as epitomizing the height of government's arrogance and total lack of respect for the democratic principles of upholding justice and human dignity.

While it was evident from the deliberations that participants clearly understand the concept of social accountability, it was also quite apparent that there was no corresponding clarity on how to seek redress for the injustices being experienced. Participants, including parliamentarians, noted that repressive legislation in the form of POSA and AIPPA and the increasing preference for military intervention by the government are all major obstacles for civil society. The total co-option of the media has not helped either. Unfortunately, not enough time was given to discuss possible solutions to the crisis. The last session of the conference was rather brief and hurried, which therefore only allowed for the collection of ideas without developing a concrete action plan to implement the recommendations. The conference's greatest utility was that it created a unique opportunity for individuals, activists, civil society organizations, parliamentarians and senators to meet, under one roof and share ideas and strategise together on a way forward. The opportunity to brainstorm on solutions and develop a coordinated plan of action was, however, not effectively taken advantage of, and this was perhaps the greatest limitation of the conference. The absence of government representatives at the conference was the other major limitation. Notwithstanding these two challenges, the conference successfully fulfilled its mandate. A key recommendation from participants was that NANGO should produce a position paper, based on the conference proceedings and presents it to the government. A sub-committee was appointed to refine the recommendations and work on the position paper. Participants also strongly recommended that NANGO inspects the voters roll and takes the lead by fundraising for nationwide, intensive voter education so that ordinary women and men are informed of their rights as voters. Finally, NANGO was challenged to be more visible and more vocal in condemning injustices being perpetrated by the government and other duty bearers.

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