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CSOs probe COPAC ahead of outreach program
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
June 10, 2010

Civil Society Organizations have probed the Constitutional parliamentary Committee over the increase in cases of intimidation ahead of the outreach program scheduled to begin on the 15th of June 2010.

Representatives of civil society organizations who attended the constitutional briefing meeting with COPAC Information and Publicity Chairperson, Hon. Jessie Majome held at the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition offices on 10 June 2010 probed the select committee representatives on whether they are aware of the intimidation taking place in mostly rural communities ahead of the outreach meetings. CSOs indicated that the are reports of military personnel in the constituencies informing people on what to say during the outreach meetings and threatening unspecified action on any 'dissidents'.

Responding to the question, Hon. Majome highlighted that COPAC has not yet received reports on the intimidation and directedd complaints to the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC). She further highlighted that COPAC has no muscle to deal with the military and that there is need for detailed reports of any cases of military involvement in the constitution reform process. This is despite the fact that reports have been submitted to JOMIC on how ZANU PF supporters and members of the military continue intimidating communities particularly in rural areas, threatening them with unspecified action if they participate in the constitution making process.
Commenting on the USD75 a day allowances demanded by Members of parliament ahead of the outreach program, Hon. Majome stated that MPs were demanding more that the financial resources available. She further highlighted that it is not compulsory for the MPs to attend the outreach meetings, as it is part of their patriotic duty.
During the briefing meeting, Hon. Majome updated CSOs on the following;

1. Finance

COPAC had a total budget of USD18,3 million, USD14 from partners and donor agencies and USD4,3 from the Zimbabwean government. The government has however not yet availed USD4,3 million owing to resource constrains.

2. Outreach meetings

210 rapprteurs were trained and will be deployed to capture the views of the people. The teams shall each consist of 3 rappours, 4 ordinary people who are part of the thematic areas, 3 co-chairs and 1 technician and shall be deployed to a total of 1957 ward, COPAC cut down the meetings to 1 per urban ward and 2 per rural ward. In total it was stated that 5, 084 meetings will be held across the country. Five police officers will be present in each team with atotal of 350 members of the police expected to be deployed during the outreach phase.

A question was raised on what COPAC has done to ensure that workers are allowed by their employers to attend the meetings. In response, Hon, Majome highlighted that COPAC cannot compel employers to allow their employees to attend the meetings. She however noted that COPAC would ensure that the meetings are held outside working hours.

3. Talking points

The taliking points accoding to Hon. Majme were revised and agreed upon by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) factions and ZANU PF. It was further highlighted that the talking points are no longer leading, as had been stated by civil society organisations and can be accessed at the COPAC offices. COPAC is also in the process of disseminating reporting guides, which shall be used by rapporteurs.

4. Publicity

Hon Majome further stated that COPAC has begun publishing information in the daily community newspapers. Information programs for television and radio will begin broadcasting, although Hon.Majome did not give a specific date while COPAC is expected to lauch its websire before the outreach program commences.

5. Gender composition of the team

It was noted that COPAC does not segregate on the grounds og gender. Hon Majome highlighted that COPAC would guarantee gender sensitive content by ensuring women's participation in the outreach program.

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