Good Governance 🇿🇼

A Good Case For Good Governance

One of the core principles as provided in our 2013 Constitution is good governance. In its preamble there is mention of “Recognizing the need to entrench democracy, good, transparent and accountable governance and the rule of law”. Good governance is the glue that holds the social contract between a government and its citizens. Without good governance said Social Contract is breached by the government of the day and the governed tend to seek removal of the government or at the very least ways in which the government can be compelled to govern well. In Zimbabwe the issue of good governance has over the decades become a matter of increasing significance and importance. The plethora of governance related problem has prompted a re-evaluation of what good governance entails, Zimbabweans need this. The economy has all but collapsed, the social dynamics of the country are in a bad state, state institutions have been corrupted, and the politics has become toxic to say the least. Policy inconsistency, corruption and bad decision making has pretty much crippled the state and just about all its institutions... Actually all its institutions. Exploring the subject of good governance is no longer just an academic exercise but is now a national matter that should help citizens gain a clearer perspective and hold leaders and selves accountable. It seems the life of our nation depends on understanding this fundamental concept and rallying citizens to their rights and duties. That is the duty of holding leaders accountable and protecting the state from corruption  by (setting and maintaining the standards of what good governance is/should be).

Governance And Good Governance

A lot is expected from a government and at the core of this is making decisions that benefit citizens, all citizens. Governance is therefore the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Central to this is the Actors that make and implement decisions on behalf of the state. These actors are lodged in different sectors of the State/government and are responsible for decisions that affect the state, security, law and order, the economy, human rights and various other issues. In Zimbabwe we have a government that has has totally disregarded all notions of good governance.  The Actors in this government have been responsible for making terrible decisions that only serve to hurt citizens. The economy has largely been ruined by government actors that made and continue to make terrible decisions. The decisions to introduce the bond notes and rtgs, appoint known corrupt people into government, amend the Constitution, not taking action against negligent or the corrupt officials and citizens are an example of the style of governance the Zimbabwean government has taken.

So what then is “good governance”?

Good governance can be defined as the process of measuring how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption and with due regard to the rule of law. Its quite a broad definition and requires a broad explanation.  Section 2 of the Constitution 2013 sets out the the principles of good governance. These principles/characteristics include; multi-party democratic political system, an electoral system based on sound democratic principles, the orderly transfer of power following elections, respect for the rights of all political parties, observance of the principle of separation of powers, respect for the people of Zimbabwe, from whom the authority to govern is derived, (transparency, justice, accountability and responsiveness), (the fostering of national unity, peace and stability, with due regard to diversity of languages, customary practices and traditions), non discriminatory,and the equitable sharing of national resources, including land. 

 In broad terms good governance can therefore be said to have the following characteristics. That is, it is participatory,  consensus oriented, accountable, transparent,  responsive, effective and efficient, equitable, inclusive and follows the rule of law.

1. Participation 

In a democracy Participation is the corner stone of what would be considered as good governance. Participation entails all citizens being involved directly or indirectly in the decision making and various other activities of the state and government.  It also entails male and females having equal access to the state and its various institutions either in a private capacity, as part of state institutions or as elected representatives of the people. In Zimbabwe we have an indirect democracy where elected official represent the will and desires of the people; we are a multi-party democracy as provided in the Constitution. 

 The government has scored some points with regards to having more female participation in governance. Since 1980 there has been a significant rise in female participation in governance and the economy. In the 2018 election women participated freely in the election and 31% of parliamentarians were female while 14% were elected to local government. Zimbabwe has had a female vice-president, female Deputy Prime Minister and some of the leading voices in Zimbabwe's political spaces are female.  Considering females were considered perpetual minors in Rhodesia with little to no prospects of participation or worse yet acquiring the knowledge to participate effectively in politics or the economy there has been a significant achievement. However these figures took a 3 - 4 point dip in the 2023 election. A worrying development which has been attributed to patriarchal dominance and attitudes within political organisations and institutions. The law though is very progressive when it comes to empowering women in politics and in the economy. The Constitution provides for equality between the genders politically and economically while enabling legalisation such the Genger Equality Act, The Labour Act and various other Acts cement female rights in law. The Constitution is in all but name a feminist document. The government in this regard must however put these legislation and policies into full effect for women to fully realise their place in our country as equal citizens with a voice, rights and desire to do their best and receive their just rewards for same. Though the government has a long way to go in as far as empowering women is concerned they have done relatively well in this regard, at the very least by setting up a legal framework that can springboard women into full equal citizens.

On the other hand other more vulnerable groups have since not be given the same leeway or recognition namely disabled people who are largely marginalised from politics and from the economy. This is worse still for disabled women. The legislation that serves to promote and safeguard disabled people in politics and the economy is inadequate and at local government level is non existent. The government has failed here miserably and sadly this neglect has been extended to disabled children as well. The governance here cannot be said to be good nor progressive. Poor governance and lack of political will in promoting participation has been lacklustre to say the least in this regard. Strangely the political narrative and framework encourages engagement in such matters however the implementation as is always the case in Zimbabwe is poor. Poor governance has left vulnerable groups in our society  neglected and without opportunities politically and economically. 

Recently how the police reacted to school children demonstrating (a Constitutional right) over unreasonably High school fees which are charged in USD and not the legal local currency which most civil servants earn in was just a sign of how the government actually actively shuts down the space for any participation in the nations affair. It's  not only bad governance, it's a dictatorship. Surely if the government is sincere it should most certainly give young people a voice especially if it concerns their right to education and other such essential rights.

2. Rule of law

This is perhaps one of the top pillers of good governance. The importance of it cannot be understated. A legal framework where laws are applied impartially, where human rights are observed and respected is the cornerstone of good governance.  The rule of law serves to protect citizens from abuse of their rights, serves to protect property rights which is essential in the socio-economic dynamic in a country and serves to check the powers of those in high office and prevents them from acting beyond their authority. With the Constitution as the supreme law in our country all people are equal before the law and subject to its provisions. 

In Zimbabwe however the government has performed dismally  with regards to the rule of rule. The WJP Rule of Law index scores Zimbawe with an average score of 33%. The factors that are taken into account here are constrains on government power, absence of corruption, open government,  fundamental rights,  order and security, regulatory enforcement,  civil justice and criminal justice (https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/country/2022/Zimbabwe/). Several other stats from other sources arrive at similar findings in as far as the rule of law is concerned in Zimbabwe. It is very concerning for Zimbabwe as a country as without this key ingredient we will never see good governance. 

The abuse of the law when dealing with opposition parties and actors has been a constant in Zimbabwe.  We have seen arrests of political figures on spurious charges, denial of the right peacefully protest, kidnappings and murders and various other ultra vires acts by the government. Corruption and how toothless the government has been in dealing with it is another key factor that shows poor governance in Zimbabwe.  From the driving licence department, to private enterprises, to the executive, government corruption has not only grown but has flourished due to the government's failure and refusal to deal with this critical issue.

The consequences of the above are cataclysmic in that without the rule of law the government or certain government actors are able loot from the state, abuse their authority and without consequence abuse people's rights. Under such conditions investment into the country will and in the case of Zimbabwe has all but vanished, state institutions are robbed daily and are trampled upon by incompetent/corrupt people and worse still it directly affects the quality of life of ordinary citizens who are forced to live in fear and deprived of their rights and opportunities. Good governance cannot be a pie in the sky it has to be guided by law and fair application of it.

3. Concensus oriented

In any society you will find various actors or groups with various view point on a whole range of issues. Good governance requires  mediation in reconciling these various actors and view points/interests in order to reach a broad consensus that serves the whole country. A government that appreciates this and acts on it diligently is able to develop a nation that is not only prosperous but that successfully caters for the different  needs of all citizens. So in this regard a government should have a broad understanding of the history and culture of various groups within the nation for it to be able to cater for everyone. This is essential as it furthers the cohesion and unity of the state.

Well in Zimbabwe the government is notorious for ignoring the rights and interests of minority groups. From the economic exclusion of the North Eastern regions, to genocide in the South and the vicious attacks on actors that have alternative ideas, Zimbabwe ticks no boxes on this criteria. The relative tranquility the country enjoys and boasts about is achieved by raw fear and not consensus. This is classic poor governance as it feeds discontent,  furthers oppression and ferments rebellion. 

4. Equity and inclusiveness 

The rich, poor, the elite, the Working class, the disabled, men, women, children etc. Are they treated fairly and equally before the law? Do they enjoy equal and fair political rights and opportunities?  Do they enjoy equal and fair economic opportunities? A government through various state institutions, legislation and the Constitution must ensure equality and inclusiveness of all citizens and all those within the territory of the republic. It goes without saying that the Zimbabwean government is failing at the same. Political elite are operating above the law and have an unfair advantage in the economy as they are able to access the countries natural resources without having to adhere to fair legal process.  In the past 4 years citizens have been without mercy or legal protection been removed from their land especially those that live on mineral rich land. The current evictions of people on communal land in places such as Gutu has strong indications that the evictions are  not in the nations interest but are being used to make way for political elites and their foreign  business partners.  The evicted people are without Time nor remedies; a tragedy for one to endure such in the land of his/her birth. The government has made it clear that some are more equal than others and the rest can suffer quietly with no land, rights or opportunities. 

This style of governance is the most atrocious kind but is to be expected in a dictatorship. Good governance is all about equity and inclusiveness. All citizens must have an equal  chance and equal opportunities to do their best and be the best they can ever be. Equal access to education, jobs, health care, entrepreneurship, government authority,  the law and human rights are the core of nation building and good governance.  What the Zimbabwean government is doing is destruction of this fabric and it must be challenged.

5. Transpatency and Accountability 

Absent transparency and accountability a "naughty" government can exceed it authority, commit all sorts of illegality and not be held accountable. Sadly when this happens ordinary citizens are being abused, being robbed and or the state being run down with it's institutions being used to advanced the selfish interests of individuals in government.  In recent times various deals, tenders and investments have have gone through with the details of same being vague or completely unknown to the public. This has opened the window for corruption and abuse of state authority. Section 2(g) of the Constitution 2013 provide for transparency and accountability as a key principle of governance; good governance!

Without the justice system working accordingly and ensuring transparency and accountability good governance will be unachievable, not only because of the temptations to take advantage of a gap in the system but even mistakes or failures made in good faith (which are equally problematic) will go unchecked and improvements will not happen. One of the few deals whose details became known to the public, the Pomoma deal 2023 revealed glaring shortcomings to say the least. It showed how certain deals, investments and tenders are handled by the government. The deal was loaded with corruption, unbalanced benefit (which heavily favoured the foreign company contracted to carry out the work on the deal) and little to no regard for how public money was being used. All the while no accountability was taken by the responsible government actors. This was just one local government transaction, there are many more.

8. Responsiveness 

An important aspect of the social contact between citizens and their government is the government's responsiveness to its citizens. It is not likely to happen that a government can govern well if it's responsiveness is either not sincere or non existent. A nation often has different groups of people with different needs and interests.  It is often the government's responsibility to listen to these various groups and address their concerns and needs. It is essential that the governed attends to this diligently while being transparent and accountable.

The many calls from electoral reforms have been ignored and met with silent contempt. That is of course to be expected in a dictatorship. Zanupf will never reform itself out of power it is often correctly said. However there are various calls from citizens that have been met will cold silence which a government in whatever form must respond to. The calls for economic reforms, access to education, food security, job creation,  human rights etc are legitimate issues the government must respond to and act upon sincerely and effectively. Dictatorship or not not being responsive to these  calls is just not acceptable. Some dictarships have achieved great success for their people by being responsive to their needs. So good governance in this case isn't just about what form of government is in place but how the government responds to it's people.

Is Good Governance Practiced In Zimbabwe 

Well, is there good governance in Zimbabwe? What does good governance mean to us?

By

DannyTheGrey