REPORT ON THE RE-ENGAGEMENT VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF SWEDEN AS PRESENTED BEFORE PARLIAMENT ON JUNE 23 2020
HON. K. PARADZA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report on the Re-engagement visit to the United Kingdom of Sweden by a Parliamentary Delegation led by the Hon. Advocate J. F. Mudenda from 9th to 10th September, 2019.
HON. MADIWA: I second.
HON. K. PARADZA: 1.0 Introduction
1.1 Within the context of the current re-engagement process spearheaded by H.E. the President, Cde. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and in pursuit of Parliamentary diplomacy as approved by Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly led a Parliamentary Delegation on a re-engagement visit to Stockholm, Sweden on 9 and 10 September 2019.
1.2 The delegation comprised the following Members and Officers of Parliament:
· Hon. Kindness Paradza, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade;
· Hon. Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education;
· Hon. Joshua Sacco, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce;
· Hon. Sen. Douglas Mwonzora, Member of Parliament;
· Ms. Rumbidzai Chisango, Principal External Relations Officer;
· Mr. Shepherd Manhivi, Committee Clerk and Secretary to the Delegation; and
· Mr. Clive Mukushwa, Security Aide to the Hon. Speaker.
1.3 From the onset, the delegation wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to H.E. Alice Mashingaidze, the Republic of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Sweden together with her able staff and Mrs. Sofia Margareta Andrietta Calltorp, former Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe who completed her tour of duty in August 2019, for their sterling work in ensuring that the Parliamentary diplomacy visit to Stockholm was successful.
1.4 It should be noted that Stockholm is only one of the four capitals the delegation initially intended to engage. Due to circumstances beyond the delegation’s control, visits to Washington, London and Brussels had to be postponed to mutually agreeable dates in the first quarter of 2020.
2.0 Purpose of the Visit
2.1 The re-engagement visit sought to complement the efforts of the Executive by articulating the major political and economic reforms being instituted by the Second Republic through parliamentary legal processes. Furthermore, the interface sought to strengthen bilateral relations between the Parliament of Zimbabwe and the Swedish Riksdag in areas of common interest.
2.2 To that end, the delegation held several meetings with the following stakeholders:-
· Hon. Dr. Andreas Norlen, Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag and his delegation;
· Mrs. Irina Schoulgin Nyoni, Head of Africa Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and her delegation in place of the Swedish Foreign Minister who had resigned when the delegation arrived;
· Hon. Olle Thorell, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and his Delegation;
· Mrs Asa Jarskog, President of the Swedish-Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce;
· Anna Sundstrom, Secretary General of the Olof Palme International Centre for Democracy and her delegation; and
· Mr Leif Isaksson, International Secretary of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation and his delegation.
3.0 The Delegation’s Message to Stakeholders in Sweden
3.1 Of paramount importance, the delegation emphasised the opening up of democratic space in Zimbabwe under President Mnangagwa’s leadership whose mantra is that “Zimbabwe Is Open For Business” and should attain an upper middle income economy by 2030. The delegation informed their hosts that the New Dispensation under the leadership of President Mnangagwa had opened up the political democratic space. That is why 133 political parties emerged to contest the 2018 Harmonised Elections while 23 candidates registered to contest the presidential race. The electoral environment before, during and after was extremely conducive except for the regrettable violence in August 2018 and January 2019.
3.2 The stakeholders were informed that Parliament, through its constitutional mandate, is seized with instituting political and economic reforms. The reforms are anchored on the recommendations by International Election Observer Missions during the 2018 Harmonised Elections, civil society petitions and the Montlanthe Commission recommendations.
3.3 With regards to electoral reforms, the delegation informed the Swedish stakeholders that POSA and AIPPA had been repealed while measures will be taken to strengthen the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct through Multi Party Liaison Committees, among other measures.
3.4 Furthermore, the stakeholders were informed about the economic reforms being undertaken by Parliament to create a conducive environment for the ease of doing business. Accordingly, Parliament is currently considering the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) Bill which is now at Committee Stage. Once promulgated into law, it will create a One Stop Investment Centre and will harmonise Special Economic Zones and Joint Venture economic enterprises in order to attract domestic and foreign direct investors in Zimbabwe.
3.5 Additionally, the delegation advised the stakeholders that the indigenisation legislation had been repealed by Parliament through the Finance Act of 2018 because it negated foreign direct investment. Foreign investors can now hold 100% shareholding if they so wish.
3.6 The delegation explained the ongoing political dialogue process comprising 19 political parties except the MDC-Alliance. Overtures are underway to ensure that the main opposition party, the MDC Alliance, becomes part and parcel of the political dialogue so that the political dialogue becomes inclusive.
3.7 The delegation appealed to Sweden to assist Zimbabwe achieve a positive international image as it embarks on the highlighted reforms. In this context, the delegation called on the removal of the illegal sanctions which are hurting the Zimbabwean economy and the ordinary citizens.
4.0 Meeting with the Head of Africa Department- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4.1 The Parliamentary delegation diplomatic overtures led to the resignation of the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Maggot Wallstrom, who strongly contended that failure to dialogue with Zimbabwe was a “bad policy” more so that the former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe was no more on Zimbabwe’s political arena. On the delegation’s arrival, she opined that,
“The other insight is that countries should not be isolated. It’s such a bad policy. Now that Mugabe has died, look back at Zimbabwe’s history and what happened when the country became isolated. How has it helped North Korea, how is it helping Iran? At the moment when countries are isolated, they join. They look inward and stop developing. To think that you should not meet them because you dislike their politics is the worst-it only gives more power to the reactionary forces and those who do not want democracy or democratic development. Then civilization itself goes backwards”.
Her resignation demonstrated the impact of the delegation’s visit, wittingly or unwittingly. As a result of her resignation, the delegation met with officials from the Africa Desk led by Mrs. Irina Schoulgin-Nyoni who is the Head of the Department for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.
4.2 The delegation explained the electoral and economic reforms being championed by Parliament, specifically making reference to the repeal of POSA, AIPPA and the Indigenisation Act. POSA will be replaced by MOPA which is to be accented to and signed into law by the President. AIPPA is being substituted by the Freedom of Information Bill, Protection of Personal Information Bill and the Media Commission Bill in order to address freedom of assembly and expression as championed by the Constitution.
4.3 While the officials made a commitment to advocate for Zimbabwe’s re-engagement, they noted the following areas for action by Zimbabwe:-
· Called for the need for dialogue between H.E. the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, and Leader of the main opposition Mr. Nelson Chamisa.
· Called on Zimbabwe to address currency volatility issues which create negative perceptions for investors.
· Called for specific programs to advance gender issues including gender budgeting.
· Called for programs to strengthen citizen’s involvement in political processes.
· Called for the expeditious adoption of key political and economic reforms through the Parliamentary legislative processes.
5.0 Meeting with the Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag (Parliament)
5.1 The Meeting with the Hon Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag was held at the Riksdag Buildings. In attendance during this meeting were Ms. Sara Heikkinen Breitholtz, a Member of Parliament representing the Social Democratic Party and Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mats Nordberg, Member of Parliament representing the Sweden Democrats and a substitute Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms Yasmine Posio, Member of Parliament representing the Left Party and Substitute Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms. Teres Lindberg, Member of Parliament representing the Social Democratic Party and Vice Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Ms. Anna Karin Hedstrom, Head of the International Department of the Riksdag and Mr. Ralph Hermansson, International Parliamentary Advisor.
5.2 In his opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Andreas Norlen, Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag gave a historical background and the current composition of the Riksdag highlighting that the Riksdag was bicameral until 1971 when it became unicameral. The Riksdag comprises of 139 Members from 8 political parties who are elected after every four years. The Riksdag has 15 Standing Committees.
5.3 The host Hon. Speaker outlined his role as Speaker, specifically that he chairs the Riksdag Board, represents Parliament and Sweden both within and outside Sweden and he also leads the process of forming a government.
5.4 Hon. Advocate Mudenda extended his appreciation to the host Speaker’s gesture to meet the delegation at the Parliament Buildings. Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to the Swedish IPU delegation for proposing an Emergency Item during the 140th Assembly of the IPU held in March 2019 calling for humanitarian aid in support of victims of Cyclone Idai which ravaged parts of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Subsequently, Zimbabwe received humanitarian amounting to over 600 million United States dollars for the reconstruction efforts.
5.5 The Zimbabwe delegation elaborated on efforts being undertaken by the Parliament to effect political and economic reforms as well as alignment of laws to the country’s Constitution. It affirmed that the Parliament of Zimbabwe is committed to the upholding of the tenets of the Bill of Rights as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
5.6 The Swedish delegation welcomed the positive initiatives aimed at promoting democracy and democratic institutions through the political and economic reforms. In this regard, they called on the Parliamentary delegation to:
· Ensure the expeditious implementation of the highlighted political and economic reforms.
· Ensure an inclusive political national dialogue that should foster public trust, ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights as well as paying attention to gender based violence.
5.7 In response to some of the concerns raised by the Swedish Speaker of Parliament, the Hon. Speaker indicated that the political and economic reforms are matters of legislative processes that occur in time through Parliamentary due diligence. The Hon. Speaker further explained that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the Gender Commission speak to the political dialogue matrix and gender based violence respectively. Additionally, the Swedish funded Institutions such as the Zimbabwe Institute have been assisting in the political party inclusive dialogue efforts. In further response, the Zimbabwe delegation advised their Swedish counterparts that democracy is an evolving phenomenon. It has taken, for example, 584 years since 1475 for Sweden to evolve its democracy to what it is now. Thus, Zimbabwe’s democracy must be given chance to nurture its young democracy.
6.0 Meeting with the Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
6.1 Hon. Olle Thorell, who is a Member of Parliament representing Social Democratic Party made reference to the long standing relations between Zimbabwe and Sweden which date back to the days of the Zimbabwe liberation struggle. Accordingly, he was keen to learn of new developments taking place in Zimbabwe and to explore possible areas of cooperation.
6.2 The delegation briefed the meeting on current developments highlighting the electoral and economic reforms, political dialogue and the re-engagement processes which seek to not only open Zimbabwe to the world but to enrich democratic processes as well. It made it clear that Zimbabwe has a Government formed in line with the results of the 2018 Harmonized elections.
6.3 Hon. Mwonzora briefed the Meeting on the position of the MDC Alliance highlighting that the party is advocating for mediated dialogue that is essential but that it must be genuine, unconditional and predicated on national issues.
6.4 With regards to possible areas of cooperation, the delegation appealed for funding to capacitate key institutions such as Independent Commissions to effectively discharge their mandate. In addition, there is need to increase funding to Parliament which is being channeled through the Zimbabwe Institute as well as the scope for capacity building programmes.
6.5 The delegation appealed for the removal of sanctions and ending Zimbabwe’s isolation which has had a negative impact on the ordinary citizen.
6.6 Hon. Olle Thorell encouraged Zimbabwe to learn from the Swedish experience where all political parties had put aside their differences, formed alliances and a Government based on national interest. Accordingly, all political parties in Zimbabwe should engage in dialogue for the good of the country.
7.0 Meeting with the President of the Swedish Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce (SSACC)
7.1 The Swedish Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non- profit making organisation that promotes trade and investment between Sweden and Sub-Saharan Africa.
7.2 The President of the SSACC has a keen interest in Zimbabwe and as such is willing to market Zimbabwe to her membership as part of re-engagement through Business interface. However, she emphasised that Swedish businesses are averse to risk and corruption preferring to invest in countries where there is policy consistency and the legislative framework governing various sectors of the economy.
7.2 The Zimbabwe delegation informed the Chamber President that the Indigenisation Act has been repealed and the investments will now be driven under the ZIDA Act whose Bill is currently before Parliament. It will address the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe. The delegation assured the Swedish Chamber that foreign investors would be able to repatriate their profits back to their country.
7.3 The Chamber President welcomed the developments with regards to the progress on the ZIDA bill. In this regard, she proposed convening a dialogue where representatives from the Zimbabwe business community would interface with her Chamber Members. In this regard, the Swedish Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce is willing to facilitate this engagement.
8.0 Meeting with the Olof Palme International Centre
8.1 The Olof Palme International Center is currently supporting political party dialogue in Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Institute. In addition, the Zimbabwe Institute has supported Parliament in its capacity building programmes for both Members and Officers of Parliament. The Centre works closely with the Social Democratic Party in Sweden as well as the Swedish Trade Union Confederation.
8.2 The delegation, briefed the Secretary General of the Olof Palme Centre on current developments in Zimbabwe focusing primarily on electoral and economic reforms as well as the political dialogue efforts taking place in Zimbabwe.
8.3 The Secretary General of the Centre welcomed the positive developments taking place in Zimbabwe and expressed a keen interest in maintaining programmes under its funding. In the spirit of encouraging an all-inclusive dialogue, the Centre sponsors joint youth programs across the political divide through the Zimbabwe Institute. The Centre was keen in advancing political and economic reforms being undertaken by Zimbabwe and, therefore, there was need for sustainable interface with the Centre.
9.0 Meeting with the Swedish Trade Union Confederation
9.1 The Swedish Trade Union Confederation is one of the largest Trade Union Centres in the world. It has a long history of financially and morally supporting Trade Unions in Zimbabwe.
9.2 The delegation and the Trade Unionist exchanged best practices on labour rights for all workers, including the civil service and the right to collective bargaining. Of particular interest to the delegation was the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (NTF) which Zimbabwe has crafted into law so that recommendations arising from NTF are legally binding to all parties to the negotiations.
9.3 Of note is that Members of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation have the right to support a political party of their choice although such a practice can create unnecessary political imperatives where there is change of government.
10.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
10.1 The role of Parliament in the re-engagement process through Parliamentary diplomacy cannot be over emphasised. The visit to Sweden has strengthened the resolve to complement the Executive’s efforts in re-engaging the International Community and affirming the mantra that Zimbabwe Is Open for Business. Accordingly, efforts must be made to ensure that the delegation proceeds to Washington, London, and Brussels on the re-engagement trail through Parliamentary diplomacy. The visits will also help address the apparent negative perceptions about Zimbabwe.
10.2 While all stakeholders welcomed the positive developments as articulated by the delegation, it was clear that the international community expects Zimbabwe to focus on the implementation of political and economic reforms as well as the protection of human rights as enshrined in the country’s Constitution. Accordingly, Parliament of Zimbabwe will expedite the realisation of political and economic reforms as well as complete the aligning of all outstanding 60 laws to the country’s Constitution. This requires the concerted support of the Executive because it is the Executive that generally originates the Bills.
10.3 The Zimbabwe Embassy in Stockholm needs to continuously engage the Swedish Southern Africa Chambers of Commerce with the view of jointly convening the proposed Business Conference. In addition to the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Parliament of Zimbabwe can delegate representatives from the Portfolio Committees on Foreign Affairs and International Trade as well as Industry and Commerce to attend the Conference in order to unpack the ZIDA Bill once it is promulgated into law so as to foster business re-engagement.
10.4 From the delegation’s interaction with the Olof Palmer International Centre, there is a possibility of broadening the scope activities funded through the Zimbabwe Institute. Accordingly, there is need to engage the Zimbabwe Institute on possible areas of cooperation, especially in the quest for inclusive national political dialogue through national consensus building. Parliament should encourage the Zimbabwe Institute to carry on with the multi-party dialogue with the view of persuading political parties to embrace gender parity in their Party Constitutions in line with the national Constitution.
10.5 Parliament may wish to immediately appoint a Constitution Committee to oversee the implementation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. In addition, this Committee would oversee the alignment of legislation with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
10.6 Corruption remains a major economic challenge and a major disincentive to local and foreign direct investment. Parliament should ensure that all institutions fighting corruption are adequately resourced through the National Budget so as to augment the President’s crusade against corruption. I thank you.
-NationalAssemblyHansard