MDC-T leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says he plans to review the role of the National Security Council (NSC) and draft a code of conduct for security chiefs among a cocktail of measures aimed at making the security sector more professional once his party takes full control of government business after the elections.
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Addressing party members at the launch of the MDC-T election manifesto in Marondera on Sunday, Tsvangirai said: “We pledge, in the first 100 days, to review the policy and operational role of the National Security Council, which is provided for in the new Constitution.
“We will establish a code of conduct for the security services and establish a merit-based system within the security establishment.” He also pledged to review and improve conditions of service of members of the security sector.
“Our brave men and women in the uniformed forces must be allowed to grow professionally and must be duly rewarded for their service in defence of the nation. We must be proud of them and not fear them. They have represented us well internationally.”
Since the formation of the inclusive government five years ago, Tsvangirai has been lobbying for security sector reform and accusing top army and police officials of being partisan, but President Robert Mugabe has resisted the move describing it as part of the regime change agenda.
Tsvangirai also said the Registrar-General’s office would be decentralised and equipped to enable ordinary citizens acquire important documents such as birth certificates within their localities.
He said public officials would be required to publicly disclose their assets to promote accountable institutions, adding institutions like the Human Rights Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission would be strengthened.
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Turning to media reforms, Tsvangirai said undemocratic laws would be repealed while the media sector will be opened up.
“There is no reason why this great country should be force-fed a single television station when it boasts of so much talent and creativity. An MDC government will promote choice and will ensure the state broadcaster is fair, impartial and professional,” said Tsvangirai.
“It will not be an appendage of any political party, but a service for the people of Zimbabwe.”
Among other measures, the MDC-T leader said his administration would establish a Gender Commission to promote gender equality and women’s rights, the Independent Complaints Commission to ensure people have a platform to get redress from the police and other security services and National Peace and Reconciliation Commission to help in national healing.
He said his MDC-T government would also woe those in the Diaspora and harness the skills and capital to develop the country.
