CHAIRPERSONS of the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (Jomic) have written to Cabinet recommending that members of their secretariat be absorbed into other government departments when the body winds up its operations this month.
Report by Everson Mushava
Jomic co-chairperson and Zanu PF Women’s League boss Oppah Muchinguri said the body had written to negotiators of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and Cabinet proposing that some Jomic staffers, offices and equipment be taken over by the Organ for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration.
Muchinguri, however, said only apolitical staff would be retained, while those seconded by political parties would be laid off.
“Those seconded by political parties will be released. We are not throwing people on the street. They signed contracts and they knew that their jobs will end with the holding of elections. People were recruited on contracts,” Muchinguri said.
Jomic was established in January 2009 as an inter-party body to foster political tolerance among Zimbabweans following the violent presidential runoff election in June 2008.
MDC negotiator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga said the GPA ended with the holding of elections on July 31 and Jomic could not live beyond the Sadc-brokered power-sharing pact.
“Legally and otherwise, Jomic ceases to exist,” Misihairabwi- Mushonga said yesterday.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Jomic ceases to exist because it was formed under GPA and it would be a breach of the agreement if it lives beyond it. The GPA ended when elections were held.”
Misihairabwi-Mushonga said Jomic leaders would hold their last meeting next week to wind up operations and compile a report to be presented to Cabinet on how future peace-building initiatives could be sustained.
“Jomic did a good job and the question is how it can be sustained. Consultations are taking place between parties (Zanu PF, MDC-T and the MDC that were part of the inclusive government) on how some of the good work done by Jomic could be sustained,” Misihairabwi-Mushonga said.
