Sukoluhle Ndlovu
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed former legislator Anele Ndebele as the new chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), months after former chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome was reassigned following the commission’s criticism of the conduct of Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 public hearings.
Majome was moved to the Public Service Commission after the ZHRC raised concerns over alleged harassment, intimidation and the exclusion of people opposed to the proposed constitutional changes during the hearings.
Her reassignment attracted criticism from human rights organisations and other stakeholders, who questioned the timing of the decision and raised concerns over the independence of the commission.
Ndebele’s appointment was announced by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya.
“His Excellency the President has, in terms of Section 242(1)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Mr Anele Ndebele as Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission,” said Dr Rushwaya.
The appointment is part of a raft of changes to senior government and constitutional commission positions announced by President Mnangagwa.
Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, who was previously Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, has been appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
He replaces Dr John Basera, who has been reassigned to the Zimbabwe Land Commission.
Dr Rushwaya said Muguti’s appointment was made in consultation with the Public Service Commission and in terms of Section 205(1) of the Constitution.
Dr Leslie Ncube has been appointed chairperson of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, while Sheuneni Kurasha has joined the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission as a commissioner.
At the Zimbabwe Land Commission, Professor Mandivamba Rukuni has been appointed deputy chairperson, while Dr Mabel Ndakaripa-Hungwe and Dr John Basera have been appointed commissioners.
All the appointments are effective immediately.
