Managing Governments of National Unity: Reflections of the Zimbabwean Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC)

Abstract

The Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee was a Zimbabwean Trans governmental organization formed in Zimbabwe after the signing of the Global political Agreement GPA, signed in the 2009, and the body was mainly meant to monitor the implementation of the agreement and also to promote political tolerance among political players. This research study sought to establish the extent to which the body was appreciated and the inclusivity of its activities. The survey design was used. The representative sample of 30 included leaders from political parties, selected civic society organization and JOMIC board members. Data was collected using a questionnaire as the sample was relatively large. The findings indicated that, to a large extent JOMIC was appreciated by political players and the public. The activities of JOMIC were also found to be largely inclusive. Despite the critics the study generally concluded that JOMIC positively contributed to the promotion of political tolerance in Zimbabwe. However, the issue of non-prosecution powers by JOMIC was pointed out as having affected JOMIC‘s complete effectiveness. It was recommended that since JOMIC only existed during the life span of the GPA (2009-2013), the Government of Zimbabwe and all stakeholders must consider seriously the idea of having permanent organization like JOMIC which must include all stakeholders, such as government, political parties, civic society, religious leaders and traditional leaders. It was also established that such an organization must have structures from national right down to ward or village level. The organization should have its mandate also expanded to include issues of national healing, reconciliation and reparation. The organization should also be established by an Act of Parliament in order to give it more powers for dealing with those who violates its standing rules.