Harare, (New Ziana) – Public hearings which the Parliament of Zimbabwe has been conduting throughout the country on the Whistle Blowers and Witness Protection Bill, ended on Friday, with individuals and other stakeholders making their contributions.
The Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs was conducting the hearings jointly with the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption.
Members of the public had the opportunity to share their views, raise concerns and assist in shaping legislation that seeks to protect whistle-blowers and witnesses.
The Bill seeks to provide a framework within which whistle-blowers can disclose information about conduct inimical to the public interest without facing threats or harm, while also providing protection for witnesses.
It will also establish a Witness Protection Unit within the National Prosecution Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), provide a program for the protection of witnesses, and establish a Witness Protection Appeal Tribunal.
In an interview, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson Kindness Paradza said the commission provided technical input into the Bill following its approval by Cabinet late last year.
“As ZACC, we made our contribution towards the Bill as it will protect those who expose corrupt activities. The victimisation of whistleblowers and witnesses necessitates legislative reforms that guarantee their protection, and the public hearings gave people a chance to air their views on the Bill,” he said.
“We consistently advocated for a comprehensive legal framework to protect whistleblowers and witnesses, as this remains a critical missing link in strengthening the national anti-corruption architecture,” he added.
Paradza added that, in terms of the country’s Constitutional framework, the development and enactment of legislation is the prerogative of the Legislature, while the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs will advise on the legislative timetable and next steps.
The enactment of legislation protecting whistle-blowers will be prioritised under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), as it will be key to promoting transparency, accountability and good governance by encouraging individuals to report corruption, fraud and other unethical or illegal activities without fear of retaliation.
New Ziana
