A Critique of a Public Order and Security Bill
Speech Given at a Public Forum Organized by the Christian Communicators Association of Zimbabwe: Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel
Introduction
I have been asked this evening to debate the Public Order and Security Bill with the Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Dumiso Dabengwa. He has asked that I speak first so that he is able to rebut my critique of the Public Order and Security Bill and I welcome this.
Before commencing my critique let me make a few preliminary points. The Minister and Government generally have recently been criticised by some quarters of introducing the second draft of the Bill in its present form. It is alleged that the second draft of the Bill strengthens Government controls (when compared to the first draft) and that Government has not taken into account the views of civic society expressed when the first draft of the Bill was discussed with human rights organisations. In light of this, let me say at the outset that the second draft of the Bill is an improvement of the first draft and that Government has taken into account some of the concerns raised by civic society.
Let me also say that the Minister and Government should be commended for including civic organisations in this discussion process. Government has not always done this in the past and it is a welcome development. Likewise I am grateful that the Minister has taken the time this evening to come and debate the Bill with all of us. This is what true democracy is all about. Zimbabwe is facing enormous problems at present and none of us have all the answers. I believe that constructive, transparent and forthright debate will provide many of the answers to our present woes and this process should be encouraged.