Resource governance advocacy urges for transparent oversight amidst concerns of national interest
Tinotenda Chitemerere
In a compelling presentation hosted by the Accountability Journalist Network, Farai Maguwu, the esteemed Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, underscored the critical imperative for transparent and accountable resource governance, echoing concerns about its alignment with the national interest.
Maguwu’s exposition delved into the pervasive challenges haunting resource-rich nations, emphasizing the perilous implications of unchecked resource exploitation. He highlighted the emergence of the “Resource Curse” paradigm in the early ’90s, citing strife-ridden countries like Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, which experienced socio-political upheavals directly linked to abundant natural resources.
“With resource abundance comes the haunting specter of poverty, inequality, corruption, and instability,” remarked Maguwu, shedding light on the catastrophic consequences faced by nations endowed with vast resources. He elucidated the imperative to safeguard the rights of affected communities while ensuring equitable distribution and sustainable management of these invaluable assets.
The presentation dissected the pivotal role of media in fostering accountability and demanding transparency. Maguwu passionately advocated for informed and incisive journalism, urging journalists to probe deeper and question decision-makers relentlessly. “Media holds the key to informing the public, exposing malpractices, and amplifying the voices of affected communities. The media need to be informed. They must get the facts right. When they meet these politicians they must ask the right questions i.e. Minister Zhemu tells us the actual benefits of diamond mining to the Marange community. Take pictures of the Marange clinic, interview the locals, and confront officials with evidence. The other role of the media is to educate. Raise awareness of what is going wrong,” he emphasized.
Of particular concern was the compromised independence of governance bodies, such as the Mining Affairs Board, which Maguwu criticized for its inability to safeguard the national interest due to its close ties to ministerial directives.
“…I will give an example of the Mining Affairs Board (MAB). It is very important because it makes decisions or rather makes recommendations to the Minister but also plays an oversight role. But this MAB is appointed by the Minister and chaired by the Permanent Secretary whilst some of its members are Directors in the Ministry. How in the world can such a Board be effective? The Permanent Secretary who chairs it reports to the Minister whilst those he sits with on the Board are his subordinates. Bottom line is this Board is not independent and can not defend and secure the national interest in the event the Minister is compromised,” he said.
Furthermore, Maguwu underscored the lacuna in parliamentary oversight, lamenting the lack of power to curtail executive decisions concerning resource allocation. He underscored the urgent need for parliamentary authority to scrutinize transactions meticulously, ensuring the alignment of national interest without compromise.
“Empowering parliamentary oversight is pivotal in curbing corruption and ensuring that decisions genuinely serve the interests of the nation,” asserted Maguwu.
The presentation culminated with a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders to rally behind initiatives aimed at transforming entrenched systems. Maguwu’s impassioned plea for systemic change resonated as a clarion call for transparent governance structures that prioritize the well-being of present and future generations.
Maguwu reiterated the imperative for collective action, urging global citizens, policymakers, and the media to champion the cause of responsible resource governance.
The presentation marks a pivotal moment in advocating for resource governance reforms, aiming to foster transparent oversight and safeguard the national interest in resource management decisions.