By A Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC), established to address human rights violations by security services, is set to expand its operations to the provincial level in an effort to fulfill its mandate nationwide. However, critics argue that despite its establishment under the 2013 Constitution, the commission has yet to make a meaningful impact, leading to concerns over its continued misuse of state resources.

ZICC’s Chairperson, Justice Nicholas Chinamora, spoke to state media during the commission’s inaugural strategic review meeting in Darwendale on Monday. He emphasized the commission’s goal of tackling human rights abuses, particularly those carried out by members of the security services, which have long been ignored.

“ZICC was established by the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, specifically Section 210. Its key mandate is to address human rights violations perpetrated by members of the security services, which had been swept under the carpet,” said Justice Chinamora. “The commission aims to provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from the public. We are therefore meeting with some of the key stakeholders to deliberate on a strategy that enables us to effectively carry out this obligation in line with the National Development Strategy 1.”

While the commission talks about broad plans and strategies, such statements are starting to sound hollow as there has been no concrete action or results to show for the millions of dollars allocated to it. Justice Chinamora further disclosed that efforts are underway to recruit staff for the commission, including a substantive executive secretary, investigators, and provincial and district officers.

Yet, the question remains: why has this commission, along with others like the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Zimbabwe Gender Commission, and Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, failed to make a significant difference in the lives of ordinary citizens?

Despite their constitutional mandate to ensure good governance, these commissions continue to face criticism for their lack of effectiveness and, in the case of ZICC, their apparent failure to meet the expectations of Zimbabweans. The lack of tangible outcomes has led many to question whether these commissions are simply draining state resources without delivering any real benefit to the public.