Zimbabwe Cabinet Secretary Misheck Sibanda late Monday named the members of the country's new human rights, electoral and media commissions, following agreement earlier in the day by President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara.
The three principals finalized the members of the commissions in the context of ongoing negotiations to resolve the so-called outstanding issues which have troubled the power-sharing government since its February inception.
Media experts noted with satisfaction that the former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation broadcaster Godfrey Majonga was named chairman of the Media Commission, laying to rest earlier rumors that this key spot would go to former ZBC Chief Executive Officer Henry Muradzikwa. Chris Mutsvangwa of the ZANU-PF information committee is also a member of the panel.
Others include former Zimbabwe Union of Journalists President Matthew Takaona and freelance journalist Miriam Madziwa.
Deliberations were continuing among the principals as to who would chair the Human Rights and Electoral commissions.
Political analyst John Makumbe of the University of Zimbabwe told VOA Studio 7 reporter Jonga Kandemiiri that most of the commissioners have proven track records, though a few of the names released raised eyebrows.
Former Bulawayo mayor Japhet Ndabeni-Ncube, appointed to the Human Rights Commission, told VOA Studio 7 reporter Ntungamili Nkomo his priority will be to ensure that human rights are fully restored in the country.
The commissioners named Monday included:
Media Commission
Godfrey Majonga (chairman)
Nqobile Nyathi (deputy chairman)
Miriam Madziwa
Lawton Hikwa
Henry Muradzikwa
Chris Mutsvangwa
Mathew Takaona
Chris Mhike
Millicent Mombeshora
Electoral Commission
Joyce Kazembe
Petty Makoni
Sibongile Ndlovu
Bessie Nhandara
Daniel Chigaru
Theophilus Gambe
Geoff Feltoe
Mukhuli Nyathi
Human Rights Commission
Ellen Sithole
Kwanele Jirira
Neseni Nomathemba
Elasto Mugwadi
Joseph Kurebgwa
Japhet Ndabeni Ncube
Jacob Mudenda
Carol Khombe
