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The KPCS, through the influence of Western powers like the European Union, Australia and the United States, unilaterally appointed Mr Shamiso Mutisi as the focal person during the plenary session in Jerusalem, Israel.

This was in violation of the KP Standing Rules and Regulations, which require that there be consensus in all decisions made.
The civil society coalition said the KP Review Mission had tasked Zimbabwe to select a focal point person to work with Mr Chikane.

The role of the local focal point person is to work with the KP monitor and should have unfettered access to all diamond mining places and records related to the mining activities.
The civil society coalition chose Mr Goodson Nguni while the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations had initially settled for Mr Farai Maguwu.

The Review Mission, however, advised Zimbabwe to nominate a single person for the position and inform them when the issue has been resolved.
During the Israel plenary session, the Zimbabwean delegates were shocked to hear KPCS claiming that Mr Mutisi was Zimbabwe’s focal point person.

The Global Witness, which has been hostile to Zimbabwe over the Marange diamonds and represents civil society in the KPCS, also endorsed the controversial appointment.
The local civil society and Government, led by Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu, rejected the appointment.

In an interview, civil society coalition member Mr Paddington Japajapa said they protes-ted against the handpicking of Mr Mutisi as the nomination was not by consensus.
Mr Mutisi is a member of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association.