Morgan Tsvangirai on Sunday said that the drafting of a new Constitution is not about individuals or political parties but a people-centred initiative, which everyone should take part in. Addressing over 15 000 people at a rally at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera, Mashonaland East province, Tsvangirai said the new Constitution should outlive the politicians.
The MDC supporters braved the chilly weather to hear his address.
“The Constitution is not about individuals or political parties. The people must define the future of this country by writing their own Constitution which should outlive the politicians. So let us not miss this opportunity. Let us work together so that there is no sliding back to violence,” he said.
Tsvangirai dismissed attempts by Zanu PF to force the Kariba Draft Constitution on the people. The rally was part of the MDC’s provincial 10th Anniversary celebrations being held across the country and was Tsvangirai’s first since his return from his tour to the USA, Europe and Scandinavia in order to re-engage the international community after 10 years of isolation. He said the tour was a success and all the leaders he had met were interested in helping Zimbabwe.
“I did not travel to seek for money but to re-engage the country with the international community after years of isolation and to redefine our foreign policy. As a country, we have achieved that. The money that we got was a bonus and it will go towards water, sanitation, health and education,” he said.
Tsvangirai also said he understood the concerns of the civil servants and it was his wish that their salaries are improved and promised that they would get something.
“Change is happening in Zimbabwe. Your investment in this process is not misplaced,” he said.
The rally was also attended by members of the MDC national executive and the Mashonaland East provincial leadership. Members of the national leadership who attended the rally included the national organising secretary, Elias Mudzuri and his deputy, Senator Morgan Komichi, Women’s Assembly chairperson, Theresa Makone, labour secretary, Paurina Mpariwa and the MP for Marondera Central, Iain Kay.
