By Bridget Mananavire
HARARE – South Africa-based businessman Mutumwa Mawere has given the Registrar General (RG) Tobaiwa Mudede until Friday to respond to his Zimbabwean citizenship request before he approaches the High Court for redress.
Mudede has ignored Mawere’s request for a Zimbabwean identification (ID) card, though according to the new Constitution which came into force on May 22, the self-exiled tycoon is allowed to enjoy dual citizenship as he was born in Bindura in Zimbabwe.
He also holds South African citizenship which he obtained in 2002. His lawyers Nyakutombwa Law Firm first wrote to the RG on May 19, but Mawere is yet to receive a response. He subsequently wrote two follow up letters over the past 10 days.
“Please let us have your response on or before close of business on Friday, 31st May 2013 failing which we shall be compelled to proceed against your offices in the High Court of Zimbabwe for urgent interim relief pursuant to Section 3 of the Administrative Justice Act (Chapter 10:28) as read with the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013,” says the letter to Mudede.
The founder and chairman of Africa Resources Limited (ARL) argued in his earlier letter that the continued denial of Zimbabwean citizenship disenfranchises him as he intended to participate in the forthcoming watershed general elections.
Home Affairs co-minister Theresa Makone — whose ministry presides over the Registrar General’s office — said Mawere had a right to have his citizenship reinstated.
“He is right to approach the High Court, it is his right,” she said. “I am very much aware of his case, he copied me in the previous letters and I sent him an email in response. I am not sure if he got it.”
In previous letters Mawere claimed he had been surprised that Mudede wanted to meet with him first before processing his application.
He also claims he was referred to Justice and Legal Affairs minister Patrick Chinamasa for clarification although he had followed the necessary procedures to obtain the Zimbabwean ID. Daily News
