HARARE – Pro-democracy campaigner, Vongai Zimudzi, has filed an application at the High Court against Chief Seke, a traditional leader, for allegedly violating the Constitution by publicly declaring his allegiance to the ruling Zanu-PF party.
The application, filed by Zimudzi’s lawyer, Obey Shava of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), argues that Chief Seke’s remarks were unconstitutional and infringed on Zimudzi’s political rights.
According to the application, Chief Seke (real name Stanley Chimanikire) made the remarks during a meeting in Seke, Mashonaland East province, where he chanted Zanu-PF slogans and pledged his allegiance to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
It is stated that Chief Seke chanted the slogan: “2030 Va Mnangagwa vanenge vachitonga, Pamberi neZANU PF. Pasi nemhandu”, which loosely translates to; “Mnangagwa would still be ruling in 2030, forward with ZANU PF, down with the enemy”.
The slogan is linked to Mnangagwa’s alleged plan to extend his term of office beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit until 2030.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is viewed as the front-runner in the race to succeed Mnangagwa, is said to be opposed to the Zanu-PF leader’s idea.
In the application, Zimudzi argues that this conduct violates section 281 of the Constitution, which requires traditional leaders to be impartial and apolitical.
Zimudzi is seeking an court order directing Chief Seke to retract his remarks and issue a countermanding statement in a newspaper with national circulation.
She also wants the National Council of Chiefs to commence disciplinary proceedings against Chief Seke for misconduct and for the Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, to circulate the court order widely.
This is not the first time Chief Seke has been accused of partisan behavior. In 2015, Zimudzi argues that the chief publicly pledged his allegiance to the late former President Robert Mugabe, stating that those who did not support Mugabe would find it difficult to live in his area.
“Let us support Zanu-PF and its leader, President Mugabe. I know some will say that Chiefs must not be political, but with me, it is different. Let me tell you, the people of Seke, that if you do not support Mugabe, living with me will be difficult,” Zimudzi noted.
Zimudzi argues that while traditional leaders have the right to express their political preferences as citizens, their political rights are subservient to section 281 of the Constitution, which regulates their political conduct.
She believes that traditional leaders are revered and wield great influence, and it is incumbent upon them to respect the law and conduct themselves in a non-partisan and apolitical manner.
The application also cites the National Council of Chiefs, Garwe, and Attorney-General Virginia Mabhiza as respondents. The case is yet to be set down for hearing at the High Court.
Zimudzi’s lawyer, Shava, filed the application after Chief Seke allegedly disregarded a letter demanding a retraction of his partisan utterances and an apology.
