Zimbabweans urged to make their own Constitution

The MDC leadership addressed thousands of party supporters across the country at “Real Change” rallies where a passionate call was made for people to participate in the forthcoming Constitution-making process, which is expected to kick-off on 15 June.

During the rallies, the MDC leadership also called for the immediate swearing-in of MDC Treasurer-General, Senator Roy Bennett as the deputy Agriculture minister. Addressing over 2 000 people in Pumula, Bulawayo on Saturday, Vice-President Thokozani Khupe said the drafting of a people-driven Constitution was part of the MDC roadmap that was mooted in 2006.

“As a result it is vital for each and every one of you to take part in this process as a people-driven Constitution will bring immense benefits to the country and the people of Zimbabwe,” she said.

However, she said although the drafting of a new Constitution was in the Global Political Agreement (GPA), Zanu PF was dragging its feet as the party was not comfortable in the people having their democratic rights. Hon. Khupe also warned the people of Bulawayo to be wary of new political parties that were mushrooming in the country such as Zapu and MDC99. “These parties are a creation of Zanu PF, which is trying to sow divisions among the people,” she said.

Also present at the rally was the Youth Assembly chairperson and Nkulumane MP, Hon. Thamsanqa Mahlangu, Lobengula MP, Hon. Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, Pumula MP, Hon. Albert Mhlanga and the Bulawayo provincial leadership. On Sunday, Hon Nkomo addressed another rally in Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb that was attended by at least 3 000 people.

Hon. Nkomo who is also the Water Resources Development and Management minister, assured the people that water shortages in Bulawayo would soon be a thing of the past as work on the Zambezi Water Project would resume this week. “Zanu PF was trying to use the Zambezi Water Project for personal gains but this did not work and the people did not benefit.  However, this project is now a national project that will directly benefit the people,” he said.

Elsewhere across the country, Hon. Nelson Chamisa, the national spokesperson was at Chinyayi business centre, Gutu East in Masvingo province o Saturday. Again Hon. Chamisa urged the people to take the Constitution-making process seriously. “Ignore the intimidation attempts by Zanu PF and come out in your large numbers to participate in the writing of a people-driven Constitution as this will empower you,” he said. He was accompanied by Masvingo provincial secretary and Masvingo Urban MP, Hon. Tongai Matutu.

On Sunday, Hon. Chamisa also addressed a well attended rally in his constituency, Kuwadzana East in Harare. He called for the immediate swearing-in of Senator Bennett as deputy Agriculture minister. “Senator Bennett was acquitted on trumped-up charges that he was facing, but Zanu PF is stalling his appointment as it is personal because of the colour of his skin.  He should be sworn-in immediately in order to assist Zanu PF’s Joseph Made who has failed in resuscitating the agriculture sector,” he said.

He also said the appointments of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor and the Attorney-General were still outstanding issues. “The government is also failing to pay civil servants decent salaries as Zanu PF is not giving contracts in a clear way resulting in the looting of diamonds at Chiadzwa,” he said. However, he said since the formation of the inclusive government, there had been some significant electoral and media reforms.

Addressing the same rally, Chisipite Senator, Hon. Obert Gutu said it was important for the people to participate in the Constitution-making process. “In the new Constitution, you should call for independent human rights and anti-corruption commissions.  The judiciary should be independent,” he said.

The Kuwadzana rally was attended by several legislators and senior party officials who included the deputy organising secretary, Senator Morgen Komichi, Mufakose MP, Hon. Paurina Mpariwa, Chikomo Senator and Harare provincial chairperson, Hon. Morgan Femai and the MDC welfare secretary, Kerry Kay.

MDC Information & Publicity Department

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