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Minister
of Constitutional Affairs, Advocate Eric T Matinenga, answers your
questions about the Constitution making process in Zimbabwe - Questions
from the people
Kubatana.net
May 2010
Below is a listing
of questions for the Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Advocate
Eric T Matinenga, submitted by members of the public.
View the listing
of all answers here
Morning. I don't
think the Constitution is worth the paper it's written on.
If the Executive the police and the judiciary don't uphold
the Constitution. Whatever we come up with there's got to
be a mechanism for forcing compliance. Ok. Bye.
---
Ini ndinoda
kuziva pamusoro pevanhu vakaita violence vanoitwa sei and vachaitwa
sei in thew new Consitution? Munhu wese who is a perpetrator of
violence anoitwa sei nebumbiro idzva remitemo?
---
Ya..ini ndirikuda
kubvunza nezve nyaya ye[inaudible] President na prime minister vachange
varipo here? Senate ichange iripo here?because hatisikuda Senate.
Tirikungoda Parliament, kuitira fiscus idzikire. Thank you.
---
[inaudible]Minerals
Act, where registration [inaudible] of the land owned. Where I am
there is a nominal fine. Can this clause be revealed, so that land
owners [inaudible] in terms of the Empowerment Act. There is too
much power in this Act and in the Mines and Minerals Act. As a result
[inaudible] people are just registering and they are pegging.
---
Hi, My concerns
with the Constitution relate to women's issues and to the
rights of minorities. I would like to know how the Minister intends
to show leadership, or lead by example to ensure that the rights
of people whose rights would be swamped by the rights of the majority
will be, protected in our constitution.
---
Ok, right mubvunzo
wangu ndewekuti, our position as MDC ndeyeyi kuSenate. Then 2. Ini
ndiri kuChipinge East, Ward 14, I am a Councillor, tirikuvunditsirwa
chaizvo kuti kana pakucontributa muConstitution iya [inaudible]
TatendaMy quwstion is what is our position as the MDC on the Constitution,
then 2, I am in Chipinge East, Ward 14, I am a councillor, we are
being intimidated, so much so that [inaudible]. Thank youmale I'd
like to ask the Minister how land tenure is going to be handled
in the Constitution. is it going to be the sole right of the individual
or is it going to belong to the state? Thank you
---
Pane here mechanism
irikuiswa kuti kuwanikwe equal representaion panouya veCOPAC vachibvunza
vanhu; equal representation paground kuti kunenge kuine 50/50/ Vamwe
vanogona kuita another pary, that party yodominata the proceedings
zvobva zvaita kunge COPAC yatora maviews ethat party.Is there a
way to stop the COPAC consultative meetings being dominated by people
from a particular political party?
---
Tangatichida
kubvunzawo, kuti panyaya dzemaparastatals, hatigone kuisa mubumbiro
here how they are run? Because [inaudible]We wanted to ask if we
can put how parastatals are run in the new Constitution.
---
My question
is when is the Constitution going to be finished? And after that
when can we expect the next general election?Thank you
---
Hello? My question
is on the Constitution of the President. I want to understand what
[unintelligible]So thank you
---
I just wanted
the Minister to explain to me in terms of process, the Constitution
making process. Are we going to have a situation where after the
referendum, the Draft is going to be subjected to debate again in
Parliament? And debate with the majority as required by law, and
if it doesn't get to this majority, what will happen to the
Draft Constitution that the people will have voted for? Can I have
an explanation on that. My name is Kudzai Kwangwari from Radio Dialogue
in Bulawayo, Thank you.
---
Why am I not
allowed to vote? I want to register my anger and disgust because
[inaudible] I am not allowed to vote because of the Zimbabwean set
up. I am born and bred in Zimbabwe and I am over forty years old,
I am not allowed to vote because my parents are South African. I
have never been to South Africa all my life. I remember voting twice
and then all of a sudden I was told I am no longer a voter in my
country of birth. Now that elections are around the corner, we [inaudible].
This is purely selfish and unreasonable, I want my voting rights
back now. In the New Constitution, anybody and everybody who was
born in Zimbabwe should be allowed to vote in any election. Thank
you.
---
Thank you Kubatana
for this opportunity. My question to the Minister is one regarding
the people aligned or linked to ZANU PF, who are moving around intimidating
ordinary Zimbabweans so that they should not pick pout or air their
views when the Parliamentary select committee visits their area.
What mechanisms have you put in place as the authorities to ensure
that the people will not be intimidated, or will not be beaten up
after they speak freely their minds or after they give their views
to the Parliamentary Select Committee Outreach Teams. This is a
casue for concern and I hope that you will answer me adequately
on this question. Our fear is that people will not be able to air
their views freely because they are being intimidated by ZANU PF
and other members of the CIO. Thank you.
---
How long is
the Constitution making process going to take?
---
We have a youths
project. We have drafted our own Constitution. Is it necessary for
us to market our organisation through that manner?
---
How can we safeguard
the new Constitution from being broken with impunity by the executive
and service chiefs as has been the case with the old current law?
---
Yes I have the
written statements about 40 now to phone - no cash. How can
I give him or you the paper, it's ready. I stay in Chitungwiza
Unit J so you can meet me if you happen to be here then you can
contact me.
---
Honourable Minister
Matinenga - Why are we to be imposed the Kariba Draft? We
don't want that Karibadraft. We want our own draft as Zimbabweans.
We don't want a clique of people to impose this draft. Minister,
when are we getting our new Constitution?
---
What safeguards
will curb military role expansion? Okay with first past post or
proportional representation? For the British system of ceremonial
president, the US Presidential system or the French model?
---
In Matabeleland
and Midlands, no devolution of power and we will vote NO in the
Referendum, because others are taking politics as business May I
know when the outreach is programme to start? Why has it taken so
long to commence? (Buhera Central)
---
I have heard
that there is going to be a new law which is going to force one
wife per marriage. Is it not going to promote promiscuity and more
small houses because varume havaregi?
---
Hie Minister,
why is it labour and High Court is sitting on wage and salary claims.
Please give judgement quickly so that these black empowerment people
play with law.
---
Are you considering
the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS, and to what extent?
---
At what age,
or after serving how many years, should a government worker say
in the uniformed force retire?
---
I think they
are delaying to rig again in the next election. Why can't we push
harder and faster?
---
1. We want free
and fair election and free campaign. 2. No to lesbians
---
Is the proposed
method of consulting the people in the outreach programme going
to encourage greater participation than conducting door to door
consultation as is done when conducting the census (where participation
is undoubtedly normally over 70%)
---
Under which
Thematic Committee does Intellectual Property fall?
---
Freedom of conscience
should be supreme. Separation of state and church consolidated.
Should one be denied work on a religious basis? What of safeguarding
ethnic / minority languages?
---
Minister 1.
masimba aPresident anoenzaniswa sei uye kuti asheiwa paani nani.
2 mapurisa anekodzero here yekunidrova kana vachiferefeta nyaya
tinoita sei kuti zvivepa bumbiro remutemo?
---
Most people
are crying foul over the retirement ages of 55 and 60, in view of
a fallen life expectancy. What is your team doing about this?
---
We want Federal system in Zimbabwe. That will empower the people
of Matabeleland.
---
If Zimbabwe
is declared a Christian nation does it automatically mean the Constitution
will not cater for gay rights?
---
When is the
new Constitution going to be completed? How is the approval to be
done and how long will it take for approval to be granted? When
is the next general election?
---
Why can't we
have a limited term for MPs because some people are taking it as
a career - it's no longer about people's needs.
---
Zimbabwe is
poor and plundered today because of no leadership renewal. Zanu
PF failed at party level, the nation tried and was surpressed. Tenure
President and answerable.
---
Zvinongonzi
taura, nzwikwawo izwi rako, kupi kwatinotaurira kataura zvacho zvainofunga
nezvazvo?
---
What is the
proper decision about the 51% in relation to investor confidence?
Also about President's decision making powers! Why politicians are
telling people what to decide? Why is the process taking so long
and politically minority?
---
Honourable Minister
- Ini ndiri mushandi wehurumende. Maticha nemanesi achapiwavo here
kodzero yemuhoro pakugadzirwa kwebumbiro idzva remutemo?
---
Sir, passports
with pages must not expire to save resources!
---
We heard about
raporteurs who are said to teach citizens. How many are they? Will
they cover the whole country?
---
IS THE HEAD
OF STATE ALSO A CIVIL SERVANT, IF HE IS HOW COME HE DOESNT GO ON
PENSION WHEN HE RECEACHES THE AGE OF 65 OR IS IT 75, I THINK IT
SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR IN THE CONSITUTION THAT A PRESIDENT SHOULD
NOT BE MORE THAN 65 YEARS OF AGE
---
I truly believe
there should be a clause in our Constitution that states,
" No changes can be made to the Constitution without a referendum
being called within 30 days by parliament after initial consultation
with other parties and there is a 51% agreement by those elected
to parliament in either the Lower and Upper House. Changes that
are made unlawfully will result in immediate dismissal of those
involved in such acts."
---
what can we
do to have a law that clearly separates THIS COUNTRY'S ECONOMY AND
POLITICS in the next constitution.
---
What are the
qualifications of a president?
---
Thank you for
educative material you keep sending us and I bet you I'm following.
The question I have as regards our constitution is on the GAY rights
Is this already in the Constitution of Zimbabwe or its something
to be added in the current constitution of Zimbabwe? If so will
the banning of it totally symbolise democracy or it's otherwise?
Will the general populacy of Zimbabwe benefit in any way on the
legalisation of amcts as such? I'm looking forward to seeing your
responses regarding this subject.
---
My question is when will the outreach program start because various
sources of media sound as if the principles are now concentrating
on the next elections. We need the constitution before the elections
to govern how the next government will run the show.
---
DISCRIMINATION,
FREEDOM FROM INHUMANE TREATMENT, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, FREE &
FAIR VOTING RIGHTS, HONEST GOOD GOVERNANCE THAT UNITES PEOPLE AND
HAS ALL ITS CITIZENS WELLBEING AT HEART i.e. PROVIDING EVERY ZIMBABWEAN
WITH THEIR BASIC RIGHT TO A COMFORTABLE STANDARD OF LIVING e.g.
AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO A GOOD HEALTH SYSTEM, EDUCATION, JOBS, SHELTER,
FOOD, SAFETYetc.
---
Thank you Kubatana for providing a platform for our voices to be
heard.
---
Please advocate
Matinenga, save us from evil and the wrath of God. Stop Gay-Lesbian
rights NOW. Let them shout at the top of their voices but you would
have saved yourself, your generation and the nation at large. Better
that a few burn with passion than that the whole nation perishes
with sin. I'm for God and wish for a Godly constitution.
---
Firstly i would
like to request for a schedule of the public hearings which might
be going on in and around Harare for the drafting of the new constitution.
Secondly, my question in on Homosexuality. Whats the procedure for
including it in the constitution? Do we have a public vote to include
these things in the constitution? I fear for the well
being of our society as a result of including such a right in our
constitution. More than 70% of our population are christians and
our Bible abolish such acts from Genesis right throug to Revelation.
This is not an imposition of my idea not to include such extends
of liberties in our bill of rights but rather a plea to save our
humanities and cultural values in Zimbabwe.
---
How can a 5th
generation white be an alian. are white Zimbabweans from Mars or
Jupiter? God and his laws to be enshrined in any constituation.
No gays, gals or recognition of their marriage. We dont have to
copy the world into decline like Sodom and Gamorrah. Lets lead the
world in higher moral standards where the politicians are there
to serve the people and the nation not line their pockets and take
position as their right to do as they please. I salute those who
have fought to get a better constitution for our country. Thank
you Kubatana for your share in fighting an unjust, illegal and evil
system.
---
I think it
is fundamentally wrong to have a birthright taken away. There are
thousands of Zimbabweans, born in Zim. but of foreign parents who
have been forced to loose even the right to live in Zim for more
than 3 months because their 'residents permit' on their foreign
passport has not had a "re-entry permit " stamped in the
passport within 6 months. Many of us have had to choose our parents
nationality to get a passport that helps us to move freely as there
were no jobs in Zimbabwe. We work outside Zim , claiming our parents
nationality as a matter of survival waiting for the day we can return
- but due to some recent law , cannot even come back to the country
of our birth without paying for a Visa and then are restricted in
the time allowed as if we were tourists! This is wrong. It was created
for political and not moral reasons.
---
Zimbabweans do not care who rules America, Britain, France, China
or Russia because the countries' foreign policy towards Zimbabwe
and Africa in general was long defined to the extent that whoever
rules these countries play ball. Like wise the Zimbabwe Constitution
must clearly enshrine our national values/ aspirations/ interests,
internally, in Africa and the world at large. We must have adequate
safe guards so that the police MUST ARREST ANYONE WHO BREAKS THE
LAW, ZIMRA MUST COLLECT ITS LEVIES, LOCAL AUTHORITIES MUST DELIVER,
NO LIFE APPOINTMENTS FOR STATE CORPORATIONS/ INSTITUTIONS / ENTERPRISES
BOSSES. MINISTERS AND MPs MPs must be recalled if they do not perform
to expectations. Once our institutions are functioning, Mugabe,
Tsvangirai or anybody can rule this country. We have seen it in
Japan, Italy etc where several Prime Ministers have left Office
but the state continued to run. Can the Minister assure the nation
that the Zimbabwe Constitution will sufficiently address these important
matters?
---
why do we need
a website for the constitutional making process in a resource poor
situation that we are?
---
Do we foresee any writing of the constitution now COPAC has stopped
informing people about the process through radios? What are Matinega's
duties in his department of Constitutional Affairs? Aren't
we people led blindly by these people in the name of constitutional
reforms? I warn the Zimbabwean politicians that history will judge
you not with want you have destroyed but what you have achieved.
---
I have been a Zimbabwean resident since 46 years ago but laws were
revisited causing me who initially was citizen to have that citizenship
withdrawn. I have never understood why I have to buy out the citizenship
when I have never left the country's borders. Can we have some better
position in the next constitution?
---
I have a suggestion to make, I hope you will agree with me. I am
of any opinion that if we can have a call-back law in our constitution
it will help, I mean when a member of parliament is called back
by the constituency that elected him or her because he/ she promised
development in that constituency but after a year and half nothing
has been done in terms of the promises, the constituency should
have the right to call that candidate and calls for election that
will exclude the candidate, I have a belief that this will make
the MPs work for development in their respective constituencies.
---
My parents were both born in SA and came to Zimbabwe as little children
by ox wagon in the early 1900's. All my brother and sisters
were born, raised and educated in Zimbabwe but we are classed as
'Aliens' (all 13 of us) not Zimbabweans' and not
entitled to Zimbabwean passports. This is not right or fair as I
am Zimbabwean by birth and proud of it. I hope this is one of the
issues that can be looked into and set right.
---
Most of the
top politicians graduated from all the various universities locally
and abroad .We are therefore asking the Minister to kindly facilitate
the inclusion of university students in the constitution making
processes by having workshops at all the universities nationwide.
The fact that most of the countries future leaders are at the universities
cannot be overlooked. CAN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING COMMITEE ASSIST
IN THIS ISSUE? NUST STUDENT
---
1. Is it possible for the new constitution to reduce the powers
of the Minister of Local Government so that he cannot revoke the
decisions made by the Mayors and Councillors of cities and towns?
2. Is it possible
for the new constitution to provide a section which gives the people
of Zimbabwe powers to serve a vote of no confidence to The President,
The Prime Minister, The Minister, The Senator, The MP and or The
Councillors so that he can step down and allow the people to choose
another one?
3. For the past
years we have seen the uniformed forces voting from their camps
and barracks. Is it possible for the constitution to provide that
they use public polling stations?
4. Can the new
constitution take into consideration the education welfare especially
at university level because its rather naïve to pump out a
lot of money through the presidential scholarships whilst our universities'
infrastructure is dilapidated & manifested by outdated, torn
& tattered books?
5. Also the
issue of the land reform must be taken into consideration. If it
is possible a thorough land audit must be done & the less productive
farms must be handed over to more productive persons. We do not
need potential farmers we need actual farmers in order to resuscitate
our decline agriculture sector?
6. As much as
we may advocate for human rights, but least we forget our culture&
tradition. May we not allow gayism & prostitution freedom?
---
1. 50:50 representation in all leadership positions and in parliament
2. There is need for decentralization of power and of governance.
What are the issues ?
3. Devolution of presidential powers- what are we saying?
4. Women's rights with regards to guardianship of minors, citizenship
of spouse, bodily integrity, legal pluralism? What are we saying?
5. Youth issues and protection from exploitation
---
1. The issue
of hate speech during the process needs to be addressed
2. The law on Rape to be broadened to include rape of Men
3. Fair Media Access on constitutional matters
4. How is the issue of Homosexuality going to be presented by the
outreach teams
5. Criminal Law and Codification Act in relation to Sodomy
6. The right to privacy ad consensual adult gay and lesbian conduct
7. The need to specifically mention sexual orientation in the non
discrimination clause
---
I am neither
a farmer nor own any agricultural land. My question is, How does
the proposed Constitution deal with the whole Land Tenure System.
More specifically:
- How will
the constitution deal with the thousands of Title Deed Holders
who have been disenfranchised over the last decade? These ex farmers
are scattered all over the world and unless I have missed something
they still are the actual owners of these properties. How does
the new constitution intend to settle this question once and for
all?
- Is the New
Constitution going to distinguish between Rural or Agricultural
Title deeds and Urban Title deeds. The whole financial system
in the past depended on the banks being able to recover money
through sale of fixed assets should borrowers default on loans.
The withdrawal of lending facilities by the banks because of the
inability of the banks to recover loaned money was a major contributor
to the financial collapse of the Zimbabwe Dollar. There will be
no significant recovery either Industrial or Agricultural until
there is security of tenure. In addition I feel that the actions
of the Government have made it doubly more unlikely that banks
will be willing to loan money even if guaranteed by the State
until able to recover money and institute legal claims against
defaulters.
- The New Farmers
are sitting on land that they have absolutely no secure claim
to. All they have been given is perhaps an offer letter from a
Government Bureaucrat telling them that they are able to occupy
that land. They are not going to put any investment into a farm
so long as another Bureaucrat or politician can come along and
give it away to someone else.
- Is the proposed
Constitution going to clarify the question of Mining claims. Again
the government has occupied the Marange Diamond fields and is
in blatant contravention of the mining laws of the land. It has
been said by the Minister of Mines that he will never relinquish
ownership of Marange. This puts into jeopardy the title to every
Mining Claim in Zimbabwe. There will never be investment in the
mining sector or any other sector for that matter until curbs
are put on politicians who are able to "Take" ( in
direct contravention of the Law) anything from another person.
- Who do the
Military and other Uniformed Services answer to? At the moment
they are answerable to a political party. What safeguards are
there that can be written into the Constitution that will result
in the immediate dismissal of any military person who aligns himself
politically?
---
- AIPPA, POSA,
are they to stand in our people's new democratic driven constitution?
- UNIFORMED
FORCES, why were they not voting in the previous elections since
1980 up to 1995 elections?
- UNIFORMED
FORCES, are they partisanry owned or they still belong to any
Government in power?
- Are commissions
to be elected, sworn and supervised by president or by parliament?
If by president, how would transparency be checked and measured?
- Why can not
we have diversity of powers than centralised?
- Why can
not we have priemiers for provinces like in RSA?
- Judiciary
why it has no powers above all government arms as during the Smith
era?
- Why parallel
market does not or why Price Control Commission does not exist
like in the Smith era?
- Why land
imbalance issue benefited only one party if not the ZANU PF's
Supremes?
- War was
it fought only by those who were bearing guns or by all people
who were regarded as POVO and the gun bearers?
- Our life
span as a country has dropped and why can not we reduce pension
age, for that program of NSSA is not benefiting the needy ones?
- Nationalisation
of parastatals is it a good way of addressing economy?
- Why land
AUDIT results of two if not three audits were, are and still not
released?
- "One
man, one farm" why ZANU PF gurus used it as a scapegoat,
yet they own several farms such as Grace Mugabe?
- Why is it
that monopolisation by these gurus are let happening?
- A president
should be a person of good personality, an intellectual, between
40 years and 75 years of age, moreso, term of office should be
of 5 years maximum and two terms only.
- Presidential
elections should be done separately as not to confuse the rural
illiterate constituencies.
- Trade unions
such as ZCTU should be left independently as to perform their
duties without fear of all big political capacitators.
- Is border
gezi a national service thing or a partisan one, for people who
did not undergo it are sidelined from joining other institutions
such as Army, Police, Nursing and etc.
- May the new
constitution review the majority age.
---
1. Whilst I
appreciate fully the need for reserving 20 seats in the Legislative
assembly for the intellectuals or technocrats (which is not the
case). I have to be educated on the need to reserve seats for Chiefs
who are not even chosen on academic merit or other developmental
criteria. What value have chiefs added to our country since they
have enjoyed reserved seats? Lets try to quantify this in future!
2. Whilst I
fully appreciate the need for MPs to represent developmental aspirations
of the Zimbabwean people(or solutions to these aspirations called
professions) , I have to be educated on the need for MPs to represent
regions as I feel there is nothing in a region but something in
an aspiration or need. My very brother cannot adequately represent
my interests because I work for ZESA , every time I go to work I
fear being electrocuted.I spent almost all of my life whilst awake
at work. If I accidentally get electrocuted, the procedure is you
will be accused of having violated safety procedures. Besides being
maimed, you will be denied compensation. Who would want to be electrocuted.
Its just an accident full stop! My brother has a different profession
and cannot represent me adequately in the legislative assembly ,
but a fellow electrical engineer working in the same environment
can fully represent me over things that worry me and threaten my
very existence. Unlike Ministry of Health who always get doctors(health
experts) as Ministers from independence and Ministry Of Justice
which always get lawyers(legal experts) as Ministers. Ministry Of
Energy and Power Development has never had a Minister who is an
electrical engineer(energy and power celebrities) since independence.
The best appointment is the current appointment of a Civil Engineer.
If there are problems in the Power Sector and Industrial capacity
utilization we cannot approach soothsayers as the answer seems to
be obvious! The same applies to Ministry Of Industry. If my brother
cannot adequately represent me in Parliament because s/he does not
have the same profession with me, let alone someone I don't
even know who I only see on the ballot paper with no details of
academic qualifications or work experience. Segmentation of MPs
based on geographical regions is inferior to segmentation of MPs
based on needs(health needs(doctors), economic needs(economists),energy
needs(electrical engineers)production needs) transport needs(mechanical
and electrical engineers),psychological needs(psychologists),Water(civil
engineers), shelter needs(civil engineers) e.t.c.
3. Whilst I
appreciate the need for citizens to vote for their aspirations and
a computer chooses the best professional to represent them , I have
to be educated for the need for people to vote for people they don't
even know at times(who even hide their qualifications and experience
mix on the ballot paper. If in a certain region people vote for
Health needs, the Academic information system from the MiNISTRY
OF INTELLECTUAL POWER WND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT can choose the best
doctor to represent them who can even build a surgery and treat
them freely. If people in a certain region votes for roads and dams,
the National Computer Academic information system will identify
the best civil engineer to represent them who can even design the
roads and dams for them so that they have clean water and safe roads.
IF they vote for electricity, the computer will give them the best
electrical engineer who can design electrical reticulations for
them freely and the community benefits rather the current setup.So
I see the logic of voting for a need or aspiration , but I have
to be educated on the need to vote for a stranger on the ballot
paper!
4. Whilst I
appreciate the need for affirmative action for minority professions
in our parliament, I have to be educated on the need for affirmative
action for women and even a full flanged Ministry for Women affairs.
I personally feel there is need for affirmative action towards National
talent and talent management, knowledge and knowledge management
full stop!
5. Whilst I
appreciate the need for separation of professions, I have to be
educated on the need for separation of powers, when the same lawyers
are in the Judiciary, Executive and legislature.In this case separation
of powers is impractical! Some white friend told me that when the
separation of power was originally crafted it implied separation
of professions also. A professor in law(judiciary), cannot be legally
and competently challenged by a professor of industrial automation(who
is Minister of Industry), vice versa unless one becomes an imbecile.
The professions one expect to find in the Legislative Assembly should
be different from professions you expect to find in the Judiciary
and different from professions in the Executive if separation of
powers is to be meaningful. In this case separation of powers becomes
really meaningful!
6. I have to
be educated on the need for example to make a lawyer Minister of
Finance when there are Zimbabweans with doctorates in Finance, the
need for a lawyer to be Minister of Industry when there mechanical
engineers with doctorates in Industrial production!
7. I don't
see the logic of a democracy that ignores academic excellence and
proven skills to lead teams to successful outcomes in the name of
popularity as this is tantamount to allowing passengers in a bus
to choose a driver by a popular process(voting) not withstanding
that the person chosen to drive the bus has no driver's license
and experience. Allowing people to commit suicide saying its their
right or in the name of popular vote should not be allowed. By being
a Minister you risk people's rights to water, rights to energy
to cook e.t.c. People can actually die especially in towns due to
lack of water and energy sources to cook!
8. An electoral
process from my point of view should capture ideas, aspirations
and creativity of communities to help in the National Planning Process(a
research process) in order to justify the costs incurred in the
exercise and not a process of being presented with people(strangers)
you don't even know hiding behind political party names and
logos! The ballot papers I have seen in Zimbabwe don't even
have academic portfolios or experience base which are key in choosing
candidates. Some of us given a choice we don't vote for political
parties but for individual competencies of candidates! I have found
current electoral process an unnecessary worst of money with no
value being added!
9. It may seem
the other professions are not yet independent in an independent
Zimbabwe except Doctors through their Ministry Of Health and Lawyers
through their Ministry Of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs! Other
Professions are subordinated by other professions in their Ministries
even as far back as independence!
In conclusion
I feel that for balanced development , we need each profession to
be represented in the politburo, cabinet and legislative assembly
at the highest level. Maybe you may need having 5 temporary seats
reserved for war veterans I don't know . In any way the burden
of war veterans is better than the burden of reserved seats for
chiefs as there will be no need for this in a few decades to come
as that generation will have passed!
In my honest opinion the President must be the most educated man
in Zimbabwe and theoretically have doctorates in every profession
and then compromise by what is available on the market. 2 terms
seems reasonable to me, but after these two terms they can be retained
in the Supreme Council Of Leaders who are advisors to the President.
I am also an
advocate for central planning by academic celebrities with inputs
from regions or electorates . I don't support command economies
, but intelligence directed economies. An intelligence directed
economy is one directed by the best academic celebrities in their
areas of expertise. Organizations must be lead by academic celebrities
who have core-qualifications and core experience that is core to
the organization.(which I honestly feel is what is lacking in Zimbabwe
except in Ministry of Health AND Ministry Of Justice , Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs). I am also an advocate of a global village
government with full executive powers if leadership is based on
meritocracy,(academic celebrities) and not ethnocentricity or racism,
REGIONALISM or other non-objective and non-value adding criteria
but proven and trackable competences with a global vision!
---
Thank you for
giving us an opportunity to contribute to the constitution making
process. I have 2 areas:
1. Its about
the voting place. There are a number of people who are turn away/
not eligible to vote simply bcz they are registered in a different
constituent to where they will be staying at that particular moment.
Should I fail to vote bcz I am in Harare and registered in Rusape?
Please let people vote regardless of the place of registration.
An for urban dwellers without lodgers cards- don't they have
a right to vote. Its not practical for one to get a logders card
in urban areas these days.
2. Is Saturday
a really working day. This is mere confusion - if someone is not
going to work on Saturday why is it included / counted as a working
day?
---
The NAAC (National
Association for the Advancement of Coloureds) or MRMA was invited
to COPAC conference last year but was not invited to the second,
meaning that we would not be involved in the outreach after all
we did apply. All other attempts to get to COPACs chairpersons to
no avail. As time is running out we still hope to meet and discuss
our exclussion. The organisation represents coloured minority and
others, here in Zimbabwe. It is such a shame as the our rights in
the process was determined by a select committee who chose to keep
us out. The question is "will we make a decision to disengage
from the process on those grounds." The COPAC must look into
this and hopefully call an urgent meeting.
---
What are the
chances that the constitutional process will be canvassing the Diaspora
directly, apart from email and telephonic contacts? Is it possible
to ask SADC to finance the Diaspora itself to canvass their input,
as we hear funding is the problem?
---
There is so
much talk about a new constitution and how it will ensure free and
fair election. What will happen if Mugabe refuses to admit defeat
in an election that was free and fair? A cursory look at the current
constitution there is no room for refusing or not recognizing the
outcome of an election bad as it is said to be. Mugabe chose not
to recognize the result and big brothers UN, SADC and AU decided
to give him succour by brokering the infamous GNU. Please don't
tell me that his government won't be recognized. A precedent has
already been set. Are we not expending our energies and resources
on an exercise in futility?
---
Could you please
find my input to the constitutional intercourse.My point of view
is that the PM and President should have PHDs in all professions
and then we compromise with the market from that position! The basis
of my input is attached document!
---
- What is
being done to address the manner in which there is unbalanced
representation of women in the thematic committees, outreach teams?
- Why are
there NO talking points on economic, social rights such as health,
education, housing when these are clearly pertinent issues for
Zimbabweans?
- How is intimidation
citizens prior to the outreach process being addressed?
- What are
the allowances for members of parliament during the outreach process?
Are these justified or further ballooning a budget that COPAC
is failing to raise?
- There must
not be a block on expression of ANY public views as this defeats
the purpose of the outreach process/ gathering views. What is
being done to address the principals of political parties declarations
on what and what cannot be discussed during the outreach process,
eg. sexual orientation?
---
It is highly
likely that in the new constitution there is going to be a provision
that a sitting president will be immune from criminal prosecution.
What guarantees are going to be put in place so that the president
does not abuse this privilege?Is it out of this world for Zimbabwe
to do away with this provision in the new constitution and make
everyone equal before the law? Is it also possible to remove the
presidential pardon because it has been abused in the past?
---
The question
I have is what changes are going to be made re Citizenship. Why
as a second generation Zimbabwean (My father was born in Zimbabwe)
am I not entitled to a passport because my mother was born in Scotland.
I have to first renounce my right to British status.
---
What is the
purpose of the Voters' Roll? Are you going to include compensation
for the Midlands & Matabeleland genocide for the affected families?
---
Please we want
a two term of office for the president plus MPs must be accountable
for their actions.
---
I want a consitution
which gives a clear cut age restriction on government people. why
not also put the retirement age in politics. for example if we say
a person will be eligible to run for presidency when he is in the
age range 45-75.
---
We are demanding
a people-oriented constitution. A constitution that is people driven,
and that vests powers on the "MASSES" not a few individuals
who try to purse their own political and personal gains and fortification.
Best constitution is normally based putting the needs of the people
first and all other desires leaders wish to pursue will follow.
Renowned Orator once said, 'leaders are the fish and the followers
are the waters'. So without the waters the fish can not survive
but the waters can survive without the fish. Therefore a constitution
that addresses people needs does not provide clauses for life -
presidents, like the one we have today. We only had one leader since
Independence, these leaders become comfortable to an extent that
violating civil liberties think it is their own right. Hence we
need to avoid similar circumstances for future generations. Lets
outline a constitution that is at least understood and endorsed
by all citizens.
---
There is a Chinese
saying that states that when you see fish rotting, the head is already
decomposed. Given the Zimbabwe situation is fairness in constitutional
affairs guaranteed especially on elections, the commissions being
independent, and will we be able to have our own constitution given
some violent provinces in the country esp Mashonaland Central and
East?
---
Please inlude
Voter intimidation and deception ACT in our new constitution.
---
How are you
going to penetrate the rural areas whereby the so called war veterans
are mobilising the people that the so called constitution is british
engineered? How long is the exercise going to last since some people
who do not have access to the media are not informed?
---
Gay rights should
be excluded in the constitution
.---
How are we,
the unpropertied youths, going to benefit from the Indigenisation
Bill.
---
What has been
done to address the violation of the 50-50 ,if not 52-48 target
in the current processes? Are both MDC and ZANU PF male politicians
not coniving to pertutate oppression of women by trivilising such
an important developmental issue? Who is responsible for ensuring
that these issues are deliberated?
---
We need to have
the lawyers and police to seriously enforce copyright laws to protect
artists whose livelihoods depend on their works. If stocktheft attacts
a sentence of nine years then we expect our livelihoods to be protected
too. Our consitutions must value all types of work and protect us
from being robbed daily through duplication of our works. Hatina
Kufanana asi takaenzana as you put it, let see that being translated
to the Consitution.
---
It appears as
nothing is taking place fiscal on matters of the consitution and
papers have already speculated on the election date? Whats your
take on this issue.
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