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This article participates on the following special index pages:
New Constitution-making process - Index of articles
Taking the constitutional debate to Midlands
Crisis
in Zimbabwe Coalition
July 28, 2010
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition convened three
civic education meetings on the constitution from Thursday 22 July
to Saturday 24 July 2010.
Two of the three
meetings were held at Cross Roads Business Centre in Silobela and
Kasawe School in Zhombe in partnership with Gweru Agenda and attracted
a total of 156 people (111 male and 45 women). The third meeting,
held at Nyaradza Secondary School in Gokwe preceded a Youth
Agenda Trust organized soccer tournament held at the same venue
which was attended by approximately 700 people who included the
youth.
The purpose of the meetings, which attracted community
leaders and students among other key stakeholders, was to educate
the citizens on issues related to both the process and content of
the constitution. COPAC is yet to conduct meetings in Silobela,
Zhombe and Gokwe.
Key issues arising from the meetings:
1. People in
the areas visited were ignorant of COPAC's schedule and called
for timely notification of outreach meetings
2. People remain highly concerned about their security during and
after the COPAC meetings
3. Participants at the meeting exhibited eagerness to participate
in the constitution making process
Content issues:
1. With regards
to the land question, participants quizzed the panel on the pros
and cons of both 99 year leases and title deeds. During contributions,
it was highlighted that ZANU PF is insisting on 99 year leases yet
communities are ignorant of the advantages and disadvantages of
leases.
2. Participants sought clarification on the differences between
a Prime Minister and a President and the best set up in the Executive
3. Socio-economic rights particularly the rights to education, health
and clean water were reiterated by participants who felt that every
citizen should be afforded these rights with no conditions
It was generally
agreed among participants that there should be devolution of power
which allows for local authorities to make key decisions particularly
with regards to natural resources which are solicited in the different
areas. This came out of the need to ensure that resources are used
to firstly benefit locals before the rest of the nation.
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in Zimbabwe fact
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