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Devolution of power not rejected
Bulawayo Agenda
May 17, 2012

As a follow up to the Herald (Tuesdays, 15 May, 2012) first page story titled 'Devolution of power rejected' which reported that Devolution of power has been rejected by the Select Committee, Bulawayo Agenda has established that this story is false and misleading.

In yesterday's Newsday paper (16 May 2012) ZANU PF's Co-Copac Chairperson Hon. Paul Mangwana's comments were dismissed by Hon. Edward Mukosi, who actually chaired the Copac select committee meeting on Monday saying Devolution was not discussed. In the same story, Hon. Mangwana made a U-turn confirming that Devolution of power was not discussed during the meeting.

However, according to Co-Copac Chairperson, Hon. Douglas Mwonzora, Hon. Mangwana has been instructed to correct his misleading comments published in The Herald. Hon. Mangwana is supposed to retract his statements through the ZTV's programme "Constitutional update" that is broadcast every Thursday. (Those interested can catch the programme on ZTV from 1930hrs-2000hrs every Thursday)

Hon. Douglas Mwonzora said Devolution of power has been accepted and will be part of the new constitution, contrary to the Herald story. He explained that the three political parties signatory to the GPA have agreed to a Provincial Assembly which will be elected by an Electoral College whose composition is being negotiated by the GPA partners.

Hon Mwonzora added that there are also negotiations on whether the Provincial Assembly will be elected directly or indirectly. He said the other parked issues; Functions and competences of tiers of government, Devolution of legislative authority, Conflict between national and provincial legislation and Power of Parliament to nullify provincial legislation are being negotiated but indications are that these shall be guided by an Act of Parliament which shall recognises the Provincial Government as a subordinate to the National Government.

As Bulawayo Agenda, we are following these developments with keen interest and concern. We will come up with a position on this issue when the second draft comes out (due this Friday). We condemn the misconduct of the state media as it continues to undermine national processes through misinforming and misleading the nation. Further, we challenge the state controlled media to exercise responsible reporting and remain guided by journalistic ethics through reporting the truth. The continued alignment to ZANU PF through biased and partisan reporting is unethical, unprofessional and misleading. The state media should take national process seriously and respect the nation by exercising neutrality.

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