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This article participates on the following special index pages:
New Constitution-making process - Index of articles
Devolution
not secession - Mangwana
Bulawayo Agenda
June 18, 2012
http://platform2012.blogspot.com/2012/06/devolution-not-secession-mangwana.html
In what appeared
like plain indictment of his party and colleagues' stance
on devolution of power, the COPAC co-chairperson, Honourable Paul
Mangwana has emphasized the need to be clear about the clear line
between secession and devolution.
Speaking at
a Residents Summit in Masvingo recently, Hon. Mangwana urged people
of Masvingo not to be misled by those against devolution of power
as it will foster local democracy and development. Ironically, Hon.
Mangwana's Party, ZANU PF is the chief leader against Devolution
of power.
Hon. Mangwana
was invited to give a constitution update and particularly speak
to constitutional provisions for local government at a Residents
Summit organised by Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association
(MURRA).
In his constitutional
feedback, Hon. Mangwana explained that the draft
constitution provides for a devolved system of governance. He went
on to explain devolution of power, emphasizing the world of a difference
that exists between the concept and secession.
He stressed
that Devolution was not a Matabeleland issue but a national one.
According to him, 71% of Zimbabweans consulted
by COPAC during its outreach supported devolution of power.
Honorable Mangwana reported that Copac was currently looking into
other countries' constitutions such as Zambia, South Africa
and Kenya so as to come up with a hybrid model that best expresses
the will of Zimbabweans.
Asked on the
enforceability of the constitutional provisions including devolution
of power, Hon Mangwana said there is no way devolution or any other
constitutional provision can be ignored. He stressed that the Constitutional
court will be there to protect the constitution.
Speaking on
the constitutional provisions for local government, Hon. Mangwana
described the current actions by Minister Chombo as "undemocratic
and anti-development". He lambasted the Urban
Council Act, saying the Act gives Min. Chombo too many powers
which he abuses through "wanton suspensions and firing of
Mayors".
Mangwana also
pointed out that Minster Chombo's actions were not in line
with international best practices.
The summit was attended by stakeholders that included residents
associations like Combined
Harare Residents Association, Bulawayo
Progressive Residents Association, and Gweru Residents Association
among others.
Civil society
organisations like Bulawayo Agenda whose representative presented
on constitutionalisation of Local Government also attended the summit.Various
stakeholders who attended the meeting called for urgent need for
parliament to debate on the UCA as a way of opening up the overdue
Legislative Reform Agenda by the Inclusive Government.
They vowed
to push for reinstatement of mayors and councillors who were suspended
or fired under unclear circumstances. They also promised to push
for the finalisation of the high court hearing of the Chombo's
claims that a private member's bill is out of step with constitutional
amendment 19 provisions as this has stalled the debate of the
amendment of the Urban Councils Act.
They also vowed
to fight for devolution of power in the new constitution which they
emphasized that it should come before elections are held.
Visit the Bulawayo
Agenda fact sheet
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