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Constitution bulletin day 20
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
July 19, 2010

The constitution public consultation's resumed today after a break. Work in most parts continues as normal, but a few changes have been noted.

A new questionnaire has been introduced due to complaints by team members that translation of talking points to vernacular has distorted some of the meanings of the topics. An example is the thematic issue on the Arms of the State, which has been translated to mean Weapons of the state. Apart from it being clear, some of the explanations for the talking points were too shallow thus presenting communication barriers. This new questionnaire is meant to improve the level of participation and to ensure fruitful discussions.

Another development has been noted in Mashonaland West at a meeting held at Kawondera Primary School. Youth participation has increased. Out of the 142 people who attended the meeting 36 were youths, 45 were women while the rest were men.

The outstanding topic was on the recognition of more indigenous languages as official languages in the constitution. People anticipate news bulletins in vernacular such as Tonga and Nambya on both radio and television. People agreed that traditional leaders should be trained to rule over traditional courts, so there is uniformity in rulings to reduce prejudice.

Meanwhile in Mashonaland East although the outreach teams resumed their duties they face eviction from their hotel because their accommodation has not been paid to date. United NDP has been requested to pay up. Despite these challenges, about 300 people attended the meeting that was held at Logan Primary School in the province.

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