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People participation vital to constitution-making
Movement for Democratic Change
June 21, 2010

Every person in spite of their political affiliation, religious beliefs, creed or background should attend the constitution outreach meetings to be held in their wards, an MDC leader has said.

Speaking at a rally in Dotito, Mt Darwin West over the weekend, MDC deputy Treasurer General, Hon Elton Mangoma said the MDC was in support of a people driven process and valued people's participation.

"This document can only be formulated if you come out and air your views".

He however castigated some rogue elements in society who were intimidating people saying it was out of sheer ignorance.

"They are not aware that they are eating into their own future. They are forgetting that the future is theirs and they are sabotaging their opportunity to make this nation work again. Our young people need to be made aware that the process they intend to block is the same process that will liberate them for ever," Hon Mangoma said.

Addressing the same rally, Sunningdale Member of Parliament, Hon Margaret Matienga encouraged women to participate in their numbers in order for the Constitution to protect them.

"Women are the worst affected in any crisis. We need to ensure that our rights are emshrined in the supreme law of the country so that we are legally protected. Women are rape victims, they are at the brunt of any economic meltdown, as such we need to state that women empowerment should be a right for every woman," Hon Matienga said.

Hon Mangoma also addressed another rally at St Albert's business center in Muzarabani South on Sunday where he further encouraged people to fight off fear and participate in the Constitution-making process.

In Mushumbi pools, Glen Norah MP, Hon Gift Dzirutwe encouraged the people to express their views and opinions freely so that these are captured in the constitution.

"As the outreach begins, you must feel free to say what you want to see in the new Constitution. It is your right as citizens of this country to write the Constitution at such an opportune time," Hon Dzirutwe said.

The MDC women's Assembly Harare province held a constitution feedback rally at Zororo grounds in Highfield, Harare.

The provincial Organising Secretary, Mrs.Joyce Jaja said that, the outreach programme, scheduled to begin this week, was a platform for women to advocate for the recognition and protection of their rights.

"We are being given an opportunity to enshrine the needs, the rights and the recognition of a woman. Once those are written and included in our constitution, we are safe. A new breed of empowered women will arise," she said.

The rally was attended by members of the provincial women's Assembly leadership.

Addressing thousands of MDC supporters at Dojani business center in Zhombe, Midlands North province, the provincial Vice chairperson Mr Rogers Chisi said;

"We can rebuild our nation by contributing to the writing of the supreme law of the land that guarantees necessary freedoms to the people. This document will ensure that the leadership they select represents the people's needs, "said Mr Chisi.

In other rallies in Bulawayo, the MDC Provincial chairperson Senator Agnes Mloyi said, "This time the people of Zimbabwe should go in their numbers and make sure that the referendum will not be voted No, as long as the Constitution is written by the people."

Kuwadzana MP Hon Hon. Lucia Matibenga who attended the Lobengula rally said the MDC's mission is to make sure that Robert Mugabe and his party are removed through the ballot box. She urged the people to remain undaunted from the mission of a new constitution and a new government.

MDC deputy spokesperson, Hon. Thabitha Khumalo however said the MDC wants to see the rule of law being applied in the country. She said there remained outstanding issues in the GPA because there was no respect for human life and the nation.

Hon. Thabitha Khumalo urged the people to prioritise the Constitution-making process so that they can tailor the kind of empowerment, equality and commissions they envision.

"The Constitution is finally coming to the people to pave way for a democratic nation. Go and meet the Copac teams and talk of empowerment, equality, land and systems of government. The new constitution should force the police to reform, fulfill the outstanding issues of the GPA and ensure an environment that brings to book all perpetrators of violence," said Hon. Khumalo, who is also MP for Bulawayo East.

Addressing a rally in his constituency, MP for Njube /Lobengula Hon. Sipepa Nkomo told the people that only a people-driven Constitution will pave way for a democratically elected government in the country.

"We are tired of 30 years of maladministration, disasters and murders in the country. A new beginning has neared and the next elections should determine one leader for Zimbabwe," said Hon. Nkomo, who is also the Minister of Water Resources Development and Management

The Minister of Sate in the Prime Minister's office, Hon. Gorden Moyo said that the MDC presented Zimbabweans with a different breed of leadership, which sought the desires of the people, which is why it has fought for the writing of a new Constitution over the years.

"We have got an opportunity as Zimbabweans to write a new Constitution. Let us go in hundreds and be heard so that future generations may live in a peaceful country," Hon. Moyo said

In Matebeleland South province, the MDC National Chairman Hon Lovemore Moyo addressed two rallies in Matobo South in Marko and Slebuko wards where he told villagers to refuse to be spoken for but to take the opportunity of a lifetime to correct the wrongs they have experienced in the 30 years of Independence under the rule of Mugabe.

The MDC National Chairman told the people that the MDC was in a transitional government on a mission to deliver real change and to restore the people's dignity.

"There are some achievements that we need to make while in the inclusive government because we are aware that the people are still suffering from the wounds and memories of politically motivated violence and the perpetrators continue to roam the streets."

He was accompanied by the Matobo South MP who took time to encourage the villagers to stay prepared and ready to meet the outreach teams and be part of the historical exercise of writing a new Constitution.

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