HARARE West MP Jessie Majome on Thursday revealed that several MPs are still ignorant of the contents and importance of the new Constitution.
MOSES MATENGA
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)’s Frankly Speaking Series discussion entitled: The Zimbabwe Constitution One Year On – Gem or White Elephant?, Majome said it was a shame that some MPs were exhibiting ignorance of the new Constitution which they helped draft.
“Sadly, I don’t think that knowledge [of the new Constitution] resides in all MPs, I really don’t think so,” Majome said.
She pointed out a recent contribution by a female MP at a recent workshop where her input suggested that they override the Constitution to suit their agenda describing that as “shameful”.
“There was a recent workshop organised for women caucus on the Electoral Amendment Bill, there was big debate on Zimbabweans in the Diaspora on whether they should vote or not. I was a bit ashamed when a fellow MP said we don’t need to do something which was in the Constitution.
“It’s a view shared by many that you can remove something from this Constitution. MPs need to have more information and knowledge on what is contained in the Constitution,” said Majome.
Retired judge Justice Moses Chinhengo challenged Zimbabweans to have knowledge of the Constitution and demand what was rightfully theirs. He said Zimbabweans were focusing on more pressing issues on a daily basis and ignoring demanding their rights as enshrined in the supreme law of the land.
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“This was negotiated by parties, placed before the people and they said it was right. There is no perfect Constitution, this Constitution is ours, let’s be proud of it and see it is implemented. This is an opportunity we can’t afford to lose,” he said.
Chinhengo said the government should address the socio-economic rights of the people and challenged those empowered by the Constitution like provincial councils to set up structures and start operating.
“Everybody in the provincial council knows themselves. What is stopping them from setting themselves up and say we are the provincial council and ready to do this and this?” he said.
Lawyer Chris Mhike said MPs lacked political leadership and were only good in making noise for expensive vehicles.
