HARARE, Aug. 10 (NewsDay Live) — PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has claimed that the passage of the controversial Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 was evidence of Zimbabwe’s maturing democracy, despite strong opposition to the legislation from opposition parties, churches and civil society organisations.
Mnangagwa, who recently assented to the legislation, made the remarks yesterday during Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
He attributed the passage of the amendment to what he described as prevailing peace, unity and national cohesion in the country.
“Unity, peace and harmony prevailing in our nation, complemented by deeply entrenched values of national cohesion. These critical ingredients saw the passing of the Constitutional Amendment Act Number 3,” Mnangagwa said.
“These attest to our maturing democracy. Congratulations to all Zimbabweans.”
The amendment was passed by Parliament before being signed into law by Mnangagwa, amid sustained criticism from opposition parties, churches and civil society groups.
Meanwhile, Mnangagwa said government had completed some components of the Smart Traffic Management System, which would be rolled out across the country as part of efforts to improve road safety and restore order on public roads.
“The government has completed some aspects of the Smart Traffic Management System, which will be rolled out throughout the provinces,” he said.
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“This flagship Whole-of-Government and Society strategy is aimed at restoring sanity and safety on our public roads.”
Mnangagwa also said government was seeking to bridge the information gap between urban and rural communities through the expansion of community broadcasting.
He said new community radio stations had been licensed in Marondera, Rusape, Gutu and Gokwe to improve access to information.
On public sector reforms, Mnangagwa said his administration had introduced measures aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
“My administration has rolled out innovative reforms that are giving coherent structures, clarity of roles, and fluency to operations in the Public Service,” he said.
“Government workers are being re-skilled to be fit for purpose, agile, and fully aligned to the development aspirations of our country.”
He said the Citizen Engagement Platform, launched earlier this year, would provide a mechanism for citizens and other stakeholders to contribute to government programmes and strengthen accountability.
“As we continue to strengthen service delivery, the Citizen Engagement Platform, which I launched earlier this year, is expected to harness the views of citizens and other stakeholders, towards fostering accountability, responsiveness, prudent utilisation and management of resources,” Mnangagwa said.
The President also highlighted justice-sector reforms, saying technological advancement and improved access to justice were critical to achieving the government’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
“A modern and technologically enabled justice sector is a key enabler of sustainable economic growth and the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
“Under NDS 2, government will accelerate constitutional alignment of legislation, expand digital justice services, strengthen anti-corruption and asset recovery frameworks, as well as broaden access to legal aid.”
On mining, Mnangagwa said the sector was producing a new generation of economic contributors, but warned against environmental degradation.
“New heroes and heroines are sprouting in the mining sector. However, this should never be at the expense and detriment of future generations,” he said.
“My administration will not excuse wanton damage of infrastructure, rivers and natural environments. These must be rehabilitated.”
He said communities should continue to benefit from the country’s natural resources while ensuring environmental protection.
“Our economy and communities must sustainably enjoy the benefits of our Independence,” Mnangagwa said.
