HARARE - In an encouraging development in constitutional affairs, The Parliamentary Select Committee has released names of 17 MPs to chair thematic committees that will lead the consultative phase of drawing up a new constitution as agreed in the Global Political Agreement.
The names were announced at a Press conference jointly addressed by the co-chairpersons of the select committee Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana (Zanu (PF) and Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T). The chairpersons announced last Friday include former Health Minister David Parirenyatwa who will chair the thematic committee on founding principles of the constitution, Makhosini Hlongwane (media) and Martin Dinha (land, natural resources and empowerment). Others were Rueben Marumahoko (executive organs of the state, PSC, police and defence), Andrew Langa (languages), Betty Chikava (women and gender issues), Clifford Sibanda (war veterans) and Thandeko Mnkandla (arms of state, principle of the separation of powers).
Also selected were Thabitha Khumalo (systems of government), Shepherd Mushonga (citizenship and bill of rights), Settlement Chikwinya (youth), Felix Sibanda (the disabled), Tongai Matutu (elections, transitional mechanisms and independent commissions) and Lucia Matibenga (labour).
Silandu Ncube (public finance), Sithembile Mlotshwa (religion) and Chief Mtshane (traditional institutions and customs). Mwonzora said the 17 deputy chairpersons would be announced next week. “A total of 17 deputy chairpersons will be drawn from civil society and will be announced sometime next week (this week),” he said. Mangwana said while the availability of resources had delayed the process, the principals to the GPA could extend the deadlines so that the process succeeds. In a rather unfortunate incident recently, Zanu (PF)’s secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa vowed that Zanu (PF) would work hard to scuttle the constitution making process. Once the process succeeded, free and fair elections would ensure Zanu (PF)’s exit from power and usher in an MDC-T government.
Post published in: Opinions