Mwonzora/Mangwana defy govt tension

Douglas Mwonzora and Paul Mangwana have everything in common. Apart from the fact that they are both lawyers and co-chairpersons of the parliamentary select committee tasked with crafting the countrys constitution, they have struck a rare code.

They are so much in sync that if you listen to them speak you might think they are from the same political party. We are working together as workmates from different political parties, but we are brought together by our work. We have a common goal of delivering a new constitution to the people of Zimbabwe, we dont want to be remembered as the failing duo, said Mangwana.

A BBC journalist who recently visited Zimbabwe was left speechless after interviewing the two. She could not distinguish who was from the MDC and Zanu (PF) because we spoke with one voice on the constitution, said Mangwana.

We are brothers, we are Zimbabweans, we are politicians but above all we are human beings. We have visited each other in our constituencies and we are working very well, said Mwonzora.

The two are driving the countrys constitution making process. Although there has been disagreements at first on how the process should be handled the two have found each other.

Zanu (PF) has been pushing for the adoption of the controversial Kariba Draft document which was agreed by the countrys three political parties in 2007. But these days both men are preaching the gospel of a people driven constitution. We want the people of Zimbabwe to write their own constitution, said Mangwana. Mwonzora said they have become friends.

My brother Mangwana knows about my family and I also know his family, said Mwonzora. The two men are also seen together at press conferences and other constitution related meetings. This is not about our political parties but the people of Zimbabwe, said Mangwana. Their relationship is a far cry from the deep seated suspicion that still characterises the inclusive government.