Diaspora has part to play in constitution process

The Ray of Hope Refugee Ministries chair, Evans Kuntonda, said they decided to convene a meeting because they felt Zimbabweans in South Africa had a part to play in shaping the destiny of Zimbabwe.

We are in touch with the parliamentary committee soliciting views for the constitution-making process and we will ensure that they come this side or make a way to forward the views of people in the diaspora, said Kuntonda.

We want to be involved in shaping the destiny of our country, be it political, socially or economically. We want also to vote.

Nixon Nyikadzino from Crisis Coalition said it would be a blow to those who wanted to see democracy if the constitution-making were to fail.

Nyikadzino said that Zimbabweans at home or abroad had an obligation to ensure that the process succeeded.

He said he was in contact with Douglas Mwonzora from constitution team and they would make an effort to ensure the views of those out of the country were also taken into account.

Nyikadzino encouraged Zimbabweans not to loose hope or be deterred by Zanu (PF)s dilly-dallying in the constitution-making process.

Constitutional lawyer Brickhill Jason told The Zimbabwean that Zimbabweans had to come up with a constitution that protected their rights.

Brickhill, who works for the Legal Resources Centre, said: Zimbabweans have to come up with a constitution which tells the visions of the country, aspirations, checks and balances. The South African constitution cannot be copied and pasted in Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans have to come up with their own. It is through the constitution that Zimbabwe can come out of its problems. Zimbabwe would have lost a chance to prescribe the destiny of their country if they are excluded.