Sources at the meeting said that the communities also requested that outreach teams use Shona arguing that they did not understand the talking points in Ndebele and English.
Talking points- Most of the participants in a meeting held in Lambamayi area said that the country should retain the current constitutional structure in most of the issues laid out arguing that they did not see anything wrong with the Lancaster House constitution.
Death Penalty- The community said that there is need for the country to do away with the death penalty.
Comments- It has not yet been established what happened to the information which disappeared from the District Administrators office with sources in the province alleging that this could be an act of sabotage. They said that the machine was wiped out clean of all documents indicating that this was a deliberate attempt to ensure that Matabeleland South does not have a say in the new constitution. The chairpersons of COPAC have not yet clearly articulated what courses of action will be taken towards investigating the matter.
Outreach teams- Meetings in the province got off to a slow start today as technicians and drivers for the teams were reported to be on strike as they had not yet been paid. Sources said that the technicians refused to go for the outreach meetings arguing that they should be given their dues before engaging in further meetings. The issue however was solved before midday today, with the teams leaving late for the various areas.
Matabeleland North
Attendance- Makunku community members in Binga fully participated in the outreach meetings in their area as they attended in large numbers to air their views with a total of 247 people reported to have attended the meeting.
Systems of government- The devolved system of governance continues to gain popularity as communities feel that devolution of power would help them utilise their resources fully.
Arms of State- Communities have said that presidential terms should be limited to two five year terms only. They also said that the country should only have a president, with one vice president and no prime minister.
Disabled- The disabled in Makunku Area emphasised on the need for the Government to provide social welfare to them as they are not entirely able to make a living for themselves.
Midlands
Citizenship- Many participants at a meeting held at Tokwe clinic in Shurugwi District called for the inclusion of Dual is citizenship.
Land- The debate between title deeds and a land audit continues to dominate the meetings.
Comment- The teams are in Zvishavane today. About half of the outreach team members have no accommodation and have to commute from Gweru and Kwekwe daily. Yesterdays meeting was disrupted when a ZANU District Executive member attempted to read a party position paper as a contribution in the outreach meeting. The man was booed and hackled by MDC supporters. There was sloganeering and chanting and the meeting was immediately abandoned as the outreach team had to leave immediately. The convoy was temporarily barricaded by ZANU PF supporters who accused the outreach team of collaborating with MDC by aborting the meeting.
Manicaland:
Attendance- People are alleged to have been bussed in to the meeting by the Mapfumi Busses to Mutare West and Chimanimani for this weeks meetings.
Systems of governance- Communities have said that they want the Chiadzwa Diamond Mines to benefit Manicaland first before the funds develop Harare and other provinces. They proposed that the disbursement of resources be done in a devolved manner so that communities benefit from Estates that Mutare boasts of.
Gender- Community members in Chimanimani and Mutare West have emphasised on the need to recognise women and children in nation building issues so that they are not sidelined as they constitute a larger number in society.
Bill of Rights- The right to health for women and children has also been emphasised as it has been realised that there is no accountability by the government in providing for health.
Bulawayo Agenda is a civil society organisation that conducts advocacy on issues of democracy. It is committed to providing an apolitical platform for people to express their views and debate on matters that affect their lives. It has active chapters in Gweru, Gwanda, Plumtree, Victoria Falls, Matopo, Hwange, Binga, Nkayi, Lupane and Tsholotsho.
Post published in: Politics