The continued failure to implement
devolution of power, as enshrined in Chapter 14 of Zimbabwe’s new constitution
is unlawful. This is one of the messages that came out during a political
parties forum that was organised by the National Youth Development Trust (NYDT)
at St Peter’s Hall in Pumula, last week.
The lively meeting was attended by 52 youths
from and around Pumula areas in Bulawayo.
Godwin Phiri, director of the youth group,
Intscha.com said, “As things stand, devolution of power is hanging. It is there
in the new Constitution but it’s not there on the ground and yet it’s almost a
year since we’ve had the new Constitution.
“It would have been good if the political
parties that are in parliament were present here today to explain to us why we
have this delay. What is happening is actually a violation of the
Constitution.”
Celani Ncube, representing the Welshman
Ncube led MDC, said the reason why devolution of power is not being realised is
because of the way people voted and people should be prepared to live with
their choices. Ncube also stressed that
the concept of devolution is for all Zimbabweans and not for the people of
Matabeleland only.
“We never said the country should be
divided, devolution of power means power to the people. It simply means that
power should go down to the provinces, where people live.
“Devolution of power is not about
Matabeleland only, even people in Marange should benefit from it and have a say
in their diamonds. Living from
government hand-outs is not sustainable,” Ncube said.
Hector Chikowore of ZAPU said he believed
that devolution can still be achieved and urged all the youth to rise above
party politics because no one is less Zimbabwean because they belong to a
different political party.
“Can devolution be achieved? Yes, because I
believe in Zimbabweans. The chance is still there. We must galvanise ourselves
as the youth and put pressure on our Members of Parliament.
“There is need for people to speak with one
voice, different political parties and civil society should all work together
for devolution to be implemented,” Chikowore added.
Representatives of Zanu PF and MDC-T were
not present at the meeting, despite having been invited to the forum meeting.
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