What Zimbabwe MPs said about the Constitution Amendment Bill

We have political independence, now we need economic independence.  This incoming Chief Justice, after appointment; it is a clarion call that I have that they should concentrate on mining reforms so that we can use our ubiquitous amount of mineral wealth that we have and make sure that we embark on economic independence.  Mr. Chairperson, the last thing that I want to debate on the Short Title, after the appointment of the Chief Justice, with the powers vested on His Excellency, there should be an eradication of the silo mentality in all Government departments and there should be embracing of the ICT.  We are all creatures of the Constitution and as a nation, we are upheld by the way we uphold our own Constitution.

I want to speak to America now and say; we stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they castigate terrorism.  Recently, we saw Members of the Congress being targeted as they played baseball or soft ball.  For the reason that we speak with them, we are also embedded with them in terms of castigating terrorism. I now say that they should eradicate and remove unfair sanctions on Zimbabwe Hon. Chairperson, aware that the law makers should not be targeted for their law making.  I thank you.

HON. D. P. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Chairperson for allowing me…

THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: May I remind you as well that it is only the Short Title.

HON. D. P. SIBANDA: I am well reminded Hon. Chair.  I think I will base my argument and respond mostly to the last two debates from Hon. Members.  Hon. Chair, I think it is important to say that the argument from this side of the bench is not saying; the law does not allow Government to amend the Constitution in terms of Section 328.  Our argument is that, we do not have to rape Section 328, we do not have to abuse it.  Even as it exist Hon. Chairperson, it is important that we look at it in conjunction with other sections of the Constitution as well.

Hon. Chair, if we look at Section 3 of the Constitution, especially Subsection 2 (e), there is overemphasis that the people of this country have a will that there be strict observance of the Principle of Separation of Powers. Therefore, when we are arguing that we are not supposed or we are calling upon the Vice President to withdraw this amendment, we are saying the people have indicated their will.

Firstly, they indicated through the public hearings. The public hearings were very clear that the people were not agreeable to the amendment that is being proposed. Secondly Hon. Chair, if you look at the Founding Values and Principles which fall under one of those chapters that are not supposed to be simply tempered with, you will realise that what we are…

THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON (HON. MARUMAHOKO: Order Hon. Sibanda. You should only debate about the Short Title alone.

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