Source: Heal Zimbabwe
Heal Zimbabwe expresses concern over the conduct of some Traditional leaders in Guruve South Constituency who are threatening opposition party supporters with denial of food aid and eviction from their villages if they fail to purchase ZANU PF membership cards. On 25 March 2017, Village head Charles Mukodzani who also doubles as ZANU PF chairperson for ward 11 and Village head Killer Chigonero convened a meeting at Nyamhondoro Secondary school.
At the meeting the two Village heads announced that people were supposed to purchase ZANU PF membership cards that costs $3 if they still wanted to continue receiving food aid. They also announced that if anyone defies the directive, they risked being evicted from their villages. Ward 11 Councillor, Samuel Machumi also attended the meeting and concurred with the Village heads by also announcing that people who fail to produce ZANU PF membership cards during food aid distribution meetings were going to be denied food aid.
Heal Zimbabwe notes that the conduct of the traditional leaders is in direct violation of section 281 of the constitution that states that “traditional leaders must not further interests of any political party or be members of any political party”. Such conduct by traditional leaders also compromise their constitutional obligations such as resolving disputes amongst people in their communities. Heal Zimbabwe also appreciates that Traditional leaders are regarded as custodians of traditional law and receive the bulk of the cases dealing with violence which might be political, domestic or antisocial behavior. This role alone calls for traditional leaders to be non-partisan.
Heal Zimbabwe implores political parties to desist from abusing the Traditional leadership institution for political mileage and gain. As the country heads towards the 2018 elections, political parties should rather take a leading role in campaigning for peace ahead of the elections.
Heal Zimbabwe envisions a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe that celebrates diversity in local communities.
Source: Heal Zimbabwe