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Victor Matemadanda

Herald Reporter
War veterans and political analysts say the amendments to the Zanu-PF constitution which allows the First Secretary to appoint his two deputies and the national chairman will help curb divisions and factionalism by creating one centre of power.

They argued that the current state of affairs where the top executives were elected at congress was leaving room for some selfish individuals to pursue personal agendas at the expense of the party.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association secretary general Cde Victor Matemadanda said the amendment of the constitution was the best thing to happen in Zanu-PF since the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987.

“As war veterans we applaud Zanu-PF for coming up with that amendment,” he said.

“The Unity Accord is clear that the President shall appoint two Vice Presidents. It is actually the best thing to happen in Zanu-PF since the signing of the Unity Accord.”

University of Zimbabwe head of political science department Dr Charity Manyeruke said the proposed amendments were good for the revolutionary party.

“It is the best thing for the party,” she said.

“The new position unifies the party and allows it to focus on implementation of its programmes.

“The prevailing status quo has allowed some individuals to pursue personal interests ahead of the party and such actions were tantamount to dividing the party on factional lines.”

Dr Manyeruke said constitutions were never meant to be fixed, but could always be amended to reflect the principles and thinking of the people.

“The problem is that some people have a tendency of taking advantage of loopholes in the constitution to drive selfish agendas,” she said.

“As such, the party should always carry out introspection not only for its benefit, but for the generality of the people.”

Political analyst Mr Goodwine Mureriwa also commended the revolutionary party saying the new set up reflected the will and aspirations of Zanu-PF members.

“Remember, it is not the President who imposed that resolution on the people, but it was the other way round after realising that the powers of the President were being undermined by some greedy elements who wanted to reverse his last year’s massive electoral victory,” he said.

“In that instance people realised that it was important to centralise power in the President such that he works with loyal people.”

Mr Mureriwa said the amendments were in line with the provisions of the 1987 Unity Accord and the new national constitution that empowers the President to appoint his deputies.

“Laws are there to serve the interests of the people and they are not cast in stone,” he said.

The proposed amendments also included the increasing of the Central Committee members and whittling down of Politburo members.