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one of the contentious issues in the envisaged supreme law.
The draft Constitution has come under heavy criticism from many interest groups, including Zanu-PF, war veterans and Churches for twisting the public’s views on a variety of issues. For example, while the public universally wanted homosexuality banned, the draft is silent on the issue. In its proposed amendments, Zanu-PF wants clause 4.35 that covers Marriage Rights to include two new sections (4) and (5) to read as follows: “(4) Same-sex marriages are prohibited; and ‘‘(5) Homosexuality, gays and lesbian practices are prohibited’’.
Kandiyero said Zinatha totally opposed homosexuality, and this view was expressed to Copac during its outreach programme.
“In the outreach, we sought to have homosexuality banned clearly in the constitution but we are yet to see this.
“In Zinatha’s view, the whole affair has been politicised as the media is now focusing on the political aspects, leaving out other important areas,” he said.
Kandiyero said, on the whole, the draft constitution did not cater for the interests of traditional healers and their practice.
“The draft constitution does not provide enough protection for cultural rituals and ceremonies as it does not clearly stipulate the importance of these practices.
“In the constitutional outreach programme for example, we expressed our desire to have a ministry to ourselves as traditional healers are not adequately catered for under our parent ministry which is the Ministry of Health,” he said.
Mr Kandiyero added that the Ministry of Health was overwhelmed by other responsibilities, and also did not have the expertise to deal with issues relating to traditional medicine, or medical practices.
He said the draft constitution only caters for the interest of traditional healers in Chapter 2.25 where it states that it was the State’s responsibility to protect and ensure the preservation of traditional knowledge, cultural ritual and medicines. — New Ziana/HR.