Copac draft constitution undermines powers of traditional leaders says Zanu-PF experts

Zanu-PF experts say the Copac draft constitution undermines the powers of chiefs on the land issue as it limits their jurisdiction to the communal areas only claiming they are the custodians of all the natural resources.

Debate surrounding the COPAC draft constitution continues with local Zanu-PF experts questioning why the document has restricted the powers of traditional leaders to managing communal areas only.

The state media reports that experts say traditional leaders are the custodians of all the natural resources and they do not need an Act of Parliament for them to control agricultural or commercial areas.

An expert, Alderman Jerry Gotora says the proposed amendments by Zanu-PF giving traditional leaders authority, jurisdiction and control over land are the right way to go.

He noted that traditional leaders have inherent powers to control land and this should not be undermined.

"We cannot have a document that tries to limit the powers of traditional leaders or chiefs. They have every right to control our land because it is a national heritage," said Alderman Gotora.

Another expert, Mr Rodgers Mozhenty says traditional leaders are key stakeholders in all development processes, hence the need to give them the respect they deserve.