The president is an employee of the people and should be answerable to them

Last week I was listening to a discussion on Studio 7 about the Zimbabwean president's holiday, where he was and how much the holiday was costing the taxpayer, whereby a government representative made it abundantly clear that the president's holiday was no one's business - leaving me wondering if we were citizens of a republic or a fiefdom.

How can a government that claims to be leading a 21st century democratic republic have the audacity to utter such statements that can only be expected in a mediaeval feudal system of government?

The president of any democratic republic is elected by the people of that nation to serve them and the nation, as such the president is accountable to the people who appointed him.

Is it not common sense that in every institution, one is accountable to the one that appointed him/her into office?

That is why Section 107 (1) of the Zimbabwean constitution says that, '...every Vice President, Minister and Deputy Minister is accountable, collectively and individually, to the President for the performance of his or her functions.'

Why is that so? Because these people are appointed by the president of the country.

Then who appoints the president of the country? The people of Zimbabwe appoint the president, and as such, he is accountable to the people of Zimbabwe.

It is such a shame that a similar clause as Section 107, but pertaining to the president was not put into the constitution. That was a grave folly.

The president was appointed by the people of Zimbabwe through an election - disputed or not - and they were not electing a mediaeval emperor, king, master, boss, or even a demi-god.

The people of Zimbabwe were merely appointing someone from amongst themselves to lead the country on their behalf.

Whoever is appointed as president remains an equal to every other Zimbabwean - he or she does not become any more important, and his or her office does not become some sacred domain.

As someone appointed by the country's shareholders (its citizens) to lead the country on their behalf, he is naturally expected to answer to the shareholders.

Where in the world does one ever find a subordinate appointing his or her master? Can a Private in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces appoint a Brigadier General? Or is it the other way round?

Instead, the master appoints his or her subordinate - similarly, by virtue of being appointed by the people of Zimbabwe, the president is answerable to the people of Zimbabwe.

The government and nation should understand these facts, and as such demand answers from their appointees - who also include members of parliament, and local government councillors.

It does not make any sense for the government to deprive the people of Zimbabwe the information they need regarding their president.

The government may say that the president was on a private holiday, and as such this is a private matter.

That would have been true if he financed these holidays through his own personal funds, and were not financed by the people of Zimbabwe.

However, the president's holidays are sponsored by the taxpayer, and as such, that entitles the people of Zimbabwe the right to be informed of how much and on what their monies are being slept.

That as well is common sense. If a company is to sponsor an employee's trip, they (the company) are entitled to decree how the money is to be spent, and even demand the receipts.

It is a pity that the parliamentary committee tasked with finance does not demand receipts from all these state-sponsored excursions - something that should be seriously considered.

As the saying goes, 'he who pays the piper, calls the tune', thus, all expenditure - every cent - paid for by taxpayers needs to be accounted for and the public made aware of it.

It was such a shame that the government representative on the radio programme mentioned earlier, kept referring to the secrecy surrounding the budgets of United States (US) president Barack Obama and United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister David Cameron, as if that should be the standard for all the world to follow.

That statement was so disappointing, especially coming from a government that purports not be Western puppets. Why should standards set by the US and UK be the benchmark for the rest of us?

Can Zimbabwe not be the global beacon on democracy and accountability?

I believe Zimbabwe has some of the greatest minds in this world, and as such, can easily set the standards for the world to follow.

Besides, democracy was not even birthed in the US or the UK.

The other issue that has been a bone of contention has been the health of the president.

Although, I strongly condemn any rumours-mongering - something that can easily lead to alarm and despondency, which can be dangerous and destructive to this country - I believe that the people of Zimbabwe are also entitled to be kept updated on their appointees' health.

Considering that Section 97 (1) (d) of the constitution makes reference to the removal from office of the president due to the 'inability to perform the functions of the office because of physical or mental incapacity', it is clear that his accountability to the people also includes constant updates on his health - especially that which can affect his ability to perform his functions, whilst simultaneously, also respecting patient confidentiality.

The right balance has to be struck between the two, as - just as any employee - he deserves the right to confidentiality regarding the nature of his illness.

Therefore, government needs to be firmly and constantly reminded that the office of president is that of servitude to the people of Zimbabwe, and not of fiefdom, and as such, needs to consistently and constantly answer to the people - as they are the ones who appoint the president.

There should never be an laager around the presidency, as he is the chief servant of the people.

° Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a community activist, communications specialist, journalist, and writer. He writes in his personal capacity. He welcomes and appreciated all feedback. Please call/WhatsApp: +263782283975, or email: tendaiandtinta.mbofana@gmail.com.