Opinion / Columnist
ZAPU Press statement
09 May 2011 at 00:45hrs | Views
At present ZAPU has no newspaper mouthpiece. The trend is that the State media covers ZAPU when it finds or thinks it has found something negative to report on. The so- called independent press appears to support other political parties, and also looks for something negative to report on when it comes to coverage of ZAPU. Some will argue that this thrust of focus by the existing press is part of the exercise of what remains of freedom of the press. It falls on ZAPU to speak for itself, beyond any measure and amount of distortion, on what defines it as a political brand. This press release is but a small effort at that. ZAPU is unique in its face, its stand and its aims. The reader is invited to take a slow, reflective walk with the writer down this uniqueness.
It's face
•ZAPU has, until recently when the MDC-T followed suit, been the only political party to have a Council of Elders in its structures. The functions of this Council are, inter alia:
−Advising and offering guidance to Party leaders at each level.
−Supervising and running intra- party elections and participating in choosing candidates for national and local authority elections.
−Conducting disciplinary hearings within the party and counseling those involved in wayward behavior to be better and more mature cadres of the Party.
Some sister political parties outside Zimbabwe have commended the creation of this organ and have indicated they intend, at the opportune time, to sell it to their own parties. ZAPU is thus a trail blazer in the creation of this organ.
•Apart from the above organ and ZAWU (Zimbabwe African Women's Union) ZAPU has an unusual Youth Front. What makes the ZAPU Youth Front unique is that it is to the Youth Front that ZAPU will, in coming elections, look to first for national leaders, not just for future national leaders. ZAPU is encouraged by the number and quality of youthful leaders joining its ranks and opens up its welcoming arms to those others who contemplate joining it. The elders are determined, not by dictat, but by open discussion, to assist them to attain their optimum leadership qualities, in co- operation with friendly sister political parties in the immediate Diaspora.
•ZAPU is arguably the only political party in this country that:
−limits the terms of office of office bearers to a maximum of two terms.
−requires its deployees into the legislature and the executive of central and local government to relinquish their party positions once elected or appointed to such office.
The above measures are meant to ensure that our Party cadres avoid careerism in politics and will also eliminate, at least within our Party, the prospect of a ruling elite and of the creation of political dynasties.
•Despite hostile pronouncements to the contrary by tribalists, ZAPU is a national, not a tribal political Party. It exists throughout Zimbabwe.
It's Stand
ZAPU takes a stand on certain key issues of the day and of all time.
•On COPAC ZAPU recognizes that its role is minimal or altogether insignificant due to its exclusion in it, and its cosmetic inclusion in the thematic committees. This does not detract from the weight of its voice as articulated by its members during the outreach programme. The expectation is that the parties with a vested interest in the outcome will make every twist and turn to suppress the sovereign will of the people to come up with a "doctored" report on the outcome of the programme, and concoct a distorted version of the Constitution to be put to a referendum, in the hope, against all hope, that they will retain their place in the gravy train. THE PEOPLE WILL BE WATCHING! They will think and act by their vote, if not during the referendum, then during actual elections.
ZAPU cannot, prior to the production of a draft constitution, commit itself to a yes or to a no vote. As a democratic Party, the membership in its entirety will consult before a stand is taken. We do not recall any referendum in this country, during or after colonialism, where a referendum yielded a "yes" vote. If the next one, if held, yields a "yes" vote, ZAPU is currently contemplating contesting elections under any Constitution so produced. While ZAPU hopes for a better Constitution it is preparing for elections under any dispensation. It believes the people will only get a better Constitutional dispensation after ZAPU forms the next government.
The ideal Constitution we stand for should have, among other features, the following:
−Meaningful and genuine devolution of power to five elected regional governments.
−No one should hold legislative office in the National Assembly, Senate (if retained), regional or local government, by appointment.
−Legislators should be elected on a party list system under the system of proportional representation.
−The Constitution should contain a comprehensive declaration of rights incorporating all human rights instruments adopted by the civilized world, which should be entrenched, be inviolable and readily enforceable.
−It should, as does ZAPU, limit terms of office of national political office holders to a maximum of two terms, and should separate party from government.
−Defence, police and security chiefs should be compulsorily retired after a four year term, dating not from the date of adoption of a new Constitution but from the date of original appointment. All those serving in those forces should be a –political and those of them who overtly or covertly participate in politics should, upon proof, be discharged/ cashiered.
−Members of Independent Commissions should be selected by and from among members of professional bodies to guarantee their operational autonomy and their probity.
•There is increasing talk of ZAPU getting into alliances with another party or other parties. From its experience ZAPU takes the position that prior to election results, it should go it alone.
−It will be remembered that at Lancaster House it was agreed that the Patriotic Front would contest the 1980 elections as one party. ZANU reneged on this at the last moment.
−A "Unity Government" was formed, only to be torn apart by the same predator of unity.
−In 1987 a Unity Accord was signed from which ZAPU withdrew recently after further experiencing the bigotry and arrogance of ZANU.
−The two MDC's are, apart from the known antics of ZANU, themselves pulling in different directions.
−The MDC-T which claims we are dividing the vote against ZANU, has nothing to show for its borrowed support:
−- Despite winning at least the 2008 House Assembly majority seats, it remains effectively an opposition party.
−- it has not co- operated with the MDC- simply so called- and is not known to have canvassed the support of chiefs in the Senate, to have at least attempted to repeal offensive pieces of legislation like POSA and AIPA. All ministers remain Honorary Ministers, and not Honourable Ministers as they have no power but are victims of power.
•On indigenization ZAPU's stand is that it is ill- timed, ill- conceived, ill- directed and ill-fated. It is economically suicidal at this time when the country's economic performance is below rock bottom to chase away foreign investment by grabbing what remains of big business in the private sector and handing it gratis to the corrupt elite belonging to or associated with one known political party. These elements will run those companies aground as they have done with some in the past. Indigenization will follow like day follows night after the implementation of policies that spread the reach of the previously disadvantaged persons to means of creating and generating wealth. In a ZAPU inspired scenario there will be a conducive environment for free and fair buy-ins and buy-outs preceded by proper and full training in corporate governance. Economic empowerment, be it in business or in farming, should never be used as a tool for raising cheap political support. Such an abuse of such processes runs against the ethos of the Party.
It's Aims
ZAPU's aims are:
•To reduce, and eventually eliminate ethnic conflicts in our great country.
•To attain political power through a free and fair poll under universal adult suffrage.
•To allow the people of Zimbabwe dual citizenship.
•Once voted into office, not to rule the people of Zimbabwe, but to lead the people of Zimbabwe in truly ruling themselves. It will therefore prefer to be called the "leading" party rather than the "ruling" party.
•To eliminate the political disease of "demophobia", that is to say, the fear of the predators of human and peoples' rights that the leaders, after removal from office following a poll, such predators will fall prey to their erstwhile victims.
•To give the voting populace the right, exercisable through appropriate mechanisms, to remove government political leaders from office should they perform contrary to expectations.
•To create an environment conducive to foreign and local investment.
•To leave business to business persons and not allow politicians in office to destroy business by grabbing other people's businesses through what is euphemistically called "indigenization". The empowerment of our previously disadvantaged people should be directed at non- politicians and should be programmed and carefully managed by business stake holders themselves.
•To ensure that each of the five regions draws optimum benefit from resources that abound in each.
•To ensure that the land reform programme does not reward those that support a particular political party and punish those that do not. The reform programme will, itself, be reformed to revitalize our collapsed economy.
•To tap the vast industry and tremendous intellect that characterizes the people of Zimbabwe and to make it safe and viable for displaced Zimbabweans to return home proud of their flag and develop their great country.
The above is not just a wish list or a pile of pious platitudes. It is a set of concrete goals that ZAPU is painstakingly striving to attain, and which it invites the Zimbabwean populace to espouse and work for, without tire, without flinch, without relent. The order is as tall as we all are. All of us are not too intellectually challenged to deliver it.
Advocate Steven Sofelilizwe ka Sigwabiselwa Nkiwane
National Secretary for Legal & Special Affairs
It's face
•ZAPU has, until recently when the MDC-T followed suit, been the only political party to have a Council of Elders in its structures. The functions of this Council are, inter alia:
−Advising and offering guidance to Party leaders at each level.
−Supervising and running intra- party elections and participating in choosing candidates for national and local authority elections.
−Conducting disciplinary hearings within the party and counseling those involved in wayward behavior to be better and more mature cadres of the Party.
Some sister political parties outside Zimbabwe have commended the creation of this organ and have indicated they intend, at the opportune time, to sell it to their own parties. ZAPU is thus a trail blazer in the creation of this organ.
•Apart from the above organ and ZAWU (Zimbabwe African Women's Union) ZAPU has an unusual Youth Front. What makes the ZAPU Youth Front unique is that it is to the Youth Front that ZAPU will, in coming elections, look to first for national leaders, not just for future national leaders. ZAPU is encouraged by the number and quality of youthful leaders joining its ranks and opens up its welcoming arms to those others who contemplate joining it. The elders are determined, not by dictat, but by open discussion, to assist them to attain their optimum leadership qualities, in co- operation with friendly sister political parties in the immediate Diaspora.
•ZAPU is arguably the only political party in this country that:
−limits the terms of office of office bearers to a maximum of two terms.
−requires its deployees into the legislature and the executive of central and local government to relinquish their party positions once elected or appointed to such office.
The above measures are meant to ensure that our Party cadres avoid careerism in politics and will also eliminate, at least within our Party, the prospect of a ruling elite and of the creation of political dynasties.
•Despite hostile pronouncements to the contrary by tribalists, ZAPU is a national, not a tribal political Party. It exists throughout Zimbabwe.
It's Stand
ZAPU takes a stand on certain key issues of the day and of all time.
•On COPAC ZAPU recognizes that its role is minimal or altogether insignificant due to its exclusion in it, and its cosmetic inclusion in the thematic committees. This does not detract from the weight of its voice as articulated by its members during the outreach programme. The expectation is that the parties with a vested interest in the outcome will make every twist and turn to suppress the sovereign will of the people to come up with a "doctored" report on the outcome of the programme, and concoct a distorted version of the Constitution to be put to a referendum, in the hope, against all hope, that they will retain their place in the gravy train. THE PEOPLE WILL BE WATCHING! They will think and act by their vote, if not during the referendum, then during actual elections.
ZAPU cannot, prior to the production of a draft constitution, commit itself to a yes or to a no vote. As a democratic Party, the membership in its entirety will consult before a stand is taken. We do not recall any referendum in this country, during or after colonialism, where a referendum yielded a "yes" vote. If the next one, if held, yields a "yes" vote, ZAPU is currently contemplating contesting elections under any Constitution so produced. While ZAPU hopes for a better Constitution it is preparing for elections under any dispensation. It believes the people will only get a better Constitutional dispensation after ZAPU forms the next government.
The ideal Constitution we stand for should have, among other features, the following:
−Meaningful and genuine devolution of power to five elected regional governments.
−No one should hold legislative office in the National Assembly, Senate (if retained), regional or local government, by appointment.
−Legislators should be elected on a party list system under the system of proportional representation.
−The Constitution should contain a comprehensive declaration of rights incorporating all human rights instruments adopted by the civilized world, which should be entrenched, be inviolable and readily enforceable.
−It should, as does ZAPU, limit terms of office of national political office holders to a maximum of two terms, and should separate party from government.
−Defence, police and security chiefs should be compulsorily retired after a four year term, dating not from the date of adoption of a new Constitution but from the date of original appointment. All those serving in those forces should be a –political and those of them who overtly or covertly participate in politics should, upon proof, be discharged/ cashiered.
−Members of Independent Commissions should be selected by and from among members of professional bodies to guarantee their operational autonomy and their probity.
•There is increasing talk of ZAPU getting into alliances with another party or other parties. From its experience ZAPU takes the position that prior to election results, it should go it alone.
−It will be remembered that at Lancaster House it was agreed that the Patriotic Front would contest the 1980 elections as one party. ZANU reneged on this at the last moment.
−A "Unity Government" was formed, only to be torn apart by the same predator of unity.
−In 1987 a Unity Accord was signed from which ZAPU withdrew recently after further experiencing the bigotry and arrogance of ZANU.
−The two MDC's are, apart from the known antics of ZANU, themselves pulling in different directions.
−The MDC-T which claims we are dividing the vote against ZANU, has nothing to show for its borrowed support:
−- Despite winning at least the 2008 House Assembly majority seats, it remains effectively an opposition party.
−- it has not co- operated with the MDC- simply so called- and is not known to have canvassed the support of chiefs in the Senate, to have at least attempted to repeal offensive pieces of legislation like POSA and AIPA. All ministers remain Honorary Ministers, and not Honourable Ministers as they have no power but are victims of power.
It's Aims
ZAPU's aims are:
•To reduce, and eventually eliminate ethnic conflicts in our great country.
•To attain political power through a free and fair poll under universal adult suffrage.
•To allow the people of Zimbabwe dual citizenship.
•Once voted into office, not to rule the people of Zimbabwe, but to lead the people of Zimbabwe in truly ruling themselves. It will therefore prefer to be called the "leading" party rather than the "ruling" party.
•To eliminate the political disease of "demophobia", that is to say, the fear of the predators of human and peoples' rights that the leaders, after removal from office following a poll, such predators will fall prey to their erstwhile victims.
•To give the voting populace the right, exercisable through appropriate mechanisms, to remove government political leaders from office should they perform contrary to expectations.
•To create an environment conducive to foreign and local investment.
•To leave business to business persons and not allow politicians in office to destroy business by grabbing other people's businesses through what is euphemistically called "indigenization". The empowerment of our previously disadvantaged people should be directed at non- politicians and should be programmed and carefully managed by business stake holders themselves.
•To ensure that each of the five regions draws optimum benefit from resources that abound in each.
•To ensure that the land reform programme does not reward those that support a particular political party and punish those that do not. The reform programme will, itself, be reformed to revitalize our collapsed economy.
•To tap the vast industry and tremendous intellect that characterizes the people of Zimbabwe and to make it safe and viable for displaced Zimbabweans to return home proud of their flag and develop their great country.
The above is not just a wish list or a pile of pious platitudes. It is a set of concrete goals that ZAPU is painstakingly striving to attain, and which it invites the Zimbabwean populace to espouse and work for, without tire, without flinch, without relent. The order is as tall as we all are. All of us are not too intellectually challenged to deliver it.
Advocate Steven Sofelilizwe ka Sigwabiselwa Nkiwane
National Secretary for Legal & Special Affairs
Source - Zapu Secretary for Legal & Special Affairs
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