Senator pushes for legal framework to activate pro...

Senator pushes for legal framework to activate provincial governments

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Senator Sesel Zvidzai called on the Zimbabwean government to expedite the enactment of laws to enable the functionality of Provincial Governments, arguing it reflects the will of the people as expressed in the 2013 Constitution.

Speaking in the House of Assembly last week, Zvidzai highlighted overwhelming public support for the 2013 Constitution, emphasising its provisions for a three-tiered government structure including Central Government, Provincial Governments, and local authorities. He lamented the lack of an enabling act despite three elections conducted since the Constitution's adoption.

“The 2023 election is the third election since the consummation of the Constitution, since the introduction of Chapter 14, which deals with devolution,” Zvidzai said, pointing to “palpable resistance and latent resistance to issues of devolution.”

He referenced Section 265 (3) of the Constitution, which mandates Parliament to establish mechanisms for coordinating the relationship between the three tiers of government. Zvidzai argued that the absence of an enabling act signifies a disregard for the Constitution.

Zvidzai addressed concerns regarding devolution, including fears of national fragmentation and foreign influence. He countered these arguments by citing examples of successful devolution in smaller nations and emphasising the cultural and historical underpinnings of devolution within Zimbabwean society.

“Devolution is traditional and cultural within our context, devolution is biblical and devolution is scientific,” Zvidzai asserted. He explained how devolution aligns with family structures and scriptural references to division of labour, while also promoting economic specialisation.

Zvidzai outlined the benefits of devolution, including fostering participation, harnessing regional strengths, and ensuring equitable development across the country. He provided the example of neglecting iron ore resources in Mashonaland East due to an overemphasis on diamonds during the Inclusive Government era.

“In a specialised architecture, nothing loses attention,” Zvidzai concluded. He urged the Executive to respect the will of the people and enact laws to activate devolution, enabling each region to contribute its strengths for the betterment of Zimbabwe.