The only point worth making in this debate, in my view, is that Parliament has no moral authority to debate a Bill on which the public was denied any opportunity to deliberate, and on which their voice will not be heard in a referendum. Beyond that, the chamber should otherwise be filled with disruptive chants of “20:30 uniona paWatch”, otherwise you trying to turn water to wine.
"IF CAB3 IS THE PEOPLE'S BILL WHY ARE THEY AFRAID OF THE PEOPLE?"
I have spent decades in uniform studying the relationship between a government and its people. I have read military doctrine. I have studied the psychology of power. And I want to tell you something that every general knows but few politicians will admit.
When a government deploys security forces before a protest happens that government is not confident. That government is afraid.
Mnangagwa has repeatedly told this nation that Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 comes from the people. He has said the consultations were done. He has said Zimbabweans want this. He has said this is a people-driven process.
Then why I ask with the full weight of my years of service why is the Zimbabwe Republic Police issuing warnings before a single person has taken to the streets?
You do not warn people away from something they want.
You do not deploy officers in the CBD to protect a Bill that the people supposedly love.
You do not issue pre-emptive cautions against "inciting violence" when the streets are calm unless you know the streets will not remain calm once Parliament opens that debate.
The police statement has told us everything we needed to know. More than any press conference. More than any ZANU-PF rally. The security establishment itself has confirmed what constitutional lawyers, war veterans, church leaders, retired officers and ordinary Zimbabweans have been saying for months.
CAB3 does not have the people's mandate.If it did, there would be no need for warnings.If it did, there would be no need for a police presence in the CBD.If it did, the Government would be celebrating not preparing for confrontation.
I have commanded men in the field. I know the difference between a defensive formation and a confident advance. What we are watching right now is a defensive formation.
A government bracing for impact. A political leadership that knows what it is doing is unpopular and has chosen coercion over persuasion.
To my colleagues serving and retired
I say this your oath was to Zimbabwe and its people. Not to a constitutional amendment. Not to a political project. Not to a third term.
The Constitution is the supreme law. Section 328 is clear. What is being attempted is not reform it is entrenchment.
Zimbabwe Republic Police You were not trained to shield politicians from democratic accountability. You were trained to protect citizens. The citizens ARE the constitution. Protect them not the Bill.
And those of us who have given our lives to this country's security and sovereignty will not be silent while the foundation of our Republic is quietly dismantled surrounded by riot police.A people's bill needs no police escort.
Retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Mapuranga.
Appointing your son as Deputy Finance Minister and then awarding him for the best performance is like setting an exam, taking it yourself, and grading it.
@nickmangwana The Term, ( extension) is in normal circumstances used to enlarge something already existing Nic.
So if your own brother Paul says another two years to 2030 is not extension then define what it is starting from 2028 till 2030
Dear listening president
Constitutionalist
Your words were cristal clear
"The Voice of the people is the voice of God"
The people have spoken
No to 2030!!
No to constitution amendment
without referendum @BitiTendai@advocatemahere@drDendere@nelsonchamisa@ZANUPF_Official
I commend the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations for their principled stand. The Constitution is the people’s covenant — not a tool for convenience. Defence of constitutionalism is a moral duty, not a partisan act.
#DefendTheConstitution
@NgarivhumeJ I love your courage my man
Keep it up. God will reward you just like Bob Marley .
He died fighting for a black man.
Till today his music is our title track where ever democracy is infringed