Christopher Makaza
In a bid to win the Bikita East ward 31 council by-election pencilled for the 13th of July 2019, MDC Masvingo Provincial Assembly sent a seven member delegation to Chief Mazvimba of Bikita East constituency to persuade him to work with the opposition party in mobilising for support their candidate ahead of the election.
The delegation which was led by MDC Masvingo Provincial Organising Secretary, Bornface Mudzingwa pleaded for permission from the chief to engage village heads in the ward so that they can assist them in mobilising for support for their candidate, Moses Maphosa.
Sources told the Harare Post that the delegation brought an assortment of goodies for the chief and offered an unspecified amount which the chief turned down.
Chief Mazvimba, however, refused to work with the MDC saying he doesn’t conduct his duties in partisan manner. To the surprise of the delegation, the chief went on to produce a copy of the constitution from which he quoted the section which forbids them to actively participate in partisan politics of furthering the interests of any political party. The Chief told them that he treats his subjects equally regardless of their political affiliation.
The Chief also raised concern over campaign bases established by the MDC in his area of jurisdiction without his knowledge saying what they did is a clear indication that they have no respect for traditional leaders.
MDC had set campaign bases in the ward to mobilise for support ahead of the by-election which were, however, disbanded by the Police.
MDC has been at the forefront attacking Zanu-PF and Chiefs that they politicise the office of traditional leadership. Early last year they dragged Chief`s Council president, Fortune Charumbira to court accusing him of declaring allegiance to the ruling party.
The constitution of Zimbabwe clearly stipulates in Chapter 15 section 281(2) that; “Traditional leaders must not (a) be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics; (b) act in a partisan manner;(c) further the interests of any political party or cause; or (d) violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.”
Political analysts said the MDC`s behaviour was very unconstitutional and compromises the independent role played by the traditional leaders in the discharge of their constitutional duties such as mediating and resolving disputes within their communities.
