There is no law against Mnangagwa staying in power till 2030 — Minister Muswere
There is nothing unconstitutional about amending the Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2030, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
He made the remarks in Rusape on Tuesday at the disbursement of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund to five constituencies in Makoni, namely Makoni West, Makoni Central, Headlands, Makoni North and Makoni South.
The fund, totalling US$125 000, was distributed by Presidential Special Advisor on Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, on behalf of President Mnangagwa, as part of efforts to drive tangible development across constituencies in Manicaland.
Each of the five constituencies received US$25 000, meant for grassroots empowerment projects. This brings to 17 the number of constituencies in Manicaland that have received the funds, including Chipinge East, Chipinge Central, Chipinge South, Mutema-Musikavanhu, Buhera East, Buhera West, Buhera Central, Buhera North, Chimanimani West, Chimanimani East, Mutasa North, Mutasa Central, and Mutasa South.
Dr Muswere said the disbursement of the funds was part of broader empowerment initiatives being spearheaded by the President, including the construction of dams such as Muchekeranwa and Marowanyati, development of irrigation schemes to improve food security in drier regions, and rehabilitation of roads to improve mobility and connectivity, among others.
“The President is committed to driving development and improving the lives of Zimbabweans,” Dr Muswere said.
“We have been brought here by the leadership of President Mnangagwa, focusing on empowerment. Issues raised here by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution (Advocate Misheck Mugadza) are about empowerment and the good work that is being done by the President.
“The irrigation schemes that have been established here are too many, the same applies to dams that have been constructed, including Muchekeranwa and Marowanyati, Romsley Irrigation Scheme, Tikwiri Irrigation Scheme, as well as those in different places like Chipinge and Mutasa. These are some of the good works that have prompted the Zanu PF leadership and all of you to say President Mnangagwa should remain in office beyond his tenure of office.” Added Dr Muswere: “Let me emphasise that there is nothing unconstitutional about amending the Constitution. The Constitution was made by people, and can also be amended by the people.
“This is why the people of Zimbabwe, including those of you here in Makoni, have spoken to say President Mnangagwa should remain in office, leading this country.
“The other thing that has brought us here is the leadership of President Mnangagwa, through his foot soldier, Dr Tungwarara, to ensure that the people of Makoni have been empowered.”
Dr Muswere also spoke about farming inputs such as seed and fertiliser. He said the President was working flat out to ensure that everyone gets their inputs.
“The President is also working to revamp poor service delivery haunting Makoni Central. The challenges of water reticulation and burst sewer pipes; the leadership is already aware and will be addressed by President Mnangagwa.
“I want to thank the people of Makoni for turning out in huge numbers to support the empowerment initiatives by President Mnangagwa. The empowerment initiatives are aligned to Vision 2030 to ensure everyone’s life is transformed,” said Dr Muswere.
On his part, Dr Tungwarara said the funds should unite the people of Manicaland, rather than divide them. He also welcomed four councillors who crossed the floor from the CCC and former Makoni South legislator, Mr Pishai Muchauraya, and gave each of them a Christmas present of US$200. Dr Tungwarara hailed the public media for its role in resolutely defending the President and the nation from its detractors.
“We have brought empowerment to Makoni, not to remove anyone from their position, cause confusion or abuse elderly people in the villages, but to make a positive impact on the ground.
“Empowerment is for the villages, the unsung heroes in the villages; those are the people who must benefit,” he said.
Minister Mugadza said Manicaland has immensely benefited, with 56 000 tonnes at Timber Mills and irrigation schemes such as Romsley with 24 centre pivots, while the Nyabadza-Odzi Road is being tarred. *_-Herald_*
