FORMER Zipra combatant Pilate Ndebele has publicly criticised the ruling Zanu PF party’s proposed constitutional amendments to tweak presidential term limits, labelling the move a betrayal of the liberation struggle’s democratic ideals.
The criticism targets Zanu PF’s recent “2030 agenda”, a party-endorsed plan to initiate legislation extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure.
This could see his current term, set to end in 2028, prolonged to 2030.
Ndebele, the former Matabeleland South chairprson for the Welshman Ncube-led MDC faction, stated that the constitutional process and what he called the reckless use of State resources compelled him to speak out.
“The issue of the Zanu PF 2030 agenda and the current manner of the country’s administration is a serious cause for concern not for me alone, but for all the citizens,” Ndebele said.
He described the planned amendments as a “mutilation” of the national charter.
“Surely when we went to war, we were fighting to change the Ian Smith regime’s draconian and undemocratic constitution — it is sad that we have few individuals wanting to mutilate the Constitution for selfish reasons,” he argued.
Ndebele also took issue with what he termed government’s “piecemeal” and divisive distribution of resources.
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He cited the recent gifting of bicycles to elderly war veterans in Plumtree under a presidential scheme as an example of misplaced priorities.
“As an 80-year-old war veteran, how can a government come and give me a bicycle as so-called empowerment? — This is an insult,” Ndebele stated.
“You give needless people cars and the needy bicycles!”
He contended that selectively doling out of benefits for war veterans — such as boreholes, money or bicycles — fosters resentment in communities where general services are lacking.
Ndebele argued that State resources should be directed towards capacitating public institutions like hospitals for the benefit of all citizens, rather than on what he called “reckless gifting” of individuals.
He announced plans for a solo demonstration in Bulawayo, from the Central Police Station to the Mhlahlandlela government complex, to protest the current administration’s direction.
“I am personally not happy about this feja feja (haphazard) system of running the country,” he
concluded.
The government has previously stated that empowerment programmes for veterans are part of a broader agenda to honour
them for their sacrifices and improve lot.
