Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE constitutional awareness outreach programme has received an overwhelming response in Guruve district, with the government targeting to raise knowledge on the important document.
The awareness and education campaign which convened in Guruve this Tuesday, provided a platform for people to ask pertinent questions, which were clarified by officials from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
“The constitution was made in 2013, I didn’t know about the chapters it had or go through it so I am happy that this initiative was designed,” said a Guruve resident.
The Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Advocate Nobert Mazungunye highlighted the state is obliged to raise awareness on the constitution.
“As you know in 2013 Zimbabwe went through a historic process to formulate the first home-grown constitution. Unlike the Lancaster House constitution in which people did not take part, this was from the people. We may have a good constitution on paper but it only becomes meaningful when we promote it,” he said.
Guruve North Legislator, Honourable Tendai Pinduka praised the government for enhancing its understanding of the supreme law of the land.
“This programme helps Guruve a lot by giving people knowledge. About 200 people came but Guruve has over 150 thousand people so as legislators we will arrange for this program to be cascaded down to the communities. As MPs, we make these laws and if they remain in books they will remain paper tigers,” he said.
The awareness initiative, which is targeting to reach all areas in line with the government’s inclusivity policy, comes at a time when the constitution has been translated into all 16 official languages.
