Online Reporter
THE African Youth Congress (AYC) has criticised the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) over its comments on Zimbabwe’s constitutional developments, accusing the South African opposition party of interfering in the country’s domestic affairs, insisting that Zimbabwe’s constitutional future must be determined solely by its citizens.
Responding to a statement by the EFF on Tuesday, AYC Chairperson Mr Taurai Kandishaya said the organisation rejects attempts by EFF to influence Zimbabwe’s internal political processes.
“We find it necessary to respond, not because the EFF’s commentary merits serious engagement, but because the record must be set straight,” Kandishaya said.
The AYC said EFF leader Julius Malema’s political record has been that of criticising liberation movements across the continent.
“Mr Malema has made a career of attacking liberation movements across the African continent. He consistently presents himself as the sole authority on Pan-Africanism while treating every liberation movement as though it has lost its way,” Mr Kandishaya said.
“From Zimbabwe to other African states, his instinct is not to build solidarity but to undermine those organisations that carried the burden of Africa’s liberation struggles.”
Mr Kandishaya questioned the EFF’s moral standing to comment on Zimbabwe’s governance issues, higlighting a plethora to controversies surrounding the South African opposition leader and internal squables within his party.
On Zimbabwe’s constitutional process, the AYC said that any constitutional changes should remain the preserve of Zimbabwean institutions and citizens.
“Zimbabwe is a sovereign and independent nation with the constitutional right to amend its Constitution in accordance with its own laws, institutions and democratic processes. Constitutional reform is a matter for Zimbabweans alone,” Mr Kandishaya said.
He said respect for sovereignty remained a fundamental principle of Pan-Africanism, accusing the EFF of an attempt to interfere in Zimbabwe’s domestic affairs.
“The African Youth Congress rejects the EFF’s attempt to interfere in Zimbabwe’s domestic constitutional affairs. Respect for sovereignty remains one of the cardinal principles of Pan-Africanism,” Mr Kandishaya said.
He called on the EFF to respect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and focus on South Africa’s domestic challenges.
“Zimbabwe’s political future will be determined by Zimbabweans alone. We call upon the Economic Freedom Fighters to respect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, desist from using Zimbabwe as a platform for political grandstanding, and devote its attention to addressing the many pressing political, economic and social challenges confronting South Africa.”
