Chimombe argued that his decision to support ZANU PF was necessitated by the fact that ZANU PF brought independence to the country hence it deserved support. He went on to warn people that they should “never bite the hand that feeds them” and pointed out that people should be grateful for the donations by the First Lady, Grace Mugabe.
Heal Zimbabwe notes that while Chief Chimombe as an ordinary citizen has a right to belong to any political party, section 281 of the constitution clearly states that, “Traditional leaders must not be members of any political party or further the interest of any political party”. Being a member or supporting a political party compromises their constitutional duties such as resolving disputes amongst people in their communities.
Heal Zimbabwe implores Traditional leaders to uphold the constitution and discharge their constitutional obligations in a non-partisan manner. Heal Zimbabwe also implores political parties to desist from abusing Traditional leaders to further their political interests. Rather, political parties should respect the Traditional institution as an institution mandated by the constitution to facilitate development and resolve disputes amongst people in their communities. Their role helps build peaceful and more tolerant communities.
We need to carryout serious democratic reform in our political system to break Zanu PF’s undemocratic strangle hold on not just Chiefs but all the other State Institutions and bodies. Calling on each and every Chief to stop attending Zanu PF party rallies will not change anything!