The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Morgan Tsvangirai said it was disappointed by the Zanu PF government's deliberate efforts to allegedly frustrate and sabotage the concept of devolution that is provided for in Zimbabwe’s constitution.
In a statement, MDC-T spokesman, Obert Gutu, said Sections 264 and 265 of the new constitution call for the devolution of government powers and responsibilities, but three years after the constitution was adopted Zimbabwe has not yet complied with the constitutional requirements.
“The MDC is not seeking to reinvent the wheel. What we are basically stating is that the constitution of Zimbabwe in terms of Section 264 and 265 states that there shall be devolution of governmental powers and responsibilities whenever appropriate.”
Gutu said MDC-T lawmakers will very soon make what the party calls some noise in parliament to make sure that Zimbabwe’s constitution is not only obeyed but also seen to be obeyed.
In 2014, the MDC-T threatened to take the then Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo, Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and government to the Constitutional Court for failing to devolve power to regions.
Zanu PF initially resisted devolution arguing that the notion was being pushed by those bent on promoting regionalism, federalism or secessionism, and that the country was too small for the system to work well.