10 Jun 2020
For Immediate Release
10 June 2020
ZCTU PRESS RELEASE
10 June 2020
ZCTU PRESS RELEASE
RE: PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) notes with serious concern the decision by the government to go ahead with public hearings on the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment Bill No. 2 (H.B.23,2019) at a time the country is under lockdown.
The Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has indicated that the public hearings on the Amendment Bill No. 2 (H.B.23,2019) will take place from 15 June to 19 June 2020 in various centers across the country. The ZCTU believes this is a deliberate move by the government to sideline a majority of people from meaningfully contributing to the bill.
The government is fully aware that movement is restricted and the few who have the priviledge to move around would either be at work, in fuel queues or hunting for food and therefore would not prioritize the hearings.
The ZCTU is questioning the sincerity of the government in going ahead with the hearing amidst the deadly Corona Virus and believes the State is working from the answer. We are fearful that some issues could be sneaked into the bill in the name of these public hearings. The Constitution is the most important document with far reaching consequences and amendments must not be hurried.
We call upon Parliament to shelve the hearings until the lockdown is over in order for people to make meaningful contributions.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) notes with serious concern the decision by the government to go ahead with public hearings on the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment Bill No. 2 (H.B.23,2019) at a time the country is under lockdown.
The Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has indicated that the public hearings on the Amendment Bill No. 2 (H.B.23,2019) will take place from 15 June to 19 June 2020 in various centers across the country. The ZCTU believes this is a deliberate move by the government to sideline a majority of people from meaningfully contributing to the bill.
The government is fully aware that movement is restricted and the few who have the priviledge to move around would either be at work, in fuel queues or hunting for food and therefore would not prioritize the hearings.
The ZCTU is questioning the sincerity of the government in going ahead with the hearing amidst the deadly Corona Virus and believes the State is working from the answer. We are fearful that some issues could be sneaked into the bill in the name of these public hearings. The Constitution is the most important document with far reaching consequences and amendments must not be hurried.
We call upon Parliament to shelve the hearings until the lockdown is over in order for people to make meaningful contributions.
Japhet Moyo
SECRETARY-GENERAL
SECRETARY-GENERAL
