Dear President Emmerson Mnangagwa

I was happy to hear you say for the seventh time that you are a constitutionalist and you will respect the constitution and go when your two terms come to an end in 2028.

By Mark Musarurwa

However, continued calls by your persuaders to continue beyond 2028 is deeply worrying to say the least.

As the current SADC chairperson, it is prudent that you show examplary leadership by being a torch bearer in terms of respecting the constitution. How do you hope to lead the bloc should there be a constitutional crisis in one of the member states, when you yourself stands accused of violating the same principle you should be defending as the SADC chairperson.

As someone who made a commitment to listen to the voice of the people which you equated to the voice of God, take time and listen to the ordinary people not your usual praise singers who never find fault in what you do and say.

Adherence to constitutionalism is not an option, it should be considered sacrosanct especially considering the fact that respect for human rights is enshrined in every constitution within a democracy.

Mr President sir, by following the constitution as a soldier, trained lawyer and SADC Chairperson will go a long way in setting a strong and positive example for future soldiers, lawyers, future leaders in Zimbabwe, SADC region, African leaders and the world at large.

I need not to remind you that you took a public oath to respect the constitution and not seek a reversal of the ban on third terms. In addition, adhering to the constitution will also allow for a peaceful transition of power before you leave office, a massive achievement that Zimbabweans, SADC, AU and the world at large would be proud of.

Do not listen to those persuading you, these are just hypocrites and cowards that will lead you astray simply because they know that their positions would be precarious without you.

Instead you should reprimand and call them to order because they are not sincere in their agenda. They are the ones who will soil your reputation and reverse the little respect you gain when you repeatedly insist on handing over power, come the end of your second and final term.

If you scrutinize the chief architects of the 2030 agenda, Owen Mudha Ncube, Douglas Mahiya, Ezra Chadzamira, John Paradza Jenfan Muswere and Ziyambi Ziyambi. These are nolonger ordinary voices but people who have amassed so much wealth, thanks to politics. They do not by any stretch of imagination represent the voice of the people, therefore they are not worthy listening to or citing them as the voice of the people.

Go to the countryside, meet ordinary people in Chiendambuya, Chitekete, Guruve, Chinyamukwakwa, Goromonzi and other places and talk to people who are not in any way insulated from the vagaries of your administration’s economic policies. Whatever they will tell you is the true voice of the people and the voice of God.

Listening to privileged individuals who drive 4×4 vehicles on government fuel while dressed in designer suits will mislead you and taint your legacy as a reformist in Zanu PF.

In situations like this, cde President, I urge you listen to the people who were with you in the liberation struggle because they are ones who know and understand why you slept in open pits to fight for freedom and constitutionalism that your persuaders are so keen to violate all in the name of being your right hand persons.

Forever patriotic.

Mark Musarurwa