The MDC Youth
Assembly is greatly perturbed by the utterances and attitude of the leaders in
the ZANU PF led government who have
resorted to intimidatory statements to the effect that all the jobless citizens
of Zimbabwe who are prepared to get into the streets demanding their
constitutionally given right are going to be crushed by a fist. This is
unbelievable.
Isn’t it ironic that
such statements were made on a day the country is supposed to be celebrating
its liberation from a previous oppressive and tyrannical regime? The hard won
independence is now being used as an instrument to harass and intimidate
others, completely taking away their freedom to think and act on their desire
within the confines of the law.
Why do leaders who
claim that they were democratically elected exhibit such anger when they are
reminded of their constitutional duty. Is it not trying to renege on their
responsibility and promises? They are used to lying to the people. It is
different now, we are tired of that.
Section 14 of the constitution
clearly compels the State to ensure that appropriate and adequate measures are
undertaken to create employment for all Zimbabweans, especially women and
youths. Section 24 of the new charter among other things obligates the State to
adopt reasonable policies and measures, to provide everyone with an opportunity
to work in a freely chosen activity, in order to secure a decent living for
themselves and their families.
Put simply, Robert
Mugabe and his government must focus on creating jobs so that we the youth can
have a chance at living decent lives. We are not asking too much, it’s an
obligation that the government must own up to. Threats, intimidation and arrest
are not going to put food on the table.
Demonstrating as a
people is permissible in our country and no one is above the constitution who
can override its provisions to its citizens. In fact the leaders of the country
are obligated to have respect for the people of Zimbabwe, from whom the
authority to govern is derived.
We are determined,
we want our jobs now. No amount of threats will stop the jobless.
For and on behalf of the young people of
Zimbabwe
Clifford Hlatywayo
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
Together to end,building a youth with a difference.
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