Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE African Youth Congress (AYC) has urged South Africa’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to respect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and refrain from commenting on the country’s internal constitutional processes.
The call follows remarks by EFF leader Mr Julius Malema criticising the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
In a statement, AYC chairperson Cde Taurai Kandishaya, who is also the ZANU PF Youth League Deputy Political Commissar, said constitutional reforms were matters to be determined exclusively by Zimbabweans through the country’s laws, institutions and democratic processes.
He said Zimbabwe, as a sovereign and independent nation, had the constitutional right to amend its Constitution in line with its national interests without external interference.
Cde Kandishaya said no foreign political party had the authority or legitimacy to dictate Zimbabwe’s constitutional direction.
He also criticised the EFF, saying the party did not have liberation struggle credentials comparable to those of Zimbabwe’s ruling liberation movement and therefore could not claim authority over the country’s political processes.
According to Cde Kandishaya, Mr Malema had consistently directed criticism at liberation movements across the continent instead of promoting African solidarity.
He said it was ironic for the EFF leader to speak on constitutionalism and democratic governance while questions had been raised over leadership renewal within his own political party since its formation in 2013.
Cde Kandishaya said respect for the sovereignty of African states remained one of the fundamental principles of Pan-Africanism and called on political organisations across the continent to uphold that principle.
He said Zimbabwe’s political and constitutional future would continue to be determined by its citizens through established democratic institutions.
The AYC appealed to the EFF to desist from interfering in Zimbabwe’s domestic affairs and instead focus on strengthening solidarity among African nations based on mutual respect and non-interference.
**Ends**
