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President Mugabe. One would have thought that the event would usher in a new dispensation.
One would have thought that approved by the electorate, one would have been welcomed by the Press.
But that was not to be. Some of the Press would have been happy to write about disagreements and disparage the Zimbabwe body politic.
Now that all political parties represented in Parliament and Government have come up with a home-grown Constitution, which was approved by the electorate in a referendum and signed into law by the President, is it not wise that the Press should be going to town in praise of the Zimbabwean political maturity?
Many newspapers carried stories to the effect that the whole exercise was a non-event.
They are now questioning the lack of money to implement the provisions of the Constitution, such as the various commissions.
But, the Press were on the forefront advocating for the setting up of these commissions.
Some newspapers are urging the people not to celebrate the coming of a new charter.
Another carried a story that the Constitution may not change the political culture of repression. What political culture, one may ask?
Another article says the new Constitution will create a bloated government.
But the Press were out in force to point out the lack of gender balance in Government and Parliament.
Now, according to the Constitution, there will be 60 parliamentary seats reserved for women from all parties through proportional representation.
Even if there is no adequate space in Parliament to accommodate all MPs, there are many venues that could be used such as the Conference Centre or the City Sports Centre in Harare.
Another suggestion could be erecting a huge tent in Unity Square for some sessions like the opening of parliament. The national question in Zimbabwe is that the four pillars of the State do not seem to have the national interest at heart.
The three pillars, represented by the Executive, Judiciary and Parliament, are working together for the national good of the country.
But, the fourth pillar represented by the Press or Media, is so disparaging of anything that the people of Zimbabwe are trying to build.
Yes, there is a need of checks and balances in any affairs of the State, in building new democratic institutions, like what is happening with the advent of a new Constitution, that all four pillars of State must promote the work ahead.
There is no-one who will not accept advice from the Press or Media but tearing apart the project before it has taken root is just being mischievous on the part of some sections of the Press.
When one reads the South African newspapers, sins of the ANC are taken to be much worse than those of apartheid. There is nothing the ANC can do better for the people of South Africa. We are told that the South African constitution is one of the best in the world.
But what has gone wrong with all the checks and balances enshrined in that constitution?
There is an underlining belief that Africa cannot govern itself. The Press is at the forefront of that belief.
Whatever happens in the US, the fourth estate of the country, which is the Press, try by all means to build the national fabric of the American system of governance.
Why is it difficult for the so-called independent Press to show the people the national interest by its reporting on the affairs of the State?
We have only one country, which is Zimbabwe.
It is time our Press joins hands with every citizen to shape the body politic of this country rather than dwell on the negative all the time.
Online Reporter