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The Copac draft, they said, did not elaborate their rights when other interest groups were provided for. Zanu-PF in its amendments included the youths’ rights under the elaboration of certain rights. It said the youths were also supposed to undergo national youth service training.
The Zimbabwe Youth Council rejected the Copac draft saying it had failed to capture their views. ZYC chairperson Dr Edmore Jokwira said the Copac draft was so flawed that no reasonable person would accept it.
“It failed to clearly articulate the right conferred on the youths. It is vague. The fact that Zanu-PF and other stakeholders rejected the draft showed the inadequacy of the Copac draft,” Dr Jokwira said.
Upfumi Kuvadiki president, Mr Alson Darikayi also condemned the draft.
“It’s a non-event. It does not embrace the aspirations of the people as was espoused during the outreach programme. The issues around youth empowerment are not captured adequately,” Mr Darikayi said.
However, MDC youth assembly president, Mr Gideon Mandaza differed saying youths had failed to raise issues that affect them.
“The reason why our issues are not captured in the draft is because the youths did not say what they wanted during the outreach programme,” said Mr Mandaza.
“We would have obviously wanted to have the youths’ rights to be on elaboration of certain rights. We agree as the youths that our issues are not catered for but we are to blame.”
MDC-T youth assembly secretary-general Mr Promise Mkwananzi said the draft constitution had passed a stage where people could effect changes.
“The constitution process has passed a stage where people can say what they would have wanted. The only stage where we can express our views will be at the referendum,” said Mr Mkwananzi.
The draft constitution is now at the level of principals who are now seized with amendments proposed by Zanu-PF. In the proposed amendments to the Copac draft,
Zanu-PF is calling for a new clause 4.43 Rights of the Youth to read as follows:
“4.43 Rights of the Youth
(1) The youth, that is to say, people between the age of fifteen and thirty-five years, have a right to —
(a) access to appropriate education and training
(b) employment and other avenues of economic empowerment
(c) associate and to be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life
(d) undergo national youth service training
(e) be protected from harmful cultural practices
(f) opportunities for recreational activities and access to recreation facilities
(2) The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the means and resources available, for the progressive realisation of these rights”
The amendments were made after it was felt that Copac had deviated from the people’s views when it collated the data.
The MDC formations have, however, endorsed the Copac draft with the MDC-T leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai launching his party’s “Yes Vote” campaign for the draft.
Online Reporter