Ziyambi responds to Senators: A Constitution is not a grocery list document. It is an enabler

I want to appreciate those who supported, especially the majority and even those who opposed. I think it enhances our democracy. I also want to thank those who did not oppose for the sake of opposing, which is very good. It creates an environment that allows for inclusivity, and I saw others run, like I said, in one direction, indicating that a Constitution does not bring food to the table, does not ensure that this Constitutional Amendment ensures that we have a good road. I responded to that in my speech, before they debated that a Constitution is not a grocery list document. It is a document that is an enabler, allowing an environment where a baker can bake bread and bread is found in grocery shops; where the Government can plan properly and a road can be constructed, just as we did with the Harare to Beitbridge Road. So, this is not a document that you can use to go shopping with. It is an enabler; it creates an environment that ensures that all those things happen. I want to applaud the kind of debate conducted by Hon. Sen. Phulu. He spoke to the substance of the Bill rather than to the emotion or the politics and I think that is the thrust we were looking at. Let us look at the substance of the Bill. What is the mischief that we want to cure? How do we cure it without politicking, saying I oppose it because it takes away one man, one vote and I think he articulated it very well? I think Hon. Sen. Chief Mutasa ably responded to that. I will not repeat what he said for the sake of peace in the House. I also agree with Hon. Sen. Phulu to some extent. I will then see when we get to the Committee Stage if we can include. I believe that conflict will always occur in any society and a clause addressing post-conflict healing and reconciliation is necessary. I think the Attorney General is listening attentively. I hope she has helped me ensure we can include it. Like what the Hon. Senator said, this House is not a rubber stamp. You sniff through and see things that perhaps the National Assembly failed to see, then you make sure you clean it up and propose to them that this is what you left out. Can the National Assembly tidy up the document? I believe that these are some of the issues that you spoke about.