NKULUMANI MLAMBO
In a move that certainly ruffled feathers of Chief Fortune Charumbira’s political opponents in the country and abroad, President Mnangagwa reportedly honored the long serving traditional leader, former minister and veteran lawyer.
The President honored Chief Charumbira by calling to the top table during the massively attended tombstone unveiling ceremony for his grandson, Yasha Mnangagwa at his farm in Bikita last Saturday.
President Mnangagwa shocked guests when he called Chief Charumbira to the top table where Sean and Collins Mnangagwa, First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira were seated with him.
Chief Charumbira went on to seat next to Minister Chadzamira.
“Every area has its own leaders, we have the likes of Gono and many others in this area and we should pay tribute to them.
“We must give due respect to Chief Charumbira who is among us today. Chief Charumbira is the deputy president of the Chiefs Council which is led by Chief Mtshane Khumalo from Matebeleland North as its president.
“There is the continent of Africa with many countries and these countries have a parliament called Pan African Parliament where they meet. Chief Charumbira was elected the president of Pan African Parliament by all countries in Africa.
“We must give him due respect and he must come and seat at the top table, those who are singing can continue to sing as he comes forward,” said President Mnangagwa followed by a thunderous welcome for Chief Charumbira.
Chief Charumbira had been seated among ministers, MPs, Zanu PF Politiburo members and senior civil servants, but the President, 3 minutes into his speech reportedly invited him to the top table, shocking his opponents in the politically volatile Masvingo Province.
PAP president, Chief Charumbira retained his position recently after temporarily relinquishing the post to allow for elections in August 2023.
PAP rules do not allow those who are not members of parliament in their respective countries to hold any elected position at the continental body, hence Chief Charumbira had to relinquish his position, but was reelected after he was voted back into Parliament in Zimbabwe as a Senator in 2023.
PAP which was formed 20 years ago is a platform for legislators from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent and Chief Charumbira was first elected in 2022 and is the first from southern Africa to occupy the prestigious office.
Since he assumed the leadership of PAP Chief Charumbira has advocated for a number of reforms among which include increasing the oversight role over the African Commission.
The African Commission is responsible for formulating policies and their implementation and PAP’s duty is to play an oversight role and that can only be possible if the institution is well funded and more independent, argued Chief Charumbira.
He has also advocated for PAP to be more active in peace building and providing African solutions to African problems like the war in Sudan which has displaced over 10million people.
PAP is headquartered in Midrand, South Africa.
