I am not starting today to speak about the issue that President Mugabe has violated the Constitution. Mine, unlike Hon. Maridadi, starts in 1983. This is the man who murdered 20 000 people during his reign. It is not new for me to speak about the impeachment of Robert Gabriel Mugabe because this the man who presided over the murders of people during what was called the land reform of 2000. Mr. Speaker, this is not new for me because this is the same man who was responsible for murdering people in the elections that followed 2002 and 2008.
I need not be persuaded, bribed or cajoled – I am clear that he needs to go. So, while I stand up here, I did not have to stand up and sit but I stand up to speak because for me, this should be a real new beginning. I am not interested in the politicking of today. I am interested in saying beyond Robert Gabriel Mugabe, what will this country be tomorrow? We want to say, what will Robert Mugabe will be?
In fact, if I had a choice, I would not have allowed Hon. Maridadi to second this motion. I would have sat and said for now, I want those that have not understood me since 1983, to speak today as I listen to them. But, what I want is not a commitment from my other colleagues that have fought from 1983. What I want today is a commitment that says from tomorrow this country will never be the same, that from tomorrow the basics of the liberation struggle which was to give dignity to a person to go and vote – one person one vote should be protected.
What is important is that at the moment…
Hon. Rtd. Brigadier General Bonyongwe and Hon. Chinamasa having approached the Chair -[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]-
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Can I have a chance to just go through some correspondence for two minutes? Hon. Members, with the powers vested in me as the Presiding Officer now, I terminate business and want to notify you as follows. I have received, in terms of the provisions of section 96 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Amendment No. 20 of 2013, a letter from the President of Zimbabwe:
“21st November, 2017
The Honourable Jacob Mudenda,
NOTICE OF RESIGNATION AS PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE IN TERMS OF THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 96 (1) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF ZIMBABWE, AMENDMENT (NO. 20) 2013.
Following my verbal communication with the Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda, at 1353 Hrs, 21st November, 2017, intimating my intention to resign as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, in terms of Section 96 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, hereby formally tender my resignation as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe with immediate effect. [Applause]
My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the People of Zimbabwe and my desire to ensure a smooth, peaceful and non-violent transfer of power that underpins national security, peace and stability. Kindly give public notice of my resignation as soon as possible, as required by Section 96 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Yours faithfully,
ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE
President of the Republic of Zimbabwe”
In terms of the Constitution, it behoves the Speaker to make sure that the proper legal processes are put in place so that the country can proceed forward with a President in place and this will be done not later than end of the day tomorrow. Accordingly, business is suspended sine die.
Business was duly suspended at Ten Minutes to Six o’clock p.m. sine die.
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