By Princess Eugene Majuru
Harare/Continental Africa, (News of The South)– In a powerful and unreserved address, King Munhumutapa has issued a scathing critique of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), accusing the body of failing to uphold African tradition and of being unduly influenced by political agendas. The venerable monarch’s pronouncements have ignited a continental debate on the role of traditional leadership in modern African governance and the efficacy of the PAP.
Speaking with resolute conviction, King Munhumutapa declared that the Pan-African Parliament “should be independent.” He lamented what he perceives as the widespread manipulation of African traditional leaders by politicians, asserting, “From what I see, African traditional leaders are manipulated by politicians.”
The King’s dissatisfaction extends to the very structure and function of the PAP. He argued that its ineffectiveness stems from a system where members “vote for each other, yet such positions are hereditary.” King Munhumutapa highlighted a perceived disconnect between traditional structures and the current political landscape.
Calling for a radical reimagining of the PAP, King Munhumutapa asserted that “the system of tradition should be independent.” He proposed a revolutionary model for the selection of the PAP leader, stating they “should be chosen spiritually; they should leave politics behind, and Pan-African Parliament should have nothing to do with politics.” This vision starkly contrasts with the prevalent democratic electoral systems, which the King dismissed as a colonial imposition “wrongly set up for Africa.” He emphasized the imperative for the people to “be independent and respect cultural values and heritage,” underscoring the hereditary nature of the Munhumutapa inheritance as a testament to authentic African leadership.
Further deepening his criticism, King Munhumutapa lambasted elected officials, including councillors and senators, for their silence on cultural matters. He charged them with being “quiet about culture and tradition” and even lacking fundamental understanding of the roles of traditional figures like Chiefs and Sabhuku (village heads).
The monarch accused the PAP of failing to deliver tangible results for the people it claims to represent. “Pan-African Parliament has never made any decision for the people they represent,” he stated, adding that they “continue to take money from the people just like politicians rather than representing the people.” In a particularly cutting remark, King Munhumutapa branded the Pan-African Parliament as “puppets.”
He questioned the efficacy of the institution in addressing pressing continental issues, asking, “Pan-African Parliament are not doing anything to alleviate poverty in Africa, so what are they doing, who are they helping?”
Singling out Chief Charumbira of Zimbabwe, who currently leads the Pan-African Parliament, King Munhumutapa alleged that his past leadership of the Chiefs’ Council in Zimbabwe yielded no significant impact and that he served “interests of politicians rather than the people.” The King implied that Charumbira is perpetuating the same pattern in his current role at the PAP.
In a resounding call for respect for traditional institutions, King Munhumutapa reiterated, “Tradition must not be manipulated. Traditional leaders are custodians of the land and must not be manipulated.” His powerful declaration serves as a clarion call for a fundamental re-evaluation of the relationship between traditional authority and contemporary governance on the African continent.
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