KEY POINTS
- Court finds chief breached ban on partisan politics.
- Remarks included praise for Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.
- Judge finally orders public retraction within seven days.
A Zimbabwean High Court has ruled that Chief Seke, Stanley Chimanikire, breached the constitution by chanting ruling party slogans while addressing a gathering, ordering him to retract the remarks within a week.
Justice Samuel Deme said the comments which included praise for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and also chants of “forward with Zanu PF” violated Section 281(2) of the constitution, which bars traditional leaders from engaging in partisan politics.
Chief violates constitution with Zanu PF slogans
Citizen Esther Vongai Zimudzi brought the case, arguing that the remarks infringed her political rights under Section 67.
Furthermore the court heard that Chimanikire declared: “Mnangagwa will still be ruling in 2030, forward with Zanu PF, down with the enemies.”
Chimanikire admitted making the statement but claimed it was at a private event and intended as patriotic praise, not political campaigning. Justice Deme rejected that argument, ruling that the constitutional ban applies in all settings, whether or not it is election season.
Order for public retraction
The judge ordered Chimanikire to publish a written retraction in a national newspaper, share it with public and private media, and ensure it is circulated through the National Council of Chiefs and provincial assemblies.
A bid to further force the local government minister to initiate disciplinary proceedings was dismissed, as the minister is not the appointing authority for chiefs. The court also declined to award punitive legal costs.
Neutrality of traditional leaders under scrutiny
The case has reignited debate over the impartiality of traditional leaders in Zimbabwe, a recurring concern for opposition groups and civil society organisations who accuse some chiefs of aligning with the ruling party during political campaigns.
