Kwekwe human rights defender condemns CAB3

By Staff Writer

Kwekwe based human rights defender Makesure Choga says CAB3 undermines democracy and slides Zimbabwe back to the pre Ian Smith era.

Full statement below:

I, Makesure Bambo Choga, a Human Rights Defender, Director of Mbizo Community Theatre Organization, Community Leader, and Citizen Journalist, strongly condemn the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3) and any efforts by the so-called 2030 Team to alter Zimbabwe’s Constitution in a manner that undermines democracy, constitutionalism, and the rights of citizens.
Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle was fought to end oppression, discrimination, and the denial of fundamental rights. Thousands of brave men and women sacrificed their lives, freedom, and livelihoods so that every Zimbabwean could enjoy the principle of one person, one vote.

The colonial regime led by Ian Smith resisted majority rule and denied many citizens the right to participate fully in determining the future of their country.
The gains achieved through the liberation struggle must never be taken for granted. The Constitution of Zimbabwe was established as the supreme law of the land to protect citizens from abuse of power and to ensure that government authority is exercised within clear constitutional limits. It represents the aspirations of the people for democracy, accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights.
Any attempt to amend the Constitution for political convenience or to extend political power beyond what is provided for by democratic processes is a betrayal of the sacrifices made by Zimbabweans during the struggle for independence. Constitutional amendments should be designed to strengthen democratic institutions, protect fundamental freedoms, and improve governance. They should never be used to weaken checks and balances or limit the ability of citizens to hold leaders accountable.
As a Human Rights Defender, I firmly believe that the Constitution belongs to the people of Zimbabwe and not to any political party, government, or individual leader. Citizens have the right to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their governance and future. Any constitutional changes must be guided by the will of the people and must respect the principles of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
I am deeply concerned that the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has the potential to undermine democratic governance and weaken the constitutional protections that Zimbabweans fought hard to achieve. Such actions risk reversing the progress made towards building a democratic society founded on respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The future of Zimbabwe must be determined through free, fair, and democratic processes. Leaders come and go, but constitutional principles must remain strong and protected. No individual or political group should place its interests above the Constitution and the rights of citizens.
I therefore call upon all Zimbabweans, civil society organizations, community leaders, religious institutions, youth groups, and defenders of democracy to remain vigilant and to defend the Constitution. We must collectively protect the values of freedom, justice, equality, accountability, and democratic participation for present and future generations.
Zimbabwe deserves a future built on constitutional governance, respect for human rights, and the genuine will of its people. Any attempt to undermine these principles must be firmly rejected.

Issued by:
Makesure Bambo Choga
Human Rights Defender
Director, Mbizo Community Theatre Organization
Community Leader
Citizen Journalist
Zimbabwe