ED2030: Zanu PF feels rhe heat

ZANU PF secretary for administration Jacob Mudenda said the ruling party has “a war” on its doorstep to convince members and ordinary citizens to accept proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Mudenda made the remarks in Mutare, Manicaland province, at the start of the ruling party’s nationwide outreach programme targeting provincial co-ordinating committees (PCCs).

In his address, Mudenda, who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly, said it was the duty of every party member to ensure support for the proposed Bill in their constituencies.

“We have to fight a new war now,” Mudenda said.

“The new war is the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill.

“The party should be seen convincing Zimbabweans that this is a sound Constitutional Amendment Bill and be clear to them.”

Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3, which proposes sweeping changes to the Constitution, including scrapping direct Presidential Elections and extending the term of the current Parliament and that of the President by two years.

The Bill was gazetted, paving way for 90-day public hearings.

Proponents of the amendments argue that it seeks to strengthen governance structures and address years of political toxicity.

Critics have said the Bill seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond his constitutionally set two terms, which expire in 2028.

They have also insisted on the need for the proposed Bill to go through a referendum, but the government, through Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, has said this is not necessary.

According to Ziyambi, the Bill will be debated during public hearings after which it will be taken to Parliament, where Zanu PF enjoys a two-thirds majority, for a vote.

Mudenda urged party members to shun factionalism during this critical period to ensure support for the Bill.

“Unity must remain our greatest strength. We should reject any form of factionalism, tribalism, regionalism, indiscipline and conduct that brings the party into disrepute,” he said.

“We must foster discipline, constructive and progressive engagement that advances the party’s vision and mission.

“Let us intensify ideological orientation, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and ensure our structures remain active, responsive and connected to the people at all levels.”

He was accompanied by Zanu PF top officials, including secretary for finance Patrick Chinamasa, Youth Empowerment minister Tino Machakaire, women’s league boss Marble Chinomona, deputy secretary for youth affairs John Paradza, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Misheck Mugadza and provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza, among others.

Today, Mudenda’s delegation is having a PCC interface in Mashonaland East and will travel to Mashonaland West tomorrow to drum up support for the constitutional amendments that have divided public opinion.

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by self-styled secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has thrown its weight behind the Bill.

However, some of his lawmakers, including those from Matabeleland South, have said they need to consult their constituencies.

In a post on X on Wednesday, opposition politician Linda Masarira said she believed “some of the amendments will sincerely fix a broken system to create a more stable, unified and prosperous Zimbabwe for everyone”.

“It’s about moving away from constant political fighting and focusing on what really matters, like development, unity and a government that can deliver on its promises,” she said.

The Constitutional Defenders Forum has vowed to challenge any amendment to the Constitution without a referendum.

“To agree to 2030 is to agree to the erosion of constitutional democracy. It is to betray the will of millions of Zimbabweans who participated, debated and overwhelmingly voted for the 2013 Constitutional order,” it posted on X.

Last week, six war veterans represented by constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku filed a Constitutional Court application challenging the proposed amendments and insisting on a referendum.