Mnangagwa 2030 legal process set to start

The process to amend Zimbabwe's Constitution in line with Zanu-PF Resolution Number One, which seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office to 2030, is reportedly nearing completion, Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi said yesterday.

Speaking at the party's first Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting for Mashonaland West this year, Ziyambi, who also serves as Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, explained that the principles of the amendment are expected to be taken to Cabinet when it resumes in February after President Mnangagwa's annual leave.

"Once Cabinet has considered the principles, the amendment Bill will be introduced in Parliament. If passed, it will then be sent to the President for assent," Ziyambi said.

He stressed that the Constitution lawfully provides for amendments, noting that "only the Bible is immune to amendment." He added that the resolution reflected the collective will of Zanu-PF, not the personal wishes of President Mnangagwa.

"His personal input is of no significance because this is the will of the party," Ziyambi said, adding that once all legal procedures are followed, the President would be constitutionally obliged to assent to the amendment.

Addressing critics, he accused opponents of selectively defending the Constitution while ignoring its provisions that allow for lawful amendments.

Turning to party matters, Ziyambi urged Zanu-PF members in Mashonaland West to remain united and disciplined, warning against internal disputes and the misuse of senior leaders' names for personal gain.

Mashonaland West provincial chair Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the province was ready for the Cell Verification Day scheduled for this Saturday and expressed confidence that Zanu-PF would win the Chegutu Ward 1 by-election on February 21. The seat became vacant following the death of CCC councillor Kimpton Mkombwe last December in a mine shaft collapse at Bluerock Mine in Gadzema.

The party held primary elections on Monday to select its candidate, with former MDC-A Chegutu West parliamentary candidate Gift Konjana emerging victorious. Konjana defected to Zanu-PF in 2023.