News / National
War vets back retired air marshal Muchena's letter denouncing constitutional amendment
2 hrs ago |
82 Views
A faction of war veterans led by Zimbabwe National Liberation Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairman Andrease Ethan Mathibela has thrown its weight behind retired Air Vice‑Marshal Henry Muchena, who recently wrote a strongly worded letter to Parliament condemning proposed constitutional amendments aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule and altering the country's governance framework without a referendum.
In a statement, Mathibela said the ZNLWVA "notes with profound respect" the submission made by retired generals and senior civil servants - all veterans of the liberation struggle - regarding the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (H.B.1, 2026).
"As an organisation representing those who fought to liberate this nation from colonial rule, we wish to state clearly and unequivocally that we stand in full support of the principled position articulated by our fellow veterans," he said.
Mathibela said the retired commanders' submission was a powerful reminder that the liberation struggle was waged to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe would remain the ultimate custodians of state power.
He emphasised that majority rule, universal suffrage and popular sovereignty were the central pillars of the liberation struggle - principles now enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, a document endorsed by Zimbabweans through a national referendum.
"The ZNLWVA therefore reiterates that the Constitution is not merely a legal document - it is the collective covenant of the people of Zimbabwe," he said.
Mathibela warned that any attempt to amend such a foundational document must be guided by the will of the people, not by "transient political convenience or elite interests".
He said war veterans carry a historic responsibility to safeguard the ideals for which thousands sacrificed their lives.
"Our commitment to the nation compels us to speak whenever the spirit and integrity of our constitutional democracy are at stake," he said.
The association urged Parliament, political leaders, civil society and citizens to approach the constitutional debate with "sobriety, patriotism and respect for the sovereign will of the people".
Mathibela added that where amendments touch on fundamental issues of democratic governance, the most legitimate route remains broad national consultation and, where necessary, a referendum.
"Defending the Constitution must never be mistaken for political hostility. It is an act of patriotism and national duty," he said.
He added that the liberation struggle did not end in 1980, saying its true completion lies in protecting the democratic foundations of the Republic and ensuring that the people remain the ultimate authority in national governance.
"The sovereignty of Zimbabwe belongs to its people - yesterday, today and forever," Mathibela said.
In a statement, Mathibela said the ZNLWVA "notes with profound respect" the submission made by retired generals and senior civil servants - all veterans of the liberation struggle - regarding the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (H.B.1, 2026).
"As an organisation representing those who fought to liberate this nation from colonial rule, we wish to state clearly and unequivocally that we stand in full support of the principled position articulated by our fellow veterans," he said.
Mathibela said the retired commanders' submission was a powerful reminder that the liberation struggle was waged to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe would remain the ultimate custodians of state power.
He emphasised that majority rule, universal suffrage and popular sovereignty were the central pillars of the liberation struggle - principles now enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, a document endorsed by Zimbabweans through a national referendum.
"The ZNLWVA therefore reiterates that the Constitution is not merely a legal document - it is the collective covenant of the people of Zimbabwe," he said.
Mathibela warned that any attempt to amend such a foundational document must be guided by the will of the people, not by "transient political convenience or elite interests".
He said war veterans carry a historic responsibility to safeguard the ideals for which thousands sacrificed their lives.
"Our commitment to the nation compels us to speak whenever the spirit and integrity of our constitutional democracy are at stake," he said.
The association urged Parliament, political leaders, civil society and citizens to approach the constitutional debate with "sobriety, patriotism and respect for the sovereign will of the people".
Mathibela added that where amendments touch on fundamental issues of democratic governance, the most legitimate route remains broad national consultation and, where necessary, a referendum.
"Defending the Constitution must never be mistaken for political hostility. It is an act of patriotism and national duty," he said.
He added that the liberation struggle did not end in 1980, saying its true completion lies in protecting the democratic foundations of the Republic and ensuring that the people remain the ultimate authority in national governance.
"The sovereignty of Zimbabwe belongs to its people - yesterday, today and forever," Mathibela said.
Source - Byo24News
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
