Zanu-PF to expel 2030 Bill 'rebels'

Zanu-PF has announced plans to expel party members who do not support the controversial Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill, enlisting traditional leaders in a nationwide campaign to secure backing for the proposed changes. The Bill has faced strong opposition from civil society, opposition parties, and some members of the governing party, who argue that such sweeping amendments require direct citizen input through a national referendum. Despite these objections, Zanu-PF is mobilising its cells, districts, and provincial structures ahead of Parliament-led consultations scheduled for next week.

Amendment Bill No 3 seeks to abolish direct presidential elections, transferring the power to elect the President to Parliament, where Zanu-PF holds a two-thirds majority. It also proposes extending presidential and parliamentary terms by two years, from 2028 to 2030, without a referendum. Critics argue that the Bill entrenches Zanu-PF's grip on power, undermines democratic processes, and excludes millions of Zimbabweans from meaningful participation in shaping the country's constitution.

Parliament's schedule outlines 64 public hearings between March 30 and April 2 — averaging fewer than seven hearings per province over four days. By contrast, the 2013 Constitution involved 4,821 public outreach meetings across 1,950 wards over 105 days. Among other changes, the proposed law seeks to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, with critics calling it a "procedural coup" that bypasses widespread public consultation.

In Manicaland, Zanu-PF leaders told a provincial coordination committee meeting at Marymount Teachers' College in Mutare that members opposing the Bill will face expulsion. Provincial political commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa warned, "If you do not support [Amendment] Bill No 3, you are going to be expelled from the party… We are serious about this." Outreach programmes, including inter-district meetings across all eight districts, are set to begin immediately.

Party provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza stressed the role of traditional leaders in influencing rural communities, saying, "Traditional leaders will help us to whip villagers to support Bill No 3. This is now a matter of life and death for our political future." Mukodza also demanded full cooperation from MPs and central committee members, warning that refusal to participate or provide party vehicles during outreach activities would result in further action. Attendance at all levels, from cell groups to provincial meetings, is being treated as mandatory.

The push to secure support for the Bill comes amid heightened attacks on critics, including the assault of prominent opposition lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku in Harare for opposing the amendments. The government's strategy to mobilise traditional leaders highlights its reliance on cultural influence to sway public opinion, a tactic that remains highly controversial in Zimbabwe's fragile democratic environment.