Woman ejected for anti-2030 regalia at public hearing

A public hearing on the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 was disrupted at Nketa Hall in Bulawayo after a participant was forcibly removed for wearing politically charged clothing, raising fresh concerns over the credibility of the consultation process.

The incident occurred during a session organised by the Parliament of Zimbabwe as part of nationwide public consultations on the proposed constitutional changes.

The woman was stopped mid-submission after officials objected to her clothing, which included a T-shirt and head wrap bearing political messages opposing the Bill and the "2030 agenda."

Before being interrupted, she questioned the legality of the proposed amendment, arguing that efforts to extend presidential term limits were inconsistent with the 2013 Constitution.

"There is a lot of ambiguity surrounding this proposed amendment. What Emmerson Mnangagwa is proposing is against our Constitution. He is not following what is contained therein," she said.

Her remarks drew mixed reactions from the audience, with some jeering. A member of the parliamentary team ruled that she had breached hearing guidelines by wearing what was described as "regalia" and ordered her removal.

The decision sparked commotion inside the hall, with some attendees calling for her removal. After being escorted out, the situation escalated when a group reportedly followed and chased her outside, forcing her to flee into a nearby bushy area.

Proceedings were subsequently brought to an abrupt close as officials sought to restore order.

Separate concerns have also emerged about the authenticity and inclusiveness of the consultation process. Some attendees appeared disengaged during the session, with reports of individuals struggling to remain attentive.

Observers also noted the presence of buses transporting participants to and from the venue, including vehicles labelled from different locations, raising questions about how attendees were mobilised.

The early departure of some groups further limited opportunities for others who had been unable to access the venue to present their views.

One participant, identified as Nkomo, criticised the process as flawed and exclusionary, arguing that the proposed amendments should instead be subjected to a national referendum.

"Bill Number 3 is not working for us as Zimbabweans. According to the Constitution, this process should go through a referendum first. This is flawed," he said.

He also alleged that some participants had attended prior workshops and were given preferential access to the hearings, undermining confidence in the process.

The disruption adds to growing scrutiny surrounding the consultation process for the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with civic groups and members of the public raising concerns about transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to constitutional principles.