Zanu-PF opposition flounders

Supporters of the ruling party ZANU PF have turned out in large numbers at ongoing public hearings on the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3, which includes provisions linked to extending presidential term limits to 2030 as part of wider constitutional reforms.

The hearings, organised by the Parliament of Zimbabwe, have attracted significant attendance across several locations including Dema and Chitungwiza, where groups reportedly arrived in organised transport from surrounding areas.

In Dema, participants arrived in buses and minibuses from nearby towns such as Beatrice, filling venues and contributing to what supporters described as strong grassroots engagement with the legislative process.

Similar scenes were observed in Chitungwiza, where many attendees submitted written affidavits alongside oral submissions during the consultation sessions.

While supporters view the turnout as evidence of widespread public interest, critics have previously questioned the level of coordination behind attendance in some areas, raising concerns about the authenticity of spontaneous participation.

Self-proclaimed prophet and ZANU PF member Jay Israel publicly endorsed the Bill, describing constitutional amendments as a legitimate expression of national sovereignty and part of ongoing governance reforms.

He referenced previous amendments, including those introducing youth representation in Parliament, as examples of successful constitutional adjustments aligned with national development objectives.

Israel also linked the proposed changes to Zimbabwe's broader ambition of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.

Despite the strong pro-Bill turnout, some participants raised objections. War veteran Rutendo Muzirwa argued that such constitutional changes should be subjected to a national referendum, noting that the 2013 Constitution itself was approved through a public vote.

He said any amendments affecting presidential elections should follow the same process to ensure legitimacy and broad-based public participation.

The public hearings continue as part of a nationwide parliamentary outreach programme aimed at gathering citizen submissions on the proposed constitutional amendments.

Authorities maintain that the process is designed to capture diverse public views, although debates persist regarding inclusivity, organisation, and fairness of participation at some venues.