VAAZ condemns alleged dismissal of Jessie Majome over CAB3 hearings

The Veteran Activists Association of Zimbabwe (VAAZ) has strongly condemned what it describes as the "unilateral and illegal" dismissal of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) chairperson Jessie Majome, following reports that she raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) public hearings.

In a statement issued Monday, VAAZ spokesperson Mandava Blessing accused President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of overstepping constitutional boundaries, arguing that Majome acted within her mandate as the head of an independent Chapter 12 institution.

"The Chairperson had every right to defend citizens' constitutional rights and highlight procedural irregularities," the statement read.

VAAZ outlined several concerns regarding the conduct of the CAB3 outreach programme, including:

- Limited time allocated for public participation, which the group says undermined meaningful consultation.  
- Insufficient and inaccessible venues, allegedly disenfranchising many citizens.  
- Disruptions and intimidation, with claims that ruling‑party supporters interfered with proceedings.  
- Bias in participation, with accusations that dissenting voices were sidelined.  
- State‑media coverage that VAAZ alleges favoured the amendment process.

The organisation further claimed that some hearings lacked guarantees of freedom of expression and safety for participants who voiced opposing views.

 Concerns over institutional independence

VAAZ emphasised that the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, established under Chapter 12 of the Constitution, is mandated to operate independently and without political interference. The group argued that any action perceived as targeting its leadership could undermine public confidence in constitutional bodies.

The statement also situated the controversy within Zimbabwe's broader political history, questioning whether current developments align with the ideals of the liberation struggle. It raised concerns about what it described as growing centralisation of power and urged citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding constitutional principles.

VAAZ called on Zimbabweans to actively defend the Constitution, describing it as a "national sacred document" that transcends political affiliation.

"We must not watch as it is being undermined," the statement said, urging increased civic engagement.