Zanu PF, Tshabangu plot shock CAB4

Fresh claims have emerged that discussions between Zanu PF and legislators aligned to self-styled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu extend beyond the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, with reports suggesting that a broader political arrangement is under consideration.

The allegations come as Parliament prepares to continue deliberations on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), which seeks, among other changes, to extend the terms of Parliament and local authorities by two years and alter several provisions of the 2013 Constitution.

According to reports, negotiations between Tshabangu's camp and senior Zanu PF officials have included discussions around a possible future constitutional reform agenda, informally referred to as Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 4 (CAB4), which proponents reportedly describe as a pathway towards a "government of national consensus."

The claims have intensified concerns among critics of CAB3, who argue that the proposed amendments represent a broader political project aimed at reshaping Zimbabwe's governance architecture and weakening opposition politics.

Sources familiar with the discussions allege that Tshabangu and his allies have held meetings with senior Zanu PF figures, including Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.

According to the reports, Tshabangu's camp is seeking a role in a future political settlement that would include influence over key government ministries, including Education, Health, Public Service and Foreign Affairs.

Neither Zanu PF nor Government officials have publicly confirmed the existence of any formal agreement relating to a future constitutional amendment process.

However, Tshabangu's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, confirmed that discussions with Zanu PF were ongoing.

"We are near agreement, but we are still far. So we hope they get closer," Mlilo said.

"The negotiations are encouraging; we are near, but we are still too far."

The comments come as legislators aligned to Tshabangu have largely supported CAB3 during parliamentary debates, while MPs aligned to the faction led by Jameson Timba have strongly opposed the proposed amendments.

Mlilo indicated that discussions had expanded beyond CAB3 and were now focused on what he described as a broader national governance framework centred on generational transition and political consensus.

According to Mlilo, Zimbabwe's political challenges stem from longstanding tensions between the liberation struggle generation and younger generations that did not directly participate in the liberation war.

He argued that the country requires a governance model focused on policy priorities rather than perpetual political contestation.

Among the objectives outlined by Tshabangu's camp are free education, improved healthcare, stronger social protection systems, better conditions of service for civil servants and a reconfigured foreign policy framework.

The remarks have sparked debate among political observers, with some viewing the proposals as an attempt to foster national consensus while others see them as a potential threat to multi-party democracy.

CAB3 itself remains highly contentious.

Among its key provisions are amendments to Sections 95, 143 and 158 of the Constitution that would effectively extend the tenure of the current Parliament and local authorities from five years to seven years.

Government has defended the proposals as necessary to reduce the disruptions associated with frequent election cycles, create political stability and provide adequate time for the implementation of long-term development programmes.

Opponents, however, argue that the amendments undermine constitutional safeguards and could set a precedent for future extensions of political terms without direct electoral endorsement.

The developments come against the backdrop of continuing divisions within the opposition following the internal disputes that engulfed the CCC after the 2023 elections and the subsequent recalls of MPs and councillors by Tshabangu.

With CAB3 expected to return for further consideration in Parliament this week, attention is likely to focus not only on the fate of the proposed amendments but also on the broader political negotiations taking place behind the scenes and their implications for Zimbabwe's constitutional and democratic future.