Chadzamira warns CAB3 opponents of 'gnashing of teeth'

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has issued a stern warning to Zanu PF members opposed to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), saying there would be "gnashing of teeth" once the controversial legislative process is concluded.

Addressing a Zanu PF Provincial Inter-District Meeting at Clovelly in Masvingo on Saturday, Chadzamira claimed that party and security structures were closely monitoring political activities by legislators and councillors suspected of working against the proposed constitutional amendments.

The Bill has generated intense debate within and outside the ruling party. Critics argue that the proposed changes could allow Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office for an additional two years beyond 2028 without a presidential election, while also extending the tenure of Members of Parliament. Legal experts and civil society groups have questioned the constitutionality of extending elected officials' terms without a referendum.

Speaking at the gathering, Chadzamira warned party members against participating in what he described as clandestine meetings aimed at undermining the Bill.

"Let this CAB3 process come to an end as Matuke has said and there is going to be gnashing of teeth," he said.

"Some of you are like bats. They are here with us by day but at night they are speaking in tongues. They hold endless meetings in their houses and hotels. There is nothing that I don't know as I stand here."

Chadzamira said both he and the Minister of State for National Security, Lovemore Matuke, receive reports on political activities within the province and nationally.

"I chair the Provincial Joint Operations Command and Matuke chairs the National Operations Command. Our duties are to get reports on what each and every one of you is doing," he said.

He urged party members to avoid attending unofficial meetings and instead follow structures sanctioned by the party leadership.

"I warn you, stop attending these little secret and nocturnal meetings that you are being invited to. The only legitimate meetings are those called by the provincial chairman, Rabson Mavhenyengwa. Please avoid any other meetings; don't sell your souls for a few beers because after this CAB3 there will be gnashing of teeth."

The remarks come amid reports of divisions within Zanu PF over the proposed amendments. Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and several retired senior military figures have been publicly linked to opposition to the constitutional changes, although party leaders have maintained that Zanu PF remains united behind its programmes.

Defending the proposed amendments, Chadzamira argued that developing countries require longer leadership tenures to ensure continuity in implementing economic and development programmes.

"Zimbabwe is a developing nation, Europe is a developed nation. Developing nations need longer periods to build their economies," he said.

"Developed nations can change leaders frequently because their systems are already in place and their economies are strong."

The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has already passed the National Assembly and now awaits consideration by the Senate, where it will require another two-thirds majority before it can be transmitted to the President for assent. The debate surrounding the Bill continues to dominate Zimbabwe's political landscape, with supporters arguing it will promote continuity and stability, while opponents contend it could undermine constitutional safeguards and democratic accountability.