Muswere survives CAB3 vote absence

Makoni West legislator and Skills Audit and Development Minister Jenfan Muswere has avoided disciplinary action after Zanu-PF's Manicaland provincial leadership defended his absence from last week's vote on the controversial Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB3), saying he was carrying out official government duties.

Muswere was among 14 Zanu-PF Members of Parliament who did not participate in the National Assembly vote on Thursday, prompting questions within the ruling party and sparking speculation about possible disciplinary measures.

The Bill nevertheless passed comfortably after securing 216 votes, surpassing the 187 votes required for a two-thirds majority constitutional amendment.

The minister's absence reportedly became a contentious issue during a Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial executive meeting held on Friday, where party members demanded an explanation for his failure to participate in the vote.

Manicaland provincial youth chairperson Stanley Sakupwanya raised the matter before approximately 40 provincial leaders attending the meeting.

"We are aware that one of our MPs in the province did not attend the CAB3 voting process, and we would like to know how this happened," Sakupwanya said.

"We are aware that one of our MPs, Angelina Gata, was on assignment, but what about Minister Muswere?"

The concerns emerged amid reports that some party members were considering pushing for disciplinary action against Muswere, including discussions around a possible recall from Parliament.

Zanu-PF has previously warned legislators against defying the party line on CAB3 and has indicated that constitutional mechanisms exist to recall lawmakers who fail to support the party's position on the Bill.

However, provincial chairman Tawanda Mukodza moved to quell the controversy, telling party members that both Muswere and Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angelina Gata were engaged in official government business when the vote took place.

Addressing a meeting ahead of the province's inter-district conference, Mukodza said there was no basis for allegations that the two legislators had deliberately avoided participating in the vote.

"Muswere and Gata did not manage to vote during CAB3 because they were on official government business. There are some people who want to abuse social media," Mukodza said.

"I have to set the record straight that I was aware that MP Muswere and Gata had official business."

The meeting was attended by Zanu-PF Treasurer-General Patrick Chinamasa and Politburo member Supa Mandiwanzira.

Muswere also attended a provincial gathering on Saturday, where he publicly participated in party activities and was seen chanting slogans in support of CAB3, a move viewed by supporters as evidence of his continued backing for the constitutional amendment.

The clarification appears to have eased tensions within the province, with party structures accepting the explanation that the minister's absence was due to official commitments rather than political dissent.

The episode nevertheless highlights the sensitivity surrounding CAB3 within Zanu-PF, where party leaders have sought to maintain discipline and unity as the constitutional amendment progresses through Parliament.

Following its passage in the National Assembly, CAB3 now moves to the Senate, where it must also secure a two-thirds majority before being presented to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for assent.

The Bill remains one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation in Zimbabwe, with supporters arguing that it will enhance stability and continuity in governance, while critics contend that it could significantly reshape the country's constitutional and political landscape.