Mzila calls Zimbabwe parliament a 'Circus'

Former National Healing and Reconciliation co-minister Moses Mzila Ndlovu has described Zimbabwe's Parliament as a "circus", arguing that the controversial Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3) was always destined to become law because of support from both Zanu PF and sections of the opposition.

His remarks came as the Bill completed its passage through Parliament after securing approval in both the National Assembly and Senate, leaving only presidential assent before it becomes law.

In an interview with Southern Eye, Mzila Ndlovu said there were no realistic obstacles left to stop the constitutional amendments.

"My take on CAB 3 is that it certainly will sail through and become law. It's almost as certain as night and day," he said.

"I do not see anything that is going to hinder this process or derail it. The major hurdle was Parliament, but Parliament is now a circus."

The former Cabinet minister accused some opposition legislators of abandoning their role as a check on executive power and instead aligning themselves with the ruling party.

"The existence of the so-called opposition is an even bigger circus in the sense that they carry the tag of opposition and yet they are all agents of Zanu PF," he said.

"They are conniving with Zanu PF clearly because they are attracted by the extension of their terms in office, something that is illegal in terms of the Constitution."

Mzila Ndlovu argued that the proposed amendments undermine the spirit of the 2013 Constitution, which was crafted through a broad consultative process involving citizens from across the country.

"If you remember how we arrived at the Constitution in 2013, it was by consensus and it was based on the wishes of the people," he said. "Clearly this thing is a subversion of the wishes of the people of this country."

He further accused Zanu PF of repeatedly undermining democratic principles and warned that more constitutional changes could follow.

"Zanu PF has never been there for the wishes of the people or for the interests of the people," he said. "I don't think we have seen the last of this cannibalisation of the Constitution. Worse is yet to come in order to secure the permanent stay of the Zanu PF elite in power."

Meanwhile, Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Discent Collins Bajila has apologised to his constituents and Zimbabweans after his absence during the National Assembly vote on CAB 3 sparked widespread criticism.

In a public statement, Bajila acknowledged the disappointment caused by his failure to participate in the vote.

"I have listened carefully to the strong public reaction to my absence during the vote on Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill," he said.

"While records indicate that 22 MPs didn't vote, there's a loud and clear nationwide disappointment that I am, indeed, part of this number."

The opposition legislator admitted he had fallen short of public expectations and accepted responsibility for the criticism directed at him.

"The level of disappointment and scrutiny shows the high trust and expectations placed in me. I do not take that lightly," he said.

Bajila maintained that his opposition to the Bill remained unchanged, noting that consultations conducted in his constituency in May showed overwhelming resistance to the proposed amendments.

"My absence created the impression of fence-sitting and that is something I deeply regret," he said. "My position has not changed and will not change: I remain opposed."

Although he acknowledged that his vote would not have altered the outcome, Bajila said every dissenting voice mattered.

"One vote would not have altered the outcome, but every voice that stands with the people matters. I let you down by not being there to add mine," he said.

The controversy surrounding CAB 3 intensified before the Senate vote, amid reports of last-minute negotiations between Zanu PF officials and legislators aligned to Sengezo Tshabangu.

According to reports, Tshabangu's camp was engaged in discussions with senior ruling party officials over support for the Bill, which ultimately secured passage in the Upper House.

The constitutional amendments have generated fierce debate, particularly over provisions affecting the tenure of elected office holders and the broader implications for Zimbabwe's democratic governance.

With both Houses of Parliament having approved the legislation, the Bill now awaits assent by President Emmerson Mnangagwa before becoming law.