Sweat of a dog dries on its skin: CAB 3 campaigners left out of Senate appointments

The campaigns for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 began long before Zanu‑PF formally adopted the proposals at its national congress in Bulawayo, where delegates publicly endorsed the idea that President Emmerson Mnangagwa should remain in office until 2030.


Several outspoken campaigners travelled across communities and online platforms pushing for the amendment, with some advocating a one‑party state and arguing that elections were a waste of resources and a threat to peace. Once the Bill became a public matter, these activists intensified their efforts, conducting civic education meetings and online mobilisation under the banner of supporting CAB 3.

Among the most vocal was human rights defender and Zanu‑PF‑aligned political analyst Abigail Mupambi, who initially called for a one‑party state as a revival of a policy she said had been envisioned by the late former Prime Minister Robert Mugabe. When CAB 3 was introduced, she became one of its strongest public advocates, running campaigns both online and in communities despite criticism and insults from opposition supporters.

With the Bill now law and Mnangagwa empowered to appoint 10 additional senators, many expected Mupambi to be among the top candidates. However, her name was not included, while several individuals who were less visible in the campaign were appointed, leaving supporters disappointed.

The Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF) Southern Region coordinator Max Mkandla welcomed the appointments but questioned Mupambi’s exclusion. President Mnangagwa appointed businessman Kuda Tagwirei, war veteran Jabulani Sibanda, former Citizens Coalition for Change member Decent Dube, among others.

Mkandla said the organisation welcomed the appointments as stakeholders in governance but believed Mupambi possessed the leadership qualities required for the Senate. “Judging by the performance of some of those senators who were appointed, they do not match the capabilities and leadership qualities of Abigail Mupambi, whom we think deserves to be one of those people appointed,” he said.

He said Mupambi had distinguished herself through civic mobilisation, peacebuilding and constitutional education. “Abigail has done a lot in terms of civic mobilisation, especially on peacebuilding and development. We have records showing that she has spearheaded and influenced many workshops, educating people about the Constitution,” he said.

Mkandla added that Mupambi had encouraged citizens to work with government on constitutional matters and had shown commitment to national development. He acknowledged that all 10 provinces were represented in the appointments but maintained that Mupambi’s exclusion was surprising. “Leaving people like Abigail Mupambi, the youthful leader from the women’s side, she is good. She must have also been appointed,” he said.

In Matabeleland South, Zanu‑PF Ward 23 shadow councillor Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, nicknamed the “CAB 3 Queen” for her vigorous campaigning, was also left out. Nkomo held several public meetings, used her own resources and openly rallied support for both CAB 3 and Mnangagwa. Her exclusion has left supporters frustrated.

“Nkolo worked hard for the party and even today she still does wonders in Insiza promoting a good image for the party. We expected her to be given a chance to go into Senate so that she represents us in Parliament,” an Insiza resident said. “We wonder what happened to a point where silent people about CAB 3 got preferred ahead of her. Our hope is that there must be something much better that the President is going to offer to her.”

The sidelining of vocal campaigners has sparked debate within Zanu‑PF, with some fearing it may discourage future mobilisation efforts. Calls are mounting for recognition of those who fronted the CAB 3 campaign, though critics argue that political loyalty does not guarantee reward.

One opposition supporter said the campaigners “drank their own medicine,” adding: “Zanu‑PF has always been like that. If it dumped its own founder Robert Mugabe and humiliated him, who are these people to think they can gain easily from it?”

This development feeds into broader discussions around political mobilisation and constitutional amendment politics.