CCC MP distances himself from Mnangagwa '2030 Agenda'

Opposition lawmaker Caston Matewu has distanced himself from a borehole unveiling programme in Marondera after his image appeared on promotional material linking the event to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's so-called 2030 agenda.

The programme, scheduled for May 13, is reportedly centred on the unveiling of a borehole, but has drawn political attention due to its branding, which includes the slogan "Moving Towards 2030 Together" and images of Mnangagwa, his investment adviser Paul Tungwarara, and Matewu.

The poster has sparked controversy, with critics alleging that the branding promotes a political agenda linked to proposed constitutional changes referred to as Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill (CAB3), which opponents say is aimed at extending Mnangagwa's time in office.

In a statement posted on X, Matewu rejected any association with the programme, saying he neither agreed to nor endorsed the event.

"I have nothing to do with this programme and never agreed to it. I am the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee and I hold the government accountable from that angle and nothing else. This does not have my consent," Matewu said.

His clarification comes amid backlash from some supporters of the Citizens Coalition for Change, who accused him of undermining public trust and aligning with a programme they interpret as politically motivated.

The controversy has intensified political debate in Marondera, where Matewu serves as Member of Parliament, with some residents and activists questioning the use of elected officials' images in programmes linked to national infrastructure initiatives.

The issue also comes as civil society organisations, including the Constitution Defenders Forum, Defend the Constitution Platform and the National Constitutional Assembly, step up opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment process.

These groups argue that the amendments could have significant implications for Zimbabwe's governance framework, while supporters of government initiatives say infrastructure programmes such as borehole drilling are part of broader development efforts.

The dispute over the Marondera borehole programme highlights growing political tensions around development projects that are increasingly being viewed through a partisan lens.