Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike in MASVINGO
ZION Christian Church leader, His Grace Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, has backed the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, saying it will allow President Mnangagwa to complete ongoing development projects.
Bishop Mutendi made the remarks yesterday while preaching to thousands of congregants at Easter celebrations held at Mbungo Estates in Masvingo.
President Mnangagwa attended the Easter celebrations.
“Serious assignment must be finished not adjusted halfway, not abandoned halfway. It must be finished.
“Your Excellency, it is on this understanding of completion that we, as a church, also observe all voluntary national conversations, including Constitutional Amendment No. 3, Bill” he said.
Bishop Mutendi said extending the Presidential term would enhance focus on development and reduce constant election pressures.
Thousands of ZCC female congregants at the conference.
“People are constantly planning for election and attention is divided. But when time is extended, focus settles on building, implementing, delivering . . .” he said.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said there was an overwhelming response during the parliamentary public hearings on the proposed Bill held last week.
He said authorities were pleased with the level of participation during the outreach meetings.
“Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, this ongoing national development trajectory can only be sustained if we ensure governance continuity of the Second Republic under your leadership, Your Excellency.
“Kuno kuMasvingo hakuna mazvake mazvake. We are one and we are fully behind our mass party, ZANU PF’s Resolution Number 1, and Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
“We have just completed parliamentary public hearings on the Bill and we are proud of the overwhelming participation in all the seven administrative districts.
“People spoke quite unequivocally in support of the Bill,” he said.
An aerial photograph of thousands of men at the Easter gathering.
The support was countrywide, with those opposed to the Bill possibly countable on the fingers of one hand.
Parliament of Zimbabwe has since advised people to continue submitting their views on the Bill until May 17, as part of the ongoing 90-day consultation process.
In a statement on its official X account on Saturday, Parliament expressed appreciation to citizens who have already participated in the nationwide public hearings and those who have submitted their views through various channels such as written submissions.
“Parliament wishes to thank members of the public who participated in the public hearings held across the country during the period March 30 to April 4, 2026, and those who have been sending their submissions directly to Parliament.”
The legislative body encouraged continued public participation, indicating that written submissions remain open and accessible through multiple platforms.
“We take the opportunity to advise the public that they can still deposit their written submissions on the Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill at the Old Parliament building in town or at our Mount Hampden offices,” said Parliament.
The public can also send their submissions via email at [email protected].
Parliament had earlier announced that public hearings on the Bill would run from March 30 to April 2, although engagement extended to April 4 in some areas to accommodate the high turnout.
Across all 10 provinces, large crowds gathered at designated centres, reflecting growing public interest and active citizen engagement in the proposed constitutional amendments.
The Easter service was attended by thousands of congregants and senior Government officials such as the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, National Security Minister Lovemore Matuke, Youth Minister Tino Machakaire, Transport and Infrastructure Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco and Zanu PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, among others.
