Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
IT is not too late for citizens of Manicaland to join the debate on Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3.
Written submissions remain open until May 17, giving people a chance to contribute during the ongoing 90-day consultation process.
Over the past week, Parliament held public hearings in Nyanga, Mutasa, Makoni, Mutare, Chipinge, Chimanimani, and Buhera.
The meetings drew large crowds — including war veterans, traditional and religious leaders, farmers, businesspeople, professionals, and ordinary citizens — who voiced both support and opposition to the proposed changes.
The hearings were conducted peacefully, but the huge turnout meant not everyone could speak within the allotted two hours.
Parliament has since emphasised that residents still have an opportunity to shape the country’s constitutional future by submitting their views before the deadline.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, acknowledged the consultation process and urged party members to participate, expressing their views in line with the party’s position on the amendment.
“Our party always believe in the importance of citizen participation in national affairs, and we encourage all our members to take this opportunity to contribute to the debate. We expect members to align their submissions with the party’s stance on key issues, and to help shape the final form of the Bill,” said Cde Mukodza, adding that the party’s structures will continue to mobilise members to participate in the process, and to ensure that their voices were heard.
“This is a critical moment for our country, and we must seize it to shape our future. We call on all citizens, not just party members, to participate and make their voices count,” said Cde Mukodza, emphasising that the party’s position on the Bill is clear, and members are expected to adhere to it.
“We have a clear position on the issues, we support the Bill, and we expect our members to reflect that in their submissions. As Manicaland, we were part of the consultation that formulated Resolution Number One and its implementation at the last conference here in Mutare, and we must take ownership of the Bill, which speaks to what the people have been clamouring for – extending the sitting President’s term of office by two more years to 2030,” said Cde Mukodza, adding that the Bill is beneficial for the country’s future, and that as a party, they fully support it.
“The Bill is good for our future, and as a party, we fully support it. It is a step in the right direction, and we are confident it will bring about the stability and continuity our country needs. As ZANU PF Manicaland, we are united behind this Bill, and we call on all citizens to join us in supporting it through written submissions.
‘‘It is a chance for us to move forward together, as a nation. Let us use this opportunity to push our message across and ensure that our voices are heard. We must speak with one voice and show our support for this important Bill,” said Cde Mukodza.
In a statement shared on its official X account last 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.
“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.
“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. Further, members of the public can also send their submissions via email at [email protected]. The submissions can still be made until the end of the 90 days on May 17, 2026,” reads the statement in part.
Parliament had earlier announced that public hearings on the Bill will run from March 30 to April 2, although engagement extended to April 4 in some areas to accommodate the high turnout.
Across provinces, large crowds gathered at designated centres, reflecting growing public interest and active citizen engagement in the proposed constitutional amendments.
Participants drawn from across the social and political divide took the opportunity to present their views, with the majority linking their support for the Bill to the need for policy continuity, political stability and accelerated national development.
Thousands of Manicaland citizens voiced their full support for CAB3 – predicating their endorsement on the Second Republic’s development track record, which progress they need to continue until 2030.
They further argued that lengthening the electoral cycle from the current five to seven years, will stabilise governance, reduce electoral violence, and allow long-term policies to yield results.
Parliamentary team leader, Honourable Supa Mandiwanzira hailed the level of commitment, tolerance, maturity and discipline expressed by thousands of citizens who attended the public hearings in the province.
He said citizens also recognised enormous work by the Second Republic in terms of infrastructure development and attracting investors into the country, and wish that the trajectory will continue so that they could enjoy more growth and development within their communities. “One clear thing that came out is that people are recognising that certain of our processes have been costly to the Government, and those resources could be directed towards more pressing needs, especially around our infrastructure development. The people are also recognising the enormous work that the Second Republic has done in terms of infrastructure development and attracting investors into the country. ‘‘There is an amazing level of confidence that the status quo remains so that the people can enjoy more growth and development within their communities. Our democracy is maturing. We now have instances of completely opposing views being expressed freely. People have allowed those who disagreed with the proposed amendments to express their views openly. I am delighted that our democracy has matured to this level. This is what we must do as Zimbabweans – we must not agree on everything – and we must allow those who disagree to express their views,” said Honourable Mandiwanzira.
