Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
THE signing into law of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (Number 3) Act by President Mnangagwa has been welcomed by political, religious and diaspora leaders, who described the development as a significant milestone in the country’s constitutional evolution and a testament to the peaceful manner in which Zimbabwe conducts key national processes.
President Mnangagwa on Tuesday assented to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act following months of public consultations, Parliamentary debate and Senate deliberations, bringing to a close one of the most extensive constitutional legislative processes since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.
The law, which will also result in Parliament sitting as an electoral college after a general election to elect the President, marks a historical moment for the country’s constitutional democracy and legal jurisprudence. Some of its provisions include the setting up of a Delimitation Commission, whose role was previously played by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the return to the Registrar General the role of voter registration.
ZEC has been in charge of voter registration in previous elections. Some of the provisions will formally remove the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from the Prosecutor General appointment process.
The enactment of the law has drawn positive reactions from various sectors, with stakeholders commending what they described as the orderly and peaceful manner in which the constitutional amendment was processed.
Religious leaders have roundly welcomed the move, with the Council of Churches in Africa (CCA) president, Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo, describing President Mnangagwa’s assent as a historic milestone that reflected Zimbabwe’s commitment to constitutionalism, peace and national development.
“The Bishops Council Executive, boards of governors representing the Apostolic, Zion and Pentecostal churches, together with our partners, stakeholders and affiliates, welcome the signing of Constitution Amendment (No. 3) into law,” he said.
“We are particularly grateful that the entire constitutional process, from public consultations and Parliamentary debates to the President’s assent, was conducted peacefully,” he said. “There were no incidents of violence, and this reflects the unity and maturity of Zimbabweans in handling important national issues.”
Archbishop Moyo said the peaceful conduct of the constitutional process demonstrated the country’s political maturity despite differing views on the proposed reforms.
“Zimbabwe has never witnessed such progress, and as churches, we remain firmly behind the country’s development agenda.
“We recognise the significant changes that have taken place under President Mnangagwa’s leadership since he assumed office,” he said.
“As indigenous churches, we have not witnessed this level of transformation in Zimbabwe for decades. We, therefore, believe it is important to sustain the momentum towards the realisation of Vision 2030.
“Vision 2030 does not belong to Zanu-PF or to the President alone. It is a national vision that belongs to every Zimbabwean. Government is spearheading its implementation, while we, as churches and citizens, have a responsibility to support initiatives that promote national development.”
Archbishop Moyo urged Zimbabweans to continue promoting peace, national unity and respect for constitutional processes.
“We must continue supporting peace and national unity while respecting the constitutional processes of our country.
The peaceful passage of this constitutional amendment is something that all Zimbabweans should be proud of,” he said.
“We have noted the significant strides that President Mnangagwa has made so far, and we appreciate his commitment to complementing the church’s role in promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.”
United Kingdom-based lawyer and politician Cde Pardon Tapfumaneyi, who joined Zanu-PF last year under the party’s Dzokai Kumushauyani Ekhaya (Come Home) programme, said Zimbabweans in the diaspora had also welcomed the enactment of Constitution Amendment (No. 3), describing it as an opportunity to sharpen the country’s focus on long-term development.
“Allow me to congratulate President Mnangagwa on successfully signing the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) into law. We believe this sets the tone for the period leading to Vision 2030 and creates an opportunity to focus on implementing the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2),” he said.
“As Zimbabweans in the diaspora, we fully support this new chapter. We believe it provides an opportunity for all Zimbabweans, both at home and abroad, to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Cde Tapfumaneyi said members of the diaspora were increasingly seeking opportunities to partner the Government in advancing investment, innovation and economic growth.
He urged Zimbabweans to support the inaugural Festival of Black Arts and Culture- FESTAC Africa Zimbabwe International Mining, Culture and Tourism Festival, which will be held in Bulawayo from September 28 to October 3.
“Congratulations to Zimbabwe; let’s seize this opportunity to work together and build our country. The years ahead present an opportunity for every Zimbabwean, wherever they may be, to play a meaningful role in national development.”
Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial spokesperson, Cde Archbold Chiponda, said the ruling party viewed the signing of the Act as another important milestone in Zimbabwe’s constitutional and democratic development.
“We warmly welcome the successful enactment of Constitution Amendment (No. 3). We regard this as another significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s constitutional and democratic development,” he said.
“The passage of this legislation demonstrates the maturity of Zimbabwe’s parliamentary democracy, where constitutional amendments are debated and determined through established constitutional procedures requiring broad Parliamentary support.
“It reflects Zimbabwe’s sovereign right, through its constitutional institutions, to continuously review and strengthen its governance framework in line with evolving national priorities.”
Cde Chiponda acknowledged that constitutional reform naturally attracts differing opinions in any democratic society, but said Parliament had fulfilled its constitutional responsibility after extensive public consultations and legislative scrutiny.
Zanu-PF Greens District chairperson Cde Tendai Charuka also welcomed the President’s assent, saying the enactment of the constitutional amendment would provide continuity for ongoing national development programmes.
“We are delighted that the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) has now been signed into law. We believe this provides certainty and allows the Government to remain focused on implementing ongoing development projects,” he said.
