Civic groups, students, war veterans unite in support of Amendment Bill No 3

A COALITION of civic organisations, student representative bodies and liberation war affiliates has thrown its weight behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3 of 2026, describing it as necessary for national stability and development.

The organisations said the proposed changes would help ensure policy continuity and support the country’s development agenda in line with Vision 2030.

The coalition includes the National Organisation for Development and Empowerment (Node), the Visionary Cadres Association of Zimbabwe (Vicaz), the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Zimbabwe Congress of Students union (Zicosu).

In separate statements, the groups said the proposed constitutional changes reflect the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

Among the proposals is the review of the Presidential term of office from five to seven years, along with the adoption of a parliamentary method of selecting the President — a move supporters argue would reduce the high costs associated with general elections.

Node Bulawayo provincial chairman, Mr Eddie Benson Muchenje, described the amendment as a “civic necessity”.

“Node strongly believes the amendment is a civic necessity in attaining tangible developmental ambitions under Vision 2030. In this new age, it is mandatory to adopt cost-effective methods of running elections. A parliamentary method of selecting the President eliminates the toxicity involved in general elections, which are often time-consuming and expensive,” he said.

Mr Muchenje said that the proposed amendment could stimulate grassroots economic growth by enabling the country to redirect resources towards development.

“This Bill is a catalyst for grassroots economic growth and resonates with our mission to foster self-reliance. By reducing the financial burden and social friction of frequent general elections, our nation can finally redirect its focus and resources toward nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of the underprivileged,” said Mr Muchenje.

Visionary Cadres Association of Zimbabwe secretary general Mrs Thina Mpofu Sithole also expressed support, saying the Bill would enhance the efficiency of State institutions.

“We view this Bill as a necessary mechanism to enhance the efficiency of our State institutions, allowing for more streamlined decision-making processes that benefit all citizens,” she said.

Mrs Sithole said the amendment reinforces Zimbabwe’s commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future and ensures governance structures remain responsive to the evolving needs of citizens. She urged stakeholders to support the proposed changes.

Nust SRC president and Zicosu member Cde Russell Mashinya described the Bill as vital for youth development and national stability.

“As the President of Nust SRC and a dedicated member of the Zicosu family, I stand with the students of this great nation to affirm that this amendment is not merely a legal adjustment, but a strategic masterstroke for national stability,” he said.

Cde Mashinya said the Bill provides the “essential legal architecture” needed for continuity as the country transitions from recovery to transformation under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

“For students and the youth, stability is the currency of opportunity. This amendment ensures that the governance framework is efficient enough to support the massive infrastructure development, mining growth, and agricultural revolution currently sweeping across the country,” he said.

He added that the Bill aligns with the Education 5.0 philosophy, which champions innovation and industrialisation.

“Zicosu remains the vanguard of student interests, bridging the gap between the lecture room and the boardroom. Our support for Bill No. 3 is rooted in the knowledge that a stable political environment is the only environment where innovation thrives,” he said.

The Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (CZLWVA) also endorsed the Bill, viewing it through the lens of safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle.

CZLWVA Bulawayo province vice chairman, Cde Sam Mupedziswa, said the constitution must continue evolving to meet the country’s developmental needs.

“As children of liberation war veterans whose parents sacrificed for freedom, we firmly believe the constitution must continue to evolve in line with the aspirations and development needs of the nation. We support the proposed amendment as part of the constitutional processes aimed at strengthening governance and safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle,” said Cde Mupedziswa.