Ivan Zhakata in GWERU
GOVERNMENT has urged citizens to familiarise themselves with the Constitution and uphold its provisions to promote respect for the rule of law and responsible citizenship.
Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Advocate Norbert Mazungunye said constitutional awareness was critical in ensuring citizens understood their rights, freedoms and responsibilities.
Speaking during a constitutional awareness campaign at Lower Gweru Adventist High School in Gweru District, Adv Mazungunye said the Ministry was taking constitutional education to communities across the country to bridge knowledge gaps, particularly in rural areas.
“The purpose of this gathering is to promote public awareness of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, wherein we highlight its key provisions, rights and duties, and ensure that citizens understand their constitutional rights, freedoms and responsibilities,” he said.
Adv Mazungunye said the campaign was in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“We are here in Lower Gweru today, and we shall be moving across provinces to ensure that we disseminate the same information and improve awareness of the Constitution,” he said.
He said the Ministry’s mandate to promote constitutional awareness was anchored in Section 7 of the Constitution, which requires the State to promote public awareness of the supreme law through education and other appropriate means.
“The Constitution is not merely a legal document reserved for lawyers, Government officials or members of the Judiciary. It is the supreme law of the country. It is the law that binds us all. Whatever things that we do should be in line with the dictates of the Constitution,” he said.
Adv Mazungunye said the Constitution defined the powers and responsibilities of the State, protected fundamental rights and freedoms and provided principles guiding the conduct of public affairs.
He also urged citizens to familiarise themselves with constitutional developments, including changes introduced through the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act of 2026.
The amendments cover issues relating to voter registration, maintenance of voters’ rolls, electoral boundary delimitation, elections and the tenure of the President and Parliament.
“Citizens must understand their rights, but they also have to respect the rights of others, observe the law and use lawful channels to resolve disputes whenever they arise,” he said.
Adv Mazungunye said constitutional education was a collective responsibility involving traditional leaders, educators, community leaders, civil society organisations and individual citizens.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Midlands province Owen Ncube said constitutional awareness was critical in strengthening democratic participation and ensuring citizens fulfilled their obligations.
In a speech read on his behalf by Gweru District Development Coordinator Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa, he urged participants to share information acquired during the campaign with their respective communities.
“An informed citizenry is better equipped to understand and exercise its constitutional rights, fulfil its obligations and participate meaningfully in the affairs of our country,” he said.
Minister Ncube commended the Ministry for adopting an inclusive approach that brought together traditional leaders, Government officials, local authorities, civil society organisations, women and young people.
