Online Reporter
Dorothy N Sithole
INSIZA North Ward 23 Shadow Councillor, Cde Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo has congratulated Zimbabweans following the National Assembly’s approval of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).
Cde Nkomo, who has been actively campaigning for the Bill across Insiza District in Matabeleland South Province, said the outcome reflected the will of the people as expressed through parliamentary processes, public hearings and written submissions.
Speaking to the media, she said she had closely followed the proceedings in Parliament and was encouraged by the level of support recorded for the proposed constitutional amendment.
“We have witnessed all the dynamic stages in Parliament. I have been closely following every proceeding, and the figures speak for themselves,” she said.
Cde Nkomo cited figures presented during the parliamentary consultation process, saying more than 537 000 written submissions were made in support of the Bill, while over 67 000 people reportedly backed the proposal during public hearings.
According to her, submissions opposing the Bill were significantly fewer.
She noted that the Bill had passed through the courts on June 17 before being debated and voted on by Members of Parliament the following day.
“On 17 June, CAB3 sailed through the courts. On 18 June, MPs in Parliament cast their votes after a lengthy debate. 216 MPs voted in favor, while 42 voted against.
“The affirmative vote surpassed the 187 two-thirds majority threshold,” she said.
The Bill is now expected to be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Cde Nkomo expressed confidence that senators would also support the proposed amendment.
“Therefore, the National Assembly has voted for CAB3. It will now be transmitted to the Senate next week. I have so much trust in our Senators. I believe CAB3 will sail through without any hindrances,” she said.
She described the outcome as a demonstration of national unity and praised what she said were development gains achieved under President Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Truly, a nation is built by its own people. CAB3’s Term Extension Clauses 4, 9, and 10 carry clarity and conviction.
“We have witnessed visible, tangible results delivered under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the refurbished airport, modernized border post, the Trabablas Interchange, and the new Parliament building. Continuity is key,” said Cde Nkomo.
She argued that major infrastructure projects required policy continuity and cited the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and Bulawayo pipeline project as one of the initiatives that should be seen through to completion.
“The Gwaai-shangani Dam pipeline to Bulawayo is a critical example of unfinished work that needs presidential follow through,” she said.
Cde Nkomo also claimed that the CAB3 campaign process had fostered cooperation between political rivals.
“Since the CAB3 campaign, we have witnessed oneness between the ruling party and the opposition.
“The consultations in Parliament were thorough, the debates were smooth, and CAB3 was well received,” she said.
She urged Zimbabweans to respect the outcome of the parliamentary process and remain focused on national development.
“The people have shown that they love their nation more than they love fighting for electoral positions.
“Everyone chose peace over disorder. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
“The people have spoken. Let us all respect the results of CAB3,” she said.
Cde Nkomo concluded by congratulating President Emmerson Mnangagwa, legislators and Zimbabweans whom she said had supported the Bill.
“Congratulations to President E.D. Mnangagwa, Senators, MPs, and councillors as you lead us toward 2030 in empowerment and development.
“Congratulations to all Zimbabweans for your overwhelming support of CAB3.
“Together, Zimbabwe will become a middle income economy by 2030.”
