Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
IN a bold affirmation of the Second Republic’s governance philosophy, the Parliament of Zimbabwe is set to embark on a nationwide consultative blitz that promises to bring the corridors of power directly to the doorsteps of ordinary citizens.
From March 30 to April 2, legislative teams will traverse the length and breadth of the country to conduct public hearings on Constitutional Amendment Bill (No 3) of 2026.
According to a statement released by Parliament, these hearings will be held in both urban and rural areas, providing a platform for citizens to contribute to the proposed changes.
The exercise is more than just a procedural requirement; it is a living manifestation of President Mnangagwa’s defining philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Crucially, the consultations are consistent with constitutional provisions, specifically Section 141, which mandates public participation in the legislative process.
By decentralising the debate from the august House in Harare to the townships and remote growth points across all 10 provinces, the Government is ensuring that the foundational law of the land remains a true reflection of the collective will of the people.
The Bill seeks to introduce several transformative reforms aimed at streamlining governance and harmonising Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework with regional best practices.
Key proposals include the adjustment of Presidential and Parliamentary terms from five to seven years and the introduction of a parliamentary-led selection process for the Presidency.
While critics and proponents alike have noted the seismic nature of these changes, the Second Republic’s insistence on a “bottom-up” approach silences the notion that such decisions are made in ivory towers.
By descending to the district level, Portfolio Committees are extending an olive branch of inclusivity to those who have historically felt side-lined in national discourse.
The upcoming hearings represent a critical juncture for the country’s democracy. They offer a platform where the village head in Binga, the vendor in Bulawayo, and the farmer in Guruve stand on equal footing with the legal expert in the capital.
This embodies the essence of Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo (the country is built by its owners), a recognition that every Zimbabwean is a primary stakeholder in the destiny of the Republic.
Recognising that not every citizen may feel comfortable speaking in a crowded town hall, Parliament has introduced a hybrid model of engagement.
Special desks will be designated specifically for the collection of written submissions.
This ensures that even the quietest voice is heard. Whether through a passionate speech in a public square or a meticulously drafted memorandum, every contribution will be documented and considered.
This move is particularly significant for marginalised groups, including women, the youth, and persons with disabilities, who may face social or physical barriers to participating in open floor debates.
It ensures that the “Leaving No One Behind” philosophy is a practical, operational reality.
The decision to extend these hearings to the grassroots level serves a dual purpose.
Firstly, it fulfils the constitutional mandate to facilitate public involvement. Secondly, it serves as a massive civic education drive.
As teams move through the districts, they are not just gathering opinions; they are explaining the rationale behind the reforms.
The proposed amendments aim to provide policy continuity and stability.
In the African context, five-year cycles often lead to “permanent electioneering,” where long-term developmental projects are sometimes sacrificed for short-term political expediency.
A seven-year window allows for the full implementation of National Development Strategy (NDS) cycles, ensuring that flagship projects like the Gwayi-Shangani Dam or the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu highway reach fruition under a stable policy environment.
The Second Republic has consistently argued that development is meaningless if it does not reach the furthest corners of the country. This logic now extends to the legal architecture of the State.
If the Constitution is the soul of the nation, then that soul must be nourished by the breath of the people.
By taking the Bill to the people, the Government acknowledges that the legitimacy of any law derives from the informed consent of the governed.
As the hearings approach, it is incumbent upon every Zimbabwean to seize this opportunity.
The special desks for written submissions provide a golden chance for professional bodies, civil society, and individual citizens to contribute to the legislative record.
The “New Dispensation” has set a high bar for provincial and district-led development through its devolution agenda.
The public hearings on Constitutional Amendment No 3 are the logical extension of this policy.
They prove that in the Zimbabwe we are building, there is no such thing as a “peripheral” citizen.
