Ivan Zhakata in LOWER GWERU
Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Advocate Norbert Mazungunye, has called for increased constitutional awareness among Zimbabweans to ensure citizens understand their rights, freedoms, and obligations, and uphold the rule of law.
Speaking at a constitutional awareness campaign at Lower Gweru Adventist High School in Gweru District on Friday, Adv Mazungunye said public understanding of the Constitution is critical to promoting responsible citizenship and respect for the country’s supreme law.
He stated that the ministry is taking constitutional education to communities nationwide in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The purpose of this gathering is to promote public awareness of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, highlighting its key provisions, rights and duties, and ensuring that citizens understand their constitutional rights, freedoms and responsibilities,” he said.
Adv Mazungunye said the programme is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to bring constitutional education closer to the people and encourage citizens to familiarise themselves with the supreme law.
He noted that the ministry’s mandate is anchored in Section 7 of the Constitution, which requires the State to promote public awareness of the document through education and other appropriate means.
“The Constitution is not merely a legal document reserved for lawyers, Government officials or members of the judiciary,” he said. “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.”
Adv Mazungunye explained that the Constitution defines the powers and responsibilities of the State, provides for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and establishes principles guiding the conduct of public affairs.
He urged citizens to understand recent constitutional developments, including changes introduced through the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act of 2026, which covers voter registration, the maintenance of voters’ rolls, the delimitation of electoral boundaries, elections, and the tenure of the President and Parliament.
“Understanding the Constitution is only the beginning. Citizens must also appreciate the importance of upholding its principles in our daily lives. 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,” he said.
Adv Mazungunye added that constitutional awareness is not the responsibility of the ministry alone, but requires the participation of traditional leaders, educators, community leaders, civil society organisations, and individual citizens.
“I wish to reiterate that the Constitution belongs to the people of Zimbabwe. It is therefore our collective responsibility to understand its provisions, remain informed about constitutional changes and protect and promote respect for the rule of law,” he said.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, said constitutional awareness is key to meaningful citizen participation in national affairs.
In a speech read on his behalf by Gweru District Development Coordinator, Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa, Minister Ncube urged participants to share the 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 bringing together traditional leaders, government officials, local authorities, civil society organisations, young people, and women to promote constitutional literacy.
