Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
PEOPLE With Disabilities 4ED have thrown their weight behind the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) Bill, 2026, describing the proposed changes as lawful, necessary and critical for national development and stability.
In a statement, National Chairperson of People With Disabilities 4ED, Cde Jimayi Muduvuri, urged Parliament to pass the Bill in the national interest arguing that elected legislators have a constitutional mandate from the people to amend the supreme law.
“Zimbabwe’s democracy is not broken. It is working. But democracy without delivery leaves the vulnerable behind. It is in that spirit of delivery that People With Disabilities 4ED have now decided to also approach the Constitutional Court.
“The organisation is filing opposing papers across all 210 constituencies in direct response to 210 individuals who approached the ConCourt to block legislators from serving beyond five years, a move that effectively opposes Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. Those 210 citizens
have a right to their view. That is democracy,” he said.
Cde Muduvuri added, “But we also have a right. As People With Disabilities 4ED we are supporting CAB3, because our community cannot survive another cycle of abandoned projects.”
He said persons with disabilities rely on multi-year programmes, assistive devices, accessible transport, vocational training, and economic empowerment.
“For a person with disability, a clinic that is half-built is not a clinic as well as an inclusive school with no ramp is not inclusive. CAB3 gives government the legal space to finish what it starts. Without continuity, every new term means new plans, new budgets, new excuses. And we are
the ones who pay the price,” Cde Muduvuri said.
He argued that the Constitution does not say that the rights are for five years only as Section 22, Section 83 outline for economic and social rights for all citizens.
“If CAB3 is blocked, those rights become empty promises. We are going to ConCourt to remind the court that development is not a favor. It is a right. We choose the Courts, not chaos. We lead by democracy. We find solutions to move the country forward.
“Opposition is everywhere the world over and those opposing CAB3 must be heard. But the final word must come from the Constitution, not from threats, not from noise. That is why People With Disabilities 4ED are also approaching the court to present facts, not anger,” Cde Muduvuri said.
He added, “When governance is disrupted, the last person in the last village loses first and that last person is often a person with disability. That is why, together with Zimbabwe Amalgamated Council of Churches, we are filing opposing papers to those opposing CAB3. We must protect continuity, because continuity protects inclusion.”
Cde Muduvuri said in partnership with the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Council of Churches, People With Disabilities 4ED they will approach the courts in every 210 constituencies.
“The message is consistent: Law must guide Zimbabwe, and law must protect the vulnerable. We are not against anyone but we are guided by the Constitution. We are for completion. We are for the child with disability in Mudzi who is waiting for that special school. We are for the woman in Tsholotsho who needs that clinic wheelchair ramp. CAB3 is about finishing the work,” he said.
“All voices, then a decision based on law. People With Disabilities 4ED stand for law, for inclusion, and for continuity. Zimbabwe’s democracy is working. Now let the courts speak.”
This development comes after the Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill has received overwhelming support with more than 530 000 written submissions to Parliament in its favour, while 2 935 were against it, according to a report presented this Thursday by the Parliamentary
Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
The findings were tabled in the National Assembly after Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi
Ziyambi presented the Bill for the second time before the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, made its Second Reading.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs chairperson Cde Eddison Zvobgo (Jr) then presented the committee’s findings before legislators began debating the proposed Bill.
According to the report, the majority of submissions strongly favoured changing the election of the President from a direct public vote to election by Parliament.
The committee said supporters argued that the proposed model would foster greater collaboration and confidence between the Executive and Parliament, ultimately enhancing governance and policy alignment.
The report said submissions also emphasised that electing the President through Parliament would substantially reduce the immense financial costs of organising nationwide presidential elections, which had previously been marred by political tension, violence and contestation over results.
The Committee further reported that submissions supported extending the electoral cycle of the President and Members of Parliament from five to seven years and applying the change to the incumbent.
