Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
STUDENTS from tertiary institutions in Mashonaland West Province have thrown their weight behind the proposed Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, describing it as a progressive step towards strengthening governance, enhancing policy continuity and accelerating national development.
The Bill, currently under consideration, proposes a number of significant changes to the country’s governance framework.
Among its key provisions is the extension of the Presidential term of office from five to seven years.
It also seeks to introduce a new electoral system in which the President would be elected by Members of Parliament, replacing the current popular vote system.
Speaking on the sidelines of a solidarity march held at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) on Saturday, members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Students’ union (ZICOSU), an affiliate of ZANU-PF, said the proposed amendments would help create a stable political environment conducive to economic growth and academic progress.
ZICOSU representative and CUT student Shackymore Banda said that frequent election cycles were costly and often disruptive to both learning institutions and national development priorities.
“Elections every five years come with high financial costs to disrupt academic calendars. Extending the Presidential term will allow students to focus on their studies without constant political interruptions, while also enabling the Government to channel resources towards infrastructure development and education,” he said.
Another student, Ashley Mashatise, echoed similar sentiments, noting that reduced election expenditure could translate into increased investment in higher education.
“As students, we stand to benefit if more resources are directed towards our institutions. With the thrust of Education 5.0, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation and research, the country requires consistent funding. This Bill supports that vision by reducing expenditure on frequent elections,” she said.
Mashatise added that policy consistency over a longer leadership cycle would allow Government programmes to mature and yield tangible results.
“Development projects require time to be fully implemented and deliver meaningful impact. A longer Presidential term ensures continuity and allows policies to be followed through to completion,” she said.
Other students who participated in the march, including Rejoice Gurure, said the proposed amendments would strengthen governance systems and promote long-term planning.
“We believe this amendment will bring stability. As young people, we want to see sustainable development, job creation and improved opportunities. Stability in leadership is key to achieving that,” said Gurure.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Mutsawashe Ziyambi, urged young people to actively support the Bill, saying it resonates with the aspirations of the country’s youth.
Addressing students at CUT, Hon Ziyambi said the proposed changes would complement ongoing Government efforts to empower young people.
“The Second Republic has prioritised youth empowerment through the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Youth. This Bill complements those efforts by ensuring policy continuity and sustained development,” he said.
“I encourage young people to support this amendment as it lays a strong foundation for long-term national growth. As future leaders, you stand to benefit from a stable and well-planned governance system,” he added.
Meanwhile, members of Young Women for Economic Development (YW4ED) held an awareness meeting in Whitecliff, Zvimba East Constituency, where they rallied support for the Bill.
The meeting was attended by ZANU-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka; Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Marian Chombo; and Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, who is also YWED national chairperson, Cde Tatenda Mavetera.
Speakers at the gathering called for increased public awareness and urged participants to cascade information on the Bill to grassroots communities ahead of nationwide consultations scheduled for next week.
“The Bill, apart from Presidential term extension and Traditional Chiefs’ political affiliations, also speaks of Gender. The Gender Commission will be aligned with the Human Rights Commission. Women, you ought to teach each other regarding this issue,” said Cde Mliswa-Chikoka.
Cde Mavetera narrated the political history of Zimbabwe from the colonial era to an independent nation.
She said term extension was a collective decision made by the ruling party, adding that there was no need for a referendum on the Bill.
