Thousands attend Zanu-PF CAA3 thank-you rallies

Peter Matika and Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Zimpapers Writers

THOUSANDS of Zanu-PF supporters, party leaders, church representatives and residents yesterday attended Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3) thank-you rallies in Bulawayo and Gwanda, where the ruling party hailed the legislation as a milestone for political stability, good governance and national development.

The rallies also turned into platforms for encouraging Zimbabweans returning from South Africa to reintegrate into their communities, with party leaders urging citizens to embrace returnees and harness the skills they acquired abroad to contribute to national development.

The gatherings followed President Mnangagwa’s assent to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3 on July 7, after Parliament approved the Bill following nationwide public consultations.

Government has maintained that the amendment was enacted through constitutional processes after citizens made oral and written submissions during Parliamentary public hearings across the country’s provinces.

Speaking at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Elfas Mashava said the gathering was not merely a political event but a celebration of citizen participation and constitutional democracy.

“We have gathered here not only to celebrate Constitutional Amendment Act No.3, but also to thank the people of Zimbabwe for their unwavering participation throughout the consultative process. This amendment is a product of the people’s contributions, aspirations and commitment to the future of our country,” he said.

Cde Mashava said President Mnangagwa and the party leadership were grateful to Zimbabweans who participated in the consultations.

“On behalf of His Excellency, President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, I wish to express profound appreciation to every citizen who participated in this historic process. Your dedication, sacrifices and commitment ensured that the amendment truly reflects the wishes and aspirations of Zimbabweans.”

Cde Mashava said the peaceful manner in which consultations and subsequent processes were conducted reflected Zimbabwe’s democratic maturity and enduring culture of peace.

“Zimbabweans have once again demonstrated that we are a peace-loving people. Throughout the consultations there was discipline, tolerance and maturity. We urge citizens to continue safeguarding these values as the country moves forward in implementing the provisions of CAA3,” he said.

Cde Mashava said the constitutional amendment implemented resolutions adopted at successive Zanu-PF National People’s Conferences held in Bulawayo in 2024 and Mutare in 2025, where delegates called for constitutional reforms aimed at consolidating democracy, strengthening governance institutions and supporting the country’s long-term development agenda.

He said the enactment reaffirmed the party’s commitment to constitutionalism and people-centred governance.

“The people have spoken clearly. Democracy and constitutionalism have prevailed over intimidation, misinformation and legal ignorance. Zimbabweans have reaffirmed their commitment to order, the rule of law, good governance and inclusive national development,” said Cde Mashava.

He said CAA3 would reduce political polarisation, promote national cohesion and allow Government to concentrate resources on economic transformation instead of continuous electoral processes.

“Our focus must now shift decisively towards economic development rather than perpetual political contestation. No country has ever electioneered itself into prosperity. Sustainable growth comes through stability, production, investment and disciplined governance,” said Cde Mashava.

He said streamlining electoral processes would also enhance fiscal prudence by reducing expenditure associated with frequent elections, thereby allowing Government to direct more resources towards infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture and other social services.

Cde Mashava added that the amendment will strengthen governance institutions, improve transparency, clarify constitutional provisions and advance social justice by ensuring that development benefits all Zimbabweans.

He urged party members to respect decisions made through established democratic structures while condemning calls for demonstrations and acts of unrest.

“We reject all attempts to incite violence, instability and division. Such actions serve no national interest. Zimbabweans are known throughout the world as peaceful, resilient and hardworking people. These are the qualities that must continue to define us as we build our nation,” said Cde Mashava.

He encouraged citizens to channel their energies towards entrepreneurship, innovation and wealth creation.

“Our country is endowed with abundant natural resources and talented people. Constitutional Amendment Act Number Three provides a stable and predictable governance framework that will help unlock these opportunities for the benefit of all Zimbabweans,” said Cde Mashava.

He said the enactment of CAA3 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s constitutional and developmental journey.

“As we celebrate today, we also express our gratitude to President Mnangagwa for signing the Bill into law on July 7.

Let us remain united as one people committed to peace, development and prosperity. Zimbabwe belongs to all of us and together we will build the future we desire,” said Cde Mashava.

At a parallel rally in Gwanda, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman Cde Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the party had established structures across all districts to assist with the reintegration and profiling of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.

The initiative comes as Government, through an Inter-Ministerial Committee and a national command centre, continues to coordinate the repatriation and reintegration of citizens displaced by anti-migrant violence in South Africa.

More than 100 000 Zimbabweans have now returned home, with Government implementing programmes covering transport, temporary accommodation, healthcare, psychosocial support, skills profiling and economic reintegration in line with the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.

Cde Ndlovu said returning Zimbabweans possessed valuable skills that could contribute to national development.

“We have committees that we have established as a party from DCC level which will welcome and help reintegrate our returning residents. At district level we also want you to help us as we want to know the skills of each person because Government needs these people,” he said.

“This country is ours and we welcome all those who are coming back. If we are operating businesses, let us utilise the skills which our returning fellow Zimbabweans have acquired. Let us accept every Zimbabwean and make them feel they are back home. Some went through hell in South Africa and we cannot allow them to go through hell in their own country.”

Cde Ndlovu said President Mnangagwa had directed that every returning Zimbabwean should be treated with dignity and made to feel at home.

He added that regulations had been relaxed to facilitate the smooth return of citizens, including customs duty relief measures on selected personal belongings, and urged party members to spread the message to Zimbabweans still hesitant to return home.

Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, who is also the party’s provincial vice-chairman, said more than 100 000 Zimbabweans had entered the country through Beitbridge while 41 000 Malawians and 67 Zambians had also transited through the border post to their respective countries.

He said more than 365 people had also entered through Plumtree Border Post and other entry points in Matabeleland South.

“I want to thank the leadership and people of Matabeleland South, especially Beitbridge, because they have been in the forefront in receiving returnees. I would also like to thank the Women’s League that volunteered to cook for the returnees after cooks from the Zimbabwe National Army were deployed. Members of the business community have also been donating food,” said Cde Nguluvhe.

“During the first days we were receiving between 3 000 and 4 000 people a day in Beitbridge using between 48 and 50 buses daily. The experiences which our people have gone through in South Africa are heartbreaking. Learners were being ambushed at schools and ordered to leave, while others were threatened at their homes and workplaces.”

Cde Nguluvhe also commended the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for complementing Government’s humanitarian response through her donation following a visit to the Beitbridge Reception Centre earlier this month.

The donation included 30 tonnes of rice, 20 tonnes of mealie-meal, more than 5 000 tracksuits, 1 500 diapers and 1 500 packs of sanitary wear, providing relief to vulnerable returnees as Government continues to coordinate one of the country’s largest humanitarian repatriation programmes in recent years.