Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
MEMBERS of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect in Bulawayo on Thursday painted the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport white, joining a chorus of stakeholders at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in endorsing the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
The Bill, which has become a major talking point on the sidelines of the country’s premier trade showcase, is being viewed by many as a vital legislative tool to extend President Mnangagwa’s mandate to 2030, ensuring the completion of his developmental agenda.
As President Mnangagwa arrived at the airport accompanied by his Botswana counterpart, President Duma Boko—who officially opened the trade fair on Thursday, the apostolic congregants stood in a sea of white, providing a spirited reception for both Heads of State.
Joining senior Government Zanu-PF officials on the tarmac, the sect members waved placards emblazoned with messages such as “President Mnangagwa Huchi: Bill #3” and “Bulawayo BHO ne Bill 3,” signaling their firm support for the legislative changes while welcoming the visiting President.
The President briefly stopped to interact with the sect members, acknowledging their support as they sang songs of praise for the country’s leadership.
Speaking on the sidelines of the welcoming ceremony, Johanne Masowe eChishanu leader, Madzibaba Archbishop Emmanuel Mutumwa, said the sect’s support for the Bill was rooted in the belief that leadership is a divine appointment.
“As the church, we believe that President Mnangagwa is a leader ordained by God to steer this nation toward its destiny.
“Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is not just about law; it is a fundamental initiative that allows a visionary leader to finish the work he started,” said Archbishop Mutumwa.
He added that the Bill is essential for maintaining the stability required to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.
“We are praying for our leadership to be given the grace to fully carry out their mandate.
“The development we see across the country, from infrastructure to economic reforms, must be protected.
“As religious leaders, we appreciate the milestones reached by the Government and we urge all Zimbabweans to support this Bill for the sake of national progress,” he said.
The discussions around the Bill have transcended religious circles, featuring prominently at ZITF venues under the theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.”
At the Zanu-PF pavilion, which has recorded high traffic from local and international delegates, the party’s Director for Information and Publicity, Cde Farai Marapira, said the legislative proposal is inextricably linked to the country’s current economic boom.
“Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 speaks to the economic vibrancy we are witnessing today. This year’s oversubscribed trade fair is a testament to the positive changes under President Mnangagwa.
“The Bill seeks to consolidate these gains and ensure that the momentum of growth is not interrupted,” Cde Marapira said.
Even members of the diplomatic community have weighed in on the discourse.
Speaking at a ZITF welcome cocktail hosted in partnership with the British Embassy earlier this week, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Pete Vowles, noted that the amendment remains a domestic affair.
“This is a sovereign issue for Zimbabwe.
The direction of the country’s supreme law rests solely in the hands of its citizens to determine,” Ambassador Vowles said.
As the 2026 edition of the ZITF continues, the intersection of governance and economic strategy remains at the forefront, with the “2030” sentiment gaining significant traction among various interest groups in the City of Kings and Queens.
