Village heads back Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3

Peter Tanyanyiwa

Herald Correspondent

VILLAGE heads across the country have thrown their weight behind the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Bill (No. 3), describing it as a lawful and constitutional process that promotes stability, harmony and development.

Speaking during ongoing public consultations, Zimbabwe National Village Heads’ president, Sabhuku Temba Peter Mliswa, said the proposed amendments were firmly grounded in the Constitution and reflected the will of the people expressed through lawful processes.

Temba Mliswa said Section 328 of the Constitution clearly provides for amendments, stressing that constitutional change is itself part of constitutionalism.

According to Section 328, any amendment to the Constitution must follow laid-down procedures, including gazetting the Bill, inviting public input and securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

He said the ongoing public hearings were evidence that the process was being conducted transparently and in line with the supreme law.

“Once a Constitutional Bill has been gazetted, Parliament must invite members of the public to express their views through public meetings and written submissions. That is exactly what is happening now,” he said.

Parliament recently opened a 90-day consultation window, calling on citizens to contribute their views on the Bill before it is debated and decided upon by legislators.

Sabhuku Mliswa emphasised that differing views on the proposed amendments were a normal feature of democracy, adding that both supporters and opponents were free to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully.

“We encourage dialogue without violence. The Constitution allows everyone to participate, whether in support or opposition. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 seeks to introduce a number of changes aimed at strengthening governance systems, improving institutional efficiency and ensuring policy continuity.

Among its key provisions are proposals to extend the term of office for the President and Parliament from five to seven years, as well as reforms to electoral processes and State institutions.

Sabhuku Mliswa said the proposed extension of terms should be understood within the broader framework of governance continuity and national development.

Drawing an analogy, he said that extending a term was not equivalent to introducing a new term, but rather to ensuring the completion of an existing mandate within a stable policy environment.

“This is not about creating a new term, but about ensuring continuity in governance. The Constitution allows for amendments, and where gaps exist, they can be addressed through proper legal processes,” he said.

He added that the role of Parliament remained central, as elected representatives would ultimately decide the Bill’s fate in line with constitutional provisions.

The traditional leaders’ representative also stressed the importance of unity and cooperation between communities, the Government, and the ruling party in advancing development at the grassroots level.

“As traditional leaders, we are a key pillar of development. We work with the Government to ensure peace, progress and improved livelihoods in our communities. Harmony comes from respecting the Constitution and working within it,” he said.

He said village heads would continue to encourage communities to participate in the consultation process and express their views responsibly.

The Bill, which is currently at the consultation stage, is expected to be tabled before Parliament following the conclusion of public hearings, where it will require a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate to pass into law.

Public hearings, which began this week, are being held across the country as part of efforts to ensure broad-based participation in shaping Zimbabwe’s constitutional development trajectory.