Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Zanu PF Youth League executive has commended the Government for gazetting Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill of 2026.
The Bill marks the start of a 90-day public consultation period that will culminate in parliamentary deliberations on the proposed draft law.
The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill proposes a parliamentary process for electing the President and seeks to replace the current five-year presidential term with a seven-year tenure.
In addition, it introduces several legal reforms designed to strengthen constitutional governance, clarify institutional roles, promote political stability, and enhance the efficiency of State institutions.
The Bill is part of the country’s ongoing legal evolution.
At the Zanu PF National Youth League Executive Committee meeting in Harare yesterday, Secretary for Youth Affairs, Cde Tino Machakaire, explained that the reform aims to refine governance structures, entrench institutional clarity, and safeguard political stability in pursuit of Vision 2030.
“Stability remains essential for investment, public confidence and sustained national development,” said Cde Machakaire.
He said the Youth League has the responsibility to mobilise support, educate structures and articulate the strategic importance of these reforms.
Cde Machakaire announced that focused political education and outreach programmes will be rolled out in the coming weeks to ensure clarity and disciplined advocacy.
The League also aims to tackle pressing issues facing young people, specifically the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Our central task this year is to mobilise more youths into the party, strengthen our structures and drive empowerment initiatives.
“We will intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse, protecting the future of our young people,” said Cde Machakaire.
He highlighted the need for provincial chairpersons and departmental heads to submit monthly reports, emphasising monitoring and evaluation exercises to assess the impact of empowerment programmes.
Cde Machakaire called for unity and discipline within the ranks of the youth, going forward.
“Let us move forward with discipline, unity and patriotic zeal. The year ahead demands strategic action and resilience,” he said.
He noted that the year begins with significant activities, including the National Youth Day celebrations on Saturday in Marondera, which will serve as a platform to reaffirm the commitment to youth empowerment and showcase the dynamism of the League.
The Youth League Executive meeting is the first constitutional meeting of the National Executive Council for the year.
Cde Machakaire took the opportunity to commend President Mnangagwa for his recent engagements at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where he clearly articulated Zimbabwe’s stance on land issues and national sovereignty.
“We also note his impactful participation at the African union 2026 Summit in Ethiopia, which continues to elevate Zimbabwe’s standing on the continental and global stage,” he said.
Cde Machakaire praised the successful Central Committee workshop held in Gweru, which aimed to strengthen leadership capacity within the party. He expressed the desire for similar capacity-building programmes for the Youth League National Executive to ensure the effective execution of party programmes.
Meanwhile, the opposition Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC) also expressed appreciation for the proposed constitutional amendments.
ZANC leader Mr Timothy Mncube said: “We believe that electing the President through Members of Parliament is a legitimate democratic model that can strengthen accountability between the Executive and the Legislature, while still preserving the people’s voice through their elected representatives.”
Mr Mncube further said he supports the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, asserting that this change would provide greater stability and sufficient time for implementing meaningful national development programmes.
