Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ZANU PF has intensified its awareness campaign on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3) across Mashonaland West, rolling out a week-long inter-district programme aimed at conscientising members ahead of public consultations.
The campaign, which began on Monday, has seen the party leadership traversing districts, engaging grassroots structures on the contents and implications of the proposed constitutional changes.
On Monday, the leadership met party members in Makande, Kariba Rural, before proceeding to Kazangarare on Tuesday.
The programme continued on Wednesday with a high-level engagement attended by hundreds of party members in Makonde District.
Today, the campaign moves to Rafingora in Zvimba North, while Chegutu, Sanyati and Ngezi are set to host the provincial leadership tomorrow and Saturday as the outreach gathers momentum.
The meetings are being spearheaded by ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, who has been leading the awareness drive and rallying support for the Bill.
Speaking during a recent inter-district meeting held at Finland in Mhangura Constituency, Cde Mliswa-Chikoka said the party was committed to ensuring that its membership fully understands the proposed amendment.
“We are moving district by district to conscientise our people so that they fully appreciate what Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 entails,” she said.
“This Bill is not imposed; it is a product of the people’s will as expressed through Resolution Number One.”
She urged party members to attend the upcoming public hearings in large numbers, stressing the importance of participation in national processes.
“I urge all our members and the general public to attend the public hearings scheduled for March 30 here in Finland, Mhangura. Let us come in our numbers and make our voices heard,” she noted.
“However, on that day, we must not wear party regalia to allow for a free and inclusive process.”
Cde Mliswa-Chikoka said the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen governance and align the Constitution with the country’s long-term development aspirations.
“The extension of the presidential term from five to seven years is meant to ensure policy continuity and accelerate development programmes,” she said.
“We are working towards Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income economy, and such measures are necessary to achieve that goal.”
She added that there was overwhelming support for the Bill across the province and the country at large.
“There is no turning back. The people have embraced this Bill because they are seeing tangible development in their communities,” she said.
ZANU PF Central Committee member Cde Christine Gwati echoed similar sentiments, saying the outreach programme was critical in dispelling misconceptions.
“We want our people to have correct information. These meetings are interactive platforms where members can ask questions and get clarity on the Bill,” she said.
Zanu PF national youth member, Cde Valerio Makonza, said the party was confident that the Bill would receive strong backing during consultations.
“The response we are getting from the grassroots is very encouraging. People understand the need for stability and continuity in leadership,” he said.
Party members who attended the Makonde meeting expressed support for the proposed changes, particularly the provision relating to the extension of the presidential term.
One member, Cde Archie Zulu said: “We support the Bill because we are witnessing development projects in our areas. Extending the term will allow these programmes to be completed.”
Another participant from Mhangura, Cde Rudo Mimyonga, said the awareness meetings had helped clarify key aspects of the Bill.
“Before this meeting, I did not fully understand what CAB 3 was about. Now I see that it is meant to improve our livelihoods and ensure continued progress,” she said.
The ongoing inter-district engagements are expected to culminate in heightened participation during the public hearings, as the party positions its membership to contribute meaningfully to the national discourse on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
