Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF members in Mutare Urban and Zimunya Marange have thrown their weight behind the Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB) Number 3, pledging to defend the proposed changes at public hearings at Sakubva Beit Hall on March 31.
The bill proposes significant changes, including changing the Presidential election process, extending Presidential and Parliamentary terms from five to seven years, and increasing the number of appointed senators from 80 to 90.
Speaking at a joint inter-district meeting at Sakubva Beit Hall, ZANU PF Politburo member and lawyer, Advocate Mike Madiro, explained the party’s position on the amendments, which also include dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and transferring its duties to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
The meeting, attended by structures from Zimunya-Marange and Mutare Urban, expressed unwavering support for the proposed changes, aimed at shaping the nation’s governance and democratic culture.
“I am an emissary of the party, and I want to make it clear that the people of Mutare District, the level of motivation and enthusiasm to defend Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, really surprised me. When you hear the noise from social media, you will think it is difficult, but the people have surprised me. It shows we are preaching to the converted – they already know what the Bill is all about, and we are just adding and putting icing on the cake. The people already know.
“This meeting was meant to explain the entire Bill as well as the party’s position to the people. That we have done, and we are together with the people, and I think they are ready to meet with the parliamentary team, which will come in due course.
“I also want to put it on record that on the issue of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, my observation is that there is gnashing of teeth – but otherwise I am happy with the response from Mutare Urban, Mutare Rural, including Zimunya-Marange. The people are supporting the bill,” said Cde Madiro.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza appealed to party supporters to attend the public hearings in their numbers and effectively articulate the party position.
“We are calling on all ZANU PF members and supporters to attend these public hearings and show their unwavering support for the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3. Let us unite and defend our party’s position, and ensure that our voices are heard. This is a critical moment for our party and our country. Let us stand together and shape the future of Zimbabwe. Your presence and participation will make a difference,” said Cde Mukodza.
The parliamentary team will be in Manicaland starting with Nyamhuka Shopping Centre in Nyanga, Manica Bridge Hall in Mutasa on March 30, followed by Chipembere Business Centre in Makoni and Sakubva Beit Hall on March 31.
On April 1, the team will be at Rimbi Business Centre in Chipinge, and Chakohwa Secondary School in Chimanimani, before concluding its business on April 2 at Murambinda in Buhera.
