Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Presidential Scholarship Alumni Association (ZPSAA) has launched a nationwide educational outreach programme aimed at equipping students and young people with a deeper understanding of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, as part of efforts to promote informed civic participation and national development.
The initiative, which targets universities, colleges and youth organisations across the country, seeks to demystify the proposed constitutional changes while encouraging evidence-based engagement among young Zimbabweans.
ZPSAA vice chairperson, Dr Limukani Mathe, said the outreach programme was designed to ensure that youths fully appreciate both their constitutional rights and the developmental implications of the proposed amendments.
“We are engaging students and young people across Zimbabwe to ensure they understand their rights, the constitutional processes involved, and the broader national objectives behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3,” said Dr Mathe.
“An informed citizenry is the foundation of a strong democracy. Our goal is to empower the youth with knowledge so they can participate meaningfully in shaping the country’s future.”
Dr Mathe described the proposed extension of the Presidential term from five to seven years as a practical governance measure that supports policy continuity and long-term economic planning.
Speaking during one of the outreach sessions, he noted that frequent election cycles in emerging economies often disrupt development momentum and create uncertainty.
“A seven-year term provides adequate time for Government to design, implement and consolidate national development programmes without constant interruptions,” he said.
“This is particularly important as Zimbabwe moves to implement National Development Strategy 2, which focuses on macroeconomic stability, infrastructure development, innovation and job creation.”
He said the outreach programme also highlights key constitutional provisions underpinning the amendment process, including the role of Parliament in initiating and passing constitutional changes in line with established procedures.
“Section 328 of the Constitution provides for amendments through Parliament, while public consultations, as provided for under constitutional principles of participatory democracy, ensure that citizens’ voices are heard,” said Dr Mathe.
He added that recent public hearings conducted across the country reflected Government’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency.
ZPSAA secretary for Information and Publicity, Ms Molyne Tariro Karimunhenga, said the programme places particular emphasis on helping young people understand the economic rationale behind the proposed changes.
“Young Zimbabweans must understand that constitutional reforms are not abstract legal processes, but instruments that can directly influence economic growth, employment opportunities and national stability,” she said.
“Through this outreach, we are breaking down complex provisions of Amendment Bill No. 3 into clear, accessible information that empowers students to engage with confidence.”
Ms Karimunhenga said among the key issues being discussed is the proposal to align the Presidential term with long-term development cycles, thereby reducing policy disruptions associated with frequent elections.
She noted that the Bill also reinforces the role of Parliament as a representative institution, constitutionally mandated to act on behalf of the people in matters of national importance.
“Parliament already exercises critical oversight functions, including the power to impeach a President. The proposed framework builds on this institutional role, strengthening governance and accountability mechanisms,” she said.
ZPSAA Treasurer-General, Mr Paul Chairuka, said the association’s outreach model was anchored on inclusivity, research and structured engagement.
“The outreach programme includes seminars, interactive dialogues, policy briefs and the distribution of simplified materials on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 designed to enhance understanding and promote meaningful engagement among young people,” he said.
“Given that Zimbabwe has a predominantly youthful population, with over 60 percent of citizens under the age of 35, youth participation in constitutional processes is both necessary and strategic.”
Mr Chairuka emphasised that the association’s role was not to impose views, but to facilitate informed, constructive and evidence-based dialogue.
“We are also monitoring feedback from participants to inform ongoing policy dialogue and strengthen future youth engagement strategies,” he added.
ZPSAA chairperson, Mr Roncemore Mhlanga, said the association was motivated by the need to cultivate a generation of informed and development-oriented leaders.
“As beneficiaries of the Presidential Scholarship programme, we carry a responsibility to contribute to national discourse in a constructive and informed manner,” he said.
“This outreach is about ensuring that young people are not passive observers, but active participants who understand how constitutional reforms can drive economic transformation and improve livelihoods.”
Mr Mhlanga, a Master’s student in Constitutional Law at the University of Zimbabwe, said the association was also drawing comparative lessons from other jurisdictions where governance systems are structured to promote stability and effective leadership.
“In countries such as South Africa, the President is elected through Parliament, demonstrating that there are multiple democratic models that can deliver stability and accountability,” he said.
“What is important is adopting a system that best responds to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic realities and development aspirations.”
He further clarified that membership of ZPSAA is entirely voluntary.
“No beneficiary of the Presidential Scholarship is compelled to join the association. It brings together individuals who willingly align themselves with its vision, appreciate the opportunities they received and are committed to giving back to the community,” he said.
The outreach programme has already begun in selected tertiary institutions, with plans to expand to all provinces in the coming weeks.
Students who attended the initial sessions welcomed the initiative, saying it provided clarity on issues that are often misunderstood.
ZPSAA said it will continue to utilise research-driven approaches through its think-tank platform, Harare Opinion, to contribute to policy dialogue and national development.
Dr Mathe emphasised that the debate around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 should ultimately focus on its potential to improve governance outcomes.
“The central question is how our constitutional framework can support sustainable economic growth, policy certainty and efficient use of national resources,” he said.
“When young people understand this, they are better placed to contribute to building a prosperous Zimbabwe.”
The association urged youths across the country to actively participate in the outreach programmes and engage constructively in national conversations on constitutional reform.
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