Bulilima rejects term extension

by ZODWA MLOTSHWA
NYELE – RESIDENTS of Nyele in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South have strongly rejected the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), describing it as unlawful, undemocratic, and a direct threat to the will of the people.

The Bill has sparked widespread concern across Zimbabwe, particularly in Matabeleland, where communities have voiced firm opposition to any attempt to extend presidential term limits beyond what is prescribed in the Constitution.

At the centre of the debate is President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose current constitutional mandate runs until 2028 under Zimbabwe’s two-term limit.

Critics argue that any move to extend this timeline beyond — whether directly or indirectly—undermines the rule of law and democratic accountability.

During public hearings held in Nyele, Bulilima community members spoke with remarkable clarity and conviction, rejecting the proposed amendment and calling for strict adherence to the Constitution.

One of the most vocal participants, Mabed Ngulani, warned against the concentration of power in the presidency: “Clause 15 of the Bills grants thee President a lot of power.”

Ngulani’s remarks reflect broader fears that the amendment could erode democratic safeguards and weaken institutional checks and balances that are essential in any constitutional democracy.

Across the hearings, many residents expressed frustration at what they described as a misplaced national priority.

With Zimbabwe facing ongoing economic and social challenges, citizens questioned the need to allocate public funds to constitutional changes perceived to benefit political elites rather than ordinary people.

Muzi Baleni, speaking after the hearings, did not hold back: “The country has too many pressing issues than wasting money meant for development being channeled into this illegal constitutional thuggery aimed at creating new dictators. To hell with these illegal and useless public hearings unfairly diverting the country’s money for development into self-serving interests of ZANU-PF bigwigs.”

He continued with a pointed reminder of constitutional limits and public expectations: “As Zimbabweans we are tolerating nonsense, yet the constitution is very clear about this matter, it’s either two-five-year terms or else, pack your bags and go Emmerson Mnangagwa. But hold a bit……these that started this illegal constitutional amendment bill without the referendum must be arrested and jailed for wasting public funds while violating the country’s constitution in a bid to make a few crooks and criminals happy.”

Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution introduced a two-term limit for the presidency, a provision widely seen as a safeguard against the concentration of power and a step towards strengthening democratic governance.

Any attempt to alter or bypass these provisions—particularly without broad public consent—has historically triggered strong reactions from civil society and ordinary citizens alike.

CAB3 has therefore become a focal point of national debate, raising critical questions about governance, accountability, and the protection of constitutional order.

What is emerging from Bulilima and other parts of the country is a clear, people-driven message: leadership must remain accountable to the Constitution and to the citizens it serves.

The voices from Nyele underscore a growing insistence that Zimbabwe’s future must be shaped not by political manoeuvring, but by respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.

As the debate over CAB3 continues, the stance taken by ordinary Zimbabweans highlights the enduring importance of civic participation.

It is a reminder that constitutional democracy ultimately rests on the vigilance and determination of the people themselves—who, in this case, are making it clear that their voices cannot be ignored.