OUTSPOKEN war veteran Andrew Ndlovu has warned government against attempts to amend the Constitution arguing that this will cause chaos in the country and will affect future generations.
The call follows spirited efforts by Zanu PF loyalists who are pushing for the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028, while the government has indicated that due processes are already underway to initiate the move.
Mnangagwa has, however, indicated that he has no intention to stay in office beyond his constitutionally-mandated two terms.
Ndlovu told Southern Eye that veterans of the liberation struggle fought for democracy in Zimbabwe so that everyone enjoys their rights through a people-centred Constitution.
“It is wrong for anyone to violate the country’s Constitution to serve interests of some few individuals; we fought for democracy so that people enjoy their rights. Those who are intending to change the Constitution will cause anarchy in the country and are setting a wrong precedent for generations to come,” Ndlovu said.
He said the constitutional amendments would not benefit the public, adding that going for a referendum would be a waste of resources.
“Those opposition party members who are joining Zanu PF in the 2030 agenda have betrayed the name and are birds of the same feather with the ruling party. Those who want to stay in power forever end up being forced out violently, we saw this during Mugabe era,” he said.
Matabeleland North-based political analyst Mudenda Chilumbo said they were ready to lead people to the streets if attempts were made to change the Constitution.
- NoViolet Bulawayo’s new novel is an instant Zimbabwean classic
- Jah Prayzah, Zanu PF rekindles ‘lost love’
- Bank workers appeal to Ncube for tax relief
- Indosakusa marks 21-year anniversary milestone
Keep Reading
“We do not support Tshabangu [CCC interim secretary-general], he does not represent us even if he is a PR legislator for Matabeleland and he is an impostor and serving his own interests. We are mobilising on the ground, we will lead people to the streets. Any attempt to change the Constitution is a declaration of the war,” Chilumbo said.
Political analyst Effie Ncube said the issue was divisive and had even torn Zanu PF apart.
“Even if opposition parties want to join, which side are they joining? President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he is a constitutionalist he would not be there in 2030.
“Then those who want to extend the term of office, whose term do they want to extend? Let us hold the President accountable to his words and he must be heard repeating them because he has said this on international platforms,” Ncube said.
The Zanu PF National People’s Conference made a resolution to amend the Constitution to allow Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028 when his term expires.
The resolution has not only divided Zanu PF but ordinary Zimbabweans as well who are anxious over the consequences of such a move although the ruling party continues to plough ahead with the agenda.
