A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has declared its full support for a group of retired security chiefs and senior civil servants who recently made submissions to parliament opposing aspects of the proposed constitutional changes contained in the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
In a statement issued by the faction’s national chairman, Andrease Ethan Mathibela, the war veterans said they stood “in full support of the principled position” presented to the Parliament of Zimbabwe by fellow veterans of the liberation struggle.
Mathibela said the submission by the retired commanders served as a reminder that the liberation struggle was fought to ensure that Zimbabweans would remain the ultimate custodians of state power.
“The principles of majority rule, universal suffrage and popular sovereignty were the central pillars of the struggle,” he said.
He added that these principles are reflected in the country’s current constitution, adopted following a national referendum in 2013.
The association stressed that the constitution is not merely a legal instrument but a national covenant representing the collective will of Zimbabweans.
“As an organisation representing those who fought to liberate this nation from colonial rule, we carry a historic responsibility to safeguard the ideals for which thousands sacrificed their lives,” Mathibela said.
The war veterans urged lawmakers, political leaders, civil society groups and citizens to approach the constitutional debate with caution, patriotism and respect for the will of the people.
They said any amendments touching on fundamental aspects of democratic governance should be preceded by broad national consultations and where necessary, a referendum to allow citizens to directly express their views.
“Defending the constitution must never be mistaken for political hostility. It is, rather, an act of patriotism and national duty,” Mathibela said.
The association emphasised that protecting the democratic foundations of the country remains part of the unfinished mission of the liberation struggle.
“The sovereignty of Zimbabwe belongs to its people — yesterday, today and forever,” said the war veterans leader.
Zimbabwe adopted its current constitution in 2013 following a nationwide consultative process and referendum, replacing the Lancaster House Constitution that had been in force since independence in 1980.
The charter strengthened provisions on human rights, governance and the separation of powers.
The proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has sparked debate in political and civic circles with some stakeholders arguing that certain proposed changes could affect democratic safeguards.
Recently, a group of retired military commanders and senior government officials, many of whom were veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation war submitted their views to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, calling for careful consideration of the proposed amendments and emphasising the importance of protecting constitutional principles.
Their intervention has also drawn support from various sectors and the general public, felt short changed by the proposed amendments.
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