A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has called for an immediate national dialogue over the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill, warning that no constitutional change that weakens democratic accountability or sidesteps popular approval can claim moral or historical legitimacy.
Andrease Ethan Mathibela, National Chairman of the faction, said Zimbabwe and its Constitution belong to the people, any attempt to amend the supreme law without broad public consent would betray the founding values of the liberation struggle.
“The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association stands as a custodian of the values, sacrifices and aspirations of the liberation struggle,” Mathibela told CITE.
“The Constitution of Zimbabwe is not merely a legal document. It is a solemn covenant between the State and its citizens, born out of historical struggle, national dialogue and the collective will of the people.”
The proposed amendment Bill, recently backed by Cabinet, seeks to extend presidential terms and alter the framework of executive authority.
The development has sparked growing political and civic debate over constitutional governance and democratic accountability.
In light of these concerns, the war veterans’ leader called for an immediate and inclusive national conversation on the proposed amendments.
“The ZNLWVA calls for an immediate, transparent national dialogue on any proposed constitutional amendments,” Mathibela said.
“There must be the full involvement of civil society, churches, traditional leaders, youth, women’s groups and war veterans.”
He urged Parliament and the Executive to act with restraint and humility and respect for the historic responsibility placed upon them.
“Zimbabwe and the Constitution belong to its people. No amendment that weakens democratic accountability or sidesteps popular approval can claim moral or historical legitimacy,” he said.
Mathibela also called on citizens to remain vigilant, informed and engaged in defending constitutional governance.
“The liberation struggle was about restoring power to the people. That principle must never be compromised,” he said.
Mathibela said any constitutional amendment must be approached “with utmost seriousness, transparency and fidelity to democratic principles.”
“Our foundational position is clear,” he said.
“The ZNLWVA is firmly and unequivocally opposed to any attempt to subvert, manipulate or amend the Constitution of Zimbabwe without the express approval of the majority of the people of Zimbabwe.”
He argued that the Constitution derives its legitimacy from citizens and cannot be reshaped to suit “transient political interests, factional ambitions or the comfort of a ruling elite.”
“To do so would undermine the very principles for which thousands of gallant sons and daughters of this soil sacrificed their youth, their freedom and in many cases their lives,” Mathibela said.
Invoking the spirit of the liberation struggle, the war veteran leader stressed the fight for independence was not about entrenching new forms of domination.
“The liberation struggle was not fought to replace one form of domination with another,” he said. “It was fought to restore dignity, sovereignty and participatory governance to the people of Zimbabwe.”
Mathibela added that constitutional democracy remains the backbone securing those gains for present and future generations.
“Any constitutional amendment process that appears designed to entrench power, weaken accountability, or insulate leadership from the will of the people is inconsistent with the founding ideals of the struggle,” he said.
The ZNLWVA faction pointed to Section 3 of the Constitution, which establishes that all political authority derives from Zimbabweans.
“Therefore, constitutional amendments must be driven by broad national consultation. Citizens must be fully informed of the implications of any proposed changes,” Mathibela said.
He further insisted that where necessary, amendments must be subjected to a transparent and credible referendum process.
“To bypass or dilute public participation is to undermine constitutional legitimacy,” he said.
Mathibela described the current push to amend the Constitution as appearing to serve “the narrow interests of a minority ruling elite rather than the collective national interest.”
“Constitutions are not instruments of political convenience,” he said.
“They are safeguards against abuse of power. When amendments are perceived as self-serving, they erode public trust and weaken national cohesion.”
Zimbabwe’s long-term stability, he added, depends not on extending power but on strengthening institutions.
The ZNLWVA faction reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national principles and constitutional order.
“As war veterans, we remain committed to defending the sovereignty of Zimbabwe, protecting the integrity of the Constitution, upholding democratic accountability and ensuring that the gains of independence are not eroded through constitutional manipulation,” Mathibela said.
“We shall continue to speak without fear or favour when national principles are at stake.”
Last year in March, a press conference organised by Mathibela in Bulawayo descended into chaos after it was disrupted by a group of youths claiming to represent an organisation called Youth Connect.
The war veterans, who had gathered to address the state of governance in Zimbabwe and announce a planned march against corruption, tribalism, and economic decline, accused the youths of being “hired hands” and “state agents” sent to deny them press freedom and freedom of expression.
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