Tendai Muererwa
MUTARE-ZANU PF says the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) is set to pass without resistance, citing strong public backing and the party’s two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Addressing a solidarity rally at Mutare Teachers’ College on April 26, 2026, Treasurer-General Patrick Chinamasa described the Bill as a “done deal,” declaring there were no obstacles to its passage. “Parliamentarians are expected to score a winning goal as there is no goalkeeper at the gate,” he said.
Chinamasa praised the high turnout at public hearings in Manicaland Province, saying it reflected overwhelming grassroots support for the amendment. The Bill seeks to extend the tenure of the President, Members of Parliament and local authorities to 2030, effectively removing the need for the 2028 harmonised elections. Chinamasa said the move would result in significant cost savings.
“During the 2023 elections, Government spent nearly US$200 million. Those resources can now be redirected towards development,” he said, adding that citizens would still elect Members of Parliament, who would in turn choose the President.
On internal reforms, Chinamasa revealed plans to digitalise ZANU PF’s cell membership system to build an accurate database and introduce annual subscriptions. He noted that the party currently relies on donations from business figures like Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya and Paul Tungwarara.
To improve transparency, all donations will now be channelled through the Treasurer-General’s office, with withdrawals requiring three signatories. An audit of past empowerment funds and pledges is also expected.
Central Committee member Paul Tungwarara said a new structure for empowerment programmes was being finalised following shortcomings in previous initiatives.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman Tawanda Mukodza commended party structures for mobilising support for the Bill and called for the completion of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund in three Mutare constituencies.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Misheck Mugadza highlighted key infrastructure projects, including the Christmas Pass Bypass Road and the proposed Kondo Dam, which he said would be larger than Tugwi Mukosi Dam.
Meanwhile, Politburo Secretary for War Veterans Douglas Mahiya urged Emmerson Mnangagwa to assent to the Bill once it is passed in Parliament.
