Zipra Veterans reject Constitutional Amendment No. 3, warn against “mutilation” of the Constitution

By Staff Reporter

The Zipra Veterans Trust has added its voice to growing opposition against Constitutional Amendment No. 3, warning that the proposed changes — which critics say are designed to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 — amount to a dangerous mutilation of the national charter.


Zipra spokesperson Willy Buster Magwizi said liberation war fighters did not sacrifice their lives for a system that undermines democracy, constitutionalism and the sovereignty of the people.

“We say NO to Agenda 2030. The liberation struggle was fought for people’s emancipation; to guarantee rights and freedoms,” Magwizi said in a statement. “Zimbabwe war veterans, including retired senior military generals, vehemently challenge the proposed constitutional changes. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is an existential national threat. Without people‑centred constitutional guarantees, Zimbabwe will be in flames.”

Magwizi said veterans of the liberation struggle were “veterans for democracy”, not supporters of one‑man rule or monarchical leadership styles.

“Veterans strongly oppose the proposed term extension. We are against moves to amend the Constitution to enable a ‘one‑man rule’, a dictatorship of monarchical features,” he said.

He argued that the proposed shift from direct presidential elections to an election by Parliament would be a “bloody betrayal” of the ideals of the liberation struggle.
“Freedom fighters defend the people’s voting rights in defence of the Constitution. Replacing direct presidential election with an election by Parliament represents a betrayal of the founding values of the struggle,” he said.

Magwizi urged Zimbabweans to unite and resist attempts to alter the Constitution without broad public consent.

“We therefore are appealing for engagement. Peoples of Zimbabwe, unite — and let us say NO to Agenda 2030. A dynasty is in the making,” he said.

He insisted that any fundamental constitutional changes must go through a referendum.

“For any amendments to the Zimbabwe Constitution of 2013, we demand referendums. Such fundamental changes cannot pass without subjecting them to the people’s test. Referendums are the litmus test. All citizens have a say,” he said.

Magwizi said the veterans’ stance was rooted in patriotism and a commitment to safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle.

“We do not benefit from political hostility and conflicts. We assert that the Constitution belongs to the people and they have the final say,” he said.
Souece: Byo24