Todd blasts Amendment Bill No.3, says it echoes UDI

Veteran political activist and liberation struggle figure Judith Todd has likened the government’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 to actions taken by Ian Smith during Rhodesia’s controversial Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), which led to international isolation and sanctions after it was declared illegal by the United Nations. Smith, who served as Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 1964 to 1979, declared UDI on November 11, 1965, as an attempt to seize control of the country, declaring independence from Britain.

Rhodesia’s UDI triggered international condemnation and sanctions from the United Nations, effectively turning the country into a pariah state. Todd (83), spoke to CITE in an interview after a Parliamentary public hearing at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo on Monday, where she was denied an opportunity to speak, noting such developments reflect Zimbabwe’s shrinking democratic space. Describing the proposed constitutional amendment as “another act of treason,” Todd warned that Zimbabwe risks international isolation if the bill is passed.

“I am old enough to have been through this before,” Todd said. “The last time was November 11, 1965, when Ian Smith, declared UDI, and that was an attempt by those in power to hijack our country. The same thing is happening today.” Todd drew parallels between that period and the current political climate, cautioning that Zimbabwe could once again face global isolation.

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“Remember what happened to Ian Smith and his UDI, it was not recognised anywhere in the world and they became outcasts,” she said. “This current regime, which is trying to hijack our country, will also become pariahs. They will not be welcomed in civilised countries or civilised concourses like the UN.

It’s simply an act of treason, another act of treason.” The veteran activist warned that actions perceived to undermine democratic principles could have far-reaching consequences. “Ian Smith declared a state of emergency to handle us. He locked up many people and killed a whole lot of people, and that led to war,” Todd said.

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