Communities refuse to follow Chiefs’ on Constitutional Amendment Bill endorsement

Communities across Matabeleland have expressed a mix of resignation, disappointment and anger following the decision by traditional leaders to endorse the ‘controversial’ Constitutional Amendment No. The reaction points to deeper concerns about accountability and whether chiefs still reflect the voices of the people they are meant to serve. On Thursday evening, chiefs from Matabeleland North and South, under the leadership of the National Council of Chiefs, announced their support for the Bill during a brief press conference in Bulawayo.

The endorsement was confirmed by president of National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who said the traditional leaders had reached a unanimous position. “We unanimously endorse and support the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill. We will be submitting two or three issues relating to traditional leaders’ enhancement,” said Chief Mtshane, standing alongside Deputy President of the National Chiefs Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira.

He acknowledged senior traditional leaders including Senator Chief Siansali, Chief Sitaudze, Chief Mathuphula, Chief Nyangazonke, Chief Masendu and all chiefs from the two Matabeleland provinces. The press conference lasted less than two minutes and left more questions than answers after journalists were barred from asking follow‑up questions. “We are done, no questions,” Chief Mtshane told journalists.

[paywall]

“Go and publish, we have given you news,” Chief Charumbira added, dismissing attempts to seek clarification. When pressed further, Chief Mtshane responded: “No, no, we have no answers,” while Chief Charumbira insisted: “This is a constitutional amendment, there are no questions. We are just endorsing.” The abrupt end to the briefing has since fuelled criticism, with many questioning both the transparency of the process and whether chiefs genuinely consulted the communities they represent. While the endorsement itself did not come as a surprise, followingearlier reports by CITEthat there was pressure on chiefs to align with the Bill, the manner in which it was delivered has triggered widespread frustration.

[/paywall]