Five political groups in Matabeleland have formed a united front against Zanu PF’s controversial “2030 Agenda,” warning that proposed constitutional amendments to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency amount to an assault on constitutionalism, democracy and regional justice. The five parties, which issued a joint statement on Wednesday, the Progressive Alliance of Mthwakazi Unions (PAMU), Assembly of Minorities (AM), Mthwakazi United Party (MUP), Freedom Alliance and the Mayibuye Peoples Party (MPP) denounced efforts by Zanu PF to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, describing the move as illegal, politically motivated and symptomatic of Zimbabwe’s deepening governance crisis. This move comes amid growing national debate over Zanu PF’s push to alter Zimbabwe’s Constitution to allow Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
Last year, the ruling party resolved at its 22nd Annual National People’s Conference in Mutare to begin legal steps towards extending the president’s tenure, instructing the government to draft constitutional and legislative amendments to effect the change. Although Zanu PF has framed the proposal as necessary to safeguard “stability” and align leadership with the national Vision 2030 development agenda, critics say it is a thinly veiled attempt to entrench executive power and undermine term limits enshrined in the Constitution. The Matabeleland-based alliance argues that the 2030 agenda reflects a broader pattern in which constitutional provisions are selectively amended to serve elite political interests.
PAMU president, Cosmas Ncube, said the proposed amendment is both illegal and unconstitutional, as Zimbabwe’s Constitution explicitly bars an incumbent president from benefiting from changes to term limits. “This proposal serves the narrow self-interests of a political faction rather than the democratic will of the people,” Ncube said, adding that extending Mnangagwa’s term would not resolve Zimbabwe’s political, economic or social crises. Ncube called on citizens to engage in peaceful but active civic participation to defend constitutionalism, warning democratic erosion has become normalised in Zimbabwe.
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The Assembly of Minorities took an even stronger stance, describing the manoeuvre as a “constitutional coup.” AM leader, Chilumbo Mudenda, cited Sections 91, 95 and 328 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which outline presidential term limits and the non-retrospective application of constitutional amendments. “Zanu PF’s attempt to circumvent these provisions is unlawful,” Mudenda said.
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