War vets back retired commanders’ stand on Constitutional Amendment Bill

A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has declared its full support for a group of retired security chiefs and senior civil servants who recently made submissions to parliament opposing aspects of the proposed constitutional changes contained in the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. In a statement issued by the faction’s national chairman, Andrease Ethan Mathibela, the war veterans said they stood “in full support of the principled position” presented to the Parliament of Zimbabwe by fellow veterans of the liberation struggle. Mathibela said the submission by the retired commanders served as a reminder that the liberation struggle was fought to ensure that Zimbabweans would remain the ultimate custodians of state power.

He added that these principles are reflected in the country’s current constitution, adopted following a national referendum in 2013. The association stressed that the constitution is not merely a legal instrument but a national covenant representing the collective will of Zimbabweans. “As an organisation representing those who fought to liberate this nation from colonial rule, we carry a historic responsibility to safeguard the ideals for which thousands sacrificed their lives,” Mathibela said.

The war veterans urged lawmakers, political leaders, civil society groups and citizens to approach the constitutional debate with caution, patriotism and respect for the will of the people. They said any amendments touching on fundamental aspects of democratic governance should be preceded by broad national consultations and where necessary, a referendum to allow citizens to directly express their views. “Defending the constitution must never be mistaken for political hostility.

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It is, rather, an act of patriotism and national duty,” Mathibela said. The association emphasised that protecting the democratic foundations of the country remains part of the unfinished mission of the liberation struggle. “The sovereignty of Zimbabwe belongs to its people — yesterday, today and forever,” said the war veterans leader.

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