The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has distanced themselves from a statement written by Cde Andrease Ethan Mathibela, backing a group of retired military commanders who opposed to the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 which seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028.
“We have taken note of the press statement issued by Cde Andrease Ethan Mathibela regarding the position of some retired generals on the Proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
As war veterans, we share the same historical responsibility of safeguarding the ideals of the liberation struggle. However, it is important that we approach the constitutional debate with a full appreciation of both the spirit of the liberation struggle and the practical realities of nation building”, the war veterans wrote.
Through their National Information and Publicity Secretary, Cde Samuel Getbusy Mhlanga, the freedom fighters said the Constitutional amendment through Parliament is not a violation of the Constitution, but rather a process explicitly permitted by the Constitution itself.
“Firstly, the Constitution of Zimbabwe itself provides a legal and democratic mechanism for its own amendment. Constitutional amendment through Parliament is therefore not a violation of the Constitution, but rather a process explicitly permitted by the Constitution itself. To suggest that any amendment undermines democracy risks creating unnecessary alarm among citizens.
Secondly, the liberation struggle was not fought to freeze governance frameworks permanently in time. It was fought to empower Zimbabweans to shape their own institutions according to the evolving needs of the nation. As circumstances change, democratic systems must retain the flexibility to adapt while remaining grounded in national sovereignty,” Mhlanga wrote.
Thirdly, Parliament is itself a direct expression of the will of the people. Members of Parliament are elected through universal suffrage — the very principle for which the liberation struggle was waged. Therefore, when Parliament deliberates on constitutional amendments, it is exercising authority delegated to it by the people.
Mhlanga also highlighted that the national stability and continuity of leadership can in certain circumstances serve the broader national interest in fostering unity.
“Furthermore, national stability and continuity of leadership can in certain circumstances serve the broader national interest, particularly where developmental programmes and long-term economic strategies require policy consistency.
It is therefore important that the national conversation around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 be conducted with balance, historical awareness, and mutual respect among comrades who all contributed to the liberation of this country”, he said.
“War veterans must remain a unifying force in Zimbabwean society. Our responsibility is not to deepen divisions but to guide national discourse with maturity, patriotism, and strategic wisdom.
The liberation struggle gave Zimbabwe the power to determine its own destiny. Exercising that power responsibly includes the democratic right to review and improve our constitutional framework when the nation deems it necessary.
Zimbabwe belongs to all its people, and the democratic institutions of the Republic must be allowed to function within the framework of the law,” he added.
