“The Constitution belongs to the people, not politicians…”
By Advent Shoko
Zimbabwe’s constitutional debate has entered a tense new phase following confirmation that the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) will be launching soon, positioning itself as a civic platform aimed at protecting the gains of the 2013 Constitution.
Organisers of the forum say the move comes at a critical moment, as the ruling ZANU-PF pushes for constitutional amendments that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond the current 2028 term limit, extending his rule to at least 2030.
Must Read Stories
- President Mnangagwa’s Venezuela Reply Lines Off Mugabe’s Foreign Policy – Raises Debate On Zimbabwe’s UN Bid
- Cde Bombshell Geza’s Last Message To Zimbabwe
- Madhuku Vows To Stop ZANU-PF’S 2030 Agenda
According to ZANU-PF, the extension is necessary to allow Mnangagwa to “finish the economic development initiatives he started.” The party has already adopted an internal resolution backing the move, signalling its intention to pursue formal constitutional changes.
However, critics argue that leadership continuity does not require constitutional alteration. They say extending presidential terms amounts to a direct assault on the supreme law of the land, undermining both democratic principles and the will of the people expressed in the 2013 referendum.
In a strongly worded statement, CDF organisers made their position clear:
“CDF is here.
The Constitution Defenders Forum is launching soon to defend the gains of the 2013 Constitution.
CDF is a home for all Zimbabweans who believe in constitutionalism, not a political party, but a civic platform to protect what the people agreed to.”
The statement was accompanied by hashtags #BumbiroChinhuChedu, #NoTo2030, and #DefendTheConstitution, framing the platform as a citizen-driven response rather than an opposition political project.
A charged political moment
The timing of the announcement is highly symbolic. It comes just days after the death of Blessed Runesu Geza, popularly known as Cde Bombshell, who died in exile in South Africa on 6 February 2026.
Geza had been living outside Zimbabwe since last year after openly opposing the ZANU-PF 2030 agenda. He became a polarising figure after calling for a controversial One Million Man March to State House in October 2025, demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation over alleged corruption, state capture, and plans to extend his rule.
To his supporters, Geza became a symbol of resistance against constitutional manipulation. To his critics, he was a reckless agitator. His death has added emotional weight to the constitutional debate, intensifying public scrutiny of the 2030 project.
Parliament & the Numbers Game: Constitution Defenders Forum Have Few Tricks To Stop 2030 Agenda…
Legally, ZANU-PF is in a powerful position. The party currently has the numbers in Parliament required to amend the Constitution. This advantage was strengthened by a series of recalls of opposition CCC MPs in 2023 and 2024, initiated by Sengezo Tshabangu, as well as the resignation of several CCC legislators, including Fadzayi Mahere.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has previously hinted that constitutional amendments are not taboo, remarking that only the biblical Ten Commandments are truly sacrosanct.
That statement alarmed legal experts and civic groups, who argue that constitutions are deliberately designed to be difficult to amend precisely to prevent abuse of power.
CDF organisers insist their platform is non-partisan, aimed at uniting Zimbabweans across political lines around a single principle: constitutionalism.
“The Constitution belongs to the people, not politicians,” said one organiser, adding that the forum seeks to educate citizens, mobilise civic action, and provide legal and moral resistance to what they describe as creeping authoritarianism.
Leave a Reply