Zimbabwe’s pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu has abruptly withdrawn its Constitutional Court challenge against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa ’s time in power beyond the current 2028 limit.
The organisation, known for advocating justice for victims of the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres, said it decided to abandon the court route after what it described as a sustained smear campaign targeting its leadership.
But the group insists the withdrawal does not signal a retreat from its opposition to the controversial proposals.
Ibhetshu LikaZulu Withdraws Court Challenge to Mnangagwa Term Extension
In a statement released on 9 March 2026, Ibhetshu LikaZulu confirmed it had withdrawn its application challenging what it calls the “2030 Agenda,” now framed as Constitutional Amendment No. 3.
The proposed amendments are part of an ongoing political debate around changes to Zimbabwe’s Constitution that critics say could effectively extend presidential and parliamentary terms.
Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said the decision was taken after consultation with stakeholders concerned about the escalating political attacks on the organisation. Fuzwayo said:
“It is a difficult decision we had to take following advice from some of our stakeholders concerned in light of an unrelenting smear campaign to soil the reputation of the organisation and myself.”
‘Fight Continues’ Despite Withdrawal
Fuzwayo stressed that pulling the case from court does not mean the organisation now supports the amendments.
Instead, he said the group would continue opposing any move that alters the constitutional term limits currently governing Zimbabwe’s presidency and Parliament.
“This termination of the court route does not in any way mean that we are abandoning our strong opposition to the 2030 agenda and its mutilation of the Constitution.”
He added that the organisation would now pursue the matter through other legal and civic channels, including supporting ongoing litigation led by constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku.
Smear Campaign Allegations
The organisation says its legal effort became engulfed in what it described as “vicious propaganda by negative forces” aimed at dividing constitutional activists and discrediting its leadership.
According to Fuzwayo, false claims circulated suggesting Ibhetshu LikaZulu had received support from individuals aligned with the ruling Zanu PF party.
The group strongly denied those allegations. Fuzwayo added:
“We reiterate our position that both at an individual level and as an organisation we have neither engaged nor received any support from regime enablers.”
He also thanked the organisation’s lawyer Noobani Sithole and activists Samkeliso Tshuma and Thandekile Moyo for standing with the group during what he described as a difficult period.
Political Suspicion and Conspiracy Claims
The legal challenge had already sparked controversy in political and activist circles.
Some critics claimed the case may have been part of a broader political strategy to create legal precedent that could later benefit those pushing for constitutional amendments.
Others alleged that exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo may have played a role behind the scenes in encouraging the litigation, claims that remain unproven and heavily disputed.
Such speculation contributed to divisions within opposition circles and civil society groups that oppose the constitutional changes.
What the Amendment Debate Is About
At the heart of the dispute are proposals that critics say could reshape Zimbabwe’s political timetable.
Opponents argue the changes could pave the way for extending the tenure of the president and members of Parliament beyond the current constitutional cycle, potentially pushing the next elections beyond 2028.
Supporters of the amendment say the changes are meant to align electoral cycles and stabilise governance structures.
The government has also been conducting public consultations on the proposed constitutional changes across the country.
Legal Battle Not Over
Despite Ibhetshu LikaZulu’s withdrawal, the constitutional battle over Zimbabwe’s term limits is far from finished.
Legal challenges filed by other parties, including those linked to Professor Madhuku, remain before the courts.
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