Zimbabwe’s former Information minister Jonathan Moyo has forcefully denied allegations that he was secretly advising “2030ist leaders” on how to manipulate the constitutional amendment process, describing a leaked audio clip circulating on social media as “surgically edited” and illegally recorded.
The controversy centres on a 10-minute audio recording allegedly capturing Moyo discussing legal strategy around Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, which critics say could alter presidential term-limit interpretations without a referendum.
Moyo dismissed the claims outright.
He wrote in a detailed four-part thread:
“Pure fabrication. These are not mere lies. These are brazen inveracities, based on distorting an illegally recorded and surgically edited audio.”
He alleges the recording was made without his consent on 16 December 2025 via speakerphone during a WhatsApp call initiated by Counsel Zibusiso Ncube, whom he says was in the company of Advocate Method Ndlovu.
According to Moyo, the leaked clip omits key portions of a 21-minute conversation.
“The leaked 10:26-minute clip is surgically edited from a 21-minute call. The missing 10+ minutes? The parts that expose their identities, motives and would incriminate them like hell.”
What Was Actually Discussed?
In the transcript he released, Moyo appears to outline a legal strategy involving an early Constitutional Court application to clarify whether certain constitutional provisions constitute “term limit provisions.”
In one section of the audio, he says:
“There’s been a built in strategy to try and bring this matter to the public through a court process… to bring clarity to the fundamental question of what is a term limit provision versus other things.”
He argues that confusion around term limits could lead to political instability if not clarified early.
“If these things are not done properly, we can generate problems in the country.”
Moyo insists that his discussion was purely about seeking judicial clarity, not suppressing opposition or manipulating the media.
“No suppression plot. No backroom deal. Just open, logical talk about using the Constitution to settle a clear and present constitutional question.”
Critics Push Back
However, a pro-ZANU PF political commentator Rutendo Matinyarare strongly disputes Moyo’s explanation, arguing the leak exposes a coordinated legal strategy to push constitutional changes without a referendum.
In a social media post, Matinyarare claimed:
“Jonathan Moyo is heard exposing a strategy to manipulate the judicial process through fake legal challenges, to achieve the constitutional amendment without a referendum.”
He further warned that any constitutional amendment achieved through legal interpretation rather than a public vote would carry legitimacy risks.
“Any term extension in Zimbabwe, coming out of anything other than a referendum, will be deemed illegitimate.”
Matinyarare also alleged that international intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments around Zimbabwe’s constitutional reform process, a claim that has not been independently verified.
A Politically Sensitive Moment
The leaked audio resurfaced just days before Cabinet reportedly approved the Bill, adding to suspicions among critics. Moyo says this timing is deliberate.
“This is not whistleblowing. This is thuggish, illegal spying by people terrified of open debate and judicial scrutiny.”
The broader debate reflects deep divisions within Zimbabwe over constitutional reform. At issue is whether Parliament can amend certain provisions without triggering a national referendum, a matter that constitutional lawyers say ultimately rests with the courts.
Some of the most talked about changes have to do with electoral cycles. If the bill passes, Zimbabwe could see presidential terms extended from five to seven years and take the electorate’s right to directly elect their President and give it to Members of Parliament.
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