A public meeting held in Bulawayo to discuss proposed constitutional amendments descended into confusion on Thursday, as participants displayed a stark divide in understanding and opinion regarding the bill.
The public outreach program was held at the Bulawayo Large City Hall this morning.
The gathering, which drew a diverse crowd, highlighted deep-seated tensions over the proposed changes, particularly concerning Presidential term limits and the status of the Gender Commission.
The event revealed significant gaps in public awareness regarding the bill’s contents. One participant, Thulani Gumbo, admitted to being largely oblivious to the details of the proposed amendments.
“Ini ndongoziva kuti vaMnangagwa vanofanira kuenderera mberi vachitonga kusvika 2030.”
On being questioned if she knew which clause is to be amended for President Mnangagwa to continue in office until 2030.
“Handiwuzive mutemo wacho, asi vanofanira kupedzisa maproject avakatanga.”
She was then asked to name just one project that she wanted President Mnangagwa to finish particularly in Bulawayo, she failed to do so.
Ms. Gumbo conceded that out of the 22 clauses in the bill, she was familiar with only one. During an interview, she further struggled to articulate the purpose of the very amendment she claimed to support, underscoring a pervasive lack of clarity among some attendees.
Zim GBC News, which was also present inside the City Hall, captured the contrasting sentiments that defined the proceedings.
Tendai Luba Mashotsha emerged as a vocal critic of the bill, arguing that it poses a fundamental threat to democratic representation. Mashotsha raised an alarming point about the concentration of power, stating that under the proposed changes, a nation of approximately 11 million people would see its presidential decision rest in the hands of just 400 individuals.
” I do not support this bill at all, this bill is taking away my right as a citizen of Zimbabwe, my voice is being silenced and given to only 430 members of Parliament”. Said Ms Masotsha
In a counterpoint to the opposition, a group of interviewees voiced their support for the bill. Their backing was largely centered on the figure of the President, arguing that he requires additional time to complete ongoing projects. However, when pressed by Zim GBC News, these supporters failed to specify the exact nature of the projects or duties that remained unfinished.
” In Bulawayo we are not sure which projects or development the president has done, but the Maphisa road is currently being fixed”
The proposed restructuring of independent commissions also drew sharp criticism. Khethiwe Tshuma, a citizen from Entumbane who is against the bill, focused her objections on the proposed changes to the Gender Commission.
” We will not allow the gender Commission to a mere desk, as women we say we do not agree to the change” said khethiwe Tshuma
Ms. Tshuma passionately argued that moving the Commission to a “mere desk” would severely undermine its efficacy. “Women still need that representation,” she stated, asserting that the bill would ultimately strip away hard-won protections and representation.
Conversely, a young man named Nhlanhla presented a more informed argument in favor of the bill. Echoing the sentiments of other supporters, he cited the need for continuity, stating that the President must be allowed two more years after his tenure because he (Mnangagwa) is the only one capable to see through the projects he initiated.
” There are some projects that were started by our president that still need him to finish them”. Argued Nhlanhla
As the heated deliberations continued inside the hall, the scene outside painted a picture of normalcy. In what is typical for Bulawayo, daily life remained uninterrupted, with vendors and businesses operating as usual, seemingly detached from the intense political discourse unfolding nearby.
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