ZANU PF politburo member Patrick Chinamasa says Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB3) will “swiftly sail through Parliament,” insisting there is effectively no opposition to block its passage.
He made the remarks at a CAB3 rally attended by senior party officials, including national secretary for war veterans Douglas Mahiya, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Misheck Mugadza and Zanu PF provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, also attended and openly criticised party officials over alleged corruption linked to empowerment funds.
Chinamasa told supporters that Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle was about total political control, expressing confidence that all MPs will back the Bill.
“We did not go to war to have half power. Some people died during the war and some people sacrificed,” he said.
“Zanu PF should tell people what to do. We are very sure that we are going to score through MPs for the Bill to pass, as there is no goalkeeper and no one is going to stop it.”
The CAB3 hearings were, however, marred by violence, with reports indicating that individuals perceived to hold opposing views were not allowed to contribute.
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Tungwarara, meanwhile, launched an attack on senior party officials, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement of empowerment initiatives designed to support marginalised communities.
He said the programmes did not stop, but were “hijacked”.
“People complained that empowerment programmes had stopped, but they were not stopped — they were hijacked. They did not reach the genuine beneficiaries,” he said. “This is unacceptable and we are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability this time around.”
He added that funds meant for empowerment projects were diverted before reaching intended beneficiaries.
“Our first empowerment programmes were a disaster because the money did not reach the actual beneficiaries. This time, it will be different,” he said.
Tungwarara further warned that future empowerment funds will be tightly controlled and overseen by Chinamasa.
“If you abuse the upcoming empowerment programmes, you will be arrested. This process will be more accountable because it will come through Comrade Patrick Chinamasa,” he said.
He also commented on proposed constitutional changes that could extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2030.
“Those people saying 2030 should go — let me explain — it has not started today. I saw in the Bible that constitutions can be amended,” he said.