Harare lawyer Jacqueline Sande-Kamanga has accused Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi of undermining Zimbabwean constitutionalism through the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill (CAB3). Sande-Kamanga claims the legislation is poorly drafted and rushed through Parliament to serve political interests, potentially extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term and the tenure of Parliament beyond 2028.
What are the primary provisions of the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill?
The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill (CAB3) proposes significant shifts in Zimbabwe’s governance framework. According to the bill’s text, the legislation seeks to modify judicial appointment processes and restructure various governance bodies.
A central component of the bill involves the extension of political terms. The proposed changes would extend the current terms of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Parliament, and local councils beyond their scheduled expiration in 2028.
Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has defended the bill’s objectives. He stated that the amendments are intended to align the Constitution with the “practical realities of governance” currently facing the nation.
Why is the bill facing legal and political backlash?
Legal practitioner Jacqueline Sande-Kamanga has criticized the bill as “riddled with mistakes and impracticalities.” Writing on X, Sande-Kamanga argued that the Minister rushed the “ill-thought out” legislation through Parliament for political expediency.
Sande-Kamanga warned that the legislative process risks “sacrificing constitutionalism and good governance.” She expressed concern that the bill could lead the country toward “authoritarian rule” and “tyranny.”
The criticism is not limited to individual legal practitioners. Civil society organizations, opposition parties, and various legal experts have raised concerns that the bill threatens judicial independence by altering how judges are appointed.
Contrasting Perspectives on Governance
The debate surrounding CAB3 highlights two conflicting views on the future of Zimbabwean law:
- The Ministerial Position: Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi maintains that the bill provides necessary alignment between constitutional law and practical governance needs.
- The Legal Opposition: Sande-Kamanga and other critics argue the bill is a “self-serving” move that erodes democratic gains and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.
Who is Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi?
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