By Leonnel Mhuka
🗞️ PRESS STATEMENT BY SENATOR JAMESON Z. TIMBA
For Immediate Release
Harare, 19 October 2025
CLARITY, NOT CONFUSION — ZIMBABWE NEEDS TRANSPARENCY ON THE 2030 RESOLUTION
The resolution adopted at the ZANU–PF National People’s Conference to extend the President’s term of office from 2028 to 2030 has raised profound constitutional concerns that require immediate clarification.
While the ruling party’s statement directs its Legal Affairs Department to “implement” this resolution by next year’s conference, it notably fails to state how such an extension would be pursued — whether through Parliament or a national referendum.
That omission is not a technicality; it goes to the heart of constitutional legitimacy.
If the intention is to amend the Constitution, then the law is unequivocal.
Section 328(7) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe expressly forbids any amendment that extends the length of time a person may hold office as President from applying to the incumbent.
This safeguard exists to prevent precisely the kind of self-benefiting alteration now being implied.
Moreover, any constitutional amendment relating to term limits can only be effected through a national referendum, allowing citizens — not party delegates — to decide the future of their country’s highest office.
Zimbabwe must not be governed by conference resolutions or partisan directives.
We are a constitutional democracy, and the supremacy of the Constitution must remain non-negotiable.
If the ruling party’s objective is genuinely to advance Vision 2030 and national development, that work can continue under constitutional order and democratic renewal.
Development does not require defying the law; progress cannot depend on prolonging tenure.
Accordingly, I call for:
1️⃣ A formal clarification from the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs on the intended process for implementing this resolution.
2️⃣ A public reaffirmation by all Members of Parliament of their oath to uphold the Constitution in both letter and spirit.
3️⃣ Civic vigilance and peaceful defence of constitutionalism by citizens, churches, and professional bodies.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution is not a partisan document.
It is the people’s covenant — written by their will, protected by their vote, and binding upon all who exercise power in their name.
Let us choose clarity over confusion, legality over convenience, and constitutionalism over political expediency.
— Senator Jameson Z. Timba
#DefendTheConstitution #CitizensFirst #NoTo2030Agenda
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