Chinamasa Defends Controversial Mnangagwa Term Extension Amid CAB3 Debate… – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri – Zanu PF Treasurer-General Patrick Chinamasa on Tuesday launched a strong defence of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 (CAB3), which includes provisions linked to extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s time in office, while also attacking businessman Wicknell Chivayo over a disputed US$3.6 million donation to parliamentarians.

Chinamasa’s remarks, posted on the social media platform X, have further exposed tensions within ruling party circles as debate over the constitutional changes intensifies.

He aligned himself with a Zanu PF Youth League statement that had criticised Chivayo’s proposed donation, describing it as politically suspicious and inappropriate.

“I stand solidly behind, and in full support of, the statement just issued on behalf of the Zanu PF Youth League,” he wrote, endorsing comments made by Gutu West MP John Paradza, the Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs.
Chinamasa went further, dismissing the donation as an attempt to undermine state institutions and influence political processes.

“I totally agree that the proposed donation is misguided, ill advised, ill conceived, uncalled for, and a brazen but futile attempt to put our President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, our State institutions, and the entire Parliamentary and Government leadership into disrepute,” he said.

He also argued that the donation could be linked to efforts to sway parliamentary deliberations on CAB3.

“The announced donation can only be interpreted by right thinking men and women as a base, unethical, unprincipled, and unnecessary attempt to influence the outcome of the ongoing debate on CAB3,” Chinamasa added.

Praising the Youth League, he said its stance reflected ideological discipline within the ruling party.

“The Zanu PF Youth League is ideologically correct and, with youths of this ideological clarity, I can safely say that the country and Zanu PF are in safe political hands,” he said.

Chinamasa then turned to the constitutional amendment debate, insisting CAB3 would pass with overwhelming support in Parliament, arguing that Zanu PF MPs would vote in line with party resolutions.
He defended the broader reform agenda, claiming Zimbabwe’s economy was on an upward trajectory.

“Zimbabwe’s sanctions-busting economy is rising and stabilising… and is now rated among the top 10 fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa for 2025 and 2026,” he said.

He further linked economic performance to calls for leadership continuity, suggesting growing public demand for Mnangagwa’s extended service.

On governance systems, Chinamasa defended indirect presidential elections, arguing they are common globally and not undemocratic.

“Such a political system… is not a violation of one man, one vote,” he said, citing countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Angola, the United States and Germany.

He dismissed demands for a referendum on CAB3, insisting the legal pathway chosen was valid under constitutional interpretation.

“Wasingaziwe/Abangaziyo/Ongayaziyo Khe,” he declared, urging critics to be educated on the matter.
Chinamasa also defended proposals to extend the electoral cycle from five to seven years, arguing that frequent elections strain national resources and distract from development.

“Once again, this is my further justification of lengthening the electoral cycle… we need to spend more time working and prospering than indulging in divisive events,” he said.

He concluded by arguing that the proposed changes remain within constitutional limits, stating that the extension under discussion does not amount to a full presidential term.

“Less than three years service does not constitute a term,” he said, referencing Section 91(2) of the Constitution.

The remarks have triggered fresh debate within political circles, highlighting deepening divisions over CAB3 and its implications for Zimbabwe’s political future.

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