Military Generals Challenge Constitutional Amendment

Retired military leaders and an exiled minister oppose Constitutional Amendment Number 3.

Generals Warn Mnangagwa on Amendment Bill

Retired military leaders and an exiled minister oppose Constitutional Amendment Number 3.

Exiled former minister Saviour Kasukuwere warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa not to ignore military generals' push for a referendum on Constitutional Amendment Number 3. This follows a written representation to Parliament by retired Air Marshall Henry Muchena, who reportedly spoke on behalf of disgruntled senior officers. Retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Mapuranga also warned a former legislator, raising issues with Mnangagwa's plans to illegally extend his stay until 2030. The ruling Zanu PF party faces panic following strong objections from retired army generals and some war veterans. These groups are all challenging the controversial bill.

ZANU PF Threatens Bill Opponents

The ruling party warns members against resisting the controversial 2030 Constitutional Amendment Bill.

The ruling ZANU PF party issued a stark warning to members opposing the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill. The party stated it will expel individuals who resist the proposed changes, underscoring its forceful stance on extending presidential and parliamentary terms. This move comes as the party mobilizes its structures nationwide, ahead of Parliament-led consultations scheduled for next week. Such threats indicate internal pressure and potential purges within the party. This could lead to further political instability and consolidation of power within the ruling party, aiming to ensure unanimous support for the amendment.

High Court Revokes RioZim Mining License

High Court cancels a default order, RioZim loses its Sengwa coal mine operating license.

The High Court canceled a default order that permitted two mining companies to extract coal. Separately, RioZim Ltd., a former unit of Rio Tinto Group, lost its operating license for the Sengwa coal mine. The government revoked the license under its "use-it-or-lose-it" policy after RioZim failed to develop a 2,800-megawatt coal-fired power plant. Secretary of Mines Pfungwa Kunaka confirmed the cancellation, emphasizing this action as a clear enforcement of government policy.

Bulawayo Mayor Addresses Water Crisis

Mayor David Coltart seeks President Mnangagwa's help over illegal Chinese gold mining.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart takes urgent steps to bring the uMzingwane Dam water crisis directly to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Bulawayo City Council specifically directed Coltart to engage the President promptly. This engagement aims to address the destructive activities of illegal Chinese gold miners operating in the region. These operations are severely destroying the city's vital water sources and causing crippling shedding across the metropolitan area. The worsening water crisis, exacerbated by illegal mining, has a severe impact on public health and daily life in the city. Without immediate presidential intervention, a humanitarian crisis could emerge for Bulawayo residents if not addressed promptly.

RBZ Clarifies ZiG Payment Policy

The Reserve Bank assures ZiG payments for contractors do not signal the end of multicurrency.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) assured the public that the government's recent directive for contractors to accept exclusive ZiG payment does not signal the end of the multi-currency system. Last week, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube directed all government contractors to be paid exclusively in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). The RBZ also assured state contractors it possesses sufficient foreign currency inflows and reserves to meet US dollar demands. These measures aim to maintain economic stability and public trust in the new currency, dispelling widespread fears that the policy could disrupt recent exchange rate stability.

Funding Crisis Closes Education Ministry Offices

Education Ministry offices close due to deepening funding crisis.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education offices are shutting down as a funding crisis deepens. This raises concerns over essential services, staff operations, and public access across the nation. Government sources say a severe financial crisis is crippling the operations of district and provincial offices under the ministry. This reported shutdown signals a severe financial challenge within government. The situation impacts public services and access to education nationwide. It indicates a worrying trend in government operational capacity.

ARTUZ Condemns Tsholotsho Teacher Assaults

Teachers suffer brutal assaults during Tsholotsho constitutional debate.

Teachers suffered brutal assaults during a constitutional debate meeting in Tsholotsho. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) condemned the incident. ARTUZ accused authorities of escalating violence against educators amid tensions over constitutional changes. This event highlights concerns over political violence and suppression of dissent related to the controversial constitutional amendment. The union's condemnation signals rising tensions in the education sector regarding the proposed changes. Such incidents raise questions about civil liberties and freedom of expression in public discourse.

Opposition Seeks UN, SADC Intervention

Defend the Constitution Platform seeks UN and SADC intervention to block Mnangagwa's tenure extension.

The Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP) escalated its opposition to the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill by appealing to international organizations. These organizations include the UN and SADC, which the DCP seeks to involve in blocking the proposed changes. The bill aims to extend the tenure of the presidency and Parliament, a move facing widespread resistance. Parliament prepares for public hearings on the bill later this month. The DCP's appeal aims to exert significant external pressure and diplomatic engagement regarding Zimbabwe's democratic processes.

ZPP Reports Intimidation on Amendment Bill

A human rights watchdog reports intimidation and violence undermine public debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill.

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), a local human rights watchdog, reported growing intimidation and violence surrounding the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3. ZPP's monthly monitoring report for February 2026 stated the discussion environment has become increasingly hostile. This hostile climate makes it difficult for citizens and civic actors to participate freely. The ZPP report indicates an undermining of public debate and raises serious concerns about human rights and the constitutional process.

Minister Rwodzi Leads Performance Awards

Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi wins top performance award.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi won Zimbabwe's top-performing minister award at the 2025 Performance Awards. Rwodzi secured first place among 24 cabinet colleagues at a review ceremony in Harare. Ministers and senior government officials signed new performance contracts for 2026. Critics, however, slammed the awards, stating performance contracts will not fix decades of corruption. The evaluation also faced criticism for other questionable recipients, raising public concerns about transparency and accountability.

The Jeere 2026-03-18  ·  stories

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