By Political Reporter- A group of liberation war veterans has launched a campaign to block a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule, accusing Zanu PF of betraying Zimbabweans and undermining democracy.
Robert Ncube, the Organising Secretary of the Andreas Ethan Mathibela-led Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), said veterans would not allow the amendment of the constitution as it violates Zimbabwe’s supreme law and serves only the interests of a corrupt elite.
Speaking at a public discussion at the Bulawayo Media Centre, Ncube declared, “As war veterans, we are saying no. We don’t support changing the constitution. This is a betrayal of the people.”
Ncube criticised the proposal, likening it to the failure of Operation Restore Legacy, the 2017 coup that removed Robert Mugabe, claiming that the same “cabal” responsible for Zimbabwe’s past misrule is now distorting the constitution.
He accused Members of Parliament of prioritising self-interest over the public good, stating, “MPs don’t want elections in 2028 because they know they won’t be re-elected after failing their constituents.”
The veterans have begun grassroots mobilisation to ensure citizens reject the amendment, even threatening to turn Zanu PF insiders against the proposal. “We will go back to the electorate and convince them that this term extension is not for the people,” Ncube vowed.
He also questioned the financial justification for a referendum, arguing that taxpayer funds would be better spent on infrastructure and public services. “Look at the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road—no MP is talking about fixing it, but they want to waste money on an unnecessary referendum,” he said.
Ncube warned that tampering with the constitution would tarnish Zimbabwe’s international reputation, undermine democracy, and set a dangerous precedent for future generations.
Quoting the late Vice President Joseph Msika, he condemned the amendment’s proponents as “misguided dogs” following a wrong path.
The war veterans’ opposition adds to growing dissent within Zimbabwe over Mnangagwa leadership.
Their stance highlights Zanu PF’s long history of exploiting veterans for political ends, particularly during election campaigns. Yet, this time, the tide appears to be turning as former allies speak out against the ruling party’s authoritarian tendencies.
Zimbabweans now face a critical choice: stand with the veterans defending constitutionalism or risk further erosion of democratic governance.