As Zimbabwe debates Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), much attention has focused on politicians, legal experts and political parties. While these voices are important, there is a fundamental question that should concern every citizen: are the people themselves being adequately heard?
A constitution is not an ordinary law. It is the supreme expression of a nation’s values, aspirations and governance principles. It belongs not to a government, a political party or Parliament, but to the people. Any proposal to amend it must therefore be approached with caution, transparency and meaningful public participation. The ongoing debate around CAB3 has generated strong opinions from supporters and opponents alike. Some argue that the proposed amendments will strengthen governance and improve the functioning of state institutions. Others believe the changes could alter important constitutional safeguards and affect the balance of power within the state.
Regardless of where one stands on the substance of the Bill, there should be agreement on one principle: constitutional reform must be driven by the informed consent of the people.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution was adopted following extensive consultations and a national referendum. It was presented as a social contract between citizens and the state. Any significant amendment to that contract should be accompanied by equally robust engagement with the public. The question is not simply whether Parliament has the legal authority to amend the Constitution. It does. The deeper question is whether citizens feel included in the process and whether their concerns are being genuinely considered.
This is particularly important for communities whose voices are often absent from national debates. Traditional communities, cultural groups, youth, women, residents of rural areas and descendants of indigenous peoples all have a stake in the future of the country. Their perspectives should not be overshadowed by political contestation.
As a descendant of the Harare royal family and a member of the Mbari clan, I am reminded that governance has always been strongest when leaders listened to the people they served. Long before modern constitutions and parliamentary chambers, consultation was a cornerstone of leadership. Decisions affecting communities were discussed openly and legitimacy was derived from the confidence of the people. That lesson remains relevant today.
The debate over CAB3 should not merely be a contest of political numbers. It should be an opportunity to deepen democratic participation and reaffirm the principle that sovereignty ultimately resides in the people of Zimbabwe. History will judge not only the contents of the amendments but also the manner in which they were adopted. Constitutional change is most enduring when it reflects the collective will of the nation rather than the preferences of a particular moment. The Constitution belongs to the people. Their voice should remain at the centre of every discussion about its future.
Princess Eugene Majuru
Author and Cultural Heritage Advocate
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