This ia a full transcript of the speech given by Velisiwe on the demonstration aginst the illegal CAB3, itself in direct violation of the 2013 Zimbabwe Constitution, outside of the UK Zimbabwe Embassy at the event organised by Chenayi. On the 46th 'anniversary' of Zimbabwe's Independence - the irony is not lost on the diaspora!
Friends and fellow Zimbabweans,
We are here today to talk about Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. The government calls it "reform." But if you look beneath the surface, this Bill is not a renewal of our democracy—it is a demolition of it.
Let’s start with the facts. This Bill seeks to abolish the direct election of the President. Starting in 2028, you will no longer vote for the Head of State; Parliament will do it for you .
Why? Because ZANU-PF knows it is losing popularity. Since 2013, their presidential vote share has dropped. But they still control Parliament. So, they are simply moving the goalposts to keep power, effectively ending the era of "one person, one vote" for the highest office .
Furthermore, they want to extend the presidential term from five to seven years. If this passes, President Mnangagwa, who is currently in his final term, will stay in office until 2030 .
When the people hear these proposals, they have tried to speak up. But what has been the response?
We have seen a chilling pattern of violence. During the public hearings, those who dared to say "No" were silenced. In Chitungwiza, people were reportedly assaulted on camera for voicing dissent . We have seen the swift reassignment of the ZHRC Chairperson, Ms. Majome, immediately after she criticized the Bill . And we have witnessed the arrest and abduction of critics, like Tendai Biti and student leader Delan Cole, simply for meeting to discuss their opposition .
This is not just about the President. This Bill guts our independent institutions. It gives the President control over voter registration and judicial appointments . Even the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, representing millions, has condemned this Bill as "morally and democratically compromised" .
This Bill is being forced through without a referendum, even though it changes the very fabric of our 2013 Constitution . They are using the law to kill democracy.
We cannot let this stand. A constitution rewritten under duress—with cracked ribs and missing citizens as its backdrop—is illegitimate .
Reject CAB3. Protect your vote. Protect your future.
Thank you.