Story by Tafara Chikumira
STUDENTS from tertiary institutions across Midlands Province have voiced support for the proposed Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, describing the reforms as important for national development and continuity.
The students, drawn from universities, teachers’ colleges and vocational training institutions, converged in Gweru this Saturday to deliberate on key aspects of the Bill, which is currently at the consultation stage.
Participants said the proposed amendments are aimed at fostering stability and providing leadership with adequate time to complete development projects.
Cuthbert Chuchu, a student at Mkoba Teachers College, said the legislation would promote continuity.
“The legislation is critical for continuity. The Bill ensures that political leadership is given sufficient time to complete projects without election-related disruptions that we have experienced in the past,” he said.
Midlands State University student, Bridget Tamisai, said students were backing the proposals in the interest of development.
“As student representatives, we support this Bill. It seeks to prioritise development over politicking. We have witnessed progress under NDS1 and the transition to NDS2, including the introduction of Education 5.0. We believe leadership should be given the opportunity to achieve set targets,” she said.
Another MSU student, Josia Sikutu, said the proposals would extend the development trajectory.
“The Bill proposes extending leadership terms by two years, which we view as two additional years of development. Vision 2030 outlines clear goals, and we are calling for time to see these projects through for the betterment of the nation,” he said.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, who delivered a lecture during the engagement, outlined key provisions of the proposed amendments.
“This Amendment Bill is a significant piece of legislation aimed at strengthening nation-building. It is not about protecting an individual but about supporting development. It will also have implications for legislators and local authority councillors. Our focus is on development and reducing the divisions often associated with frequent elections,” he said.
Gazetted on February 16, the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill proposes extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, among other provisions currently under consultation.
