Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has come out strongly against any attempts to amend the Constitution without the express approval of the majority of Zimbabweans, warning Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has come out strongly against any attempts to amend the Constitution without the express approval of the majority of Zimbabweans, warning that such moves would betray the founding ideals of the liberation struggle and undermine democratic governance.a strongly worded statement issued by its national chairman, Cde Andrease Ethan
Mathibela, the association said the Constitution of Zimbabwe is more than a legal framework, describing it as a “solemn covenant” forged through historical struggle, national dialogue and the collective will of the people.The Constitution derives its legitimacy from the people. It cannot be altered to suit transient political interests, factional ambitions or the comfort of a ruling elite,” Mathibela said.
The war veterans’ body, traditionally aligned with the ruling establishment, said it was “firmly and unequivocally opposed” to any constitutional amendments pursued without broad public consent, transparency and adherence to democratic principles. It warned that manipulating the supreme law for narrow political ends would undermine the sacrifices made during the liberation war.
“The liberation struggle was not fought to replace one form of domination with another,” the statement read. “It was fought to restore dignity, sovereignty and participatory governance to the people of Zimbabwe.”
The ZNLWVA emphasised that constitutional democracy remains the backbone that safeguards the gains of independence, arguing that any amendment process perceived as entrenching power, weakening accountability or insulating leaders from public scrutiny would be inconsistent with the spirit of the struggle.
Citing Section 3 of the Constitution, which establishes that all political authority derives from the people, the association said any proposed amendments must be driven by extensive national consultation and, where necessary, subjected to a transparent and credible referendum.To bypass or dilute public participation is to undermine constitutional legitimacy,” the war veterans said.
The association also raised concerns that the current push to amend the Constitution appears to serve the interests of a “minority ruling elite” rather than the broader national good. It warned that constitutions should act as safeguards against abuse of power, not as instruments of political convenience.“When amendments are perceived as self-serving, they erode public trust and weaken national cohesion,” the statement said, adding that national stability depends on strong institutions rather than the extension of political power.
The ZNLWVA called for an immediate and inclusive national dialogue involving civil society, churches, traditional leaders, youth, women’s groups and war veterans. It urged Parliament and the Executive to exercise restraint and respect constitutional procedures.
Reaffirming its role as a custodian of liberation values, the association said it remained committed to defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, protecting the integrity of the Constitution and upholding democratic accountability.
“Zimbabwe belongs to its people. The Constitution belongs to its people. The future belongs to its people,” the statement concluded. “No amendment that weakens democratic accountability or sidesteps popular approval can claim moral or historical legitimacy.”
The intervention by the war veterans comes amid growing public debate and political tension over proposed constitutional changes, with critics warning that the process could fundamentally alter Zimbabwe’s democratic framework.
