Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Leading churches have warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa against being persuaded to extend his stay in office, urging him to safeguard his legacy by upholding constitutionalism and ensuring a smooth transfer of power in 2028.
In a pastoral letter, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) said it would continue engaging Mnangagwa and encouraged him to resist what it described as “deeply concerning” attempts to amend the Constitution for personal or political ends.
The church grouping, the latest body to speak out against the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, appealed to Mnangagwa not to tamper with the “people-driven” 2013 Constitution.
Mnangagwa has previously pledged to abide by the Constitution and to “persuade the persuaders” not to pressure him into extending his term of office.
“Do not be swayed by those persuading you with these deeply concerning constitutional amendments that fundamentally change our people-driven 2013 Constitution,” part of the pastoral letter reads. “Lead as a constitutionalist. Consolidate your legacy by providing exemplary leadership, conducting elections in 2028 and allowing the country to witness the first truly smooth leadership transition.
“By doing this, you honour your oath and the hopes of the nation. This path preserves the positive gains of your tenure — stabilisation efforts, infrastructure development and international re-engagement — and aligns with God’s call to rulers to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). We make this fervent call to resist any temptation to amend the Constitution for selfish ends.”
The group said entrenching constitutional democracy would better serve the country’s development aspirations under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has sparked fierce debate across the political divide.
Critics argue that the proposed changes would extend Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two five-year terms, which are due to end in 2028. Opposition activists and civil society organisations have been campaigning against the Bill, saying it undermines democratic principles and reverses gains made under the 2013 Constitution.
They contend that altering presidential term limits would erode public trust and destabilise the country’s constitutional order.
Government officials and ruling party figures, however, have defended the proposed amendments as necessary for policy continuity and national development.
While acknowledging what it described as “genuine gains” under Mnangagwa’s leadership — including economic stabilisation efforts, infrastructure and agricultural projects, and international re-engagement initiatives — the church group said these achievements must be anchored in constitutionalism.
“Yet even with these positive strides, our nation continues to face deep and painful challenges,” the letter reads.
The church lamented that Zimbabwe has not fully benefited from its mineral wealth and warned that corruption remains entrenched in many institutions.
It also raised concern over the continued collapse or underperformance of public services such as health, education and critical infrastructure, saying poverty and inequality are leaving many households in despair.
“These realities call us to sober reflection, repentance and renewed commitment to justice, stewardship and accountability as envisioned in our national values and in God’s Word (Isaiah 1:17; Amos 5:24),” the church group said.
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