Mangwana Affirms Most Constitutional Amendments Can Proceed Without Referendum

Source: 263chat.com

In March 2026, ZANU PF Secretary for Mines and Energy Paul Mangwana addressed ongoing debates surrounding proposed amendments to Zimbabwe’s constitution, stating that most changes can be passed by parliament without a national referendum. Mangwana emphasized that the constitution clearly delineates when a referendum is necessary, and that securing a two-thirds majority in parliament is sufficient for amending the majority of its provisions.

According to Mangwana, only a limited number of constitutional sections are shielded from parliamentary amendment and require direct public approval through a referendum. These protected areas include the Bill of Rights and land-related provisions, which were deliberately insulated during the drafting of the constitution to safeguard key national interests. He underscored that the distinction was intentional, ensuring that fundamental rights and land issues remain subject to popular consent.

Mangwana further stated that the current proposals under discussion do not fall within these protected categories. Based on his interpretation, the amendments being considered do not necessitate a referendum, a point he made to clarify confusion amid growing public discourse. “The constitution is very clear,” he said, reiterating that parliament’s two-thirds majority vote is the legal threshold for the proposed changes.

However, this position has faced opposition from some quarters. A group of retired generals and senior civil servants recently warned that any constitutional amendments should be decided by Zimbabweans through a national referendum, reflecting concerns about the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the amendment process. This divergence highlights ongoing tensions over constitutional reform and the mechanisms for public participation in Zimbabwe’s governance.

The debate over constitutional amendments unfolds against a backdrop of broader socio-economic challenges in Zimbabwe. A 2025 report by the SIVIO Institute revealed that approximately 9.9 million Zimbabweans live below the international poverty line, despite growth in sectors such as mining and agriculture. The informal sector accounts for about 64% of economic activity, and public perception of government corruption has sharply increased, with 44% of survey respondents citing it as the biggest obstacle to government performance.

Meanwhile, residents in parts of Pumula, Bulawayo, continue to grapple with a power outage lasting over four months due to damaged electrical infrastructure. Attempts by affected households and the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association to secure assistance from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and local MP Sichelilesile Mahlangu have so far been unsuccessful. The utility company has requested payments of US$13 per household for cable repairs and US$37 for transformer replacement, costs that have stalled restoration efforts.

As Zimbabwe navigates constitutional reform and persistent service delivery challenges, the clarity provided by Mangwana on the amendment process adds a legal dimension to the political debate. Whether parliament will proceed without a referendum or heed calls for broader public involvement remains a critical question for Zimbabwe’s democratic trajectory.

Related topics: constitution, amendments, parliament, referendum, ZANU PF, Zimbabwe, lawmakers, Paul Mangwana, political debate, Bill of Rights

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