ZANU PF Ward 19 & 20

Tracking the Shift: How CAB1, CAB2 and CAB3 Reshaped Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Landscape

I have never said much about CAB3 neither did l say anything much during CAB1 and CAB2.In fact l have discovered a lot of people are not even privy to CAB1 and CAB2 which is why CAB3 definitely caused the reaction we are now seeing.

To understand the intense national debate surrounding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3),one cannot look at it in isolation. It is the latest chapter in a broader constitutional journey.

While popular discourse often treats CAB3 as an unprecedented shift, the foundational framework of Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution had already been fundamentally altered by Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 1 (CAB1) and Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2 (CAB2).

A serious analysis of Zimbabwe's governance requires a deep dive into the finer details of all three amendments to understand how power has progressively shifted.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 1 (2017): The Judicial Pivot

Enacted in 2017, CAB1 was the first major alteration to the 2013 Constitution. Its primary objective was restructuring how the highest levels of the judiciary were appointed.

The Original 2013 Framework-Under the original Constitution, senior judicial vacancies (Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and Judge President of the High Court) required a public nomination process, public interviews conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the submission of a shortlist to the President.

The CAB1 Alteration- CAB1 amended Section 180 of the Constitution. It granted the President the sole authority to appoint these three crucial judicial heads. The role of the JSC was reduced from a transparent vetting body to a panel the President only needs to "consult"a consultation that is not legally binding.

The Legal Controversy - CAB1 faced intense legal challenges regarding whether the Senate followed proper procedures during its passing, leading to prolonged battles in the Constitutional Court before it was fully solidified.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2 (2021): Centralizing Executive Power

Passed in May 2021, CAB2 is arguably the most sweeping piece of constitutional legislation since 2013. It contained over 20 separate amendments packaged into a single bill, fundamentally changing the architecture of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Abolition of the Running Mate Clause - Section 92 of the 2013 Constitution mandated that starting in 2023, presidential candidates must run alongside two chosen vice-presidential "running mates" who would automatically succeed the President in the event of death, resignation or removal. CAB2 deleted this clause. Vice Presidents remain sole appointees of the President, serving at their pleasure, which eliminates independent mandates within the presidium.

Judicial Term Extensions - CAB2 allowed Constitutional and Supreme Court judges to extend their tenure from 70 to 75 years on a year-by year basis, provided the President accepts a medical certificate of fitness. Critics argued this compromise compromised judicial independence by making late career extensions dependent on executive approval.

Legislative Quotas (The Sweetener) - To gain broader legislative support, CAB2 extended the 60 seat proportional representation quota for women in the National Assembly by an additional ten years and introduced a new quota of 10 seats dedicated specifically to youth representation.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 - The Present Flashpoint

With CAB1 and CAB2 having already reshaped the judiciary and executive succession, CAB3 arrived in an environment where the threshold for constitutional alteration had already been accepted.The intense public pushback against CAB3 often ignores the precedent set by its predecessors.

I hold the belief that CAB 3 just like CAB 1 and CAB 2 will just pass through successfully because this is not new,it has been done twice and it succeeded,the only way CAB3 does not succeed is if the President does not sign it off everything else is a formality.

If l have written anything wrong l am willing to learn because these issues are not issues l have great strength in,so anyone who feels they have a different view kindly share your thoughts.

Legislative Milestone: Senate Approves Landmark Bill

​The legislation has successfully navigated the Senate, securing a resounding 75 to 4 victory. Having cleared this pivotal hurdle, the bill now advances to the President’s desk for final signature and enactment into law.

zvayendwa deal done 👌

Join Us for National Cell Day: Become Part of the Movement!

​We are excited to announce that ZANU-PF will be holding its National Cell Day on June 27, 2026.
​This is a special day dedicated to strengthening our grassroots foundation. The cell is the heart of our party, and we are calling on all supporters, patriots, and those who believe in our vision to step forward and become officially registered members.

​Why Should You Register?

🔸️​Make Your Voice Heard: By joining a cell, you become an active participant in party decisions and community development.
🔸️​Build Our Future: Our strength comes from our people. When you register, you help us organize better and serve our communities more effectively.
🔸️​Get Involved: Meet fellow party members in your local area, share ideas, and contribute to the growth of our nation.

Join ZANU-PF

🚨 HISTORIC VOTE: Officially Passes Constitutional Hurdle!
​
Speaker of Parliament Hon. Jacob Mudenda has confirmed the final tally for the third reading of : a resounding 216 votes in favor to 42 against. Decisively surpassing the two-thirds constitutional threshold of 187 votes, the Bill has been duly passed in accordance with Section 328(5) of the Constitution. The Clerk has since proceeded with the official third reading. 🗳️✨

What was needed 66.67%
Outcome 77.14%

FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

THE SILENT BURDEN: Fathers, Mental Health and the Hidden Road to Substance Abuse

By Zambezi Stories

With expert contributions from Gerald Nyarambi, Senior Medical Psychiatry Social Worker

Fatherhood is often celebrated as a symbol of strength.

Fathers are expected to provide, protect, lead, and guide. They are seen as the pillars of the family ,decision-makers, role models, and problem-solvers.

Yet behind many strong faces lies a reality that is rarely discussed.

As Father’s Day approaches, mental health experts are warning that many fathers are carrying emotional burdens in silence , burdens that can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, family breakdown, and in some cases, even su***de.

THE WEIGHT OF RESPONSIBILITY

According to a mental health specialist interviewed by Zambezi Stories, one of the biggest challenges facing fathers today is the immense responsibility placed upon them.

“Being a father means being responsible for the wellbeing of the entire family. You are expected to provide for your wife, your children, and often extended family members. You are expected to lead by example and make difficult decisions. That burden alone can be overwhelming.”

In Zimbabwe’s challenging economic environment, many fathers find themselves under enormous pressure.

Highly qualified men often struggle to find employment in their areas of expertise and are forced to take whatever work is available simply to put food on the table.

“Financial constraints are among the biggest mental health challenges facing fathers today,” the specialist says.

Many men also feel pressure to meet cultural expectations such as paying bride price, building homes, educating children, and securing a stable future for their families.

Mental health practitioners say these expectations can create chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy.

WHY MEN SUFFER IN SILENCE

Despite these pressures, many fathers do not seek help.

Instead, they suffer quietly.

“Men are often taught that they must be strong at all times,” says the specialist. “Unfortunately, that silence becomes their greatest weakness.”

Unlike women, who are often encouraged to express emotions openly, many men grow up believing that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness.

The result is emotional suppression until problems become overwhelming.

“Men have emotions and vulnerabilities too. We need to remove the stigma around seeking help. Silence can slowly destroy a person’s mental wellbeing.”

ONE FATHER’S STORY

For one father who spoke to Zambezi Stories, the collapse of his marriage marked the beginning of one of the most difficult chapters of his life.

“The hardest part was missing the simple things,” he recalls. “Playing with my children, going shopping with them, helping them with homework. Those are the moments that hurt the most.”

Like many men, he struggled to talk about what he was going through.

“I’ve always been a one-man band. I keep my problems to myself.”

At first, he buried himself in work.

But eventually, the emotional pain began to take its toll.

“It was work, home, sleep. Then I became a heavy drinker. Later I realized I was heading down the drain.”

His turning point came when colleagues noticed changes in his behaviour.

“My workmates realized I was regressing. They shared their own stories with me, and that helped me start picking myself up again.”

Today, he hopes other fathers will learn from his experience.

“It’s not easy when something you worked for suddenly falls apart. But don’t give up. As long as you’re alive, you can start afresh and become better again.”

DIVORCE, TRAUMA AND THE LOSS OF FAMILY

Mental health specialists say divorce and separation can be deeply traumatic for fathers.

Many men invest years building homes, supporting families, and planning for the future. When relationships break down, they often experience grief, loneliness, uncertainty, and emotional distress.

Some fathers struggle deeply with reduced contact with their children, and the psychological impact can be severe.

Without adequate support systems, many are left to cope alone.

WHEN EMOTIONAL PAIN TURNS INTO SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Experts also highlight a strong link between emotional distress and substance abuse.

While drugs and alcohol may appear to offer temporary relief, they often worsen mental health conditions.

Substance use can impair judgement, increase impulsive behaviour, and contribute to violence, financial instability, and family breakdown.

Money that could support a family’s wellbeing is often redirected toward sustaining addiction.

The irony is that many men begin using substances to escape pressure , but end up trapped in even greater pressure.

THE MISSING SUPPORT SYSTEM

A recurring concern raised by both fathers and mental health practitioners is the lack of safe spaces for men to speak openly.

Many fathers have limited opportunities to share personal struggles without fear of judgement.

Mental health advocates are calling for more community-based support groups where men can talk, learn coping strategies, and seek help before problems escalate.

“Men need safe spaces,” says the specialist. “Places where they can talk without fear of judgement.”

WARNING SIGNS A FATHER MAY BE STRUGGLING

✓ Increased alcohol or substance use
✓ Withdrawing from family and friends
✓ Persistent sadness, anger or irritability
✓ Changes in sleeping patterns
✓ Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
✓ Feeling hopeless, trapped or overwhelmed
✓ Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
✓ Talking about giving up or loss of meaning in life

A FATHER’S DAY MESSAGE

As Father’s Day approaches, the specialist offers a simple reminder:

“Be brave enough to seek help. Being strong does not mean carrying every burden alone.”

For the father who once struggled after divorce, the message is equally powerful:

“Don’t forget your children. They were never part of the conflict. Continue to love them, support them, and be present in their lives.”

NEED HELP?

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug and substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, help is available.

📞 NO TO DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE: 0714 647 002

Remember: seeking help is not a sign of weakness , it is a sign of strength.

Perhaps that is the lesson at the heart of this Father’s Day.

The strongest fathers are not those who never struggle ,
but those who find the courage to heal.

A brief reminder about the importance of CAB3