Devolution and the Constitutional Amendment (No.3) Bill

I read an article recently by The Herald, noting the remarks made by ZANU-PF Matabeleland North provincial leadership on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3.  ZANU-PF Matabeleland North provincial leadership’s perspective on Constitutional Amendment Bill is hinged on devolution. From a devolution point of view, I find their submission more reasonable- reflecting the significance of provincial development. For the past years, I have been a staunch supporter of decentralisation. My village people in rural Jambezi, Hwange, know me very well as a philanthropist and advocate for educational development and grassroot human capital development. They call me homeboy/rural boy after the unwavering love for my roots. Of course, l was raised both in the urban town of Wankie and Victoria Falls, and rural Jambezi. I know how to walk long and short distances to school. That is why l value grassroot human capital development

In January 2026, l met the Provincial Affairs Minister for Matabeleland North, Honourable Richard Moyo, at Shearwater Zambezi Helicopter in Victoria Falls. It was my dear friend Dr Clement Mukwasi, who facilitated the meeting. It was a divine appointment meeting, since the Provincial Affairs Minister also represents devolution which l always preach about. On X, Iam well known for minority language advocacy, the Nambya, Tonga (Dombe), Kalanga, just to mention a few as listed among the 16 official languages of the 2013 Constitution. As quoted in The Herald, Honourable Richard Moyo said

proposed Constitutional Amendment (No 3) Bill of 2026 will ensure full implementation of devolution and other development programmes.

Reference to devolution caught my attention just as it would to any patriotic local citizen. If so, as acclaimed by the Provincial Affairs Minister, the Amendment Bill can be progressive as far as provincial development is concerned. ZANU-PF Matabeleland North leadership highlighted ongoing projects in Binga, including the opening of the Binga Border Post, which has lessened the burden of travelling via Victoria Falls Border Post. Other projects in Binga include the Technical College.

Hwange district co-ordinating committee (DCC) chairperson, Mathew Muleya also added ongoing flagship projects in Victoria Falls tourism and energy such as the construction of hotels and lodges, a cricket stadium, as well as the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme. Do you know that Bulawayo-Victoria Road is currently under rehabilitation as we look forward to the Cricket World Cup in 2027?  Considering these ongoing projects, I would also suspend 2028 elections in Zimbabwe.

What persuades me the most are these ongoing projects in my province. Iam always easily persuaded whenever community/grassroot local development is mentioned. Frankly speaking, ZANU-PF has been more pro-local compared to the so-called opposition. By the way, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) outlines several goals to be achieved between January 2026-December 2030. Amongst the goals include expanding renewable energy capacity, rehabilitating roads and rail networks, improving urban and rural water supply and promoting affordable housing delivery through a hybrid of Government funding and private sector partnerships. What attracts my interest the most is that government through NDS 2

will strengthen the devolution and decentralisation agenda through developing the necessary supportive legislation, policies and other administrative instruments that will guide effective coordination of devolved structures that develop, drive and implement the Provincial Economic Development Plans

The above is persuasive enough to avoid a wasteful election given the ongoing projects and what is to be accomplished. I remain unconvinced by the opposition led by Chamisa (if l may, since he does not have a party) on why we should go for a wasteful election.   The opposition has a history of devaluing local representation or regionalism. Chamisa is the worst enemy of regionalism, that was the cause why Tshabangu fought him in the past election. Chamisa was imposing candidates. He does not like regionalism, hence a no-go area on devolution issues. He holds no ideology on devolution in a country that needs it the most. In short, Chamisa has nothing to offer on regionalism, hence a no-go area. My local people in Hwange, can attest how ZANU-PF fielded local candidates in the previous elections compared to the so-called opposition.

Having said that, let us in brief,  agree that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government backs the devolution agenda. If we are to engage further on this issue, I will refer you to the licensing of community radio stations in 2021-2022. Mugabe did not do that.