BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
A debate on Zimbabwe’s proposed Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill has become a platform for lawmakers to voice long-standing concerns over development disparities in Matabeleland, with one MP questioning whether extending terms of office would bring tangible benefits to communities that have waited decades for key projects.
Speaking during the National Assembly debate, Lobengula-Magwegwe legislator Tendayi Nyathi said residents were less concerned about constitutional changes and more interested in whether the proposed reforms would improve their daily lives.
“Is there going to be a halt to the rampant mining in the country within these two years? Nyathi asked Parliament. He added: “Will these two years see beneficiation of minerals by Zimbabweans?
“Will these two years show a difference in the schools, particularly in Matabeleland and Bulawayo, where there are no roofs in some schools, where there are no benches and desks in some schools? They are worried, Madam Speaker. They are very worried that if CAB3 does not address these problems, then it is not worth supporting. They want to see real change in the communities.”
Nyathi said people were asking whether the proposed extension of terms in office would finally result in the completion of strategic projects such as the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, a project regarded as critical to solving Bulawayo’s recurring water shortages.
He said communities wanted answers on whether the constitutional changes would accelerate development, improve schools and ensure local communities benefit from the natural resources extracted from their region.
He also turned attention to the mining sector, arguing that communities in Matabeleland North have seen little benefit from decades of resource extraction.
Nyathi noted that Hwange has been a mining centre for more than a century, yet many surrounding communities continue to face poverty and underdevelopment.
He questioned whether the constitutional amendment would address concerns over mineral beneficiation and ensure greater value from local resources remains in Zimbabwe.
“The bone of contention is that Matabeleland as a region is still crying; it is still left out. If you go to Matabeleland North, Hwange is the oldest mine, over 120 years old but there is nothing to show in Matabeleland North… They ask if CAB3 is going to address this and if it is going to rehabilitate the road between Bulawayo and Beitbridge, which is a gateway to Zambia, DRC, Malawi and other.” Nyathi said.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill has sparked intense debate in Parliament, with supporters arguing it will improve governance and opponents warning it could weaken constitutional safeguards.
