Inside Zimbabwe’s Bill No. 3: Key Changes, Public Reactions, and ZHRC Findings

By Nevison Mpofu

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has intensified its oversight role in the ongoing public consultations on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens without fear or favour.

Over several days of nationwide hearings, the Commission observed significant public participation across all provinces, with citizens from diverse age groups turning out in large numbers. However, this engagement was not without concern. Reports emerged of intimidation, harassment of dissenting voices, and restricted civic space in some areas—issues that the Commission says must be addressed urgently.

ZHRC Chairperson Jessie Majome emphasized that the Commission’s primary mandate is to safeguard citizens’ rights and ensure that constitutional processes adhere to both national and international human rights standards.

“Our teams monitored hearings from 30 March to 4 April. This is in line with our constitutional mandate,” she said. “ZHRC is a national human rights institution that protects the rights of all Zimbabweans. We monitor state compliance with constitutional and international obligations, while also fostering awareness of these rights.”

Majome noted that the Commission closely assessed whether the consultation process upheld key democratic principles, including public participation, inclusivity, equality, access to information, and freedom of expression. She highlighted that attendance reflected a broad demographic mix, including men, women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

According to the Commission’s findings, a majority of participants expressed support for Bill No. 3, which proposes significant changes to Zimbabwe’s governance framework. These include extending presidential and parliamentary terms, altering the method of presidential election through Members of Parliament, transferring the voters’ roll to the civil registry, increasing presidential appointments to the Senate, integrating the Zimbabwe Gender Commission into ZHRC, and allowing traditional leaders, including chiefs, to participate in politics.

Despite the generally orderly conduct of the consultations, Majome acknowledged reports of intimidation and harassment that infringed on fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, personal security, dignity, and equality.

“The constitutional amendment process must align with obligations under international and regional human rights law,” she stressed. “All stakeholders must exercise tolerance, respect diverse views, and uphold constitutional values. This is essential for building a peaceful nation grounded in human dignity, integrity, and transparency.”

The ZHRC, established under Chapter 12 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, serves as the country’s principal human rights watchdog. Its mandate includes promoting awareness, protecting freedoms, and ensuring that all Zimbabweans—regardless of race, background, or belief—can exercise their rights without fear.

The Commission also plays a critical role in investigating human rights abuses and holding both public and private sector actors accountable for misconduct and abuse of office.

Structurally, the ZHRC is led by a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, supported by part-time commissioners and a secretariat responsible for daily operations under an Executive Secretary. Its work is organized into four key programme areas: Complaints Handling and Investigations; Education, Promotion, Research and Advocacy; Monitoring and Inspection; and Administrative Justice.

As Zimbabwe navigates this pivotal constitutional moment, the ZHRC’s intervention underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and the protection of democratic space in shaping the nation’s future.