We publish here the first post Cabinet media briefing of the year presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in Harare yesterday.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO 3 BILL, 2026

The Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill, 2026 proposes a series of legal reforms to strengthen constitutional governance, clarify institutional roles, promote political stability, and enhance the efficiency of the State architecture.

The Bill forms part of Zimbabwe’s continuing legal evolution and seeks to adhere to the spirit of the Constitution, refine and mordenise certain provisions in response to governance experience, developmental imperatives, and comparative constitutional practice.

RATIONALE

The primary objectives of the Bill are to:

Enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion;

Clarify institutional mandates and eliminate functional overlaps that undermine efficiency and accountability;

Strengthen democratic structures through rationalisation of electoral and oversight institutions;

Align Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework with contemporary African constitutional models that have demonstrated resilience, legitimacy and effectiveness; and

Promote long-term national stability, inclusivity and public confidence in constitutional institutions.

In detail, the Bill provides as follows: Clause 1 provides for the title of the Bill.

Clause 2 repeals Section 92 of the Constitution and substitutes it with a parliamentary process for electing the President. It specifies that a candidate must secure a majority of votes, and if no one achieves an absolute majority, a run-off election will be held. The process is overseen by the Chief Justice or a designated judge to ensure it is conducted properly. These measures strengthen constitutional accountability by promoting fairness, openness, and judicial oversight in the election. The procedure for the election shall be in accordance with Standing Rules and Orders of Parliament.

Clause 3.7  and 8 amend sections 95  143 and 158 of the Constitution to substitute the current five-year term of office for the President and Parliament with seven-year term. The objective of this reform is to reduce election-related disruptions, enhance policy continuity, allow sufficient time for the implementation of long-term national projects, and promote political and economic stability.

Clause 5 amends section 114(3) of the Constitution by substituting “High Court” with “Supreme Court”, thereby requiring that a person appointed as Attorney-General possess the qualifications necessary for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court. The justification for this amendment is that, in accordance with the Attorney-General’s Office Act [Chapter 7:19], Deputy Attorney’s-General are now placed at a level equivalent to that of High Court Judges, making it institutionally coherent and legally appropriate for the Attorney-General to be subject to the higher threshold applicable to the Supreme Court.

Clause 6 amends section 120 of the Constitution to allow the President to appoint 10 senators, increasing the total number of senators from 80 to 90, The amendment is intended to broaden technical expertise within Parliament, enhance oversight, expand the pool of potential minister’s and promote national cohesion.

In addition, clause 9, 10,11 establish the Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission and transfer the function of delimitation of electoral boundaries from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the new commission. The reform addresses concerns relating to institutional overlap and perceived conflicts arising from ZEC’s dual role, and promotes good governance, institutional integrity and functional specialisation.

Clause 12 and 16 repeal sections 239 (c) to (e) that relate to the registration of voters, compilation of voter’s roll and registers, and ensure proper custody and maintenance of the voters’ roll is transferred to the Registrar-General. This amendment is intended to improve efficiency, as the Registrar-General is the custodian of vital registration information.

Furthermore, clause 14 repeals section 180(4), (4a) and (5) by removing the interview process.

Clause 15 amends section 212 (Functions of Defence Forces) of the Constitution by deleting the words “to uphold the Constitution” and substituting them with “in accordance with the Constitution”. The amendment is intended to reinforce the provision of section 213 and 214 of the Constitution.

Additionally, clause 17 repeals Part 4 of Chapter 12 of the Constitution, which establishes the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, and transfers its functions and responsibilities to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. The amendment aims to consolidate oversight of human rights, including gender equality, under a single institution, promoting greater efficiency, coherence, and effectiveness in the protection of fundamental rights.

UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2025/2026 SUMMER PRODUCTION PLAN

Cabinet received and noted an update on the 2025/26 Summer Crops Production Plan.

The current Strategic Grain Stock at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stands at 187 245 tonnes, with 113 751 tonnes being wheat while the balance comprises maize and traditional grains. Notably, ARDA as the food security agent for the nation has contributed 84.8 percent of the marketed grain. In terms of funding, the summer cropping season currently stands at ZiG73 million and US$313 933 million. The Grain Marketing Board has already paid farmers for grain deliveries valued at US$22 384 053.16 and weekly payments are being made to clear outstanding payments.

Cabinet highlights that the first round of crop, livestock and fisheries assessment led by the Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency is underway and conclusive area indications for various crops are expected in due course. Preliminary assessments indicate that the crop condition is good across all provinces.

A total of 1 900 709 hectares across the ten provinces was set aside for maize during the 2025/2026 season, compared to 1 463 465 hectares during the 2024/2025 season, representing a 30 percent increase. To date, ARDA has planted 101 230 hectares, comprising 34 752 hectares under maize and 66 478 hectares under sorghum.

Concerning the adoption of climate-proofed, sustainable intensive conservation agriculture, provinces registered a combined 15 967 155 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots under the 2025/2026 season, compared to the 10 817 408 plots achieved in 2024/2025, indicating a 48 percent increase. A total of 164 536 hectares has been planted under tobacco, reflecting a 15 percent increase in area compared to the 143 025 hectares planted at the same time in 2025. The crop condition is reportedly good, and the country is poised for another record harvest.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATIONS

Cabinet received an update report on preparations for the National Youth Day celebrations.

The celebrations will be held at Igava Training Centre in Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province on February 21 2026, under the theme “Youth Agenda for Transformation”

The event will continue the rotation of hosting national events among provinces, promoting regional development and youth empowerment. A new, state-of-the-art vocational and youth centre to be established at Igava will be named in honour of President Mnangagwa, to support skills training and entrepreneurial growth for young people. The youth centre will be equipped with modern, state-of-the-art facilities including smart workshops, metal fabrication and digital learning laboratories, innovation and incubation hubs, demonstration farms, mining technical workshops, sports and recreation amenities, residential accommodation, and health facilities, among others. It will provide a diverse curriculum and training programmes, which will be supported through Public-Private Partnerships to enhance market relevance and ensure sustainability. A total of 30 000 youths from all provinces will be mobilised to participate in the celebrations at Igava.

Outcomes expected from the 2026 National Youth Day Celebrations include enhancing employment opportunities; empowering young people; developing skills for youths who are not in education, employment or training; supporting youth-owned enterprises; and establishing a model for Youth Service and vocational training centres across the country.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE 46TH INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AND THE CHILDREN’S PARTY

Cabinet received and noted a progress update on preparations for the 46th Independence Day anniversary celebrations and the 2026 Children’ s Party.

Cabinet advises that the 46th Independence Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party will be held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District of Matabeleland South Province under the theme “Zim@46-Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”. The Children’ s Party will be held at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will be held at Minda Primary School in Matobo District.

The decision to hold the celebrations at Maphisa Growth Point resonates with the rotational principle of “Leaving No one and No Place Behind”. The event will not only honour the legacy of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo who hailed from Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, but will also bring about a surge in infrastructural projects, including rehabilitation of roads, schools and health facilities.

Preparations for the upcoming events commenced in earnest in October 2025 with Government teams mobilised to spearhead development initiatives which include rehabilitation and surfacing of three major access roads at Maphisa Growth Point and the gravelling of three more, to provide access to the Independence Celebrations Venue.

Other legacy roads which are to be rehabilitated include the Bulawayo Airport Road; Bulawayo to Kezi; Bulawayo to Maphisa; Gwanda to Maphisa; Maphisa to Mphoengs; Maphisa to Sun Yat Sen; Sun Yat Sen to Manama; St Joseph to Sun Yat Sen; Filabusi to Avoca; Plumtree to Tsholotsho; Plumtree to Maitengwe and Ndolwane roads.

The Government has already worked out the programme and logistical arrangements for the Children’s Party and the main celebrations where a total of 3 050 learners are expected to participate. Other significant milestones include the following:

The  memorialisation  of  already  identified  liberation  war  sites  at Ratanyana, Zezani Mission, Ratanyana Battle Sites, King Mzilikazi’s grave site and the District Heroes Acre;

Establishment of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training Centre in honour of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo;

Installation of Information Communication Technologies devices and gadgets at Mahetshe Secondary School and 50 schools in the district;

Establishment of a cultural centre and a drug and substance abuse rehabilitation legacy facility;

Selection of entertainment groups such as Ufasimba the Home of Arts, Idonsakusa the Morning Star, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Mavusani and the Chimurenga vocalists, Macrey Super Sounds; and many others;

Selection of Herentals Queens Football Club to play against Mpopoma Sports Academy for the Children’s Party, while the Premier League sides Scottland FC and Highlanders Football Club will play during the main Independence celebrations; and selection of 18 torch bearers for the lighting of the Independence Flame.

PROPOSED GENERAL AMNESTY 2026

Cabinet considered and approved the 2026 General Amnesty as proposed by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.Cabinet advises that President Mnangagwa will, in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, exercise his power of mercy to grant pardon to any person concerned in or convicted of an offence against the law.

The Presidential Clemency aligns with the mandate of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service on the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders back into society. Inmates who have demonstrated good behaviour and readiness to be reintegrated into society will benefit through the 2026 general amnesty before the parole system comes into effect.

The following categories of prisoners will benefit under the 2026 general amnesty:

All convicted female prisoners;

Juveniles;

Prisoners serving an effective period of 48 months and below;

Inmates certified terminally ill;

Prisoners at open prison;

All prisoners aged 60;

Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, provided they have served 20 years;

Prisoners with disabilities; and

An additional one quarter remission of the effective term of imprisonment to those prisoners who were sentenced to more than 48 months.

The General Amnesty will exclude any prisoner who was previously released on amnesty; any person serving a sentence imposed by a court martial; any person with a record of escaping from lawful custody; and any inmate convicted of any specified offence.

The specified offences include murder, treason, rape or sexual offence, carjacking, robbery, armed robbery, public violence, human trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm, contravention of the Electricity Act, the Postal and Telecommunications Act, the Public Order and Security Act/ the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, the Railway Act; and the Copper Act.