President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, said that the proposal supported by some within ZANU PF to extend the President’s second and final term by two years to 2030, or to amend the constitution to allow him to seek a third term, is “dead and buried.”
Charamba was responding to the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), which had expressed concern over the focus on extending Mnangagwa’s term, rather than addressing “bread and butter issues.”
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/government-slams-latest-zcbc-pastoral-letter/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday, Charamba said President Mnangagwa has “made it very clear and in plain language” that he has no intention of seeking an extension of his term beyond what is allowed by the constitution. He said:
<blockquote>
The bishops raised the issue of the debate around the Presidential term of office. Whilst this is really within their remit to proffer views and ideas on the matter, what Government found a bit disturbing is the fact that the Bishops conference is pronouncing itself on a matter which is in fact dead and buried.
The President, some two or so weeks ago, met with editors and made it very clear and in plain language that he has no intention whatsoever of pushing for an extension of his term beyond what is constitutionally provided for.
It is therefore rather surprising that the eminent bishops decided to revisit what in fact is now a closed matter.
When the party or any citizens express a desire to change the Constitution to accommodate an extra term for the President, that wish does not and cannot close the matter.
The nominee for that extension has to want to have that term extended, isn’t it? This is why we talk about what we call an acceptance speech or a statement.
The President has made it clear that he has no intention of accepting that proposal which is coming from the party and from society.
And once the nominee has turned down the proposal, then it means the debate on the matter, whilst it may continue in society, cannot have any serious executive implication, in which case one does not expect the Holy fathers and Bishops to continue to harp on a matter which in fact stands closed.
</blockquote>
Charamba also addressed the Catholic bishops’ complaint that Zimbabweans are being overtaxed by the government. The bishops said that those fortunate enough to still be employed are bearing a heavy tax burden. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
Secondly, we also could not understand why, especially after the inaugural Cabinet meeting statement by the President, why the issue of the burden of taxation, which is receiving attention from Government, why it continues to exercise the minds of the Bishops.
If the statement by the President at the commencement of the 2025 Cabinet Year did not bring comfort to the Bishops, one wonders what would.
I think it is very important that far from raising a matter which is already receiving executive attention, it would actually be a lot more helpful if the bishops can actually take the message of hope to society that indeed something is being done by way of rationalising our tax system to lighten the burden on the citizen.
</blockquote>
Charamba argued that tax reforms cannot be implemented overnight, as doing so would have significant implications for the economy as a whole. He said:
<blockquote>
You want to make sure that you are very deliberate and calculated in the way you reform the tax system so that you do not affect the revenue streams which are so needful when it comes to public investments and social development. We are talking about lives here.
We are talking about key basic services which cannot be dispensed with and which have to be funded from the revenues that come from the tax structure that we have in the country.
So really our message to the bishops is to please bear with us, bear with Government as it reforms the tax structure with the ultimate objective of lightening the burden on the citizenry which is in fact the goal that we are all working towards.
Yes, that also holds with respect to institutional reforms. I think all institutions remain candidates for reforms if we are going to run institutions that are a living tissue for the common good.
</blockquote>
The Catholic bishops also criticised the unpunished corruption, claiming that those responsible are not only uncensored but are often rewarded while draining the nation’s resources. In response, Charamba said:
<blockquote>
Reform in changing institutions is one challenge that all living institutions face and it does not exclude any one institution. 
Yes, there is an appreciation of the sentiments expressed by the Bishop with respect to fighting corruption, which by the way, is something that Government considers as a priority area.
We need everyone to come to the table; Government which means the Executive arm of the State, Parliament, the Judiciary, the churches themselves, civil societies and above all the citizens because ultimately corruption occurs and happens within society. 
Once a society says no to corruption then necessarily we defeat it because what corruption levies on the citizens is always very high and creates conditions of poverty which the Bishops are worried about.
</blockquote>

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President Mnangagwa's spokesperson, George Charamba, says extending the President's term is not happening. The Catholic bishops are concerned about this idea. Charamba also says tax reforms take time and need to be done carefully. He argues that fighting corruption is a priority. All institutions need to work together to fight corruption. Charamba says corruption hurts people and creates poverty. The President has made it clear he will not seek an extension of his term. Tax reforms are needed to lighten the burden on citizens.

Mnangagwa’s Spokesperson Dismisses Term Extension Proposal As "Dead and Buried"

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has warned that Zimbabwe is “doomed” if President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration does not take decisive action to curb rampant corruption.
In a pastoral letter issued on March 3, just two days before the start of the 2025 Lent Season, the bishops urged the government to prioritise “bread and butter issues” over focusing on extending Mnangagwa’s term in office.
The bishops also criticised the unpunished corruption, claiming that those responsible are not only uncensored but are often rewarded while draining the nation’s resources.
A new term, “zvigananda,” has recently emerged in Zimbabwe’s vocabulary. It is used to describe corrupt individuals who accumulate wealth through illicit means and questionable morals, exploiting personal connections with powerful politicians to seize public resources for personal gain.
The bishops warned that, given the rate at which companies are closing and people are losing their jobs, Zimbabwe is on a perilous path. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
We are all worried about the situation in the country. Politically, instead of focusing on bread-and- butter issues we are caught up in distractions such as the ‘Third term’ conversations.
Something that has brought with it divisions and unnecessary diversions from the things that do matter. Economically, we are not faring well.
Businesses are closing and many people are losing their jobs. The few who are still lucky to be working are burdened under the regime of taxes.
Corruption is rampant and seems to be out of control. At the rate which it is taking place, cutting through various sectors, the nation is doomed.
One wonders why the corrupt seem uncensured and even rewarded whilst haemorrhaging the nation.
</blockquote>
The bishops also lamented the rising poverty in the country, saying it is “not accidental,” but rather the result of specific choices and systems in place. They said:
<blockquote>
It must be said that in our society there is an ever-widening gap between the poor and the rich. Few individuals seem to be benefiting from the wealth of the nation.
We would like to remind our people that… poverty is not accidental, but a result of particular choices and systems, calls for our introspection as a nation.
</blockquote>
The bishops’ conference consists of seven Catholic bishops who oversee dioceses in Mutare, Harare, Hwange, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, and Gokwe. The current president is Reverend Paul Horan, the bishop of the Mutare diocese.
Catholic bishops have been vocal critics of Zimbabwe’s trajectory under President Mnangagwa, who came to power following a 2017 military coup with promises of political and economic reforms.
Mnangagwa’s supporters within the ruling ZANU PF party are pushing for a constitutional amendment to extend his term beyond 2028 when his second and final term is set to end.

The Catholic bishops in Zimbabwe are worried that the country is in trouble because of a lot of corruption. They are saying that some people are getting rich by stealing from the country and not getting punished. They are also unhappy that the president is thinking about staying in power for a longer time instead of fixing the problems in the country. The bishops are also sad that many people are getting poor while a few rich people keep getting richer. They are asking the government to stop corruption and focus on helping the people.

Zimbabwe Is "Doomed" As "Zvigananda" Are Rewarded, Catholic Bishops Warn

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) has said the unresolved August 2023 election dispute has worsened the suffering of ordinary citizens and that there is a general feeling that the country is moving towards a one-party State.
In a statement issued on Monday, 12 February, to mark the beginning of the Catholic Church Lenten season, ZCBC said Zimbabweans are worried that democracy is slowly dying. Said the bishops:
<blockquote>
Our local environment has not been exempted from the global challenges noted above. Our country continues to suffer from the displacement of families due to the non-performance of the economy.
The decision by the Government to raise taxes at a time when ordinary people can hardly afford a meal a day has worsened the family situation.
For the majority of the elderly and the poor in particular, it has become unbearable to live. Prices of basic commodities are increasingly expensive.
The unresolved political contests since the August 2023 elections have not left the country in a good space.
Locally, there are fears among people that we are moving towards a one-party State, with democracy dying a slow death.
</blockquote>
The Catholic bishops said most of the challenges facing people are a result of “bad politics”. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Whereas some of these ills are a result of natural disasters, most of them are man-made and are not accidental.
Poverty in the world is a direct result of the political and economic policies of governments, political parties and big businesses.
It is a result of policies and systems. In the light of bad politics, failed economic systems and their devastating effects, many people are in despair.
</blockquote>
The remarks by the Catholic bishops come as a small group of CCC activists connived with State institutions to reverse the results of the 23 August 2023 general elections and give ZANU PF a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the Lower House of Parliament.
Fronted by one Sengezo Tshabangu who claimed to be CCC’s interim secretary-general, the activists recalled dozens of the party’s MPs and Councillors who won their seats in a hostile political environment.
After effecting the recalls, Tshabangu and his colleagues did not bother fielding candidates in some of the contested wards, allowing ZANU PF candidates to win uncontested.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans Suffering Due To Unresolved Electoral Dispute - Catholic Bishops

Pastoral statement by Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) CCJPZ chairman Right Rev. Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro on the 2023 Harmonised Elections:
<blockquote>
ZCBC STATEMENT ON THE AUGUST 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
31 AUGUST 2023
“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:27) 
Zimbabwe went to the polls on the 23. and 24. of August 2023 to elect their Presidential Candidate, House of Assembly, and Local Government leaders, who will administer the country in the next 5 years.
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) commends the nation for faithfully holding these elections every five years as provided for in the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Against this background, the Catholic Church commends all political players, and the electorate for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner as they exercised their constitutional right to vote. 
The ZCBC applauds the Government of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), all Political Parties and the electorate in their pre-election planning, preparations, management of the elections and the peaceful environment.
The presence of the law enforcement agents especially the Zimbabwe Republic Police, contributed a lot in the maintenance of peace and order during the electoral period.
The ZRP helped in most polling centres by removing some groups of people who had erected some exit poll survey desk at some polling stations.
We also applaud the efforts made by the President of the Republic in extending the voting period to the 24. of August 2023 in the communities that had not voted due to delays in the dispatching of voting material.
Above all, the timely release of the election results by ZEC, before the expiry of the stipulated five-day period, is greatly appreciated.
In this regard, we appeal to the people to remain steadfast and cherish the peaceful environment. 
However, there were many challenges observed regarding the administration of the just-ended elections that we as ZCBC need to point out. These included the following:
<ul>
<li>Delays in the starting of the voting process after opening in some places across the country.</li>
<li>Late delivery of ballot papers at polling stations, which extended the voting processes into the next day.</li>
<li>There were no adequate lighting facilities in some polling stations.</li>
<li>In some polling stations, there was an unavailability of voting material</li>
<li>Some voters had challenges to find their names on the voter’s roll.</li>
<li>In some parts of the country, there were groups of people who mounted exit poll survey desks near the polling stations, displaying logos of a political party.</li>
<li>In some instances, there were displays of campaign material on the road leading to polling stations and distribution of campaign regalia to voters at polling stations and action contrary to the electoral laws.</li>
<li>Worryingly in some communities, it was noted that there was distribution of material discouraging people from voting.</li>
</ul>
Therefore, such practices would surely bring our elections into dispute due to some form of cohesion on the part of the electorate.
In reflection on the above-mentioned challenges, as ZCBC, we encourage ZEC to give an account to the nation about the delays and procurement of voting material and the missing names on the voter’s roll.
The opening of the polling centres during the night may surely bring to question the preparedness of ZEC to the just-ended election.
An audit of the whole exercise may give relief to the electorate to whom ZEC is answerable. This may help the nation to be satisfied with our electoral process. 
In the spirit of peace and love after the elections, we call upon all the aggrieved parties to redress their grievances following the legal procedures.
As ZCBC, we totally discourage hate speech by some members of political parties. Actions that restrain and disrupt other political parties’ gathering violate the right to association as enshrined in Section 58 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) 2013.
Let us shun barbaric actions that are contrary to the Christian ethos and national values as stated in the Preamble of our national Constitution.
Violent actions paint a negative picture of the whole election process. We call for respect to our International Mission Observers and let their objective assessment of the elections help us as a nation to correct ourselves and move on.
Their input should enrich us and act as the light of Christ showing the nation, where corrections are needed. 
We therefore advocate for peace and condemn all forms of actions that may disrupt the post-election peaceful environment.
The ZCBC continuously calls for peace and tolerance during this post-election period for the continued growth of our beloved nation.
The Church remains ready to serve the nation in its peaceful processes. God reminds us in Micah 6:8 to, “do justice, show constant love and live in humble fellowship with him”).
We ask you all, to continuously pray for peace and tolerance in our beloved nation. Let the light of Christ shine upon the people of Zimbabwe and show them the way to go amidst these post-election events.
In this way, we display the conduct worthy of the Gospel as we search for answers to our post-election grievances.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Roman Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Statement On 2023 Harmonised Elections | Full Text

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) has issued a Pastoral Statement ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for 23 August 2023.
In the statement, issued on 05 July 2023, the ZCBC reminded Zimbabwean citizens that it is their right and duty to vote for a candidate of their choice.
The bishops urged voters to refuse to be used by politicians to engage in acts of politically motivated violence or to vote for those who incite violence. Reads the letter in part:
<blockquote>
Let your voices be heard through the ballot. It is your right and duty as citizens that you vote.
In so doing you determine the nation that you want, and you choose its leaders for the next five years.
Your vote is your personal decision and an expression of your freedom. Do not be intimidated, coerced, or manipulated to vote against your will.
Refuse to be used in violent attacks against your fellow brothers and sisters. 
Any party or politician that incites violence or persuades you to join in violent attacks, is not worthy of your vote.
Give your vote to those who deserve it. Of the many choices that you are presented with, be discerning with the aid of the Holy Spirit and choose who you want.
This election is not about friends and enemies. If it presents us with choices, it is because of the varying ideologies that political parties uphold, not that we are sworn enemies.
We are one people, Zimbabweans, divided we fall, but united we stand. United we must stand and be fellow workers in building up our country.
</blockquote>
The ZCBC also implored politicians to desist from inciting their supporters to commit violence against opponents but to be an influence for good. ZCBC said:
<blockquote>
You have a huge responsibility for the lives of our people. In these weeks you have spaces and the power to influence the citizens. Exercise this privilege responsibly… 
History will judge you harshly, should the nation be divided because of you. After all the campaigns and elections have come and gone, there remains not just party people to be governed, but the whole nation.
If you divide the citizens now, it will be difficult to govern a divided nation. As you go about your campaigns persuade the citizens to vote for you, convince them of your ideas and aim for willing support.
Dear politicians you need no reminder from us of the power of speech. Words have the potential to build and destroy.
Be responsible in your utterances. Work to build and promote peace. Avoid the use of inflammatory, politically charged and derogatory language.
These can easily fan hatred and incite violence. As you campaign, let your campaign managers and followers take heed of your example, and be agents of peace.
Let the values of love, justice, peace, unity, tolerance and harmony characterize this year’s campaigns. Peace begins with each one of us.
In your roles, be ambassadors of peace. Let no blood be shed in your name and for your vote.
</blockquote>
The ZCBC also urged the media to “be non-partisan, and cover all parties in the same manner.”
The bishops said the media should report on issues factually and to avoid misrepresentations and biased reporting.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Don't Vote For Perpetrators Of Violence, Catholic Bishops Tell Zimbabweans

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has condemned the recent violence perpetrated against elderly villagers in Murehwa North perceived to be CCC supporters by suspected ZANU PF activists.
In a statement issued on 12 January 2023, and signed by ZCBC president Rt. Rev Paul Horan and vice president Rt. Rev Raymond Mupandasekwa, the bishops demanded the arrest and prosecution of the assailants as well as the provision of support to the victims of the violence by authorities. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
We the members of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) would want to condemn the barbaric act of violence captured on a video that circulated on social media over the weekend. 
The most disturbing thing is that the violent acts are meted out against senior citizens, people who should be enjoying the rights brought about by our independence. 
What is more worrisome is that the violence captured in the video is politically related. A voice can be heard asking the senior citizens as to what a particular political party has done for them. 
As the nation heads towards the harmonized elections, we urge all political players to desist from the use of violence and the use of young people to commit violent crimes. 
Violence should not be employed to gain political mileage. The people’s fundamental rights should be respected at all times. 
Citizens of this nation have rights enshrined in our Constitution. Among those rights is the freedom of choice, association and political rights.
We would like to urge all parties to be responsible in their campaigns. Sell to the people your ideologies, and convince them with your arguments. As you do so, respect their choices. 
There is no citizen who should be intimidated or coerced, and worse still, be beaten to make a choice. That speaks against human dignity. 
As a nation we have in the past seen a lot of violence around elections; let this election be different.
The people of this country dream and yearn for a free, credible and fair election. It’s not the casting of ballots that ascertains that, it’s the environment we create before, during and after elections. 
It is therefore incumbent on the government, political parties, and all institutions that we create a level playing field. 
Equal opportunities should be given to all who want to participate in this coming election. There should be no fear or favour. 
Heinous violent crimes such as the one captured on the ‘Murehwa video’ should be condemned by all parties.
We, therefore, call for zero tolerance to violence. The culture of violence speaks against the moral fabric of our society. 
To curb nurturing such a culture we call upon the government through its various institutions to bring the perpetrators of violence to justice and may the victims of that violence be protected and given the necessary care.
</blockquote>

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