Staff Writer
Harare- ZANU PF Harare Province Chairlady Cde Babra Mwale has declared that extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years is a “patriotic duty” that transcends party lines, as the ruling party intensifies its push for Constitutional Amendment Number 3.
In an interview today, a combative Mwale dismissed opposition criticism, arguing the amendment is critical for economic stability and the full realisation of Vision 2030.
“Let me be clear: This amendment is not about President Mnangagwa; it is about the future of our children and the prosperity of this great nation,” said Mwale. “Those who oppose it are enemies of progress who want to see us return to the days of instability and economic ruin. We will not allow a few disgruntled voices to derail the Second Republic.”
Mwale’s statement echoes the fiery call by ZANU PF Harare Province Political Commissar Voyage Dambuza, who earlier rallied thousands of supporters from Glen View, Budiriro, and surrounding areas with the slogan: “Unity over politics, always.”
“We cannot afford to let political squabbles derail our progress,” Dambuza said, framing the extension as a necessary tool to lock in stability achieved under the Second Republic.
BACKGROUND ON MWALE
As head of the Harare Provincial Women’s League, Mwale has been at the forefront of grassroots campaigns linking constitutional reform directly to the welfare of women and families. Her leadership is marked by an aggressive push for economic inclusivity, distributing thousands of chickens and sewing machines, and securing a US$3 million fund to empower women across the capital.
Mwale ascended to the powerful provincial chairlady position following the suspension of her predecessor, Cde Ratidzo Mukarati, over misconduct. Since taking over as acting chair, she has consolidated influence by focusing on tangible delivery—linking party loyalty to economic survival through poultry schemes and savings groups.
She also serves as the Women’s League Secretary for External Relations and is widely regarded as a bridge between the ruling party and the urban populace—a demographic historically difficult for ZANU PF to sway.
“Just as we have empowered women to stand on their own, we must empower this nation to finish what it started. Seven years of continuity means our hospitals will be equipped, our roads will be paved, and every household will feel the presence of the State,” Mwale told this newspaper.
With parliamentary debate imminent, the “Unity Over Politics” campaign signals a high-stakes political gamble, as the ruling party moves to lock in power amidst deepening economic challenges and growing internal friction.
