Communities across Matabeleland have voiced anger and disappointment following the decision by traditional leaders to endorse the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
On Thursday evening, chiefs from Matabeleland North and South, acting under the National Council of Chiefs, announced their support for the Bill during a brief press conference in Bulawayo.
The endorsement was confirmed by the Council’s president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who said the traditional leaders had reached a unanimous decision.
Speaking at the press conference, which lasted less than two minutes, Chief Khumalo, flanked by the National Council of Chiefs’ Deputy President, Chief Fortune Charumbira, said:
“We unanimously endorse and support the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill. We will be submitting two or three issues relating to traditional leaders’ enhancement.”
Chief Mtshane acknowledged the presence of senior traditional leaders, including Senator Chief Siansali, Chief Sitaudze, Chief Mathuphula, Chief Nyangazonke, Chief Masendu, and all other chiefs from the two Matabeleland provinces.
The press conference lasted less than two minutes and left more questions than answers, as journalists were barred from asking follow‑up questions.
The abrupt end to the briefing has sparked criticism, with many questioning the transparency of the process and whether the chiefs genuinely consulted the communities they represent.
Some community members who spoke to CITE accused traditional leaders of abandoning their representative role, while others questioned whether dissenting voices within the traditional leadership were present at the meeting.
Under the current legal framework, chiefs are prohibited from joining political parties, acting in a partisan manner, or advancing political interests.
However, Clause 20 of the proposed amendment would allow chiefs, headmen, and village heads to openly participate in partisan politics.
More: CITE
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