Village Heads Back Constitutional Amendment Allowing Traditional Leaders To Enter Politics

The Zimbabwe National Village Heads Association (ZIVHA) has declared its full support for a proposed amendment to repeal a constitutional clause that bans traditional leaders from engaging in politics.

Currently, Section 281(2) of the 2013 Constitution explicitly prohibits traditional leaders from joining political parties, acting in a partisan manner, or furthering the interests of any political organisation.

However, the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill seeks to scrap this restriction to restore the political rights of traditional leaders.

ZIVHA argued that the amendment would allow chiefs to openly participate in national politics.

The association suggested that their ethical conduct should instead be governed by a future Act of Parliament, rather than rigid constitutional bans.

ZIVHA is a newly formed pressure group led by national chairman Temba Mliswa and national secretary-general Emmanuel Danha, both of whom hold the traditional title of Sabhuku (village head).

“Following the repeal, traditional leaders’ political participation will no longer be capped by the constitution itself. Instead, their code of conduct and the boundaries of their political involvement will be detailed and regulated through an enabling Act of Parliament,” ZIVHA said.

The association argued that traditional leaders are citizens who deserve full democratic rights and remain vital pillars of national development.

Related:

Law Society Of Zimbabwe Says Constitutional Amendment Bill Requires A Referendum “CAB3 Could Allow Election Rigging Before A Single Vote Is Cast”