By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 22 October 2025 – The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has joined a swelling wave of resistance against ZANU PF’s controversial resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office from 2028 to 2030, warning that tampering with the national Constitution for political gain would plunge the country into chaos.
In a hard-hitting statement released yesterday , the labour federation said it was “deeply disgusted and concerned” by ZANU PF’s move, describing it as “a retrogressive and selfish attempt to mutilate the Constitution.”
“The ZCTU categorically states that any attempt to butcher the Constitution for personal or partisan political gain is unacceptable and stands in direct violation of the principles of democracy, constitutionalism and respect for the rule of law,” said ZCTU Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo.
The union said Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by citizens in a 2013 referendum, must not be manipulated to serve individual interests.
“No one is irreplaceable or immortal,” the statement added, insisting that Zimbabwe has enough capable leaders to take over the presidency when Mnangagwa’s current term expires in 2028.
The ZCTU also warned that constitutional tampering would erode investor confidence and destabilize the economy. “Such actions risk plunging the nation into political instability and chaos, undermining production, investment, economic growth, and job creation,” it said.
The labour body said it would soon embark on nationwide consultations with workers, unions, and civic groups to decide on collective action “in defence of the Constitution,” adding that it is ready to take to the streets if the government proceeds with what it called a “dishonourable 2030 agenda.”
The ZCTU’s statement follows mounting condemnation from civil society, opposition parties, and legal experts after ZANU PF’s 22nd Annual National People’s Conference held in Mutare resolved to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office by two years.
At the weekend, the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) described the move as “reckless, unconstitutional, and a direct attack on the will of the people.”
The group vowed to mobilize citizens under the #NoTo2030 campaign, saying the resolution violates Section 328 of the Constitution, which requires two national referenda before amending presidential term limits.
“The Constitution, our social contract and national covenant, cannot and will not be mutilated to serve narrow political interests,” the CDF said.
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa also dismissed the ruling party’s resolution, saying it “binds ZANU PF and its members, not Zimbabwe and her people.”
Meanwhile, ZANU PF has defended the proposal, saying it is meant to ensure “continuity and consolidation of the gains of the Second Republic.”
However, analysts warn that the push for term extension could deepen political divisions and test the strength of Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2028 general elections.
As pressure mounts, the ZCTU says it will remain on the side of democracy and workers’ rights. “We are not short of solutions to defend the democratic turf,” Marimo said. “We are prepared to flood the streets if need be. The Constitution must remain the unshakeable framework guiding our nation’s governance, not a tool of political convenience.”