The Bulawayo provincial leadership of the National Organisation for Development and Empowerment (NODE) has backed the ruling ZANU–PF’s push for Constitutional Amendment No. 3, saying the proposed reforms would strengthen governance and accelerate national development.
The Bill, gazetted in mid-February, proposes that the President be elected by Parliament through a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate. It also seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.
In an interview in Bulawayo, NODE Bulawayo provincial chairperson Eddie Benson Muchenje said the organisation supports initiatives aligned with the country’s development agenda.
“Development requires stability, continuity and strong institutions. As an organisation that works directly with communities, we believe constitutional reforms that strengthen governance frameworks are important in ensuring Zimbabwe continues on its development path,” Muchenje said.
Founded in 2012, NODE focuses on community empowerment and social support programmes targeting disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
Muchenje said the organisation’s work aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring that “no one and no place is left behind” as Zimbabwe pursues upper-middle-income status by 2030.
He added that grassroots organisations like NODE play a key role in bridging the gap between national policy and community development, noting that many challenges faced by ordinary citizens require coordinated efforts between government and civic actors.
“Our work on the ground exposes us daily to the realities faced by vulnerable communities, particularly widows, orphans, people with disabilities and young people struggling to find opportunities,” he said.
“That is why we support governance frameworks that promote policy consistency and long-term planning. Constitutional Amendment No. 3 must be viewed within the broader context of building a stable political environment that allows development programmes to flourish.”
Muchenje said stability in leadership and policy direction was critical to achieving Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda.
“Zimbabwe has set a clear target of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, and that vision requires sustained leadership and policy continuity,” he said.
“From the perspective of community organisations like NODE, reforms that enhance governance efficiency will ultimately benefit ordinary citizens because they allow development programmes to be implemented without unnecessary disruption.”
