BULAWAYO – Political activist and Ibhetshu Likazulu secretary-general, Mbuso Fuzwayo, has defended his Constitutional Court application challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged bid to extend his term to 2030, amid accusations that the case is part of a Zanu-PF-sponsored strategy to legitimise the extension.
Fuzwayo, who described himself as a long-time grassroots activist known for his human rights advocacy in Matabeleland, has been accused by some political observers and civil society figures of fronting a “collusive or sham” court case intended to fail and create a legal precedent favourable to Mnangagwa’s continued rule.
However, in an interview with The NewsHawks, Fuzwayo rejected the claims, describing them as malicious and unfounded.
He insisted that his court application was genuine and motivated by a desire to defend the Constitution against any attempt to unlawfully extend the President’s tenure.
“Those who know me very well know that I’m a bona fide grassroots activist acting out of conscience, conviction, and a strong desire to defend the poor people’s rights, freedom, and dignity,” he said.
“I have never aided or abetted Zanu-PF in any way, shape, or form in my life, and I never will.”
Fuzwayo said the controversy began after a draft of the application was leaked on social media, sparking speculation and conspiracy theories about his motives. He claimed the leak attracted opportunistic lawyers and commentators who misrepresented the case as a political ploy.
“We discussed what was to be done about Mnangagwa’s term extension plan, which we strongly oppose, and we agreed that we should challenge it in court.
“Then someone leaked the draft. That caused some problems. That is when some lawyers and journalists came in and started writing these theories,” he said.
The court application, filed through Advocate Method Ndlovu of Sithole Law Chambers, seeks to block the Zanu-PF proposal to extend Mnangagwa’s term from 2028 to 2030.
It cites Mnangagwa, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, and Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza as respondents.
At the centre of the legal challenge is the Zanu-PF 2024 national conference resolution, which directed the government to pursue constitutional amendments allowing Mnangagwa to stay in power for two more years.
The application argues that such an amendment would violate Sections 56, 67, and 328 of the Constitution, which enshrine equality before the law, political participation, and limits on altering presidential term provisions.
The Constitutional Court has since granted the applicants leave for direct access, recognising the matter’s national importance.
Despite the formal progress of the case, allegations persist that it is part of a covert strategy to obtain a dismissal that could later be cited to justify the extension. Reports have linked the drafting of the application to legal actors close to ruling party officials.
Legal experts have warned that if the allegations are true, the matter could amount to collusive litigation, a deliberate manipulation of the courts for political gain.
The controversy has also caused internal divisions within Ibhetshu Likazulu. Activist Gifford Sibanda reportedly resigned in protest, accusing the organisation of being used for political ends contrary to its founding principles.
Fuzwayo has, however, maintained that his conscience is clear and that his organisation remains committed to constitutionalism and democracy.
“I have been in this struggle for 25 years. Unlike many in civil society and the opposition, I don’t need donors and other things like that to fight for the people. I work with communities with or without money.
“Right now, while people are busy saying I have been paid to file the court application, which is false, I only have US$10 in my pocket. That’s all the money I have for everything I need.
“I have nothing to my name worth talking about, but we fight for ordinary people all over the country,” he said.
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