Fresh tensions have emerged between Zanu PF and self-styled CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu ahead of a decisive Senate vote on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), amid reports that negotiations between the two sides have stalled.
The dispute comes just days after legislators aligned to Tshabangu helped the ruling party secure the two-thirds majority required to push the controversial Bill through the National Assembly.
CAB3 was formally introduced in the Senate on Thursday for its first and second readings, setting the stage for another crucial vote that could determine the future of the proposed constitutional changes.
Sources familiar with the negotiations say Tshabangu’s camp is increasingly frustrated and has warned that it could activate what it describes as a “nuclear option” if its concerns are not addressed.
The exact nature of the threat remains unclear, but insiders say it could complicate Zanu PF’s efforts to secure the support needed to pass the Bill in the Upper House.
Last week, 34 legislators aligned to Tshabangu voted alongside Zanu PF in the National Assembly, helping the ruling party comfortably exceed the two-thirds majority threshold required for constitutional amendments.
The Bill seeks to extend the tenure of senior judges and delay the implementation of constitutional provisions relating to elected local authority mayors and presidential running mates.
With the legislation now before the Senate, every vote is becoming increasingly significant.
Zanu PF controls 33 seats in the Senate, while opposition parties hold 26 elected seats. The chamber also includes 18 traditional chiefs and two senators representing persons with disabilities.
A total of 54 votes is required for the Bill to pass.
According to sources, Zanu PF secretary-general Jacob Mudenda and other senior party officials have been engaged in discussions with Tshabangu’s camp in an effort to secure continued cooperation.
Mudenda declined to comment on the negotiations.
“I do not comment on such things,” he said.
Tshabangu’s spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo confirmed that talks were ongoing but warned that his camp’s patience was wearing thin.
“We have met, are meeting and continue to engage. We do not want to be put in a position where we activate the nuclear option,” Mlilo said.
“Our requests are politically reasonable. We expect our colleagues to act in the national interest and not take us for granted. The nuclear option remains available.”
He added that discussions could not continue indefinitely.
“We are engaged in substantive dialogue, but dialogue cannot be endless and repetitive. Our demands are reasonable, patriotic, legally sound and in the national interest. If Zanu PF chooses to stall, we are fully prepared to deploy our definitive political leverage.”
Reports circulating within political circles suggest Tshabangu’s camp is seeking influence over several key government ministries, including Education, Public Service, Health and Foreign Affairs.
However, Mlilo rejected suggestions that the discussions were focused on positions or political appointments.
Instead, he said the group’s priority was the establishment of what he described as a National Governance Covenant.
According to Mlilo, the proposed covenant would focus on six key priorities: free quality education, free quality healthcare, social grants for vulnerable citizens, improved remuneration and working conditions for public servants, a pan-African foreign policy and stronger protection of civil and political rights.
“We want a government of national consensus anchored by a National Governance Covenant,” he said.
The standoff comes at a critical moment for CAB3, which has become one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in recent years.
Critics argue that the Bill could fundamentally alter Zimbabwe’s constitutional architecture and have accused the government of attempting to entrench its hold on power.
Supporters insist the amendments are necessary to improve governance, strengthen institutions and ensure policy continuity.
With the Senate vote looming and negotiations continuing behind closed doors, attention is increasingly turning to whether Tshabangu and his allies will continue backing the Bill or trigger the political confrontation they have repeatedly hinted at.
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