Jonathan Moyo Denies Role in Constitutional Court Challenge Over 2030 Agenda

Jonathan Moyo

Exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo has dismissed claims that he was the “principal architect” behind a Constitutional Court challenge filed by the civic group Ibhetshu LikaZulu, calling the allegations false and part of an attempt to damage his reputation. The legal challenge sought to contest proposed constitutional amendments linked to the 2030 agenda, a political plan to extend Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure beyond the current two-term presidential limit.

Speaking to The NewsHawks, Moyo said he had no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the case and declined to speculate about the decision taken by the organisation and its secretary-general, Mbuso Fuzwayo.

“I’ve seen the ongoing media frenzy and that unsigned press statement floating around, but let’s be crystal clear: I have zero view on the withdrawal, and I won’t pretend otherwise,” Moyo said. “I know nothing about their reasons beyond what the headlines are repeating. Without facts, speculation is just noise.”

The controversy emerged after lawyer Method Ndlovu alleged that Moyo played a central role in initiating the legal challenge. Ndlovu, who had been representing Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu LikaZulu in the case, withdrew as legal counsel earlier this month, citing a breakdown in trust with his clients and what he described as significant reputational risks.

In a letter dated 5 March, the lawyer claimed that Moyo had been the “principal architect” of the litigation. However, Moyo strongly rejected the allegation, saying he had not communicated with Fuzwayo or the organisation about the case.

“They didn’t inform me because they had no reason to, and neither did I,” Moyo said. “I have not spoken a single word to Mbuso Fuzwayo or Ibhetshu LikaZulu about anything, let alone this case, for several years.”

He also said he had never engaged Ndlovu about legal representation, payments or the litigation itself, describing the claims against him as fabricated.

“The entire story is pure fiction, cooked up by Ndlovu and his unprofessional handlers, some of them lawyers, in a desperate attempt to smear and extort money,” Moyo said.

The dispute follows Ibhetshu LikaZulu’s announcement that it had withdrawn its application before the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe, challenging the government’s proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill.

In a statement issued on Monday, Fuzwayo said the organisation decided to withdraw the case after consultations with stakeholders and amid what he described as sustained attacks targeting the reputation of the group and its leadership. Despite withdrawing the legal challenge, the civic organisation said it remains opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments and would continue advocating against them through other means. Fuzwayo also indicated support for other ongoing legal challenges to the amendments, including efforts led by constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku.

The proposed changes stem from a resolution adopted by the ruling ZANU PF at its 2024 national conference. Among the proposals being debated are extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and altering the process used to elect the president. Critics argue that such amendments could weaken democratic governance and undermine constitutional safeguards, while supporters say the reforms would strengthen political stability.

Debate over the proposals continues within Zimbabwe’s legal and political circles as various groups pursue different strategies to challenge or support the amendments.

Jonathan Moyo Constitutional Court challenge