Themba Mliswa Criticises Retired General Henry Muchena Over Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3)

Themba Mliswa

Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has publicly criticised retired Air Vice-Marshal Henry Muchena over his opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3). Muchena recently wrote to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, urging lawmakers to subject the proposed amendments to a national referendum. The proposed changes include measures that could extend the tenure of Emmerson Mnangagwa and introduce reforms affecting Zimbabwe’s political, electoral, and governance systems.

In his letter to Parliament, Muchena argued that the principles of the liberation struggle placed ultimate authority in the hands of citizens. He said any constitutional changes affecting presidential term limits or governance structures should therefore be approved through direct public participation. Muchena maintained that a referendum would ensure that Zimbabweans have the final say on amendments to the country’s supreme law.

Mliswa, a former provincial chairperson of ZANU‑PF in Mashonaland West and a vocal supporter of Mnangagwa, rejected Muchena’s position. In a detailed social media post, Mliswa accused Muchena and other retired military figures of attempting to portray themselves as representatives of war veterans and former security service members.

“The politicking begins when people cannot face up to their own gallantry and posture behind vague titles of ‘Retired Zimbabwean Generals’, dragging innocent souls in their mistimed leap for relevance,” Mliswa wrote.

He also alleged that some former military leaders had previously failed to advocate for the welfare of ordinary war veterans during their time in positions of influence.

Mliswa further argued that the retired officers now criticising the proposed amendments have limited influence within the current military and political establishment. According to Mliswa, some of the public interventions by retired officials may be politically motivated attempts to regain relevance in national debates. He concluded his remarks with a Shona message urging leaders to prioritise supporting their comrades before claiming to represent broader causes.

The exchange highlights the growing political debate surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3), which has drawn strong opinions from political leaders, former security officials, and civil society groups. As discussions continue, stakeholders across Zimbabwe’s political spectrum are increasingly weighing in on the legitimacy and process of the proposed constitutional reforms.

Henry Muchena letter to Parliament Henry Muchena