Nelson Chamisa deletes X post that appeared to reference Chiwenga's biblical remarks on CAB3

Nelson Chamisa deleted an X post that social media users linked to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga's recent biblical references amid debate over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

HARARE – Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has deleted a post on X that appeared to reference Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga's recent use of biblical imagery in speeches delivered amid growing debate over the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).

The Bill, which was passed by Parliament last week, is awaiting President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assent before it can become law. CAB3 has become one of Zimbabwe's most contentious constitutional reform proposals, attracting criticism from opposition parties, churches, legal experts and civil society organisations. Opponents argue that the amendments could reshape key constitutional provisions, including extending President Mnangagwa's term from 2028 to 2030 and changing aspects of the country's electoral framework.

A broad alliance of church leaders, opposition politicians and civic organisations has since formed Sungano yeVanhu/Ubumbano loMphakathi (The People's Coalition) to campaign against the Bill. Among those associated with the coalition are Reverend Kupukwashe Mtata, Lovemore Madhuku, Tendai Biti, Reuben Zulu, David Coltart and Jameson Timba.

Chamisa is not part of the coalition, a position that has drawn criticism from some opposition supporters who believe he should play a more active role in coordinated efforts against the proposed constitutional amendments. Although he has repeatedly criticised CAB3 on social media, Chamisa has not joined the coalition's legal and political campaign. He has also dismissed allegations that he is cooperating with ZANU-PF.

On Friday, Chamisa posted the message:

"Razaro ari kupiko? Ko Hezekia? Hezekia akazoita sei zviya? #Godisinit."

The post was later deleted without explanation. While Chamisa did not identify anyone in the message, some social media users interpreted it as a reference to Vice-President Chiwenga's recent speeches, in which he invoked the biblical figures Lazarus and King Hezekiah.

Chiwenga has used those biblical references during public addresses in recent weeks. Although he did not explicitly connect them to CAB3, the speeches have generated widespread political commentary and competing interpretations regarding their intended meaning.

Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu said he viewed Chamisa's now-deleted post as political satire rather than a substantive political intervention.

"I think this is political banter by Chamisa mocking the chaos and divisions in Zanu-PF over CAB3," Mukundu said.

"This is mockery intending to send a message to Zanu-PF leaders that their time in the fire will come."

Neither Chamisa nor his representatives publicly explained why the post was removed.

Opposition to CAB3 has continued to grow since Parliament approved the Bill, with critics arguing that the proposed amendments could significantly alter Zimbabwe's constitutional order. In addition to political opposition, the Bill has also become the subject of legal challenges seeking to halt its progress before presidential assent. The legislation will only become law if President Mnangagwa signs it. Until then, both political campaigning and court proceedings challenging the constitutional amendment process are expected to continue.

Nelson Chamisa CAB3