Thousands march at Birchenough Bridge backing the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill

Archbishop Andby Makururu addressing supporters 

BIRCHENOUGH BRIDGE — About 10,000 congregants of Johanne The 5th of Africa International brought business to a standstill at Birchenough Bridge Centre on Saturday as they marched in support of the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill, organisers and witnesses said.

The amendment package proposes several major changes to Zimbabwe’s political system, including extending presidential terms from five to seven years and ending direct presidential elections, among other sweeping reforms. Archbishop Andby Makururu, leader of the church, led the procession from his shrine just outside Birchenough Bridge along the Mutare‑Masvingo Highway to Save River, roughly five kilometres from the town centre.

“We are here in Birchenough Bridge in Manicaland province for two days, and on Saturday, we marched in full support of the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill,” Archbishop Makururu told NewsDay.

He said the church was urging a postponement of elections in 2028 to allow the current administration to complete development projects.

“We are saying no to elections in 2028, as we need to build our country; elections can stop development, so we are saying we need President Emmerson Mnangagwa to finish his work,” Makururu said, adding that the event included a church service and a sermon he described as “powerful.”

Makururu has been touring parts of southern Africa to promote the proposed amendments, arguing that frequent elections can destabilise regional peace and development. He told supporters the changes would benefit not only Zimbabwe but neighbouring countries in the Southern African Development Community.

Critics and civil society groups say the proposed amendments are far‑reaching and require broader public input, including a referendum. Opponents argue that changes to the constitution that alter the balance of political power should not be decided by select groups or through limited consultation.

“The scale of these amendments means citizens must have a direct say,” a civil society representative said. Observers warned that moves to extend terms and remove direct elections could provoke political tensions if not handled transparently and inclusively.

If enacted, the amendment would reshape Zimbabwe’s electoral framework and presidential succession. Legal experts say the process for adopting such changes must follow constitutional procedures, which may include parliamentary approval and, depending on the clauses altered, a national referendum.

Birchenough Bridge march Constitutional Amendment No 3