Dzivarasekwa residents have expressed divergent views from their Member of Parliament, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Edwin Mashoriwa, over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with many backing the proposed reforms despite his opposition in Parliament.
Mashoriwa recently told Parliament the bill was unnecessary, describing it as anti-democratic and arguing that it threatens democratic gains under the 2013 Constitution. He further raised concerns that the reforms could extend the terms of Members of Parliament and councillors and questioned provisions relating to presidential accountability.
However, in interviews with a cross section of Dzivarasekwa residents, many said they disagreed with their MP’s position, arguing that the reforms could improve governance continuity, development planning and service delivery.
A vendor from Dzivarasekwa Extension, Tatenda Marowa, said the reforms should be supported because they promote stability in leadership and allow development programmes to be completed.
“We support this bill because sometimes leaders need enough time to finish what they start. Changing leadership too often delays development. Our MP is speaking his own views, but as residents we see value in these reforms,” said Marowa.
A pharmacist at Dzivarasekwa 4 Shopping Centre, Linda Guta, said the debate should focus on practical improvements in public services rather than political contestation.
“What matters to us is service delivery. If these amendments help improve planning, health services and development, then we support them. People are more concerned about clinics, medicines and basic services than politics,” said Guta.
Public transport operator Tonderai Utavi of Dzivarasekwa 1 said policy stability was key to improving infrastructure and economic conditions.
“As kombis we feel the impact of inconsistent policies every day. Stable leadership helps with planning roads, fuel systems and transport operations. If reforms bring order and development, we support them,” said Utavi.
The residents said elected representatives should reflect constituency-wide views and consult more broadly before taking positions in Parliament, adding that national debates should prioritise development and economic stability.
