Exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo has denied allegations that he was the “principal architect” behind a Constitutional Court challenge filed by civic group Ibhetshu LikaZulu against proposed constitutional amendments linked to the 2030 agenda.

The application sought to challenge constitutional changes that critics say could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the current two-term limit.

Responding to questions from journalists, Moyo described the allegations as “pure fiction”, claiming they were part of an attempt to damage his reputation and extort money from him.

Moyo Rejects Allegations of Legal Involvement

Moyo dismissed claims made by lawyer Method Ndlovu, who had represented Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo in the Constitutional Court case.

Ndlovu withdrew from the case earlier this month, citing a breakdown in trust with his clients and concerns about potential reputational risks.

In a letter dated 5 March, the lawyer alleged that Moyo had played a central role in initiating the litigation.

However, Moyo rejected the claim and said he had no involvement in the case or communication with the organisation.

“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.”

‘Smear Campaign’ and Attempted Extortion

Moyo accused Ndlovu and others of spreading false allegations to damage his reputation.

“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.

He also stated that he had never engaged Ndlovu regarding legal representation, payments or the litigation.

Constitutional Challenge Withdrawn

The controversy follows Ibhetshu LikaZulu’s decision to withdraw its Constitutional Court challenge against the government’s proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill.

In a statement released earlier this week, Fuzwayo said the group withdrew the case after consultations with stakeholders and amid what he described as sustained attacks against the organisation and its leadership.

Despite withdrawing the legal application, the civic group said it remains opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments.

Debate Over Constitutional Changes Continues

The proposed amendments have sparked debate across Zimbabwe’s political and legal landscape.

The proposals are linked to a resolution adopted by the ruling ZANU PF party at its 2024 national conference, which called for extending Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the current constitutional limit.

Among the proposed changes are:

• Extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years
• Adjusting the process for electing the president

Critics argue the amendments could weaken democratic governance and constitutional safeguards.

Some legal experts have warned that the changes may undermine the principle of term limits, a key element in Zimbabwe’s current constitution.

Other Legal Challenges Still Ongoing

While Ibhetshu LikaZulu withdrew its court application, Fuzwayo said the organisation continues to support other legal challenges to the amendments.

These include cases led by constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, who has also raised concerns about the proposed reforms.

The debate over the constitutional changes is expected to continue as legal, political and civic groups assess the implications of the proposed amendments.
Story by Nehanda Randio