Mnangagwa Buries 2030 Debate, Government Responds to Catholic Bishops’ Concerns

Harare, Zimbabwe – Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba has reaffirmed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has buried the debate over a 2030 presidential term extension, dismissing it as a dead and buried issue.

This comes after the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) released a pastoral letter addressing various national concerns, including presidential term limits, taxation policies, the death penalty, and the country’s debt crisis.

Government’s Response to ZCBC Statement

In response, Charamba, who also serves as the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, said while the Government appreciates the Church’s role in nation-building and constructive criticism, it finds some of the bishops’ statements unnecessary, especially regarding the presidential term extension debate.

“The President, some two or so weeks ago, met with editors and made it very clear and in plain language that he has no intention whatsoever of pushing for an extension of his term beyond what is constitutionally provided for,” Charamba stated.

He questioned why the bishops chose to revisit an issue the President has already shut down, emphasizing that even though some party members and citizens may express a desire for an extended term, Mnangagwa himself has rejected the notion.

“The nominee for that extension has to want to have that term extended, isn’t it? The President has made it clear that he has no intention of accepting that proposal,” Charamba added.

Taxation Reforms Already Underway

Beyond the presidential term extension, Charamba also responded to the bishops’ concerns about heavy taxation, stating that the Government is already addressing the issue.

“The burden of taxation is receiving attention from the Government. If the President’s statement at the commencement of the 2025 Cabinet Year did not bring comfort to the bishops, one wonders what would,” he said.

He urged patience, stressing that tax reforms take time due to their impact on national revenue and essential public services.

“We are talking about key basic services which cannot be dispensed with and which have to be funded from the revenues that come from the tax structure,” Charamba explained.

He encouraged the Church to convey a message of hope to citizens rather than focusing on issues already under Government review.

A Call for Collaboration

Charamba acknowledged that institutional reforms are necessary across all sectors but urged the Church to support the ongoing efforts rather than raising concerns about matters already being handled.

“So really, our message to the bishops is to please bear with us, bear with Government as it reforms the tax structure with the ultimate objective of lightening the burden on the citizenry,” he concluded.