…….Joint Forum targets elderly, disabled and others excluded from consultations ahead of Parliament submission
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — The Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF) has launched a nationwide door-to-door campaign to educate citizens on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, CAB3, with a special focus on reaching communities that are often left out of public consultations.
Following a meeting with provincial coordinators, CSCJF resolved to deploy teams across the country to engage groups with limited access to information, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, the deaf, the blind, and those with mobility impairments. The initiative aims to ensure that even citizens unable to attend formal meetings can participate in the national conversation on constitutional reform.
“This is about bringing the Constitution to the people, not waiting for the people to come to the Constitution,” said Dr. Abigale Mupambi, political scientist and CSCJF advisor. “Many of our elderly, our brothers and sisters who are deaf, blind, or living with disabilities, cannot travel long distances or sit through lengthy public hearings. Door-to-door consultations give them dignity and a voice. It ensures that when these consultations are surrendered to Parliament, they reflect the views of all Zimbabweans, not just those who can physically attend.”
Church leaders echoed the call for inclusivity, framing it as both a civic and moral duty. “The church has always stood for the marginalized,” said Rev. Laiza Bati, a senior cleric in Manicaland. “CAB3 touches on the future of our nation, and no one should be left behind because of age, disability or distance. We are walking into homes, sitting with families, and listening.”
For many vulnerable citizens, the outreach has been welcomed as long overdue. “I am 78 years old and I cannot walk to the community hall anymore,” said Gogo Sekai Moyo from Gweru, who is visually impaired. “For someone like me to be told what CAB3 means and to be asked my opinion in my own home — that is respect. I pray this continues until our voices reach Parliament.”
James Chikumbu, who is deaf and lives in Chitungwiza, said through a sign language interpreter that the consultations had given him his first real opportunity to understand the Bill. “We are often forgotten in these national processes. But now someone is coming to us, explaining in a way we understand. We support CAB3 because it talks about stability and development for everyone.”
Another beneficiary, Tendai Mutasa from Bulawayo, who uses a wheelchair, said the initiative was restoring confidence among people with disabilities. “We have been invisible for too long in national matters. This door-to-door approach shows that we matter too. We want our input to be part of the final report to Parliament.”
CSCJF said the campaign will continue countrywide until the results of the consultations are formally submitted to Parliament, stressing that CAB3’s success depends on broad-based participation. The forum emphasized that constitutional reform must reflect the realities of all Zimbabweans, especially those who face barriers to civic engagement.