Minister Ncube Urges Public To Ignore 31 July Protest Calls

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Owen Ncube, has urged members of the public to ignore calls for protests planned for 31 July 2026 against the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Ncube, who is a former Minister of State Security, described the planned protests as unwarranted, divisive, sponsored and illegal.

He said the public should ignore what he termed machinations by detractors and enemies of the State.

“The security forces are on high alert to ensure peace and tranquillity prevail and to allow normal business operations in the Province,” Ncube said.

He said Midlands Province has an impeccable history of ignoring calls for shutdowns and demonstrations by what he called misguided elements, adding that the latest call would not succeed.

Ncube defended Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, saying it was a product of democratic processes that started with the adoption of Resolution Number 1 on the attainment of Vision 2030 under the stewardship of President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Bulawayo and Mutare National People’s Conferences.

He said parliamentary processes were observed and adhered to, with Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) receiving overwhelming support during public consultations and written submissions.

According to the Minister, the Bill, which he said guarantees political stability, investment inflows, policy consistency and leadership continuity, received unanimous support from both Houses of Parliament across the political divide.

President Mnangagwa subsequently assented to the Bill, which is now legally binding and part of the supreme law of the country, he said.

Ncube advised peace-loving Zimbabweans in general, and those in Midlands Province in particular, to ignore social media platforms that incite unrest and lawlessness.

He said 31 July will be a normal business day for both public and private sector operations.