Staff Reporter

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has issued a strongly worded statement dismissing claims made in a recent NewsDay article titled "Churches Trash ED2030 Plan."

The article, which purportedly aligns with a statement by the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), is accused of misrepresenting President Mnangagwa's stance on presidential term limits.

According to the statement signed by Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, George Charamba, the President has consistently reaffirmed his position on respecting the Constitution's prescribed term limits.

"His Excellency the President has stated and restated his position on the matter time and time again," the statement read.

The OPC criticised NewsDay for what it termed as "mischievous" reporting, accusing the publication of distorting the ZHOCD’s message and attempting to attribute citizens' views to the President.

“Indeed, inviting the President, whether directly or through editorial insinuations, to take a stand against the expression of such viewpoints amounts to inviting and inciting him to overthrow the very Constitution he is sworn to uphold in its entirety,” the statement emphasised.

The statement further clarified that the President’s role in a constitutional democracy is not to suppress the freedom of expression but to respect citizens' rights to air their views.

It stressed that allowing free contestation of ideas is a cornerstone of democracy, and the media should provide neutral platforms for such debates.

The OPC reiterated its expectation that the media adhere to its role as the Fourth Estate and refrain from incitement or misinformation.

"The Office of the President and Cabinet hopes this role and position is fully appreciated and respected by all, including by the media," the statement concluded.

This development comes amidst ongoing national discourse surrounding the 2030 development vision and term limits, with the OPC affirming that any interpretation of the President's role must remain consistent with constitutional principles.