Open letter to Ramaphosa sparks fresh debate over Zimbabwe crisis

Zimbabwean journalist and media executive Trevor Ncube has publicly criticised Cyril Ramaphosa following his recent private visit to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s farm.

Ncube describes the trip as deeply troubling at a time when Zimbabwe is facing what he called a constitutional crisis.

In a strongly worded open letter, Ncube said Ramaphosa’s visit came as Mnangagwa’s government pushes Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, a proposed set of changes that critics argue could weaken democratic institutions and concentrate more power in the executive.

Ncube accused the government of undermining the spirit of the 2013 Constitution, which was approved by millions of Zimbabweans through a national referendum.

Concerns over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3

According to Ncube, the public consultation process surrounding the constitutional amendments has failed to reflect genuine democratic engagement.

He claimed opposing voices during parliamentary hearings were intimidated, silenced, or excluded altogether, arguing that the process had become “choreographed” rather than consultative.

“This is not consultation. It is choreography. And it is unfolding in plain sight,” reads part of the letter.

The veteran publisher also questioned the optics of Ramaphosa’s meeting, highlighting the presence of controversial businessmen linked to Mnangagwa’s administration.

Ncube argued that the gathering risked being interpreted as regional endorsement of Zimbabwe’s disputed constitutional changes and the political interests tied to them.

Ramaphosa meeting sparks succession debate

He further raised concerns over growing speculation that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei could be positioned for future political leadership through constitutional reforms that may alter how a president can be selected.

While noting that the claims remain speculative, Ncube warned that the symbolism surrounding the visit had intensified public anxiety over Zimbabwe’s political direction.

Ncube also criticised regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union for what he described as years of silence and ineffective diplomacy on Zimbabwe’s governance crisis.

He referenced former South African president Thabo Mbeki’s past stance on Zimbabwe, arguing that regional inaction has contributed to worsening economic hardship and mass migration into South Africa.

Ncube urges Ramaphosa to broaden Zimbabwe engagement

The media executive said Zimbabweans should ultimately resolve their own political challenges through democratic processes and broad national dialogue rather than external interference.

However, he urged Ramaphosa, as SADC chairperson, to engage more broadly with civil society, churches, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens when dealing with Zimbabwe’s crisis.

Ncube concluded by urging South Africa not to support actions that could further weaken constitutional rule in Zimbabwe, saying the country’s future depends on restoring democracy, accountability, and public trust.