Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi

Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi (The People's Coalition) is a broad, voluntary and institution-based national coalition committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people of Zimbabwe.

We bring together constitutional movements, organised labour, civic formations, liberation war veterans and other institutions that believe Zimbabwe's future must be governed in accordance with the Constitution and determined by its people.

The Coalition was established by the following Founding Member Institutions:

• Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF)
• Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP)
• National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
• War Veterans Pressure Group
• Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
• Zimbabwe Constitution Movement (ZICOMO)

Although our member institutions retain their separate identities, leadership and programmes, we cooperate through the Coalition on shared constitutional and democratic objectives.

Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi

Our double-barrelled Shona and isiNdebele name means: The People's Coalition.

The name reflects who we are: a coalition of institutions and communities united around the defence and restoration of constitutional democracy.

We are not a coalition against any person, political party or community.

We are a People's Coalition for constitutional democracy.

Chisungo cheVanhu

The People's Covenant

We understand the Constitution as more than a legal document. It is Chisungo cheVanhu — the People's Covenant: the solemn agreement between the people and those entrusted to exercise public authority on their behalf.

Our philosophy rests on four central convictions:

• The Constitution belongs to the people.
• Sovereignty resides in the people.
• All public authority derives from the people.
• Public power must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution.

The Constitution establishes the rules of democratic governance, protects rights and freedoms, limits public power and holds institutions accountable to citizens.

Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi is founded upon:

• Constitutional supremacy
• Popular sovereignty
• The rule of law
• Accountable and transparent governance
• Institutional cooperation
• Regional and social inclusion
• Peaceful constitutional engagement
• Participatory democracy
• Non-violence

We reject Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026, formerly Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, and support the principle that fundamental constitutional questions must be addressed in accordance with the Constitution and the sovereign will of the people.

A democratic Zimbabwe in which the Constitution is respected, public institutions are accountable, rights and freedoms are protected, and political authority remains subject to the sovereign will of the people.

To unite institutions and communities in the peaceful defence and restoration of constitutional democracy through civic education, constitutional research, lawful litigation, institutional engagement, public participation and regional and international advocacy.

The Coalition works to:

• Promote constitutional democracy
• Protect constitutional supremacy and the rule of law
• Advance civic and constitutional education
• Conduct constitutional research and policy development
• Support lawful constitutional litigation where appropriate
• Strengthen cooperation among member institutions
• Promote strong, accountable democratic institutions
• Engage regional and international institutions on constitutional governance
• Encourage peaceful civic participation
• Undertake lawful initiatives consistent with the Coalition's founding principles

Membership of Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi is institutional. Individuals do not join the Coalition in their personal capacities. They participate as authorised representatives of member institutions or through recognised Coalition structures.

The Coalition includes:

Every member institution retains its identity, constitution, leadership and organisational autonomy.

The Coalition's leadership comprises:

• The Convenor
• The Deputy Convenor
• The Coalition Principals

The Principals include the heads of:

• Constitution Defenders Forum
• Defend the Constitution Platform
• National Constitutional Assembly
• War Veterans Pressure Group
• Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions
• Zimbabwe Constitution Movement

The Coalition implements its work through nine Standing Committees:

• Legal and Constitutional Affairs
• Information and Communications
• Mobilisation
• Women and Gender
• Youth and Students
• Regional and International Relations
• Solidarity and Support
• Security
• Finance and Administration

The Coalition Executive Committee appoints the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of each Standing Committee. The Chairperson of the Information and Communications Committee serves as the operational Spokesperson of the Coalition, while the Convenor remains the Chief Spokesperson.

The Coalition may appoint distinguished individuals as Coalition Ambassadors. Ambassadors serve as goodwill representatives who promote constitutional democracy, civic education, national unity and the public objectives of Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi. They report to the Convenor and do not become members of the Coalition Executive Committee by virtue of their appointment.

Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi is committed to peaceful, lawful and non-violent constitutional engagement.

We believe that constitutional disagreements must be addressed through democratic institutions, civic participation, public dialogue, lawful litigation and other rights and processes recognised by the Constitution. We reject violence, intimidation, discrimination and political hatred.

Our commitment is to constitutional democracy, national unity and the peaceful exercise of the sovereignty of the people.

Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi is established as a voluntary association and a universitas under Zimbabwean law.

The Coalition has a legal identity separate from that of its member institutions. It may hold property, enter into contracts, receive lawful support, employ staff and undertake legal and administrative activities necessary to achieve its objectives.

Applications for membership are open to duly constituted institutions that subscribe to the Coalition's principles, objectives and commitment to peaceful constitutional democracy.

Institutional members admitted after the Coalition's establishment are represented by two delegates in the National Council. Membership does not diminish the identity or autonomy of any participating institution.

Institutions interested in membership can connect with us through the registration form.