Who We Are
Everything CDF believes, works towards, and how it is organised — straight from our founding Constitution.
Why CDF Exists
On 16–17 March 2013, more than three million Zimbabweans — 94.4% of those who voted in a national referendum — adopted a new Constitution. It was meant to be a clean break from the past: a charter built on constitutionalism, the rule of law, fundamental human rights, good governance, term limits, transparency, devolution of power, and equality, including gender equality.
Since then, that Constitution has faced repeated legal and extra-legal pressure — from incomplete implementation and laws never aligned to it, to amendments that have altered its basic structure, and a slide back towards the concentration of power the 2013 Constitution was designed to prevent.
The Constitution Defenders Forum was founded by Founders, Defenders and Democrats who came together in common cause: to defend the 2013 Constitution as originally approved, and to keep expanding the promise of constitutionalism and the rule of law it represents.
Not a Political Party
CDF is a legal, independent social organisation. Its sole mandate is to protect the Constitution and advance constitutionalism and the rule of law — it is not, and does not act as, a political party. Membership is open to any individual or organisation that shares these values.
Vision
The creation of a transformative new Zimbabwe founded on the bedrock of constitutionalism, democracy, devolution and the rule of law.
Mission
To be a democratic platform where like-minded constitutional defenders take broad responsibility in providing leadership in defence and advancement of the broad cause of constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law.
Our Values
CDF and its members are bound by these values.
- Tolerance and respect for each other.
- Collective leadership, teamwork.
- Personal responsibility and accountability.
- Respect for the values and principles of constitutionalism, democracy, and the rule of law.
- Humble, obedient and servant leadership.
- Honesty and integrity.
- Patriotism.
- Ethics, equity, fairness and nation building.
- Respect for the dignity of honest work and service.
- Respect and the practice of the enduring values of the liberation struggle.
- Internationalism and solidarity.
Our Principles
CDF and its members are guided by these principles.
- Working and cooperating with others in an equal, open and respectful manner.
- Respect and observance of collective decision making.
- Equality, diversity, tolerance, and respect for all and each other.
- Respect for divergent opinions and democratic engagement.
- Collective, humble and obedient leadership that is not personalised or corrupt.
- Individual and collective accountability.
- Non-violence and the peaceful resolution of issues and conflicts.
- Inclusivity and genuine dialogue amongst compatriots.
- Constitutionalism, the rule of law, and respect for rules, codes of conduct and organisational rules.
- Equality between sexes.
- The right of women to equal participation and say in the affairs of the nation.
- The right of all Zimbabweans, including those resident outside the country, to equal, fair and unhindered participation in national affairs.
Our Objectives
What CDF works towards, grouped in plain language.
Defend & Strengthen the Constitution
- Work together to defend and protect the Zimbabwean Constitution in its original form, as approved in the March 2013 referendum.
- Protect and defend the values of constitutionalism and the rule of law it embodies.
- Seek the full actualisation and strengthening of its founding values and principles.
- Ensure constitutionalism and the rule of law are practiced in Zimbabwe, in fact and not just on paper.
Advocate, Litigate & Engage Decision-Makers
- Engage in activities, actions and programs that defend the constitution.
- Lobby for and engage in activities that protect the constitution and advance constitutionalism.
- Bring, or support others in bringing, strategic litigation to protect the constitution.
- Engage all compatriots — including Government and Parliament — in defence of the constitution.
Advance Rights & Devolution
- Protect constitutional rights across all spheres, including devolution and sound economic governance, and fight corruption, cronyism, cartels and syndicates.
- Advance second-generation rights: health, education, a clean environment, shelter and housing.
- Advocate for the expansion of constitutional rights and recognition of new rights and principles.
Build a Global & Diaspora Movement
- Work with Zimbabweans in the diaspora to advance constitutionalism, including the right of the diaspora to vote.
- Engage with other Africans and the world, working with any organisation, locally and internationally.
Campaign for Reform
- Push and promote all necessary political, economic and legal reforms that advance constitutionalism and the rule of law.
- Campaign and advocate publicly for the defence of the constitution.
How CDF Is Organised
From the National Conference down to local branches, CDF's structures connect national leadership to every member.
- 1
National Conference
The broadest gathering of CDF, meeting once every five years to set policy direction and elect the Working Committee.
- 2
General Council
The supreme organ of CDF between National Conferences, drawn from the Working Committee, Federations, liberation war veterans, students, labour, faith and business.
- 3
Working Committee of the General Council
The national leadership team that runs CDF day to day.
- 4
Diaspora Working Committee
Leadership dedicated to organising and representing Zimbabweans abroad.
- 5
Steering Committees
Thematic committees covering areas such as finance, advocacy, media, devolution, policy research, women, youth, and legal affairs.
- 6
Federations
CDF structures organised by Zimbabwean province and by country. Some, like federations abroad, are autonomous and independently registered as legal entities in their own jurisdiction while still operating under the CDF Constitution.
- 7
Diaspora Federations
CDF structures organised by Zimbabwean communities abroad, some independently registered where they operate.
- 8
Chapters
Local CDF structures within a Federation.
- 9
Wards
Grassroots CDF structures at ward level.
- 10
Branches
The most local level of CDF organisation, closest to individual members.
Want the full detail?
Read CDF's complete founding Constitution.