By Staff Reporter
Student activist and social justice advocate Darlington Robert Matola has issued a firm clarification following circulating media reports that he has aligned himself with the Democratic Union of Zimbabwe (DUZ) in support of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026.
In a strongly worded statement, Matola dismissed the claims as misleading and rooted in selective framing. He explained that his appearance alongside Mardock on a public platform has been misinterpreted to suggest political alignment with Democratic Union of Zimbabwe, a position he categorically rejects.
“For the record, I am not a member of any political party,” Matola said. “I was invited to participate in what I understood to be an independent debate platform. The views I expressed were selectively captioned to suit a particular media narrative.”
Matola stressed that at no point did he endorse the so-called “2030 constitutional amendment agenda”, reaffirming that his stance on constitutional matters has remained consistent over time.
Firm Stand on Constitutionalism
Reiterating his long-held position, Matola declared his opposition to any constitutional amendment that undermines the direct will of Zimbabwean citizens.
“The sovereignty of our nation rests in citizens—not in political convenience, not in elite negotiations, and not in manipulated parliamentary arithmetic,” he said.
He positioned himself squarely within the camp of progressive voices defending constitutionalism, social justice, and democratic accountability, stating that he stands in solidarity with all forces resisting efforts to dilute the gains of the 2013 Constitution.
Record of Activism and Sacrifice
As a student activist, Matola pointed to his personal history of confrontation with state authority as evidence of his consistency and commitment. He cited his suspension from Great Zimbabwe University, along with threats, harassment, and arrest, as consequences of refusing to compromise his principles.
“Those who follow my daily work know that I have never shifted positions overnight,” he said. “My record speaks for itself.”
Principles Over Personalities
Matola concluded by framing the debate as one of principle rather than political affiliation or individual personalities.
“This is not about personalities—it is about principles,” he said. “History will judge us not by our comfort, but by our courage.”
He ended his statement with an unequivocal message that has become a rallying cry among sections of civil society:
