Constitution of Zimbabwe (as amended by Constitution Amendment No. 19) CHAPTER I THE REPUBLIC AND THE CONSTITUTION 1 The Republic Zimbabwe is a sovereign republic and shall be known as “the Republic of Zimbabwe”. [Section as amended by section 2 of Act 30 of 1990 – Amendment No. 11] 2 Public seal There shall be a public seal of Zimbabwe, showing the coat of arms of Zimbabwe with the inscription “Republic of Zimbabwe”, which shall be kept by the President. [Section as amended by section 3 of Act 30 of 1990 – Amendment No. 11] 3 Supreme law This Constitution is the supreme law of Zimbabwe and if any other law is inconsistent with this Constitution that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. CHAPTER II CITIZENSHIP 4 Zimbabwean citizenship (1) There is a common Zimbabwean citizenship and all citizens are equal, that is to say citizens are entitled, subject to this Constitution, to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship and are subject to the duties and obligations of citizenship. (2) It is the duty of every Zimbabwean citizen⎯ (a) to observe this Constitution and to respect its ideals and institutions; and (b) to respect the national flag and the national anthem; and (c) to the best of his or her ability, to defend Zimbabwe in time of need. (3) Every Zimbabwean citizen is entitled to the protection of the State wherever he or she may be. (4) Zimbabwean citizenship may be acquired by birth, descent or registration. 5 Citizenship by birth (1) Everyone born in Zimbabwe is a Zimbabwean citizen by birth if, when he or she was born⎯ (a) either of his or her parents was a Zimbabwean citizen; or (b) either of his or her grandparents was a Zimbabwean citizen by birth or descent. - 10 -