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SENATE HANSARD 1 JUNE 2023 VOL 32 NO 33
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 1st June, 2023
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE
BILL RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have to
inform the Senate that I have received the Electricity Amendment Bill [H. B. 7, 2022] from the National Assembly.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have a list of Hon. Ministers who have sent their apologies as follows:
Hon. Rtd. General Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga, Minister of Health and Child Care;
Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence and War Veterans;
Hon. W. Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development;
Hon. P. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development;
Hon. M. Mutsvangwa, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services;
Hon. E. Ndlovu, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education;
Hon. S. I. Kanhutu-Nzenza, Minister of Industry and Commerce;
Hon. Prof. Mavima, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare;
Hon. A. Ncube, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Province;
Hon. Prof. A. Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development;
Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage;
Hon. Amb. Dr. F. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade;
Hon. Dr. A. J. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement;
Hon. D. Marapira, Minister of State in Hon. Vice President’s Office
Hon. D. Garwe, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities;
Hon. J. G. Moyo, Minister of Local Government and Public Works;
Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Youth Sport, Arts and Recreation
Present Are: -
Hon. F. T. Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development;
Hon. D. P. S. Moyo, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education;
Hon. R. Machingura, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development;
Hon. D. Musabayana, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and
Hon. L. Matuke, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. SEN. PHUGENI: Thank you Madam President. My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Moyo. Hon. Minister, what is Government policy on children who cannot afford to pay school fees? I know that children cannot be denied their Right to Education because their parents cannot afford to pay school fees. Does your policy remove children from school on the basis of parents failing to pay school fees or the children stay in school and you find other means of recovering the money from the parents? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you very much Madam President and thank you to the Hon. Senator for the question. Every child in Zimbabwe has a right to education whether they have the fees or not. Those whose parents are able to pay fees do pay. Those whose circumstances are such that they are unable to pay fees are then covered under certain programmes that Government has put in place, chief amongst them is the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) programme which is going to be covering 1.8 million children this year.
We also have partners that have partnered with education in this country and through several organisations they pay fees for students. However, in the event that a child finds themselves in a kind of island where no programme covers them and their parents are struggling to pay fees, schools have no right to send those children out of school or to remove them. They have to allow students to proceed with their education without interaction but then engage parents and come up with payment plans to pay those fees. Those schools – I will repeat it today and I have said it before, who send students home are committing a crime against the rights of those children to education. They must be reported to authorities and corrective measures should be taken.
I would like to take this opportunity to inform the House that with effect from this term, several heads had charges preferred against them for contravening that particular policy. They are currently going through disciplinary processes as per relevant statutes. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. CHEZHA: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport. Who do we ask about issues to do with roads? I come from Matabeleland North. The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road and the Bulawayo-Nkayi road is in a bad state. The Bulawayo-Binga road is also not in a good condition…
*THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Sen. Chezha, your question is specific, hence there is need to put it in writing so that you get a detailed response.
+HON. SEN. CHEZHA: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport regarding the accidents that we find on our roads. What plan is Government doing in that regard? We appreciate that you are doing a good job but looking at Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, tourism is declining because of the poor state of the road. Government is losing a lot of money.
*THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): The question that was asked by Hon. Sen. Chezha gives me the opportunity to explain to the nation, and I appreciate that we are trying like you said because when we look at other countries, you would find that some roads are not serviced by Government, which means that the Government that we have is allocating to roads and other projects.
Zimbabwe is under sanctions and this is affecting us in terms of having money from the World Bank and other financial institutions which fund other countries. For instance, they fund different projects in different countries but because Zimbabwe is under sanctions, we rely on the National Budget. Looking at the road that you mentioned, we have the Victoria Falls Road which comes from Beitbridge via Bulawayo. Indeed, people are facing challenges along that road and His Excellency sent me to go and check the road in Hwange – the road was bad but as I am speaking, we have started working on it. It is applaudable that there is progress on that road. When you go to Victoria Falls, there is Bitumen which started working on the road from Lupane to Hwange. Right now, they are busy working on that road but indeed, the road was in a poor state. We did not end there. We are going to other roads like Beitbridge-Bulawayo road. There were some portions that were bad but as I am speaking, there is a contractor working on the road.
Then there is Nkayi-Bulawayo Road, I was speaking to Hon. Sen. Phugeni and I was telling him that we were going to complete the first 15 kilometres then we continue to Nkayi. After covering those 15 kilometres with tar, then we will work on the rest of the road so that it is in a good condition. We will continue with the projects so that our roads are in a better state at national level. I thank you.
HON. SEN. KAMBIZI: My question is directed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. In line with aspirations of Vision 2030, the Government, through National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) envisages to accelerate engagement and re-engagement process aimed at re-intergrating Zimbabwe into a formidable global position. Now with regards to the policy of Government, may the Hon. Minister explain to this House what progress has been made and what further strategies are being used to ensure that we quickly get to the position that we need in the country?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE (HON DR. MUSABAYANA): Thank you Madam President. I want to thank the Hon. Member for asking a pertinent question which borders on the milestones Zimbabwe has made in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1), which is a programme which ….
[Cellphone rang]
Sorry about that Madam President. I beg your pardon. I want to thank you for the important question that he has raised in regards to how far we have gone in term of implementing the National Development Strategy (NDS1), when it comes to engagement and re-engagement and to put back Zimbabwe on the global agenda or on the map. Over the years we have been alienated, we have been treated as a pariah State and most lines of communication have been surveyed especially with the West. The coming in of His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa in 2017, we saw him pronouncing new mantras or philosophies that were focusing on mending the broken bridges.
He also went on to pronounce his philosophy of friends to all and enemy to none and also ensuring that all the engagements that had fallen by the wayside with the West would be restarted. Over the years, we have done engagements with the West. We started with the EU where we had the Zimbabwe/EU dialogue. We had three sessions and we managed to ensure that the illegal sanctions which were put on Zimbabwe were removed by the EU. They removed all the sanctions, except one of our defence companies. That is the only one that has remained.
When it comes to America and the UK, again we had a challenge with these countries where they were not engaging Zimbabwe anymore. They were not inviting our envoys. They were not even bringing their envoys into this country, but after the coming in of His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, we have also seen a number of special envoys coming in from UK and also from USA. Last year alone, we have more than four envoys that came from UK. Last year we saw the President being invited to Glasgow on the Climate Summit. This year, we saw His Excellency the President being invited to the coronation of King Charles the Third.
When you see the UK inviting Zimbabwe, it shows that they now believe that Zimbabwe is a like-minded nation in terms of issues around democracy, issues around the way we manage our affairs in the country. It shows that we have done well in implementing the NDS1 and also ensuring that we have engagement and re-engagement. We also look at USA which has also been on the forefront of imposing sanctions and the USA has imposed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act. ZIDERA is one of the albatross that the Hon. Minister was also alluding to that it is difficult to transact in terms of trade and foreign direct investment on the international platform, especially the Swift platform. In the last few years, we have also seen the USA warming up and the Minister of Foreign Affairs was invited to the Africa/USA Summit which was never done before. Again, that shows that we have made progress in engaging the USA.
We have also started seeing American companies investing in Zimbabwe. We have seen the John Deere facility which was over USD50 million, which means now they are beginning to allow some of their companies to do business and invest in Zimbabwe. Even as we speak, there are various business people that are coming into the country to try and engage and also to do business with Zimbabwe. With the East, we have always been close friends, that is the likes of China, Russia and so forth but we have not just relegated that or ignored that relationship. We have reaffirmed that relationship where we have also a lot of engagement, investment coming through from China.
You have seen the Parliament Building, our airport that are being renovated and the construction that has taken place in those areas. We have also seen Japan coming in, in the Chirundu Road where they are also doing massive infrastructure development in that area. Our border posts are now being one-stop-shop border posts. The Beitbridge, the Chirundu and all the other border posts, we are also focusing with them where we are implementing the ASYCUDA system. That shows the international cooperation with the rest of the world.
We have also seen the President coming up with a model of debt repayment. One of the key issues where Zimbabwe was banished from the international platform from the table where other nations were discussing issues and also discuss international distribution of income or funds. The President has taken a bold stance where he has said now, let us sit at the round table with our creditors. Instead of not paying back the creditors or shunning them, we have sat down with them. We have done three forums where we are sitting with the creditors and our champion was identified where also the former President of Mozambique, President Chissano is assisting in that area.
We have seen tremendous progress where we are beginning and opened communication channels with our creditors because one, we speak to our creditors and agree on payment plans. It also gives confidence to international investors that as Zimbabwe we do not run away from our responsibilities, we do not run away from our creditors. It is actually a strategy that will create or open new pathways in terms of international credit and also allowing our foreign direct investors into the country. We have also signed a lot of BIPPAs, which goes to show that we want to protect the investments for foreign investors into the country. In that move, it shows that we are generating or emotionally banking with those nations that want to invest in this country.
We have also seen the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa opening new frontiers in terms of opening up missions, Belarus, Rwanda and other UAE where we see new streams of investment coming into the country. That goes to show that we have done a lot in terms of that pillar of implanting NDS1. As I sit down Madam President, I want to underline that going forward, the strategy has been to grow the economy through foreign direct investment and also through exports. We have done a lot of work through our Zimtrade and our missions to ensure that there is a rebound in the export of our fruits and vegetables, exports of our flowers and we have huge orders coming in from the UAE and from Europe, Britain included. That goes to show that as a Ministry, in terms of trade, we have done well in that sphere of implementing NDS1.
As I sit down Madam President, I want to underline that going forward, the strategy has been to grow the economy through foreign direct investment and also through exports. So, we have done a lot of work through our ZimTrade and our mission to ensure that there is a rebound in the export of our fruit and vegetables, flowers and we have huge orders coming from the U.A.E, Europe and Britain. That goes to show that as a Ministry, in terms of trade, we have done well in that sphere.
As I speak Hon. President, the biggest challenge we have at the moment …
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I thought you said “as you are sitting down” – [Laughter.] – If it is answering Hon. Sen. Kambizi’s question, I think you have done so.
HON. MUSABAYANA: Thank you so much. I also wanted to just underline before I sit down that our biggest challenge is now the constraint of production. We have so much orders from the U.A.E, China, Europe and U.K but we have not fulfilled those orders in terms of production but in terms of our work as Foreign Affairs, we have opened up the space for markets. I so submit.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Ooh, your answer benefitted the whole House. I think you are in a better position to understand what is taking place in the Ministry of Trade.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. We have got borders, let me just say conclusively that at the borders, there is a department that deals with tollgates and the like. At those borders, particularly when we talk about Beitbridge which is busy, you find that there are a lot of people who go there. After the finishing of that border post, things changed of which I think even at other borders, it is just the same. We have got local people who cross on daily basis, especially in Beitbridge, there are no markets where they can buy their groceries. People go to buy their groceries across the river which is only 13 km away from the tar. These people cross those borders twice or three times a day and for someone to go to and from, it costs something like $80 which is very expensive. Can you not think about that and give an exception to the locals who cross the border on daily basis?
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I am not too sure who that question is directed to.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I had directed the question to the Minister of Transport.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Transport? I am not sure that is the relevant ministry. I think Home Affairs is the correct ministry. Who is the Leader of Government Business in this instance? Is there any Minister who has been designated leader today? No? Is there any Minister who would like to answer that question?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Let me thank Hon. Sen. Mohadi for that important question which enables us to understand the composition or architecture of border operations. I am happy that she touched the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Home Affairs and ZIMRA which are three different ministries. Basically, what we do and again through the wise counsel of His Excellency, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, he is advocating for a ports authority and I am sure the Bill will come before the august House where we are going to harmonise the operations of border activities.
Truly speaking, you are right that in terms of set up, to a lay person, you might not understand which one falls under which ministry so I do concur and agree that it is confusing. However, upon the advent of that piece of legislation, you find that it will be under one umbrella which will then superintend over other issues. Mr. President, we construct the infrastructure and we handover to the users and in this particular case, we have Immigration which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs. So, in terms of the movement and to pardon or give temporary passes per day, that falls under the Home Affairs which is Immigration where they can say the local, we know you and we can give you temporary permits. I am not qualified to stand and assure the House that can be done but I am sure they do facilitate such movements.
In terms of the payments of border entry, yes, we also had that outcry and we said to the malaichas, especially that was where the outcry was coming from, where we had to indulge the border authorities to see if we can also exempt them from some of the trips that she was talking about. I am sure that is something that can continue and we can be amendable to that request but as we speak, in terms of the movement of people, that will then require my colleague Minister to appraise the Senate on the way forward. I want to thank the Hon. Senator for highlighting that.
When it comes to the duties and everything, that falls under the Ministry of Finance. I am sure, if there are any fora, that can be addressed by my colleague Minister.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: I would like to make a few remarks and maybe one question directed to the Minister of Transport.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order! Today is Thursday and in the Senate, it is not a day for remarks but Questions without Notice.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: Thank you. My question to the Minister of Transport, we have just realised that you are already assembling state of the art equipment along the Chirundu Road and also in Chirundu. I just wanted to know when the work is going to start on that main road?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Let me thank Hon. Sen. Gumpo for the question that is very pertinent. He was speaking in riddles saying we have got state of the art equipment. Yes indeed, we have got a crusher plant along the road, ready to start work on rehabilitating the Harare – Chirundu Road.
Once again, I am happy to advice again that through the listening President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, that after the outcry from this august House and the general populace that Chirundu – Harare was no longer trafficable; he then said the road starts from Beitbridge – Harare and Harare – Chirundu, that is the entire stretch. We are talking of close to 932 km of that stretch. What we are saying is that now we are almost done in terms of percentage, we are close to 80% on the Harare – Beitbridge Road. We are gravitating towards Chirundu. For now, we have assigned the contractors that have been empowered again by the Second Republic so that they take sections of the Harar- Chirundu and that has been done. They are now doing routine maintenance of the road because it was no longer trafficable and waiting for the procurement process that we are completing. We have allocated each contractor plus or minus 67 km to attend to, so they are busy putting up the financing arrangement and you will see us again rehabilitating at a faster pace the Harare-Chirundu Road. We are ear-marking to finish that within 18 to 24 months.
Mr. President Sir, the other stretch of the road, we have opened 435 km as we speak that is the Harare-Beitbridge Road and I am happy that we are not ending there, we are also going to rehabilitate Chirundu-Border Post so that it will mirror Beitbridge Border Post. The same contractor who was working on Beitbridge Border Post is also going to do our Chirundu Border Post whereby we are now going to complete the South-North and the North-South Corridor.
I am also happy that not only those two borders but will also go into Forbes and Nyamapanda Border Posts because it has a direct link with the Chirundu Border Post where we are also finalising the procurement and you see us rehabilitating that Forbes Border Post again. I am happy that the Hon. Member has asked a very important question which then gives us a chance to hear what we are doing pertaining to infrastructure development. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHINAKE: I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Child Care. In his absence, I do not know who to direct my question to.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: It is a technical ministry; we do not expect people who are not conversant with issues of medicines to answer you competently.
*HON. SEN. MANYAU: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. We have the inclusive education initiative which is disadvantaging children especially those with intellectual challenges because their parents do not have money to pay for extra lessons which are paid in schools.
We have noted that most school heads are separating children, those with special needs and those who are able-bodied. Some of the children with special needs have been told to go to grade five and with their disability, they may not be able to comprehend. My question then is that as Government, what steps should be taken to protect such children because the Constitution says that every child has a right to education? I actually have names of schools that are doing such things. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you very much Hon. Sen. Manyau for that important question. I think it is common knowledge that extra lessons are illegal if they are paid for. When we grew up, our teachers used to teach us even during the weekends and they never demanded any payment. The same should happen even now, if a child is intellectually slow and they are in need of remedial classes, we encourage our teachers to do that at no cost to that particular child.
If circumstances are such that then teachers and headmasters demand that those children pay monies or those who have not paid are then excluded and taken elsewhere – that is not correct and that is well known. I think what is of concern perhaps is the issue of compliance with regulations.
Therefore, I encourage the Senator to give me that particular institution and the names involved and I want to promise that we will definitely take action against that. We do not want anyone disadvantaged in terms of access to education. Our Ministry stands for access, inclusive, equitable, and quality education. Those pillars have to be operational, so kindly avail that information.
HON. SEN. MANYAU: The schools are Kudzanai Primary School in Highfields, if you go there now, there is no class for children with disabilities. Those children are being mixed with other children and the teacher will not pay particular attention to slow learners and others with disabilities.
HON. SEN. MATHUTHU: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. The last farming season, farmers were very reluctant to send their maize to the GMB. I would like the Minster to tell this House what Government has done to encourage our farmers to send their maize to GMB. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: That is an agricultural question, however, the Hon. Sen. seems to like the Minister of Public Service.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR, AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. MATUKE): Arrangements are in place to make sure that farmers should receive their payment on delivery. However, it should be verified by the responsible minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate, and Rural Resettlement. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 67.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Mr. President, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 7 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 16 has been disposed of. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON NUCLEAR SAFETY
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Mr. President, I move the motion standing in my name;
THAT WHEREAS, Section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organizations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Convention on Nuclear Safety was adopted on 17th June, 1994 and was opened for signature on 20th September, 1994;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the aforesaid Convention;
WHEREAS the Convention entered into force on 24th October 1996;
WHEREAS article 30 (3) of the Convention provides that, after its entry into force, the Convention shall open for accession by all States;
AND WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a party to the Convention;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for accession.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE JOINT PROTOCOL RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE VIENNA CONVENTION AND THE PARIS CONVENTION
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Mr. President, I move the motion standing in my name;
THAT WHEREAS, Section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Joint Protocol relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention was adopted and opened for signature on 21st September, 1988;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the aforesaid Amendment;
WHEREAS the Joint Protocol entered into force on 27th April, 1992;
WHEREAS Article VI of the Joint Protocol provides for signature, ratification and accession;
AND WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a party to the Joint Protocol;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for accession.
*HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Thank you Mr. President. May the Minister explain what the Vienna Convention is all about and how it is an advantage to us as a country, what does it say and what is included in the Convention?
* HON. SODA: This protocol amends the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for nuclear damage which I alluded to and highlighted that it was adopted in September. The purpose of the Convention is to ensure that member countries which are in the Conventions – there are some things which might be….
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): The question that was asked by Hon. Sen. Muzenda does not relate to the nuclear one. I think that has been passed. We are talking about the Vienna Convention that you spoke of lately.
*HON. SODA: Thank you Mr. President Sir. We have seven conventions and all of them relate to the same thing – nuclear technology. These are conventions which were done in different times with the same purpose which stipulate that those countries which desire to use nuclear technology cannot do that because it is one protocol. There are different protocols which relate to different circumstances, for instance how nuclear technology is safeguarded, how accidents are dealt with in the event that they happen during the use of nuclear technology – how the accidents are reported and how the offences are dealt with. We have seven protocols – you would understand that when I explain the protocols, they all relate to one thing which is nuclear.
When we ratify such protocols, then it will allow Zimbabwe when we decide to use nuclear technology for electricity for different machines for technology in hospitals, cancer treatment or in breeding of seeds in the agricultural sector, in water harvesting and in different spheres, then we have to ratify these protocols. These protocols were signed at different times but they relate to one thing – to the fact that Zimbabwe should be allowed to use nuclear technology in seed breeding, generation of electricity, treatment of cancer patients and so on.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL TO AMEND THE VIENNA CONVENTION ON CIVIL LIABILITY FOR NUCLEAR DAMAGE
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): I move the motion standing in my name;
THAT WHEREAS section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage was adopted and opened for signature on 21st May, 1963 and entered into force on 12th November, 1977;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the aforesaid Convention;
WHEREAS the Convention entered into force on 12th November, 1977;
WHEREAS article XXIV of the Convention provides for accession, by all State Members of the United Nations, or of any of the specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) not represented at the International Conference on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage held in Vienna from 29th April to 19th May, 1963 and 31st May, 2023;
WHEREAS Zimbabwe is a member of both, the United Nations and IAEA;
AND WHEREAS Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a party to the Convention;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for accession.
Mr. President, you will notice that this protocol is almost similar to the previous convention except that the previous one is now an amendment to the one which was available for signature earlier which is the Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage and again for the same purpose that Zimbabwe is desirous to adopt the nuclear technologies for safe purposes. I submit that the House considers it and approves it for accession.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE VIENNA CONVENTION ON CIVIL LIABILITY FOR NUCLEAR DAMAGE ADOPTED AND OPENED FOR SIGNATURE
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): I move the motion standing in my name;
THAT WHEREAS section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage was adopted and opened for signature on 21st May, 1963 and entered into force on 12th November, 1977;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the aforesaid Convention;
WHEREAS the Convention entered into force on 12th November, 1977;
WHEREAS Article XXIV of the Convention provides for accession, by all State Members of the United Nations, or of any of the specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) not represented at the International Conference on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage held in Vienna from 29th April to 19th May, 1963 and 31st May, 2023;
WHEREAS Zimbabwe is a member of both, the United Nations and IAEA;
AND WHEREAS Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a party to the Convention;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for accession.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): I move the motion standing in my name;
THAT WHEREAS section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (Agreement) was made in 1959:
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the
aforesaid Agreement;
WHEREAS Article 38 of the Agreement provides for acceptation;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is a Member of the International Atomic Energy Agency;
AND WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a party to the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for accession.
This convention will allow Zimbabwe to participate in the use of nuclear technologies for safe purposes. Like I indicated, there are a number of protocols that will be required for Zimbabwe to fully utilise nuclear technologies and this is one of the technologies. I put before this House that the protocol be now approved.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President. I want to ask and request that the Minister should explain how the Convention which was signed in 1959 took this long to be brought to this nation so that we work with other nations. Are there any particular reasons why it took this long? Thank you Mr. President Sir.
*MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. Thank you Hon. Sen. Tongogara. There is not much that I can say besides saying what is expected by different administrations and Governments change. The expectations evolve. In the past, when people heard about nuclear, they feared that nuclear could be destructive but because of technology and understanding, we now know that this is something which benefits the nation. For example, the provision of electricity, treatment of illnesses, breeding of seeds using nuclear technology. I am just taking it to imply that this is the stage where we are as Zimbabwe and can benefit Zimbabwe developmentally. There is no reason why this was not done in the past but there comes an opportune time to develop our nation. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE CONVENTION ON PHYSICAL PROTECTION OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Mr. President Sir, I move the motion standing in my name:
THAT WHEREAS Section 327(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention: treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (Amendment) was adopted on 8th July, 2005;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the aforesaid Amendment;
WHEREAS the Amendment entered into force on 8th May, 2016;
WHEREAS article 18 of the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material provides for signature, ratification and accession;
AND WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a Party to the Amendment;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for accession of this House.
Mr. President Sir, I put before the House the Amendment to the Convention on the physical protection of nuclear material which was adopted on the 8th of July, 2005. This Convention, Mr. President, gives standards by which nuclear material should be kept in any country which is part to the Convention. That is short about this Convention.
We are desirous as the Government of Zimbabwe to become part of this Convention and I therefore put before this House that the Convention be approved. I thank you Mr. President.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF ACTS OF NUCLEAR TERRORISM
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note that;
WHEREAS, Section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President, with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
AND WHEREAS, the international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism entered into force on 7th July, 2007;
AND WHEREAS, the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the aforesaid convention;
AND WHEREAS, Article 24 (3) of the convention provides for accession by any State;
AND WHEREAS, the Republic of Zimbabwe is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency;
AND WHEREAS, the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a part to the convention;
NOW THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid convention be and is hereby approved for accession.
This convention sets conditions for safe use of nuclear materials once we become part to this convention. The reason is that any country or any member State that becomes part to a convention should avoid terrorism or misuse of nuclear materials for terrorism purposes. Now, therefore, the Government of Zimbabwe, being desirous to become part to this convention, I put forward this convention that this House may now approve it. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA), the Senate adjourned at Seven Minutes to Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 6th June, 2023.