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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HANSARD 18 JULY 2024 VOL 50 NO 72

PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE

Thursday, 18^th July, 2024

The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.

PRAYERS

(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)

*HON. TAFANANA. ZHOU: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I stood up to raise a point of privilege regarding yesterday’s Hansard. The first thing is that I am being given a different name from the one that I was given by my parents. They say I am Tofanana, but my name is Tafanana Zhou.  – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible Interjections]-

THE ACTING. SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Order, Hon. Members! Proceed Hon. Zhou.

HON. TAFANANA. ZHOU: I need your protection Hon. Speaker Sir, Hon. Hamauswa speaks his mind here.

THE ACTING. SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members!

*HON. TAFANANA. ZHOU: In the same Hansard, Hon. Speaker Sir, I do not know whether the system that we had in the past, where, when the Hansard reporters do not understand what you have said, they come to confirm. They quoted me as if I was asking and I quote, ‘is there any other boreholes which have already been there?’ I had spoken about the existing boreholes which require solar power, yet it was captured as if I was asking whether there are other boreholes which were sunk. I know that there are some already existing boreholes in the villages. So, if the Hansard reporters do not understand, they should bring the old system where they bring a note when they do not understand so that we clarify as Hon. Members. If it is not the case, then they should confirm and we tick. I thank you.

*THE ACTING. SPEAKER: I believe that the Clerk understood what you have said Hon. Zhou. It is important that what is captured in the Hansard is exactly what would have transpired and what would have been said by the Hon. Member because the Hansard is a permanent record which will be there even for posterity. The Hansard should capture things accurately.

HON. HADEBE: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker Sir. My point of national interest pertains the issue of Delta Beverages vs ZIMRA. Delta Beverages has lost their appeal against ZIMRA in the Supreme Court. Delta in 2019 and 2020 was paying tax in ZWL, a justification that ZWL was legal tender. Government had several policies and instruments applying in that period. Now, Delta is being made to pay all the tax plus penalties from that period in USD. Delta has to pay USD57.4 million to ZIMRA. ZIMRA will then pay back the Zimbabwean dollars paid by Delta in 2019 and 2020. This amount was equivalent to US$ 35 million back then but it is around US$100 000 because of inflation. Hon. Speaker Sir, so many of our companies have closed down because of poor monetary and fiscal policies and if that nonsense is allowed to continue, Delta Beverages will close down. I was actually appealing through maybe our Parliamentary Legal Committee to summon some of these judges to come and explain some of their dubious judgments. Thank you very much.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order. Hon. Member, I think this issue is or has been before the courts. So if the courts are dealing with an issue in terms of our doctrine of separation of powers, we will not interfere with what the courts are doing.  If they are unhappy with any judgment, they are then free to appeal to the higher courts than the one that has issued the judgment. Thank you.

HON. MUTOKONYI: On a point of order, the Hon. Member posits that the Judiciary is making dubious judgments. To my understanding of the word dubious Mr. Speaker, I would want the Hon. Member to kindly withdraw the statement because if we talk in terms of the laws of the land, to define as ‘dubious judgment’ to the Judicial Service Commission, it is very wrong.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member, your point of order is upheld. Hon. Member can you please withdraw.

HON. HADEBE: The Hon. Member is rising on a point of ignorance; the judgment is a dubious judgment Hon. Speaker. It is a ruling but it is out of order, that judgement is out of order.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you used two words which I overlooked. You said “nonsense’ to what the other Member is saying. I do not think there is any harm in you withdrawing those words, they are unparliamentary.

HON. HADEBE: I withdraw.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member.

HON. DR. MUTODI: Point of order Hon. Speaker. Apart from the flaws that the Hon. Member has just indicated in this House, the Hon. Member, in my view, is not properly dressed. What he is wearing, the jacket he is putting on Hon. Speaker is a sports jacket.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is he wearing?

HON. DR. MUTODI: He is wearing a sports jacket.

HON. MUWODZERI: Mr. Speaker, in order to protect the decorum of this House, such kind of dressing is deplorable Hon. Speaker and must not be allowed in this House. He is wearing a sports jacket. If you check, it might be a zipped jacket, even the collar is standing. He must be chucked out of this House. 

THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order.  Standing Order Number 80 Subsection 1(a) says ‘every member must appear in attire befitting the dignity of the House. Sub-section 5 spells out the attire for male Members. It says the attire for male Members shall include the following- suits, jacket, tie and safari suit. Now the jacket that the Hon. Member is wearing is not a formal jacket – [HON. MEMBERS Inaudible interjections.] - Hon. Members, you do not shout, if you have something to say please indicate so that I recognise you.

HON. MUWODZERI: Yes, I have something to say.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: What did you want to say?

HON. MUWODZERI: On a point of order.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

HON. MUWODZERI: Hon. Speaker, according to Standing Rules and Orders, it is simply saying jacket, it is not talking about formal.

*HON. TAFANANA ZHOU: Thank you Hon. Speaker, when a ruling has been made, it cannot be challenged, we request that Hon. Members respect the ruling.

HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order Hon. Member?

HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Mr. Speaker, it is important to respect

the rules of the House. Can you please indulge me Mr. Speaker? I will ask with your indulgence.

THEACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  The

subsection that you have just referred to says, “the attire for male Members shall include the following, suit which is what I am wearing. I am wearing a suit, a jacket and a tie. This is a jacket can you agree that he is wearing a jacket and he has a tie as well, so I am very sure Mr. Speaker, that according to the rules which guide this House he is in order. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. – [AN HON. MEMBER: Hon. Speaker. I think…] - I did not allow you to debate. – [AN HON. MEMBER: I am not debating Hon. Speaker.] - Please sit down.  I have finished with the Hon. Member. Thank you.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

HON. KAMBUZUMA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 12 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.

HON. MATSUNGA: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, HOME AFFAIRS, SECURITY AND WAR VETERANS AFFAIRS ON THE PETITION FROM THE CHILDREN OF WAR VETERANS AND HEROES DEPENDENTS FORUM

Thirteenth order read: Adjourn debate on motion on the petition from the Children of War Veterans and Heroes Dependents Forum on the economic empowerment for war veterans and their dependents.

Question again proposed.

HON. MATEWU: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

HON. MATEWU: The Deputy Speaker on Tuesday said that a ruling would come today on the matter of privilege that I raised last week Tuesday, which had to do with allowances of Hon. Members who have not received their allowances this calendar year and she said that, that ruling would be made today.  So I am indulging your Chair to give us the ruling.  I thank you.

THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order!  Hon. Member, I was going to say what you have said has been overtaken by events because I am already considering an order here, but let me say to you, the Speaker when she is in the Chair, will deliver that ruling. Today she is not there.  Thank you.

HON. T. PINDUKA:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I want to thank you for the opportunity that you have given me and I would also like to thank the Hon. Members that have debated before me across the House.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the petition from Children of War Veterans and Heroes Dependents Forum was clear and their petitioners’ prayer calls for Members of Parliament to look at the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act which I feel, Mr. Speaker Sir, needs to be amended, especially so that it also speaks to the amendment on the age limit.  For example, Mr. Speaker Sir, if we look at children of war veterans who have attained the age of 18, before they have applied for further education, are turned down or their application is not processed because the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act prohibits that.

I feel that the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act needs to be amended so that it also considers children of war veterans that have turned the age of 18 so that they can access further education opportunities.  I also support the amendment of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act so that it also considers or it also speaks to the operationalisation or practicality of making sure that honour, respect and recognition is accorded to our veterans of the liberation struggle. 

Mr. Speaker Sir, I have been following debates from across the floor.  I would like to put it on record that we appreciate, as children of war veterans, what the Government has done so far since independence in 1980, in making sure that the welfare of the veterans of the liberation struggle has been dealt with.  However, discussing it now, Mr. Speaker Sir, I think it is of importance and it is something that we can continuously look at as emerging issues come through.

Contrary to what has been put forth by Hon. Members on the left side of the House, it is worrisome that we are discussing this matter 44 years later.  Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to also share with you that I would like to assume that as Hon. Members, yesterday or even a week ago, we all ate and today and tomorrow we can still eat as well.  So discussing this matter, I think the worrisome point does not arise because emerging issues can still come in and also need to be debated and as Members of Parliament, we need to address these emerging issues on the welfare of war veterans.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I would also like to highlight and note that as Members of Parliament, Section 119 (2) of the Constitution states that Parliament has the power to ensure that the provisions of the Constitution are upheld and that the State and all institutions and agencies of Government at every level, act constitutionally and in the national interest.  This, Mr. Speaker Sir, calls upon us as Members of Parliament to also make sure that this gives us the opportunity to debate and proffer provisions that may emerge or arise within the Act, that is the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the petitioners’ prayer also included to ensure that the evictions of heroes’ dependents be stopped.  When we went around the provinces, I am happy to share with you that I am also in the Defence, Home Affairs and War Veterans Affairs and Security Services Committee.  There are some instances where this has been alleged to happen and the authorities are ready to take this matter so that it is corrected and as Members of Parliament as well, we are here to make sure that this cannot happen across the board.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I would also like to appreciate the Second Republic ably led by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, by setting up an independent or standalone Ministry that is the Ministry or War Veterans of the Liberation Struggle to make sure that all these matters are dealt with, unlike before where we had the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle combined with other Ministries.  So I think this, Mr. Speaker Sir, is a milestone that will take this issue forward.   

Lastly, Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to implore other Hon. Members of Parliament in here to make sure that when it comes to the budget consultations and approvals, we also need to support the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs so that at the end of the day, the Ministry gets enough allocations that can also assist it to make sure that all these petitioners’ prayers are attended to.  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for the opportunity.  I thank you.

          *HON. MATIZA:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion that was tabled by Hon. Nguluvhe regarding the plight of children of war veterans.  I do not have much but I want to say that it is good to reward one who has worked. The Bible says those who have worked deserve to be given food. 

It is good to support the children of war veterans so that they have better livelihoods.  So, we need to add our voices to this debate so that children of war veterans are given adequate resources for posterity.  We need to think about their future.  We even have some among us who enjoy talking about this issue.  We also have war veterans in our midst and they do not love them.  How can you love the one who is dead instead of loving the one who is still alive?

          Let us hear from our war veterans.  They are our leaders.  Let us support and listen to them regarding the agenda at hand, that is, the motion before us.  Let us hear what war veterans require and do whatever they tell us.  It is a good thing to support our living war veterans.  Before talking about money and their plight, let us support their ideas, thoughts and contributions.

Mr. Speaker Sir, it is painful.  A snakelet is also classified as a snake.  You cannot find a python moving around with sheep.  It is painful because we talk about money yet we do not want to listen to their voices.  In addition to what should be done for them, whether for children of war veterans or war veterans, let us devote our minds and effort to them.  I thank you and God bless you.

*HON. MATSUNGA: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker Sir for giving me this opportunity.  Let me start by honouring our war veterans who fought for our liberation.  We are indeed free because of them.  Let me add my voice to this motion.  I stand in support of the previous speaker.  Indeed, we can focus on their children without looking at the parents.

Looking at their plight, most war veterans do not have the opportunity to access loans from banks because collateral is required and they do not have collateral.  So, my contribution from the petition that was tabled before this august House is because we are Government and part of Government, we need to honour our war veterans by giving them money that has value.  I am a child of a war veteran.  I feel pained when told of their experiences during the liberation struggle.  Indeed, I am here but there are fellow children of war veterans who are leaving sorrowful lives.  So, this august House should consider looking at the issue so that children of war veterans have access to education, opportunities to income generating projects and different projects that will contribute to their livelihoods.

Mr. Speaker Sir, when we look at children of war veterans, some have different histories because when we were growing up, we were being told different stories by our fore-fathers, fathers and grandfathers.  We have relatives who did not come back after the war.  This august House considers the fact that people were stationed at different camps outside the country.  You will find that some families face different challenges because some of our fallen heroes are not resting in peace.  You know our culture.

The august House should consider looking into the issue of those who did not return home.  There should be cultural practices that are conducted.  We may be subscribing to different religions but if we do not understand our culture, then we are not going anywhere.  I want to support the motion regarding the children of war veterans.

In the Ninth Parliament, this august House passed the motion that children of war veterans should be sought and a database created.  Indeed, I want to congratulate those who are in Government, those who are Members of Parliament and serving in different portfolios as children of war veterans.  Mr. Speaker Sir, we need to go back to what we deliberated on when we refer to chimbwidos and war collaborators.  You will find my age mates claiming that they participated in the liberation war and are therefore war veterans.  Some of us were born in the 70s yet some claim that they are war veterans.

We need to research so that we help and assist those who participated.  There are families that have family members who participated in the war.  Mr. Speaker Sir, there are war veterans who fought for our independence.  Indeed, some were awarded $50 000.00 during the reign of the late President R. G. Mugabe and managed to buy houses, but some are earning USD150.00 only.  Looking at the poverty datum line and looking at what is required to support a family of five to six people, one needs a budget of USD540.00.  We can talk about the plight of the children of war veterans.  How can they be assisted when they are struggling? It means that they are just living without any opportunities or funding.  War veterans are allocated farms so that they cater and sustain their families through farming.  Children of war veterans should not be suffering because these are the people who sacrificed their lives for our sake and for posterity.  I am really touched because some of my relatives did not return after the liberation struggle.  I have a relative who, through the spirit medium cultural processes, we managed to get closure after being told what had happened.  A lot of war veterans who participated during the war did not benefit in any way - this is not political; we need to think about them.  We need to honour our people, we need to think about ubuntu/hunhu as a nation.

          Mr. Speaker Sir, we need to consider that what is happening may be as a result of us not honouring our war veterans. We are not remembering them when we are supposed to.  Sometimes you will find that some are pained, others are really hurt because no one is caring for them. 

          I want to add my voice to the debates that have been contributed because our war veterans contributed in different ways.  The children of war veterans should have normal and decent lives.  Some war veterans are now Ministers and some are serving differently.  So, they must think about their colleagues, where they are coming from so that the future of war veterans and their children is secured.  Their children should go to school and get access to universal healthcare. It is important because they are children of war veterans. 

Let me end by saying Mr. Speaker Sir, indeed there is the mantra that the country is built by its owners.  The owners of the country are war veterans who sacrificed their lives to fight for Independence and they brought back the country to us.  Let us look for those who did not come back.  We need to hold biras, and brew beer to appease their spirits. 

          Let me thank Hon. Nguluvhe for tabling the motion regarding the plight of war veterans to this august House. We need implementation of different plans that we have.  It must not be lip service only. I thank you for giving me this opportunity Mr. Speaker Sir. 

          *THE ACTING SPEAKER:  Thank you Hon. Matsunga, you spoke passionately.  When the Hansard comes out, please confirm that your speech has been captured accurately in English. I thank you. 

          *HON. MATSUNGA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, I will do that. 

          HON. A. T. MAVHUNGA:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for this opportunity to add my voice to this debate.  Allow me to thank Hon. Nguluvhe, for putting forward the petition for the children of war veterans and heroes’ dependents forum on economic empowerment for war veterans and their dependents. 

Before I proceed Mr. Speaker, as introduction to my debate, I am going to respect and honour the gallant sons and daughters of this country from the tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the graves that are still out there in the battle field, to the national heroes buried at the National Heroes Acre.  Allow me to debate in silence for the next few seconds and I would really appreciate it if you could join me. 

Minute of silence observed.

          This, I hope will set the tone for my debate to reflect on the significance and importance of this group of people in Zimbabwe. To those in this House who are war veterans or children of war veterans, allow me to say thank you, tatenda, siyabonga for the sacrifice that you gave to this country. If it was not for your bravery, I would not be standing here today.  Yes, yes, go ahead, let me help you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – If it was not for your bravery, I would not be standing in this majestic, magnificent, glamorous Parliament enjoying the benefits of freedom and self-governance which white supremacy, western imperialism and colonialism did not want to see light of day. 

          Mr. Speaker Sir, I will not waste time on whether veterans or their children should be empowered or benefit economically in this country because the Constitution is clear, the Act is clear and the 10^th Parliament is clear. Upon listening to some of the debates in this House, you could tell that we are all converging to a similar agreement that veterans and their children should, in essence, benefit in every way possible when it comes to their welfare and livelihoods. 

The statutes state that the State should provide for the rights and benefits of veterans of the liberation struggle and their dependents; to provide for the establishment of a Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Board and its functions; to provide for the establishment of the veterans of the liberation struggle.

          Mr. Speaker Sir, let me dive into the report presented by Hon. Nguluvhe.  This report is well written and well structured.  The Committee laid out six critical findings.  However, I will focus on three of them which are;

1. Educational benefits of children of war veterans;
2. Respect, honour and recognition of veterans; and

• Economic empowerment of war veterans.

Children of war veterans should not be stopped from accessing benefits because they are now over 18 years of age.  When their parents went to war, they did not give an expiry date on one man one vote, on our freedoms nor on the benefits that we as a nation are enjoying because it is our right as citizens of Zimbabwe to access those benefits.  

Mr. Speaker Sir, it is not an exorbitant or a request out of the ordinary when you consider what other nations are doing.  If you look at the United Kingdom, their benefits for the children of war veterans exceed 18 years of age; the United States of America has a gazillion scholarship for veterans and their children and they exceed 18 years of age; the Russian Federation offers educational benefits to children of veterans who are over 18 years of age. 

So, I think the Committee’s finding and the petitioner’s prayer should be seriously considered when it comes to breaking that barrier of preventing children of war veterans from accessing educational benefits because they have attained 18 years of age.   My recommendation as well is that the War Veterans Fund should then stretch and cover children of war veterans beyond 18 years of age so that they can get support for university studies, for tertiary studies, for PhDs and so forth because what we are benefiting from the sacrifices of their parents cannot be compared to just getting a scholarship for studies – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –

Secondly Mr. Speaker Sir, the report speaks into respecting, honouring and recognising veterans of the liberation struggle.  Mr. Speaker Sir, I agree with these recommendations.  As an Hon. Member in the 10^th Parliament, if I do not show honour, respect and recognition and I stood in front of you as we collected coupons every Thursday, please forgive me.  You should be in front of me as a veteran of the liberation struggle. 

Holidays and events should pay special recognition to the veterans, they should be honoured in schools, churches, sporting events and so forth.  Holidays like Heroes Day should be commemorated, I believe for a period of a week. The least to the greatest ranked veterans fallen or alive should be spoken about and celebrated in all Government institutions including schools, to cultivate a culture of respect and honour for the veterans.  Growing up as a young man, my parents taught me to respect, honour and recognise veterans of the liberation struggle and that I should not forget to thank them for their sacrifices. So, I always go an extra mile when I meet a war veteran that I have not met before, to take a moment and say thank you for fighting for the liberation of this country. Even in my constituency, at the offices of the veterans of the liberation struggle, I always make sure that I go there and spend time with the veterans and express my appreciation for their sacrifice and show respect, honour and recognition.

          Lastly Mr. Speaker Sir, the report speaks to the economic empowerment of war veterans. According to the Constitution, the Act is clear. Section 23 of the Constitution says, the State must take reasonable measures for the welfare and economic empowerment of veterans of the liberation struggle. The liberation struggle fund should be fully funded in order for the veterans to get their benefits as prescribed in Section 149 of our Constitution. The fund can be able to ensure that their social welfare is taken care of and those that want to start small businesses can get loans to contribute economically to the nation and to their welfare.

          When we speak of the 20% land quota, if you look at the current pensions, it will be difficult if not impossible, to farm and commercialise the pieces of land that they have. The children of war veterans also have pieces of land, but they do not have a pension nor capital to do the projects. The fund is a critical component and has to be funded fully by Treasury so that our veterans and their children can be economically empowered to take care of themselves as well.

          In conclusion, let us, as a House and as a nation, not be ashamed when it comes to advocating for benefits that go to veterans and their children. It is a debt that can never be repaid because we are beneficiaries of their sacrifices. The report and its recommendations are in order and should be seriously considered. Thank you.

          *HON.  MANANZVA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity to debate on the petition which was moved by Hon. Nguluvhe regarding children of war veterans. I want to thank our freedom fighters who fought for this country. It is a country which is rich with its history. What was requested by war veterans when we look at the wars that were happening in the past, from the madzviti war, which culminated in a process where people came back with women, cattle and livestock; was a way of thanking those who came back with livestock? When you go to 1 Samuel Verse 26, when David went to war, there was a giant who was called Goliath, who was despising Israel and the people of Israel.

          He asked that he who is going to conquer Goliath, what is he going to get? He was told that you will get a wife because he did not have a wife. What we are saying is that those who went to war were fighting for freedom and land. I believe that those who went to the liberation struggle, some believed that they would not come back, but they went and fought and no one knew whether they were going to come back or not.

          So, boys and girls went out to fight for the liberation of Zimbabwe even though they were facing a Goliath, because the white people had weapons, money and connections. When our brothers and sisters, our war veterans left, they left because they had sacrificed everything so that they would get independence. I want to say that the request which was made by children of war veterans is because they knew the sacrifice of their parents.

          This is our culture, when someone goes to war, they must be rewarded. So, I stood to say that we appreciate what Government has been doing since 1980 for the war veterans. We believe that a lot has been done. They were given money and some were given land, but some did not get the land. The request is that for those who did not get land, may they be given land individually so that they can farm.

          We also saw Government vetting war veterans, some are diabetic, hypertensive including other diseases. We request that the process be expedited so that they benefit. I was listening to the debates and contributions that were done by my fellow MPs, those who went to war so that they bring independence to have access to land. There were some who were fighting our war veterans. After independence, there were some who would go to the western countries to say do not do this and this has affected our war veterans which we are debating about.

          Some are suffering because when we have sanctions, it means that what our war veterans fought for is not being realised…

          HON. GWANGWABA: On a point of Order Hon. Speaker.

          THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of Order Hon. Member?

          *HON. GWANGWABA: I would like to remind the Hon. Member that when he says on the left side, it seems as if the left side was prohibiting the supporters of war veterans. He must not personalise war veterans as if they are from his side only because there are some children of war veterans on this side who debated about war veterans.

          HON. S. SITHOLE: On a point of order Hon. Speaker.

          THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

          HON. S. SITHOLE: Hon. Speaker, he said left side, which one is his left side?

          THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please proceed.

          HON. MATSUNGA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker.

          THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

          *HON. MATSUNGA: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker Sir. My point of order is in regards to the Hon. Member debating.  When I said I am a child of a war veteran, I was saying that let us appreciate the good work that was done by the war veterans. I am part of the left side and I am saying that every war veteran is important.  We are in the same direction. May the Hon. Member withdraw that statement that you said on the left.  This has nothing to do with the issues that are being debated.  The Hon. Members should focus on how the children of war veterans should live.

          *THE ACTING SPEAKER: You are debating for the second time and you already mentioned it when you were debating.   Please stick to the debate on war veterans without insulting others.

          *HON. MANANZVA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, we want to honour our war veterans without selling out what they fought for.  We honour first their ideology and the way that they took to liberate the country.  We take into cognisance of the plight of children of war veterans, what they desire should happen.  As children of war veterans, we know that when our parents went to war, they brought something because they were fighting for independence and we now have independence. 

          When you know that your parents fought for land and you do not have the land, it is a problem and that is a challenge.  We want our war veterans to be remembered.  Let me end by saying as children and as young people, this land is our heritage.  It is our heritage because we fought for it.  As young people, we do not sell our heritage, we need to stand on the platform where our parents left us.  Let me end by saying that I appreciate our people who fought for this country, those who lie in curves, in rivers, in the forest and those who contributed to this motion, I want to thank you.

          *HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker.

          *THE ACTING SPEAKER: Is the point of order regarding the Hon. Member who is debating, he has finished now.

          *HON. HAMAUSWA: Hon. Speaker, I noticed a number of things on this motion. I might not get the opportunity to debate but I would like to assist Mr. Speaker Sir.  When this petition was done, there was a prayer or request.  So, I request that those who are going to debate should look at the prayer that was done by the children of war veterans.  They said that the implementation of the War Veterans Act should be done and the children of war veterans’ land should not be taken away.  There are some people who are talking politics which is not in the prayer and at the end of the day, we will end up focusing on things that were not highlighted in the request. 

          HON. I. NDUDZO: On a point of order.

          THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Ndudzo, you cannot raise a point of order on another point of order.  Hon. Hamauswa, what are you debating?

          *HON. HAMAUSWA: What I am saying is that we need to respect this august House and the petition which was moved which has a clear prayer, a clear request which says that the children of war veterans have a number of needs. Firstly, the implementation of the Act for the war veterans, and the land for the children of war veterans should not be repossessed.  So, my request is that instead of accusing each other saying right side or left side as if the right side are the ones who only participated in the war, is not in the request. Let us go to the prayer which is in the petition.

          *THE ACTING SPEAKER: I am following the debates and all are debating about the prayer.

          HON. I. NDUDZO: On a point of order Mr. Speaker.

          THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

          HON. I. NDUDZO: Mr. Speaker, may I draw your attention to Standing Order No. 65, Rule 3 is very clear Hon. Speaker Sir and it says, “in raising a point of order, a Member shall cite the Standing Order rule of procedure or practice which has been allegedly breeched”.  If further goes to say in Rule 4, “where a Member does not cite the Standing Orders, the rule of procedure or practice, the Chair may insist on him or her doing so.  If he fails or does not adequately do so, the Chair may rule that the point of order is inadmissible”.  My point is Mr. Speaker, we now have serious abuse of the procedure of point where if someone is debating and I do not like their line of debate, I stand up to interrupt their debate by purportedly raising a point of order.  The Standing Orders are very clear that when you stand up, you must cite a provision of the Standing Orders upon which you premise your Standing Order.

          Countless times you then find people going on raising their voices, raising their emotions when they are called upon to explain what their point of order is. When you raise your emotions and voice, that does not constitute a point of order and I think we must observe and uphold the Standing Orders.

          THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Ndudzo, may the House please be so advised.

          ⁺HON. NKALA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir.  I stand to add my voice to the debate.  I noted that a lot has been said, so I am going to be very precise.  I will focus on the areas that have not been covered.  It is important that because this issue has been brought to this House regarding the children of war veterans, our war veterans need the support of this august House.  We have such people in different areas who did not get their benefits like what has been said already. Our desire is that it is important to look into the issue of focusing on those who have a history, who are known and that they get assistance. Some have passed on, they are late but their children are there. They should also get assistance in different offices where they require assistance in schools. Their school fees should be paid for so that they can learn like others and also the contribution of their parents should be honoured because as we speak some did not manage to go through secondary education to write their ‘O’ levels not because they were not able but because those who were their guardians could not cater for their school fees after their parents passed on.

Hon. Speaker Sir, we also note that the war was not for one side but it was the war of liberation which sought to liberate Zimbabwe. So, we are appreciating the liberation, the freedom which was brought by our war veterans and noting their prayer, the request that they get their dues, they get medical assistance so that they appreciate what they fought for.

We also anticipate that they should get farms and how to use their farms, the technical expertise of farming, instead of giving them lands only but they should have been empowered with technical knowledge through Agritex so that they know how to cultivate through irrigation so that when they get this land, they should able to fend for their families.

I am also happy that as Parliament we work together and we understand each other on the issue. We are all touched, we are all affected by this issue directly or indirectly through the liberation war.  I am happy and this strengthens me, the fact that the plight of children of war veterans and their request did not fall on deaf ears but if fell on people who care for their plight and I request that their plight, as we have noted, should be addressed.  It has been said before that some of those who fought for independence are now old.  When looking at the end of the war which is 1980, some are old now.  They are no longer able to stand and do things on their own. 

We request that when their children go to offices, they should be accorded the respect and honour so that they can address the plight of war veterans and children of war veterans like what has been said that they should get this assistance as soon as possible.  This will help in that they feel important as people who sacrificed their lives and their time to liberate Zimbabwe. 

We also request that those who participated in the liberation war, as we are in this process there are some who did not maybe participate in the armed struggle but who contributed in different ways, should also together with families benefit so that the efforts of their parents should not go in vain.

We request that when looking at our war veterans let us not only look at one side but let us look at all sides.  Sometimes you find that some think they fought better than others but we all fought in this war, so let us work together.  Let us not say you fought under ZANLA or ZIPRA, but let us consider all who contributed who participated.  We have our rights which came because of all who participated in the war.  Let us not only look at one political party, we all contributed to the liberation war and to the independence of the country.  We requested that war collaborators also should be considered.  They should benefit also as people who contributed to the liberation struggle.

We appreciate the fact that this august House saw it fit to look into the plight of the children of war veterans and their request.  We have them in different constituencies, different areas.  We have veterans who participated in the war who are suffering.  Some were disabled, amputated and have scars which have not healed.  Some are suffering from arthritic conditions.  Their bones were affected and some had different illnesses and they cannot pay for their hospital bills because they do not have money which is required by hospitals.

When we also look at this issue you find that it is difficult for them because the hospitals which have medication are private hospitals and the expenses are quite exorbitant and they cannot afford to pay on their own.  They are forced to go back home and suffer in silence without getting medical attention yet there is an opportunity for them and I request that the War Veterans Act be implemented so that it does not take long for them waiting for assistance.  With these few words, Hon. Speaker Sir, I want to thank you for affording me the opportunity to contribute to this motion and I support fully this motion which was raised by the children of war veterans.  I thank you.

          HON. MUKOMBERI:  Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir.  It is my honour to be afforded this opportunity to add my voice on the debate on the petition by the children of war veterans.

          Hon. Speaker Sir, it is very pertinent for me to first of all mention that for Zimbabwe to gain its sovereignty from the colonial masters a war was fought by the sons and daughters of the soil, the war veterans.  This freedom which was fought for brought with it economic emancipation of the black majority and this has seen the black majority in a state of freedom from any form of economic suppression that they were put under during the colonial regime. It is therefore pertinent that sons and daughters of these liberators be given a fair treatment commensurate with the effort their parents, both falling and living, have made to bring about the free Zimbabwe.

          It is quite commendable that the ruling Government of Zimbabwe considered a once off gratuity that was paid in 1997 of $50 000 to each war veterans.  This is worth an applause.  A pension also receivable per month was also established. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is also applaudable that his Excellency, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa made a very crucial stride in the recognition of war veterans by establishing a stand-alone ministry that deals exclusively with the issues to do with war veterans.

 It is my prayer and proposal however that Hon. Speaker, the petition and the prayers by the children of war veterans be considered. I pray that the able leadership under his Excellency, Dr. E. D Mnangagwa considers the following for the children of war veterans as well as the living war veterans. Firstly, is to increase the amount of pension payable to war veterans to levels close to the poverty datum line so as to enable them sustain their standards of living.

Secondly, it is pertinent that the Government of Zimbabwe makes available land to the children of war veterans and financially support them to venture into sustainable projects on the land offered. Thirdly, the Government to come up with medical schemes for war veterans who are getting older and have become susceptible to some diseases. Fourthly, the children of war veterans also be afforded scholarships for the attainment of both basic education as well as furthering their education to tertiary levels with special mention to Presidential scholarships, maybe to be given priority to the children of war veterans before being extended to any other beneficiary.

War veterans and children of the war veterans also to be given special treatment and priority when new projects are introduced which are aimed at economic emancipation. As these projects are aimed at benefitting the general population of Zimbabwe, children of war veterans should be given top priority. For example, the Presidential Scholarship Scheme should also be extended to war veterans and their dependents when such benefits are being extended to the Zimbabwean population. The sixth one is to say, a group of war veterans who were recently vetted and accorded the war veterans status, be compensated in time whilst they are still living.

Hon. Speaker Sir, to sum up, if the welfare of war veterans and their children is prioritised during the distribution of national resources, the fallen heroes will peacefully rest. Thank you, Hon. Speaker Sir.

HON. MUTOKONYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I also rise to debate on the motion on the children of the war veterans and their dependents. Yes, it is very important that us as a nation, I am very happy that every Hon. Member who is debating is actually confirming and recommending that the war veterans did play a very key role to liberate the nation. We also see that when they went to war, they were not paid a salary, so it was a pure issue of determination and as such, it is important for us to also look through the petition from the children of the war veterans and their dependents.

 Firstly, I think the Government has done quite a lot in as far as trying to address a lot of these issues regarding the welfare of the war veterans as well as their dependents. The Government, I understand that in quite various sectors, they have actually availed the 20% quota to the war veterans, be it in mining, housing and housing stands so that they also directly benefit from such. It is actually a continuous process, yes, a review has to be done throughout to ensure that they are also well taken care of.

Mr. Speaker, they did raise the issue of respect and honour. It is very important that the children and their dependents as well as the war veterans do get the honour and respect they deserve. I remember last week, I was speaking to one war veteran who actually said even when they get into the banks, they also want to get recognised through their IDs so that they are given priority and that will then show that they are getting the respect they deserve as they fought for this country. Even in hospitals, they have to be considered because they fought a big fight, a good fight and as such, that respect and honour is key and it is us the nation who should know that we have people who fought for this country who require that honour, and it is important to do so.

In the petition, they raised the issue of education. We have seen that a lot of these children of war veterans, some of them are actually failing to attend to tertiary levels, nearly due to the issue of getting the access to scholarships as well as school fees. It is important for this House to look into that, particularly on their welfare in terms of their monthly salaries and all things like that so that they also benefit and make sure that they can afford to take their children to various schools. As a Government, we might also need to consider to give it a priority, especially even in terms of employment in various Government sectors.

We have got various ministries and it is a vey much important to also consider these children of the war veterans as a thank you to the war veterans. It should not be difficult for them to get jobs in the Ministry of Health, Home Affairs and Defence, it is very important. The petition actually requires us to pay the attention it requires so that they can get access to education. In as far as economic empowerment, it is very true that they have to be empowered economically.

I understand, I actually heard also from another war veteran. In my constituency, it is a farming area and we live with a lot of these war veterans. The challenges that are actually happening especially when the parents passed on, the children do face a lot of issues, particularly on the issue of land. The land that they would have inherited from their parents can actually be downsized, or they can even be pushed out of that land, that should not happen, because this is one of the key reasons why they fought, instead of them to be turning in their graves when they see their children being chased away from their farms. That is never good Mr. Speaker and it should not happen because it would mean that whoever will be doing that is not respecting or even recognising the work that was done by these war veterans. You see that there are various issues that need to be looked into, like the housing schemes. The Government is doing quite a lot in as far as ensuring that their welfare is taken care of and it is in good order.

          This petition raised various issues. I also note that we should ensure that we support these children and the dependents. Agricultural projects are viable projects that can easily be done particularly in their various areas. So, it comes back to us as parliamentarians to ensure that we look into the War Veterans Act so that all these issues raised are taken care of and included in the Act so that as it is viewed, it protects the children and it protects the dependents. They should also benefit from the fruits of this country through the hard-won independence. As such, I want to support and also take into consideration that we look into this petition and include it accordingly. I submit.

          HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

          HON. NYANDORO: I second.

          Motion put and agreed to.

          Debate to resume: Tuesday, 23^rd July, 2023.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

          HON. KAMBUZUMA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that we revert to Order of the Day Number 12 on today’s Order Paper.

          HON. NYANDORO: I second.

          Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

REPORT ON THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISATION OF THE CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES (OACPS) AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND ITS MEMBER STATES/THE SAMOA AGREEMENT HELD IN APIA, SAMOA

HON. P. MOYO: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report on the Signing Ceremony of Partnership Agreement between Members of the Organisation of the Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Community and its Member States, the Samoa Agreement held from 12 to16 November, 2023 in Apia, Samoa.

HON. KAMBUZUMA: I second.

HON. P. MOYO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to give a report of the signing ceremony of the partnership agreement between Members of the African Caribbean Pacific States and the European Union and its member States in Samoa, which is in Apia. It was done on the 12^th to 16^th November, 2023. The composition of the delegation was Hon. Rtd. Lt. Gen. M. R. Nyambuya, Deputy President of the Senate; Gladys Pise, Counsel to Parliament and Obvious Muchenu, Aide to the Deputy President of the Senate.

The signing ceremony of the partnership agreement between the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States and its member States and the European Union Member States, also known as the Samoa Agreement was held in Apia, Samoa from the 12^th to 16^th of November, 2023. This new partnership agreement places the Cotonou Agreement signed in 2000 and the basis of the corporation and the legal framework that governs relations between the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union for the next 20 years. The European Union is the key strategic partner for the OACPS and has over the past 20 years, provided technical and financial support crucial for the implementation of the Regional Economic Communities Agenda.

Zimbabwe benefits from the Samoa Agreement by virtue of being a member of the OACPS through the recent disposition of instruments of assertion to the revised George Town Agreement. The expiry of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement in February, 2020 and is the 11^th  EDF in December 2020, necessitated a new OACPS-EU Corporation dispensation. It is important to note that the new partnership Samoa Agreement does not have the financial protocol, which is a departure from the previous corporation framework.

The new Development Finance Corporation will be governed by a new EU financing mechanism called the Neighbourhood Development and International Corporation Instrument. The preparatory meeting by the Ambassadors of the OACPS and Southern African Region was done on the 13^th November, 2023. Brussels based Ambassadors from the OACPS as Southern Africa Region, met to discuss the position of the member States on the signing of the agreement.

Zimbabwe in its capacity as coordinator of Southern African Region, co-chaired the briefing with Mozambique. Present were Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean Ambassador to the Belarus and the European Union Ambassador Mutembwa, informed the meeting that he would be signing on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s participation at the signing ceremony was part of the Second Republic’s re-engagement and reaffirmation policy.

After signing the agreement, it will be tabled in Parliament for approval. Meeting of the Special Session of the OACPS, Council of Ministers on the 14^th November, 2023, a special of the OACPS, Council of Ministers met to discuss the Samoa Agreement, its implementation and priorities of the OACPS at the upcoming UNFCC COP 28 Summit which was held on the on the 30^th November to 12^th December, 2023. The council agreed that it was necessary for the OACPS and Brussels based delegations to attend the COP 28, a push for the adoption of their OACPS positions as outlined in the OACPS issues paper for COP 28.  The Samoa Agreement would facilitate greater cooperation in capacity building activities in several cross-cutting areas that are crucial to the development of OACPS countries. He added that the new partnership agreement should stand out as a model for cooperation as well as a platform for facilitating strong intra OACPS Cooperation.  The President of Council Ministers of Foreign Affairs of East Timor, Hon. Bendito Freitas underscored the need to set up institutions defined in the agreement at the OACPS, EU and African Caribbean and Pacific Regional levels, namely the Joint Council of Ministers, the ambassadorial level, senior officials, the joint Committee and the Joint Parliamentary Assembly was to be a step towards accelerated implementation of the Agreement. 

          The Organisation of African Caribbean Pacific States priorities at the United Nations Framework were on climate change.  The following are key outcomes being advocated for by OACPS Member States, the UFCC COP 28.  Adoption of a robust global goal on adaptation framework of COP 28 that can measure global progress on adaptation to contribute to enhance implementation of adaptation action, domestically unlocking adaptation support and providing critical inputs into the global stock take process and supporting the resilience of affected population caused by environmental degradation and climate change.  Delivery of the outstanding US$100 billion by COP 28 should be mainly from public sources and in the form of grants. 

          Also ensure the procedures for access simplified and streamlined.  Support for the Bridgetown 2.0 initiative as a means to ensure effective reforms of the global financial architecture and multilateral development banks called for in the Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan is fully realised to unlock and scale up grant and conservational finance to address inherent vulnerabilities of developing countries to exogenous shocks such as ongoing climate emergency, burgeoning public debt and post COVID-19 pandemic.  This report will be tabled in the Hansard. Therefore, I will urge Hon. Members to go through some of the issues that I have left. 

Proceedings of the 46^th Session of the OACPS, CP Council of Ministers on the 15^th of November, 2023.

          Relation with the joint ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.  The meeting considered a report on the ACP-EU Join Parliamentary Assembly.  The report contained information on the activities of the Assembly in 2023.  The report also gives an update on the activities of Joint Council of Ministers in various - sorry about that, let me go back, you know these gadgets Hon. Speaker Sir, I am trying to go back to where I was. My apologies I have flue. 

Denomination of the partnership agreement: council approved the proposal to have a formal name and an informal name.  The formal name will be partnership agreement between the European Union and its Member States of the party and the members of the organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States of the other part.  The informal name will be Samoa Agreement.

Implementation of the Samoa Agreement: the meeting recalled that the transitional measures would expire on the 31^st of December 2023.  Provisional applications of the Agreement would then start on 1^st January which started on 1^st January 2024.  The EU side noted that internal legal provisions of some OACPS Member States did not allow for immediate application of the Samoa Agreement.  The affected Member States will be able to participate in the meetings of joint institutions, for example, Joint Council of Ministers, Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) and the Joint Committee of Ambassadors.  Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen also informed that the activities of the European Investment Bank would have to stop the countries that were not previous implementing the Samoa Partnership Agreement.  This provision was confirmed by the representative of the EIB who were present.  The meeting agreed on the urgent need for the JPA to adopt the development draft rules of procedures as set out in article 66 of the Samoa Partnership Agreement.

In responding to the OACP’s call for a dedicated financial envelope, similar to the European Development Fund under the Cotonou Agreement, the EU side reiterated that the neighborhood development and the International Cooperation Instrument, Global Europe and Global Gateway Strategy offered sufficient funding for the OACPS development programmes.  She highlighted that consideration of EU financing instruments made their programming more effective. 

Trade regulations: The OACPS side lamented the adverse effects of EU Trade Regulations on OACPS exporters.  They called on the EU to offer technical and development support for the OACPS to become compliant.  Zimbabwean exporters are affected by EU Trade Regulations, including carbon border adjustment mechanism. 

Regulation on corporate sustainability, regulation on critical raw materials, regulation of climate change, environmental degradation and damage to bio-diversity and regulation on deforestation.  In response the EU side stated that the funding mechanisms were sufficient to support OACPS needs.  I will leave the anti-money laundering part.

I will go to the global security situation:  Hon. Members and Mr. Speaker Sir.  The EU side spoke against what they called Russia’s war against Ukraine and the resultant food crisis and the disruption of trade routes.  These sentiments were supported by Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Slovenia and Spain.  The OACPS side noted that the EU sentiments and highlighted the humanitarian situation in Haiti caused by bandits who had usurped power, proposed cooperation in the area of climate change and joint declaration for presentation in the upcoming COP 28, it has already been done.  So I will leave that because we have moved on.

Let me go to the recommendations. I am going to the signing ceremony Mr. Speaker Sir. The signing ceremony of the Samoa Agreement between the European Union and the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific State on 15^th November 2023. The signing ceremony was held on 15^th November 2023.  During the meeting, 16 OACP member countries did not sign the agreement for various reasons including internal legal provisions, which did not permit any reservations to provisions of the Samoa Agreement which were contrary to national laws.  Prior, from the Southern African region, Namibia and Tanzania openly stated that they would not be signing the Samoa agreement.  On the day of the signing, Botswana and Eswatini also did not sign, neither did they offer an explanation for the lack of signatures.

          Despite having been notified earlier that the EU Member States would not be present in APIA for the signature, a sizeable number of the EU Member States were represented.  These include the Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Island, Lativia, Poland and Sweden. Also present was Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, Director General for International Partnerships in the European Commission.

Observation and recommendations - Mr Speaker Sir, some OACPS Member States have expressed concern at the aspects of the agreement which are contrary to their domestic laws, norms and cultural values and as such, did not sign the agreement.

The transitional measures would expire on 31^st December, which expired already. Provisional application of the agreement would then start on 1 January, which already started. Consequently, the OACPS member states which would not sign the Samoa Agreement would not be eligible for bilateral cooperation with EU.

The EU side takes note that the internal legal provisions of some OACPS Member States would not allow the immediate and provisional application of the Samoa Agreement. An extension for signing of 15 May, 2024 was given to allow internal legal processes of the OACPS Member States.

Those counties that would not sign by the deadline date would not participate in the member meetings of joint institutions, for example Joint Council of Ministers, Joint Parliamentary Assembly and the Joint Committee of Ambassadors.  In terms of section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, an agreement concluded by the President or by someone under the President’s authority becomes binding after approval by Parliament.

The provisional application of the SAMOA agreement does not apply to Zimbabwe as it will be contrary to our constitutional dictates.  The deadline of 15 May, 2024 gives the Government ample time to conduct the due diligence of the agreement to ensure that it is not contravening the Constitution.

The EU is glaringly guilty of attempting to stampede and bully OACPS members into signing the agreement without having sufficient time to scrutinise it.  There is a glaring attempt by the EU to impose unfavourable aspects of the agreement on the OACPS, in particular sexual reproductive rights and orientation and environmental obligations that have a negative impacts on our wildlife policy and energy sources mixed among others.

It is recommended that an inter-ministerial meeting be urgently convened in order to discuss the pros and cons of ratifying the Samoa Agreement by 31^st December, 2023, which I think has already been done.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is to coordinate the inter-ministerial task force and to engage Parliament through the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs before tabling the agreement for ratification.

On the climate change agenda, the EU is determined to successfully implement the green deal and green energy transition and ignore the concerns of the OACPS member states.  They have passed several pieces of legislation both at the EU level and the domestic level of individual member states.

Given that Zimbabwe is continuing with its economic recovery plan which relies heavily on iron and steel industry, the Dinson Iron and Steel Company plant in Manhize should start operations soon.  I think it has already started and that the climate change is a key priority under the Samoa agreement.  There is need for Zimbabwe’s voice to be heard in all the three institutions given the implementation of the EU ban on fossil fuels.

Parties agreed that the OACPS and the EU Council of Ministers should be present at the COP28 scheduled to be held, which was held on 30 November to 12 December, 2023.  The Joint Council mandated the OACPS Joint Committee of Ambassadors to draft a joint declaration for presentation at the COP28 scheduled to be held in Dubai.  I think most of these we have already dealt with them.    

Mr. Speaker Sir, the task force referred to the above could also look into formulating a Zimbabwe climate strategy with a view to assessing finance for climate compliance in Zimbabwe.  I so move Mr. Speaker Sir.

HON. KAMBUZUMA:  I move that the debate do now adjourned.

HON. MANGONDO:  I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume:  Tuesday, 23^rd July, 2024.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

          HON. KAMBUZUMA:  Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 14 and 15 be stood over until Orders of the Day Numbers 16 and 17 on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.

          Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION ON THE BILATERAL VISIT TO MOZAMBIQUE

          HON. SHAMU:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Parliamentary Delegation on the Bilateral Visit to Mozambique held from 29^th April to 4^th May, 2024.

           HON. MANGONDO:  I second.

          HON. SHAMU:  INTRODUCTION

The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis

Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, led a Parliamentary delegation on a bilateral visit to Mozambique from 29^th April to 4^th May 2024 at the invitation of Her Excellency, Esperança Laurinda Francisco Nhiuane Bias, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic Mozambique in February 2024. Hon. Advocate Mudenda was accompanied by the following Members of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade and members of staff:

 Hon. Webster Kotiwani Shamu, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade;

     Hon. Noah Mangondo, Member of Parliament;          

    Hon. Concilia Chinanzvavana, Member of Parliament

   Mr. Frank Mike Nyamahowa, Director in the Hon. Speaker’s Office; 

    Mr. Farai Makubaza, Director- Public Relations;

 Ms. Martha Mushandinga, Principal Executive Assistant to the Hon. Speaker; and

 Dr. Cleophas Gwakwara, Principal External Relations Officer and Secretary to the delegation. 

The objectives of the visit were to; 

• strengthen existing cordial political and economic bilateral relations;
• explore possible areas of co-operation;
• share Parliamentary best practices between the two sister republics and their legislatures. Furthermore, the visit aimed at enhancing the bonds of solidarity that exist between Zimbabwe and Mozambique which were forged during the shared struggles for liberation from colonial rule.

As a result of the visit, the two legislatures have proposed a Parliamentary cooperation framework that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and stability of both Parliaments and the two sister republics within the context of the SADC’s thrust for regional, integrated, economic development.

The delegation expresses deep appreciation to Charge d’Affaires Mr. Ronald Chatiza for providing vital assistance during the preparatory phases of the visits and delivering impeccable administrative and logistical support throughout the visit on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, who was in Harare on official business during the visit period. 

2.0 Arrival and Briefing Session with Hosts

 

Hon. António José Amélia, a Member of the Executive Standing Committee of the Mozambican National

Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique briefing Speaker Mudenda upon arrival 

 

The delegation was warmly welcomed at the airport by Hon. António José Amélia, a Member of the Executive Standing Committee of the Mozambican National Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique accompanied by Mr. Alfredo Vasco Nogueira Nampete, Secretary General of the National Assembly and Ms. Filomena Grachane, Director-General for Legislative Business.  

The airport reception party led by the Hon Amelia, cordially welcomed Hon. Speaker Mudenda and his delegation. Hon Amelia expressed sincere gratitude to Speaker Mudenda for accepting the invitation extended by his counterpart, Her Excellency Nhiuane Bias, to visit the Republic of Mozambique. Subsequently, Hon Amelia debriefed the Hon. Speaker regarding the programme for the visit.  

Meeting Between Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda and Hon.            Nhiuane Bias - 30^th April, 2024.

 

               

 

Speaker Mudenda and Honourable Esperança Laurinda Francisco Nhiuane Bias, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique during singing of national anthems

On Tuesday, 30^th April 2024, Speaker Mudenda and his delegation met with Hon. Esperança Laurinda Francisco Nhiuane Bias, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique and her selected delegates. During the interface, Hon.  Esperança Laurinda Francisco Nhiuane Bias welcomed the Zimbabwean delegation and appreciated the visiting gesture that is set to further cement the fraternal relations that exist between the two sister republics and more poignantly, the two legislatures. Hon. Speaker Bias recounted how the relationship between the two countries dates back to the days of the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe wherein Mozambique graciously provided a rear base for the former ZANLA forces to wage the armed liberation war from the eastern part of Zimbabwe. 

The Mozambican Speaker also alluded to the excellent fraternal relations that exist between His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa and His Excellency, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, which is testimony to the unbreakable bond between the two sister republics. Speaker Bias further appreciated the timely support rendered by Zimbabwe to her country in the wake of destabilising manouvres by insurgents in the oil and gas rich Cabo Delgado region. 

Hon. Speaker Bias acknowledged the humanitarian and material support rendered by Zimbabwe during the devastating cyclones without which the situation would have been cataclysmic beyond measure. Despite the insurgents attacks, she opined that the Mozambican GDP had grown by 4.8 % in the previous year notwithstanding the Cabo Delgado insecurity situation and the natural disasters in the form of the marauding El Niño induced flash floods. It is expected that the GDP would grow by five per cent this year, which is a no mean economic achievement.

Turning to the legislative framework of the Mozambican Parliament, the delegation was informed that the Parliament of Mozambique has a unicameral Parliamentary system comprising 250 Members of Parliament from three political parties, namely, the ruling party FRELIMO, and opposition parties RENAMO and MDM. 

The Mozambican Speaker referred to the extension of friendly relations between the two countries as exemplified by both legislatures working closely in multilateral institutions in the mould of SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), Pan African Parliament (PAP) and Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). 

Finally, the host Speaker indicated that there was a need to further galvanise the excellent relations that exist between the two sister republics by periodic exchange visits of Parliamentary delegations. The proposed signing of an MOU between the two legislatures should be prioritised as a further way of enhancing the excellent bilateral relations between the two Parliaments, she posited.

Hon. Speaker Mudenda responded by thanking Speaker Bias for extending the invitation to himself and the Zimbabwe delegation, a visit meant to extol Parliamentary Diplomacy.  The Hon. Speaker underscored the shared African identity and common ancestry between Zimbabwe and Mozambique dating back to more than 900 years ago during the reign of the revered Mwenemutapa King, whose kingdom straddled Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and parts of South Africa. Speaker Mudenda affirmed that the visit was thus an opportunity to strengthen Pan Africanism and renew shared historical bonds as espoused by the Mwenemutapa shared ancestry. 

Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda further accentuated the strategic role Mozambique played in the Zimbabwe’s quest for independence, freedom and democracy, as Zimbabwe fought against the imperialists and colonialists of the settler regime. Added to this, in the crucible of liberation of the southern sub-region, the late icons of African nationalism, namely, Eduardo Mondlane and the Founding Father of the Mozambican nation, President Samora Machel, stood as towering freedom fighters whose liberation struggle vision transcended southern regional borders as that vision echoed Kwame Nkrumah's call for African unity to liberate the whole of the African Continent.

Hon. Speaker Mudenda, in a poignant reflection during the meeting, underscored the profound solidarity between Zimbabwe and

Mozambique, characterised by the President Samora Machel’s unwavering support for Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. Hon. Speaker Mudenda recalled the overwhelming scenes of mourning following the late leader’s tragic death, emphasizing his enduring legacy as a symbol of African liberation and unity. Hon. Mudenda further asserted that President Machel's life and death continues to inspire the collective political responsibility of the region by ensuring that his legacy lives on in the ongoing quest for lasting freedom, independence and democracy.    

 

         The Mozambican and Zimbabwean delegation during the interface

          Furthermore, Speaker Mudenda informed the host Speaker that Zimbabwe Parliament was bicameral comprising of the National Assembly and Senate. Additionally, Parliament of Zimbabwe has 22 Portfolio Committees and eight Thematic Committees.  Portfolio Committees oversight Government ministries and their departments, Speaker Mudenda opined.  On the other hand, Thematic Committees evaluate Government policies and their effective implementation.  To that extent, Parliaments have a sacrosanct responsibility of ensuring constitutionalism, rule of law and legality in statecraft.

On the insurgents in the Cabo Delgado region, the meeting agreed that Zimbabwe supported the curtailment of those terrorist insurgents together with other SADC countries in the spirit of collective defense within the SADC region. Speaker Mudenda further affirmed that peace and security in Mozambique are a condition precedent for Mozambique in particular, and SADC region in general, in pursuit of the national development agenda. 

In support of the host Speaker who appealed for the urgent implementation of the MOU between the two legislatures, Speaker Mudenda agreed that the signing of the MOU should take place, if possible, before the Mozambican general elections in October 2024. In the spirit of enhanced cooperation, Speaker Mudenda extended an invitation for the host Speaker to visit Zimbabwe at the earliest convenience. 

After the interface between the host delegation and Zimbabwean delegation, Speaker Mudenda’s delegation proceeded to the Heroes Square in Maputo where Speaker Mudenda laid a wreath in remembrance of Mozambican heroes and heroines who lie at that Square including the illustrious late leader Samora Machel. 

        

 

              Speaker Mudenda after laying a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Soldier 

 

         

The laying of the wreath ceremony was punctuated by a colourful full military parade in honour of the visiting Zimbabwean delegation. During the tour of the inside of the Heroes Ssquare pavilion, the delegation was informed that the star shaped structure was designed by the Mozambican architect António Forjaz as a tribute to Mozambican heroes and heroines.        

          In the afternoon, the Zimbabwe delegation toured the bustling Port of Maputo led by Engineer Paulo Mata of Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC). 

          

 

             Speaker Mudenda and delegation are welcomed at the MPDC

The delegation was highly impressed by the critical role being undertaken by the Port of Maputo in handling enormous goods and services within the SADC region, including ferrochrome from Zimbabwe and South Africa. It was clear to the delegation that the Maputo harbour was instrumental in facilitating the movement of goods and services in the spirit of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. 2.3.1 Dinner hosted in honour of the Zimbabwe Visiting Delegation

         

 

              Speaker Mudenda and Speaker Bias toast to the prosperity of both nations

On Tuesday, 30th April 2024, Her Excellency Speaker Nhuiane Bias hosted a dinner at the Gloria Hotel in Maputo for the Zimbabwe delegation and Members of the host Parliament. In her remarks, Speaker Bias emphasized the need to bolster bilateral ties between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, mirroring the exemplary relationship between Presidents Mnangagwa and Nyusi, particularly in advancing economic and political co-operation such as the rehabilitation of the Beira Corridor. Speaker Mudenda concurred, highlighting the foundation of strong bilateral relations on enduring friendship and neighbourliness built on trust and loyalty. Hon. Mudenda concluded by extending well wishes to Mozambique for a successful electoral process in October 2024.  

Meeting Chairpersons and Rapporteurs of Committees

On 2^nd May 2024, Hon Advocate Mudenda and his delegation met with the Mozambique National Assembly Chairpersons and Rapporteurs of the 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th Committees, being Committees on Agriculture Environment and Climate Change, Social Affairs (including health and education), Gender and Media as well as International Relations respectively. 

 

         

 

              The Zimbabwean delegation during the meeting

Hon. António José Amélia, informed the delegation that the National Assembly of Mozambique has nine Committees which carry oversight on 21 ministries. Chairmanship of these Committees are chosen on a pro-rata basis in terms of the political representation of members chosen to a particular Committee.

These Committees exercise their oversight responsibilities guided by five year work programmes and work plans thereof, according to the Sessions of Parliament. Despite having these work programmes, the Mozambican Committees sometimes fail to meet their targets because of inadequate resources to cover the 21 ministries. The other Committees’ challenge is that they have to cover very expansive geographical space. Similarly, the Committees also encounter lack of appreciation of their work from some members of the public. Equally, the Chairperson indicated that some Ministers were hesitant to co-operate with the Committees whenever they are called upon to give oral evidence before the Committees. 

 

          

 

              Photo opportunity with Chairpersons and Rapporteurs

Additionally, the Chairpersons informed Hon. Speaker Mudenda’s delegation that there was need for their Committees to be capacitated in order for them to be able to measure up to their expected Constitutional responsibilities. In that context, the Chairperson of the Gender Committee proposed that there should be benchmarking visits by the Mozambican Committees to Zimbabwe in order to share best practices on how Parliamentary Committees can improve their efficiencies. This approach was confirmed by the Chairpersons of the Agriculture, Environment and Climate Change who confessed that her Committee had benefitted immensely from such benchmarking visit to Zimbabwe.

Following the presentations by Chairpersons of the Mozambican National Assembly Committees, Speaker Mudenda then explained how the Parliament of Zimbabwe Committee system is structured.  In summation, Speaker Mudenda highlighted the key roles of Parliamentary Committees in Zimbabwe, including the constitutionally mandated Public Accounts Committee which ensures fiscal accountability by the Executive and recommends corrective measures based on Auditor General's reports. Hon. Mudenda underscored the oversight function of the Liaison and Coordinating Committee (LCC) which supervises Select Committees' work and further oversees the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also briefed the meeting on the proposal to expand the LCC's mandate to become the Committee of the Future, focusing on leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), so as to drive future Parliamentary processes. These initiatives reflect Zimbabwe's commitment to Parliamentary transparency, accountability and innovation.

Meetings with political Parties

Following meetings with the Chairpersons of Committees of the Mozambican National Assembly, Speaker Mudenda's delegation engaged separately with leaders of FRELIMO and RENAMO. Speaker Mudenda commended FRELIMO for initiating dialogue with RENAMO, leading to the Unity Accord that ended the 17-year debilitating internal conflict, emphasizing the critical role of peace and security in fostering national development. 

         

The Speaker credited President Nyusi's diplomatic leadership for engineering the peace accord. During the meeting with RENAMO, Speaker Mudenda also commended the political outfit for its positive response to peace overtures from FRELIMO. The Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe concluded by extending best wishes to both parties for the upcoming general elections on the 9^th October 2024, expressing hope for sustained peace and prosperity in Mozambique.

        Meeting with His Excellency, Felipe Jacinto Nyusi       

The bilateral visit of Speaker Mudenda and his delegation was crowned by its meeting with Mozambican President, His Excellency, Felipe Jacinto Nyusi at State House. H.E President Nyusi warmly welcomed Speaker Mudenda and his delegation to State House and espoused the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Mozambique and Zimbabwe in both the economic and political spheres. In this regard, such fraternal relations need to be buttressed by benchmarking visits such as the one which was being undertaken by the Zimbabwean delegation to the Parliament of Mozambique.   

 

              President Nyusi giving welcoming remarks

Furthermore, President Nyusi revealed to the Zimbabwean delegation how Mozambique was grateful for the support rendered by Zimbabwe and other SADC countries in containing the insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique. As a result of this intervention, President Nyusi opined that Mozambique was experiencing some measure of peace and security in the northern region of Mozambique. 

 

 

              President Nyusi and Speaker Mudenda’s delegation share a lighter moment

Speaker Mudenda thanked President Nyusi for being gracious enough to accord the Zimbabwean delegation a courtesy call at State House inspite of his busy statecraft responsibilities. The delegation further tendered their gratitude to H.E President Nyusi for his unwavering support in the quest for the unconditional removal of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe. Furthermore, Speaker Mudenda and his delegation extoled the President’s iconic diplomatic leadership that resulted in the unity accord between FRELIMO and RENAMO, thereby ending the unfortunate 17 year old internal conflict after independence. 

Additionally, Speaker Mudenda appreciated former President, Joaquim Chisanno’s assistance in helping Zimbabwe come up with strategies to clear its arrears owed to the Bretton Woods Institutions and the Paris Club. Speaker Mudenda assured H.E President Nyusi that he would convey profound fraternal greetings and cordial goodwill to His Excellency, President Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, President Nyusi’s brother, as per the latter’s request.

         

 

           Speaker Mudenda presents a Zimbabwean gift depicting the balancing rocks in Epworth, to H.E

Nyusi after the meeting

Visit to the Nwadjahane Village, Mandlakazi District, in the Gaza Province 

           Hon. Speaker Mudenda’s delegation wound up its Parliamentary benchmarking visit to Mozambique on the 3^rd May, 2024 by visiting the Nwadjahane Village, Mandlakazi District, in the Gaza Province. This is the birthplace and memorial shrine dedicated to the late Dr.  Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane, the luminary Founding Father of FRELIMO (the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique). Nwadjahane village is named in honour of Dr. Mondlane’s native name. Speaker Mudenda’s delegation was given a biographical history of the late Mondlane by his maternal grandson, Arlindo Hoguane who is also the curator of the memorial shrine. 

                      

Picture collage showing various aspects of the visit to the Mondlane site

          What emerged from the illustrious account by Arlindo Hoguane, was the historic achievement by Dr. Mondlane who astutely united the erstwhile three political movements that were then involved in the fight to liberate Mozambique from the Portuguese colonial shackles. The unity of these three contending political parties created a liberation unity of purpose under the aegis of a new liberation movement, FRELIMO. If it were not for the iconic and passionate leadership of Dr. Mondlane in uniting the erstwhile three freedom parties into the united political entity in the mould of FRELIMO, the liberation of Mozambique and indirectly that of Zimbabwe would have been inconceivable because the ZANLA forces would not have had an assured rear base to wage the armed liberation struggle from the eastern front of Zimbabwe.

Following a tour of Dr. Mondlane's shrine, the Speaker's delegation was shown a pedestal for a future statue of Dr. Mondlane to be erected in his honour. They were informed that Mozambique's largest and oldest University had been renamed the Eduardo Mondlane University, commemorating Dr. Mondlane’s legacy. Speaker Mudenda expressed appreciation for the memorial shrine, emphasizing Dr. Mondlane's role as a freedom fighter and nation builder. He encouraged Mozambicans to cherish Dr. Mondlane's memory by inscribing a message on a clay pot to ensure it is preserved for posterity, declaring, "The memory of Dr. Mondlane shall live forever!!!"

After visiting the Mondlane shrine, the Speaker’s delegation passed by the modern Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport which was officially opened in 2021. The airport runway is wide enough to accommodate Boeing 737-700 aeroplanes and it is hoped that it will service Mozambique and the neighbouring SADC countries. Concomitantly, the District Administrator of Chongoene, Mr. Arthur Manuel Macamo, extended an invitation to the Zimbabwean business community to take advantage of the transport facility provided by the Felipe Nyusi Airport.

      Recommendations

Parliament of Zimbabwe to extend an official invitation to

Hon. Nhiuane Bias, Speaker of the National Assembly of Mozambique, for a reciprocal visit to Zimbabwe, with a scope to also finalize the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at formalising and enhancing Parliamentary co-operation between the two legislatures.

Officials in the Legal departments of both countries to start working on the document.

Relevant Portfolio and Thematic Committees to buttress high-level engagements between the leadership of Zimbabwe and Mozambique to finalise agreements on infrastructure development and trade facilitation with a focus on revamping the Beira corridor railway network and establishing One-Stop-Shop border post to streamline cross-border trade. This has to be done through Committee inquiries and mutual interaction with relevant ministries, departments and agencies of Government. The following Portfolio and Thematic Committees are key to this initiative:

Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development: This Committee to augment relations by further interrogating the status of the collaborative infrastructure projects between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, such as the revamping of the Beira corridor railway network which aims at improving regional connectivity and trade facilitation. Zimbabwe and Mozambique should take advantage of the modernisation initiatives at the Port of Maputo to enhance its capacity and efficiency in handling regional trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Committee to immediately work with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to gain insight on rail and road connectivity issues. 

Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development: Committee to work on exchange visits to explore further areas to foster economic empowerment and social cohesion, contributing to sustainable development and mutual prosperity between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate, Wildlife, Tourism and Hospitality: Collaboration on environmental conservation, climate resilience and sustainable tourism development can strengthen bilateral ties, preserving shared natural resources and promoting eco-friendly economic growth in both countries.

Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development: Joint initiatives in agricultural productivity, fisheries management and rural development can bolster food sovereignty and economic resilience, enhancing livelihoods and fostering cooperation in key sectors between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In this regard, the Committee to work on a reciprocal visit since their Mozambican counterparts have been in Harare.

Portfolio Committee on Information, Communication Technology: Facilitating knowledge exchange and technological collaboration can promote digital innovation and connectivity, driving economic growth and enhancing communication infrastructure between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Committee to arrange mutual interactive sessions, especially on enhancing the use of ICT and AI in development processes. 

Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Veterans of Liberation Struggle and Security Services: By fostering cooperation in defence and security matters, including joint efforts to combat transnational threats and promote regional stability, this Committee can facilitate mutual conversations aimed at strengthening mutual trust and solidarity between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Furthermore, the Committee to initiate working visits to the Nwadjahane Village, Mandlakazi District, in the Gaza Province, the birthplace and memorial shrine dedicated to the late Dr. Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane. The Committee should initiate an exchange visit with counterparts in Mozambique to appreciate the above-mentioned areas of mutual interaction.

Thematic Committee on Peace and Security: This Committee should enhance bilateral relations by facilitating dialogue and co-operation on peacebuilding initiatives, conflict prevention and regional security challenges, thereby promoting stability and prosperity in the Southern African region. This should be done, once again through capacity building exchange programmes in liaison with the Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Veterans of the Liberation Struggle and Security Services. 

Thematic Committee on Gender and Development: The Thematic Committee on Gender and Development should initiate a bilateral exchange visit with their counterparts in Mozambique to share best practices, strategies and policies for promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, and social inclusion. Their counterparts in Mozambique are ready to embark on such an exchange programme to deepen their understanding of marriage and inheritance laws and Zimbabwe’s impeccable interventions on early child marriages. This Committee should collaborate with the Women’s Affairs Committee.

The Portfolio Committees on Industry and Commerce should collaborate to remove trade barriers, harmonise regulations and enhance cross-border trade facilitation to boost bilateral trade, supported by increased exchanges and capacity-building initiatives between Parliamentary committees.

Parliament of Zimbabwe, through its Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce, should promptly invite the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) to provide a briefing on leveraging the transportation opportunities offered by the Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport in Mozambique for trade expansion and economic collaboration between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. 

Both Parliaments should work on modalities to promote cultural and educational exchanges between the two historically connected countries, including student scholarships, joint research projects and cultural festivals, to foster people-to-people ties and deepen understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures and history, which are so closely intertwined together. 

Both legislatures should establish a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the progress of bilateral economic initiatives, with regular progress reports shared between relevant Parliamentary and Thematic Committees to ensure accountability and effectiveness in achieving mutual goals. It is heartening to note that work on rehabilitating the Mutare-Machipanda railway line has commenced with a time-bound completion of the first 49 kilometers in 49 working days. This practical work ethic on the Zimbabwe side should be commended, tracked and monitored.

 Conclusion

The delegation expresses its gratitude to the

Government of Zimbabwe and the Parliament of Zimbabwe for affording it the opportunity to undertake the Bilateral Visit which will undoubtedly enhance and deepen Parliamentary diplomacy mutually.

In this regard, all recommendations should be actioned immediately to ensure that the historical strong bonds of friendship between the two sisterly republics and by extension, the two legislatures, are sustainably strengthened.  I thank you.  

          HON. KAMBUZUMA:  I move that the debate do now adjourn.

          HON. NYANDORO   I second.

          Motion put and agreed to.

          Debate to resume:  Tuesday, 23^rd July, 2024.

MOTION

CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMMES AND MODERN CANCER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MPILO AND PARIRENYATWA HOSPITALS

          HON. DR. KHUPE:  I move the motion standing in my name that;

NOTING THAT first World Countries have made great strides in the field of oncology resulting in their advanced treatment of cancers even at stage 4;

WORRIED that Zimbabwean cancer patients have to travel abroad for cancer related treatment and in most cases patients die before raising funds needed for such treatment abroad;

AWARE that a number of Zimbabweans have been diagnosed with different types of cancer which include, inter alia; breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and ovarian cancer;

 REALISING that there is a dearth of research, in Zimbabwe, around the aforementioned as cancer treatment remains inaccessible to the majority;

COGNISANT that there is lack of awareness on cancer as most cancers start benignly before they become life-threatening;

NOW THEREFORE, calls upon this House to: a) Request Government to immediately start and intensify cancer awareness programmes in collaboration with other organisations and foundations like the Thokozani Khupe Cancer Foundation in all the 35 000 villages in Zimbabwe and all towns so that citizens are made aware of the scourge of cancer;

   b) Implore Government to invest in state-of-the-art equipment for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa Hospitals as starting point and equip these two hospitals with modern Computed Tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) Scans, Radiation machines and all kinds of chemotherapies for all stages of cancer; and

    c) Government to further move with speed and fully fund universities so that they start, without any further delays, researching on new and modern cancer medicines.

HON. NYANDORO:  I second.

HON. DR. KHUPE:  I would like to begin by verses in the bible, John 14:13 and Mathew 21:22 which says if you ask the Father in Jesus name and if you believe, you will receive.  I believe in God, I believe in Jesus and I believe in the Word.  I asked the Father in Jesus name for access to treatment so that I be healed and I received.  You all saw me when I came for the swearing-in-ceremony, I was a moving grave, but look at the transformation - this is God's work.  I would like to thank him so very much for giving me a second chance to life, for being my Saviour, my doctor and my protector.

I would also like to thank the President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for transcending beyond party politics and authorising Government to fund my treatment as the former Hon. Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe.  I would like to thank him for his kind gesture.

Let me again thank the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works for their support.  I would want to also thank my children Ronald, Reginald and Shamiso; my niece Faith, my brother Pastor Vusa, my Sister in law, Mary Chitura Khupe and my young sister Sibusisiwe for their love, care and financial support from Zimbabwe to South Africa, to India and to the United Kingdom, may the Lord Almighty bless them abundantly.

I would also like to thank all those who prayed for me from every corner of the country and abroad. I also acknowledge Tendai Chatikopo who took us to India even though India did not work well for me and all those behind the scenes, may the Lord Almighty bless you all abundantly.

Let me thank my Doctor in the United Kingdom, Dr. Jonathan Krell in a special way for being on point with my diagnosis and treatment.  The treatment which he prescribed for me did wonders to the extent that all the water in my stomach, the 6 liters I was draining every week dried up and that was a great relief for me because carrying an equivalent to 6 kgs all the time was very uncomfortable and made me weak and more sick.

Let me turn to cancer issues.  My battle with cancer has made me to fully understand and appreciate that development is not rocket science, meaning it is not a difficult thing to do, but development is about discovering what other people did, it is about copying from other people.  An opportunity has availed itself as a result of my second cancer attack to discover what other Institutions are doing in terms of treating the most advanced and difficult cancers like the one I had.  It is therefore imperative for government to copy from those Institutions with advanced cancer technologies like the one where I was treated.

          The first issue I would like to highlight is research and development because research and development will make us discover new modern and advanced cancer medication. Research and development plays a critical role in finding new and improved ways to enhance public health and stay ahead of the disease.  It must not be a big deal for one to have stage 4 cancer because with modernisation it can be treated and I am a living testimony - I had stage 4 cancer and here I am today standing in front of you and in good health.  It is of utmost importance that Government prioritises and invests with agility in research and development because it will lead to breakthroughs of new cancer treatment.  We have big brains in Zimbabwe, professors, doctors and scientists who can creatively and innovatively do research on new modern medication on all cancers no matter how complicated they might be because with research they should not be any complicated case.  We must move with time as a country, we must evolve, we must do continuous research to conquer any type of cancer.

The second issue I would like to highlight is that in Zimbabwe we have two public hospitals with cancer units, that is, Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals.  These two hospitals must be fully equipped with state of the art cancer equipment in the form of combined CT/Pet scans because these two combined scans help provide more accurate diagnosis than the two scans performing separately.  This will ensure that those with cancer get the right diagnosis from the onset, because once you have the right diagnosis it follows that you will get the right treatment.  I am a good example. 

When I was first diagnosed in Zimbabwe, they said I had ovarian cancer which had long gone.  I proceeded to South Africa.  Again, they said I had ovarian cancer stage 4.  I started chemotherapy in the form of injections and tablets every two weeks.  I have never been sick like that in my entire life. I was vomiting to the extent that I had a bucket on the side of my bed all the time. I had terrible diarrhea to the extent that I would sometimes mess myself.  I was draining 6 liters of water every two weeks because it was feeling up quickly -  this water was a sign that my tumors were not responding to treatment hence they continued to generate this water.  I was like a nine month pregnant woman, I had difficulty in breathing and walking.

It took me time to turn when I was sleeping because I had to move an equivalent of 6kgs which I was carrying.  My doctor in South Africa then referred me back to Zimbabwe so that I could be under Palliative Care, which is treatment and support you receive when one has a life-limiting illness, because there was no improvement.  I later proceeded to India with the help of Government.  I was so excited that finally I was going to get the best treatment because many people were saying India was the best when it comes to cancer treatment. 

I did all the possible tests and the diagnosis was once more stage 4 ovarian cancer which emanated from the breast cancer I had twelve years ago.  I started chemotherapy, I was supposed to do 18 cycles for 18 weeks.  I was draining 6 liters of water every week.  After 15 cycles my doctor in India said I was not responding to treatment, because if I was responding the water was going to dry up but in my case there was no change.

 He then suggested that I rather go to the United Kingdom (UK) because the UK was advanced when it comes to cancer treatment.  They had modern medications and a lot of options and they also did clinical trials.  In India I was losing weight every day because I had difficulty eating to the extent that I was then weighing 68kgs.  I was a moving skeleton.  All this is pointing to wrong diagnosis resulting in wrong treatment.

I then proceeded to the UK and did all the necessary tests, CT/Pet scans, bloods and biopsies.  The diagnosis was that I had Lobular breast cancer.   The doctor then said I was going to do 18 cycles of chemotherapy every week.  I only drained water on 22^nd December, 2023 and started treatment on 9^th January, 2024.  I never drained any water again.  It gradually drained away cycle after cycle.  After the fourth cycle, the water disappeared, a sign that the medication was working perfectly well.  I never had any side effects.  All this was a good example of the right diagnosis which subsequently resulted to the right treatment.  This is a clear indication that with modern technology, you are likely to get the right diagnosis and with the right diagnosis you are likely to get the right medication, hence my emphasis on state of the art equipment. 

With state of the art cancer equipment coupled with research and development of new modern cancer medicines, Zimbabwe must be known as the best country in the region for cancer treatment.  People must come from the region for cancer treatment to Zimbabwe.  This will help as these people, from other countries, will pay international fees for their cancer treatment thereby subsidising for those in Zimbabwe who cannot afford cancer treatment. It is also imperative for Government to come up with a cancer levy in line with the Aids levy.

The third and most important issue is Awareness programmes.  Awareness programmes are essential.  This is so because many people do not know about cancer.  Hence, it has been established that in Africa, women only discover that they have breast or cervical cancer when their cancers are at stage four and this is advanced cancer which tends to be difficult and very expensive to treat.  Awareness programs will help in that the majority of people will know they have cancer when the cancer is in early stages.  It is cheaper and easier to treat cancer at its early stage.  Whereas, it is difficult, complicated and very expensive to treat advanced cancer. 

I am a living example because my cancer was at stage four.  I had to do 18 cycles, one every week and each cycle was ranging from 2 000 pounds to 2 500 pounds every week. I was sometimes doing blood transfusion because my hemoglobin was low all the time because of chemotherapy.  I would pay between £1 700 and £2 000.  At times, I would do CT/Pet scans to establish the extent of the cancer.  Whether cancer cells were being destroyed by the medication which cost £3 900, there were other costs for bloods, doctors’ fees and several others.  How many people can afford this?  The answer is very few. 

All this is pointing to the fact that it is important to intensify awareness programs because once people are aware of this deadly disease, they will be able to get treatment early.  Early detection and appropriate treatment do not only improve prognosis but it also reduces the cost of treatment.  It is imperative for Government to partner with other organisations like the Thokozani Khupe Cancer Foundation and many others to do awareness programmes in all the 35 000 villages in Zimbabwe and all the towns so that cancer is dealt with at its early stages. 

Our motto must be, "Early detection of cancer Saves Lives"  I would like to applaud the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa for her efforts as the Health Ambassador by coming up with a hospital in Chitungwiza which will treat women and children diagnosed with cancer.  I would like to thank her again for the screening programme through her mobile clinic.  This is a good starting point and the programme must be accessible to as many women and children as possible throughout the whole country. 

Her programme for encouraging citizens to eat traditional and nutritious foods is also plausible because if people eat more of these foods, chances are that they might not get cancer.  One of my doctors in India said food is the best medicine.  Once you have a nourished the body, it is not easy for one to be attacked by these diseases.  When your body is malnourished you are likely to succumb to any disease.

Hon.  Members of Parliament being diagnosed with cancer is not a death sentence.  I am saying this so that citizens must never be afraid if ever they are confronted with such a situation.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.  In 2023, I had a second cancer attack which came like a thief without giving any notice.  By the time I realised it, it had spread.  With all this, I was never afraid because I knew that with God's grace and good medical attention, all was well. 

I vowed that I was never going to allow cancer to take me down.  I developed this fighting spirit and I am going to fight cancer to the end until it leaves my body.  I know and believe that one day, my body will be free from cancer.  This is the attitude that all those with cancer must have.  I have so far gone through my first phase of treatment.  I am now on my second phase of treatment but look at me, I am doing perfectly well.   The only thing with cancer treatment is that they are good days and bad days.  During the bad days side effects kick in and they are at times very unpleasant.   This week is my bad week but l am managing.

 

I would like to conclude by alluding to the fact that let us collectively hold hands and unite towards the fight against cancer.   According to the  Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ), cancer is now acknowledged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe with over 7 500 new cancer cases and over 2 500 deaths being recorded per year.  Cancer continues to be on the increase in Zimbabwe and most of the reported cases are diagnosed late.  Cancer treatment must be available, accessible and affordable in Zimbabwe.  It is far much better for one to travel from Binga to Mpilo Hospital for cancer treatment than for one to travel to India for treatment.  It is equally better for one to travel from Chipinge to Parirenyatwa Hospital for cancer treatment than to travel to the United Kingdom for treatment.

          Health is everyone's right.  Every citizen must have access to health because a healthy nation produces and an unhealthy nation does not produce because half of the time workers will be down with different diseases.  At the same time, no investor will come to a country with a high disease burden.  This is pointing to the fact that Government must prioritize health and health must be health for all.  I rest my case.

          THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Khupe.  Your motion moved the hearts of all Hon. Members in this august House.  We would like to thank God who has made you well to the extent that you are in this House and leading us in this motion.  Please continue to glorify his name.  We would also want to thank your earthly benefactors led by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa and also the encouraging words about the excellent work that the First Lady is carrying out on the subject of cancer – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –

          HON. N. MGUNI:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for allowing me to second this motion.  Cancer, is the highest cause of deaths in Zimbabwe.  Due to the non-accessibility and affordability of cancer treatment.  As at 2020, Zimbabwe has a population of about 14 million or more, reported more than 16 000 cases and also reported more than 10 000 deaths.  All stages of cancer can be cured, mostly stage one and stage two, hence the importance of strengthening awareness.  When we talk of awareness, like she alluded to that the First Lady is encouraging us to eat traditional foods. 

          The food that we are eating now is so processed that it makes all our bodies use the immunity to fight against diseases.  It is important to strengthen awareness as I say.  This is achievable by the correct diagnosis like she said and the availability and affordability of chemotherapy, testimony to Dr. Khupe as we see her here today.  I am positive that our country can manage this gruesome disease.  We see in our NDS objectives, it says promoting new enterprise development, job creation, strengthening social infrastructure and social safety nets, to ensure sustainable environment, protection and resilience.

          The SDGs as well, he says we aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all.  Vision 2030 seeks to fundamentally transform Zimbabwe to an upper middle-income economy, with a per capita gross national income of over USD5 000 in real terms by 2030.  His Excellency, the President Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa has a clear roadmap of leaving no one behind.  In this mantra, I believe that the new technology that we need to manage cancer is possible in our country.

          HON. MAPIKI: My point of order is that if you look at the motion that has been raised by Dr. Khupe, I was crying but what is surprising is that female Members of Parliament on that side, no one even applauded what she was saying Mr. Speaker. I was saying that if there are fights, they should not be brought into this Parliament, but should end outside.

          THE ACTING SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, we have been reminded by Hon. Ndudzo what a point of order means.  We read from Standing Orders 65 which says a Member who is of the opinion that the rules of procedure that have been breached by another Member may raise a point of order.  I do not know which rule you are banking on and it says on number 3, in raising a point of order, a Member shall cite the Standing Order Rule of procedure or practice which has been allegedly breached.  We all agree in this room that we shall abide by the Standing Orders. There is no point of order, which point of order and rule of procedure?

          HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Order 98, Sub Section 1(d).

          THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Where has the 1(d) been violated?

HON. MADZIVANYIKA:  The Hon. Member who just raised a point of order used offensive language when he was saying, Hon. Members on the left were not clapping.  It is not professional Mr. Speaker Sir.

THE ACTING SPEAKER:  There is no point of order Honourable.  I am actually surprised as a mature Member of Parliament that you can stand up for such a point of order.  Please sit down.

HON. MGUNI:  I thank His Excellency for his mantra of not leaving anyone behind.  Mr. Speaker, this country is endowed with mineral resources and if we set our minds to it, Vision 2030 is achievable.  With search priorities modern equipment can be acquired to diagnose and treat cancer at all stages and achieve the early dictation.

The equipment like it has been said before, the CT Scans, the pat and the blood samples.  The blood samples are very important because even when you asymptomatic, you can detect the free radicals that are circulating in the blood system.  Then the other machinery like the CT and the pat will assist us to detect where exactly the cancer is within one’s body. All these tests are very expensive and most people can not afford them as they range between US$1 200 to US$4 600. 

Mr. Speaker, early detection like we said, saves life, hence awareness programmes that we have talked about.  Awareness programmes should even be done by us the Honourable Members as we go to our constituencies.  Our country has seen an increase build around the country.  It is my hope that within these universities, we have scientists that can research because research is very important.  It is paramount as it will help us to learn new technologies.

The problem with cancer cells is just like any micro-organisms.  They mutate, they change with the environment.  They can also mutate to an extent that they become immune to the treatment that is being given but with continuous research, we are able to detect, produce medicines that are less invasive to the body.  The treatment of cancer as it is now kills both the cancer cells and the normal cells, hence the side effects that she was talking about.

On our Parliamentary visits sometime in 2017, we visited the Zambian Cancer Centre, where they were treating all Zambians for free and they said they had been taught by us on how to handle cancer persons.  They were also taught by us on how to collect and unpack blood.  Zambia at that time could afford all Zambians free blood.  So, I am saying it is possible that with what we have in this country and the mantra of the President, all these things are possible and we can have machinery that can treat our people.

I will conclude by saying, a healthy person is an asset to himself, his family and to community.  When a nation has healthy people, a healthy environment and a healthy mind sets, we can say that the nation is wealthy because all their efforts will be geared towards developing their economy and not towards fighting the disease.  I thank you.

HON. TOGAREPI:  Thank you for giving me this opportunity to debate and contribute to this very important subject.  I also want to thank Dr. Khupe.  You are a hero because you are positive.  Many people when they face cancer, they just breakdown, lose hope and surrender to the disease, but you remained focused.  I remember in the 9^th Parliament, when you came into Parliament and also raised this issue about cancer, you were celebrating as a survivor and the disease came back.  It really wanted to take your soul, your heart, your courage away, but you stood your ground and here you are.  We are with you and I am also very encouraged.  I hope all of us here will go around encouraging people to take the same positive mind when they are faced with cancer. 

I also want to thank the President of this country for realising that here we had a leader in our country, one member of our society faced with this disease and definitely with the costs that we have heard from her, nobody can afford that, but the Government came in to support one of our own and assisted her to fight against this dreadful disease.  I want to say to Members here present, she is not the only one who is going to face cancer. As you grow and as you eat recklessly, you may also face cancer. You need the same Government system to help you through. Being Members of Parliament, you have that added advantage for Parliament to support you to request from the Head of State to help you fight the disease.

          I am touched on what we sometimes feel when Government is being mentioned. It is like you are not supposed to give credit where it is due. We are all Zimbabweans and when we face a situation, it is the responsibility of Government to ensure that we get support and treatment. I want to ride on other Hon. Members suggestions that in these hospitals that we have, as Parliament, we need to move a motion or to recommend in the oncoming budget that we have a dedicated cancer hospital or cancer research centre where these diseases can be looked at and remedy can be found.

          She is more of our doctor now because she was treated here. She also went to India and U. K. and met different doctors and received advices. She is more informed and I think you can be a cancer ambassador to these hospitals. This is because there are things that they may take for granted that you now know because of experience. You have lived that challenge of facing cancer and got advices from different medical practitioners on the subject. You can tell them which areas of research, which machinery or medication can be brought to Zimbabwe to assist the people of Zimbabwe.

          Those who have relatives who have gone through cancer will tell you that once somebody is on stage 4, what you only give this person is palliative care and wait for the day. Here we have our Hon. Member testifying that she managed to go through with the correct diagnosis. Other countries have researched on the cancer challenge. She was treated and she is improving. We are hopeful Dr. Khupe that God is going to help you through and you will gain your strength. 

          I really stood up to talk about this because she moved my heart and I am very proud of you and I will pray for you as well. I think everybody here will pray for you. It is not me but given your knowledge and the Trust that you have formed and His Excellency, the First Lady is also running a programme like that. If you can collaborate and work together, we will all benefit as people of Zimbabwe. It is the information and when you are walking and enjoying your life, you may not know that in your body cancer is developing.

When you are diagnosed late, it may be too late. She is lucky and maybe God loves you. She is supposed to be our living testimony. God gave you life for that and please work for all the people of Zimbabwe who can be challenged by cancer. Help them to understand what you have gone through and how they can fight the disease. It will be important and it will help a lot of our people survive cancer. We have got a living testimony. I think we would want a session which is not a sitting, where we can sit together and you can help us because we start lying to each other when somebody has cancer.

They say wakaroiwa by some old woman or old man in your area or you were poisoned and so forth. We have very little knowledge about this disease. If we can have this information the way she has explained and the other Hon. Member has debated, it will be good for us and we can take that to our communities and help our people live, survive cancer and seek treatment and maybe extend their life. I thank you Mr. Speaker.

*HON. GANYIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me add a few words on this debate which has been raised by Hon. Dr. Khupe who has opened our eyes on the cancer disease which is a menace in our country. I want to respond to what the Hon. Member has said. He has levelled the ground for all of us that no matter what we face, we are the same. I think you should help me to thank the President for the work that he did. All the parties should thank the President. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -

I am happy because everyone has thanked the President because the elders say that you do not lose sleep over someone else’s troubles. If you do not acknowledge small things that people do, next time it will befall you and you will need the assistance. I have learnt a lot of things and how to prevent cancer. I have seen the importance of the work that the First Lady is doing of taking us back to our traditional food which was referred to by Hon. Dr. Khupe that good healthy food is important in our bodies and it chases away cancer formations.

It means it is something which we should embrace and not only leave it to the First Lady. As representatives of the people, we should join her programme because it will help us to conquer cancer in our nation. She also talked about having new hospitals and also help those who do research, that money should be put aside for that. Us as the august House, we should lobby so that there should be a fund which will look into cancer issues because if people are affected by cancer, very few people will survive.  We should put our heads together because it is clear that a healthy country is a wealthy country, so we should also advocate for more money to be put towards health during our budget. I have stood up that we should thank our President for what he has done because I look forward to also enjoying the services. The Chief Whip also said that it is good because we also want to enjoy those services. When you get sick, you will find that being partisan does not work. Some will think that Dr. Khupe is praising the President because she got help and she is weak politically, but you can be a politician if you are only healthy. If the President superceded party politics so that the life of a person is important, it is a lesson, so we should learn from him. This did not start recently; it is his character because the former Prime Minister Tsvangirai also got the same help from the President, which means that he has people at heart. We do not become partisan in times of challenges. I think we should learn to be thankful. I thank you.

^*THE. ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Ganyiwa.

HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker.

^*THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order because we are saying, which rule are you referring to in terms of Standing Rules and Orders? 

HON. MADZIVANYIKA:  Yes. Order 65 subsection 3. It is the duty of former serving members of Government to get free medical assistance. It is something which has already been legislated. I want to correct that narrative. There is a narrative that the President is the one who is giving medication, it is not correct. It is provided in the law.

^*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, when Dr. Khupe was debating, she expressed gratitude that she was served from death. She is the one who thanked the President, she thanked a lot of people, but she also thanked the President, so those are the words which were being repeated by others, so there is no point of order.

HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I move that debate do now adjourn.

HON. NYANORO: I second Mr. Speaker.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Tuesday 23^rd July, 2024.

On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. NYANDORO, the House adjourned at Nineteen Minutes to Six o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 23^rd July, 2024.