PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
ADOPTION OF THE ADVERSE REPORT BY THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, on the 6th of February 2024, the National Assembly adopted the Adverse Report by the Parliamentary Legal Committee on Statutory Instrument 153 of 2023 on the High Court Amendment Rules, 2023 No.1. Paragraph 9 (2) of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that, if, after considering a report of the Parliamentary Legal Committee that a provision of a Statutory Instrument contravenes this Constitution, the Senate or the National Assembly resolves that the provision does contravene this Constitution. The Clerk of Parliament must report the resolution to the authority which enacted the Instrument and that authority must, within 21 days after being so notified, either:
“(a) apply to the Constitutional Court for a declaration that the Statutory Instrument is in accordance with this Constitution; or
(b) repeal the Statutory Instrument.”
Consequently, on 8th May 2024, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs published in the Gazette, a notice repealing Statutory Instrument 153 of 2023 and substituting it with Statutory Instrument 81 of 2024, High Court Amendment Rules, 2024 No. 2, which seeks to address the constitutional inconsistencies raised in the Adverse Report adopted by this House.
SPEAKER’S RULING
CIRCULATION OF THE ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (ZHRC) AND THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION (ZEC) REPORTS FOR THE YEAR 2023
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that contrary to what Hon. Members raised during yesterday’s sitting regarding the circulation of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) reports for the year 2023, the Clerk of Parliament produced records which indicated that the ZEC report was indeed circulated to Hon. Members via email on 4th April, 2024. The ZHRC report which had not been circulated earlier was then circulated yesterday.
I expect Hon. Members to conduct themselves honourably and desist from misleading the House as was led yesterday by Hon. Hamauswa. On that note, Hon. Members, you are encouraged to check on your email, WhatsApp and on our website so that you get the Order Paper there, or the reports posted there in time for you to be able to read the reports and prepare yourselves to debate accordingly.
Accordingly, I have also instructed officers to circulate the Order Paper on the WhatsApp platform for Members, immediately after the adjournment of the House in order to give Hon. Members adequate time to prepare for the following day’s sitting. I have also requested that I get the same information so that I can track on the movement of the information concerned.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have received the following apologies from the Executive: Hon. T. Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training; Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry; Hon. B. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works; Hon. F. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. Prof. A. Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. A. Sibanda, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. T. Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. R. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. E. Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development; Hon. Dr. A. J. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. Dr. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care; Hon. D. K. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion; Hon. Sen. M. Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Hon. O.C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence and Hon. M. Mavhunga, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs.
HON. HWENDE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Are you serious that you are raising a point of order? You can go ahead.
*HON. HWENDE: I am serious Hon. Speaker. Thank you very much. My question on Minister Kirsty Coventry, we ask the august House to check, she appeared once here and at Old Parliament, she only came thrice. She has not been appearing in Parliament. We would want you to investigate and report back. Is she still a Minister? That is why we are now playing our matches outside the country. Thank you.
HON. SPEAKER: I will refer that to Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Leader of Government Business to have some conversations with his colleague.
The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs having read Notices of Motions that are already on the Order Paper.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you, Hon. Minister and Leader of Government Business. Apparently, it would appear there must have been some miscommunication between your office and that of the Minister of Finance. Apparently, the two motions were submitted by the Deputy Minister of Finance yesterday and they are on our Order Paper, item numbers 11 and 12.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. D. MASVISVI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir and a good afternoon. My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu. What strategies are there to promote consumer protection in regard to the abuse in ZiG currency exchange rate by the business and service providers?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. Mr. Speaker Sir, the question is also extremely broad because he has not elaborated on the abuse that he is alleging. Suffice to say that this question has been dealt with a lot in terms of the introduction of the ZiG. The mechanisms that are being done to ensure that the currency stabilised and is accepted both by the consumers and the traders was much elaborated by the Minister of Finance, suffice to say that Mr. Speaker, the mechanisms that are being put in place entail that the long term stability of our currency will be guaranteed. As we are starting, things may not appear as what we envision, but we hope that with the education that is being done by the Reserve Bank and by all of us, it should work.
I think all of us must be involved in ensuring that we educate people about our currency. It is our currency Mr. Speaker. The acceptability and stability of our currency will benefit everyone across the board. We believe that with the cooperation of everyone, the Reserve Bank included, having been removed from doing activities that are fiscal related, will also add in ensuring that our currency is stable. Traders want a currency that will be a store of value. Those are the measures that we are putting in place and if you remember Mr. Speaker, the Governor and the Minister actually indicated that we were putting mechanisms that will make our currency attractive like when we are making payments of our QPD, the company taxes, a certain portion will be required to be paid in Zimbabwean dollar and people will be looking for it. We believe we will also ensure that its stability is also guaranteed, notwithstanding that the appetite within the Reserve Bank to print money has been removed.
So, there are a cocktail of measures, but it is still early days Mr. Speaker, to say that you can have a definitive pattern that you can then say traders are ripping off consumers. The water is still settling. I so submit Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MASVISVI: Perhaps, I should bring my supplementary by simplifying my original question to the Minister. As a way to remove the mischief in the market, what measures are being taken to allow consumers to use the official currencies they wish to buy with rather than being detected to selective products or goods, resultantly they return some of the products in the shelves. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The question has been simplified.
*HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence, let me explain in Shona. I appeal to the Hon. Member to say it in the mother tongue Shona. I am lost.
*HON. MASVISVI: Let me speak in Shona because I am of the Shona tribe. Mr. Speaker Sir, all I am saying is that if a person has, for example, USD200, and wants to buy, he or she can buy all the things that he or she wants, be they grocery items or hardware. However, when they want to transact using the ZiG, they will tell you to buy for 30% and then return these goods that cannot be purchased using ZiG. That hurts people. Would it not be better for us using the ZiG so that we can buy anything that we want using the ZiG and that there should not be any difference when one purchases using either the ZiG or the USD? I thank you.
*HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you, you have clearly explained. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for allowing him to clarify in the manner that he has done now. I now understand. Mr. Speaker Sir, the question is pointing out to some illegal activities that are being done by people. They are refusing to accept our currency, which we are encouraging everyone to use in Zimbabwe.
We are saying we are in a multi-currency system, but our wish in the near future is for our currency to become strong so that it ends up being the only one in circulation. If there are traders that are doing that, they should be reported to the relevant authorities, the police so that the issue can be looked into. I also urge that all of us whenever we meet such people who are behaving in such a manner, we should name and shame them so that our country can be prosperous because what they are doing is detrimental to our country.
*HON. P. ZHOU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is, when the ZiG came into use, the major supermarkets; goods that were selling USD2 were now selling for USD3. When you talk about the exchange rate, they also increased their prices before the ZiG came in a way that a product was now costing $2 more. When the ZiG came, they had already destroyed it by having a higher percentage. Prices had already been inflated.
HON. SPEAKER: No, you are now explaining. Ask a question.
*HON. P. ZHOU: That was an example so that you would understand. They do not accept Ecocash in the form of ZiG. The ZiG platform for Ecocash has not been converted so that it becomes applicable. These are some of the problems that we are facing. How can the Consumer Council assist us? Is it still in existence or not? Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Mr. Speaker Sir, there are things that we have learnt and afraid to do because doing so is detrimental to our economy. It is price control. What we are trying to do is to strengthen our currency so that it becomes acceptable by looking at the fundamentals to ensure that it can be acceptable. Yes, people have raised their prices. If one was buying something for $1 and you know that your ZiG is $14, you should give that person 14 ZiG since it is marked $1. If they refuse, it means that they will be having an illegal exchange rate and by so doing, they will be committing an offence. If the $1 is equivalent to the 14 ZiG, it is still lawful and once it becomes $1 to 20 ZiG, it is unlawful. As time goes on, we have made the ZiG so that it remains stable and those that are raising their prices will lose customers and those with normal prices will have a higher rate of stock return because we have set multi-currency items priced at a $1. It must be at the legal rate of $1.
HON. HWENDE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is, what has Government put in place to ensure that the ZiG is easily accessible among the ordinary people especially those that are using public transport because there is not enough change? ZiG is only mentioned here in Parliament and on TV. No one has never seen it. Minister, may you please show us the 10 ZiG if you have it because as a Member of Parliament, I am yet to come across a ZiG? Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order! To Hon. Members on my left who have just come in, I know that transport is a problem, especially with the detours along the way. Kindly make sure that you leave your hotels early in order to take into account the exigencies of detours. Next time, I will not allow you to come in.
Hon Ziyambi stood up and showed the august House the ZiG currency.
HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Hwende, the Hon. Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has shown you the ZiG. I do not know whether you wanted to see the ZiG, but there it is.
HON. HWENDE: We should have these ZiG notes or coins at Parliament so that those who would want to see them can see them here. We are yet to see these ZiG notes.
HON. SPEAKER: You will see the ZiG in your bank accounts.
HON. MUTOKONYI: My question is directed to the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities. Driven by the National Development Policy of rural infrastructure development, what is the Government doing to ensure that we also see rural model houses in the rural areas similar to those flats that are being built in the urban cities? Thank you.
THE MINISTER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. Through the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, there is policy on rural housing and social amenities development where the Government is facilitating to citizens, the construction of modern sustainable and affordable houses in rural communities. Government programmes in rural communities include the construction of blocks of flats in the RDC centres and we have started that programme in UMP at Mutawatawa. Those that can travel to Mutawatawa in Mashonaland East, we are constructing about seven blocks of flats, but the project is going to cascade in all our eight rural provinces. More importantly, Mr. Speaker Sir, is to encourage citizens to now migrate from pole and dagga or thatched houses, to modern sustainable housing; housing that can withstand the impact of climate in terms of floods, wind and all the vagaries of climate change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. C. HLATYWAYO: My question is directed to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. Mr. Speaker Sir, the country has been experiencing high levels of unemployment and under-employment for decades. In his 2024 Budget Statement, the Minister indicated that the economy is growing by 5,5% and that was in 2023. This year a projection of 3,5% growth rate was projected by the Minister in his statement. My question is, what is the impact of that growth rate to employment creation?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me thank Hon. Hlatywayo for a very important question that he has raised pertaining to the growth rate of our country vis-a-vis the employment figures that we are witnessing. We want to concur with the Hon. Member that whenever we talk of unemployment rates in the country, there is also an element that we must factor in as Zimbabwe, given the architecture of our economy that we have a number of our people in the formal sector that we must also factor in as we then deliberate. He has raised an important point that in terms of the growth within the region, Zimbabwe being the fastest growing economy in the region, that must be in sync and in-tandem with employment. I want to assure the Hon. Member that when we look at our economy, the way we are progressing and what the Government is doing, in particular the Second Republic, the initiatives that are there, we are trying to move even from the mentality that when we talk of employment, we are just talking of those who are formally employed, putting on their ties. However, if you look at the architecture of our education where we are advocating for education 5.0, where we are promoting to have more of entrepreneurs vis-a-vis those who will be formally employed, this is the trajectory of the country to say yes, as much as we want to be formally employed, we also want to cultivate a culture of having our own people starting their own businesses. Thank you Hon. Speaker.
HON. C. HLATYWAYO: Yes, Mr. Speaker Sir. What we are experiencing as a country year-in-year-out, we are seeing our people graduating from colleges, old and young, female and male but the economy is failing to absorb them, whether in those businesses or in formal employment.
What we need to know is, do we have a plan because the Ministry of Finance, there is a component of Investment Promotion which is a very important sector of our economy to make sure that we create employment, and we facilitate employment for our people. What strategies or what measures because we know the numbers we are producing from our colleges? Do we have a clear strategy that this year so many people are graduating from our colleges, and this is our plan to absorb them in the formal economy?
HON. MHONA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Once again, I want to concur with my brother that he has really identified where the problem is, where we are having graduates and this has been the scenario Hon. Speaker Sir. Alas, we are having now the change of culture where instead of just producing those graduates, we are saying they must be in a position to be employers and this is the trajectory of the Second Republic. Precisely, this is what is happening. Instead of just promoting theoretical subjects in our education curriculum, we are saying we must now try to have education 5.0 that I have talked about so that at the end of the graduation period, one will be in position to even invest, to manufacture and set up a plant; this is the direction of the Second Republic. Thank you, Hon. Speaker Sir.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Mr. Speaker. The NDS I talks about the need to create at least 760 000 formal jobs over a period of five years of the NDS 1 period. Now that we are in the fourth year of NDS 1 strategy, how many formal jobs has the Government managed to create? Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is not a policy question. It is a very good question, but it should be subjected to writing because you want statistics and if the question is written down, the Hon. Minister responsible will then put together the data and respond accordingly. If you may put your question in writing for next week, I am sure the Hon. Minister will favour you with the data that you require. Thank you.
HON. SAGANDIRA: Supplementary.
THE HON. SPEAKER: May I know who is speaking.
HON. SAGANDIRA: Its Hon. Sagandira, Acting Chief Whip – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you Acting Chief Whip. You want to intimidate me. Please go ahead.
HON. SAGANDIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Still on the issue of unemployment and growth rate in the economy, one of the indicators or signals of economic growth is employment and affordability of leisure for those employed or the ability to go for holiday. Can the Minister give us the status on the affordability of leisure to civil servants?
THE HON. SPEAKER: I am afraid leisure and employment are two different issues altogether.
HON. MAUNGANIDZE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Mines. I rise to ask the Ministry’s position on artisanal and small-scale miners in Zimbabwe, specifically I would like to know what initiative has the Ministry implemented to support the formalisation and regularisation of artisanal and small-scale mining activities in the country? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHITANDO): Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank the Hon. Member for a very important and pertinent question. Before answering the specific question, I would like to make two comments. The first comment is that Mr. Speaker Sir, our geological ore has components which are amenable to extraction by artisanal and small-scale miners. The second comment I wish to make Mr. Speaker Sir, is that as things stand, artisanal and small-scale miners contribute a very significant percentage as far as gold production is concerned, and to some extent, chrome production as well.
Now getting back to the specific question, there are two mechanisms which, Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to comment firstly in terms of the artisanal and small-scale miners, there are three initiatives which Government has embarked on. The first initiative is through Fidelity Printers which entitles artisanal and small-scale miners to get loan facilities from Fidelity Refiners. The second initiative which has been going on for some time is the Mining Industry Loan Fund, which is administered through the Ministry of Mines. It involves funds which small-scale miners apply to get access to it. The third initiative I wish to refer to, is the establishment of gold service centres which, as was spelled out some time back, Government is in the process of rolling out gold service centres. These service centres, in the area where they are established, provide the processing of gold, the CIP processing of gold and at the same time, the whole idea being to equip the small-scale miners around this gold service centre to increase their full boot processing at the gold centres. As far as non-gold minerals are concerned, base minerals; Government has come up with a policy which will be announced in the next two months. However, the intent of the policy was announced over a year ago, whereby there will be a scheme which will be run through the Minerals Marketing Cooperation of Zimbabwe to try and equip those miners who are investing mineral production to have excess to improve their full boot. Thank you.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I think the Hon. Minister was skirting on the question that was asked by the Hon. Member. The Hon. Member asked about formalisation of artisanal miners. Need we remind the Hon. Minister that, the minerals of this country belong to everyone, including my grandmother in Buhera. The question of formalisation here falls in terms of that, what are we doing? How do we know that the artisanal miner has mined X kgs of gold because the answer of the Hon. Minister is basically saying we give them loan, but how do we know how much has been mined?...
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, you address yourself to the Chair.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My address is that the…
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is your supplementary question?
HON. MATEWU: My supplementary question is, can the Minister answer the question; what are we doing to formalise them so that we know how much gold is being produced by the artisanal miners? We have so many mbingas. Let us say they mine 100 kgs of gold, they come and transact for just 10 kgs and then we get some royalties, a little percentage and they keep the rest and do whatever they want to do with it. What are you going to do to formalise to see that at the point of production, we know exactly how much is being mined so that everyone benefits from the minerals of this country? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHITANDO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. I must hasten to say that there, unfortunately, is no standard definition of formalisation. I had answered him in what I thought formalisation means. I understand where he is coming from and I will endeavour to answer according to the expectation of the Hon. Member. There is, from my understanding, the Hon. Member wants to know what the policy is, and what Government is doing to ensure that what is extracted finds its way to the proper channel for the benefit of the country. I think this is a very pertinent question. On Monday this week, we had a function where we launched a gold mobilisation exercise, where there were teams which, as we talk, are doing some work through out all the provinces. They will be visiting the various mining sites to check and to ensure that all what has been mined has found its way to Fidelity through the proper channels. There is a mechanism and a template which they use to try and check that compliance. Over and above that, Government is in the process of increasing the number of inspectors who are based at the provincial mining offices and capacitating them to ensure that there is increased coverage as far as looking at the cooperation of all miners, which includes artisanal and small-scale miners. Thank you.
HON. SAKUPWANYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is that, the same way that artisanal miners in gold have been given a leeway and support system, what mechanisms are there to ensure that those who have an interest in lithium mining, especially the small scale and artisanal miners are also protected. If not supported, considering the fact that lithium is the future to where we are going in the world, what are we doing then? Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Hon. Minister of Mines.
HON. CHITANDO: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I could answer again, to follow as far as the capacitation of giving the leeway for small scale miners in the lithium sector to play the role. Firstly, if we had policy position, Government came up with a mechanism to ensure that small-scale miners can, with minimum capital, be in a position to enter the lithium space. Last year Government introduced what is called an Approved and Prospecting Plant Licence. The Approved Prospective Plant Licence can be established at very minimum cost which is affordable to small-scale lithium producers. Actually, at this stage we do have a number of small-scale lithium producers who are in the market through the provided approved plant licence. The second as I said earlier on, when I answered the first question to say that the Government will, in two months, come up with a mechanism of a Fund which will be run through NNCZ, which is intended at base mineral production. This includes Chrome, lithium and any other base minerals. This Fund will be there to try and support lithium and chrome producers with equipment and working capital to ensure that we have more interest in that space. Thank you.
HON. NYELELE: My supplementary question to the Minister of Mines is, there are mines which are being held by big mining firms since we were born. There is no activity until now. We are here in Parliament, still there is no activity. If we are talking of the formalisation for artisanal miners, meaning that in certain areas, there are big firms which hold these mining titles, yet it is of benefit for the artisanal miners. What is the Government policy on use it or lose, it in terms of the formalisation of the artisanal miners?
HON. CHITANDO: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank the Hon. Member for a very important question and a very pertinent point. Firstly, as alluded by the Hon. Member, Government has a policy of use it or lose it. For those who are not fully utilising their mining locations. However, at the same time as the Hon. Member has said, we do have a number of mining entities that should be giving tributes to small artisanal miners where applicable. I say where applicable in the sense that you find that some deposits which especially are quite deep and require a lot of mechanisation, are not as easy to distribute, but we would preferably want the main player to be doing that.
However, we do have a number of mining locations which have deposits that are amenable for extractions by artisanal small-scale miners and Government will be intensifying discussions and working with those holders of the mining locations to ensure that artisanal or small-scale miners play a role in the game. I thank you.
HON. NYELELE: Zimbabwe has more productive and reproductive youths than many other age groups. How does the Ministry of Industry and Commerce harness this demographic dividend to complement the Second Republic’s modernisation and indusrialisation trajectory and ensure sustainability in the geographical industrial expansion at growth?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): If I may kindly ask the Hon. Member to go through the question again. My apologies.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Nyelele, kindly repeat the question please.
*HON. NYELELE: Thank you Mr. Speaker…
THE HON. SPEAKER: You have started in English, now you are going into Shona. What is happening?
HON. NYELELE: We have more productive and reproductive youths than any other age group, how does the Ministry of Industry and Commerce harness this demographic dividend to complement the Second Republic’s modernisation and industrialisation trajectory and ensure sustainable inter-generational industrial expansion and growth? Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me thank my brother for that very important question. Indeed, I do concur that yes, when it comes to our youths in Zimbabwe, we can actually testify that we have got vibrant and robust youths. Once again, to the Second Republic Mr. Speaker Sir, recently and I am sure this week, you will see His Excellency relaunching the new vibrant robust youth service in Zimbabwe, to cater for the youths so that we equip them for posterity, in the event that they have programmes to administer, in particular our youths. You find that the Hon. Member has raised the point that - what is it that we will then do to augment and make sure that these vibrant youths are supported by the programmes, in tandem with the modernisation of our economy that you are witnessing?
I want to assure the Hon. Member that the programmes are there where we are saying, in terms of youth empowerment programmes, to make sure that whatever is being done now would also cater and take charge in terms of what the youths would be doing in future. I do really appreciate the question and to buttress the point that the demographic dividend being benefited by the youths that we have in the country, is also in sync with the programmes that are in line pertaining to the Second Republic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
Hon. Members stood up on supplementary questions.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you ask your eyes first to find out whether or not the original questioner has taken the floor so that you do not have to be competitive.
HON. NYELELE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary is, what mechanisms are there to ensure that the businesses which are reserved for the citizens of Zimbabwe are reserved for the citizens of Zimbabwe? Hence, those businesses which are not capital intensive like local businesses, for example bakeries so that they are for Zimbabweans and reserved for the citizens of Zimbabwe. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is a new question Hon. Nyelele. I thought you were going to follow your train of thought that you were speaking about the youths’ dividends.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary to the Hon. Minister in terms of youth empowerment is, while the Minister’s answer focused more on that the introduction - need we remind the Minister Mr. Speaker Sir that the youth service will only capacitate them in terms of skills which most are already getting through the various colleges and universities. However…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order. You do not comment on the answer. If you have not understood the response of the Hon. Minister, then you bring in your supplementary question.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question to the Hon. Minister is, what practical steps is the Ministry taking to ensure that the youths are capacitated in order to start industrialisation to be entrepreneurs so that the youth who are into drugs can go there and create industrialisation in the country? I thank you.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me also thank my brother, Hon. Caston Matewu for the important question. With the advent of the youth service programme Mr. Speaker Sir, I am sure this would now encompass the youth empowerment programmes that we talked about. It will also bring in the new skills that we are talking about. In terms of capacitation Mr. Speaker Sir, we are talking of funding being availed even to our youths to start their own programmes with the Youth Empowerment Bank. These are some of the initiatives again to make sure that when they are trained, when they are equipped with the skills, they can be in a position to also compete favourably, just like any other company.
You will find that in terms of the modalities, the architecture of how they are going to be funded is precisely what the Second Republic is driving. We know we have the advent, which is something that we cannot cherish as a country, the drug and substance abuse. We need to make sure that our youths are seized with the matters that they will augment in terms of their day to day lives and in terms of their upbringing. We are saying as a country, he has raised the point on what it is that they are going to be doing.
The point is, if they are capacitated, they can actually compete and also be entrepreneurs at the end of the day. I am sure that would address the question posed by the Hon. Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Supplementary question.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You came late my friend.
HON. HAMAUSWA: My apology Mr. Speaker Sir. I had some issues to sort out.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, you are among those who came very late. You are lucky that the month of May is my birthday month. So I will be lenient a bit but from tomorrow, I shall forget that May is my month of birthday. Can you proceed?
HON. HAMAUSWA: Noted Mr. Speaker Sir. Happy birthday to you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to wish you many more years.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you.
HON. HAMAUSWA: My question to the Hon. Minister is, what are the plans that Government is putting in place to ensure that the aforementioned youth service will not appear to be a partisan programme where other youths will not be attracted to it like what happened before so that it attracts all the Zimbabwean youths? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you, Hon. Speaker Sir. Let me also thank my Hon. brother, Hon. S. Hamauswa for the very important question that he has actually raised. Hon. Speaker Sir, I want to thank him in particular because he has raised a very important question that will allay the fears of the people of Zimbabwe. Once you actually called that former National Youth Service the ‘green bombers’, it is no more. We are talking of a vibrant robust rebranded Youth Service that we are saying the Second Republic is all inclusive; to say whatever we are doing, we are leaving no one and no place behind. That is the mantra of His Excellency that we are inclusive as a nation, we put politics aside. We do not grandstand politically, we want to nurture our youth so that at the end of the day, we have future leaders. This is a trajectory that the Youth Service will be taking. Thank you, Hon. Speaker Sir.
*HON. P. ZHOU: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Concerning the Youth Empowerment, what are the plans to target the school leavers so that they go to incubation centres and other initiatives that are in place? What are the plans or are they being targeted? It is a group that should be targeted, especially the school leavers whilst the other youths are still in school.
HON. MHONA: I want to thank the Hon. Member for her pertinent question. This programme is being launched by the President, so I think the whole nation will have a chance to hear the launch. I was just referring to the plans that the Government has in order to reach out to the youth. After the launch of the programme by the President, we will have questions and the Minister who is in charge of the Ministry of Youth will explain and clarify on issues that would have been raised by Hon. Members. For now, the programme is targeting the drug addicts so that they are given room to go forward. I want to thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. NDEBELE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service. What is the Government policy on USD pension pay-out relating to those teachers who left employment during the period 2006 and returned back in 2007 after an amnesty was declared and then retired in 2020? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Hon. Madam Speaker. I want to also thank Hon. Ndebele for that very important question. With your indulgence Hon. Speaker Ma’am, since it is a specific question, if she can actually put it in writing so that I also relay the same to the Minister. Thank you, Madam Speaker Ma’am.
*HON. MAKOPE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. During the 1960s and 1970s, there were workers coming from Zimbabwe and other countries going to work in mines in South Africa. They were working in what was called Wenela, but when they came back, they did not get their packages. In 2019, there was a vetting that took place, so I wanted to know the position of those people so that they can get what is due to them as pension.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): I want to thank the Hon. Member for a pertinent question. There were workers who worked in South Africa in Wenela. Most of them contracted diseases and now there is an engagement that they should get some compensation. So, it is still in the pipeline but we are almost there.
HON. BUTAU: I wanted to ask the Minister whether these discussions that she references include the pensions and investments of those people that worked in the Wenela programme.
HON. DINHA: The monies include the pensions and the compensation. Thank you.
HON. BAJILA: My supplementary question to the Minister is, given the long time it has taken to get Zimbabweans who worked under Wenela to get their benefits, does the Government of Zimbabwe also have plans to give benefits to nationals of other countries working in Zimbabwe now or who have worked in Zimbabwe when they go back to their countries?
HON. DINHA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Since the supplementary question needs a comprehensive answer, can you put it in writing so that I can bring the written answer?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is understood and your answer is clear.
HON. MUSWEWESHIRI: My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government. What is the Government’s position with regards to councils that are under performing, especially those in urban areas? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Thank you Madam Speaker. Allow me to thank the Hon. Member for the question. In November 2023, His Excellency, President E. D Mnangagwa launched a court action which clearly defines how the local authorities are supposed to be performing in terms of service delivery. It clearly states that there is no compromise to service delivery. As we speak, the Ministry is now working on minimum standards in terms of service delivery from all local authorities in both urban and rural. Those minimum standards will be accompanied by the measures that the Ministry will take, particularly for the authorities that are found wanting in terms of performance. It is a question of time now and I think by the end of next month, those minimum set standards will be ready and will be distributed to all the 92 local authorities in terms of delivery. I thank you.
HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you Madam Speaker. We have been electing councillors since time immemorial to run the affairs of local authorities, both in rural and urban but today, service delivery has not improved. I have therefore come to the conclusion that the problem is not with councillors, whether in the rural or urban. It is in light of this that I would like to ask the Hon. Minister about the position of Government concerning the managers who are very incompetent to run these local authorities. I thank you.
HON. GARWE: Madam Speaker, let me thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. I take this as a statement of advice. We are going to precisely deal with non-performing councils, going forward. I thank you.
HON. HAMAUSWA: My supplementary question to the Minister is that there are high expectations that Government is giving to councillors. What plans are there to ensure that the same councillors are given power, especially of restoring the Executive Mayors? I thank you.
HON. GARWE: Madam Speaker, the Urban Council Act is very clear on the functions of councillors; what they are expected to do in terms of internal elections when they are selecting mayors and chairpersons of councils. I need not to elaborate any further. I refer the Member to go, read and understand the Urban Council and Rural Council Acts. I thank you.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question to the Hon. Minister is, what is government doing in order to capacitate these councils? He talked about service delivery in terms of water. Many of our authorities do not have water because they can simply not afford to expand their water works. What is the Government doing to capacitate councils in order for them to provide clean water to the residents? I thank you.
HON. GARWE: Let me thank the Hon. Member for a very good question. The councils that are failing to provide water are domiciled in urban areas and the reason why they are not providing water is not because they are not capacitated, but there are several reasons. One of those reasons is corruption. Let me repeat, the level of corruption in the local authorities, especially in the urban areas is astronomical. Secondly, the level of incompetence by the councillors and the management of local authorities is astronomical. Thirdly, some of the local authorities have even failed to produce budgets. They have failed to give us budgets and as we speak, a clear example is Harare City Council. They have failed to prepare a budget. This is the level of incompetence within these local authorities.
However, through the devolution policy, Government has decentralised the functions of local authorities in provinces. Devolution funds are being channeled to provinces and then cascaded to both the RDC and Urban councils for purposes of service delivery. However, we still experience the problems that I highlighted earlier on. I thank you.
HON. MATEWU: On a lighter note, through the devolution policy, Government has decentralised functions of local authorities in provinces and devolution funds are being channeled to provinces and cascaded to both RDCs and urban councils for purposes of service delivery, but we still experience the problems that I highlighted earlier on with devolution.
When we come to this august House especially on a day like this, we expect the Executive to come here and tell us Government policies. We do not come here for…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Matewu, please ask your supplementary question. You cannot comment on the Minister’s response. May you take your seat? You are out of order.
*HON. MHETU: I once travelled to neighbouring countries like South Africa and Botswana and I came across people who were exchanging money on the streets, but their currency did not lose value. Why is it that our currency is losing value because of the black-market activities?
*THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): In responding to your question, yes I also travelled to other countries and I have seen people supporting their local currency; they do not exchange their currency on the streets. This means that they are happy and they embrace their local currency. They support it.
*HON. MADZIVANYIKA: The Minister is requested to answer why the other currencies are strong even if there is black market in those countries yet here in Zimbabwe, we have arrested 400 people for trading on the parallel market.
*HON. MHONA: What we should know first is that in this country, there are ways in which we use our currency. If the Minister of Finance and RBZ agree on how the currency is going to be used, then if you go against the regulations, it is an offence. We now have the ZiG currency, which means that whenever you are using your money, no one is prohibited from taking US dollars and ZiG. What is being prohibited is trading with ZiG above the bank rate. You should use the official bank rate. If you use the US dollar, you are supposed to use the official exchange rate. If you come with your own rate, you are actually breaking the law. The official exchange rates of major currencies are known and why do you want to use the rate which is outside the official bank rate?
*HON. MHETU: My question is not that we want to promote black market, but I am saying - why is it that our ZiG is losing value yet other countries are not able to devalue it? What is it that should be done so that when people go back to the black market, it will not lose value?
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Hon. Minister has answered in full that the laws of this country say that the rate that should be used is the official bank rate. Those who are being prosecuted are those who are using their own rates which are above the official bank rate. Whatever is happening to our neighbouring countries should not apply here.
*HON MANANZVA: My question is directed to the Minister of Lands. We have resettled people who were settled during the fast track programme and those who were left with whites in the compounds who do not have offer letters. What is the Government plan so that these people get offer letters for them to live peacefully? Thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): I want to thank the Hon. Member for such a pertinent question. Yes, for sure, there are people who are settled in our land but do not have offer letters, and there are those who were working for the whites before we took the land from them. The Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, now has a database and they are working on it in the possible shortest time….
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order. The word mabhunu is unparliamentary. Can he withdraw?
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Your point of order is overruled, mabhunu is mabhunu.
HON. GARWE: The Bible says that our people perish because of lack of knowledge. Whites are whites, bhunu is bhunu, it does not change. In conclusion, let me say there are plans that our people who are resettled and do not have offer letters; it is now in the pipeline and some of the workers who used to work for the whites and remained on the farms, are now working for the resettled farmers. Those who want are getting rural land where they are being settled. I thank you.
HON. CHIDUWA: I have noted that Cabinet recently adopted new guidelines, which guidelines entail monthly disbursements to local authorities and rolling over of outstanding budgetary disbursements to the following year. I wanted to find out from the Hon. Minister of Finance or Minister of Local Government, are we going to wait for the amendment of the Public Finance Management Act since the law does not provide for the budget roll-overs? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Hon. Speaker and let me thank Hon. Chiduwa for that very important question. With your indulgence once again, if you can put the question in writing, we will get a proper answer from the respective Ministry. I thank you.
HON. KAPOIKILU: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question goes to the Minister of Health and Child Care. What is Government policy on stocking of orthopedic implants in our Government institutions?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. DR. KWIDINI): Sorry Madam Speaker, can the Hon. Member repeat his question.
HON. KAPOIKILU: My question is, what is Government policy on stocking of orthopedic implants in our Government hospitals, particularly Central Hospitals? I thank you.
HON. KWIDINI: Thank you Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question concerning the stocking of orthopedic implants. It is true that it is Government mandate to stock those orthopedic implants but it is unfortunate because of challenges we have as a country through sanctions. We failed to import implants because the implants are not locally produced, so now the Government is working tirelessly to make sure the orthopedic implants are available in the country through importation from where they are produced. I thank you.
HON. KAPOIKILU: My supplementary question Madam Speaker is, when I am talking about orthopedic implants, I am not talking about things that are complicated.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ask your question.
HON. KAPOIKILU: I wanted to enlighten you on orthopedic implants, simple things like metals and screws. They can be found in Zambia and only cost US$5 to US$10. Why is it difficult to buy items that are worth US$5 to US$10 dollars for our hospitals?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Deputy Minister has already answered that question.
*HON. MALINGANISO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I have an understanding that the A1 farmers, one person is supposed to be given 20 hectares and that is the arrangement for the A1 farmers. If there are 600 farms, it means they are 30 families settled there. If you look at some of the compounds, there are 70 families.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ask your question, do not go round and round.
HON. MALINGANISO: What are Government plans so that they revamp their model and that a lot of people can be settled on that small land?
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): I did not understand the question.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, can you be specific and ask a question.
*HON. MALINGANISO: That is why I wanted to explain so that you understand the question. I am saying that on one farm there are 20 people whereas in some farms, there are 70 people. We do have a lot of people who do not have places to settle. The 2030 Vision says that we must not leave anyone behind. What is Government policy so that we can share the little land we have to accommodate many people?
HON. MHONA: Thank you Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Hon. Member and ask him to put it in writing so that I will take it to the Minister and the question can be answered accordingly.
+HON. NKOMO: Thank you Madam Speaker for giving me this opportunity to add my voice. My question to the Minister of Health is, I would like to find out what is the Government policy regarding village health workers. Any plans for the Government to assist village health workers on their welfare?
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. DR. KWIDINI): I will try to respond in the way it was asked. We know we have health workers who are really putting their effort in assisting hospitals, especially in rural areas throughout the country. Government is crafting a policy and we have partners who are willing to partner with us in assisting on the welfare of the village workers.
+HON. BAJILA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I also want to ask on the answer that was given by the Hon. Deputy Minister. I understand that they are working together with Government so that those health workers who work in hospitals or in rural areas also get better lives. What I want to understand is as Government, what is it that they are giving them before looking at those who are coming to assist? Is there any programme or any way that can assist those who are working in rural areas?
+ HON. KWIDINI: Thank Madam Speaker. Yes, we get questions that are they going to be given anything or is there anything that the Government is planning to give them. As for now, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance are trying to arrange that we get something that can be done so that they are also included in the establishment of the Ministry of Health workers.
HON. SIHLABO: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. Cognisant of the shortage of doctors in the rural areas and small towns, despite the fact of the number of people seeking treatment in those hospitals, what is Government policy regards those doctors who are fully employed by the Ministry but running a private practice?
HON. KWIDINI: It is true that our doctors are not enough to service our country. With what we call compact, which was produced when there was a health market analysis, which discovered that through migration which happened a few years back when health workers migrated to some other countries looking for so called greener pastures, the Government has now come to a point that it wants to double its health workforce by 2030, such that all these challenges which have been raised by the Hon. Member in terms of doctors who are not sufficient to cater for patients are increased. Definitely, the Government is working tirelessly to make sure it will train more doctors. Also, other friendly countries are offering these trainings for our country so that we have enough or adequate health workers.
Concerning the issue of practicing their private surgeries, it is not mandatory for doctors to say they have to practice, but what we have seen and also to promote them to be patriotic, they should do it after their working hours when they have completed their duties so that they also survive like any other member of this country. Thank you.
HON. SIHLABO: My supplementary goes to the core of my question. The core of my question concerns a single doctor in a small town or rural area and spending half his or her time at his private practice, people waiting at the reception. What is the policy of Government regarding a fully employed doctor running a private practice within the vicinity of where he or she is working?
HON. KWIDINI: Those are individual characters who may not actually be defended in here. The mandate of the Government – as you are all aware that there has been a policy which was crafted, before even some of us became Members of Parliament, which is supposed to be adhered to. The policy is that doctors must be on duty wherever they are prescribed to work. What are we saying now? Like I said earlier on, there are some characters who prefer to abandon their duty, which we cannot defend in here? However, the policy is no doctors must go to their private surgeries whilst they are on duty.
HON. J. TSHUMA: My supplementary question is, what is Government policy regarding doctors who end up actually opening private practice within the hospital itself or a Local Government Hospital? They open pharmacies, maternity practice within their working areas.
HON. KWIDINI: There is no policy which allows a doctor to operate in a Government premise. That is a crime. If there is such a scenario, it must be reported. It must be also sent to our Ministry so that we can look into that. There is no Government policy which warrants that.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: My question to the Minister is, what specific measure is the Ministry taking to adequately recruit, retain and support healthcare workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas?
HON. KWIDINI: I think it is partly a new question though I can answer it. The Government measure, as I said earlier on, we are in a situation to retain the health workers. As I said, most of the health workers migrated in the past years, so by 2030, we are expecting to double the health workers we have now. We need to be able to fill the posts in those areas. In terms of retention, the Government has also introduced several schemes such that it can attract our health workers so that they will in turn practice in our country. Thank you.
*HON. NATISO: My question is directed to the Minister of Education. What plans does Government have when it comes to ECD centres, children are walking long distances going to school whilst they are very young.
*THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Madam Speaker and the Hon. Member for raising such a pertinent question. The Government says that children should not walk for 5km, that is why they are busy building new schools so that our children do not walk long distances. The Government policy is that schools should be close to people so that children should not walk long distances.
*HON. NATISO: I have heard the Minister referring to 5km. For ECD learners, I think it is a long distance even if it is 3km because they are starting school as early as three years. Thank you.
*HON. MHONA: Thank you Madam Speaker and Hon. Natiso. I think the question is now talking of a specific place and we would be grateful if he can point to those places. At times, there are what we call satellite schools. Probably, that is what the Hon. Member is referring to. We are in the process of building schools nearby. Thank you.
HON. CHIDUWA: Point of order Madam Speaker. I stand guided since the Hon. Minister of Finance is around, can you indulge me and allow him to respond to my question?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Okay Hon. Chiduwa. I will give you the chance to ask your question. Please, may you proceed.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Cabinet recently adopted the new devolution guidelines, which guidelines entail monthly disbursements to local authorities and the rolling over of outstanding budgetary allocations to the following year. My question is, are we going to wait for the amendment of the Public Finance Management Act since the law does not provide for budget rollovers? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank Hon. Chiduwa for that question. Yes, we will have to amend the Public Finance Management Act. As you know, it is one of those Bills that we need to dispense with in Parliament this year. Then we will start with the rollover provisions in the first quarter of this year. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order Number 68.
HON. SHAMU: Madam Speaker, may I propose that we allow Hon. Chiduwa’s question to be answered.
HON. KASHAMBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
HON. CHIDUWA: Madam Speaker, I wanted to find out what policy measures have been put in place to make sure that devolution allocations are equal to devolution disbursements.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank Hon. Chiduwa for the supplementary question. This question pertains to the disparity between the approved budget and then the disbursements in the form of cash disbursement. He is asking for that disparity to basically close. I can assure you that we are working hard to make sure that the disparity is closed. We will run quasi cash budget system where we live within our means. You may find that from time to time, the cash disbursements lag behind budget releases as well as the budget itself. I can assure you that going forward, we can endeavour to close that gap. In fact, the system that we have introduced going forward, is where we first of all have a better coordination between Accountant General’s Office who really basically runs the cash disbursements with the Expenditure Department which determines the budget releases, making sure that we get to know about the cash cycle in the first place.
As I speak, I now have to deal with one-week to two-weeks cash cycles which will then trigger the budget releases which will then be met by those cash releases when they come through. We have managed to close the gap there. Thank you.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
MEASURES TO EQUIP COMMUNITY LIBRARIES WITH NECESSARY RESOURCES
- HON. HAMAUSWA asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House the measures being taken by the Ministry to ensure that community libraries including those run by councils are well equipped with necessary resources including free or affordable internet connectivity.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Thank you Madam Speaker. In light of the call to action made by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, local authorities have been instructed to modernise their operations and issues of internet connectivity are critical, specifically to the City of Harare which has 15 libraries. The council has done the following:
- To date 13 out of 15 libraries have been installed with Wi-Fi cables and other ICT infrastructure. Council is working on installing Wi-Fi infrastructure at the remaining two libraries.
- Internet connectivity has been completed at five libraries, namely Kuwadzana, Highlands, Greendale, Waterfalls and Mabvuku. Currently, ICT division is working on the generation of tokens to be used by patrons who access the libraries.
- The city continues to engage various stakeholders to stock the libraries with reading materials.
- Council is in the process of procuring a library management system software to allow for management of libraries.
After installation of the library management system, the city will then go ahead and resource these libraries with e-books. Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you, Madam Speaker Ma’am. When I asked this question, I gave an example of a Library, which is within my Constituency in Mufakose, close to OK Shop. As I was walking around my Constituency, I was actually trying to figure out what is it to be done by my Constituency. I discovered that the library is quite deserted. I asked people close by and they said there is no internet at the library. There is nothing which is quite visible. I was expecting that, only if the Minister had invested in upgrading that library, I was going to have something to report back to the community.
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): But in your question, there is nothing indicating that you asked concerning the Mufakose Library when you wrote it in the Order Paper. I do not know if the Minister was aware of that question.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I was actually asking for the Minister to indicate or to tell us whether that library is also included on the upgrading process. I thank you.
HON. GARWE: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Just like I said when I initially responded, I said in Harare, we have about 15 libraries. From those 15 libraries, we have that library which he is talking about. It is also party of the 15 libraries. Thirteen of the 15 libraries have been upgraded; we are remaining with two. I think that is where that library is and is yet to be upgraded. I thank you.
COVERAGE OF GUKURAHUNDI HEARINGS BY THE
MEDIA
- HON. BAJILA asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House why the media has not been allowed to cover Gukurahundi hearings being conducted by traditional chiefs.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Let me clarify that it is not true that the media has not been allowed to cover Gukurahundi hearings. In fact, a Committee was instituted to look into how journalists will participate in the community engagements outreach hearings which are yet to start. Thank you.
HON. BAJILA: I want to thank the Hon. Minister for his response. Maybe if he could indulge the House in terms of the recommendations of the Committee on the participating of the media in these crucial hearings. In his response, the Hon. Minister indicated that there was a Committee that was established around, dealing with the issues of participation of the media in these hearings. If the Minister could indulge us with recommendations of that Committee. Did the Committee recommend the participation of the media or not?
HON. GARWE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. I came here with an answer to a specific question. The supplementary question is referring to specific issues. I did not bring any responses to that effect, given the fact that I am only 23 days in the Ministry. If the Hon. Member could allow me to go and get information relating to that, then next week, I would provide an answer.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Bajila, maybe you need to put the question in writing so that the Minister will come with a comprehensive answer.
NORTON WATER TREATMENT PLANT
- HON. TSVANGIRAI asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House what the Ministry’s plans are regarding Norton’s own water treatment plant.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Thank you very much Madam Speaker Ma’am. Urban Development Corporation and Norton Town Council engaged each other on the construction of a water treatment plant to service Norton on the Knockmalloch and the surrounding developments. A technical team was set up comprising of team members from the Urban Development Corporation, Norton Town Council, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
The Urban Development Corporation and Norton Town Council have agreed that there will be need to set up a special purpose vehicle to source and house the funds for the projects. It was agreed that the SPV was very critical as it will remove liabilities from both parties. The SPV will work as a security of funds as local and international investors required their funds to be ring-fenced which will be approved by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. The Norton Town Council and Urban Development Corporation agreed to carry out a feasibility study to establish a water treatment plant in Norton. Thank you.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: The people of Norton have been buying water from City of Harare at an expensive rate. This has contributed to the failure to pay rates, thereby affecting service delivery. What measures can be put in place to make sure that water becomes cheaper for the people of Norton whilst we are waiting for the water treatment plant to be put in place. Thank you very much.
HON. GARWE: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. Let me thank the Hon. Member for a very good question. We obviously need to interrogate why City of Harare is overcharging, if they are overcharging Norton Town Council on Water. We need the local authority to write an appeal to us, the parent Ministry. We will then be able to call for a roundtable meeting, where we invite officials from City of Harare and those of Norton Town Council so that we interrogate and discuss the issue and come up with a solution. Thank you.
MAINTANANCE OF BUILDINGS IN CITIES
- HON. MGUNI asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House what measures have been put in place regarding the maintenance of buildings in cities like in Bulawayo where most buildings are dilapidated due to lack of painting and sprucing up.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Thank you Madam Speaker. The Ministry is currently addressing this problem through the “Call to Action Blueprint” launched by His Excellency in November 2023. The Blueprint directed as follows;
-All local authorities are to prepare and or update master plans in their respective areas, which among other things, includes the identification of measures to enhance urban renewal, general management and development control.
-Local Authorities are to formulate by-laws that outline in detail, the obligations of each property owner and penalties for non-compliance.
-The Ministry will soon be issuing a Public Statement on the state of built environment followed by a Special Development Order. This, Madam Speaker Ma’am, therefore aims to provide the necessary back up to the by-laws and also enforce local authorities to play their part and also enforce property owners in the respective local authorities to comply with the new by-laws. I thank you.
PROGRESS ON THE INCORPORATION OF CONCESSION AREAS INTO THE HWANGE LOCAL BOARD
- HON MOLOKELA-TSIYE asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to update the House on the progress made by the Special Committee appointed to inquire into the process of incorporation of concession areas into the Hwange Local Board.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to that the Hon. Member for asking the above question and I wish to advise that no such Special Committee was appointed to specifically inquire into the process of incorporation of concession areas into the Hwange Local Board. I thank you.
COLLECTION OF USER FEES BY TOUTS AT DESIGNATED AND UNDESIGNATED TERMINI
- HON. MADZIVANYIKA asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House the Ministry’s policy regarding touts who collect user fees from transport operators at both designated and undesignated bus termini.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Mr. Speaker, Local authorities have increasingly been directed to enforce their by-laws which relate to bus termini and the provisions that regulate access to termini and bus operators, including the need to outlaw all forms of touting within termini.
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE
OR LOCAL BOARD FOR CHECHECHE GROWTH POINT
- HON. HLATYWAYO asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House on plans being put in place by the Ministry to establish an administrative center for Checheche growth point or a local board, in light of its economic activities and population size.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Mr. Speaker Sir, Checheche Growth point is under the jurisdiction of Chipinge Rural District Council in Manicaland Province and was established in terms of the Rural District Councils Act Chapter 29:13.
Critical to note is that Chipinge Rural District Council is a local planning authority and a third tier of Government in terms of Section 5 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. In this regard, all issues concerning the planning and development of that district are vested in the Local Authority. It is incumbent upon the Local Authority to submit a request to the Ministry pertaining to the upgrading of the Growth Point to a Town Board or a Local Board. Once the Ministry receives that request, a team is constituted with the objective of assessing the potential of the Growth Point to be upgraded to a higher status. Once the assessment is conducted, a report is produced with recommendations to the Minister for approval of changing the status.
As of now, Chipinge Rural District Council has not yet submitted any request regarding the upgrading of Checheche Growth Point to a Town Board or Local Board.
TELEPHONE NETWORK FOR AREAS ALONG
MOZAMBIQUE BORDER
- HON. HLATYWAYO asked the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services to inform the House on the Ministry’s plans to ensure that areas along the Mozambique border in Chipinge South have access to both local radio/television and phone network coverage, particularly in areas such as Mabee, Chinyamukwakwa, Garahwa, Mashubi and Maparadze which rely on the network from Mozambique.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES (HON. PHUTI): Mobile Network coverage (Netone and Econet).
Maparadze is covered by existing base stations Mutandahwe – 2G/3G and Makose 2G/3G/4G.
Mabee and Garahwa, site surveys have been completed at Rusongo Beacon, awaiting development, planned for 2025.
Chinyamukwakwa is covered by existing base station Greenfuels 2G/3G/4G. Additional coverage is to be provided by a planned new base station, Rusongo Beacon.
Mashubi is partly covered by existing base stations Greenfuels, 2G/3G/4G, Mutandahwe 2G/3G and Makose 2G/3G/4G.
Fixed Network Coverage Operators like TelOne, currently provide internet and data services to over 250 clients in Chipangayi, Checheche and Chibuwe which are located within parts of Chipinge South. Also, services such as VSAT connectivity cover the entire Chipinge South area with service availability on demand from operators such as TelOne. Presently, 17 VSAT terminals within the district are facilitating internet access for various institutions including Mabee Clinic, Chinyamukwakwa Clinic, Maparadze Clinic, Rimai School, and Chisuma School among others. Furthermore, plans were completed for the Musikavanhu, Chibuwe and Tongogara areas in 2018. However, the implementation of connectivity in these underserved areas has been delayed due to funding constraints. Despite these challenges, the Ministry remains committed to expanding services and bridging the digital divide in these communities.
In conclusion, it is important to note that operators have plans to connect some of the underserved areas nationwide. However, the implementation of these plans has been constrained by funding limitations. The operators request the Hon. Members of Parliament to advocate for funding for these areas to be covered. I thank you.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTON VOCATIONAL CENTRE
- HON. TSVANGIRAYI asked the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to apprise the House on the progress made regarding the construction of the Norton Vocational Training Centre.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING (HON. MUPAMHANGA): Thank you for that important question. In response to this question, I would like to first respond by highlighting that as a Ministry, our strategy is to expand the vocational training initiative through the setting up of new Vocational Training Centres across all districts within Zimbabwe and ensure that young people and communities have access to skills and training initiatives. Currently, the Ministry operates a total of 45 VTCs on full establishment and 10 satellite centres have been set up to support these existing centres due to the demand for VTCs within communities across the country.
On the part of Norton Vocational Training Centre, it is quite unfortunate that for the 2024 programming year, no funds were allocated from Treasury under the Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIP) and engagements have been prioritised between my Ministry and Treasury to ensure that such projects will be prioritised as part of the 2025 budget period. The Ministry managed to secure support for five VTCs under the 2024 budget period, namely Sivomo, Umguza, Kadoma, Insukamini and Mt. Hampden.
In a bid to ensure that the minimum structures currently available are not put to waste, a total of 51 motor mechanics students have been transferred to the site and are already engaged in training activities. The training is progressing well at the site and once resources are availed and construction is done, full expansion of the training will be carried out at Norton VTC.
Whilst funding challenges have been realised, it is prudent that within respective provinces and districts, VTCs such as Norton among others be considered for support under other programmes such as devolution funds, constituency development funds as well as engaging other stakeholders within the public and private sectors, including development partners as this support is critical for national development.
A vocational training transformation roadmap has also been developed and is being implemented as from 2023 to 2027. This exercise will oversee the modernisation of VTCs, ensure infrastructural development as well as quality assurance and standardisation of the VTC operations, and Norton VTC will benefit as part of the VTC system.
The vocational training transformation roadmap was born out of a Strategic Planning Meeting held in April this year, whose objective was to revitilise VTCs by encouraging partnerships with the private sector in light of the resource constraints conditions we operate in.
In addition, my Ministry has also engaged the Public Service Commission to ensure that the existing VTCs are adequately staffed as some of the challenges realised over the years were related to inadequate staffing. Commitments have already been made in line with this new development and the House will be updated once the final position is agreed upon. I thank you.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Mr. Speaker Sir, the VTCs will go a long way in terms of addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse. Whilst we are waiting for the 2025 budget which then is going to establish the construction of a VTC in Norton, what measures is the Ministry putting in place to make sure that we mitigate the issue of drug and substance abuse at ministerial level? I thank you.
HON. MUPAMHANGA: Thank you Hon. Tsvangirai for that question. The issue of drug and substance abuse as you know Hon. Speaker Sir, requires a whole of Government approach. The Ministry of Youth is on the demand-reduction pillar and as a Ministry, we have various awareness campaigns that we have launched countrywide to educate youths about the negative effects of engaging in drugs and substance abuse. Moreover, even in areas where we have not established VTCs, we have community outreach programmes where our instructors and trainers from VTCs are going to the communities and conduct awareness campaigns as well as skills training programmes to make sure that we keep young people busy, motivated and educated in skills so that they can enter the job market and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Thank you.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Taking into account that at primary and secondary education levels, the Government allows private sectors to also make a major role in providing education and it is also provided for in the Constitution that the private sector can or is allowed to run educational institutions, what are the plans being put in place by the Government to promote the participation of the private sector in setting up and running VTC for the youth considering that we have a big number of youths facing unemployment in this country?
HON. MUPAMHANGA: I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the important question. As a Ministry, we are already engaged with private players in order to help us increase the outreach we can do with VTC. We have already existing agreements with developmental partners such as the ILO, UNDP as well as private sector such as Dendairy in Umguza where we have a dairy project going. We have encouraged the private sector to come and partner with Government. We are in negotiations with a number of motor mechanic companies which I cannot mention now in order to partner with certain VTCs that we have around the country to improve the quality of education and to modernise what we can provide young people with. I thank you.
PAYMENT OF THE SHONHIWA DRIVE CONTRACTOR IN
NORTON
- HON. TSVANGIRAI asked the Minister of transport and Infrastructural Development to inform when the contractor for Shonhiwa Drive in Norton will be paid out for the work done.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMNET (HON. SACCO): Allow me to respond to the question raised by Hon. Tsvangirai about when the contractor for Shonhiwa Drive in Norton will be paid for the work done. Mr. Speaker Sir, Government through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, engaged two contactors to carry out rehabilitation of various roads in Norton Town Council under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme II. Government does not owe any payments to these contractors on Shonhiwa Road in Norton. The initial contractor engaged for the rehabilitation of Shonhiwa and Caution Drive had his contract terminated in May 2023 due to non-performance after the contractor had taken a long time to execute the works. The contractor had only ripped about 900 metres of the existing road, dumped and spread the gravel without compaction and surfacing the road as per contract. The Department of Roads has since engaged a new contractor, Instant Tar limited to complete the outstanding rehabilitation works of two km on Shonhiwa Drive and 3.6 km resealing of Caution Drive and Norton Road. The contractor has already signed the contract and is expected to commence works soon.
On the issue of payment of legacy debt on the other contractor working on Norton Town Council Roads; namely Galloway, Shockron and Norton Roads, my Department of Roads was owing the contractor, Leengate Civil Engineering on completed works on Galloway Road. To date, the contractor has been paid 81% of the outstanding interim payment certificate IPC and the balance is to be completed in the next months as per agreed payment plan given by Treasury for extinguishing the legacy debt out of various contractors under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programmed II. I so submit Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The Hon. Minister mentioned that we are going to see changes soon, but I would like to know how soon. Can he give us a timeframe for that? Thank you.
HON. SACCO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir and thank you Hon. Tsvangirai for your follow up question. Since the contractor has already signed his contract, we expect within the next two weeks to the next month that they should be on the ground starting work. I so submit.
COMPLETION OF THE FILABUSI-SILALATSHANE AVOCA
AND WEST-NICHOLSON-MBERENGWA ROADS
- HON. S. SITHOLE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House when the Ministry will complete the Filabusi-Silalatshane – Avoca and West Nicholson- Mberengwa Roads in Insiza South Constituency.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMNET (HON. SACCO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, allow me to respond to the question raised by Hon. Sithole about when the Ministry will complete the Filabusi, Avoca and West-Nicholson Mberengwa Roads in Insiza South Constituency. Our Ministry has already showed dedication to work on the said roads with 5km being done to completion in 2023 under ERRP 2. Along the West-Nicholson - Mberengwa stretch which is where we decided to start the works, we had another contractor approaching from the Mberengwa site as well as in the Midlands Province and I would like to advise the Hon. Member Sithole that due to His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa’s wisdom, he has extended ERRP 2 to the end of December 2026 and once funds have been availed, we assure you that those outstanding projects will be completed in line with the new dispensation’s mantra “no place and no-one shall be left behind”. I so submit Sir.
HON. S. SITHOLE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I thank the Minister for his response. Do you realise how many years Insiza - Filabusi-Silalatshane to Avoca has taken to refurbish the road. How many years? It is now 16 years and they only tarred 10km. In some other districts, those 10km that were allocated have already been finished. I will put through to you Hon. Minister that even now when I talk to the people in Insiza South Constituency that the Minister will tar this road, they say the same that this region is being marginalised because there are two roads which are left in Insiza South for so many years. I tried last Parliament to talk to the Minister for to visit those roads but until today he has not come to the constituency. With your indulgence Hon. Speaker Sir, when is the Minister coming to my constituency, we can go together and show him the state of those roads. I thank you.
HON. SACCO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I do take on board Hon. Sithole’s contribution and definitely, I will advise him in the near future of when I can come and visit the area because I have been tasked to carry out nationwide tours looking at sensitive roads across the country. So far, we have done Chipinge, Mt. Selinda, we have been to Mukumbura and next I think we have done Victoria Falls-Bulawayo and I think Matabeleland South is coming soon on my diary. I will communicate with you when I can come and will look at the roads together but definitely, I think we all agree that a lot of work is happening currently in the country around road construction and we just ask you to bear with us but will definitely come and fix theses roads. I repeat the mantra of the President, His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa “leaving no-one and no place behind”. Therefore, I think it is up to us to make sure that we remove the feeling that certain areas are being discriminated against and that is part of our job to make sure that all corners of Zimbabwe are covered. I so submit.
HON. J. TSHUMA (Spk..) what are your timelines in carrying out these roles? I am speaking specifically for the Victoria Falls- Bulawayo to Beitbridge Road. I am speaking about the Nkayi Road, the Kezi Road and Tsholotsho Road, roads that we know have been under construction since 1980, and this is 43 years later now. What are your timelines of coming to be physically on the ground of those roads and be seen doing something so that we dispel that notion that we are speaking of being marginalised? We want people to know that Government is not marginalising them. I thank you.
HON. SACCO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank Hon. Tshuma for this follow up question. On the Victoria Falls to Bulawayo Road, I think we have a contractor on site who has been working on periodic maintenance to fill potholes and make the road trafficable, but we have invited investors to partner the Ministry under Private-Public Partnership. We are looking at working on the road from Beitbridge to Bulawayo, from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls. This is work in progress and it is at an advanced stage.
On the other roads, I think they are more specific and I would like to ask the Hon. Member to put it in writing so that I can give accurate answers.
*HON. MUNEMO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is, I heard him talking of places that he visited, which included the area within my constituency, Mt Darwin-Mukumbura. May he kindly shed more light and can he, in the meamtime, do something while he waits for more funds to have the road tarred; to work on the graveled roads so that vehicles can pass through easily. Those roads are too bad. You can even come across more than 10 vehicles with tyre punctures caused by these bad roads.
*HON. SACCO: Hon. Munemo’s question is very pertinent. We once visited his constituency on our way to Mukumbura Border Post. My response is we have a programme which we are working hand-in-glove with ZINARA so that we can get diesel which we will allocate to rural district councils at national level. The aim is to say Hon. Members can source equipment which can then be fueled so that we can do periodic maintenance for those roads to be accessible. With time, as Ministry of Transport, we have a programme whereby we want to do the mechanisation of Rural District Councils (RDCs) so that they can have equipment which will help us repair the roads. We also want to buy equipment for the maintenance and services.
As Ministry of Transport, we need to have equipment which include dozers, tippers and everything so that we can do other jobs for ourselves as the Ministry to we avoid outsourcing. In future, we will see ZINARA distributing fuel in those councils so that we will be working with those RDCs in repairing roads.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Minister Sir. You discovered that I had to stop Members from asking, but they want to continue asking more questions. My advice for you is try and work in time to repair those roads.
REHABILITATION OF MAGAMBA ROAD IN MUTARE
35 HON KARENYI asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House what plans the Ministry has put in place to rehabilitate the Magamba road in Mutare. THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVLOPMENT (HON. SACCO): I would like to expand on question number 35 raised by Hon. Karenyi as follows, wanting to establish when the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, what plans have been put in place to rehabilitate the Magamba Road in Mutare? Works which have been planned on Magamba Road were not completed in the period leading up to the ending of ERRP 2, which lapsed in December, 2023. This is a very important road being one of the main arteries in Mutare. We are committed as a Ministry that these works should be completed by the Department of Roads or the local authority. Therefore, plans are in place and works will commence shortly as soon as funds are availed. This road is one of our priority roads, but we are waiting for funding from Treasury.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Hon. Minister for the response. If he can maybe help me as to when they are expecting the funds to rehabilitate the road?
CONSTRUCTION OF A ROAD FROM SANGO BORDER
POST TO RUTENGA AND CHIREDZI
- HON. MAKUMIRE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House what the Ministry’s plans are regarding the construction of a 149,9km stretch of road from the Sango border post to Rutenga and Chiredzi.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVLOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to divert a little bit to the last question where Hon. Karenyi asked for timeline. I would not like to commit myself to specific timelines, but rest assured that this road is of great priority to us. We will keep on pushing, once funds have been released by Treasury, you will see works commencing on Magamba Road.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: To answer question number 35, that is why I had skipped it, I know it does not come under your control. So, you decided to answer it and say the same thing that you had said before that you are waiting on the mercy of Treasury. Please proceed.
HON. SACCO: Thank you for your indulgence Mr. Speaker Sir. Allow me to respond to the question raised by Hon. Makumire. To ask the Minster of Transport on the plans being put in place regarding the construction for the 149.9 km stretch of road from Sango Border Post to Rutenga to Chiredzi. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development acknowledges that this road is part of the Maputo Corridor and as such requires immediate attention.
In this regard, the Ministry is seized with negotiations with an investor but had secured funding from DBSI, which is a development bank for Southern Africa to fund the cost of works within the scope, including the upgrading and modernisation of the Sango Border Post. The same investor has also been awarded the Chikwalakwala Border Post and the road on the Mozambican side to ensure that there is no dead end. The direct access to the Maputo Port, which is one of the busiest ports in the region. We intend to implement the project through public-private partnership with more earth works earmarked to commence this year, 2024. The investor shall self-finance the initial cost of the road and get repaid through ringfencing trophies accruing at Toll Plazas to be constructed along the road as part of this work. I thank you.
MEASURES TO CURB ROAD ACCIDENTS ALONG BULAWAYO-NORTON ROAD
- HON. TSVANGIRAI asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House measures the Ministry has put in place to curb the high rate of road accidents happening along the Bulawayo- Norton Road?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank Hon. Tsvangirai once again for his important question for the Minister of Transport to inform the House what measures the Ministry is putting in place to curb the high rate of road accidents that happen along the Bulawayo Norton Road.
Mr. Speaker Sir, my Ministry is aware of the high rate of accidents occurring on the Harare-Bulawayo Road. The road is well maintained and accidents are mainly due to human error, speeding, drinking and driving amongst other factors. The black spots are well documented and have been identified. Traffic calming measures have been put in place with several traffic lights being put along the roads. More measures continue to be put in place with my Department of Roads working closely with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to identify causes and possible solutions to the high accident zones resulting in these high rates. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe also carries out drivers’ sensitisation and education to curb accidents due to human error. The long-term plan Mr. Speaker Sir, is to construct by-passes in areas with human settlements like Norton, as was done on Harare-Beitbridge project. I so submit Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Minister. Last supplementary.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Minister mentioned the plan to put traffic lights, can he elaborate when he can actually put these traffic lights. Timeframe, thank you.
HON. SACCO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you, Hon. Tsvangirai for your follow-up question. I believe I would need to consult on that so that I can give you factual response, but it is definitely planned that those traffic lights should be put in place as well as the bypass so that traffic can travel through Norton itself to reduce the accidents, but allow me to consult and revert to you. I so submit.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
SEWER AND WATER RETICULATION CHALLENGES
IN MAKONDO SUBURB OF CHIREDZI
- HON MAKUMIRE asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House the plans being put in place to address sewer and water reticulation challenges in the Makondo suburb in Chiredzi.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Mr. Speaker Sir, the Government through the Second republic is committed to improving infrastructure and service delivery in all local authorities, including Chiredzi Town Council. To fully service the Makondo suburb which consists of 3500 properties with functional water and sewer reticulation system, the Chiredzi town council has been advised to apply for borrowing powers from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. The Government will act as a guarantor to enable the council to acquire a loan facility of US$800,000 from a local financier.
However, it is important to note that Chiredzi Town Council must be compliant with their audited accounts as outlined in the Service Delivery Blue print launched by His Excellence, the President E.D Mnagagwa. Once Chiredzi Town Council is compliant, the Ministry will support the loan facility to complete the water and sewer infrastructure development in Makondo suburb.
Currently, Chiredzi Town Council is utilising its own resources to service the water reticulation of 400 infill stands known as lowlands, created within the Makondo suburb. It is worth mentioning that Chiredzi Town Council has already engaged Brian Colquhoun, Hugh O’Donnel Consulting Engineer (BCHOD) to design the Chiredzi Water Treatment Plant. Their medium-term plan is to augment the current capacity from 10ml t 15ml per day. Additionally, the Ministry has encouraged Chiredzi Town Council to have a long term plan to construct a completely new treatment plant along the Chiredzi river. The scope of this project should be included in the current master plan document being crafted by the council under the Service Delivery Blue print.
I would like to reiterate that the Government is committed to addressing the water and sewer reticulation challenges in all local authorities including Makondo suburb in Chiredzi Town Council.
PROGRESS ON THE FIBRE OPTIC PROJECT
- HON. C. MOYO asked the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services to update the House on the following;
- The progress made on the Fibre Optic Project and its future; and
- The benefits of the project to the citizens of Zimbabwe.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES (HON. PHUTI): The purpose of this paper is to provide a progress update on the deployment of the National Fibre Optic Project. The National Fibre Optic Project (TelOne) is targeting to deploy 100 000 homes passed capacity by 2025 across the country. The deployment is subject to funding availability to the tune of US$50m. The project also seeks to address the digital divide and bring digital inclusivity, particularly to undeserved and unconnected communities countrywide. To date, the fibre optic project has delivered a total of over 70 000 homes capacity in urban arears throughout the country and is focusing on delivering an additional 10 000 capacities by 2025.
In addition to the over 8000km covered by TelOne, we recently witnessed the commissioning of over 1500km of fibre backbone by H.E. President E. D. Mnangagwa in Somabula, a project under a private DFA and BCS Africa, partnering with a local operator Dandemutande.
Liquid Telecom has laid over 10 000km of fibre in Zimbabwe alone. Over and above these, in total, operators (TelOne, Liquid, Dandemutande, etc) in Zimbabwe have a backbone fibre network that exceeds over 40 000km across Zimbabwe and is connected to the undersea cables through South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia and recently DRC.
Projects benefits
- The deployment of 100 000 fibre to the home capacity is expected to cover identified rural communities, residential and industrial areas in major cities and towns nationwide. The projects realise the following benefits:
- Fibre backbone plays a crucial role in supporting digital transformation, enabling services like broadband internet, cloud connectivity and ICT applications.
- To bring high-speed last-mile connectivity to the citizens of the Republic of Zimbabwe, allowing the greater population to be able to access basic information communication services.
- The project will bring the following additional services; E-government, E-health, E-commerce, Education 5.0, irrespective of where they are and smart city solutions.
- The project will be able to distribute the landed international upstream internet services to the citizens, thereby promoting the growth of the digital economy.
- Facilitates the introduction of new telecommunications services and products such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of things.
- Upgrade high-speed access network facilitates the offering of converged services over a single platform.
In conclusion, it is hoped that the objective of this project will be met to realise the National Vision 2030.
COMPLETION OF GWANDA-MAPHISA ROAD
- 31. HON. NKALA asked Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House, about Ministry’s plans to complete the Gwanda-Maphisa road which stalled in 2021.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Following his Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr E. D Mnangagwa’s pronouncement to extend the Emergency Road Rehabilitation programmee 2 (ERRP2) up to 31 December 2026, my Ministry committed to completing all outstanding projects and implement two high impact projects in all provinces. Gwanda- Maphisa road has been included for completion in Matebeleland South province, hence the implementation of this project will be resuscitated as soon as funding is availed.
REHABILITATION OF THE BULAWAYO-BEITBRIDGE ROAD
- 32. HON. NKALA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House on Ministry’s plans to rehabilitate the Bulawayo-Beitbridge road which is in a bad state as is the case with other major roads which are receiving face-lifts.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is a key national and regional road that contributes immensely to the economy through tourism, agriculture, and mining. It is in this regard the Ministry has received numerous expressions of interest from investors indicating the openness for business that exists in Zimbabwe and the market readiness to work with the government and augment the efforts being exhibited by the Treasury as evidenced by the implementation of major ongoing national projects across the country.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is therefore reviewing the proposals from the investors to upgrade, rehabilitate, and widen the road project through a public private partnership with works earmarked to commence this year, 2024. The investor shall self-finance the initial cost of the road and recover the cost through ringfenced toll fees accruing at the Toll Plazas to be constructed along the road as part of the scope of work.
This will be in addition to the 60km section in Hwange and Makadho currently being implemented by a local contractor who has been engaged to carry out periodic and routine maintenance works from Beitbridge to Victoria Falls. This scope of work constitutes pothole patching, resealing, vegetation clearing within the road servitude and reconstruction of the heavily damaged section. The contractor is prioritising the construction of the extremely damaged section and 2 units have been established, one on the northern side and another on the southern side. We are confident that an investor will be engaged soon on the rehabilitation of the entire route from Beitbridge to Victoria Falls will be carried out in the shortest possible time.
REHABILITATION OF THE OLD GWANDA- BULAWAYO ROAD
- HON. NKALA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to explain to the House, government plans to rehabilitate the Old Gwanda – Bulawayo road in Matebeleland South.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is at advanced stage with an investor to upgrade the Old Gwanda Road project through a Public Private Partnership with works earmarked to commence this year, 2024. The investor shall self-finance the cost of the road and get repaid through ring-fenced toll fees accruing at the toll Plazas to be constructed along the road as part of the scope of work.
The BOT feasibility study and relevant project proposal documents have been submitted to ZIDA for onward presentation to the PPP Committee, that will then send its recommendations to cabinet for final approval.
REHABILITATION OF BINGWA-MATETSI-JAMBEZI ROAD
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House when the Bingwa-Matetsi-Jambezi Road will be rehabilitated.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURALDEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Mr. Speaker Sir, Bethseda-Mgaja road connects the Bulawayo0- Victoria Falls Road and the Victoria Falls -Deka Road and it passes through Jambezi. This road has been earmarked for maintenance grading. We are also going to be doing maintenance grading and bush clearing on the Victoria Falls -Deka Road.
UPDATE ON THE VICTORIA FALLS-BULAWAYO- AND DEKA-HWANGE ROAD
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to give an update to the house on the Victoria Falls- Bulawayo Road and Deka- Hwange Road after his fact-finding visits on the said roads.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Mr. Speaker Sir. On the Bulawayo – Victoria Falls Road in terms of Rehabilitation the Contractor Bitumen World has done 10. 5km up to date (Hwange section). The department of Roads has also moved in terms of routine maintenance of the road to do pothole patching of the whole road. The Ministry will soon be calling for expression of interest for PPPs for the upgrade of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Road whilst routine maintenance works continue under the existing contract to maintain the road trafficable.
The Hwange-Deka Road is under the purview of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme following the declaration by His Excellency, the President of the state of disaster on the national road infrastructure. The road is about 89. 5km. The first section of 0–41km peg is a narrow mat and pothole patching will be done continue continuously. On the gravel section from 41-89. 5km peg, the department of roads has earmarked to do maintenance grading and spot regravelling on some damaged sections.
REHABILITATION OF THE BINGWA GRAVEL ROAD TO JAMBEZI BUSINESS CENTRE
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House the plans being put in place regarding Bingwa Gravel Road to Jembezi Business Centre.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Mr. Speaker Sir, currently my Ministry, Department of Roads intends to carryout maintenance grading of the road up to Jambezi Business Centrre for the purposes of improving accessibility for the Members of the Community in that area. I thank you.
Questions with Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order 68.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 10 be stood over until Orders of the Day, Numbers 11 and 12 have been disposed of.
HON. SAGANDIRA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AFRICAN FINANCE CORPORATION
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. Speaker Sir. I move the motion standing in my name:
THAT WHEREAS Subsection (2) of Section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any Convention, Treaty or Agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the African Member States adopted the Agreement for the Establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation on the 20th May 2007 and opened the Establishment Agreement. On the 8th May 2018, the Government of Zimbabwe formally accepted the invitation to join the Africa Finance Corporation;
AND WHEREAS the terms of the Agreement for the Establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation dated 28 May 2007 requires that all new member countries ratify the Africa Finance Corporation Charter as amended in 2022;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of subsection (2) of the section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid agreement be and is hereby approved for ratification.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in terms of Section 110 (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the President has the power, subject to the provisions of the Constitution, to enter into international conventions, treaties and agreements. Section 110 (6) of the Constitution, the President is required to act on the advice of the Cabinet in the exercise of this function.
The Agreement for the Establishment for the Africa Finance Corporation was established in 2007 and amended in 2012. Zimbabwe became a member of the African Finance Corporation on the 9th May 2018. However, formal acceptance of the invitation alone does not bind Zimbabwe, but requires approval by Parliament in line with Section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, Article 19 (3) of Agreement for the Establishment of the AFC provided for the ratification procedures by the members of the Charter.
The Agreement for the Establishment of the African Finance Corporation as, in accordance with its Article 3, defines a member State as any African state that signs the Agreement or executes an instrument of accession or ratification in respect thereof.
The overall objective of the Corporation is to foster economic growth and industrial development of African countries, collectively and individually, and more specifically to:
- support and promote infrastructure development in Africa through the provision of investment funds;
- facilitate African trade generally and export- oriented trade by African countries;
- contribute to the development of the energy and extractive industries in Africa;
- provide on-lending and refinancing facilities to African financial institutions; and
- e) generally engage in any kind of banking and financial business intended to promote investments in Africa.
It is therefore, desirable Mr. Speaker Sir, that the Republic of Zimbabwe ratify the aforesaid Agreement. I thank you.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for the motion on the issue to do with request for ratification of the Africa Finance Corporation Treaty. First of all, Mr. Speaker Sir, the AFC is a multilateral development finance institution which was formed in 2007 in Nigeria. That is where it is headquartered. The intention of this institution is basically to support economic growth of most African countries as well as to promote the industrial expansion drive of African countries. This institution extends loans to Sovereign States as well as other institutions for a return which they will give to their shareholders.
Their major areas of priority as AFC are in line to do with issues of power generation, issues to do with the strategic national resources such as oil, minerals and gas. To add more to its weight, it supports infrastructure, particularly the transport infrastructure as well as the telecommunications infrastructure and lastly, the heavy industry sector. As of 31st December 2023, the AFC has disbursed an amount equivalent to USD12.7 billion from its inception, which was disbursed to benefit many African countries.
What is important Mr. Speaker Sir, is to see how this institution has performed before. You will realise that there are many success stories that have been registered by this financial institution. I will just give three or four so as to put the subject into perspective. In 2023, there is 44-megawatt hydroelectric project which was established and financed, called Singrobo in the country of Ivory Coast, which was done at the Bandama River which benefited a lot. When that hydroelectric
power generation project succeeds or is completed. It has a capacity of employing about 500 employees. Secondly, that project will help alleviate the power challenges in their country. The AFC also supported projects in countries such as Angola, the Cabinda Oil Refinery project, which if completed, has got an estimate capacity of producing 60 000 barrels of crude oil. The 60 000 barrels of crude oil produced per day will help to produce petrol, diesel and aviation gas which will support close to 40% of their domestic requirements in terms of fuel, which is actually a very important intervention by such a financial institution.
Madam Speaker, it also goes a long way to create opportunities, direct and indirect opportunities. One of the success stories again is the Aliko Dangote Oil Refinery Project which is a $5.6-billion-dollar project. This project has a capacity of producing 650 000 barrels of crude oil per day which will cover close to 60% of Nigeria’s oil requirements. That will help a long way. These success stories are an indication of how much we can benefit if we actually engage or ratify this treaty. You also know that the Government of Tanzania in 2018 also benefitted to the tune of US$85 million to support its budgetary and fiscal requirements for that year. It also helps for stability in that country.
Mr. Speaker Sir, imagine if we had ratified this treaty well before 2024, we could have benefitted a lot. My issue therefore is, where was Government through the Ministry of Finance all along when all these countries were benefitting from this very important funding? I would like to encourage the Government to expedite these kinds of things in future. This will enable this country not to remain behind in terms of benefitting from these multilateral financial institutions which give loan facilities that are reasonable and also Pan-Africanist.
Mr. Speaker Sir, imagine if we could have got that kind of assistance on our ZISCO to resuscitate it. Imagine if we had got that assistance well on time to resuscitate or to start the Batoka Energy Project, we could have been somewhere as a country. My issue is that we are supporting this treaty to assist the country. It was actually late to do it. Particularly, if you look at the Charter, a Charter who is coming in to give a direction as to how the corporate governance systems of this institution are controlled. Mr. Speaker Sir, particularly to say that what is the role of the Board of Directors, what is the role of the sovereign countries, what is the role of shareholders, what is the role of Executive Management? It is very important to ratify this Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Hon. Ndebele, when you came into the Chamber, you decided not to bow to the Chair, I am asking you to leave the House.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to also add my voice on the ratification of the AFC Charter. The AFC was created by African States to provide solutions to Africa’s infrastructure’s deficit problems. The AFC was formed specifically to deal with infrastructure deficits in power, rail, road, aviation, water and heavy industries. These are the areas that we are having problems with as a country. If you look at our rail system, it is now antiquated. We have serious deficits in rolling stock. I think this is an area where the Government can tap into, especially on funding that does not come with unnecessary preconditions. We also look at power generation. We are having power deficits and we have done the rehabilitation of Hwange Power Stations 7 and 8. We are looking into the rehabilitation of Hwange 1 up to Hwange 6. These are areas where we can also look at the funding models and the AFC would come in handy since it supports agriculture projects.
Hon. Speaker, the AFC is a Pan-African institution which promotes regional cooperation and it also shows that as Africans, we can do it. On the fostering of economic integration, we are looking at the regional economic communities like SADC, ECOWAS, SACU, COMESA and East African Communities. One way or the other, as we converge to have a common agenda under AFC, it promotes regional integration. It is from where we can also see the pollination of ideas on how we can develop our continent. The ratification of the Charter will accelerate a development agenda of Zimbabwe. If we check the priority areas under National Development Strategy NDS 1, it speaks to the realisation of Vision 2030. Under the priority area, there is a priority area on infrastructure development. With the provision of funding, given the constraints that are coming from illegal sanctions, I think AFC would have come in handy in promoting the furtherance and development of pillars under NDS 1.
Hon. Speaker, the ratification will also create and foster conditions that are conducive to the greater inflow of investment funds. What normally works in economics is signaling. The moment there are signals that this country is not able to access lines of credit, this country is under sanctions, it sends those signals to other investors not to invest in Zimbabwe. Once we know that we have other alternative sources of funding, this will give a positive signal for us to get better inflows of investments. Ratification will improve access to capital and also to unlock the key sectors that are critical for the realisation of Vision 2030.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as I conclude, what I would also want to find out from the Hon. Minister is, as you heard from the previous Speaker, the AFC was formed in Nigeria and there is some ownership that is there. I would want to find out from the Hon. Minister, if the ratification would mean that we are going to pay subscriptions to be a Member of AFC. Are we going to be a member or we are going to be a shareholder? If we are going to pay subscriptions, are we ready to pay subscriptions but all in all, it is because of the criticality of the AFC to our development agenda of Zimbabwe. I therefore support the motion to ratify the AFC Charter.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I also want to add my voice, bringing in some insights into the advantages of ratifying this protocol. I am also equally worried and happy at the same time that we have reached possibly what I would call the ‘Haggai moment’, whereby we were crying and we quickly realised that we have investment opportunities for Zimbabwe. I support the fact that this is a Pan-African institution and Zimbabwe, from the time of the former late President R. G Mugabe was believed to be a supporter of Pan-Africanism. It is worrisome when Zimbabwe takes more than a decade to ratify protocols which are of a Pan-African nature. It gives doubt to the commitment of our country to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and I hope this House will take note of the delays and how the delays can be politically damaging to our country. Ratifying this Pan-African Protocol then shows the commitment of this country to the ideals and values of Pan-Africanism, values which will see Africa as one. This was going to allow other African countries to be on the side of Zimbabwe when it is facing challenges. However, when Zimbabwe is facing challenges and it is not prepared to ratify such important protocols, it will be difficult for Zimbabwe. We do not know what the reason was and maybe the Minister of Finance may also furnish this House with the reasons. Maybe there are valid reasons but we think that diplomatically, Zimbabwe will be at a good standing by ratifying such important protocols which also allow for the shareholding participation by sovereign countries like Zimbabwe. It also allows for the shareholders by individuals within the participating countries. Therefore, by not signing, the Zimbabwean Government was actually denying the private sector within our country and those in the diaspora to also buy shares within this institution. Therefore ratification, I hope and believe will open opportunities for investment. These opportunities are important because if they invest their money, their profits will be reinvested in our country.
In addition, when there is economic integration, it will reduce conflicts among the African States and Zimbabwe tends to benefit because there are going to be transboundary projects that will then dissuade African countries from fighting each other. Therefore, it will be important for us to take such important financial institutions not just for economic reasons, but also for political and security reasons. It is for the security reasons that Zimbabwe ratifies this protocol.
Zimbabwe is endowed with both natural and human resources. We have human resources failing to get employment in this country but if Zimbabwe participates in these important institutions, it is easier for Zimbabwean graduates to also be employed in such institutions because Zimbabwe will be a part of this institution. I do not see any light for a prospective employee from Zimbabwe to apply to such an institution and get employed when Zimbabwe is not participating. Now that Zimbabwe has decided to ratify, it creates opportunities for our graduates to also be employed in such institutions.
As I said, we are endowed with natural resources, but exploration to the benefit of the Zimbabweans has been a challenge. We now have lithium and other countries are manufacturing lithium batteries while Zimbabwe has been talking of manufacturing lithium batteries, yet there is an institution which could have funded as is happening in other countries as alluded to by the previous speakers. Zimbabwe could have benefited and can continue to benefit in the manufacturing sector. Zimbabwe is also endowed with the best fertile soils in the world. Our agricultural sector is struggling and we also need funding. Here is the opportunity to get funding to promote our farmers and food production. The funding is there and therefore I support the ratification of this protocol. It can also enhance the development of our ICTs and Artificial Intelligence which can also then stimulate development. Therefore, Mr. Speaker Sir, I conclude by thanking the Minister of Finance for bringing this protocol to this House. I also encourage him to also look and dig deeper into other protocols that Zimbabwe has not yet signed, which will also bring benefits to this country. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank the Hon. Members for their contributions. Hon. Madzivanyika highlighted the fact that this is a Pan-African multinational institution formed in Nigeria in 2007. This is correct and Nigeria was one of the prime movers behind this institution. They had excess reserves from the central bank which they made use of in capacitating this institution to create yet another option for countries to borrow from or to seek investment from to expand their economies. He is correct that this institution has invested over US$10 billion right across Africa since inception in the projects that he highlighted, especially the ones that I knew quite well; the Ivory Coast projects and other roads projects, the Angola Oil Facility and the Dangote Oil Refinery Facility. He is correct that by ratifying this, we will realise all the other benefits that we have been missing that other countries have been benefitting from and have since enjoyed. He is very supportive and I am pleased with that support that he is lending to this project.
I now turn to the contribution by Hon. Chiduwa who basically highlighted that this institution will fill the infrastructure gap that we are experiencing as a country in various aspects of infrastructure, be it power, roads and other pieces of infrastructures. The advantage of this institution is that there are no tough or onerous pre-conditions for access and therefore, it is advantageous that we should become members. This will also create economic integration and cross-fertilisation of ideas which are so needed and will give us more capital as a country.
He asked the question about whether the membership and ratification entails payment of fees. The answer is no, we do not have to pay any fees. It is free membership, but unlocks all this opportunity. Private sector can benefit from accessing funding from this AFC.
I now turn to Hon. Hamauswa whose contribution I appreciate and he is very supportive of ratification. In the end, he says if there are any other ones that have not been ratified, let us dig them up and make sure we bring them before this House. I agree with him. I can assure you that the fact that we brought it here, shows that we are serious about exploiting every opportunity where we can source capital outside to support development of this country. It would really unlock resources for the private sector right across the board in the areas that he articulated so well. I thank you for the support. I therefore move that the ratification be done by this august House.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR ACCESSION OF THE AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AFRICAN RISK CAPACITY (ARC) AGENCY
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON PROF. NCUBE): I move the motion standing in my name;
THAT WHEREAS Subsection (2) of Section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government adopted the Agreement on the Establishment of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency (“the Treaty”) and opened the Treaty for signature. And on the 23rd of November 2012, the Government of Zimbabwe signed the Treaty:
AND WHEREAS the terms of the Agreement on the Establishment of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency (“the Treaty”) adopted by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in November 2012 requires that Members States desirous to join the ARC Agency after it has entered into force shall accede to the Treaty:
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Agreement be and is hereby approved for accession.
Background
The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, signed the Treaty Agreement to become a member of the African Risk (ARC) Agency on 23 November 2012.
ARC is a specialised agency of the African Union established to help member States improve their capacities to better plan, prepare and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters, most notably drought.
The provisional application of the treaty applies to 35 African Union member States who signed the treaty to take advantage of the benefits available to the parties of the treaty, including participation in the ARC Ltd Insurance Pool and capacity building programmes, among others.
The treaty has gone through the required processes, that is Attorney-General’s Office, the Public Agreement Advisory Committee and Cabinet.
Participation in the ARC Drought Insurance Pool
Zimbabwe started participation in the ARC Drought Insurance Pool in 2019/20 agriculture season. A payout amount of $1.4 million was made to the Government whilst World Food Programme received US$290 000 supporting over 180 000 households in the highly vulnerable districts.
The US$1.4 million supported 77 767 most vulnerable households in four districts, namely Mbire, Mudzi, Mutare and Zaka.
The Government purchased a sovereign drought insurance policy of US$3 million for the 2023/24 agriculture season. A combined payout of US$32 million for the Government and Replica Partners (Start Network and WFP) is anticipated for the 2023/24 agriculture.
The payment amount for the Government is envisaged to support 349 170 vulnerable households in 18 districts most impacted by El Nino induced drought. These include: Binga, Chimanimani, Kariba, Mudzi, Umguza, Tsholotsho, Mbire, Nkayi, Bulilima, Umzingwane, Hwange, Lupane, Zvishavane, Gokwe North, Mt. Drawin, Rushinga, Chiredzi and Mutare.
Whilst the treaty was signed in 2012, ratification of the same is still outstanding. Ten countries including Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Senegal and Togo have to date ratified their ARC treaties. The ratification of the treaty will signal the Government’s commitment towards ARC membership and ensure prompt availability of financial resources in the aftermath of disasters such as drought and floods.
Furthermore, countries that have ratified are allowed to take out insurance from ARC Ltd. by paying a premium which will not be a financial obligation under the treaty.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for the opportunity. The Africa Risk Capacity Agency is a very vital institution in terms of assisting African countries on risks that are associated with the issues of climate as well as very extreme conditions such as cyclones tornadoes, hurricanes, as well as epidemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola in Africa. The African Risk Capacity is a very important institution in the fact that it assists African countries to plan, prepare as well as to respond effectively to the incidence of natural disasters as well as to give a more reliable source of capital to fund challenges associated with national disasters.
Mr. Speaker, this organisation has got a system of detecting risks through what is called the Africa Risk View, it is a satellite surveillance system; the Africa Risk Review, a certain surveillance system that is used to detect the possibility of cyclones, for example, to detect the possibilities of any other unfavourable weather conditions that might befall a particular country.
You do not benefit from such systems if you are not part of that treaty. If you look again at this African Risk Agency, it also goes a long way to support vital departments of Government such as the Meteorological Department, the Disaster Management Department, the National Statistics Agency and in this case, ZIMSTATS for Zimbabwe. It also goes a long way to support the agricultural research services, and probably the Ministry of Agriculture in general. So, if you look at this, the general gist of this organisation is to help a country to protect itself from the incidence of unplanned risk as a result of bad weather conditions and other epidemic diseases.
I think in light of this Mr. Speaker, there is nothing wrong as a country to support this kind of treaty which allows this country to be protected from the possibility of future damaging risks.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to also add my voice on the proposed ratification of the Africa Risk Capacity Charter. Hon. Speaker, the Africa Risk Capacity enables participating African governments to ensure themselves against natural disasters. This is especially with specific reference to cases when citizens are not able to assist themselves. Over the years Hon. Speaker, especially with reference to Zimbabwe, we have experienced cyclones. I remember cyclone Eline, Cyclone Idai and of late, we are under an El Nino weather conditions and there is focus that in the 2024/5 agriculture calendar, we are going to experience El Nino. All these affect agricultural yields. The disasters affect economic activity, they destroy lives and infrastructure. The ratification of the ARC will assist us as a country to understand risk better. We will also benefit from risk capacity building and we will also benefit from pulling our resources together with other countries which can then be used in the form of trading because of the pulling.
We will also benefit when we insure ourselves against drought and I remember Hon. Minister saying here that we had insured ourselves against drought and this will assist us as a country. Given climate change, it is important that we insure ourselves against natural disasters and this will assist us when it comes to climate vulnerability and climate change.
Hon. Speaker, looking at the provisions of the ARC Charter, I would also want to urge the Minister to look at other forms of insurance so that we can do a cost benefit analysis. I know this is not the only agency that offers such solutions. We would want to make sure that we get value for money. In terms of the ratification Hon. Speaker, I would want to lend my support for the ratification of the ARC Charter. I thank you.
*HON. P. ZHOU: Thank you Hon. Speaker, I would like to add a few words on this motion. I would want to thank the Hon. Minister for bringing such a Charter for ratification. All of us in Zimbabwe are aware of the climate change, so we are delighted with the ratification of this particular Charter to cover our country against disasters such as Cyclone Idai. The weather patterns have changed and we now have heavy rains, volcanoes, tornadoes and such things. If we are to suffer from that, it is wise for us to subscribe to Africa Risk Charter. It enables us to learn from others. One man cannot embrace a baobab tree alone. I thank the Hon. Minister for introducing a good thing. We have this mantra that leave no place and no one behind and so, we should not be left behind. We should move in sync with others.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I thank the Hon. Members for their contributions and support. Let me begin with the input from Hon. Madzivanyika. He correctly highlighted that the ARC provides insurance for extreme weather conditions and other shocks, pandemics and other such things such as extreme exogenous shocks which will really be dealt with through this kind of insurance provided by ARC. He is correct that they use a very sophisticated method for using satellite technology to determine which areas are affected by drought. In fact, for Zimbabwe specifically, what they did is that we have got five regions in terms of quality of rainfall patterns.
So they grouped regions 1 and 2 as one area and the 3,4,5 as additional regions, four buckets in all and then within each region, they were able to zoom in into every district and see which ones are most affected. First of all, which of these zones are most affected? One and two within each which district are most affected and that is how they came up with the 18 districts that I mentioned and that is the methodology that they used. Hon. Madzivanyika highlighted that it is very effective as a technology and we hope that our own Zimbabwean side could in future be capable of making a contribution in this kind of methodology.
Largely, he is very supportive and he would like us to make sure that we get maximum benefit from this insurance. Going forward, I think he is actually urging us to continue because when we took the insurance, we did not know that we will have a drought this season. We just got insurance, we never knew and here we are; we did the right thing and we expect this payment of US$32 which we will distribute once we have it.
I take note also of the contributions by Hon. Chiduwa who highlighted that really the participating governments under this ARC that the participating governments under this ARC programme or institution will take advantage of the opportunities for sharing risk, experiences and so forth and getting insurance against these natural disasters.
Also, that Zimbabwe has experienced extreme weather is correct as I said. This year we have had the El Nino and next year there are murmurings, rightly to put it, of having a Lanina and we have had cyclones. So, we have different types of shocks that this kind of insurance will protect us against. I think in a sense he is saying if we have Lanina next year, which also poses other challenges, then we better buy insurance again this year to ensure that we can be protected.
He highlighted that buying or rather ratifying this treaty and then participating in the programme by purchasing insurance will also be helping ourselves to understand these risks better and therefore can plan better going forward to support our citizens. I agree with him that we should look out for other sources of insurance out there to see what else is available. We are aware that we have certain organisations which have been busy in countries such as Kenya and providing micro-insurance at the specific farmer level where a farmer buys insurance which is subsidised by Government. We will be looking into that.
Can you imagine that if we were to buy or sell subsidised insurance to our Pfumvudza/Intwasa farmers, that will go a long way in protecting them in addition to receiving free inputs and agricultural extension services. We will look far and wide for other support institutions as far as insurances is concerned.
Hon. Zhou is supportive. She believes and I agree with her that the insurance will go a long way in protecting our citizenry against these natural disasters. It will enable us to understand our risk, pool our risks and share with other countries. There is a lot for us to learn from being part of this ARC family through the ratification of this treaty and I agree with Hon. Zhou.
To this end, I move that;
WHEREAS subsection (2) of section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government adopted the Agreement on the Establishment of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency (“the Treaty”) and opened the Treaty for signature. And on the 23rd of November 2012 the Government of Zimbabwe signed the Treaty:
AND WHEREAS the terms of the Agreement on the Establishment of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency (“the Treaty”) adopted by the Conference pf Plenipotentiaries in November 2012 requires that Members States desirous to join the ARC Agency after it has entered into force shall accede to the Treaty:
NOW THEREFORE, in terms of section 327(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Agreement be and is hereby approved for accession. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
TABLING OF REPORTS
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Mr. Speaker, when the House debate the approval of the loan from IFAD last week of US$37, 15 million, one of the request during that debate was that I come back to this House and table a report on previous IFAD loans, how those loans have performed. I am happy to say I am ready and I hereby table the annual report for the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme which was marketed in 2021. This annual report basically covers the months of January to December, 2023.
I also table the report to a subsidiary programme again that was put in place the same year, together with the earlier one called the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project. Again, I table the annual report.
During the same debate, they also need to refresh Parliament on the Public Debt Reports because the feeling was that perhaps, we were taking on extra unnecessary debt and that we were not reporting enough. I have before me here, a report which I thought I had already tabled, dated November 2023 on the Public Debt situation. I also table a second report for the earlier year, 2022 financial year and again it is a Public Debt Report just in case those reports are missing in Parliament. I also table a supplementary report entitled the Annual Public Debt Bulletin for the year 2022 financial year. I thank you.
Reports were duly laid on the Table.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. SAGANDIRA, the House adjourned at Thirteen Minutes past Six o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o`clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
INVITATION TO JOIN THE AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARIANS NETWORK ON DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION (APNODE)
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to remind Hon. Senators who are interested in joining the African Parliamentarians Network on Development Evaluation (APNODE) to register their names with Mr. C. Ratsakatika, the Principal Committee Clerk in Office Number 335. The Network is a continental parliamentary body that has been in existence for 10 years and Zimbabwe has been a member for the past nine years.
Some of the objectives of APNODE are as follows;
- To educate national Parliaments and Parliamentarians about the importance of evaluation for oversight, policy and decision making.
- To enhance the capacity of Parliamentarians to demand and utilise evaluation evidence in their parliamentary duties.
- To share experiences across Africa and beyond.
SWITCHING OFF OF CELLPHONES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators are reminded to put your phones and gadgets on silent or better still switch them off.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Mr. President Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Judicial Service Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Mr. President, I stand up today to appreciate the report tabled before the House highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in our governance systems. The introduction of the annual report by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is a critical aspect of this process and I comment the JSC for complying with the constitutional requirement that it submits a report before this Parliament.
Our Constitution requires that the JSC submits an annual report to Parliament, which is a crucial mechanism for ensuring transparency and accountability. This report provides valuable insights, Mr. President, into the activities and challenges faced by the judiciary essential for lawmakers to have access to this information. The report highlights several areas, Mr. President, where the JSC has made progress including appointments and establishment of new courts. However, it also highlights some challenges it is facing, including fundraising constraints and inadequate infrastructure.
I would like to emphasise, Mr. President, that these reports are critical for ensuring transparency and accountability. They provide a window into our institution’s activities and help us to hold them accountable for their actions and demonstrate institutional independence, which is crucial for upholding the rule of law.
In my analysis, Mr. President, I would like to highlight some potential areas of improvement. The report could have provided more detailed information on budgetary allocations and expenditure to allow us to understand resource utilisation better. Additionally, providing more information on challenges faced by the JSC in terms of infrastructure and staffing would help us better understand its situation and provide the necessary support.
The report notes several challenges faced by the JSC in terms of funding and infrastructure. Nonetheless, I would like to sensitise this House about some of these challenges and urge the Government to provide adequate funding and support for our judiciary’s success. I underline here that it is important to provide support for the judiciary as it forms part of the three arms of the Government.
Certainly, all arms of the Government and Members of this House would understand the need for funding. Parliament needs support and funding, the Judiciary also needs support and funding. If we were to break down, the other two arms of state would find themselves unable to operate. I commend the JSC’s efforts in building and renovating a significant number of courts under challenging conditions. Indeed, if you go into all the towns around Zimbabwe, in the old days, we used to have some decrepit courts or courts located in very old buildings, some which were not suitable for an institution that dispenses justice.
If you go around now, you go to Tsholotsho, Esigodini, everywhere, there is progress in the judiciary since the JSC has become a stand-alone institution. They have made massive progress in putting up suitable buildings. There is more that needs to be done. According to the report, 53% of the courts have been renovated and 17% have been built from scratch.
This is a remarkable achievement considering the funding constraints and the infrastructure challenges that are highlighted throughout the report. There is concern about the extremely high rates of resignations, these stand at 69%. Improving working conditions, remuneration, and career development opportunities is crucial in order to address this worrying trend. I urge the JSC to improve morale and working conditions among judges and court staff despite these financial constraints.
I commend the JSC for establishing the integrated case management systems ICMS, improving case tracking, reducing delays and enhancing communication before the courts. I think the JSC and indeed Judiciary, learnt from COVID and now we are able to communicate from wherever we are. I would like to commend them and hope that they continue to improve this system so that it has less and less glitches and allow the Judiciary to work simplest and justice to be dispersed without delay. The ICMS has been implemented in 15 courts. Plans are underway to further the roll out of this system.
Furthermore, I suggest exploring ways to improve the Government’s capacity of training and professional development opportunities. I commend the JSC efforts in building courts, but also again would like to underline the issue about the resignations. Mr. President, I fully support the motion that this House takes note of the Report of the Judicial Services Commission for the year 2023 presented to this House in terms of Section 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Human Rights Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Thank you Mr. President. I move that Order of the Day, Number 6 be stood over until all other Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND
RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023.
Question proposed.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
MOTION
ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC HEMODIALYSIS FACILITIES IN DISTRICTS
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move the motion standing in my name that this House:
COGNISANT that Zimbabwe is prone to chronic kidney disease with a prevalence of 34 people per every one million Zimbabweans;
LAMENTING that only 16 health facilities are available throughout the country to provide hemodialysis services;
CONCERNED that the costs of hemodialysis are extremely high for the ordinary citizens;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon the Ministry of Health and Child Care to:
(a) Establish one public hemodialysis facility in each district.
(b) Ensure that all public hemodialysis facilities provide free services inclusive of ancillaries such as blood sample testing and transfusion.
(c) Subsidise fees that are charged at private facilities that offer hemodialysis services.
(d) Conduct public awareness campaigns on the effects of hypertension and diabetes among other chronic diseases on healthy kidneys.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I second.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I thank you for this opportunity to present this motion on the critical issue of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mr. President, in bringing forth this motion, I have a personal story about kidney health in this country among our greater population and the population in Southern Africa.
Mr. President, in 2009, I was inflicted by kidney disease which required me to get into the hospital and I was in hospital for more than four months. As I suffered, my eight-year-old daughter could not bear the suffering that I was enduring and walked me to our car so that I could be driven to St. Annes Hospital to get help.
There is always a silver lining to a dark cloud Mr. President. As she took me to the car, she said dad, I want to be a doctor so that in future, I can treat you. Right now, she is 22 years old and pursuing her studies in the health sector, specifically wanting to pursue studies of kidneys which is called Nephrology.
On my side too, I got so interested in the issue of kidneys to the extent of being able to claim that I could be an expert in understanding the issue of kidney health and how important it is for people to look after their kidneys because it is a very important organ of our body. If you allow your kidney to fall sick, your quality of life will suffer badly and your contribution to the economic dynamics of the country will diminish to a very bad extent.
So, that is my personal story which motivates me every day to think seriously about kidney health and to seek to advise others who have not yet met this difficulty that they should look after this very important organ of the body very well.
Mr. President, in our country, some statistics around the kidney statistics: kidney disease prevalence is about 12% - that is 12% of every one of us here. If you count 100 people, there is a likelihood of 12 people having a problem with their kidneys, which is a very big number.
However, if you look at the kidney dialysis prevalence, that means the number of people who can get help is 34 in a million. This means that we do not have sufficient facilities to deal with the problem of kidney disease in this country.
Let me talk about statistics. According to the Journal of Nephrology, the Egyptian Journal of Nephrology and Kidney Transfer, up to 2 214 Zimbabwean people die of kidney disease every year and this compares very closely to one of the worst diseases or viruses, HIV which kills about 18 000 people, road traffic accidents kills about 6 000 people per annum and kidney disease kills 2 214 people every year and these are the recorded statistics. I am very sure that many more die there quietly in the villages because of this disease without any recordings.
Mr. President, this statistic leads to 36 deaths for every 1000 people and ranks us on the international scale at number 34. This is very serious compared to Zambia. The death rate arising from CKD in this country, as I have said, is 2 214, which is 2% of all deaths. In Zambia, CKD kills about 1%, so Zambia is very much better than us and a lot of other countries do a lot better than us. In fact, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, we are sitting in a very bad position compared to the number of people who die of kidney disease. They say in Africa, we are the worst. I think it calls upon us to be very serious about it.
Mr. President, from there, I would like to look at the kidney dialysis map of a country, and the number of facilities that we have in the country that can take care of people who suffer from kidney disease. We have 16 facilities in this country, which look after people who may be afflicted by kidney diseases out of so many people per year who need help. Describing pictorially, the dialysis prevalence of 34 out of a million is a very measly number and this statistic is quite startling.
Mr. President, the national kidney dialysis map looks like this; we have province, number of facilities, public or private. Harare has two public facilities that can deal with kidney diseases, one is Parirenyatwa and the other I think is paGomo. We have five privately operated facilities. In the Midlands, we have one public dialysis facility and two private ones the whole province. In Bulawayo, the whole province has one public unit, one public hospital that provides home dialysis facilities and two private ones. In Masvingo, we have zero public facilities and one private. In Manicaland, we have one public facility, we do not have any private there. Mashonaland West has one in Chinhoyi which is private.
So, of the sixteen facilities that are available, five are public facilities and the balance are privately operated facilities. There is some importance in these statistics which I will get into. Going further, it means the whole of Matebeleland North has no facility for kidney dialysis. Matebeleland South has none. Mashonaland Central has none. Mashonaland East has none.
So, in these provinces, should people require, of which they do, they will have to travel either to Harare or Mutare. The picture is very sad Mr. President. This is how I would conclude it that the picture is so sad. The accessibility of these facilities for the people who need them is extremely poor. So, what does that mean? I join with the other side of accessibility, which is affordability. If you look at the facilities, the public facilities charge $80.00 for a person to be dialysed, that is the clean bill that you have to pay but together with that, you need blood transfusion, you also need blood sample testing. You need a few salts in the process.
At the end of the day, going into a public facility to be dialysed requires something like $150.00 and you need that a minimum of twice a week. So, a person with CKD will have to part with $300.00 every week, multiply that by four for a four-week month, that makes it $1 200.00 needed, should you be afflicted by CKD. I am not talking about transport, because the accessibility is poor. So, if you look at the transport and accommodation, waiting in the queues, the basic summary is that it is very unfavourable. So, if you get CKD, you know that you are being sentenced to death.
The situation is even worse with private facilities because the majority of the facilities we have are privately owned and one cycle needs $220. Again, you need a minimum of two cycles per week and some people actually need three. If you need three, it means you need $660 to be dialysed. If you need two that is $440, but if you add the ancillaries like testing and blood transfusion, the blood is very expensive as well and you end up needing a lot more to be dialysed for just one week.
I would invite Members to casually, one day, visit a dialysis centre and see a patient who has failed to be dialysed. You swell, very sadly and the eyes disappear and your stomach and all that, it is a very sad story. I would like to implore Members to just familiarise themselves with this challenge so that you are debating from a point of personal experience. People die very painfully out of lack of accessibility and affordability of these services.
It is indeed very sad if you look at what one requires to set up the facility. I think it ranges between $10 000 to $20 000 to set a facility for the people. To avoid people having to travel very long distances, this is why we pray that Government should make an effort to make sure that at the barest minimum, that we have at least one public dialysis facility per district. We have sixty-three districts and we are just asking for sixty-three dialysis centres in this country so that Tsholotsho, Uzumba, Buhera districts have a minimum of one facility each but ideally, we need more so that people get dialysis facilities within walking distance for us to reduce this huge number of people who die out of CKD per year; 2 214 graves is not a small number.
We also pray Mr. President, that should this accessibility be improved and even at this stage, that these five public institutions at least provide these services for free, including the ancillary facilities like blood transfusion, testing and even transport. In the past, it was possible to give travellers a warrant so that a person can travel free of charge from point A to B to get help. It is a strong suggestion that I put through and I think it should not be difficult for Government to be able to do that and to go even further to make sure that even the private facilities either be subsidised or be expanded somehow so that there is even more competition which could lead to reduction in service costs. If you look at the statistics, you will see that the biggest problem leading to kidney disease is high blood pressure (BP). If you do not manage your high blood pressure properly, which many people are unable to do, people are unaware that they have this silent killer day in, day out until it becomes a stroke.
High blood pressure is the key reason for kidney failure and chronic diseases. The proposal that I put forward through this motion is that we increase public awareness on blood pressure. In fact, 70% of people that eventually get CKD is a result of high blood pressure. Our village health workers should make sure that there is a lot of checking of the people and anybody found with BP, perhaps early interventions are set in so that people do not advance to CKD which is very expensive. I also did a comparison of the cost of getting dialysis and kidney transfer and it looks like it is much cheaper to do issues of kidney transplant. Kidney transplant is generally more effective than to continuously go for dialysis. In this country, we do not have kidney transplant facilities, but it is like 30% of the cost of going for dialysis and it is a route, obviously, that needs exploring because it is cheaper for the nation. It also delivers a better life for the people. This is the map of CKD and I hope that colleagues here will join me in supporting this motion as we move forward and interacting with the Executive so that these suggestions could see the light of day. I thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MANYENGAVANA: I am seconding the motion raised by Hon. Senator Zvidzai. It is a very good motion that needs support from all of us here. I was listening to him when he was putting across the points on CKD. It was a well-researched motion. Thank you Hon. Senator Zvidzai for the research. The chronic disease - the CKD is a gradual loss of kidney functions overtime. There are some factors that cause the loss of kidney function. These are, when someone is diabetic, he/she is at risk of having a kidney failure. If someone has a problem of BP, it is also a cause of kidney failure. Use of strong drugs contributes and affects the functions of kidneys. The other factor is, if you have got a big body, you are also likely to have a problem of kidney failure. These are the factors – it is not by choice for anybody, but it just happens. I want this House to take this seriously when they are debating. This has nothing to do with politics, but it is an issue of life and death.
What are the symptoms of kidney failure? You find that a patient’s body swells. They have fatigue and sometimes they will vomit. So it is not an easy thing. When you go to the toilet sometimes you pass out blood and when you are urinating, sometimes it is so painful. It is not something that you find easy to survive with. When I was doing my research, you find that this kidney works like a filter in our body. It cleans foreign substances in our body. It also controls the urine and water in our body. If our filter is not functioning well, we have this problem of kidney failure. The kidney regulates the amount of fluid in our body and adjusts the urine, like I said earlier on. The other function of a kidney is that it also controls the blood pressure in our body. One finds that if one’s kidney is not working well, one has a problem with blood pressure, so these two go hand in hand.
Kidneys help in the production of red blood cells in the body. You need a kidney to survive. If it is not functioning well, it becomes uneasy for you to survive. It works as Vitamin D activator. All of us need Vitamin D. According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, approximately 1000 people are affected by kidneys every year. You can see the number is quite huge. One thousand of our members have got this problem. So this House should also look into that.
Kidney failure is treated by dialysis like the previous Hon. Senator said. Yes, I heard him. He was talking about the fact that you go two times a week but when I was doing my research; it was said three times a week. Mr. President, three times a week going for treatment and the treatment is not easy. It is so painful. When you look back, Mr. President, in the late 90’s and early 2000s, we would receive patients from SADC countries coming to Zimbabwe for dialysis. People were coming from Zambia and Malawi but things have changed. We are now going to Zambia and South Africa for treatment, but it was different in the past.
Then there is the best which was the kidney transplant. The first successful kidney transplant took place in 1954. It was done by Dr. Josh from twin brothers. It was very successful. When going for kidney transplants, they need to check a lot of things, but that is the best to solve the problem of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unfortunately in Zimbabwe, we do not have. Even in the first world countries, it is actually hard. In America, per year, they get about 63 000 members affected by kidney failure, CKD, but according to the statistics, they are only managing about 37 000 transplants. You can see, yes it is the best, but it is not even in the first world. Those countries are not able to cover it 100%.
For Zimbabwe, I think let us focus on dialysis for now, but the problem is the cost that comes with it. Like I said earlier on, it is three times a week. You need to travel from your district to the unit for your session. There are costs for the patient if the patient is not feeling well. Obviously when you have got a kidney problem you cannot go for hard labour. You have to go for light duties. Sometimes you have lost your employment, so then it means Government has to come in to save its people so they will be able to survive.
Mr. President, people are coming from as far as Masvingo for dialysis to Harare, but when they come to Parirenyatwa, sometimes the dialysis unit is not working because their dialysis units are very few. As a result of distance, Mr. President, after a session, that same person has to board a bus to Masvingo. So the Government needs to look into this.
We have got a kidney commemoration day which is done the second Thursday of March. Here it was done on 14th and the theme was, ‘Aims to raise awareness of the inequalities of kidney disease treatment and encourage collaborative efforts to improve access to appropriate treatment for everyone affected by the disease’. You can see Mr. President, the Ministry is aware that this disease is not an easy disease. It needs us as legislators to ease their job.
Mr. President, private hospitals are charging too much. They are charging about US$205 a session like the one I checked. If they are going for four sessions, it means US$1 000. Three sessions mean US$750 per week by 4.3 a month. It is a lot of money. It is not affordable. So my prayer, Mr. President, is Government should make sure all our districts have a facility for dialysis to ease the cost to the patient. We need to save lives as Government. We need more awareness programmes as a country to prevent kidney failure. We need to look at the affordability of the sessions and on private sector, I do not know how we can do it, but my proposal is that the Government should subsidise for patients with kidney failure. Thank you, Mr. President.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2023.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. President, I move that we revert to Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2 on the Order Paper.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR ACCESSION OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RISK CAPACITY (ARC) AGENCY
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. President Sir, this motion pertains to the ratification and I request the ratification from this House for the Africa Risk Capacity Agency in ratifying the membership of Zimbabwe to this Africa Risk Capacity Agency (ARC). The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment promotion signed a Treaty Agreement to become a member of the Africa Risk Capacity Agency on the 23rd of November, 2012. ARC as this Africa Risk Capacity loan is often called is a specialised agency of the African Union established to help countries and member States to improve their capacities to better plan, prepare and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters, most notably drought.
The provisional application of the treaty applied to 35 African Union Member States who signed the treaty to take advantage of the benefits available to the parties of the treaty, including participation in the ARC Limited Insurance Pool and Capacity Building Programmes, among others. The treaty has gone through the required process, that is a Joint Journals Office, Public Agreement Advisory Committee and Cabinet. Zimbabwe started participating in the ARC Drought Insurance Pool in 2019/2020 agricultural season. The pay-out then amounted to USD1.4 million which was made to the Government whilst the World Food Programme, which is a partner institution in this regard received USD290 000 and the two were used for supporting over 180 000 households in the highly vulnerable districts in 2020.
The USD1.4 million supported 77 767 mostly vulnerable households in four districts, namely Mbire, Mudzi, Mutare and Zaka. The Government purchased several drought insurance policies worth USD3 million for the 2023/2024 agricultural season. The combined pay-out of USD32 million for the Government and replica partners such as Start Network and World Food Programme is anticipated for the 2023/2024 agricultural season. The pay-out amount for the Government is envisaged to support 349 170 vulnerable households in 18 districts that have been mostly impacted by the El Nino induced drought. These include Binga, Chimanimani, Kariba, Mudzi, Umguza, Tsholotsho, Mbire, Nkayi, Bulilima, Umzingwane, Hwange, Lupane, Zvishavane, Gokwe North, Mt. Darwin, Rushinga, Chiredzi and Mutare.
Whilst the treaty was signed in 2012, ratification of the same is still outstanding. Ten countries including Chad, Cote d’ Voire, Gambia, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Senegal and Togo, have today ratified their ARC treaties. The ratification of the treaty shall signal the Government’s commitment towards ARC membership and ensure prompt availability of financial resources in the aftermath of disasters such as drought and famine.
Furthermore, countries that have ratified are allowed to take out insurance from ARC limited by paying a premium, which will not be a financial obligation under the treaty. I therefore request consideration of ratification for Zimbabwe’s membership towards ARC Agency. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT FOR THE STABLISHMENT OF THE AFRICA FINANCE CORPORATION
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. President, this notice of motion pertains to the ratification to the Africa Finance Cooperation (AFC). The agreement of the establishment for the Africa Finance Corporation was established in 2007 and amended in 2012.
Zimbabwe became a member of the African Finance Cooperation on the 9th of May 2018. However, formal acceptance of the invitational loan does not bind Zimbabwe but requires approval by Parliament in line with Section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, Article 19 (3) of the agreement for the establishment of the agreement of African Finance Corporation provides for the ratification procedures by the member States of the charter. The agreement for the establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation as in accordance with its article three, defines a member State as any African State that signs the agreement or executes an instrument of accession or ratification in respect thereof. The overall objection to the cooperation is to foster economic growth and industrial development in African countries collectively and individually. More specifically to; (a) support and promote infrastructure development in Africa through the provision of investment funds; (b) to facilitate African trade generally and export-oriented trade by African countries ( c) to contribute to the development of energy and extractive industries in Africa (d) to provide on lending and re-finance facilities to the African financial institution and; ( e) generally to engage in any kind of banking and financial business extended to provided investments in Africa.
It is therefore desirable for the Parliament of Zimbabwe to ratify the aforesaid agreement. I submit.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Mr. President, I rise to support the motion that this House resolves that the agreement for the establishment of the African Finance Corporation be and is hereby approved for ratification.
This motion is not just about approving a treaty, it is about unlocking the vast potential of the African Continent and it is about creating a brighter future for our children and securing a better tomorrow for our nation.
The AFC is a unique institution that has been designated to address critical infrastructural needs in Africa. By joining the AFC, Zimbabwe will have access to a pool of resources that can be leveraged to finance infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, energy generation, and all the things that we debate about time-in and time-out in this House.
The benefits of ratifying this agreement are numerous and far-reaching. Firstly, it will provide Zimbabwe with access to new resources of funding that can be used to finance critical infrastructural projects and show seriousness. It perhaps underlines the NDS 1 and its cries for better infrastructure. It speaks to the policies of the opposition, which in the past everyone hammered on infrastructural development in a very big way. This will help to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve the overall standard of living for our people.
Secondly, the AFC has a strong track record of delivering these critical projects that are critical to the development of not only our country, but Africa as a whole. By joining AFC, we will be able to tap into its expertise and knowledge as well and leverage it to deliver projects that will benefit our people.
Thirdly, Mr. President, the AFC has a strong commitment to promoting economic development and reducing poverty in Africa. We will become part of a larger effort to promote economic development and reduce poverty in Africa. I have scanned about 18 countries in Africa including Zimbabwe, which are member States of AFC. These countries have joined the AFC as a way to access the corporation’s financing and expertise to promote economic growth and reduce poverty.
It is worth noting that this is a Pan-African institution as well and it is open to membership to all countries across countries recognised by the African Union. The membership is diverse and includes both oil-producing and non-oil-producing countries as well as varying levels of economic development.
The AFC agreement aligns with the policies I have already said, of both the Government and the opposition. So, there is a unison in our aspirations in that regard.
In conclusion, I would like to urge this House to approve this motion, to ratify this agreement for the joining of AFC. It is a critical step towards unlocking our vast potential and securing a better future for all of us. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I thank Hon. Senator Phulu for his supportive contribution to this debate. He has highlighted what the mandate of this Pan-African institution is, which is to invest in infrastructure, economic development, energy and industrialisation of our continent. He has highlighted this as being critical and therefore, we should ratify this treaty. It is a Pan-African institution, but a unique one as he has mentioned with a wide membership, it is not just countries that are members. Also, you have pension funds and private banks so it is to sort of seek resources and membership from across the board but within Africa, and therefore it is an institution that will be very proud members of, if we ratify.
Hon. Senator Phulu has highlighted its delivery track record that we will benefit from and will largely promote economic development, which is what we are about as a country. Looking right across the political divide, there is the same message about focusing on economic development and this institution is supportive of that objective and I agree with him and thank him for the support.
Motion put and agreed to.
TABLING OF REPORTS
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Mr. President Sir, in last week’s debate on the IFAD Loan which I am pleased this House was able to approve; thank you for being available on Friday morning to approve that loan. There was a very clear request that I should also table an annual report pertaining to an earlier programme that was put in place or funded in 2021. I am very happy to table the annual report for the IFAD funded programme known as the Small Holder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP) covering the period January to December 2023.
This programme was split into two. This is only the first half. The second half pertains to the sub-programme named the Smallholder Agricultural Cluster Project. Again, this is the 2023 annual report which I tabled. Mr. President, within that request, there was also need perhaps to refresh Parliament on our usual Public Debt Reports that we submitted. I am very happy, just in case the records are missing, to table the Public Debt Report dated November, 2023, the Public Debt Report dated 2022 and the Annual Public Debt Bulletin covering the financial year 2022, for the record.
Reports were duly laid on the Table.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: There you are and I hope you read these reports so that you update yourselves as to our current debt obligations as a country. It is very important for you as legislators to keep up to speed with such important issues and developments.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. MTHULI): I move that we revert to Order of the Day Number 9 on today’s Order Paper.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ZUPCO AND PRIVATE TRANSPORT OPERATORS
Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on inadequacy of public transport in the country.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. M. NCUBE: I would like to add a few words on this important motion which was raised by Hon. Sen. Tongogara. Our public transportation system, once a lifeline for countless commuters, has now become hazardous and unpredictable. It has literally become a jungle claiming lives at will. This cannot be allowed to continue. Everyday commuters entrust their lives to haphazardly driven minibuses which are ably complemented by the reckless and lawlessness mushikashikas all trying to assert their dominance on our roads, with brazen disregard for traffic rules and passenger safety.
Commuters deserve more than a peddler’s journey to their destination. They deserve a reliable and efficient public transportation system that reflects the aspiration of the Second Republic as articulated in the NDS 1. It is time that the Central Government and local authorities take bold steps towards creating robust transportation system where danger on the roads is replaced by order and safety and a sense of civic pride, particularly for metropolitan cities of Harare and Bulawayo.
Madam President, while I unreservedly recognise the sterling work being done by the Second Republic in reconstructing and rehabilitating many roads in our major cities using ZINARA funding, this may not be enough until we introduce meticulous and well thought-out transport planning systems. While it is a good idea to capacitate ZUPCO, we have to be mindful of the following; in 2020, Government banned private bus and commuter omnibus operators from providing public transport and made ZUPCO the only public transport provider. Instead of capitalising on this monopoly situation to improve and operate efficiently, ZUPCO failed and the public transport situation, particularly in urban areas deteriorated into a crisis. It is not possible, in my humble view, to show up ZUPCO without properly thinking holistically about the public transport system in Zimbabwe.
The 2024 budget has actually made provisions to adequately acquire more buses but I still feel this must be held in abeyance until a credible and acceptable public transport strategy has been crafted and accepted by all stakeholders. What is of paramount importance to me is to introduce a bus rabbit transit network popularly called the BRT, particularly for big metropolitan cities or local authorities. The BRT offers several advantages for urban transportation. It is actually premised on dedicated bus lanes, not throwing in more buses in a congested traffic system. It offers a number of advantages; cost effective systems because BRT systems are generally less expensive to implement compared to light rails or subways.
BRTs also lead to reduced traffic congestion by providing dedicated bus lanes. BRT systems can by-pass traffic congestion leading to more reliable and fast transit times. It also contributes to environmental benefits as it can contribute to reduced emissions and pollution by promoting public transport over private car use. BRT systems can improve access to transportation by residents in under-served areas because of the ability to quickly mend and modify routes. It has features such as dedicated lanes, priority signaling and modern comfortable buses can enhance passenger experience.
The safety issues also enhance because dedicated lanes and clear infrastructure reduce the risk of accidents compared to mixed traffic bus operators. Only yesterday, there was a commuter omnibus which was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck in Mabvuku on Donnington Road. This calls out for a rethink in terms of the public transport planning within major cities. That is why I am advocating very strongly for new strategies in addressing the chaos in the transportation system which our commuters are experiencing on a daily basis. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. KATUMBA: I would like to add my voice to this pertinent motion on the issue of transport. This issue is very problematic, especially to those who go to work. You get to work after waiting for a long time looking for affordable transport. When you get to work, you are accused of getting to work late. If it is possible, may the Government, through the Minister of Transport, address this issue quickly. There are a few buses that are plying the roads and are affordable. You are told that it is an open-air church that cannot be filled as they pack you in the bus like sardines where you are pressed body to body on the bus. For us women, it is so disturbing. If you fail to board an affordable bus, you have to board a lorry. If you are a woman, sometimes you have to be lifted up by a man who is not even related to you. You are pulled or pushed up on your legs. So, I appeal that this transport issue be resolved as a matter of urgency.
For example, when I was coming from church, I boarded a commuter omnibus that had six passengers. I thought they were passengers. After travelling a short distance, I was asked to pay for the commuter omnibus. When I then searched my pockets for the money, I did not know that they were actually trying to locate where my handbag was. After that, they said that they were no longer going to my destination. As I was disembarking from the commuter omnibus, I looked back and saw my handbag stuck under the back of the passenger who was next to me. I am talking about this issue just to emphasise that it is not safe to travel in some of these private vehicles. I am appealing for decent and affordable transport that will serve us.
My appeal to the Government and the Minister is to address this issue so that the commuting public will travel safely. When you go to town, you may pay a dollar but going back home, you are forced to pay more, two or three dollars. When it rains, you can actually pay US$ only. My appeal is, may we get decent transport. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. PHUTHI: Thank you for affording me the opportunity to debate on this motion. I would like to thank the Hon. Senator who moved this motion. It is difficult out there, especially for us who travel long distances or maybe because we travel a lot. In the rural areas, if you miss the one o’clock bus, then it means you will have transport problems. If you board a commuter omnibus, it can leave at around four o’clock p.m. People from the rural areas will be carrying a lot of luggage including goats and chickens. The commuter crew will say the commuter omnibus will never get full and you will wonder who the driver is. You end up seeing the driver when he gets on the steering wheel. The driver will be sitting facing the other way as if he is about to go out. Most of the commuter omnibuses are automatic – the gears are changed by the one sitting beside. We really ask the Government to assist us and the powers that be must state times when buses should their routes. Where I come from – Makorokoro bus arrives there at half past eight, leaves at ten o’clock p.m. in Bulawayo and arrives in my area at twelve midnight. If you miss it, you have missed your transport. When these buses travel in the rural areas, there are workers. It means that if someone steals from you at around 8 p.m. and the bus arrives at 7 p.m., then it means it is a disadvantage for you because the bus leaves and you will be arriving there at night. If the bus leaves at 6 p.m., it was going to be better. You would manage to go after the thief to the bus stop but now, you cannot. When you get to the thief, he would have disposed whatever has been stolen from you.
The commuter omnibus here are hardly full. You can only tell that the bus was full after accidents happen. If you ask the people, they will say it was overloaded. Do we need to be educated or is it our culture that we do not realise that the bus is already full? Maybe the problem is that you know that if you miss that particular bus, then you will have transport problems or is it because we do not follow the laws or we do not want to miss transport?
You will find that after an accident, a 78-seater bus would have been carrying more than 129 people. There is a problem these days. I do not know whether it is a problem only in Mangwe where I come from. From Mangwe to Bulawayo, there is no roadblock but at times from Bulawayo to Plumtree, you find maybe one roadblock. At times, you will find that there are only three policemen and there is just a small roadblock. What type of road blocks are these? Some of them are very dubious roadblocks. They are selective when they stop these vehicles. If it is a vehicle with good lights, they will not stop it but if your lights are not that good, they will stop you. These road blocks are usually placed at curves. At one time, I asked one of the drivers to stop so that he had to stop at the roadblock and he said he could not stop there. I asked him why and he said that he had realised the owner of the commuter omnibus was there.
What I know is that most of these commuter omnibuses belong to these police officers. When I saw this same driver the next day, I asked him again. I asked him why he was not stopping and he then told me that there was a certain lady, and he was referring to me. He said he would show me pictures of this lady. If you are carrying that lady, you should not pay any bribe. So I asked him why he thought it was me and he told me that they were actually told that they should not pay any bribe if I was in their vehicles.
So we ask the Government to investigate this because people are being forced to pay where they are not supposed to pay. Also something I have noticed about these Honda Fit vehicles, many times if you board a Honda Fit, you do not reach your destination or it is either if you manage to get to your destination, your things would have been stolen or you would have been dead. In 2019 or so in the rural areas, we had buses. There were 140 or 160 buses, what happened to those buses? To tell you the truth, I come via Bulawayo, I have never seen any ZUPCO bus. What happened to the ZUPCO buses? Those buses that travel to the rural areas at night are not meant to travel on dust roads. If you board such a bus, you will reach your destination after three days because the bus will obviously break down and the mechanic will only come after three days. If the sump hits the ground, then you will spend three days there waiting for the mechanic to come because all the oil would have spilt. That is why people end up getting onto these mushikashika vehicles.
These are very dangerous vehicles. I noticed that there was a lady who was hit by this vehicle. They go out of the road and run over people. These police officers also know that people are tired of paying these bribes, so they wait and you can imagine how many vehicles pass by the road and with everyone paying US$5 to and from. They end up paying about US$50 per day. Now that is why they end up running away from those roadblocks. If you notice most of these accidents, it is a war between the commuter omnibus drivers and the police.
If a police officer notices that someone is overloaded, the vehicles have number plates. Why do they not use that information to trace who would have committed an offence? At times they look at tyres and some of those tyres will be having big bulges. Most of these accidents happen after the robot, but why are the police not bothered? They do not care about whether the tyres are showing canvas or whether they have bulges. Madam President, may the police stop doing what they are doing.
I live near Botswana. Botswana is about 40km from where I live. If I get into a commuter omnibus, someone will be seated and the passenger will be seated a distance away. The passengers tell the driver that the kombi is full and advocate for departure. Here in Zimbabwe, we cannot tell the driver to go because the commuter omnibus is now full. That is why they get involved in accidents.
In Botswana, the total capacity is 13 but if they carry 15, the bus will not move, but here we just get onto these overloaded vehicles. When your family bids you farewell to say go well, at times they will be saying go and die peacefully, but in Botswana, I do not get too close to the next passenger. You can actually put your luggage there. The Government should give us powers to say that if a vehicle is full, we should go out. The Government should help us on that.
There is also a saying that we politicians also do that. If we are holding rallies, people get onto the buses, even onto the roofs of the buses and we will be putting people’s lives in danger. I think Government should construct more railway lines, we need trains because there are no accident involving trains. We will need more trains like what used to happen. There were no transport problems and people did not die.
People are dying on our roads. So we leave it now to the Government to listen to us because at times when we talk, maybe they think we will be under the influence of drugs or what but if you come to Plumtree, you will see that Plumtree operates like another country, a desert or something. Come to Plumtree and see how the police are behaving. You will find them here and there doing what is not right. Madam President I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Madam President. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 80TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE 45TH CONFERENCE OF APU HELD IN COTE D’IVOIRE
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation to the 80th Session of the Executive Committee and 45th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union (APU).
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION ON THE ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO RUSSIA
Twelfth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation on the Election Observation Mission to Russia on Russian Presidential Elections.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Thank you Madam President of the Senate for giving me this opportunity to add my voice on this motion. I would want to first thank the Hon. Sen. Tongogara who brought this motion on the delegation on the election observation mission to the Russian Presidential elections which were between the 13th and the 20th of March 2024 and the election was on the 15th to the 17th of March 2024.
I was part of the delegation which was led by Hon. Shamu and it also included the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Justice Priscilla Chigumba and her team. I want to highlight that the observation team travelled safely and were well received in the Russian Republic. The team arrived two days before election day. The elections were being held by the Central Election Commission of Russia which is the same as ZEC here in Zimbabwe. The Presidential Election acquitted four candidates, one Alexander Davankov of New People’s Party, Vladimir Putin who stood as an independent, Leonid Slutsky, Liberal Democratic Party and Nikolai Kharitonov who represented the Communist Party.
Madam President, I want to applaud the people of the Russian Republic for holding very peaceful and fair elections. During our stay, we did not witness any incident and the atmosphere seemed as if there was no election at all. People were doing their business freely and no one was interfering with anyone and their campaigns were done on social media platforms because technology is advanced in the Russian Federation there. The Government used schools, churches and theatres as polling stations, among other institutions. The situation was not tense, which means they were saving on tent hiring and were only using buildings.
In our country Zimbabwe, we normally use hired tents to pitch them as polling stations. Most of the election officers were volunteers who were working for their country for free, including the language translators who were attached to us. The people who conducted these elections were doing it without expecting any payment but doing it for their country. Most of the voters, especially the youth voted electronically from their homes and work places. A sizeable number visited polling stations where they voted both electronically and physically using ballots.
Voters are also registered at one polling station and if one visits a wrong polling station or was far away, his/her vote would be transferred to his/her polling station. That means no voter was to be turned away because wherever you go, you can vote and after voting, your vote is posted to your polling station. Once one has voted, the name is cancelled in the Voters Roll, in the electronic device that one cannot vote anywhere else. Therefore, one would not vote twice.
The elderly, the sick and the disabled who were unable to travel to polling stations would apply for the election officers to visit and assist them to vote. They applied so that the polling officers can come to the hospitals if they are bed-ridden or are at their homes. If they are not able to travel to the polling station, they will be given a chance to vote from their places. No ink was used as once one has voted, the name is electronically cancelled. For example, here we use ink so that we detect if one is trying to vote for the second time, but with them, since their technology is advanced, once you vote even if you go to any polling station, you find your name already cancelled indicating that you have already voted. The Russians are now more advanced.
The election took three days and as a team, we visited seven polling stations where voters were freely exercising their rights by voting for the President of their choice. They had 113 000 111 059 registered voters during the election period. About 77, 49% cast their votes with independent candidate Vladimir Putin polling 76 277 708 votes representing 88, 48%, which is a resounding victory with the remainder of 11, 52% going to the other three minor candidates. The three losing candidates congratulated the winning presidential candidate Vladimir Putin and were even present during his acceptance speech. We witnessed this Madam President.
The atmosphere and conduct of the competing presidential candidates and their parties in the Russian Presidential Elections showed maturity and political tolerance, which is not the norm in some of the losing candidates, especially in SADC countries like Zimbabwe. If one loses an election, they feel they have rigged, but what we saw in Russia is that those candidates are mature. They understood that it was an election and in an election, there is always going to be a winner and a loser. Surely, I want to commend the candidates who competed in this election.
Madam President, I have a few takeaways from this election observation which I noted, something which I feel if we can also do it here, I think we will improve on our election exercises. Russia’s election campaigns were so peaceful and people could do their business freely without any fear or hindrances.
The Russians used their infrastructure rather than hiring tents which would have consumed a lot of money from the fiscus. This is highly commendable in terms of the economic growth and development of a country.
No ink was used for voters as one’s name is canceled in the computers as soon as they have voted. This means we also need to advance and computerise all our systems so that whenever we get to any polling station, we will find your name, hence there will be no need for you to have that ink after you have exercised your right to vote.
People voted electronically and could do this at home, workplace, or at any polling station, which means if I am here and it is a polling day, I can vote from my workplace because there is an application which you use from the election Commission.
The elderly, the sick and the disabled who had difficulties accessing the polling stations applied to the electoral board for assistance in voting. This means everyone had a chance to vote. Once one is not feeling well, it will be difficult for them to go to a polling station and that person will be deprived of his or her right to vote for the person of his or her choice.
Volunteers conducted the elections without payment, which means these people are so patriotic. They did this for free so that they could save their resources and channel those funds to other developmental programmes.
Cameras were placed in polling stations everywhere to monitor the process so that anyone who felt or thought that he had been rigged, could revisit these cameras and see what was happening at almost every polling station.
Candidates were also displayed on entry to the polling stations. You would see the four candidates being posted on the walls and as one enters the polling station, one would take time to look at the candidate and their parties before getting into the polling station to vote.
The maturity displayed by the losing candidates when they accepted defeat and congratulated the winning candidate, I think is something that we have to learn as a country so that once one has won an election, we need to congratulate that candidate and give them a chance to develop the nation rather than wasting time going to the courts or the streets demonstrating. It is good to copy from the Russian Federation the way they conduct their elections.
Madam President, with these few remarks, I want to inform this House that the election that was done in Russia is something that we need to copy and adopt as a country. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
MOTION
MOBILE BIRTH REGISTRATION EXERCISE
Thirteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the challenges faced by people living in the border areas on the issuance of birth certificates.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. R. N. NDLOVU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF CENTRES FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN THE STREETS
Fourteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of children on the streets.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. TONGOGARA, the Senate adjourned at quarter to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 21st May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o`clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
SWITCHING OFF OF CELLPHONES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators, you are reminded to put your phones on silent or better still switch them off so that we do not disrupt the Business of the House.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. H. MOYO): I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 6 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Mr. President, at the end of the last session that we had on Friday, Orders of the Day 1 to 6 were stood over to the end of the session but at the end of the session, we did not go back to them in order to postpone them to today. So technically speaking, there are no Orders of the Day 1 to 6 on the Order Paper and they will have to be revived in terms of Standing Order 76. So, I move on a point of order that those motions do not exist. They should not be on the Order Paper unless there is a motion to revive them.
Mr. President, you can have reference to the Hansard in order to see that this is what transpired.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I am told that on Friday there was only one item which was due for debate and that was the motion which was brought by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Business of the Day was then concluded. So, what you are saying technically, you are correct but practically, it is not correct.
HON. SEN. PHULU: As you please Mr. President.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Yes, I had gone through the procedure and we had been advised by the Minister to stand over 1 to 6 until all the other Orders have been disposed of. So, we will do to Order Number 7.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND
RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. H. MOYO): Thank you Mr. President. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. H. MOYO): Mr. President, l move that Order of the Day, Number 8 be stood over until all the other Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Next time tell him to tell us that he is not coming so that we can stand it over.
MOTION
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ZUPCO AND PRIVATE TRANSPORT OPERATORS
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House;
DISMAYED by the inadequacy public transport in the country; CONCERNED with ever-increasing numbers of unregistered
transport operators who illegally provide their services in the public transportation sector;
ALARMED by criminal activities perpetrated to innocent commuters by some of these unregistered operators;
ACKNOWLEDGING the role played by transportation in the development of the nation under harsh economic conditions;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon;-
- a) Government to provide financial assistance to both the State-owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) and to private transport operators so that they acquire more vehicles for public transport.
- b) Law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend unregistered transport operators who conduct their businesses outside the purview of regulatory oversight.
- c) Law enforcement agents to impose stiffer penalties than ever on individuals found flouting the laws of the country with impunity thereby endangering the lives of the public when conducting their day to day activities.
- d) The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to both operators and commuters on their rights and responsibilities when using public transportation as a way of promoting compliance and accountability.
- e) Government to increase financial support to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) so as to resuscitate its operations, thereby providing safer as well as reliable alternative transport to meet public demand.
HON. SEN. E. NYATHI: I second.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to present my motion on transportation system.
Mr. President, esteemed Members of the Senate, I am deeply honoured to stand before you today to address a matter of urgent concern that touches the lives of every Zimbabwean, the lamentable state of our transportation system.
From the bustling streets of our cities to the remote corners of our rural communities, our public transport system is behest by a myriad challenges that undermine its effectiveness and reliability.
With profound concern, I draw the attention of this esteemed House to the chronic inadequacies and unreliability pervasive within our transportation networks. It is disheartening to note that despite the emphasis placed by the National Transport Policy on integrated and sustainable transport systems, road safety and public transport accessibility, our transportation systems continue to falter. Regrettably, these deficiencies disproportionately affect marginalised and vulnerable population, exacerbating issues of social inequality and exclusivity, particularly among the elderly and individuals living with disabilities.
Vehicles tasked to ferry our citizens from one destination to another are plagued by overcrowding while mechanic failures are regrettably common. Furthermore, commuters endure long waits, irregular schedules and uncomfortable journeys. The situation is graver in rural areas where limited transport infrastructure and space service coverage render many communities isolated and underserviced. Moreover, these inadequacies and unreliability of our system result in our systems encountering considerable difficulty in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education and employment opportunities. Consequently, socio-economic development is hindered, inequalities persist and productivity and quality of life are undermined. Mr. President, amid growing concerns, it is imperative to highlight the proliferation of unregistered informal public transport operators commonly known as mushikashika. The phenomenon exacerbated by the country’s inadequate and unreliable public transportation system consequently endanger commuters.
The vehicle registration and Licence Act [Chapter 13:14] serves as the primary legislation governing vehicle registration. It mandates that every vehicle intended for use on any road be registered in accordance with the Act’s provisions. In 2023, an estimated 500 000 unregistered vehicles were reported. This a glaring indication that adherence to the laws and regulations governing the nation’s transportation industry remains a pressing concern. While these operators may be addressing these gaps in terms of service provision in underserved areas, their unregulated status raises substantial concerns regarding safety, accountability and equitable competition.
It is imperative to underscore the prevalent issue of unregistered operators frequently conducting operations without proper licencing, insurance, or safety inspections, thereby subjecting passengers to various risks, including accidents. Zimbabwe is reported to suffer an estimated loss of approximately 406 Million USD annually due to accidents, reflecting the grave consequences of inadequate regulation of oversight. Shockingly, Zimbabwe is also recognised as a country with the second highest number of accidents, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive regulatory measures to safeguard public safety and well-being.
Furthermore, the proliferation of unregistered operators poses a significant challenge to the viability of formal transport businesses that diligently adhere to regulatory requirements. In October of last year, an operation aimed at apprehending and impounding unregistered vehicles resulted in the arrest of 68 020 individuals, as reported by ZRP statistics. Among these figures, 21 453 arrests were related to pirate taxi owners.
Effectively, addressing the presence of such unregistered operators is imperative to uphold the safety and integrity of public transport sector, while concurrently fostering an environment of fair and transparent competition. Registered transport operators who diligently comply with regulatory obligations, may find themselves confronted with unfair competition from unregistered vehicles that operate without bearing the same overhead costs and regulatory burdens. Consequently, the disparity can lead to market distortions, compromised service quality, and a diminished level of consumer trust in the formal transport sector. Urgent measures must be undertaken to rectify this situation and ensure a level playing field for transport operators.
Unregistered vehicles have contributed to the proliferation of criminal activities, resulting in innocent commuters falling victims to robberies, assaults and harassment perpetrated by certain unregistered operators. These criminal acts pose a severe threat to the safety, security and overall well-being of citizens across Zimbabwe, evoking alarm and distress among the populace.
In the month of March, a robbery incident occurred at Tsapato Farm, where six armed suspects loaded the loot of 36 goats and 11 sheep into an unregistered white Mitsubishi motor vehicle before driving off.
Such criminal occurrences not only traumatise the victims but also instil fear and anxiety among the general public, subsequently eroding trust in the transport system and discouraging individuals from utilising public transport services.
Furthermore, the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of these crimes undermines the rule of law and perpetuates a culture of lawlessness within the transport sector. It is unequivocally our duty to safeguard citizens from such insidious activities and uphold the principles of safety, security and justice within our transportation systems.
Madam President, notwithstanding the formidable challenges confronting the transport sector, it is imperative to underscore its indispensable role in sustaining livelihoods and fostering national development particularly amidst prevailing harsh economic conditions. Acknowledging the significance of the transport sector is pivotal in comprehending the profound impact on the socioeconomic landscape of Zimbabwe.
The transport sector assumes a multi-faced role in advancing sustainable development goals as it serves as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and resilience. Indeed, the transport sector in Zimbabwe stands as a corner stone of economic advancement, employment generation and enhanced connectivity.
It serves as a linchpin for various industries facilitating trade, tourism and access to vital services essential for social well-being. Furthermore, investments in transport infrastructure contribute to regional integration and bolster disaster response capabilities. Thus, the recognition of the transport sector’s pivotal importance necessitates sustained support and investment to foster sustainable development and prosperity across Zimbabwe.
Unfortunately, the Constitution lacks explicit provisions for addressing transport services, policies and acts concerning transport are not directly incorporated into its framework. Nonetheless, it is imperative that the Constitution encompasses transport service issues to ensure alignment with legislative and regulatory frameworks as it serves as the supreme law guiding all governmental actions.
Madam President, as representatives of the people, it is our duty to acknowledge the significant challenges confronting our nation’s transportation infrastructure, services and safety. Thus, urgent action is warranted to address these criminal activities, enhance security measures and safeguard the well-being of all commuters.
I implore this distinguished House to deliberate and enact the following proposals aiming to address critical challenges and capitalise on opportunities within the transport sector. Through such actions, we can foster the development of transportation system that prioritise safety, efficiency, accessibility and sustainability thereby contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic advancement and well-being of its citizens.
Now, therefore, I call upon the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to provide financial assistance to both state owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) and to the public transport operators so that they acquire for more vehicles for public transport.
To increase financial support to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) so as to resuscitate its operations thereby providing safer as well as reliable alternative transport to meet public demand.
Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage - law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend unregistered transport operators who conduct their business outside the purview of regulatory oversight.
Law enforcement agents to impose stiffer penalties than ever on individuals found flouting – [AN HON. SENATOR: Inaudible interjection.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senator, is there anything wrong? Hon. Senator, I am talking to you. – [AN HON. SENATOR: I am sorry.] - Do not do so and disrupt the order of the Senate. Hon. Tongogara, you may proceed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Hon. President. I was saying law enforcement agency to impose stiffer penalties than ever on individuals found flouting the laws of the country with impunity thereby endangering the lives of the public when conducting their day to day activities.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to both operators and commuters on their rights and responsibilities when using public transport as a way of promoting compliance and accountability.
The Ministry to thoroughly investigate the licencing procedures for drivers’ licences particularly focusing on alleged corruption within the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), as well as examining all stages of the process from application to issuance of driver’s licence to identify potential loopholes or irregularities. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Thank you very much Senate President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion presented by Hon. Senator Tongogara, which pertains to transportation of people on our roads with respective transport. Indeed, I am worried by public transportation which is not adequate to cater for passengers, especially after work or when they go to work in the morning.
We note that in urban centres, this is quite prevalent because there are fewer public vehicles and this affects people who end up travelling late, even women are at risk of being abused because of travelling late. This might culminate into domestic violence. There are some places that are not safe and because of light from buses, they are at risk of being robbed of their possessions. So, this concerns me also, especially the issue that was raised by Sen. Tongogara.
In Harare, you would notice that in the evening, some people go home around 2200 hours. You find people looking for transport around that time and there will not be any registered buses or kombis which are officially registered with Government. So, they end up hitch-hiking, looking for private cars and unregistered transportation resulting in rank marshals or touts yelling for passengers and sometimes harassing women and other passengers. This results in people losing their possessions. They are robbed by these touts.
Public transportation is important and Government should intervene. Firstly, Government has a responsibility of providing transport for people. There is need for ZUPCO buses to be provided for different routes, especially in urban areas so that those who want to go to work in the morning or back after work should get transport. You find that some people who use pirate taxis are dubious people who rob passengers of their possessions. So, if it is a ZUPCO bus, then most of the time it is safe and there is no risk of people getting robbed because this will be public transport for many people.
So, Mr. President Sir, I want to urge Government and the Minister of Finance together with the Minister of Transport, to really look into this issue so that people get safe public transportation services.
Furthermore, there are some private players who might have access to funds or capital, they should be empowered by Government to procure buses and should be capacitated, whether through loans and other facilities, so that they buy buses and kombis which will be inspected by respective authorities like CMED and VID. In doing so, they will be looking at the roadworthiness of the cars, whether the cars are fit to carry the public to avoid accidents.
Such transport players need Government support so that they augment the number of buses that are used to ferry the public. Furthermore, Mr. President, I have noted that in other countries, there are train buses. We also want that in Zimbabwe because they carry more people. So, the request then is that Government should intervene and provide train buses because we want our people to have access to public transportation so that they get to work and back home on time after work.
We also note that there are many accidents which happen because some cars are not roadworthy. They are not supposed to carry people. You even find open trucks carrying people. Sometimes people get affected by pneumonia and other diseases because they will be exposed to the cold and this causes accidents. We urge our police and the VID to do their job of inspecting unroadworthy cars since it is clear, probably that they do not have the right documents to carry people until they are fully registered and comply with requirements of public transportation.
In addition, some drivers who drive public vehicles do not have drivers’ licences and some might have obtained drivers’ licences in ways which are not legitimate. So, they drive without experience. Our police should work hard so that they stop those who drive without the required documentation in order to lessen the number of accidents on our roads.
I also want to say that ferrying people should be done in a way where the Traffic Safety Council, police and other responsible authorities carry out awareness campaigns, educating people about the risk of using cars which are not registered and have a number of risks. They must be aware of the risks that they are vulnerable of using such transportation. So, the police, together with TSC, should enlighten people on which cars to use and which not to use. People must also be able to make decisions regarding the cars that they cannot use and the cars that they can board. You find that the touts which you find along the roads pose a threat to passengers. They can steal from them. We would like to implore the Traffic Safety Council and the police to protect the people and educate them so that they do not lose their possessions.
Public transporters should also be educated on how to treat their passengers. Sometimes passengers will be tired coming from work and different places, but some transporters do not recognise whether it is a mother with a small child, an elderly man or woman, they just treat them roughly. Some people are injured and some are taken advantage of by pick pockets who steal from the elderly and the vulnerable.
I want to appreciate the good work that is being done by our Government. The second Republic is fixing and rehabilitating our roads, particularly those that are in the urban areas. In Harare, we have a lot of roads that are under rehabilitation - even the road to this Parliament. I also want to request that Government and the responsible Ministry of Finance to fund the Ministry of Transport so that they fix more roads. This is going to preserve the cars that use these roads and they will keep on carrying people. Our councils must not wait for Government, but it is their responsibility to fix and rehabilitate the roads that are found in their respective urban areas. Councils should also partake in the responsibility of rehabilitating roads so that the state of our roads will be maintained.
I also want to emphasise that the motion that was moved by Hon. Sen. Tongogara is quite important. It is painful for our people, those who travel using public transportation because it is not everyone who drives, but many people rely on public transportation. Everything that was said by Hon. Senator. Tongogara is quite pertinent and I support that. We implore Government to do that so that our people will be able to travel safely going to whatever destinations they want, whether to the rural areas or wherever. I thank you Mr. President Sir.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Tongogara for moving such a pertinent and important motion. People survive on travelling and we see that people come to work in the morning. The population of human beings versus the number of vehicles is not balanced. The number of people is more than the number of vehicles. That causes problems in getting to work in the morning. There is another problem again in the rural areas. In some rural areas, there is only one bus which services that place. That would be a problem to the people as the bus will always be overloaded such that some people even travel whilst on top of the bus.
I thank the President for the ZUPCOs because they are servicing the rural areas. However, there is need to increase the buses. When it is in late, you end up boarding unreliable transport. We also have our police officers who should also be advised. Accidents are serious on the roads. Some vehicles are passing through the roadblocks. Therefore, I do support this motion.
We should have trains running like we had in the past. If we have enough resources, we should resuscitate the railways. It is another way where we can solve problems in the transportation system. In Harare, we see people around 10 p.m. still waiting for transport. If a mother or a father comes home at 10 p.m., that raises problems. Buses or commuter omnibuses should be public transport registered vehicles with a proper timetable. I second this motion in that manner Mr. President. I thank you.
^^HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion. Mr. President, when we talk of transport issues, we are talking of issues that are concerning everyone. Let me focus on people who are staying in urban areas who need to go to work using public transport. They have very little time in their homes because they get up early in the morning for work at around 5.00 a.m. or 6.00 a.m. and most of the times, transport will not be available around that time. After work most of them get to their homes around 10.00 p.m. Therefore, they no longer have enough time with their families.
Still on this transport challenge issue in urban areas, with special focus on these illegal transport operators who are using mushikashika, most of them operate without licences. Their cars get overloaded and some of the people end up getting into the car boot.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: This is not going to benefit some of us and we are not going to understand anything from her presentation.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You have no interpretation equipment?
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Yes, we do not have the gadgets.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Sergeant-at-Arms, what is happening? You can take your seat. Let us see what they can do for us.
Hon. Senators were handed headphones by Sergeant-at-Arms.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Only those who need them please. Please make sure that you return those headphones once the Senate adjourns. I am advised that quite a few have been disappearing, that is what I have been told. So, let us make sure that we are responsible and we return them.
ᶺᶺHON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to thank Hon. Senator Tshabangu for raising an important issue regarding the need for people to understand my debate because in most cases I always debate alone but today quite a number will hear what I will be saying.
What I would like to say is thank you so much Hon. Senator Tongogara for raising this important motion regarding the transport issue. Transport is indeed a challenge, especially in urban areas and also the transport that is used in rural areas is not roadworthy. Mainly in urban areas, we are faced with a challenge of illegal transporters who are using small cars that are called mushikashika. In most cases these cars are overloaded yet they are small. They always carry people regardless of the fact that they will be overloaded already. People end up sitting on top of each other for them to get home early.
Still in urban areas, most of the urban dwellers no longer have enough time to spend with their families because they are up early in the morning at around 5.00 a.m. for work and once they are done, they get to their homes around 10.00 p.m. and they no longer have enough time to spend with their families.
Some of the cars that ferry people are not roadworthy and most of them do not have enough seats but because they need to move from one point to the next, they end up using these kind of cars that are not road worthy. Police officers need to do their job properly and ensure that the officers responsible for traffic operations see to it that the vehicles used to transport people are road worthy so that people can be ferried without any problems. The challenge we are facing with traffic officers is that most of them are now corrupt. They no longer do their duty accordingly because we are only looking at their operations for us to be moving from one place to the next without any challenges.
Mr. President, if we were to get enough finances, we need to ensure that trains that used to ferry people some years ago from different locations to work places are brought back. This will help, especially those people that will be going to work on time and back home on time. We also need to see to it that goods trains are also back so as to assist in reducing the number of road traffic carnage that happens in our roads. Most trucks that end up doing this task of ferrying goods; we have to reduce them once these goods trains are back because we realise that most road traffic accidents are caused by these trucks that are mainly travelling during the night.
If it was possible, we should make sure that these trucks that ferry goods travel during the day and not during the night. They need to have a specific timetable because buses that ferry people, especially those that are going across the borders are speeding. I do not know if ever these drivers end up forgetting that they are ferrying people because some of them are travelling at speeds of 250 kilometers yet our highways are full of animals like donkeys and cattle. These are a challenges, especially looking at the issues of road traffic accidents.
So, we need to enforce laws that will make drivers stick to speed limits. In other instances, drivers that drive these public transport buses do not have licences. Therefore, my plea is that we need to ensure that there are huge fines that are put in place for those that will be found speeding and going against the road traffic laws just the same way as those that are found involved in cattle theft.
Going forward, there is an issue regarding the state of our roads. This includes highways and roads that lead us to the rural areas. These roads really need refurbishment, especially those going to the rural areas because they are extremely bad. Therefore, thus operators both Government and private end up shunning these rural routes because of the bad state of the roads. I will give an example of roads that I know. For example, those that are going to Shashe in Beitbridge, most buses are now shunning these routes because of the bad state of the roads, all these are challenges. Another issue that I would like to see Government focusing on if funds permit, is that ZUPCO buses need to go back to certain routes that have been shunned by other operators. This is because if we are talking of these illegal operators who are using mushikashika and kombis, they are charging higher fees that are not affordable, especially to those people in the rural areas.
Therefore, this is a great motion Mr. President and if possible, these discussions that are coming out of this august House need to be listened to and be acted upon. Before we close this motion, it is prudent that the Minister responsible for transport responds to the debate issued here because we cannot continue to debate and fail to have a response coming from the Minister of Transport. So, a follow-up is critical Mr. President, especially from the Minister of Transport so that there is a way forward regarding issues coming out of this motion. With these few words, I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you Mr. President. I move that this House reverts to Orders of the Day, Numbers 3 to 5 in that order.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICES COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Mr. President, I rise to present the report of Judicial Service Commission for the year 2023 presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Section 232 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I move for the adjournment of the debate.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I rise once again to present a report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the year 2023 presented to this august House in terms of Section 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Mr. President, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is an election management body established in terms of 328 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and its main function is to prepare, conduct and supervise elections and referendums in Zimbabwe. The year under review saw the successful conduct of the harmonised elections, by-elections and the conclusion of the delimitation exercise in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
In addition, all vacant representation in the National Assembly and local authorities were filled in terms of the law. The commission was allocated ZWL 896 billion to support the electoral processes of which ZWL 664 billion that is 74% was accessed.
With a full complement of Commissioners, 2023 saw the Commission meeting six times in line with the provision of the law and in addition, the Commission recruited 66 new employees with 40% being females and 60% being males .
Mr. President Sir, whilst maximising on 14 languages out of 16 which are enshrined in the Constitution, the Commission made use of various methods and media platforms to provide electoral related information to the masses. Voter registration played a pivotal role in as far as inclusion is concerned with electoral process. With regard to voter registration, 2023 saw a total number of 705 243 voters being registered and of which 330 979 were males and 374 264 were females.
Mr. President, the Commission conducted an annual stock take in terms of the Public Finance Management Act Chapter [22:23] and in accordance with Section 92 (2) of Public Procurement and Disposal Assets Act Chapter [22:23], the Commission also disposed obsolete assets and equipment which included vehicles and furniture among other things and realised a total amount of USD168 000. The Commission also conducted renovations at its head office, provincial district offices as well as warehouses.
Finally, during the year under review, the Commission participated at various international events. These events are important for knowledge sharing and benchmarking of electoral standards. I so submit.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion brought in by The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
I was glad when the Hon. Minister was presenting the Report of the Electoral Commission because the Commission did very well in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which is the supreme law of the land.
Therefore, I have just stood up to support the Report of the Electoral Commission and also that the House have been enlightened on what transpires during an election. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move for the adjournment of the debate.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I rise to present the report of the Human Rights Commission for the Year 2023 presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Section 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Mr. President, the 14th Annual Report for the Human Rights Commission provides an overview of the activities of the Commission in 2023, which were carried out in line with its constitutional mandate and functions as provided for in section 243 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
In line with the focus of decentralisation, offices were opened in Mashonaland West and Matebeleland North. The Commission also had the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission staff regulations referred to as Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2023 (Statutory Instrument 241 of 2023), promulgated during the period under review.
In 2023, being an election year, the ZHRC conducted election monitoring activities such as pre-election visits, election days monitoring and post-election visits. The ZHRC Election Report has been adopted and publicised. In addition, monitoring visits were made to prisons, children’s homes and a high-level inquiry was made on the human rights situation of persons affected by underground and surface coal seam fires in Hwange.
The Commission received a total of eight hundred and fifteen (815) human rights violations complaints from January, 2023 to December, 2023. Of the eight hundred and fifteen (815) cases received, four hundred and forty (440) cases were received and actioned by the Northern Region office, one hundred and fifty-seven (157) cases were received and actioned by the Southern Region office, sixty-one cases were received and actioned by the Eastern Region office and one hundred and fifty-seven (157) cases were received and actioned by Masvingo office. The Commission under the Administrative Justice Unit received a total of four hundred and ninety-six (496) cases during the period from January to December, 2023.
In fulfillment of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote awareness and respect for human rights in accordance with Section 243 (1) (a) of the Constitution, the Education, Promotion, Research and Advocacy (EPRA) Department conducted human rights awareness activities using a variety of multi-media approaches during the year under review. The department conducted a total of 121 outreaches throughout the under review. These included ward-based community outreaches in Insiza and Beitbridge districts, in Matebeleland South Province as well as Nkayi and Bubi districts which is in Matebeleland North Province.
Unstable pricing mechanisms and exchange rate volatilities continue to affect the achievement of key deliverables and targeted performance levels in the face of inflation. This remains the main reason for non-achievement of planned activities as the budget would have been drastically eroded.
I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move that we revert to Order of the Day Number 10 on today’s Order Paper.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TEENAGE
MOTHERS
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of teenage pregnancies.
Question again proposed:
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I want to thank Hon. Sen. Tongogara for moving this motion which affects girl-children who are failing to complete their education due to teenage pregnancies. This is a very important motion which shows that the girl-child should be taken care of.
I also want to debate on this motion because I noticed that where I come from Matebeleland South, there are a lot of children who are failing to complete their education because they are being impregnated. I then realised that the parents who are the ones taking care of the children and who are supposed to enforce rules unto the children are not implementing these rules properly. We knew long back that it takes sometime for a girl-child to be pregnant reaching up to the age of 25 years, not because of going to school but because of the way the child will have been nurtured, taking into cognisant where I come from that a girl would not become pregnant even if they are staying in rural areas.
This motion that has been moved that the girl-child is failing to complete education, we should take note as Senators, where this is coming from and why the girl-child is failing to complete school. I then thought and I have seven issues; the first one is about the rules that the child will have been guided unto when staying with the child. When the child is impregnated, there are some other rules that the parents bow to due to poverty. If the child has to go to school, the child may fail to get sufficient funds for school. The child will not have freedom, and the other colleagues or students learning with him or her will mock and insult because of lack of school fees. This situation will end up with the child not knowing what to do and will suffer because the parent would not have sufficient funds to pay fees for their children. This will result in the children being impregnated at an early age.
Some of the girls do not have uniforms. Grade 7 up to Form 4, the parents may even fail to get some money to buy uniforms and the child will be easily lured with anything by the boy-child. The boy coerces the girl to indulge in sex, hence the girl becomes pregnant. I sometimes urge parents who have girl children to counsel them accordingly and take care of them so that they are not impregnated at an early age.
The other cause of these early pregnancies is poverty. Where I come from in Bulilimamangwe, the girl child can walk for seven to ten kilometres to school. She passes through unsafe places and she is prone to rape cases and pregnancy. Some girls may hide the pregnancy to their parents not knowing the end result. This distance to school makes the girl child uninterested in going to school. The girl child should be protected from being impregnated or getting into early marriages. Parents should take note of what their children are doing on a daily basis but in most cases, they stay in the diaspora, for example South Africa and would have been there for a long time.
In some cases, the children stay on their own and their ages may range from 12-14 years. They would not have any one taking care of them; that is the other root cause of the girl child being impregnated and failing to complete their education.
My other request is that during elections time, it is said that there will be free education, there is no such thing. The Government should take note of that. If the children are not getting money to pay fees, they will end up not being interested in going to school and they end up as drop-outs. We request the Ministry of Education that there be programmes or campaigns for the parents and the girl child on bringing awareness to the girl child not to get pregnant at an early age. We urge the Government to look into that because we will face difficult times in the future.
The other end result is that some of the children do not have birth certificates and they do not know where their parents are. When these girl children get pregnant, they would not know who is responsible since they would have slept with more than two boys. This is so painful when we look at these girls and the clothes they will be wearing because those who impregnate them end up running away. That is why this motion was raised.
There should be awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas and marginalised areas. Government should also fund children for them to go to school. Government should build more schools. We take note that those girl children who are impregnated stay very far away from schools. There are very few children who come from rich families that are impregnated at an early age, they have the capacity to attend universities. There are some children who are in universities and end up dropping out without completing their education. You find that so many elite people who have luxurious vehicles go to universities to coerce some young girls. This will make the children fail to complete their education. They impregnate those children and tell them not to say anything. Some of them are administrators in Government. They promise employment to these young girls that they will be secretaries and promise them different kinds of jobs. They will be campaigning saying that they will work in their offices but before they complete school, the child will be pregnant. We want security for those girls, especially those that are in marginalised areas.
On this motion that has been raised by Hon. Senator Tongogara, Madam President, I wanted to add these few words and I request this Government to assist us on the girl child who is suffering because this is causing the girl child to drop out of school. May we take this motion as a very important motion? We should not expose these young girls.
+HON. SEN. KABONDO: Thank you Madam President. I would like to thank Sen. Tongogara for moving this motion. I was listening to some of my fellow Hon. Senators debating this motion. I was looking at this motion that girls are getting pregnant at an early age when they are still in school and I want to look at the root cause of this. One of the reasons being that we are losing our culture because as we were growing up, there were some aunties who were teaching the girls how to take care of themselves, their self-esteem. Nowadays we do not have those aunties.
Women should be taught to take care of their children. Everything that the girl child faces at an early age, the mother should know and should teach them the rules at an early age. The other root cause for the girl child to get pregnant at an early age is that they are failing to emancipate themselves. It is because they are failing to go to school and they are doing bad things. We want the Government to empower the girl child like through holding workshops. The uncles should also teach the girl child at an early age. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Madam President for the recognition. I rise to speak on the motion moved by Hon. Sen. Tongogara, seconded by Hon. Sen. Nyathi urging the Government to take concrete action to address the issue of teenage pregnancy and its impact on girls’ education.
As a representative of Matabeleland South, I can attest to this issue. It is not just statistics, but a reality that is dire and acute. In our region, we are already economically marginalised and lag behind in many ways including schools and roads. Rural children in our region often have to walk many kilometers to school, braving the harsh weather conditions and the lack of infrastructure. This makes it even more challenging for girls to access education as they are often expected to take on household chores and care for their siblings. It is not just physical challenges that our girls face; it is societal and cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination and marginalisation.
In Matabeleland South, we have a long history of Gender-Based Violence, child marriages and forced early pregnancies.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Senator. Hon. Kabondo, can you please switch off your microphone?
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Madam President. As I was saying, it is not just physical challenges that our girls face. It is societal and cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination and marginalisation. In Matabeleland South, we have a long history of Gender-Based Violence, child pregnancies and forced early marriages. These practices are not only morally irreprehensible, but they also perpetuate poverty and inequality.
According to the World Bank, in 2020, 45% of girls in Zimbabwe were married before the age of 18. This means that thousands of girls were forced to drop out of school and are subjected to physical and emotional abuse. This is not only a violation of human rights, but also perpetuates poverty and inequality. These statistics are stuck.
In 2020, 21% of girls in Zimbabwe were pregnant or were already mothers before the age of 18. This means that thousands of girls are forced to drop out of school and are denied an opportunity to complete their education, but what is even more alarming is that these statistics are not just a reflection of the past, they are a predictor of the future.
According to the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal Number 4 aims to ensure all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary education by 2030, but if we continue to ignore the issue of teenage pregnancy and its impact on the girl’s education, we will not meet this goal. In Matabeleland South, we are already falling behind in many ways. Our schools are under resourced, our roads are poor, our infrastructure is crumbling, but if we do not take concrete action to address the issue of teenage pregnancy and its impact on girls’ education, we will be condemning an entire generation of girls to a life of poverty and marginalisation.
I implore the Government to take immediate action to address this issue. We need comprehensive support services for teenage mothers including access to health care, counselling and financial services. We need schools that have the necessary resources and infrastructure to support pregnant students. We need nationwide awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of girls’ education and the negative consequences of early pregnancies.
There is no future without a girl child and particularly, there is no future without mothers. Mothers are the backbone of our society. They are the ones that hold the family together, but I want to take a step further and say there is no future without education. Education is the key to unlocking human potential and it is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. So I urge the Government to take concrete action to address this issue of teenage pregnancy and the impact in the girls’ education.
We cannot afford to wait any longer. Let us work together to create a society that values education as a fundamental human right. Let us work together to ensure that every girl in Zimbabwe has access to quality education, free from discrimination and violence. We owe it to ourselves, our children and to our future generations, Madam President, to take action on this issue. Let us rise and demand better for our girls. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Hon. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 80TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE 45TH CONFERENCE OF APU HELD IN COTE D’IVOIRE
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation to the 80th Session of the Executive Committee and 45th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union (APU).
Question again proposed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. SEN. H. MOYO): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION ON THE ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO RUSSIA
Twelfth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation on the Election Observation Mission to Russia on Russian Presidential Elections.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
MOBILE BIRTH REGISTRATION EXERCISE
Thirteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the challenges faced by the people living in the border areas on the issuance of birth certificates.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. R. M. NDHLOVU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF CENTRES FOR CHILDLREN LIVING IN THE STREETS
Fourteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of children on the streets.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. RUNGANI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF SRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: Madam President, I rise to wind up the debate. In doing so, I would like to thank Hon. Members who debated on this motion. This goes to show that the motion is indeed of serious concern to us here in the Senate and the public at large. I now therefore move that the motion be adopted.
Motion that this House –
CONCERNED with the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives whenever their husbands die;
APPALLED by cultural practices by some unscrupulous relatives who deprive widows of their human rights, dignity and freedom after the loss of their spouses and in some cases even going to the extent of blaming them for their deaths;
FURTHER DISTURBED that the loss of their husbands is accompanied by the wanton grabbing of their properties such as land, cars, among others under the guise of inheritance;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon Government to enact stringent laws to address the plight of widows and thus protect them from being relegated to poverty after they lose their loved ones, put and agreed to.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Sixteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of Climate Change.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. Madam President, before I wind up my motion, I just want to emphasise that we have got an elephant in the room. The elephant that is in the room is climate change and it is real.
Madam President, you will notice that the rivers in the country have no water, they are running dry and also the dams that we rely on do not have sufficient water. Madam President, we have been hit hard by El Nino whereby hunger is looming now and we do not know how we are going to get to the end of the year as all the crops withered due to dryness.
Madam President, our livestock are at risk, there is no cattle feed in the country and taking into consideration all these issues, we are left with no more words to say. I thought maybe the Minister would come in and give a response to this important motion on climate change.
I would also like to thank all those who had the chance of debating on this motion, I thank you. With these few words, I move for the adoption of the motion.
Motion that this House –
AWARE that Zimbabwe is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement that commits to mitigating challenges of climate change;
WORRIED that climate change continues to be a global concern with detrimental effects on human, health, food and environmental security as well as economic development;
FURTHER WORRIED that there are poor social protection measures for victims of climate disasters such as drought, cyclones, floods and global warming;
CONCERNED that the country lacks effective climate change adaptation strategies;
NOW, THEREFORE, resolves that the motion be adopted, put and agreed to.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE
NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Seventeenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I move for the adoption of the report. Before I do that, I would want to thank you Madam President for allowing this motion on the Clean-up Campaign to achieve a clean country in line with Vision 2030 to be debated in this House.
Madam President, I would want to thank all Hon. Senators who debated on this issue and all noted that it is good for the citizens to clean their environment and attract investments in the country. Our Government also needs to make sure funding is availed for all Clean-up activities. I now therefore move for the adoption of the motion.
Motion that –
WHEREAS on 5 December 2018, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, declared every first Friday of each month as a National Clean-Up Day;
APPALLED by individuals and organisations who fail to partake in the campaign as declared by His Excellency the President;
GRAVELY CONCERNED that local authorities are negating the National Clean-Up Day Campaign by not doing justice in cleaning the cities resulting in rampant littering;
NOTING that funding and resource mobilisation for cleaning our country is inadequate;
NOW, THEREFORE, this House calls upon for adoption of the motion, put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Eighteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. HUNGWE: I would like to thank the people of Zimbabwe who are focused, and chose a very good leader who is leading them in a very good way. People of Zimbabwe chose or elected a President, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa. They elected a leader who has a vision.
If you look at all the construction that is taking place right now, you will see that His Excellency, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa has a pursuit for development in his mind. He has a vision. Today, I passed through State House and if you see the construction that is going on there, you will realise that those who are going to succeed him will stay in a beautiful house.
A lot has already been said, but I am more concerned by children who are taking drugs. Yesterday, I was watching television; Oscar Pambuka was on television and he had destroyed himself because of drugs. He was really grateful. He was saying his incarceration had assisted him to come back to his senses, meaning that Zimbabwe has a leader. I do not know what we can do to these children.
I heard Oscar saying you can stay for three weeks without taking any food. What type of a nation then will we be having with our young children in the next 20 years or so? We were thinking that those will be our future leaders, but how can a leader go for three weeks or even more without taking any food or just walking around without sleeping. We have heard a lot of women coming to complain that their children are taking their utensils; their plates because they want to buy drugs.
What I would like to say is that we must fight this pandemic. We must end it. I am hearing people saying that, a pandemic and I am saying, yes, it is a pandemic. I did not err, that is proper English. We are lucky in this House that we have our God and our leaders and those that we are leading and those in our political parties, let us go and sit down and find a solution to end this issue of our children taking drugs.
I am about to conclude because a lot has already been said on drugs. I am going to talk about our own currency the ZiG which you can buy a lot of things with. Things that I used to buy for US$25, I bought a lot of things using the ZiG. Let us go and support our currency. There are others who are misleading, even Headmasters are telling them not to accept ZiGs, but we are saying all the Headmasters that are refusing to collect ZiGs should be arrested because this is good currency and we are using it to buy goods. If we support this currency as leaders, this will be good for everyone. I said I was not going to say a lot but as a Political Commissar, I ended up saying too much.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
On the motion of THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE), the Senate adjourned at a Quarter to Five o’clock. p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 21st May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
INVITATION TO JOIN AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARIANS’ NETWORK ON DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION (APNODE)
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to remind Hon. Members who are interested in joining the African Parliamentarians’ Network on Development Evaluation (APNODE) to register their names with Mr. C. Ratsakatika, the Principal Committee Clerk, in Office number 335. The Network is a continental Parliamentary body that has been in existence for 10 years. Zimbabwe has been a member for the past nine years. Some of the objectives of APNODE are:
1) to sensitise national Parliaments and Parliamentarians about the importance of evaluation for oversight policy and decision making; – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Can I have your ears?
2) to enhance the capacity of Parliamentarians to demand and utilise evaluation evidence in their Parliamentary duties; and
3) to share Parliamentary best practices across Africa and beyond.
HON. SHAMU: Mr. Speaker Sir, may I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your elevation as Secretary for Finance of the Politburo of ZANU PF. It is indeed a befitting elevation – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – I thank you Sir.
HON. SPEAKER: The new nomenclature is Treasurer-General. Thank you for your commendation.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 6 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 7 has been disposed of.
HON. N. NDHLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR 2023
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the year 2023, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Section 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Mr. Speaker Sir, ZEC is an election management body established in terms of Section 238 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Its main function is to prepare for, conduct, supervise all elections and referendums in Zimbabwe.
The year under review saw the successful conduct of the harmonised elections, by-elections and the conclusion of the delimitation exercise in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. In addition, all vacant proportional representation seats in the National Assembly and local authorities were filled in terms of the law. The Commission was allocated ZWL896 billion to support the electoral processes of which ZWL664 billion, that is 74%, was accessed. With a full complement of Commissioners, 2023 saw the Commission meeting six times in line with the provision of the law and in addition, the Commission recruited 66 new employees, with 44 females; 40% being females and 60% being males. While maximising on 14 languages out of 16 which are enshrined in the Constitution, the Commission made use of various methods and media platforms to provide electoral related information to the masses. Voter registration played a pivotal role in as far as inclusion is concerned within the electoral process. With regards to voter registration, 2023 saw a total number of 705 243 voters being registered, of which 330 979 were males and 37 464 were females. The Commission conducted an annual stock take in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, Chapter 22:19 and in accordance with Section 92 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act [Chapter 22:23]. The Commission also disposed obsolete assets and equipment which included vehicles and furniture among other things and realised a total of USD168 000. The Commission also conducted renovations at its Head Office, Provincial District Offices as well as warehouse. Finally, during the year under review, the Commission participated at various international events. These events are important for knowledge sharing and benchmarking of electoral standards. So, I submit.
HON. G. SITHOLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. The report has not been shared. We have not received it, so maybe it will not be possible for us to debate it now.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I am advised that it was shared, please check your email addresses. The report should have been circulated electronically.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present the report of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. The move that the House takes note of the report of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for the year 2023 presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Section 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The 14th Annual Report of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission provides an overview of the activities of the Commission in 2023 which were carried out in line with its Constitutional mandate and functions as provided for in Section 243 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. In line with the focus goal of decentralisation, offices were opened in Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North. The Commission also had the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Staff Regulations, referred to as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Condition of Service Regulations 2023, Statutory Instrument 241 of 2023, promulgated during the period under review. In 2023, being an election year, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission conducted elections monitoring activities such as pre-election visits, election days monitoring and post-election visits. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission election report has been adopted and publicised and in addition, monitoring visits were made to prisons, children’s homes and a high-level enquiry was made on the human rights situation of persons affected by underground and surface coal seems fire in Hwange. The Commission received a total of 815 human rights violation complaints in January 2023 to December 2023. Of the 815 cases received, 440 cases were received and actioned by the Northern Region Office.
One hundred and fifty seven cases were received and actioned by the Southern Region, 61 cases were received and actioned by the Eastern region office and 157 cases were received and actioned by the Masvingo Office. The Commission, under Administrative Justice Unit, received a total of 496 cases during the period from January to December 2023.
In fulfilment of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to
promote awareness of and respect of human rights in accordance with Section 243 1(a) of the Constitution, the Education, Promotion, Research and Advocacy department conducted human rights awareness using a variety of multi- media approach during the year under review.
The department conducted a total of 121 outreaches
throughout the year. These included ward based community outreaches in Insiza and Beitbridge Districts, that is Matabeleland South Province as well as in Nkayi and Bubi Districts in Matabeleland North Province. Unstable pricing mechanism and exchange rates volatilities continue to affect the achievement of key deliverables and targeted performance levels in the face of inflation. This remains the reason for non-achievement of planned activities as the budget would have been drastically eroded. I so submit Mr. Speaker.
HON. HAMAUSAWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. Standing Order Number 15 stipulates that there must be a standing Committee designated as the Business of the House Committee for the organisation of sessions, the management and the conduct of the daily business sittings of the House. It clearly stipulates how it should be constituted. I read this Mr. Speaker Sir, because of the two motions that were moved, we were not aware that we were going to debate them. For the sake of the effectiveness of our sessions, I request that this Committee be constituted so that when we agree, we will not be surprised that there are some reports that have to be debated. As you can see, there are no Members who are prepared to debate these motions, yet we have this Committee which is supposed to be doing things that are outlined in the set of orders as I have alluded to. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Do not confuse policy and administration. The Policy is there, being what we have on the Order Papers is what should be there and administratively, as I indicated earlier, what was required was for the soft copies to be shared among the Hon. Members of the House in time so that you can go through them. So, to some extent, you were correct but to some extent, you were also incorrect because the Order Paper is there before you, but administratively, the soft copies should have been shared with all Hon. Members.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I do really appreciate and agree with what you have said. It is only that I wanted to clarify that like tomorrow, we agree as Chief Whips that because of the exigencies of time, we are not able to exhaust everything that is on the Order Paper. So, we agree as that Committee of the Business of the House Committee, what we are going to prioritise on each day such that when we come here, our Members are prepared accordingly. That was my concern to see two motions coming in and there is no Member who is prepared to debate after agreeing that on the Order Paper, we are going to discuss motion 1, 2, 3 and 4. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Wazvisungirira. It is the duty of the Chief Whips to liaise, inasmuch as that liaison is proved by the fact that you have Members who are supposed to debate on each of these order items. So I want to believe that there was some communication, otherwise these papers will not be produced. I was indulgent with you. Normally we do not comment on the ruling of the Chair. That should end today.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I move that the debate be now adjourned.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Let us make sure that all Members have
the soft copies of the two reports please.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that all other Orders of the Day be stood over until Orders of the Day Number 3, 4 and 5 have been disposed of in that order.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agree to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR THE ACCESSION OF THE AGREEMENT TO
AMENDING SADC PROTOCOL ON ENERGY
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SIMBANEGAVI): I move the motion standing in my name that:
WHEREAS section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any convention, treaty or agreement acceded to, concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign states or governments or international organisations shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Agreement to Amending the SADC Protocol on Energy as well as the Amendment Annex 1 to the Protocol was adopted at the 41st Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Lilongwe, Malawi in August 2021;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is not a signatory to the aforesaid Agreement;
WHEREAS article 20 (3) of the Agreement provides for ratification of the Agreement by any SADC member after its adoption;
AND WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of becoming a Party to the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for accession.
HON. TIMBURWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Distinguished Hon. Members of this august House, I rise to address the esteemed Assembly on a matter of critical national and regional importance - the ratification of the amended SADC Protocol on Energy. It is common cause that Section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe stipulates that any convention, treaty or agreement concluded by the President with foreign states or international organisations requires Parliamentary approval. Today, I present the case for our nation’s accession to this significant protocol, which aligns with our collective aspirations under Vision 2030.
The agreement to amend the SADC Protocol on Energy, as well as the Amendment to Annex 1 of the Protocol, was adopted at the 41st Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Lilongwe, Malawi in August 2021. It is noteworthy that while Zimbabwe is not currently a signatory to the SADC Protocol on Energy, our nation is eager to become a party to this agreement. Accordingly, in terms of section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforementioned Protocol be approved for accession. This august House further resolves that the SADC Protocol on Energy, as amended in August 2021, be approved for ratification. It is evident that the Republic of Zimbabwe aspires to join this Agreement, thereby aligning with the objectives set forth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Treaty, which has been in force since April 17, 1998. The utilisation of energy is integral to economic growth and development, the alleviation of poverty, and the improvement of living standards and quality of life throughout our region. Our region has undertaken various policy reforms aimed at:
- Promoting market based and private sector led infrastructure and service provision.
- Segmentation of energy supply systems.
- Introduction of regulatory reforms.
- Privatisation
- Migration towards cost reflective tariffs and energy prices.
- Increased regional cooperation and coordination of operations.
Our region is endowed with diverse energy resources, including gas, biomass, petroleum, hydro and wind. The institutional changes within SADC must necessarily respond to the ongoing policy reforms in the energy sector. Therefore, in my capacity as a fellow legislator and an energy expert with extensive corporate experience, I support the resolution of this august House that the amended SADC Protocol on Energy be approved for ratification.
Reasons for Ratification
I will summarise the reasons for my support of this ratification as follows:
- Promotion of Citizen Participation – The ratification will promote and encourage the direct participation of citizens and communities in the development and efficient use of energy resources. For example, in my own constituency of Chegutu West, we have remote communities such as John Bhinya and Tiverton which will greatly benefit from this initiative.
- Development and Efficient Use of Energy Resources - The provided amendments will support national and regional industrialisation, skill development and the creation of employment opportunities.
- Social, Economic and Environment Benefits – The protocol will ensure the social, economic and environment use of energy resources in a sound and safe manner.
- Management and Coordination – Management and Coordination structures will be established, defining functions to assist the implementation of regional energy programmes and projects.
- Adoption of New Technologies – The ratification will help us achieve harmonisation and the adoption of new energy technologies that are low emission and environmentally friendly.
- Energy Security – Ensuring energy security within the region is crucial. With member states like Angola and Tanzania having excess generational capacity, the amendments will enhance infrastructure development for transmission capabilities. Zimbabwe, with its central position in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), stands to benefit significantly.
- Investment Promotion – Creating risk mitigation instruments will attract investors to the energy sector. Investors such as Invictus in Muzarabani, are already creating employment and increasing our asset portfolio. These mitigations will ensure secure investments in the SADC region.
- Gender Equality and Youth Involvement – the protocol aims to harmonise national and regional energy policies while promoting gender equality and involving youth in planning, programming and executing energy projects
In conclusion, for those Hon. Members concerned about checks and balances, Article 4 of the agreement to amend the protocol establishes a Committee of Ministers and Senior Officials responsible for facilitating the development and implementation of a balanced electricity generation mix. This Committee will also develop a regional data bank and assist member states in creating an enabling legal and fiscal environment for cross-border energy trade and transmission within the region. For all these reasons, I reiterate that this House must approve the amended Protocol on Energy for ratification by the Republic of Zimbabwe.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Madam Speaker, the decision by the Executive to bring this Protocol for approval by this august House is noble but Madam Speaker, my only challenge which I believe we need to deal with as this august House is that you are aware that as a country, we have been facing energy crisis for some time. Madam Speaker, you are also aware of the challenge that we have had at Hwange and the breakdowns that are there. You are also aware Madam Speaker, of the challenge that we have had with our rainfall pattern which has made the generation of energy at Kariba a little bit unreliable and there are also other challenges even in respect to our failure as a country to make sure that the small mini hydro power stations in Zimbabwe are not fully functional. Madam Speaker, what I would have wanted the Hon. Minister to explain to this august House is why, as a country, it took us three years to seek ratification from Parliament. Why were we not one of the first countries to ensure that we seek the approval of this august House, given the nature and extent of the energy crisis that we face as a country?
Today Madam Speaker, if you go into Harare, a number of industries - the small businesses that we have in our constituencies are failing to perform primarily because of the challenges that we have on the question of energy. Whilst we support and want this House to approve this protocol, I think in future and even now, it is imperative that when there is a delay of this nature, the Hon. Minister should also be pressed with the burden to come and explain to this august House why it took us this long for us to seek approval because unless there are other things that the Government would then say no, we did not do this timeously because we wanted to do a, b, c, z. I also believe that it is imperative that when a country is faced with an energy crisis and an opportunity arises within the SADC region, there is a mechanism that can allow us then to tap into those countries that have got access to energy. I think it should have been something that we should actually be quick to grab and bring to this august House.
Madam Speaker, we support this protocol but we just urge that the Executive needs to be speedier in terms of dealing with matters that affect us as a nation. I thank you.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I also want to add my voice in support of the ratification of the amended SADC Protocol on Energy. It brings or it promotes harmonious development of National Energy Policies, something that is important and crucial, considering the importance of energy in terms of promoting development, especially industrial development in the region. It also deals with matters of common interest within the SADC region and if there is a protocol that outlines the guidelines on how these matters of common interest are going to be managed, it reduces conflict within the region. Therefore, Madam Speaker, it is also my view that this is a good move by the Executive to bring this protocol for ratification by Parliament.
The Protocol also seeks to promote equitable development of energy within the SADC region and if this protocol is signed, it also shows the commitment of the Zimbabwean Government to abide by SADC rules and protocols. We are equally worried that the delay by the Government to sign such important protocols not only for this particular one on energy but all other protocols, shows reluctance of the Government to abide by the rules of the game. Therefore, when it comes to Parliament, it brings confidence that our Government is ready to also be bound by multi-lateral regulations, protocols and principles.
It is also important because there is a move across the world towards cleaner fuels which I think if our country participates fully within the region, it will also indicate its willingness to participate fully in international agreements which then binds countries from different continents. I believe that when it comes to regional or financing on energy development, the Government of Zimbabwe benefits because it is showing the willingness to be bound by such protocols. If it fails to ratify such protocols, then no one will be willing to give funding and energy in Zimbabwe is a critical issue. We have load shedding, we believe that signing of this protocol is going to open doors for investment in the energy sector. I so submit Madam Speaker.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
AMENDMENT OF THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION CORPORATION ACT
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the protection of depositors and investors’ deposits in banks and other financial institutions.
Question again proposed.
HON. M. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma`am allowing me to add a voice on this very important topic about deposit protection. Basically, I will speak about a few concepts in my discussion and the first one is the financial stability. The deposit protection promotes financial stability by ensuring that depositors’ funds are safe, thus preventing banks that will run at a loss and also encourage the confidence in the banking system. The second concept that I want to discuss is the consumer protection, to say the deposit protection provides a safety net for depositors by ensuring that they are compensated in the event that a financial institution fails.
Currently, if a bank fails, the deposit protection provides up to a thousand USD, which is not adequate to really cover the expenses that depositors would have incurred. The next component or aspect that I think is quite important is the economic growth by providing secure environment for deposits task. Depositors’ protection encourages savings and investments, thus investments which in turn can support economic growth. During the late 90s, I witnessed a pensioner, who collapsed in front of a bank after realising that the bank had closed and he had saved for over 40 years in that particular bank.
I think as a country, there are few issues or things that we need to do and part of the issues or things that a country can do is to strengthen the deposit insurance framework. To say the Government and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe can strengthen the legal and the institutional framework for deposit protection, this could involve reviewing and amending the Laws, insuring adequate coverage and efficiency resolution of failed banks. The liquidity process sometimes takes years to be done as maybe corporate governance organisations will be waiting for their share. The other important aspect is that of supervision by the RBZ. There is need for a regular supervision, regular audit and inspection so that there is early detection of banks that will fail.
The other aspect is the enhanced financial inclusion, where we are saying we might need to expand the banking networks to cover even the rural communities or rural populations so that at least everyone is in the basket of banking. I also encourage that we must also look at building public awareness. The deposit Protection Corporation needs to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities as depositors. They could involve creating awareness campaigns about depositors’ protection. I submit Hon. Speaker Ma`am.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that debate do now adjourn.
HON. CHAIMVURA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION ON THE ELECTION
OBSERVATION MISSION TO RUSSIA
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation on the Election Observation Mission to Russia.
Question again proposed.
*HON. CHAIMVURA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker Ma`am. The Russian election which was conducted in a peaceful manner without any dispute should be exemplary to other countries. This pleased us very much. Russia trades gas and fuel with other countries. This did not disturb the country. Zimbabwe is a country that is friendly to Russia. We should have a policy whereby Members of Parliament can go. I also witnessed elections through the opportunity that was awarded to Hon. Shamu, where they elected a leader of their choice. As the majority of Zimbabweans, we should also follow suit once we have elected a leader, there should not be any disputes. They do not even congratulate those that would have won the elections. Madam Speaker, the leaders on the left are incapable of congratulating our leader President E.D. Mnangagwa. What they can only do is to dispute the election results … [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]
THE HON DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order in the House.
HON. MAKUMIRE: On a point of order.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
*HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you Madam Speaker. We kindly request this august House to remain respectful in terms of the debates that we will be having in this august House. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Point taken. Go ahead Hon. Member.
*HON. CHAIMVURA: Thank you Madam Speaker for protecting me. We are grateful for what Russia did and we wish we could copy the manner in which they smoothly handled their own elections. This was done in peace, and Zimbabwe should follow its footsteps so that when our President comes in this august House, the Opposition should be happy and should be in this august House.
*HON. KUKA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. May the Hon. Member confine herself to what is contained in the report and not on the Opposition?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please debate on what is in the Report.
*HON. CHAIMVURA: Madam Speaker, I am grateful for what occurred in Russia during the election time…
*HON. TAFANANA ZHOU: Thank you Madam Speaker. When we go on election observations or benchmark visits, the purpose is for us to learn so that we come and implement in our country what we would have learnt – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Therefore, Madam Speaker, I am asking for the Member to be protected because she is sharing with us what she learnt in Russia. I thank you.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: We have heard you. Can the Hon. Member go ahead with debate?
*HON. CHAIMVURA: Thank you Madam Speaker. With those few words, I will not continue debating any further. I thank you.
HON. MUGOMO: Thank you Madam Speaker. Good afternoon. Madam Speaker, I rise to report on the 2024 Presidential elections of the Russian Federation. As a member of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, I had joy and great honour to travel and observe the elections of the friendly Russian Federation people. Russia and Zimbabwe have historical and mutually beneficial ties dating back to our armed liberation struggle days. Russia is a great power with no colonial heritage, unlike other European countries which have historically exploited African people and their resources. Russia views Africa as equal partners in mutual cooperation. With the shifting global geopolitics, it is imperative for African nations to revisit our foreign policies and adopt a realistic and pragmatic approach founded on mutual respect, mutual interest and equitable cooperation. The trip to observe the elections was in response to the invitation extended to the Parliament of Zimbabwe by the Russian State institutions which include the Federation Council and the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. We had the honour to carry out the mandate of election observation unhindered.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the foundation for the holding of credible, free and fair elections, including the guidelines on voting rights, is clearly enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which is the basis for transparency in the conduct of elections. Availing opportunities to vote for all categories of citizens is vital. The electoral system ensured strict adherence to security and transparency protocols on the ground. The Russian Federation has eleven different time zones spread across 17million square kilometers with over 113 million voters registered within and outside the country. This staggering geographical description and figures necessitated the conducting of elections over a period of three consecutive days. This decision was widely consulted with all stakeholders, including the electorate and the Central Elections Commission. This inclusive decision allowed better flexibility and comfort for all participating voters. The Presidential election of the Russian Federation is conducted after every six years through the secret ballot. To be able to participate, one had to be at least 35 years old and resident in Russia for not less than 25 years. Dual citizenship and resident permit in a foreign country automatically disqualifies you from running for office. Party candidates must have a minimum of hundred thousand nominators while independent candidate must have a minimum of three hundred thousand nominators to be considered by the Central Elections Commission. The incumbent President is allowed to renew the term only once. As provided in the Russian Constitution, the criteria for the selection and election of the President finally produced four candidates; namely Vladislav Andreyevich Davankov who is a deputy in the Russian State Duma representing the New People’s Party; Vladimir Vladimovich Putin, an independent candidate who was the outgoing President; Leonid Slutsky, a parliamentarian and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and Nikolay Karinotov of the Communist Party.
Mr. Speaker Sir, campaigning in this election was done unhindered. With very little security presence, campaigning could be held peacefully. Objective and reliable voter information was provided by both public and private media, with digital platforms providing a major role in information dissemination as regulated by legislation on elections in the Russian Federation. Streaming websites could independently cover these election campaigns. There was a guaranteed coverage of election candidates by the State broadcasting companies such as Russian News Agency TASS, State funded international news television channel Russia Today (RT) and most popular TV channels such as Russia 1, Channel 1 and NTV. Digital platforms such as Telegram groups and websites became the mainstay of the campaigns during the campaign period. It was a hive of activity on State broadcasters and more than 6 700 regional and community television stations.
Allow me at this juncture, Mr. Speaker Sir, to commend the Chairperson of the Central Elections Commission, Ms. Ella Pamfilova and her independent electoral authority staff, comprising of sincere and competent individuals who had very proactive interaction with the voters. Their discharging of duty in a transparent, trustworthy and inclusive manner was a crucial lesson for democratic advancement. The Commission used manual and electronic voting systems efficiently and transparently. Verification took just a few seconds and I need to underline that no violations or irregularities were noticed. The election was conducted with utmost secrecy, with transparent ballot boxes reinforcing the legitimacy of the electoral process. Materials provided to each polling station met the international standards criteria. The use of technology, in particular the State automated system of the Russian Federation, provided an alternative option on how to vote and there were election monitors verifying the authenticity of the votes. Electronic voting was able to minimise number of errors and speed up the electoral process. The security services were so professional and they let people do their voting freely. Installations and cameras prevented any fraud or improper actions that could interfere with the proper conduct of these elections. A secure online system was provided for the remote electronic voting in far regions of the Russian Federation. Digital online booths on the polling stations, accessing the C.E.C portals on laptops and smartphones, made the voting process fast and less congested at the polling stations. I observed that most voters who turned out at the polling stations were elderly due to their preference of manual voting whilst according to voting patterns we were advised on the youth preferred electronic or online voting. The Central Elections Commission ensured that the elderly and the disabled could vote from the comfort of their homes by bringing the ballot box to their places
Madam Speaker, vote counting and result-establishing process was done through the use of video surveillance and recording. Vote counting is done through the sophisticated Ballot Processing Complexes (BPCs). These are automated tools for counting votes. The results are known in just a few minutes as the processing of ballots, checking of control and other ratios of the protocol data is done electronically.
Finally, Madam Speaker, the election environment was peaceful, free and fair. President Vladimir Putin emerged the winner with a landslide 87% of the vote and was so recognised, with other participants conceding defeat peacefully and with honour. The reluctance by Western capitals to recognise President Putin’s victory is a political maneuver in their complex geopolitical game but as mandated by our team of the Zimbabwe election observer mission to Russia, I can safely say President Putin won resoundingly, in a fair election. I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to air my views on the 15th to 17th March Presidential Elections conducted in Russia which were monitored by the electoral board called by the Central Election Commission of Russia. What is important is the lessons that we drive and how they can be used to our own circumstances. The first point of port of call is the issue of electoral voting system. For electronic voting system, there is a software which they used called SAS Vibrant. That system actually allowed members of the public and the general citizens to see the Presidential candidates on it. They were able to see if their names were registered on it, to see the manifestos of the candidates as well as to allow such members to vote electronically. That is the beautiful milestone in our modern-day lines.
Madam Speaker, let me be honest with you colleagues on the issue of queues that the issue of queuing is a laborious and monotonous exercise. As a country, we must embrace this kind of system. Let me be honest with you again. If you look at this system, it was secured from the outside internet world. Above all, it had 3 500 experts who were watching it to protect it from external threat. The election was water-tight electronically. I would like to applaud the Russian…
All the mics switched off.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I am being advised that there is a technical fault and they are looking into it. So, let us be patient.
HON. TOGAREPI: Because of the power challenge, I am advised that the Hon. Member who was debating will resume tomorrow. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. KAMBUZUMA, the House adjourned at Seven Minutes to Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Friday, 17th May, 2024
The Senate met at a Quarter to Ten o’clock a.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
LEAVE TO MOVE FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE MOTION ON THE APPROVAL OF THE LOAN BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE AND THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) FOR HORTICULTURE ENTERPRISES ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
(HEEP)
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Mr. President, I seek leave of Senate to move that Notice of Motion on the loan agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) which was superseded by the adjournment of the Senate due to lack of a quorum yesterday be restored on today’s Order Paper as Order of the Day Number 1 in terms of Standing Order Number 76, I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RESTORATION OF THE MOTION ON THE APPROVAL OF THE LOAN BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE AND THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) FOR HORTICULTURE ENTERPRISES ENHANCEMENT PROJECT (HEEP)
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Mr. President, I move that Notice of Motion on the loan agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) which was superseded by the adjournment of the Senate due to lack of a quorum yesterday be restored on today’s Order Paper as Order of the Day Number 1 in terms of Standing Order Number 76. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL OF THE LOAN BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE AND THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) FOR HORTICULTURE ENTERPRISES ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
(HEEP)
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Thank you Mr. President, Members of this august House. I have before you a request to approve a loan agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This loan seeks to support the horticultural sector. It uses the acronym HEEP. We call the horticulture enterprise enhancement project known as HEEP. It seeks to increase agriculture production and productivity especially by horticulture farmers which enhances food and nutrition security, income and increase opportunities for value addition and the development of agro business value chains.
Mr. President, to this end, the Government of Zimbabwe secured a loan of US$37.140 000 from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in order to enhance agriculture production and productivity. The project is being co-financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development. The objective of this project HEEP is to support, increase sustainable horticulture production and sales by small holder farmers and micro small and medium enterprises engaged in horticulture value chains.
Mr. President, the project shall benefit all small holder farmers who will be organising what we call agricultural producer groups in village horticulture gardens. Agriculture producer groups in four Ps that are linked to anchor firms. Four Ps, here we mean public, private and people partnerships. There are two aspects of support within this loan arrangement.
The project would be located in four provinces, which are Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland for the village horticultural gardens only. For the four Ps programme, the project will be located in well-functioning irrigation schemes throughout the ten provinces of the country. In particular, in the high potential regions of Mashonaland and Manicaland provinces. I must hasten to add Mr. President, that there was a prior programme which this Parliament approved in 2021 again funded by IFAD. IFAD financed a project called the small agriculture cluster project (SACP), which was implemented in five other provinces , Mashonaland Central, Mash East, Mash West, Midlands and Mat North. These provinces are excluded in the new HEEP project because they were already included in the previous project. So, the 2021programme and this 2024 programme, together cover the entirety of our provinces. Therefore, no province is left behind at the risk of repeating the size of the loan of $37.14million, and we signed this loan on the 7th of May, 2023.
If you look at the structure in terms of interest and repayment Mr. President, what is really happening is that this loan has no interest at all. It is interest free and in the first ten years, we do not service anything, but from year eleven, we start paying part of the principle at a rate of 4.5% per annum. This runs up to year thirty, then from year thirty- one to year forty, this payment of the principle drops from 4.5 % to 1%. So, the entirety of the tenure of the loan is 40 years, of which then the first ten years is a grace period of no payment at all. We pay this loan from budget appropriations in the usual way and there are enormous benefits from this loan Mr. President, such as employment creation for local communities, capacity building for local communities, climate smart agriculture and easy market access for our communities. Other benefits include improved food nutrition and security for our communities, increased household incomes and improved resilience to climate change effect and economic shocks and finally it just increases production and productivity, especially in the horticulture sector. I submit Mr. President and I move that this loan be adopted. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. GOTORA: Thank you Senate President Sir. I want to add my contribution regarding the issue of the loan. I want also to thank the Hon. Minister for sourcing for credit lines despite the fact that we are facing sanctions. This is quite important because there is no nation which can thrive without credit lines, particularly from nations that have a good relationship with the country as well as other partners. I am quite excited because this is going to benefit our people who do not have sources of livelihoods and are facing challenges.
Secondly, I am happy because we are being given a grace period of 10 years, we are not going to pay anything. However, the interest is below what is being charged in most nations in Africa. This rate of interest is normally given to developed countries, but it is being given to African Countries. At the moment, African nations are given 9.4 plus interest rates. However, the developed countries are being given loans with a small interest by the World Bank, IMF and other lenders. So, indeed, the Minister has brought quite a good thing. The people we target to benefit from this should be educated on the importance of this Government initiated programme because sometimes our people do not take advantage of the opportunities that are availed to them because of lack of knowledge. The Bible says that my people perish because of lack of knowledge.
The first programme that came, which was mentioned by the Hon. Minister was not taken up by people from different provinces because of lack of knowledge. So, my plea is that Extension workers should do due diligence so that when the loan comes, then it cascades down to the people not only benefiting the people, but also benefiting the nation because when people are able to sustain their livelihoods ,then this will be beneficial for the nation, for Government and this will benefit the education, transport, health and different departments. If we do not look after ourselves, it works against us and it affects a number of programmes. So, I implore Hon. Members of this august House to accept this loan to pass even the Minister’s plea. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: Thank you Senate President Sir, for affording me this opportunity to add my voice in support of this initiative which was brought by the Hon. Minister. We are aware Mr. President Sir, that the effects of climate change are felt, rains are not adequate. We did not get enough harvest and we are facing a drought. Indeed, this programme is behind time. When the Minister mentioned four provinces, I said how about our province? What are we going to do because people are asking for nutrition gardens, schools, need grain for food relief so that their children can have access to food? We can also do nutrition garden projects so that we feed our people and the children. It will also help in empowering our communities with income generating projects because the Minister mentioned the issue of projects and I believe that when people are taught like what was said by the previous speaker, this would eventually culminate in a situation where we are able to export our produce and earn foreign currency as a result; which is quite important. My desire is that this should happen. We need to determine whether Government employees are doing due diligence and it is important to have a criteria in terms of selecting the people who are going to be working on the floor. We need to make sure that this is done and there are projects like fencing, solar, irrigation projects. Borehole projects are quite important because without irrigation, indeed some programmes might not succeed, irrigation is quite important. So, Hon. Minister, I also believe that it is important for us to educate our people in different constituencies so that they take advantage of this for posterity, for the sake of our people so that as they plant and cultivate their fields, they would get something to sell. I thank you Senate President.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Mr. President for this opportunity to debate this issue on a loan of US$37.2 million that the Executive has sourced and found. Mr. President, the issues of empowering people of Zimbabwe at the base level should be taken seriously. We should never pay lip service to issues of development of the most down trodden people. Mr. President, before I delve in the details of my debate, I also would like to talk about the attitude of the Executive with respect to the view of Senate. I think that when important issues are taken to us, they need to be done with due respect to the Senate. The belief that this Senate is a parking Senate where people endorse and rubber stamp things should be a view of the past. We need full respect…
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Senator, it looks like Madam President made a ruling regarding what you seem to be starting afresh and I think it is only important that we proceed with the business of Senate. You can proceed.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Sorry I did not quite pick the point that you raised.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I am reliably informed that Madam President made a ruling with regard to that. Is it different?
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I think that will confuse me, let me keep on with my debate. As they say in Latin, moribus non facile mori it means bad habits should die and new clean habits rise so that we all get the respect that we require. Mr. President, US$37.2 million borrowed for consumption, I think is not a very good idea. Zimbabwe is a country of abundant riches, Zimbabwe is pregnant with diamonds, platinum, iron ore and gold like no other country in the world. It is a wonderful gift from God that we got.
Two of the seven wonders of the world are in Zimbabwe; that is Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe and we have got a lot of sunshine and arable land. For me, I honestly think that when His Excellency the President talks of Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, he is speaking to issues of the resources that we have which must be our own resources being deployed of the needs of the people of Zimbabwe.
What is the difficulty around our own resources being deployed for the development of the people of Zimbabwe? It is difficult to get US$37.2 million from our own resources to fund the empowerment of the people of Zimbabwe that we have to go and borrow US$37.2 million. For this nation that is pocket money; do we have to go and borrow pocket money? For me it is difficult, I do not see us taking seriously the agenda of empowering the people of Zimbabwe. If we must depend on a loan that we are rushed to pass; is it because we do not have US$37.2 million available from our own resources? Why do we have this appetite to borrow? This country is overborrowed. We owe billions of dollars and we have got a serious bad appetite to keep borrowing and creating a very bad name for ourselves out there in the world.
Particularly when you borrow for consumption, our children and our grandchildren are burdened with having to pay for this loan; 40-year period of paying US$37.2 million dollars, it shames this country and it reduces the dignity of this great nation to go out with a begging bowl for US$37 million. I think this is not good for this country. We are burdening our great grand children to keep paying for such loans. So, I have got concerns with respect to that Mr. President.
I would like to implore the Executive and the Minister to try and find from our own resources so that we can abundantly work on empowering the down trodden people of Zimbabwe. Mr. President, it is also important to know how effective the predecessor loan that the Minister was talking about was, how did it help? Has it improved the great lot of the people of Zimbabwe and to what extent or is it just money going down the drain? Who is paying back, what is the payment period and all that? I am also even concerned about issues of lack of transparency around these issues of loans. I think the Executive should respect Parliament and at least at the minimum walk together with Parliament with the Committee on Budget and Finance so that we are walking together on the loans. Also give us a full-term sheet in our pigeon holes so that we can see for ourselves the meanings of this loan, the conditions relevant to this loan.
Now we just believe the summary that we are getting from the Minister. Why is it difficult for the Executive to give us the full-term sheet so that we know the full details so that we apply our minds fully to this issue and decide whether it is necessary for us to okay it or not. Mr. President, with this contribution, I submit that the Executive should find more money out of our own resources to empower the people of Zimbabwe. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. RICHARD. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank the Minister of Finance for bringing the motion on loan approval to the Senate. The provinces that were highlighted; Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland are provinces which have been affected by climate change. There is no water, people are facing drought, unemployment and other challenges and indeed my hope is that when we agree, these loans are going to benefit our people in boarder lying areas.
People are migrating to South Africa, Johannesburg and other places. They come back dead because some are taking a lot of drugs and alcohol; so the Minister of Finance is bringing a very good programme which is going to benefit people particularly looking at the fact that the water table is very low in these provinces. There is equipment for sinking boreholes, but it is over 100 metres, others 250 to 300 metres for people to reach the water table. Indeed, we need boreholes which have water. I implore the department of Agritex, which is responsible for Extension to work hard. You will find that irrigation schemes are not operational. You find people pilfering solar equipment and there is staff exodus. So, we want this programme to succeed so that it transforms communities so that people can see the good work that is happening in communities. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Thank you Mr. President. Very attractive loan, with very attractive conditions of service, very juicy and tempting, but my question is; Zimbabwe is hosting the fifth structured dialogue on debt with creditors this month. Is this loan not going to add another burden to the already existing debt? This is happening on the eve of this critical, crucial meeting. What measures has the Ministry put in place to ensure that the loan is managed responsibly? I thank you.
*HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. President. I arise in support of this loan, which is in line with agriculture. My view is that I want to see this money being directed to the real beneficiaries, those we are anticipating; because we come from these people who were mentioned by the Minister of Finance. If these get enough funding, there will be no point in them not being empowered. What is challenging is that funding is not enough. We are looking at things like equipment, the necessary irrigation equipment for them to be able to irrigate. I also want to add knowledge of farming. I know there are Extension officers, but I have reservations because it needs him as the custodian of our finances and for what he is looking forward to, that this money should benefit and that it is beneficial to all of us as a loan so that we will be able to service the loan. You can also engage the Minster of Agriculture, Hon. Masuka so that you may tell him how this money should be used so that the Extension officers deliver in their doings.
At times the farmers are not knowledgeable because when people farm tomatoes, you will hear them saying that the crop has been destroyed by insects. Someone will come and say that they do not know the name of the insect, but we are talking about horticulture. So, that knowledge is very important so that we will be able to service the loan. Whatever we farm is destroyed. If we did not fumigate our crops and do not know which insecticides to use, we will lose out.
Furthermore, I do not see people failing because we have seen from the past. Looking at people from Domboshava, Murehwa, Birchenough where I come from or even Nyanyadzi, it shows you that people do not fail if they have enough resources. With the little that they have, they are doing great things. I will ask you as the Minister of Finance, when you come up with your budget, I think you should try by all means to liaise with the local supermarkets before we export our produce. We use horticulture produce almost on daily basis, things which we consume like tomatoes and vegetables are perishables, but we find ourselves importing them from South Africa, whilst we have our own horticulture farmers who are producing the same and do not have markets. What I am saying is for us to be able to service the loans, before importing, when coming up with the Finance Act, try by all means to encourage local markets to buy from local farmers. Supermarkets should venture into contracts with horticultural farmers so that they can take their produce to local supermarkets, where their produce is needed on daily basis. That would help us and in turn they will be helped because they would not throw away their produce. If you go to Mbare, you will find that there are heaps of rotten vegetables thrown away because of lack of market. It is now a challenge yet in the supermarket, they will be importing onions, cabbages, butternuts and all the horticultural produce from South Africa.
So, you should come up with ways which will encourage our local farmers to continue farming, those you would have sourced loans for, so that they show their expertise, so that they do not get challenges of throwing away rotten produce. It paints a picture that we are not capable, yet it is the issue of market. I think when it comes to economy issues, they were in the hands of the white people. They had ways been used when buying and selling. Those channels are still open. I think we should revamp so that we support our people so that they get into the market chains.
In conclusion, I would say it is very important that when we get these loans and give them to the people, we should go back and monitor and come up with statements showing how the money would have been used. We should come up with an evaluation programme so that we know the outcome. We should also put in place an evaluation programme so that we see how the programme is coming up – if there are any loopholes, we would curb that for future benefits.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you very much Hon. President for allowing me to add my voice on the motion on approving the loan of US$37.1 million, which was brought in by the Minister of Finance.
It is no secret that we owe a total of US$17.5 billion in total debt. How can the country move forward in development when monies come out repaying loans and paying interests, will we go anywhere?
First of all, it is our duty as the Senate to exercise our oversight and accountability roles and also be engaged in discussion with the various stakeholders in debt discussions and decision making. I am here to hold the Minister of Finance to action on behalf of the citizens to express the will of the people of Zimbabwe. We, as the Senate and representatives of the citizens, must pay attention to all proposals for the loans as it relates to the impact on the lives of the people we represent. In Zimbabwe for example, the Constitution in Section 119 is clear about the role of Parliament to protect the Constitution. As the Senate, we should consider the impact that any loan decision has on the progress and understanding of rights (including agriculture and social development). We need to pay attention to this loan of US$37.1 million and what impact it has on several macro-economic factors and the potential impact of the debt on the overall economy. We support good laws as the opposition. We support what benefits the country and what is important for the country.
As the Upper House, we need the following requests accepted by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development:
The value for money tracking – the Minister is here requesting this approval so we need to have committees to be formed which will be resourced to allow them to conduct physical visits to observe first hand and to feed into tracking of resource use by the Executive.
Debt tracking – we will need to hear updated reports; what are the implications of this loan on development and the Zimbabwean Economy.
Budget and Audit Analysis – we need there to be discipline towards preventing unsustainable loans and debts. We need transparency and accountability on the use of public resources.
We need to track illegal financial flows – we have to make sure this is not another way for Government to continue getting money while the children of Zimbabwe suffer. Can this Government and the Hon. Minister tell the country if they have created growth and progress. There is no progress, just regret. Our people are suffering, they cannot eat. There are no jobs. Where is the development? Many have come and gone. Some are still here promising development through loans but there is nothing to show for it.
As the House of Senate, can we be the change this time as past Parliaments have failed to monitor the implementation of projects through investigation visits which limited us to look at the truth and Government’s progress in the use of loans like this one. We propose a debt and loan audit to be conducted with a view that it will reveal the realities which may be shaded in the motion presented by the Minister of Finance.
Mr. President, the Government has failed us and continues to. We cannot support this motion because how do we know this one will serve the people compared to others in the past? It would be against our value system. We want the country to do well. We see this motion as misinformation – another way for the Government to continue getting money to finance their interests while the children of Zimbabwe suffer. We need more information, transparency because the Government continues to waste money and abuse the taxpayer’s money. I say to the Hon. Minister of Finance, withdraw this motion and tell us where past monies have gone in the name of loans and also tell the children of Zimbabwe on your wastage and destruction of our economy. Thank you very much Mr. President.
HON. SEN. C. MUTSVANGWA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the occasion to comment on the initiative, which is most welcome, by our Minister of Finance and Economic Development concerning this loan from IFAD. As a diplomat, I just want to remind the House that IFAD is a United Nations organisation which is supported by the richest countries in the world, basically the industrialised countries as well as OPEC countries - which of course everybody who goes to a pumping station is sending money to OPEC. This institution generates loans on behalf of United Nations organisation to support rural development and to eradicate poverty. I want to commend the wisdom of the Minister of Finance, together with his boss, the President of the Republic, for reaching out to this fund of concessional loans which are there to support the most disadvantaged sections of our society, particularly rural people.
Besides the cheapness of the loan, the Minister is taping on the expertise of IFAD, an organisation based in Rome which is operating in more than 200 countries and has got the advantage of comparative experience in how different societies which have used these loans have applied them so that they can improve on the livelihoods of rural people. Here we are blending the best of practice on the global scale from IFAD with our internal expertise, which we have garnered over the years as to how to change the lives of rural people. I am taken back a little bit by the negative sentiments which I am hearing from across the room which do not seem to have full appreciation of what the Government is doing in terms of improving the livelihoods of the people of Zimbabwe.
There is a scare mongering which is coming from across the House about loans. I want to remind this House that the USD17 billion which is being talked about is mostly default penalties for loans which were inherited from the pre-colonial era. This is not a bi-product of prolificacy on the part of the post-independent Government. Definitely, not a fault of the Government of President E. D. Mnangagwa in the last four years or five years, which has really been running this economy on the bases of legality, but at the same time marshalling domestic and global resources to improve our economy. It is because of the sterling performance of the dream team of the economic Ministers and the Central Bank Governor. I want to pay my respect to the Minister of Finance who has done a remarkable job in the last five years to do wonders to make this economy be what it is today. Just two months ago, for the comfort of those who are positive and education of those naysayers about the development of this country, none other than the International Monitory Fund which is the supreme authority of monitory and economic governance in the world reimbursed the Zimbabwe economy from US$17 billion to USD47 billion as a testament of homage to the work which is being done by President E. D. Mnangagwa and his Economic Dream Team. This is a big thing. What does it mean? It means that we can borrow money easily, not only from institutions like IFAD, but we can now borrow money from even the private sector, the commercial sector of this world? We are on our way there but more importantly, we are attracting investment because our economy is showing positive strides of growth – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – If you can reimburse your economy from USD19 billion in 2018 to USD47 billion in 2024, you are doing extremely well as a country.
Mr. President, this is a country which is not being given access to the soft finance or the concessional loans which are coming from other international financial institutions. We are doing well, and when the Minister goes to look for a loan from IFAD for the rural people, we are saying whether it be big money, whether it be small money, as long as it changes the lives of our people in this country, we want it – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – This is money for rural people of Zimbabwe who want solar pumps to do their drip gardens as has been said by Hon. Senator Mupfumira, Hon. Senator Zindi and as has been said by my colleague here to the right, Senator from UMP.
Mr. President, this is money which changes people in our rural areas. We need to support that because it touches on where most of us came from, the rural people. We need to support that loan. For the naysayers, you need education. I heard some Latin phrases being mentioned here sounding very profound about issues. That is very good to sound learned, but it is more important to appreciate what President E. D. Mnangagwa and his Minister of Finance and the Central Bank have done to make Zimbabwe’s economy do well.
Mr. President, we are attracting private money into this country, which is risk capital not loans. When you hear of lithium being exploited in Zimbabwe, it is not a loan. It is somebody who has come from outside to say Zimbabwe is open for business, I can put my money and if it will make profit and because the people of Zimbabwe are hardworking, it will make profit in the shortest possible time. That is why out of seven mining lithium, four or five are in Zimbabwe today. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for doing that.
Mr. President, we are going to become a battery producer because we are attracting private capital. This last week, we fired the blast furnaces in Manhize for producing steel in this country on a big scale, ten times, twenty times bigger than ZISCO. This is what the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe is doing for this country, attracting private capital. So, when we attract this money, private capital, the proportion of our loan which you are so much scared of becomes very little because the economy is performing very well. We cannot fail to go and borrow money to grow our economy because we are scared that the loans will be burdensome when we know that the risk capital which is coming into this country is growing this economy so fast that the loan becomes very little. That is why the Americans and the British and everybody are now coming back to Zimbabwe to negotiate. They realised that our economy is doing well.
Hon. President, when you do well, nothing succeeds like success. This is what President E. D. Mnangagwa has done for this country. So, Minister of Finance, you are doing a brilliant job. This loan needs the support of this House. I do hope that the naysayers from across the board, after my intervention, can even go and learn a little bit more so that Latin phrases can be replaced by debating from an informed appreciation of the economy. I thank you…
HON. SEN CHAPPFUDZA: On a point of order Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President Sir. May the Hon. Senator withdraw the word naysayers referring to Hon. Senators in the House?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You can withdraw Hon. Senator Mutsvangwa.
HON. SEN. MUTSVANGWA: Mr. President, as I was listening to this debate, there were negative sentiments which were expressed about this loan. Naysayer means people who say no. I heard it, why should I withdraw for just repeating what somebody has said from the other side. I want to stand guided. I thank you.
HON. SEN. ZWIZWAI: On a point of order Mr. President, I find it very unfair that the Diplomat in the suit of Hon. Senator Mutsvangwa would want to stick to the shallow thinking that he wants to prescribe and conclude that Hon. Members are ignorant or they do not have knowledge. We are all Senators here and this House should be respected. We have Chiefs here, we have people who are above 40 years here, so it will be very unfair for her to be very arrogant and want to impose himself as the most knowledgeable individual in this House. I second that she withdraws and debate as a Diplomat and debate in a very dignified way than to be very arrogant and look down upon other Senators in this House. We will not allow that to happen.
In terms of the rules, that is not allowed. When you address fellow Senators, you say Senators, you do not say what Chris Mutsvangwa has said, even to refer to you as John Moyo. We always refer to you as the President of Senate. Not that we do not know your name. I insist that he withdraws and if he wants to debate for the whole day, he can proceed. I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The question in contention is if you check from the dictionary, it only means those who oppose, however you raise a quite reasonable point where you said when addressing each other in here, it is always honourable as opposed to using the individual’s name. That point has been taken on board. But for progress’s sake, let us move on with the debate.
*HON. SEN. MBOHWA: Thank you Mr. President. I do not have much to say and it is very difficult to say much after the experts have debated before you – the likes of Hon. Senator Mutsvangwa. You run out of points to add. However, I have stood up to thank the Minister of Finance for the leap that he has taken in making us have faith in our economy. We were people who were not trustworthy in terms of loans, so when he came into this House saying he got another life line to get a loan, I realised that Zimbabwe is now back to its original status where it is being trusted to get loans.
We know that Zimbabwe was in a sorry state. In 2008, we know what happened when we were faced with a drought. If we compare the drought of 2008 and the one we are faced with this year, in 2008 we were left with nothing on our shelves. Cattle were being exchanged for a bag of maize but because of the likes of Hon. Senator Mutsvangwa, who is an economist, you find that there is a huge difference which shows that our economy is now on the right track. We are getting what we want and we have the money to buy what we want, which means that we are at another level where we are managing as the citizens of Zimbabwe. With these few words, I want to thank the President E. D Mnangagwa, together with his Minister for where they have taken us so far. We are proud of that and implore them to continue in that trajectory.
We cannot judge you because of what we experienced in the past but we will judge you from what you are bringing and what you are doing. So, we want to give room to the new dispensation to revamp our economy. We should not be in the middle. Even in the rural areas, we should stand in the gap and also give room to them. We should be thankful for what is happening. There is one speaker who said that this is beautiful to hear, to see and to behold. What has been brought to this House is what we have been crying for all along, for the rural populace to benefit and take our country back to being the bread basket of Africa. The farmers are in the rural areas and if this succeeds, we will not have hunger in our country again. So, I thank the Almighty and ask him to use us as Senators to be able to uplift the lives of our rural people. This loan should help them. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Mr. President Sir, thank you for affording me the opportunity to add my voice to this debate as a Member representing people from Matabeleland South. What I want to say is that we know the mantra of the President and we respect it when he says a nation is built by its owners. What I want to say to the Members on the other side is that we are also the owners of this country. What it means is that when you are one who is also owning the country, you also have the right to ask where clarification is needed, especially on how this loan is supposed to be used.
This country is a democratic country, that is why we are here. We were chosen by people who wanted us to represent them and we are Members who have different views. We are not the same and we do not have the same views and do not expect us to agree on everything. Mr. President Sir, what I want to say is that whilst we are here representing different members of our constituencies, we are here as their mouth piece. The first thing that I want to say Mr. President is that this loan is being used in Matabeleland North and as Matabeleland South, why was Matabeleland North not assisting us if the loan was once used in Matabeleland North. As Matabeleland South, it is a very dry region in our country. Hon. Senator Moyo and Hon. Senator Ndlovu indicated that the water table for Matabeleland South has gone low.
Where you are saying you are going to drill boreholes in rural areas, this loan is supposed to be used whether we agree or not but I know it is going to be passed. We need to say our views and also share with the Minister on how we can improve the use of this loan. The water tables for Matabeleland South is very low now. Minister, when you presented your budget, I remember indicating that we need construction of dams that will assist us in water conservation rather than drilling boreholes. It is not horticulture only in Matabeleland South that is being practiced. We also look at cattle ranching. We have so many cattle in Matabeleland South hence our livestock needs dams. We have boreholes that have been drilled but you realise that they have dried up again. You want to drill more boreholes and at the end of the day we will have the same situation. The little water that we get through rains should be harvested in the dams. Why should we continuously ask for water? When I look at Matabeleland South as a dry region, we will not be able to practice horticulture because it is a very hot region.
Another thing that I want to suggest here Mr. President Sir, which I want to correct the Minister is that there is so much gold punning that is being done in Matabeleland South. I want to find out what are we using that gold for? The locals are not benefiting from that gold that is being punned in Matabeleland South. The resources that we have in Matabeleland South, we can use them and benefit from them. So many people are doing gold panning around the river banks which we claim that it is assisting in improving lives. Where exactly is it assisting in Matabeleland South as it remains the same? Yes, those with money can come and do mining, look at Antelope Dam, there are people who come to put cyanide in that dam when it is the only water resource that people are using in Matabeleland. South.
In the whole of Matabeleland.South, Gwanda, Insiza, Matobo, Bulilimamangwe, people are mining in all those places that I have alluded to. Why should you beg for loans to assist Matabeleland South when we know we have enough resources? Whilst we are doing all this, please have us in mind that we need dams and I once suggested to you Hon. Minister that why should we have boreholes instead of using the current dams that we have and connect our water pipes. It is a dry region, we travel a long distance to fetch water and here you are saying you want to drill boreholes; we still walk a long distance to fetch water. As a Member representing my people from Matabeleland South, I am pleading with you Hon. Minister.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Senator, direct your question to me. Unfortunately you have finished, I wanted to say direct whatever you are saying to me.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: My apologies President of Senate. I am directing my question to you again. I will further emphasise that as people coming from Matabeleland South, we know that inasmuch as we cry out loud, we are the minority viewed as people who are always negative. However, I have people from my constituency or people from my province in mind. Please try to construct more dams so that we can practice smart farming. Dams that you will construct will not benefit horticulture only, but as Matabeleland, we are a region that is known for cattle ranching. We can see the gold that is being mined in Matabeleland benefiting people from Matabeleland South and not people from afar.
*HON. SEN CHINYANGA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity. I would like to applaud the Minister of Finance for a job well done. Some of the work that he is doing is so big, such as sourcing for funds that are meant to help the needy and also promoting the rural populace to get relief and be productive in agriculture. For some of us from Murewa, we are so proud of this move. Some people may not see the importance of this move because they live in urban areas and to them this loan does not mean anything, but it is very significant to the rural populace.
I support this loan. There is no amount of money that is too small, any amount can work. Even if you are given 5 ZiG today, it will be very helpful. For horticulture, we do not need a lot of money like what you are thinking. It is a lot of money, we can use this money efficiently and ask them to give us some more if we were allowed to pay well in advance, we would work out to clear it.
One other thing that I want to refer to Hon. Minister is that horticulture must be supported by laws that block horticulture imports. In some countries, we realise that if you import goods that are produced or grown in that country, you are charged exorbitant duty. Right now, we realise that apples and tomatoes are usually imported, but sometimes they give us rejects. So, I feel that if you give a lot of loans not only on vegetables and other products that are consumed, I appeal to you to impose heavy duty on them for this amount of money. Some of us who have small businesses, if you approach a bank for a loan, they will tell you that there is a loan facility for women which has a very small interest. You will run to look for such a loan; that is what we expect from the Minister of Finance; looking around for cheap money or loans that have very favourable conditions. So for some of us, we expect that and to me, I appeal that we help each other to support this loan sourced by the Minister of Finance. I thank you.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to appreciate the fact that our Government still brings these loans before Parliament. I know that it is a formality but when it is done, we must appreciate it because it appreciates the importance of our institutions and our oversight function so that whatever agreement that the President signs, is fully debated and ventilated in this House.
Mr. President, I rise today to express my deep concerns in opposition to the loan agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and the International Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD. I acknowledge the importance of agriculture in our country’s economy Mr. President. However, I believe this loan at this time is a grave mistake that will only exacerbate our country’s already dire financial situation. As we all know, Zimbabwe is currently facing a significant external debt burden, I know arguments have been advanced that it is a colonial legacy. I will address that as I move on below.
However, our country’s debt has grown to unsustainable levels and we are struggling to service our debt obligations. Indeed, our Government is currently undertaking some structured negotiations platform (SDP) in order to deal with these gigantic issues. The World Bank estimates that our debt to GDP ratio is currently over 80%, making it one of the highest in the world. This is a ticking time bomb that could lead to a debt crisis if not addressed.
In this contest, it is imperative that we prioritise our spending and focus on reducing our debt burden rather than taking on a new debt. The loan agreement before us today proposes to add USD37, 14 million to our national debt. It does not matter where it is coming from, how concessional it is. At the end of the day, it is adding this amount to our national debt, which is a staggering amount considering our country`s current financial situation. However, it is not just the amount of the debt that concerns me. It is also the fact that the loan is being taken at a time when our country is facing significant financial challenges. We are struggling to generate revenue and our economy is in need of structural reform. Taking on a new debt without a clear plan for how we will repay it or how it will benefit the economy is reckless and irresponsible in our submission.
Furthermore, I am concerned that this loan will not address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity in our country. It is sad if we simply perpetuate a cycle of dependents on foreign aid and handouts. We need to focus on developing sustainable solutions and promote self-reliance and economic growth. I urge my colleagues to consider the bigger picture to prioritise our nation`s needs over this loan with responsibility to ensure that our resources are effectively and efficiently used to address the most pressing challenges facing our country. Zimbabwe`s external debt, as I have already said, is unsustainable and taking on a new debt will exacerbate this problem.
There is no clear plan in this agreement. I have talked about the cycle of dependency and other things that I am concerned about. However, as we consider this loan, I am reminded of the consequences that come with taking on debt and I believe this is a step in the wrong direction. Firstly, I would like to highlight - in fact I have already talked about this GDP that it is very high. Just to address, I appreciate the concerns expressed by my colleague, Hon. Sen. Mutsvangwa. However, I would like to counter the argument that this loan is as if it is free and concessional, whilst it is true that the loan is from a UN agency, we must not forget that the agency is still a lender and the loan will still add to our national debt.
Moreover, we must consider the opportunity cost of taking this loan. What other projects could we have funded through perhaps another loan to fund other priorities. What other benefits could we have achieved for our people. We must think about the long-term consequences of taking this loan and whether it is truly in the best interest of our nation. Regarding the argument that our external debt is a colonial legacy, I agree that our country`s debt burden is indeed a legacy of colonialism. However, we cannot use this as an excuse to continue accumulating this debt without a clear plan for how we are going to repay it. Let us take responsibility for our own financial decisions and prioritise accordingly.
Regarding the argument that our Government has managed loans well in the past, I agree that our Government has made these efforts to manage its debt effectively. However, we cannot assume that this will continue to be the case. We must be cautious and vigilant with our financial decisions and not take on new debts without a clear plan. Furthermore, we must consider the risk associated with the loan. What if the project does not yield expected results? What if it is not used effectively? What if it creates more problems than it solves? You must think about these risks whether they are worth taking or not.
In conclusion we appreciate the argument presented by our colleagues and I believe that we must exercise conscience and prudence in our financial decision. As I conclude, I am reminded that I will be 87 years old by the time this loan comes to a conclusion, which is 40 years from now. What worries me is that I do not see in the detail of the argument, what lasting structural benefits that I am going to see when I am 87 years old. I do not think even the impact on the climate change is going to be such that it will be noticeable when I am 87 years old. I urge my fellow Senators to reject this loan agreement and instead focus on developing sustainable solutions that promote economic growth and development in Zimbabwe. We cannot take on new debt without a clear plan, I reiterate. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to make responsible financial decisions that put interest of our nation first. Thank you.
HON. SEN. D. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President, I do not have much to say except to emphasise the importance of this loan, more so coming from a specialised unit or agency of the United Nations. The International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) has been supporting Zimbabwe for a while. In this case, it has been supporting us because of the thrust of the new dispensation in terms of setting up agricultural hubs in rural areas at village levels - 35 000 boreholes which are on course to be drilled throughout the country.
This loan speaks on issues of nutrition at the lowest tier of our people. It talks of issues of empowerment and security. These issues are emphasised by IFAD in terms of fighting hunger and poverty. It is important for us as Senators representing rural areas that we should all join hands to support this loan, Government and all the issues as articulated by the Minister of Finance.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): I would like to thank Hon. Members for their contributions which are very illuminating and passionate as well.
Let me start by the contributions made by Hon. Sen. Gotora who was very supportive of this loan because it will boost rural development through the horticulture subsector. The grace period of 10 years is good, of which we do not have to outlay anything during this period. In fact, we will be building capacity to begin repaying the principal from year 11 onwards. The terms of the loan are very attractive. First of all, it is a long tenure loan of 40 years. We have stretched out the tenure so that we can reduce the amount we have to pay during the tenure of the loan. It is a strategy that we normally use in debt restructuring. The loan has zero interest and this is really a good thing.
By the way, there are not too many institutions that are willing to give Zimbabwe loans at a national level – they are very few because of our arrears situation. To get one organisation in the name of IFAD giving us a loan is something that should be applauded. It is only USD37.15 million and is not a lot in terms of our debt levels. This loan can transform people’s lives. It is a small amount compared to our national debt, but the impact for our citizens in our rural areas is enormous. It is transformative. I really agree with what Hon. Senator Gotora attributed.
I now turn to Hon. Senator Mupfumira who made similar contributions as the previous speaker Hon. Senator Gotora, that this will improve nutritional gardens programme in the rural areas, improve productivity, nutrition security and water security, especially where we end up drilling solar boreholes and this is appreciated in terms of support. She did mention that we need to make sure that there is proper targeting and those who ought to be beneficiaries become beneficiaries and we will do so. I must say that in doing the scoping of the enactment of the programme, we are working with IFAD; they are not leaving us alone to operate and implement this programme. We are working and planning with them. We are also monitoring with them and we will produce reports. I will be happy to even produce a report for the previous programme of 2021 and table it before this House in the next couple of weeks so that you can see that there is proper targeting and monitoring of these resources.
I now turn to Hon. Senator Zvidzai who basically mentioned that it is important that we must empower Zimbabweans at the base or rural level. He also mentioned that this loan is being borrowed for consumption purposes – that is not the case. This is actually a loan for investment purposes when we are investing in rural boreholes – that is an investment, that is not just consumption. Of course, we can consume the water that keep our lives and it is an investment in your body but more importantly, we are investing it so that we can water our nutritional gardens and improve rural incomes and create that capacity to pay back what we owe. This is a concessional loan, zero interest for investment and production purposes.
He also mentioned that we have sizeable quantity of resources, why not use our local resources and not borrow. I do not know whether we have enough local resources. Maybe he has worked it out, I do not think we do. We should borrow, especially concessionary borrowing. It is a tough year – we have a drought or climate stroke situation. If someone out there is willing to support us so that we can spread our resources into other areas and it is a concessional loan after all, surely, we should accept it and that is what I have come here to request us to do. It is not a normal year. It is not business as usual. Besides, it is a small loan in the scheme of things, but the impact on our citizens is huge.
Currently our debt is above 18 billion, we would want to get a loan for USD37.15 million over a 40-year period. If we look at our debt to GDP ratio, on a conservative GDP figure on consumption basis of 35 billion – that GDP ratio is 54%, which is below the constitutional 70% threshold and also below the 60% threshold that is set by SADC. We are beating both hurdles in terms of debt levels. If you use the 47 billion which is a purchasing power parity measurement of our GDP, that debt to GDP ratio drops to 40% of GDP and again well below the 70% statutory GDP level. Hon. Senator Zvidzai should not be too concerned, he should sleep well that we are managing things within the limits that we have set in this country’s Parliament.
How were previous loans used, was there transparency? Yes, there is transparency and joint implementation of these loans between the Government and IFAD. I will be more than happy to table a report on the use of the previous loans and I will be tabling reports on the use of this loan as well.
+Let us also look at what was said by Hon. Ndlovu. He said that he is glad that we are sourcing this loan which is targeted to four provinces that I mentioned. These are the provinces that are facing the adverse effects of drought. There is loss of livestock because of the drought. We are going to sink boreholes in order to assist villagers so that they have gardens. They are going to get support from Government. Their livelihoods are going to be improved, school going children will be able to go to school as a result of the development which we anticipate to happen in the communities. I thank the Hon. Senator for his contribution.
The Hon. Senator praises the attractiveness of the loans and how they ought to be serviced but he was concerned that we may be adding to the debt burden. I have already tried to address this matter and really my answer is, look, it is a small amount in terms of addition to the debt burden. Only US$37.15 million and in terms of the levels of GDP, if you are conservative, the debt GDP figure is only 54% and if you are really truthful, the debt GDP figure is only about 40%. It is way, way below our threshold of 70% for our Constitution or 60% as set by SADC. You also asked about what measures have we put in place to manage this loan responsibly. Well, we are working with IFAD, we always do joint management with IFAD, in managing these loans. Obviously, the Ministry of Agriculture is the interested party but in terms of monitoring, we do joint monitoring. I am happy again to submit a report on how well this is going.
I now turn to the contribution by Hon. Senator Zindi, again she was very happy with the loan and this programme that we are embarking on but wanted us to be clear that we are going to target carefully to the real beneficiaries, to the needy who need to be supported. I can assure her that this is exactly what we will do in investing in water provision, water equipment and other forms of support but her summation that there is need to provide appropriate extension services and expertise to our citizens who will be benefitting from this loan; I agree with her. We will do that and the Ministry of Agriculture will ensure that expert advice is provided to the farmers so that they can increase their yield and improve their livelihoods.
She also mentioned the importance of making sure that the farmers have access to local market. Again, I agree with that. We will do that to make sure that the produce is not wasted and ends up rotting because access to market is difficult, transportation aggregation centres do not exist and all of that. We will make sure that this is done. After all, we will not be successful if farmers cannot access the market and therefore realise the income that they ought to realise in the first place and then we spend time importing cabbage, potatoes, onions and so forth from across. I was shocked to see onions being imported. I agree with her and we are going to deal with this matter so that our own citizens, from these programmes, are able to access the market and grow their incomes and improve the self sufficiency of this economy and country.
I now turn to Hon. Senator Moyo, who mentioned that to access $18 million and higher, he was not comfortable with this loan. I must say that I have already dealt with this by saying that as a small addition to the debt, US$37.15 million is a small addition, this will not impact our debt levels much. Our debt levels are already below the threshold of 70% or 60%. You need not to worry too much about the size of the debt. What he should welcome is the fact that this US$D37.15 million will change the lives of people in the selected provinces. I know that Hon. Senator Moyo is from Plumtree, which is in Matabeleland South, which is one of the beneficiary provinces. I can assure him that it will change lives of the people in Plumtree.
I now turn to Hon. Senator Mutsvangwa, and thank him for his eloquence in making it clear that after all, IFAD is a UN organisation, which is supported by some of the largest and most powerful economies and nations in the world. The fact that they have been able; they have seen it fit that Zimbabwe should benefit from their support, we should welcome that and feel that we are reentering the global economy again, we will become more credible globally; indeed engagement and re-engagement is beginning to work.
Hon. President, this was clear from his presentation but also what was clear was the fact that IFAD focusses on rural economies. They want to develop rural economies, which is where we all came from. We know that we have a rural and urban divide and we seek to close this divide. Therefore, it is important that we should continue to source resources that will support us to develop our rural areas and the IFAD loan is one such financial support which we should all welcome.
Also, what gave us comfort from his presentation is the fact that he highlighted the growth of this economy. The economy has grown quite substantially in the last six years and it has attracted foreign investment, which is risk capital. Therefore, it should have a bigger capacity to repay any debt that it contracts from well-wishers out there. This is one such debt, which is quite small. Surely, we should not have a problem at all in paying off these debts from all the benefits we are getting from investment in lithium, the Manhize project just to mention a few. I agree with him fully that our capacity to repay is going to improve. Afterall, in the next ten years, we are not going to be paying anything. So, really what is our problem? The point is that our capacity to repay has been expanded. The issue about the arrears carrieg issues – this is about arrears that are from old loans. All the new loans are being serviced timeously, really we should take comfort from that input and welcome this loan.
I now turn to Hon. Senator Mbohwa, who again expressed happiness with the loan. She was very eloquent in her presentation that as a country, we do not have too many options out there. The fact that there is this one organisation IFAD, that has seen it fit to support Zimbabwe during a very difficult year of drought and targeting our rural citizens, this we should welcome. That is her first point and really that we should support this loan and we should be able to service it without difficulties. Our economy is growing and this is evidence that Zimbabwe is back on the international arena and is ready again to take its rightful position as the breadbasket of the region. This loan will contribute to attainment of that status.
Let me go to Hon. Senator Mlotshwa from Matabeleland South. The Hon. Senator said that we are all owners of Zimbabwe. Indeed, it is true, we all own Zimbabwe together. The Hon. Senator said that she sees it fit that she needs to understand what the Hon. Minister is presenting and also she said there is no need for sinking boreholes but nothing bad in sinking boreholes and constructing dams only. When you look at what is happening in Bulilimamangwe, you would find this was the first nutritional garden which was launched by His Excellency President E. D Mnangagwa. We hope the Hon. Senator was there but if the Hon. Senator was not there, I want to urge the Senator to go to Bulilimamangwe and see. After seeing, then the Hon. Senator will be able to determine whether it is a good or a bad thing to have boreholes. On the same note, dams can be constructed. You would note that there is Thuli Manyange Dam which is a Government initiative. The funding might not be enough Mr. President Sir, but we are doing our best to complete that dam and also to complete the Gwai- Shangani Dam which is going to augment the supplies of water for Bulawayo. This will contribute to mobile water supplies to Bulawayo because the dams supply Bulawayo City, from Matabeleland South. When that happens, then these dams will benefit the people of Matabeleland South.
That is the Government plan and the dams which are found in Matabeleland South are going to increase. We are talking about Matopo Dam then the Gwai-Shangani Dam will be completed. We also have a green belt along the pipeline down to Bulawayo. There is another dam in Nkayi and I am sure you have heard about that dam. Then looking into the future, the Hon. Senator should consider and I believe that the Hon. Senator is going to appreciate the good work that is happening. The plans that are there are indeed working.
The Hon. Senator also spoke about gold mines and said that it is not clear how the communities are benefiting from gold mining in their areas. So, I made a request that gold mining companies should set aside 1% of their income towards community development in terms of construction of schools, dams and other community projects. I agree with the Hon. Senator indeed that what she is saying is already happening. Government is doing that. We also said that; Hon. Senator Chris Mutsvangwa spoke about investments in lithium and Government has said that those who are mining lithium should beneficiate that lithium in terms of value adding it so that it benefits the nation. This will contribute towards the fiscus. Mr. President Sir, if the Hon. Senator looks at the programmes that Government has in place, the Hon. Senator will indeed appreciate the good programmes which will improve the lives of our citizens.
Hon. Senator Chinyanga also mentioned that we should support the access to market for the producer so that they get their goods to the market. We should really curtail imports through punitive duties. I also agree with this because if our own citizens can supply competitively to our markets, why should we allow imports of onion to come into the country? Surely, this is very wise counselling indeed from Hon. Senator Chinyanga.
I now turn to Hon. Senator Phulu who expressed deep concerns about us contracting this loan as a country. He is concerned about the level of its burden but again Mr. President, I want to assure you that we need not worry too much as we are within the limits of the 60% or 70% in terms of our debt. It is a small amount of debt that we are contracting at very attractive terms and that will not add too much to our debt, but it will change the people’s lives. I can assure you that we conducted the necessary debt sustainability analysis before we arrived at the decision to put this before this august House. We have done all that and we feel that we are able to service it without difficulty.
I now turn to Senator Khumalo from Tsholotsho who welcomed the loan as an intervention in the horticulture sector. A critical sector indeed and we need to proceed with approving this loan, which is aimed at improving productivity in our rural areas in the horticulture sector. However, he be-mourned the fact that Matabeleland North was not included, but I tried to make it clear that the way IFAD has seen this - they have seen basically the 2021 loan and the 2024 loan as one although disbursed three years apart. In 2021, Matabeleland North benefited but not this time around. If you take the two loans together, every province will benefit. All the provinces are included, so maybe what we could do for his comfort is, when we submit the report, just check how those provinces that have benefited before have been positively impacted by this loan or that in future as we programme, we can then fine tune the targeting aspect.
I now turn to Hon. Senator Mackenzie Ncube who has been very supportive of the loan as it will transform people’s lives and set up growth hubs in our rural areas to fight hunger and poverty. He was very supportive. I thank you Sir and I thank all Members of Senate for their contributions. Mr. President Sir, I therefore move that this loan be approved by Senate.
Motion put and agreed to.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Senators for the extra effort and all the contributions that have been made. I am quite happy that the Hon. Minister has taken on board all the contributions that have been made by almost everyone. I also want to particularly thank you all for the extra day in office. We were supposed to have gone to our constituencies yesterday but because of circumstances, that could not allow us to do that. I want to say thank you very much for the effort and I want to thank the Minister for bringing the protocol and for all the effort that you have put in.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE), the Senate adjourned at Thirteen Minutes to Twelve O’ Clock a.m. until Tuesday, 21st May, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 16th May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have the following announcement, but
before I announce, what is happening Acting Chief Whips, there are too many gaps that side or some Members went for some function?
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. Most of our Members have gone for Public Hearings.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Oooh they have Public Hearings. Is this on the Death Penalty Bill?
HON. KAMBUZUMA: The Disability and as well as Health.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is fine. I hope that applies to both sides? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - You were not excluded in the Committees, what are you talking about? I have one announcement.
INVITATION TO JOIN APNODE
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House of the existence of the African Parliamentarians Network on Development Evaluation (APNODE). This is a continental body that has been in existence for 10 years and Zimbabwe has been a member of the network for the past nine years. Some of the objectives of APNODE are: (1) To sensitise national Parliaments and parliamentarians about the importance of evaluation for oversite policy and decision making; (2) to enhance the capacity on parliamentarians to demand and utilise evaluation evidence in their parliamentary duties; (3) to share experiences across Africa and beyond.
Honorable Members interested in joining the network should register their names with Mr. C. Ratsakatika in Office Number 335.
Before I go to notices of motions, I have got a request for a statement on a point of national interest. The first one is Hon. Mamombe.
HON. MAMOMBE: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Good afternoon.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you very much. Hon. Speaker Sir. Zimbabwe, in 2013, enacted a new Constitution which entrenched Environmental Rights in Section 73,’every person has the right to have the environment that is protected for the benefit of the present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution, promote conservation and secure ecological sustainable development and use of natural resources.
Now, Hon. Speaker Sir, on Tuesday, Cabinet approved a proposed plan to construct a multi-purpose stadium in Victoria Falls. Hon. Speaker, Victoria Falls is renowned for its natural environment and wildlife. Our tourism industry is heavily reliant on nature-based attractions. Zimbabwe is the third largest country in terms of wildlife resources, that is, rhinos, elephants and so forth. Why do we recognise the importance of infrastructure development Hon. Speaker?
It is its potential to attract more tourists. We cannot achieve without disrupting our biodiversity. There are many other cities in Zimbabwe that could host the stadium that has been proposed thereby distributing the economic benefits without sacrificing the environmental integrity. If tourists Hon. Speaker, can travel from South Africa to come and visit Victoria Falls, I am sure they can do the same to travel from other cities to go and visit Victoria Falls. UNESCO heritage status is also at risk as we note that Victoria Falls was previously facing serious risks of loosing the UNESCO world heritage due to the developments that threaten its natural state.
Hon. Speaker, instead, we should explore alternative locations that do not compromise our valuable natural resources and conservation efforts. I, therefore, pray that the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality together with the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture bring a Ministerial Statement to elaborate on this plan to this august House. Ngatisarasai chiri mumawoko nekuda kuwombera Hon. Speaker Sir. I thank you. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Your concern Hon. Member, in terms of protection of the environment, is noted. However, there is a master plan that is going to take care of that eventuality and also, if you may recall, the Environmental Impact Assessment will be made before any such infrastructural development takes place.
It is my hope that the concern you are raising will indeed be given due respect. Do not forget that Victoria Falls, in terms of its master plan, has accommodated the flora and fauna of Hwange National Park which is adjacent to the boundary of the city. So, I think your concerns will be taken care of and it may not be necessary to ask for a Ministerial Statement.
Hon. Tsvangirai not having responded to the Hon. Speaker’s recognition.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Chief Whip from my left, please next time be organised.
HON. B. JAMES: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My point of national interest regards ZESA tariffs. Ministry of Finance converted all our bank accounts from the old currency to the new ZiG at a rate of roughly 2 498. However, ZESA have used a rate of approximately 1245 to the ZiG, in fact doubling everyone’s electricity cost. Could I ask the Minister to put his investigation unit on to ZESA to rectify this error? I would like to quote from an MP yesterday who said what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Chief Whip, can you make sure that the message is transmitted to the Ministry of Energy so that they can investigate the issue.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR THE LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE AND THE INTERNATIONAL
FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) FOR
HORTICULTURE ENTERPRISE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
(HEEP)
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to give a motivation for the approval by Parliament of a loan between the Government of Zimbabwe and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). According to Zimbabwe’s Economic Development Blue Print, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), 2021 to 2025. Government prioritised the recovery of the agricultural sector which is a key enabler to the country’s economic growth.
The Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP) increases agriculture production and productivity, especially by horticultural farmers, which enhances food and nutrition security, income, increased opportunities for value addition and the development of agro-business value chains. To this end, Government secured a US$37 140 000.00 (Thirty Seven Million, One Hundred and Forty Thousand United States Dollars) loan from IFAD to enhance horticulture production and productivity. The Project is being co-financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC).
The Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project
The objective of HEEP is support increased and sustainable horticultural production and sales by smallholder farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in horticulture value chains.
The Project shall benefit poor smallholder farmers, who will be organised in Agricultural Producer Groups (APGs) in Village Horticulture Gardens (VHGs) and Agricultural Producer Groups in 4Ps linked to anchor firms. The Project will be located in four (4) provinces: Matebeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland for the Village Horticulture Gardens (VHGs) and for the 4Ps, the project will be located in well-functioning irrigation schemes throughout the ten provinces of the country, in particular in the high potential regions of Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland province. The project will support the following components;
Component 1: Village horticulture garden and the 4Ps, mobilisation and development,
Component 2: Access to finance.
Component 3: Institutional support and project coordination.
The condition for drawing down on this loan is ratification by Parliament, Mr. Speaker Sir. In terms of interest, this is really a zero-interest loan arrangement. In terms of service fee, this shall be determined by the fund at the date of the approval of the load by the Farms Executive Board. In terms of repayment of the principal, the principal of the loan will be paid at 4.5% of the total principal of $1.6713 million per annum for the year 11 to year 30 and 1% of the total principal which is USD371 400.00 per annum for the years 31 to 40.
The total tenure for the loan is 40 years, there is a grace period, the first ten years where we will not be paying anything, we then begin payment in year 11 Mr. Speaker Sir. In terms of modalities, the repayment of the principal shall be made obviously from the National Budget.
What are the expected benefits from the project? Agriculture is one of the economic pillars of Zimbabwe and the support for small holder farms will go a long way in achieving the thrust of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) of food security. The implementation of the project will result in the following benefits;
- Employment creation for the local communities;
- Capacity building for local communities;
- Climate-smart agriculture and easy market access;
- Improved food nutrition and security;
- Increased household incomes;
- Improved resilience to climate change effects and economic shocks, and
- Increased production and productivity.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. DR. MUTODI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Good afternoon. I would like to put my voice on this request by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion with regards to the loan extended to the country by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), for agricultural purposes.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Minister noted that there are provinces such as Matebeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland which are going to benefit from this particular loan. He has particularly stated that these provinces had not benefited from other provisions earlier on. From what I have understood Mr. Speaker Sir, the loan is going to finance irrigation facilities, it is also going to work as seed money for horticulture activities. It is also going to finance the whole of the value chain including the construction of infrastructure and the provision of even motor vehicles to support the programme.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I support this loan facility for several reasons. One of them being that it is aimed at creating employment in the communities that are concerned. There is currently high level of unemployment in this country and any loan or any facility that promotes the creation of employment should be applauded by all of us as Members of Parliament.
There has also been high rural-urban migration because our youths have been leaving rural areas to seek employment in urban areas, thereby congesting the urban facilities. This loan is going to create economic activity in the rural areas of the concerned provinces. It is my belief that this will reduce the level of rural-urban migration and the problem that has been associated with such trend of migration.
The employment creation in the rural areas of the provinces will increase per capita incomes of the concerned beneficiaries and this will have a long effect on the quality of life and standard of living in those areas. The loan is also going to reduce poverty, we have seen high levels of poverty in most rural areas with most people being unable to make ends meet, especially to provide food on their tables. Such a loan is going to help us in the poverty eradication endeavors.
The country has also witnessed a consistent El nino induced drought and the panacea to the problem that has been created by the El nino induced drought is for the country to pursue irrigation farming. Since this loan is going to promote irrigation farming, it is therefore going to be a master stroke against the problems that have been associated with El nino drought.
There has also been a high cost of capital Mr. Speaker, currently obtaining in the country and that high cost of capital especially for agricultural activities does not support the rapid economic growth that we intend to achieve. Currently, agriculture is not supported by our local banks because they also do not have the money and where it is supported the interest rates have been very high.
Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy and as such, such a loan is going to actually ensure that the main activity in our economy, which is agriculture, is supported and given the low interest associated with the loan, it is going to support the fast economic growth that we intend to achieve.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I also like the long-term feature that is associated with the loan, 40 years is a long period. It will allow ample time for the recipients of the loan to harvest income, to get profits and also be able to change their lives. Since the repayment is going to be done from the fiscus, it has no burden on the smallholder farmers and this is too generous of IFAD, this is also too generous for the Government of His Excellency, President E. D Mnangagwa and we want to applaud such kind of generosity.
Mr. Speaker Sir, you also remember that our country was slapped with sanctions for the past two decades and a friendly gesture by IFAD is more than welcome as we have not been able to borrow or to get assistance from the International Monetary Fund and other International Finance Corporations. The loan therefore goes in line with President E. D. Mnangagwa’s upper middle-income economy by 2030, that aspiration for us to have upper middle-income economy by 2030 and I would want to actually welcome this development as one of those landmarks that are going to enable us to achieve the upper middle-income economy. However, I would want to urge the Minister of Finance to ensure that there is transparency in the distribution of the loan to beneficiaries. There should also be accountability through keeping of records and allowing audits to be applied where necessary and at the appropriate time. There is also need to create a sustained long-term funding for the smallholder farmers through utilising some of the funds as a revolving fund so that the horticultural business and its benefits that come with it continue to be experienced even when the loan facility is no longer provided. I thank you.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I want to applaud the Hon. Minister for bringing the motion on the adoption of the loan which is to the tune of at least USD37 million. I think this loan is in line with the provisions that are set out in Vision 2030. In Vision 2030, if we look at the pillars, we have macro-economic stability and financial re-engagement. We have infrastructure development and social protection, looking at these pillars which are covered under the NDS1, we have food security and food security is very critical. What we have been lacking in the rural areas is financing.
In the rural areas we have the water, land and the weather, but we do not have the financing. I think this loan is coming at a critical time when we are moving Vision 2030 forward. I also look at the contribution of agriculture and mining to employment and we have seen that agriculture is one of the leading sectors when it comes to employment creation. This loan is going to assist us with regards to employment generation. The President is also pushing the agenda for rural industrialisation where we are looking at taking the rural areas as development nodes.
We have our growth points that are sprouting all over, and those growth points can leverage the development on agriculture and I think this loan will also go a long way in promoting rural development. The migration of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of opportunities; this can also reverse the trend from rural to urban and change it from urban to rural. This is because opportunities are now abound in the rural areas and I think this loan will also go a long way in promoting urban to rural migration.
The horticulture policy; we have seen that when we got funds under the IMF SDR Fundprogramme, there is a programme that was set on the promotion of horticulture and I think this USD37 million loan will go a long way in promoting horticulture. This should also be complemented with the policy to export, especially to our neighbouring countries like DRC that are in search of agriculture products from Zimbabwe.
Hon. Speaker, the Hon. Minister mentioned the IFAD loan that passed through Parliament and I think it is important for us to say whenever we get a loan, we also get a report in terms of its performance. We approved the IFAD loan here in Parliament and the loan was having more or less the same conditions. I think it is important for the Minister later on, to also give us a report in terms of the performance of that loan that was looking at clusters for small holder irrigation farmers.
As I conclude, I want to touch a bit on the loan conditions. Whenever we look at the loan conditions, it is critical that we abide by the Constitution. We have limits in terms of what is supposed to be borrowed and looking at us not mortgaging future generations. I have seen that the repayment may start from the eleventh year and one would also want to critically look to say through the eleventh year, how many loans do we have that are going to be repaid from the eleventh year?
So, it is critical that we also analyse to get enough information in terms of what we are likely to be paying from that time going forward. I am saying this because we do not want to mortgage future generations. Otherwise, the loan agreement is quite in order and it is in line with our aspirations in Vision 2030, NDS1. In addition, it is moving our agenda of rural industrialisation. I submit.
HON. M. C. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Good afternoon. I fully understand and appreciate the benefits of the loan as presented by the Minister and I also understand that it entails to support agriculture, which is an economic pillar of this country. I however have some reservations in terms of the conditions of the loan that it would be paid from year eleven to year forty when none of us here would be still alive. I think nations are usually applauded for investing big for their future generations and to burden other generations with some loans might be a challenge like Hon. Chiduwa has also indicated. The other challenge that I have is on the distribution of the fund like has been indicated.
May you allow me to quote the Bible in Deut1: 37, which says, ‘whoever has will be given more and whoever does not have will have that little taken away from him’. This I want to say, I was expecting the loan to be distributed equally, particularly to our areas which are usually marginalised as far as agriculture is concerned. May I therefore conclude by saying, I am tempted to object the loan to be taken now. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.
HON. MUKOMBERI: Thank you Mr. Speaker for the opportunity granted to have this time to support the proposal for Zimbabwe to be extended such a loan facility with friendly terms. First and foremost, I would like to bring to the House the fact that Zimbabwe as an economy; its growth is based on industry such as agriculture being the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy. It implies that given the El nino induced drought, there is need for Zimbabwe to invest more in horticultural activities that will support agriculture undertaken from natural rains. It is clear from the proposal by the Minister that the loan facility has a tenure of 40 years. It has 10-year grace period before the country repays a cent. What it means is that the economy will have ample time to invest and recoup its initial investment from this investment before making any repayment.
It means the returns from production from year zero to the 10th year will be reinvested for economic growth before any leakage through repayment of loans. Given such a condition, not only does this funding support agriculture industry and supplementing food production per se, but it will go a long way in boosting national income through the multiplier effect as the initial investment will be injected today with returns tomorrow that will be invested to bring more returns before repayment of loan.
Supporting value chain means a greater degree of economic growth shifting Zimbabwe’s production frontier outwards with resultant economic development measured in terms of improved living standards through employment creation, improved food supply and improved health through supporting nutritional gardens in the horticulture industry and associated value addition.
Zimbabwe needs to reclaim its breadbasket of Africa status where neighbouring countries depend on Zimbabwe for food supply. This will strengthen the relations of Zimbabwe and its neighbouring friends. Given that there will be efficient utilisation of the funding, there is great potential of Zimbabwe as an economy to close the gap between food demand and supply that is currently the situation. Given the El nino induced drought, there is a disparity between food demand and supply in Zimbabwe. It is therefore a welcome initiative by the Treasury or Government to source an external funding given that we do not have enough funds to supplement agricultural production through funding horticulture, given the economic circumstances we are facing. It implies that the external funding shall be an injection that will generate resources locally for 10 years without pocketing out any cent towards repayment of such.
I therefore want to support the adoption of this move by the Government so as to support the economic growth in Zimbabwe towards the achievement of vision 2030 where we are meeting the pillars of the National Development Strategy towards vision 2030 of food security and moving an upper income economy up the value chain towards an upper income economy.
*HON. NHARI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to add my voice to this motion for such an opportunity which has come to us as a nation, particularly looking at how those living in the rural areas will benefit from irrigation schemes. Irrigation schemes are quite beneficial because if we engage in these, then we can go to other countries and sell our products and get foreign currency. We need this loan because it is good for economic development in Zimbabwe. When we embark on this especially in rural areas, you will find that women and the youth will have the opportunity to participate in irrigation projects so that they support their families.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: I want to add my voice to this important issue which relates to a loan which the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Finance and IFAD to get a loan to the tune of 37 140 000 Million to support agriculture through the horticultural enterprise enhancement projects and to support the agricultural production or agriculture particularly the rural areas. This is a very important decision by the Minister in that, to be honest, in terms of productivity, we have got the land resources but what we do not have is capital. I think under the circumstances, this would also support the poor people of our society – [HON. MEMBERS. Hear, hear.] -
However, it is important to understand the basic tenets around the issues of the loan before we support this initiative. If allowed, maybe you might want to hear from the Minister before we give our final verdict on it but I am going to raise my issues right here.
The fundamental role of Parliament is to make laws and also to protect such laws. The Public Debt Management Act Section 11 provides limits on state borrowings. An Act of Parliament indicates that Zimbabwe should borrow up to the tune of 70% of our Gross Domestic Product. What is the Gross Domestic Product? The Gross Domestic Product represents the total value of goods that are produced in a particular country in a year. What we borrow must not exceed 70% of what we produce. That is the position of law. However, the law provides a situation whereby we can exceed the limit but only on outstanding circumstances. What is those Mr. Speaker? The outstanding circumstances are when there is an occurrence of a national disaster, then there is no way. There is COVID-19, we have to spend our way out, we can borrow when there is need for exceptional expenditure, not only on national disaster but also on drought, on account of a large capital project which Cabinet seems prudent.
If you look at these conditions Mr. Speaker Sir, as of September 2023, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion brought his 2024 national budget and on paragraph 97 of that budget, the Minister indicated that the debt to GDB ratio for Zimbabwe was 81.3%. That was 11.3% above the stipulated rate of 70% according to our Constitution. So will further borrowing not worsen our situation Hon. Speaker? That is where the idea of mortgaging the future generations comes in because we are saying whatever you produce, 80% of that is debt. Are we not going to put ourselves in a vicious cycle of debt? As a nation, can we prosper under the circumstances?
Section 13 (2) (d) of the Public Debt Management Act stipulates that the Minister should seek approval from the Attorney-General in terms of the legalities. I thought as Parliament, we were supposed to be favoured with that report from the Attorney-General, whether the loan was up to date in terms of its legal aspect.
Lastly Mr. Speaker, the loan is going to be repaid over 40 years, starting from the 11th year after a grace period of 10 years. So my question is; if you look from the figures given by the Minister from year 11 to year 29, the total interest repayments amount to 48 million, only for year 11 to 29 without looking at the year 30 to 40. Yes, the interest payments are paid over time, but look at what we are losing. Is this deal a good deal for Zimbabwe?
Lastly Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to highlight that Zimbabwe has borrowed before, but there is nothing to show for it. Our debt now, Mr. Speaker, is just about US$80 billion. Actually, we are already in debt distress. Are we going to succeed as a country if we continuously borrow? Can we fund ourselves? Yes, it is so painful, it is so hard, but can we fund ourselves so that we do not consciously entangle ourselves to the vicious cycle of poverty through debt? If this debt sails through, what assurance do we have to the effect that this money is going to be benefiting everyone, the intended beneficiaries? Zimbabwe is losing around US$2 billion every year as a result of corruption. These are facts that have been given on public fora. So are we sure that this amount will go to the intended beneficiaries Mr. Speaker? Thank you very much. I submit.
HON. DHLIWAYO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for allowing me to add my voice to this motion raised by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
I would want this august House to understand that for any country, not only Zimbabwe, to realise positive economic growth, it is critical to attract investment spending and one essential element of investment spending is access to credit lines. This is not unique to Zimbabwe. Even the United States of America I think, have revised their debt ceiling more than three times since the global financial crisis of 2008 when they saw that there was need to borrow so that they can activate their financial markets.
So it is in this regard that I would want to support our Hon. Minster for bringing this motion to the House because for the past, I think more than 20 years because of illegal financial sanctions, Zimbabwe has been failing to access international credit lines from the IMF, ADB and from other countries yet despite those obstacles, our good leadership, especially the second dispensation, has managed to grow our GDB to more than 40 billion as supported by the IMF while our country’s debt simply stands at around 18 billion.
This implies that this borrowing will not even increase our total debt to something more than 50%. So I support that the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion must go ahead and borrow. Critical to our economy is to understand that we have a comparative advantage in agriculture, therefore agriculture must be supported and bringing this facility to support agriculture is actually a commendable thing to the Second Republic and the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
I want to applaud you Minster kumhanya mhanya kwamuri kuita Hon. Minister manyama kuti muwane financing dzamuri kuita idzi. Considering what America is doing to our country, it is difficult to get these credit lines, yet you can still afford to bring such a thing. So now considering that we have less than 12 hours for this offer to expire, I would not want to take more of your time, but I would rather request this House to expedite the process to approve this particular Bill so that it can be passed on to the Senate.
Let me conclude by saying Hon. Speaker Sir and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, this particular piece of loan facility extended to Zimbabwe is critical to the development of agricultural activity. Once we receive this facility Hon. Speaker, I would also want you to pay particular attention to macadamia processing plants. You know we have a lot of other buyers of macadamia in Zimbabwe who are not paying very good prices. So I think if we manage our own plants using part of this facility especially in Manicaland, that will go a long way in boosting our economic growth. Hon. Speaker Sir, I thank you.
HON. MATANGIRA: Supplementary. I want to add on to what the previous speaker has just said.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order! While it is good to have some humour, the humour must be properly directed. Hon. Member, if you would like to take the floor, you take the floor on your own stead instead of talking about a supplementary.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for the love of this country that you have just like our President Hon. Mnangagwa. If we all loved this country as you love it, this country would progress. I just wanted to add a few words to what the previous speaker said. I want to add my voice by saying that Zimbabwe and the world over, there is no farmer who farms using their own money but they use bank loans. For Zimbabwe to succeed, since the beginning of the land reform when the country was returned back to its original owners; this is the time where there were sanctions which affected agriculture and which were meant to hurt agricultural production.
However, Zimbabwe has been afforded an opportunity to have a loan which will benefit irrigation programmes because this is a good thing. Only those who have bad intentions resist a good thing. Some will be full, they do not care who is doing the farming, who is doing the irrigation. Hon. Speaker Sir, my view point as a farmer who benefited from the land reform just like everyone else, is that the most important thing is that land. I want to say that we need to continue with this, we want that loan because in English they say that, “with the seashores, we will not discover the myths of the of the oceans”
THE HON. SPEAKER: It is a quotation hey?
*HON. MATANGIRA: Indeed, it is a quotation Hon. Speaker. When you are given a good thing, you do not hurt the source, you do not resist a helping hand that wants to benefit you as an individual and the nation at large. Our farmers are not just farming for subsistence, but they are farming for the benefit of the nation. We are going to eat and we eat large portions of food without considering who did the farming. Some would say that those who were here were cooking and eating and what were you doing when they were doing that? Indeed, Mr. Speaker, if we request for those who want Sadza, you would find that those who are resisting would also be found in the queue.
Hon. Minister of Finance, we appreciate good job because no one was prepared to extend credit lines to Zimbabwe. This is not just a credit line but it is an investment. There is no loan which you are given and you are told to go and invest but a loan is one which you take and pay school fees, then a student will pay dividends after completing university. This is not just a loan but we are going to take a loan, farm and harvest then we pay back. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. We want the loan, let us take it. We are not taking it so that we waste it.
+HON. N. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. Speaker for this opportunity to add my own voice on this motion that has been put by the Minister of Finance.
The question of approval by Parliament to borrow some money, when looking at the drought this year, Mr. Speaker Sir, everyone is affected. This matter is there to get us out of this problem. Going through, I saw that this particular programme is for four provinces whereas we have ten provinces. Is the Ministry going to come again and make a request for an approval to cater for these other provinces which are not catered for in this one? My view is that everyone should benefit from this loan in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe which says that we have devolution of power to enable people to get the relevant resources in relevant provinces.
We should know who is going to receive the loan. We want loans that are going to be accounted for. We do not want to simply read papers, but we want the actual data as to who accessed the loan. I am of the view that if we get this loan, it should come to constituencies because constituencies have Member of Parliaments, we also have traditional leaders who will help in matters pertaining to the constituencies that we have received so much from the loan. So, we are going to allocate so much to this and so much to that, just like what we do with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Members of Parliament are going to acquire this loan, they should be the beneficiaries as well.
+THE HON. SPEAKER: I am listening.
+HON. N. NDLOVU: I thank you Hon. Speaker, I wanted this to sink. I thank you Sir. I will repeat Mr. Speaker Sir, so that it is understood. I was speaking about monitoring and evaluation. We heard that this loan is going to be paid back after 40 years, which means we are mortgaging our nation. We should be very careful, some of us will have perished without having benefited from these loans. We are all related here, we must all access these resources. It means we can also approach them so that we get something, we will not go hungry.
As the Minister has said, the Ministry will bring development even in rural areas, and hunger will be reduced. The Minister should ensure that these resources get to the intended people. This is our request Mr. Speaker Sir, we look forward that resources should be accessed by every Zimbabwean. If we simply borrow using the strength of Parliament, then it is not allocated to the intended people, we would have failed. I thank you.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for giving me this opportunity. The loan of US$37 million in question which the Hon. Minister requires this House to approve, I just want to start by stating these issues. Firstly, Zimbabwe is a member of SADC and we are signatory to the SADC Protocol that requires that we as a SADC country, our debt to GDP should not exceed 60%.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker Sir, our own laws states that we should not exceed our debt beyond the 70% GDP ratio. As we speak right now, our debt level is so huge such that it can actually be defined as unsustainable and this is the reason President Chissano and Dr. Dessina are part of the high-level debt restructuring process to try to see how …
HON. MATANGIRA: My point of order is in a normal situation; the ratios and percentages being said by the Hon. Member are applicable. In a situation of sanctions that Zimbabwe is in at the moment, the ratios are not applicable.
THE HON. SPEAKER: When the facts speak for themselves, you cannot deny that what SADC has determined and I think the Hon. Minister will answer to that. The Hon. Minister will also enlighten the House as to what our current position is in terms of our debt viz-a-viz the GDP. So, why do you not wait for the Hon. Minister to respond accordingly.
Hon. Butau having stood up on a point of order
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Hon. Member will persist because he has said nothing for you to raise a point of order – [HON. BUTAU: Hon. Speaker, I have something very important to say.] – Order, order. Hon. Mushoriwa has just stood up and said nothing. So, where do you place your point of order? Nothing has been said – [HON. BUTAU: Hon. Speaker, he raised a point about debt ratio and debt gearing.] – Order, I indicated or perhaps you were not following me. The Hon. Minister will respond to your contributions, so let us wait for that. If you want to seek for further clarification, I think the Hon. Minister will be amenable to that.
HON. MUSHORIWA: The loan in question which the Minister requires approval, is aimed at supporting agriculture. I want to state this Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon. Minister is aware that for the past 20 or so years, this country has invested a significant amount and to some other studies, it is said that we actually invested close to $43 billion into the agricultural sector with a minimal benefit to show of. You also know that the Hon. Minister of Finance came to this august House with a condonation Bill, in respect mostly to the Command Agriculture. Condonation Bill of more than ten billion, which Bill the Hon. Minister has not bothered to bring back to Parliament and not only that; we also then had other condonation Bills which never saw the light of the day.
What it means Hon. Speaker Sir is that, in terms of the funding gap and in terms of the deficit that we have, you then realise that we have got a huge amount of debt. Now, look at what happened when the Hon. Minister came with the budget in December. He came and told us that our debt was around 18 billion dollars and right now, that debt is now above 21 billion dollars and the Hon. Minister has not bothered to come before the august House to explain that expansion of our debt. What has actually been happening? What is it that has actually accrued the debt for?
Now when we stand here Mr. Speaker Sir and object to continued borrowing, we are saying this from a matter of principle. We are saying that we cannot continue to borrow, it does not matter how favourable the terms are. I know and I speak as a former banker that whenever you want to make money, you need to persuade your debtors to come and borrow even if they do not want to borrow the money so that as a bank you actually make profit.
Right now, Mr. Speaker Sir, we should actually be having a Government policy, if indeed, the 37 million dollars is intended for irrigation and the other staff, we should actually have been presented by the Minister of Agriculture, a corresponding programme which can actually resonate with people within the various constituencies, whether it is in Manicaland, Matebeleland to say that this programme is actually being done practically by the Minister of Agriculture. History has shown us that is we have actually approved so many loans with intended purposes which on paper would appear so logical and so persuasive that the august House could just then support.
What we have seen Mr. Speaker Sir, we have not seen corresponding development on the ground. This is reason that I believe we need, as a country, to relook into our culture of borrowing. We cannot continue to borrow when we cannot pay back the money that we borrow. We borrow today, we borrow tomorrow and the money will be given to us. Now a child that is born today, a child who has been born at Mbuya Nehanda at Parirenyatwa, he or she inherits a debt of more than US$1.4 million. You cannot mortgage the future of our children. We need a Government system that is responsible, disciplined and we actually thought when the new Governor came in, that we are now going to have a rein in terms of this expansional debt accumulation.
I am actually surprised, that the Hon. Minister would then come urgently requesting Parliament literally to just endorse this...
HON. BUTAU: The Hon. Member is not looking at the merits or demerits of this particular loan that is being presented here. We are looking at a situation where thousands of people are going to benefit, the poor of the poorest are going to benefit. Those are the issues that we should be looking at.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member. Will the Hon. Member please address the merits or demerits of the loan application?
HON. MUSHORIWA: Indeed Mr. Speaker, I want to address the demerits which is; that what is said on paper historically has proven that it does not relate to what happens on the ground –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear] – and what we wanted, because this is one Government where the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Finance being the financing and the Ministry of Agriculture being the one on the ground, they should actually speak with each other in respect to when these monies are coming because it would be a problem if we knew and for certain that in Manicaland province, in such a district, this project that the Minister of Agriculture has actually identified is waiting for resources that the Ministry is going to come up with. But, because we know from the past that we get these loans without practical issues having been addressed on the ground and then it creates a problem.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, I think avoid being presumptuous because the time of the application of this particular loan has not emerged.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I raise this issue and I just want to conclude my contribution to simply say that Zimbabwe is on the IMF staff monitored programme and some of the commitments and some of the issues in respect to the debt that Zimbabwe has been engaged with IMF, it tells you that we turn left most of the time and we indicate left but yet we turn right. It then creates a policy discord in that we do not know what is it we want to do as a Government in respect to making sure that our debt is sustainable. To that, I just want to urge this august House that we should politely deny the request by the Hon. Minister to borrow this USD37 million. I thank you.
Hon. Mudekunye having stood up to debate
THE HON. SPEAKER: I was going by the list that I was given, so I thought it is time for the Hon. Minister to respond. Next time Hon. Mudekunye, liaise with your Chief Whip so that you are in the list of those that shall speak.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I thank the Hon. Members for debating this issue robustly and passionately as well. Let me start with a response to the comments and contributions by Hon. Mutodi is supportive of the loan agreements. Thank you very much. As stated, the loan will go a long way in creating much needed employment especially in the rural areas. It will also deal with climate mitigation aspects, raise rural incomes and recognise these key areas that the project will bring on board. Hon. Member, be cautioned that we should ensure transparency and applicability in the application of loans and I agree with him.
I can assure you Mr. Speaker Sir, that there is a process in place that involves EFT itself. EFT is involved in designing the rules for the management of these resources. They are involved in monitoring the resources themselves and they too have to give a report back to their board and shareholders on how these funds have be used. So, we believe that the processes that EFT themselves have put in place, what we as Treasury have put in place together, we will be able to monitor these funds sufficiently and ensure transparency and accountability.
I now turn to the contribution by Hon. Chiduwa and again thank him for being supportive of the project especially the fact that he highlighted that these projects are consistent in giving 2030 which speaks to financial reengagement infrastructural development, social protection in rural areas and providing financing in critical areas in the rural areas. He mentioned a very important policy that we put in place a few years ago of supporting the development of rural development or growth points that this will add to that. It will also slow down the scourge of rural urban migration but also just promote horticulture as subsector of the agriculture sector because that is the target. I really support his comments here. It is really in line with Vision 2030. But he wants to know how previous loans have performed. That might be good practice going forward that we must bring before this august House performance reports of these previous loans.
I agree with him and this is a very good suggestion indeed. Once this report is readily provided by both EFT and Treasury, we will be able to table it before this august House. He also mentioned that the loan condition should be in line with the Constitution and we want to make sure that we have really adhered to the best practice in terms of what we call Debt Sustainability. I agree with him and we have done that. I will address this matter as we progress.
Let me turn to the comments by Hon. Mxolisi who mentioned that the loan repayments start in year 11 and roughly up to year 40 when he is perhaps no longer alive. I wish him a good life and long life. I think that just a cursory glance at his face, his stature and body, he will be alive 11 years from now and I wish him a robust life. His concern was that we are burdening future generations. Let me say that one of the key tenets of borrowing is that he must always look for long tenure when it comes to loans. If it can scratch the tenure, then you give yourself relief in terms of the immediate commitment. You spread along a longer period. That is always a good thing to stretch it.
So, stretching it to 40 years delaying his payments to year 11 is actually a good thing. It shows that we have negotiated well. The nature of long-term loans always passes on the burden to future generations like the previous generations pass n a burden to us. We pass on some of the burden to future generations and they too, will pass on the burden to those who will come after them. It is normal. There is that intergenerational burden sharing when it comes to servicing long term loans. That is the nature of the arrangement. It comes with a package.
Hon. Mxolisi also mentioned that the loan should be equitably shared across provinces – he is correct. In fact, when it comes to the four Ps aspect where these are linked to existing enterprises, thus every Province will be covered. So I can assure him that all provinces will be covered but however, for the village groups, we have three provinces that were not covered before in the 2021 loan. These are Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland. These are being covered in the new project that we are debating today.
If you really want to understand what is going on, you have to combine the previous loan which started in 2021 with the current loan that we are debating today. These two, when we come to village support programmes, cover all the provinces. No one is left behind and I can assure you that in the implementation within the chosen provinces again, there will be equitable distribution and the role of IFAD in selecting projects in distribution of funds, they too want to make sure that no one is left behind. They will not leave us to do what we like. They are heavily involved in the process themselves.
Again, there were several Members from this side of the House who were very supportive and I thank them for the support that they have landed at this debate, especially on the issue of the tenure and the focus of the projects
I now turn to Hon. Nhari who also expressed happiness with the project and the fact that it is supporting, the loan rather is supporting irrigation during a year of drought and climate shocks. It will go a long way in climate proofing our agriculture and supporting the vulnerable. This was made very clear by Hon. Nhari.
I am now turning to Hon. Madzivanyika. Again, he was fairly supportive of the loan and I thank him for that. He did mention something regarding the borrowing limits for the country. According to the Public Debt Management Act, we have set a limit of borrowings of no more than 70% of GDP and he believes that now with our debt where it is, just above 18 billion I will use 19 billion as a ballpark figure, he believes that our debt has exceeded the 70% of GDP threshold. I want to assure him that we have not as of this week; we have confirmed that on a conservative basis, our GDP at USD 35 billion and19 billion divided by 35 billion as a percentage is only 54%. So, it is well below 70% and in fact if he uses the figure of USD 47 billion which is the figure that has been published out there on a purchasing parity basis, that debt GDP ratio actually drops to 40%.
If you take the SADC limit which was mentioned and I will repeat, which is 60% again 54% is well below the 60% threshold. So, we should not be worried about exceeding the limit. We have not exceeded the limit and in fact, we have made sure that our debt sustainability analysis framework is applied on every loan that we seek to contract.
As to whether we have consulted the Attorney General, yes, we did and the Attorney-General did give this loan an endorsement to say that the loan agreement is properly contracted and the terms are fair, the clauses are also fair to both parties -the lender and the borrower. We got this clearance from the Attorney-General. I can assure him on that. There was also a comment from Hon. Madzivanyika that perhaps the interest repayments are too large. Maybe he missed a point or I was not clear. This loan has not interest. It is actually zero interest. What is being repaid from the 11th year to year 40 is part of the principle. It is paid as we go along, but actually it is a zero-interest loan and that is actually a good thing.
I now turn to another point that he mentioned – will this money benefit everyone? Yes, as I have said, when it comes to the four Ps aspect of the project, this goes to all provinces, there is no selective nature here, but when it comes to the village programme that is focusing on the four provinces that I have already mentioned which had not benefited from the previous loan arrangement – if we take the two together, every province will have benefited at the end of implementation of this heap loan.
I now turn to the contributions by Hon. Dhliwayo who again was very supportive of the loan – he said we should proceed with it for the benefit of farmers and for the horticulture sector. He did mention that they do not believe that the debt is too high as a percentage of GDP. I agree with Hon. Dhliwayo, it is quite clear that at worst, we are at 54% of GDP and best at 40% of GDP. So, we are really within the limits and that we should focus on supporting macadamia plants and I agree. Manicaland is included and this is one area where macadamia grows very well. I think we will follow up make sure that macadamia benefits because that is a key horticulture crop that this country produces.
Hon. Matangira was very supportive with incredible eloquence and passion. I thank him. He was very clear. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): Order Hon. Minister! Hon. Members, can we allow the Hon. Minister to continue and be heard in silence? There is a lot of talking and I cannot even hear what the Minister is saying. Can you allow him to be heard in silence?
HON. PROF. NCUBE: Hon. Matangira was very eloquent and his presentation was very supportive of this loan arrangement. One of the most important things he said was that, look at the end of the day, we are always borrowing as farmers. When we are farming, we borrow to till the land and that is normal. There is nothing abnormal about borrowing this time around to support our horticulture sector.
+I now turn to Hon. Ndlovu’s contribution. The Hon. Member said that she is glad that we are discussing the issue concerning this loan which is quite opportune because we are facing a drought and hunger. She said that she wants to know why it is going to focus on only four provinces. It should be distributed throughout all the provinces. This loan will spread to other provinces, but there is a specific which looks at just four provinces because six provinces were funded in the previous programme of 2021 when you look at that one and the current one under discussion. I want to assure the Hon. Member that no one will be left behind. She also said that there should be monitoring and evaluation and I agree with her. Let me say that it will be like hedging the fund so that it is protected and channeled to the right beneficiaries. This loan will cascade to all provinces and everyone is going to benefit.
I will now turn to Hon. Mushoriwa who said the debt GDP ratio as stipulated by SADC and is correct, it should not exceed 60% and that in terms of our own statues and our own Constitution it should not exceed more than 70%. He is correct. Madam Speaker, we have not exceeded either 60% or 70%. We are currently at 54% in the worst of cases. I can assure him that we have applied all the necessary debt susceptibility analysis arriving at the decision to proceed with this loan.
He also requested that a report on our debt position be presented to this august House. I can assure you that come mid-year when I present the mid-term budget review, I will table also the debt position for the country as I do and I do that twice a year. I do that mid-term and I also do it when we present the budget for the following year in November. So I can assure you that again, I will provide this report. I thank him for asking for it.
Madam Speaker, he also mentioned that perhaps it was going to be more complete if the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development could have added something in terms of maybe the targeting of this project in terms of which areas, which project and actual implementation on the ground. I can assure him that the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has been very clear as to where these resources will be applied. This is not the first time that we are receiving monies from IFAD Madam Speaker. It is actually the third time we are doing that. So really there is robust process on the ground, identification of projects and I can assure him that the monies will go towards those targeted areas.
Again, I have noted a comment he made about the need for debt susceptibility analysis. We do this all the time. We have a well-functioning and a well-managed debt management department within Treasury and we do this all the time. At the end he commented that he believes that we should deny support to this project. I think that would not be wise. When we do that, we are denying the poor in our rural areas resources that they need desperately and I really urge him to support this loan. By doing so he will be supporting the relief for the poor in this country. I thank you Madam Speaker. I then move that the motion be adopted by this august House as I believe that it will support our desperate citizens out there. Thank you.
Motion put and adopted.
HON. HLATYWAYO: On a point of order Madam Speaker – [HON.MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Can we have order in the House? What is your point of order?
HON. HLATYWAYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I think the noes have it – [HON.MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. T. ZHOU): Hon. Member, you are out of order. Acting Government Chief Whip! – [HON. HLATYAWAYO: Out of order how?] - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Can we have order in the House? Hon. Members who are standing, may you please sit down? – [HON. MAMOMBE: We are rejecting the imposition here!] – [HON. MEMBERS: Divide the House!] - Can we have order in the House?
In terms of Standing Order 133 (1), if the opinion of the Chair as to the decision of a question is challenged, he or she may direct a division and must take place – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order! That is what you requested and I have already made a ruling – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – You are out of Order! – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order! Can we have order in the House? May you all take your seats, everyone who is standing may you please take your seats? – Order, order! – Acting Government Chief Whip can you approach the Chair? - [HON. MAMOMBE: How did you reach the opinion that the Ayes have it? Please explain to us!] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Order! May we have order in the House! – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order! Can we have order in the House? I am going to read Standing Order 133 (2) which says, If, however, the Chair is of the opinion that a division is unnecessarily claimed or is an abuse of the rules or a misuse of the forms of the House, he or she must decline to direct that a division must take place and must immediately declare the resolution of the House or the Committee, as the case may be.
Acting Government Chief Whip, may you proceed. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Members, please take note that I have read and made a ruling – [HON. MAMOMBE: We have the right to reject Madam Speaker Ma’am!] - May we have order! – [HON. MAMOMBWE: On a point of order Madam Speaker Ma’am!] – I have made a ruling – [HON. MAMOMBE: We have the right to be heard Madam Speaker Ma’am!] – [HON. KARENYI: Point of order Madam Speaker Ma’am!] – Acting Government Chief Whip, may you please take your seat? Everyone in the House please, may we have order?
As the Chair, I have made the final ruling – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Please do not push me to chase anyone from the House. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order Hon. Mamombe, order! Can we have order in the House! Hon. Mamombe, may you please leave the House? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Mamombe, please leave the House! – [HON. MAMOMBE: Madam Speaker this has to be put on record. This is a House of rules!] – Hon. Mamombe please can you leave the House. We want to proceed with Parliament business, please leave the House. – [HON. MAMOMBE: For what reason.] – Hon. Mamombe, please leave the House – [HON. MAMOMBE: I cannot leave, which rule are you using.] – Hon. Mamombe, please leave the House – [HON. MAMOMBE: Can I be heard before I leave?] – Hon. Mamombe, please leave the House – [AN HON. MEMBER: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Members, please do not abuse the mics.
HON. MAMOMBE was duly escorted out of the House.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the Orders of the Day Numbers 2 to 5 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 6 has been disposed of.
HON. KARIKOGA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to
HON. MUSHORIWA: Madam Speaker, today being a Thursday is Government business and if you look at the Orders as they stand on the Order Paper, the Minister of Finance was supposed to move Order Number 2, 3, 4 and we came to this august House prepared to debate this issue. The Hon. Minister decided to leave this House whilst the Members were ready to debate the orders on the Order Paper. That is a concept of parliamentary procedures.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mushoriwa, we hear you but as you are aware, the Hon. Minister had to go to the Senate Chamber on the same motion that he moved in this House.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION ON THE ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO RUSSIA.
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the report of the delegation on the election observation mission to Russia.
Question again proposed.
HON. KARIKOGA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I wish to show my appreciation to the Russian Federation for inviting our country to observe their elections. I also want to congratulate President Putin for winning the 2024 elections. The invitation is the first of its kind and we can only attribute it to the Second Republic’s sound foreign policy. I also take a cue that countries that invite us to observe their elections must also be invited to observe our elections. These are the countries which are sincere to our aspirations unlike other countries which feel are democracy masters. I also want to - [ HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible Interjections]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAUNGANIDZE): Order Hon. Mushoriwa. Can we have order in the House and allow Hon. Karikoga to be heard in silence?
HON. KARIKOGA: The countries that we invite, if they bring good people to come and observe our elections, we will also do likewise. If they send funny characters like the Nevers of this country, we will also send Nevers of our country. The Russian Federation is also a true friend to Zimbabwe, having supported our fight for democracy, not only in rhetoric, but by resourcing our struggle. In September, 2022, our own Hon. J. Mudenda was honoured to address the plenary session of the State Duma of the Federation Assembly of Russia.
In his speech, he said and I quote, ‘His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa and from the entire citizenry of Zimbabwe, let us not forget Russia and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial political and economic bilateral relations which predate Zimbabwe’s independence. That independence would never have been attained had Russia not proffered arms and military hardware as well as demonstrating practically, the unfitting moral and political support for our freedom fighters.
Russia believed in Zimbabwe’s quest for self-determination, freedom and independence. We are here to cement that bedrock of our tested bilateral relations now being propagated by our current Parliamentary diplomacy as guided by the need for mutual benchmarking visits such as our Hon. Speaker did.’ This can only be done by friends to friends. We are grateful we have Russia as a friend to Zimbabwe. Also, of note in Russia for one to be a candidate, one must have been a resident in that country for a minimum of 25 years and not have dual citizenship or permanent residence of any other country.
In conclusion, I commend the Russian people for having peaceful elections. I also commend our Portfolio Committee Chair for visiting our embassy in Moscow. We really appreciate our delegation and the work that they did representing Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Madam Speaker for giving me this opportunity. First and foremost, the delegation that went to Russia cannot, in the true spirit of this august House, be considered to be a legit delegation that represent the place. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
For the first time, we had a Delegation from one political party.
HON. SHAMU: Madam Speaker Ma’am. With due respect, the Hon. Member is belabouring his point. It was clearly given a ruling by the Speaker of Parliament. Therefore, I think this is misplaced. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Well noted. Hon. Mushoriwa, can you please stick to your debate? Hon. Mushoriwa can you please sit? - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible Interjections]- Order, when I make a ruling, please do not counter my ruling. You may proceed Hon. Mushoriwa.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Madam Speaker for upholding the rules of the august House. The report that was tabled in this august House left certain details which we believed were fundamental. An election is not an event. It is a process and what we expected this report to have touched on, we are aware and it is actually on record that we do have candidates who wanted to contest in the Russian elections who were barred from contesting the Presidential elections. What we expected this report to have said - because when we send delegations out of the country, it is to learn the best practices and also come up with lessons both positive and negative so that we improve the way we do business and in this case the way we run elections in Zimbabwe. Whenever a delegation then skips to include such key issues it becomes problematic. I say this because remember we went to an election last year and one of the presidential candidates Saviour Kasukuwere was actually barred by ZEC. We wanted to understand whether the barring of presidential candidates in Russia – the mechanism and the basis upon such barring of candidates was actually arrived. I believe that everyone of us here is a product of democracy. When we send our delegations out of the country, the idea is not to go and have a holiday in any country but to make sure that whatever we do, we bring it back and then improve our systems. This is the reason that I believe we needed to make sure that this report should have been a balanced report which speaks to the positives and the negatives of the manner in which elections were done in Russia.
I think in future and I say this for the sake of Zimbabwe; it does not matter when we speak of Zimbabwe, we speak of members both CCC and ZANU PF. When we talk of Zimbabwe, we talk of people that do not even belong to any political party. Those people need to be represented and any delegation that goes out should always understand that when you go out there, you are not wearing your party but carrying the ethos of Zimbabwe as a nation – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – This is the reason that I believe that in future, whenever we send our teams to observe, can we not only get a one-sided report but one that says that our delegation did a thorough job and will not destroy. Truthness and honesty always help us to build as we move forward. I thank you.
HON. C. MOYO: I thank you Madam Speaker for giving me this opportunity to air out my views on the report which was moved by Hon. Chair Shamu of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
I have got very few issues – if we look at the report on 2.1.2; people living with disabilities is an important constituency and they are part of our population. If we say in Zimbabwe we have got 17 million people and in Russia they were allowed to do what is called voting at home, I think that this is very important and surely given the circumstances that the disabled people will not be able to move or go to polling stations; surely we should have a database of those people who are unable to move to go to polling stations so that they can do online voting. This is a fair practice and I think the disability constituency will be very happy that their MPs are also representing them. We must make sure that maybe we mobilise funds and make the necessary reforms so that in the future elections, they can practice voting at home. That is my first point.
The second one – I did marketing and I am happy that the Hon. Chair visited our embassy in Russia. There are what we call seven Ps in marketing. The first P is product, the second one is price, there is place, promotion, physical evidence, people as well as processes. What is very critical in marketing is the product itself. I am looking at Zimbabwe as a product in Russia.
How are people in Russia viewing Zimbabwe if they look at our Ambassador who does not have a vehicle to use if he is going to meet potential investors with an old fleet. It is so embarrassing and that tarnishes Zimbabwe – the product from the seven Ps as I have alluded to. It is very important that our Ambassador is equipped. I think the recommendations were very clear from our Hon. Chair to say let us make sure that we mobilise resources and equip the office of the Ambassador with even a new single vehicle so that it does not tarnish the image of our country in Russia.
The understaffing on key critical positions – if there are potential investors visiting our embassy and hear that we are short staffed, there is no trade attachee; how do we promote brand Zimbabwe? Surely something must be done so that that key office vacancy is filled. There was also no tourism attachee; surely a fundamental…
*HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order. We are debating on the issue of election observations. This debate is not about the ambassador, he must talk about election observation.
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAUNGANIDZE): Hon. Moyo, please debate about elections that were conducted in Russia.
HON. C. MOYO: Hon. Speaker Ma’am, it is very unfortunate that Hon. Matangira did not read the report – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – It is actually very bad to come into this House and expose oneself that you do not read parliamentary reports. I thought Madam Speaker you would give a ruling accordingly that Hon. Matangira is out of order and he can leave the House.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Matangira cannot leave the House but your point is noted. You may proceed.
HON. C. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I was talking about critical key positions as we market brand and product Zimbabwe in Russia so that we can lure even diasporans. These would be happy to see their Ambassador in high moral driving a good vehicle. With the minerals that we have in Zimbabwe, surely it is easy to buy a single vehicle for our Ambassador and to sell product Zimbabwe in Russia.
It would also help to lure potential investors in Russia when they are having their board room meetings and see the Ambassador with his entire staff because there was an issue from the report that they are understaffed. There are two critical positions which were mentioned – there is no trade attaché. From the Committee, there is the international trade component and we need to have that trade attaché so that he or she will be more equipped in terms of trade issues. There was also an issue of tourism attaché. Surely, we cannot boost to have a robust tourism sector when we do not have a tourism attaché in Russia. It is an important and key position and this does not apply only in Russia. We are looking and all our embassies – surely key fundamental positions must be filled so that they are able to market the product and brand Zimbabwe.
If you go to our NDS1, Madam Speaker, paragraph 690 talks much about the image and if your image is not in that good quality surely, you cannot engage and reengage. So we are saying let us make sure we spruce up the image, the product Zimbabwe so that we can then lure investors. We can then even lure diasporans. It is very important that we address these issues using the recommendations which were very clear from our Hon. Chair so that we can then engage and reengage and surely record some fruits from our embassies. I so submit Madam Speaker. Thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Firstly, I would like to thank the delegates, especially Hon. Shamu for the job well done on observing the elections in Russia. Secondly, I would like to thank Hon. Moyo the previous speaker. I would like to also thank Hon. Tshabangu – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I would like to encourage the Hon. Member to stick to the contents of the report. Hon. Senator Tshabangu is nowhere found in the report. Thank you Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you, but the Hon. Member has not started to speak to the report. Let us give him a chance.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Indeed, the gratitude that I am putting forward may not be clear to many people. What I would like to say is the opposition was in red in Russia, but now it is in amber. So that is where the context of Hon. Senator Tshabangu is. The point that I want to make when I refer to Hon. Moyo is that from what the Hon. Member said, it shows that the Honourable Members in Zimbabwe can move from red to amber. The issue we are discussing Hon. Speaker is very big because we realise that in Russia, how does the opposition relate to the ruling party? In Russia, the ruling party and the opposition is different concerning the interest of their country. They do not depend on outsiders like here where they are kept inflated until they burst. In Russia, they can only be inflated to ensure that the bicycle can carry somebody. So that is why I wanted to give thanks to Hon. Tshabangu who appeared at the Independence celebrations dressed in national dress together with his family. So I would like to applaud him for that– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
*HON. TOBAIWA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. We wish that when we are voted for out there in the rural areas, we should show what we came for in here. If the Hon. Member does not have anything to debate, he must sit down because there is a lot to debate in this report – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker. These are common issues. There is opposition and ruling. Those who oppose and those who are opposed.
HON. HADEBE: On a point of order – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Can you please sit down?
HON. HADEBE: I had not started talking.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I had already ruled.
HON. HADEBE: It is something different.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Can you please sit down Honourable? Thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker for protecting me in this difficult time. Hon. Speaker, I would like to debate on the issues raised by the delegation.
HON. HADEBE: I am rising on a different issue
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Honourable, may you please sit down? Let us respect the House. Can you please let him finish debating? I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Indeed, the Russian elections went very well. I also heard the Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Portfolio Committee was told to include in their report that someone was chased away. When people go to observe elections, they must work according to the rules of that country, otherwise you will go out of order. So I would like to thank Hon. Shamu for working in line with the Russian rules and Constitution.
The Russian elections gave us a lot of knowledge and a good opinion of Russia. Russia is a very good friend of ours because Russia helped when there was colonialism. Right now, there is a lot that is happening because Russia is fighting against the invasion of the West through Ukraine, which means by winning with an 85% margin, even the opposition voted for President Putin. This shows that even the Russians themselves value their country and they are patriotic. There are a lot of things that we need to learn, but most of the things are caused by sanctions.
So what is referred to in the report, we can learn a lot including artificial intelligence (AI) and ICT in conducting elections. We can work on that. I really support the former speaker who referred to trade attachés because here we have minerals, so we need people to market those minerals. So, as the tourism sector, there is construction of stadia in Victoria Falls. Others may oppose but it is very important. We need to relate well with other countries especially the BRICS, whilst we relate with the United States of America and Britain using the analogy of trousers and belt. When you are going to wash the trousers, we remove the belt. So, what is happening in Russia and China shows that there is a new order coming.
We have moved from colonialism and now we are in the era of trade and relating well. I thank Hon. Shamu for representing us well but I know that he is also one of the war veterans who were always insulted during the liberation struggle as terrorists but after Independence, they were referred to as comrades. Indeed, Hon. Shamu has always been scolded before Independence but your hard work has brought us this far. I thank you Hon. Madam Speaker Ma’am.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. You will realise that those who are given foreign powers to observe elections in countries like Russia are people who have been to Russia before. I am referring to the former speaker, where one member said, we only realise that the delegation was one sided just like a crab that moves sideways. It means where there are pigsties, you cannot ask Apostolic sect members to wash the pigs in the pigsties because they do not associate with pigs.
If you notice how this country has suffered since 1999, 2000 to date, when there was paint brush, where children are asked to eat but the father is not supposed to eat. People celebrate that there is removal of sanctions when the father or leader is still sanctioned, it is not proper.
*HON. GWANGWABA: On a point of order Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to refer to Hon. Matangira’s words. This issue about why some people were left out, the Hon. Speaker said that those committees must consist of all parties. So, if he is encouraging that some Hon. Members must be left out because they are one sided, it is not a good thing.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you. Hon. Matangira, please proceed.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I did not say people were supposed to move like crabs but that those who are not interested in pork will not go where pigs are. The Apostolic sect members will not go. The elections that were held in Russia, and were observed by a Zimbabwean delegation that was led by Hon. Shamu - they knew very well what was wanted because during the liberation struggle, we were called communists. That is why the western countries were fighting against communism.
I also went through the report. So, I may say that Russia, according to the elections that they conducted, is a country that has a very good democracy. They conducted their elections very well. There were a lot of presidential candidates that competed and only one succeeded, that is, President Putin. He took over from those who supported Africa to achieve democracy. To date, the wars that are taking place in Russia, fighting for people’s democracies continue in Africa. I thank Hon. Shamu for leading this delegation. Indeed, Russia continuously supports fights for democracy in Africa.
We will continue supporting Russia as well as China and Cuba as African countries because these are the countries that supported us to fight and eliminate colonialism. Indeed, we still see colonialism in economics where wealth was centered in the hands of very few but Russia is saying it can assist us, and China is saying it can assist us as well.
The Russian elections were indeed advanced in terms of technology, this is why Hon. Shamu and the delegation went so that we learn and emulate what they observed there. 85% victory, just like what happened in this country in comparison to Russia, if we look at the percentages in this House, we have more than two thirds majority just like Russia. So, thank you Hon. Shamu and your delegation.
Indeed, some of the teeth may fall off, they cannot remain in the mouth, so I believe, the ambassador will get a vehicle in future. I hear the issue of attachés, that is a very good point but let us support this Government. This is the only country that we have, if there is Opposition to the right hand, the country just moves forward because of the two thirds majority; even if they are not there, we proceed. I thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: I thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank the Zimbabwean delegation to Russia for going there to observe how the Russian conduct their elections. I would like to applaud Hon. Shamu and the delegation and I would also like to congratulate the Russian President for winning those free, fair and credible elections.
The delegation that was led by Hon. Shamu was very good because they could not have invited someone who had been chased from Parliament to join the delegation to Russia. The person could only form part of the delegation after serving the punishment meted by the Hon. Speaker…
HON. HADEBE: On a point of Order Madam Speaker Ma’am, there are some Hon. Members who are not taking this Parliament seriously. Hon. Members who come in Parliament drunk should never be allowed to speak – [AN HON. MEMBER: Who is drunk? Withdraw. Did you buy beer for him] – Yes, Matangira, Nyabani and Mapiki are drunk.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Please sit-down Hon. Member. I think your point of order is misplaced.
*HON. MAJAYA: Hon. Nyabani is misleading the House because when the delegation went to Russia, there were no Members of Parliament from CCC Party who were chased or suspended.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, you should treat others with respect when they are debating.
*HON. NYABANI: According to the Bible, forgive those who do not know because they do not know and this time, we would like to forgive them because they do not know.
Russia is a developed country and if you look at the history of that country, it used to colonise some European countries. So, that is not a country you can underestimate and say it cannot conduct elections properly. I was glad when Hon. Mushoriwa spoke saying all the people in this august House were elected democratically. If you think I am lying, refer to the Hansard. So, what it means is even the opposition will just argue for the sake of arguing but when they start reaping the benefits, they concur that it is good. Where there is competition, there is a victor expected.
So, according to what Hon. Shamu said, it means Russia conducted elections according to their Constitution and not according to Zimbabwe. If we are going to observe elections, you are not going to be a referee. You are just going to observe. How they cook, whether they put water first or whichever method they use to cook has nothing to do with you. So, do not try to impose your method of cooking on everyone else. Is that right?
I also would like to refer to the argument about the unavailability of vehicles for the Ambassador. It is nothing new, you called for sanctions and that meant that our country will not progress yet you expect our country to develop. If you want our country to progress, as you debate, stand up and call for the removal of sanctions. …
HON. TOBAIWA: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. Hon. Nyabani, can you sit down? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Nyabani.
*HON. TOBAIWA: If we are in this House, let us debate what is in the report.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Tobaiwa, please withdraw. You cannot give an order to another Hon. Member.
HON. TOBAIWA: Which order?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: You told Hon. Nyabani to sit down and you are not the Chair.
*HON. TOBAIWA: Okay, Madam Speaker, I respect your Chair and I withdraw. When we are in this august House, let us just stick to the reports. We are Hon. Members and telling each other that you brought sanctions is not fair because I do not think there is anyone who brought sanctions here and who is called ‘you’. He must withdraw his statement.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Tobaiwa, but you cannot tell me what to do.
HON. TOBAIWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. With due respect, I withdraw.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Nyabani, please stick to the debate.
*HON. NYABANI: I kindly request you to understand me. When we debate, if there is something else that you might want to say that may not be in line with my opinion, speak after me because I speak according to the expectations of the people who elected me. You are free to come and proffer your own opinion. These are the people who called for sanctions. …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Nyabani, please stick to the facts.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HADEBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 21st May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. HADEBE, the House adjourned at a Quarter past Five o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 21st May, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 16th May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
INVITATION TO JOIN THE AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARIANS NETWORK ON DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I have to inform the Senate of the existence of the African Parliamentarians Network on Development Evaluation (APNODE). This is a continental body that has been in existence for 10 years and Zimbabwe has been a member of this network for the past 9 years. Some of the objectives of APNODE are:
- To sensitise, I am sure they mean to educate national Parliaments and Parliamentarians about the importance of evaluation for oversight policy and decision making.
- To enhance the capacity of Parliamentarians to demand and utilise evaluation evidence in their Parliamentary duties.
- To share experiences across Africa and beyond.
Hon. Members interested in joining the network should register their names with Mr. C. Ratsakatika in office No. 335.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I have with me a very long list of Ministers who have tender apologies and it is as follows: Hon. T. Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment and Vocational Training Centres; Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence; Hon. Sen. M. Mutsvangwa Minister of Women Affairs, Communities, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Hon. B. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works; Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. Z. Ziyambi, Minister of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Mazungunye, Deputy Minister of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. S. Nyoni, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. E. Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development; Hon. Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development; Hon. Z. Soda Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities; Hon. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. S. Sibanda, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.
In the Chamber today we have: Hon. Mavhunga Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle; Hon. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. Dinha, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare; Hon. Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care.
I think those are the Ministers present in the Chamber. It goes without saying that this is very disappointing. Extremely disappointing and normally we have some Minister who have never set foot here in this Chamber. – [HON. SENATORS. Hear, hear.]- and yet it is the responsibility of every Minister, every Thursday, to come to Senate and attend to the questions raised by Hon. Senators. Yes, it is actually holding Senators in contempt. It is tantamount to holding Senators in contempt. We will raise this issue with the relevant authorities I can assure you. It has gone too far now. – [HON. SENATORS. Hear, hear.]- Let us make do with what we have.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. You were once asked as to what the policy is for one who has worked and has nothing, he or she goes to the hospital and before discharged from the hospital, they request for payment upfront. We learnt that policy was that it is not permissible once one has proved that one is not a man of means, they should not pay anything, but we observed that in our communal lands, it is happening in our hospitals. What can we do about it? Have there been any changes as regards the poor in terms of being afforded free medication?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Thank you Mr. President. This is a pertinent question. I believe at times we meet such circumstances and we hear of such cases where one is not discharged from the hospital because one has failed to pay money. The policy is that once one has got no money, one should be discharged and will only have to pay as and when one will have raised the money, especially if it is for someone who did not have the money at the time of admission.
For those that are extremely poor, we have a programme as department of Social Welfare, that ensures that such an individual is treated free of charge. If they are men of no means, Social Welfare Department will write a letter to that effect and they will be treated, whether it is a hospital or the clinic, wherever they want to seek medical attention, they will be treated for free.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: I have a supplementary question. Thank you Deputy Minister Dinha. What is painful is that this person can be released so that he or she can pay. When this is a man of no means, he will then receive summons, a letter of demand. You will understand what I am talking about that failure to pay the debt by such and such a date, litigation will take place and the man will not have fully recovered. What should happen in this circumstance?
*HON. DINHA: Thank you Mr. President. If there are people in that category that they are of no means, they should approach our offices so that we can assist them before they go to seek medical attention. Such a person in that position should have approached the department for the department to issue a letter entitling them for prepayment so that this demand for payment can be avoided. Furthermore, we encourage that should such cases occur in hospitals, the Ministry or the department should be informed so that we can take the appropriate steps to correct this anomaly with the relevant hospital because the law does not allow such a practice. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. HUNGWE: I have a supplementary question. We hear what the Minister said that they could approach us, but Zimbabwe is a big country. If a person is in the communal home and being of no means, how can they approach their offices? Why do they not have their own officers in the wards so that when such cases occur, one can even send a child to get the necessary documentation? Let us be honest with one another. People are dying out there because of lack of help. They do not deserve to die, but our Social Welfare Department is not reachable. It is far away from the people. The question that has been asked by the Chief is important for everyone, even ourselves in urban centres. It is not possible for us to do what she has suggested. They should come up with better ways to ensure that people remain alive. Others are losing their lives unnecessarily.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Sen. Hungwe. It was not a supplementary question. You may understand it now. You emphasised on the dire situation prevailing out there.
+HON. SEN. SIBANDA: Hon. Minister, in your presentation, you said that if someone is going to the hospital, he or she is supposed to get a letter from the Social Welfare. When you get to the Social Welfare, this letter that you are talking about is the AMTO letter. This AMTO letter is found in hospitals. For you to get this letter, you have to go to hospital and you cannot just get to the hospital with a card and ask for a letter to go to Social Welfare and to come back to this hospital again. You have to first of all produce the letter in the hospital so that a doctor or sister in charge can prepare a letter for you to get the AMTO letter from the Social Welfare. This is what causes people not to go to hospital. It is hard to get this AMTO letter. As for me, I have once gone through this process.
HON. DINHA: Thank you Mr. President. Your question is that it is even difficult in accessing letters that are written by the Ministry of Social Welfare so that one can go to the hospital for treatment. I would want to reiterate that it is difficult for them to go to these places. The position is we have Social Welfare Offices in our districts and a majority of these are within the reach of people. These are the offices where such letters can be accessed. In Zvimba for instance, there is Murombedzi, a lot of Districts do have such offices. For the department of Social Welfare, we will be expecting people to access the district centres to get these letters for them to be entitled for free payment using the AMTO programme. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Minister, I would urge you to sit down between yourself and your sister Ministry of Health so that you try and streamline how you can assist people who are sick but cannot afford to pay hospital fees. I would urge you to do that and come back to the House and tell us what you made in terms of arrangements. Otherwise you can see that it is a very serious issue of concern to Hon. Senators.
HON. DINHA: Thank you very much. I will do as you please.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NGEZI: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. What measures are you taking to alleviate the effects of drought in communal lands? In addition, what methods are you using to select the beneficiaries that are going to be entitled to assistance because of this drought regardless of one’s status in life?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): I would like to thank Hon. Senate Chief Ngezi for his question. It is a pertinent one wherein he is seeking to find out what we are doing as regards the issue of drought that we are experiencing and how are the beneficiaries going to be selected.
As you all know, we are in a drought year. In the past months, we were giving out maize handouts. Starting from this week, we have resumed issuing maize until July. For the next three months, we are going to give food handouts to beneficiaries amounting to 7 million. What we are going to do is that each person is going to get 7.5kg of maize per month. At the moment, we are saying since everyone is in a drought period, we are going to give the allocation once for the next three months which means for the three months, each individual is going to access 22.5kgs and this is going to be a once off disbursement.
At the moment, we are busy trying to ensure that the maize has been delivered to GMB where there is no maize. In areas where there is maize, the programme has already started. For those areas where there is no maize, maize is on its way to these GMBs. Once it gets to the communities, we ask the village heads, together with the chiefs and our officers from the Social Welfare Department to oversee the distribution of these maize to the recipients. The councillor will also be working hand-in-glove with these people. The Member of Parliament and Senator will also observe whether this is conducted in a proper manner. In the majority of cases, we rely more on the village heads because they know the people that they live with and those that are vulnerable within their communities and those that require maize assistance. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. ZINDI: Are urbanites going to be considered under this programme of drought relief and who is going to carry out the selection process? Has your Ministry identified the beneficiaries in urban areas and who is responsible for compiling the list and how is it going to be conducted? I thank you.
*HON. DINHA: At the moment, we are busy compiling names of recipients and scrutinising their suitability to this programme. At the moment, we are using the documents that we were using previously. ZIMLAC is working on the figures but in the meantime, we are using our previous documents to distribute until the end of July. The village heads are the ones that are selecting those that are eligible for receiving aid.
People in the communal areas are going to receive maize meal. There are 8 rural based provinces and these will receive maize. We also noticed that per month, 46 000 tonnes are going to be required. For the three months that I have made reference to, people are going to be given maize once off and we would require 138 000 tonnes of maize. In the urban centres, they will receive cash payouts.
*HON. SEN. ZINDI: My question was two pronged. Who is going to compile the list of urbanites and when is this going to start because in communal areas, this programme is already in motion?
*HON. DINHA: The exercise has already started in urban centres. There are officers that are responsible for carrying out this exercise in urban centres. Each deserving beneficiary is going to receive US$6.50 which is equivalent to 10kgs per person.
THE HON DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Who is responsible for compiling the names of the people?
*HON DINHA: Officers from our Ministry are responsible for compiling the names of the people and ZIMLAC is also responsible for the assessment to see the number of deserving beneficiaries
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: What is ZIMLAC?
* HON. DINHA: Thank you Mr. President, the exercise has long started in urban centers. There are officers that are responsible for carrying out this exercise in urban centres and are writing the names of deserving candidates who will receive a total of US6.50 which is equivalent to 10kgs per person.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Minister, answer the question, the question is who is going to compile the list? I think this is the question which the Hon. Senator has asked. If there are officers from your Ministry, say so. Whatever it is, say so.
* HON. DINHA: Thank you Mr. President, the officers from our Ministry are responsible for compiling the names of our people and ZIMLAC is also responsible for the assessments to see the number of deserving people.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: What is ZIMLAC? I am asking a genuine question, what is ZIMLAC?
* HON. DINHA: ZIMLAC is an organisation that comprises of various groups that move around to see persons that are deserving to be assisted. There are various groups that move together to do this assessment. Some people have harvested and others are facing hunger, that is why there is that need for such an exercise.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I am really concerned about the issue that if we are in a crisis, there are people who are really vulnerable. We have not heard you explaining on how children at schools as well as the aged are going to be assisted. How are they to be assisted?
The Hon. Minister needing some interpretation.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: She said the elderly, I think. The interpretation equipment is working, but the question is, how are you going to assist children and the elderly?
* HON. DINHA: Thank you Mr. President, there is a programme that is feeding children in schools that has since started in some areas and in some it is still starting. Sometimes school children will come to school hungry and hence, the Government has come up with a programme to feed school children in schools. We urge that the elderly whenever people’s names are being registered for the distribution of maize, they start first because they are too weak to fend for themselves or to till the land. We also have programmes where chiefs are given maize so that they can distribute the maize to needy people in their area.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Hon. Minister for answering the questions. You said you will give people maize once in every three months. That is the best approach, not that we will give every month, we do not have that capacity. On the food that is supposed to be given to chiefs, we have a document that says chiefs and sabhukus, it does not mention councillors. As chiefs, we cannot be supervised by councillors, it is not possible, we must do that job, it is our responsibility.
*HON. DINHA: Thank you Hon. President. I once said that the sabhukus and the chiefs are the leaders on this food aid programme, though we do not deny councillors to just come and witnesses the giving of maize. The food distribution will be done by Chiefs and sabhukus. These will be the ones who will be asked to provide a list of needy people. They are the ones who best know people in that area. The councillor is there to supervise or to observe only, but are not directly involved in the giving of food aid. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: The issue at hand is very important Hon. Minister. The manner in which you are answering, I believe that you need to come up with a well-researched statement to deal with the first issue. ZIMVAC is want you wanted to talk about when you were mentioning ZIMLAC, Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment. It assesses the crop situation, what we planted and what we are expecting to harvest. We need information in this Senate, you must get assistance in terms of the grain situation that we have. Does it enable you to feed the rural people that you have mentioned? Further, we also want to find out the issue of distribution which has always been problematic. What measures have you put in place to ensure that there is smooth distribution of food to the people?
As I speak, there are a lot of groanings and pleas from the areas where we come from. The lists are being compiled by people from the district administrator. The people of Kamonde are 100 km away and there are no Social Welfare officers to supervise this. Please go and sit down and come back with factual information. We do not need guess work on the issue of the drought relief programme because it is a reality. Let me also further reiterate the issue raised by Hon. Sen. Zindi in terms of urban areas because His Excellency the President said no one and no place must be left behind, whether in the city or rural areas. So, please go and get the correct information.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Senator Mupfumira for assisting the Minister. All the same, we are all faced with this drought. This drought is actually affecting everybody in this country. Minister, I think it is a good idea for you to make a comprehensive statement as is being said by Hon. Senators.
HON. SEN. D. M. NCUBE: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service. Since we are dealing with a national disaster, as pronounced by the President, What is the role of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) in terms of identifying those who are in dire need of assistance food wise because you are also talking about these other groupings like ZIMVAC, which we do not know? What about the CPU, which actually is mandated to deal with emergencies such as this one? I thank you.
HON. DINHA: Thank you Mr. President. We are all aware that we are operating in an emergence mode after the declaration of the state of disaster by His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa. As a country, we are using the whole of Government approach, that means it is not the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare only that is involved in the distribution of grains and other stuff. We are working together with the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Transport. We are having a meeting because we are using trains to transport our grains, so that the administration costs are kept at a minimal. So, there are several Ministries that are working on this issue. Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: There is another Deputy Minister who has joined us. The Deputy Minister of Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Hon. Mupamhanga.
+HON. SEN. M. NDLOVU: I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity Hon. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. I heard that the war veterans are being given mines. Were they also given equipment to use in those mines because these war veterans are the liberators of this beautiful country?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA): Thank you very much Mr. President. I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. The Ministry Mines and Mining Development gave the war veterans some areas to work on. These are areas that were reserved specifically for war veterans. These are areas of high mineral potential. Currently, there is a facility which was availed by the Ministry, the Mining Industry Loan Fund, which provides for a loan facility which can be given to those who own mining claims. What they do is they approach our provincial mining offices, specifically the office of the Provincial Mining Director and put an application. Our officers will go to the ground to assess the mine whether they will be able to pay back that loan. Fidelity Printers also have a loan facility which they are giving to all miners, not specifically to war veterans or any sector to all miners. So, I would like to urge the war veterans to approach the Ministry of Mines for the Mining Industry Loan Fund or approach Fidelity Gold Refiners for the loan facility which they avail for small scale mining sector. I thank you.
HON. SEN. NZINDI: Thank you Mr. President. Why is it so difficult for the Ministry of Mines to set aside a loan facility specifically for war veterans from all these institutions, the Deputy Minister has highlighted, how they have also set aside claims specifically for war veterans. If work starts in terms of generating income, then so be it. Why I am saying so is because for them to individually approach those financial institutions where one can go and apply for a loan, it is 100% those war veterans will not get that loan. Is it so difficult, I repeat that they set aside whatever loan facility in order to start production and generate funds for war veterans in their late 60s and 70s so that they can enjoy what they fought for other than to do lip service, that we hear every day?
HON. KAMBAMURA: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for the follow-up question. The Ministry reserved some areas for war veterans after a special request from their parent Ministry. So, I would like to urge the Hon. Senator and the organisation again to bring that request through their parent Ministry so that the Ministry will look into it. Most probably, the Ministry will assign a financial institution to manage that Fund but the request needs to come from their parent Ministry so that it could be done in an organised manner. Thank you.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I just wish to find out from the Minister how effective that programme is? How many War veterans from the statistics do you have from evaluation process, how many war veterans have benefited from this programme that you are talking about?
HON. KAMBAMURA: I want to thank the Hon. Senator for the good question. What the Ministry did was to respond to the parent Ministry. They approached the Ministry through their company which is called Power Zimbabwe which was to be administered and managed by the Ministry of War Veterans. It was not the mandate of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to allocate specific claims to war veterans, neither was it the mandate of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to check who has been given what and where. Our task was to allocate areas of high mineral potential to the Ministry, then everything was going to be managed by the parent Ministry. That is why I have referred back to the parent Ministry so that they can approach the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. Maybe in future, we need to form a Committee to manage these assets and try our level best to assist where possible. Thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Mr. President. I do appreciate the explanations by the Deputy Minister of Mines. The whole issue backs the question why our Zimbabwean is ashamed, reluctant to openly provide certain special vehicles opportunities for war veterans. We are all here in this House because of the role they played. No black person sat in a Parliament like this. The whole world, war veterans are recognised for their role, they are given bigger pensions. If it is in mining, we need to have clear funding, specifically to war veterans like we do for the youths and women. What we are doing for the war veterans is good, but we must do more. It is good for this country. Therefore, when the Minister then says for this fund, I want you to go this side. These funds exist in Ministries and Ministry of Mines itself has some funds for specific funds managed by the Ministry of Mines. With respect to mining, why do we not have a fund within Mines Ministry with respect to mining? Then the Minister of War Veterans can sit on that Committee. Let us not be ashamed that we have given war veterans this open benefit exclusive to them. We need to do more for them. Thank you.
HON. KAMBAMURA: Thank you Mr. President. Thank you Hon. Senator Chief Charumbira for the supplementary question and advice. I have taken note, I am going to sit down with my Minister and deliberate on the issue. We are also going to engage Hon. Mavhunga, the Minister for War Veterans so that we sit down and come up with something concrete for the War Veterans. Thank you, Mr. President. – [HON. SENATORS. Hear, hear.]-
HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank Mr. President. Let me ask the Deputy Minister. Is it so difficult to do a joint venture with those special concessions set aside for war veterans with the Chinese, Belarusians or Russians, the list is non-exhaustive? In terms of what the Government is doing in terms of joint ventures, mining operations with the list of countries I have mentioned earlier on, what is it that makes it so difficult that they cannot also come up with a joint venture of that nature for war veterans and benefit while they are still alive? Thank you.
HON. KAMBAMURA: Thank you, Mr. President. In my initial response, I have indicated that there was a special vehicle company which was formed by the Ministry of War Veterans, specifically to do mining. They approached the Ministry of Mines and Mine Development to capacitate through issuance of mining assets to that special purpose vehicle which we did. If ever there are any investors who are willing to form some partnerships or joint ventures with the war veterans, they can freely form some joint ventures or partnership with the investor. If they need more assets, they are free to approach the Ministry so that we can assist them. If ever there are any challenges, our offices are also open to attend to those challenges. Thank you, Mr. President.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: I thank you Mr. President for the opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture. What is the Government’s position on the children who are school leavers and have currently completed their primary and secondary education but are not yet employed?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES (HON. MUPAMHANGA): Thank you Mr. President. I would also like to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. There are various strategies that the Ministry is imploring in order to absorb these young people. Firstly, we have vocational training centres. We are on a drive to revamp our vocational training centres. They specifically target school leavers, children who have not made the cut of 5 ‘O’ levels and above, so that we can equip them with skills in order to allow them to enter the job market or also create jobs for themselves.
Secondly, we have our youth bank, EmpowerBank, which allows young people who have an entrepreneurial spirit. They conduct training sessions that are targeted for financial inclusion and financial literacy so that they can start their own businesses. Thirdly, as many Members of this House are aware that His Excellency, the President is due to relaunch the National Youth Service rebranded as the Youth Service in Zimbabwe as an entry route for young people to get orientation and subsequently enter our vocational training centres on voluntary work. This is done in order for them to be included in the society. In addition we have youth focal desks in every ministry as mandated by Vision 2030 and NDS1. Every Ministry, Department and Government agencies must find entry points for young people to participate.
Lastly, we have the Youth Bill, which we have submitted to the Attorney-General’s office. This will be tabled before Parliament in order to effect the 20% youth quota and ensure that when we produce young people, be it through traditional education or vocational training centres, they are absorbed, not only by the Public Service but the Private Sector as well. Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE Allow me to inform the House that we have been joined by Hon. Minister Matuke who happens to be the Leader of Business in the House.
[Time Limit]
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Mr. President Sir, I move for the extension of Questions Without Notice with another 15 minutes.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIREYA: My question is directed to the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare. In the communal areas, we have children that are disabled. Our schools are situated 5km to 10 km away and we do not have good road infrastructure. Should you have a disabled child, he/she cannot go to school if someone cannot carry them on their back daily. Are there any plans that are in place in order to deal with this particular type of challenge?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVCIE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): On the issue of disabled children, in the majority of cases, we urge that those that cannot walk on their own to attend schools that are far away should go to centres that cater for children with disabilities such as Jairosi Jiri, so as to lessen the movement because they will live at such institutions. I know that Government is currently increasing the number of schools so that problem is going to be a thing of the past. I thank you.
- [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] -
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Can we please avoid background interjections when the Minister is responding. It only shows lack of respect. Allow the Minister to respond and if you have any supplementary, then you can ask.
*HON. SEN. CHITSAMBA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Health. What is Government thinking about the cholera epidemic? Looking at the constituency where I come from, the disease is now prevalent in Fombe and people require Government’s assistance. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. KWIDINI): Thank you Mr. President. I thank the poser of the question Hon. Senator Chitsamba. It is true we have cholera all over but I would want to thank our Government led by His Excellency the President Cde. Mnangagwa. It is trying as best as it can to reduce the spread of cholera. Cholera has just hit us unexpectedly hence you find that we may not have sufficient resources to fight this disease. Government has however developed some drugs and has ensured that they are easily accessible. Previously, we were conducting vaccination campaigns so that the disease could not spread. There is also another programme that the Government is spearheading which involves several Government departments including the Ministry of Agriculture. For such a disease to be contained, there is need for a WASH programme. So, these are the services that the Government is taking to ensure that cholera does not spread. As the Ministry of Health and Child Care, it is our duty to ensure that we have sufficient medication to treat and also prevent the disease. I thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Previously I asked the same question. At the moment we are aware that we have a drought country-wide but back then, we used to have a programme called Food for Work where able-bodied people would not just receive free handouts. It is not their fault that they are now receiving handouts but it is because of an El-nino induced drought. The Minister then said he/she would look into the issue to find out if it is possible for food for work projects to be implemented. Once food handouts start, the bad roads that we are complaining about can be attended to in each locality so as to improve the level of livelihood.
* THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVCIE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Truly, we know that we have a drought and His Excellency the President promised that no one is going to die of hunger. Food for work programmes are going to come. At the moment, what we are doing which is more like food for work are nutrition gardens that are going to come on board. Every village will have a garden which will be led by a village head. The people would grow vegetables and crops and they will consume some of their produce and sell the surplus.
In certain areas, they are in the process of sinking boreholes and once they are in place, village gardens will be established led by the village heads. This is the modality that we are putting in place to alleviate hunger in this country. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. GWATURE: You have just said that the President said no one will die of hunger and my question is that; has there been an exercise carried out to ensure that everyone who requires food is going to be given food regardless of any other considerations?
*HON. DINHA: Food is going to be given to everyone. We are not going to look at the background of one’s political affiliation. Everyone who is hungry is entitled to get food. Furthermore, I have said from May until July, for these three months, we are going to be issuing food handouts. This is a phase or stage and after that, we will go to the second three months from August, September and October and it will continue until we get to the rainy season when people have harvested. It is not just going to be three months period programme, it will be running continuously.
I was talking of the current position that we are tackling, which is May, June and July where everyone is going to receive the total allocation for the three months. We are not looking at anything else in terms of the criteria for selection and that is why we are using the village heads and the chiefs because they are the leaders of the people that are in these communal lands. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO: My supplementary question is directed to the Deputy Minister. You said everyone is going to be provided with food. For us in the rural areas, we have a problem that we are affected by transport challenges. Most of the people that are affected by hunger are supposed to pay a certain fee for trucks to ferry food to places where they reside. Is it Government policy that the person who is affected by drought is supposed to look for money so that he pays the truck that is supposed to ferry the food to their closest location?
*HON. DINHA: The people that are in the communal lands should not pay for transportation of their maize. As we speak right now, I said we are starting with allocations this week. We were given money for the transportation of the maize. We also have funds for payment of officers who are responsible for the registration of the people who will be working. We have money for the transportation of maize to all the distribution centres. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by the TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 67.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
UPGRADING OF PROVINCIAL REFERRAL HOSPITALS
AND PROVISION OF MEDICINES
14. SEN. ZINDI asked the Minister of Health and Child Care to inform the Senate on
the policy with regards to upgrading of provincial referral hospitals, particularly, Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Manicaland; and
the measures being put in place to ensure availability of medicines in hospitals.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. KWIDINI): Thank you for allowing me to respond to the question which was posed by Hon. Senator Zindi. For the specific case of Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, an allocation of US$2 million then which was equivalent to Z$5 billion not yet converted to ZiG our new currency has been designated for the renovation and upgrading of projects. These funds will be utilised to enhance the infrastructure facilities and medical equipment at the hospital aiming to improve the quality of health care service provided to the community.
It is important to note that the Ministry is undertaking these renovations and upgrades gradually considering the availability of resources and the need to prioritise multiple health care facilities across the country. The phased approach ensures that each hospital receives the necessary attention based on its requirements.
The Ministry remains committed to renovations and upgrading of provincial referral hospitals including Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. These initiatives are aimed at creating conducive environments for health care delivery, improving patient care and enhancing the overall health care systems in Zimbabwe.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CLINIC FOR CHIKANGA AND HOBHOUSE
- HON. SEN. ZINDI asked the Minister of Health and Child Care to inform the Senate whether there are any plans for the construction of a clinic to serve residents of Chikanga and Hobhouse in Mutare.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. KWIDINI): Chikanga Clinic has been in operation since 1988. This clinic plays a crucial role in providing primary health care services to the residents of Chikanga and the surrounding areas. Additionally, in Chikanga Phase 3, there is St Joseph Mission which serves as a Roman Catholic Hospital and offers comprehensive health care services to the community. Regarding Hobhouse there is a clinic which has been in operation since 2000. This clinic serves the health care needs of the residents in the Hobhouse and nearby areas. It is important to note that Government places great emphasis on ensuring that the available clinics are adequately resourced in terms of medicines and medical supplies. Efforts are made to ensure that these clinics have the necessary resources to provide quality health care service to the community.
While there may not be immediate plans for the construction of additional clinics in these specific areas, the Ministry of Health and Child Care continuously evaluates the health care needs to different communities and strives to allocate resources accordingly. Government remains committed to meeting health care demands of the population and providing accessible and quality health care services across the country. I thank you.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND
RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
On Question number 16.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. DR. KWIDINI): Thank you Mr. president. I think there is a challenge on that question. Can I give an apology, maybe I can bring the question again next week for proper response?
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Question number 16, Hon. Sen. Zindi is hereby again deferred. The Minister has asked to go and further research on the question and bring the proper response next week.
MOTION
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TEENAGE
MOTHERS
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President I move the motion standing in my name that this house;
ACKNOWLEDGING that teenage pregnancy mainly affects the girl child and perpetuates cycles of vulnerability and inequality which impact negatively on gender parity in education.
AWARE that the constitution of Zimbabwe and the Education Act [chapter 25;04] provide for equal opportunities in education for all children, regardless of gender and prohibits the exclusion of pupils from school based on their pregnancy status,
CONCERNED that despite existing legal framework, the teenage pregnancies remain the leading cause for girls dropping out of school.
MINDFUL that young mothers face a myriad of challenges which impede on their return to formal education.
NOW THEREFORE, calls upon
- The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to provide psycho social support services to teenage mothers when they return to school after giving birth.
- The ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to conduct awareness campaigns to foster a supportive and inclusive environment within schools and communities, ensuring pregnant students are not subjected to discrimination and have access to necessary support services i. e. setting up child protection communities in schools.
HON. SEN. FANUEL: I second Mr. President.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to table my motion on teenage pregnancies and the right to education. Mr. President, I stand before you today to speak about teenage pregnancy and its impact on the right to education. Millions of children globally, are deprived of their right to education and more than two -thirds of them are pre-dominantly adolescent girls. Without the required education skills and protection, many of these girls who may have dropped out of school due to pregnancy may never be given a second chance or provided with alternative opportunities to complete their education, and this makes them even more vulnerable.
Mr. President, pregnancy among adolescent girls is a significant issue globally and is often considered as a major impediment in the elimination of gender disparities in education and the attainment of every child’s basic human right to education. Despite policies being in place, re-integration of pregnant and married adolescents’ girls into formal education system continues to be low in Sub-Saharan Africa. A factor that must not be discounted is that teenage pregnancies and child marriages continue to manifest as a threat to the sustained engagement of adolescent girls in the formal learning and education of Zimbabwe. Comparatively, the situation is more pronounced among adolescent girls as education financing and resilience capacities at household level become compromised.
According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Section 27 (2) states that the State must take measures to ensure that girls are afforded the same opportunities as boys to obtain education at all levels. The NDSI also aims to improve access to quality, equitable and inclusive education. The education -inclusive step taken by amending the Education Act and adding Section 68 (c) which states that no people shall be excluded from school for non-payment of school fees or on the basis of pregnancy is one such legislative measure to provide equal access to education for both boys and girls.
However, even though Zimbabwe has been in possession of the above framework adolescent pregnancy has continued to feature in statistics as one of the leading causes of girls dropping out of school. Such a trend, if left unchecked hampers female empowerment and the sustainable development of the nation.
In 2021, fourteen thousand, six hundred pupils including two hundred and thirty-eighty primary school girls dropped out of school due to pregnancies and a child marriage according to the Primary and Secondary Education statistics report.
Mr. President, practically young mothers experience a shift in responsibilities from being a school girl to being a parent. Gender and social norms often mean the new young mother bears the full responsibility to provide for their child’s care needs and costs involved. Earning a living to fund the cost of raising a child and a child care needed to enable the mother to return to school and having time to care for the child directly competes with the time and money young mothers need to complete their own education. Hence the most important factor for determining whether a teenage mother would return to school is whether she has family support to support her in child care, in particular her mother to support with child care responsibility or money to pay for the child care giver.
Similarly, local attitudes about adolescent mothers returning to school are often out of step with national policies. School leaders and community members may be aware of the policies, but hold beliefs or attitude that girls should be punished or that allowing pregnant girls or young mothers to go to school will somehow encourage more pregnancies in their communities. Gender and social norms also show up in the blaming and shaming and adolescent mothers often face stigma, discrimination and social isolation.
Even where schools may be supportive, pregnant girls and adolescent mothers are often incredibly resilient, yet so much is placed upon them to overcome. Addressing these barriers requires solution that span the practical support needed beyond the education sector alone through the deeper work on harmful social and gender norms. Policies need to go beyond simply ‘allowing’ return to school by addressing the supportive conditions required to enable girls to return to and stay in school. Programmes and education systems may need to provide interim solution to education for young mother, while the longer-term solutions to prevent child pregnancies are being addressed.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should not only go beyond allowing re-entry of teenage mother in school, but also offer support on child-care responsibilities, and /or money to pay for childcare. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to do awareness campaigns to ensure schools and communities create a supportive and inclusive environment for pregnant students. This will ensure that they are not discriminated against and have access to the necessary support services that is setting up child protection committees at schools. Thank you.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: Thank you Madam President for the opportunity that you have afforded me to support the motion that was tabled by Hon. Tongogara in regards to impregnated school children. It pains me especially as a parent, it is a difficult task for parents to get money to take their children to school. We take our children to school under different circumstances. When they are about to finish their education, they are impregnated. As parents, we hope that we could find a way of protecting such children. Some of them drop out of school whilst they are still in form one, two or three. Therefore, we hope that the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare can help these children that after they have given birth to their children, they can be afforded an opportunity to go back to school.
Most of them will still be as young as under 18 years and wishing to pursue their education. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should therefore have awareness campaigns to parents and schools, educating them on how children should take care of themselves. Some of them once they are told that even if you get pregnant, you are still afforded an opportunity to go back to school, might abuse that chance. However, if such mistakes happen that one gets pregnant whilst at school, one should be afforded that opportunity. We should also establish a committee and we might name it Child Protection, that in the event that a child gets pregnant, when they go back to school, should not be humiliated.
She should have a way of protecting such children and when they fall pregnant, it is not the end of the road for them. We should give them an opportunity to go back to school. I feel whilst we are raising our children, we will assist especially the girl child. When they are going to school, you realise that when they fall pregnant, it becomes a challenge for them. Sometimes they impregnate each other as students. They are lured by the good things that appear good to them from outside. Some children present it as a good way of falling in love and falling pregnant and those who are not well educated might be influenced to do the same. I therefore urge that we should come up with a law or a policy that affords them an opportunity to go back to school.
However, we should come up with a policy that states that once one falls pregnant, the first time, they be afforded an opportunity to go back to school. However, if it is the second pregnancy, we should again find a way of dealing with it so that we do not seem to be promoting pregnancy whilst at school.
^HON. SEN. MALULEKE: Thank you Hon. Tongogara for raising this important motion, which touches on the issue of the girl child and the challenges they face. Many times, the girl child fails to complete her studies due to a number of factors and one of them is being impregnated whilst at school. I would ask that a committee be set and look into the issue on how they can be assisted and be accepted back to school to finish their studies. This can help them to get a better job in future. I am asking that each and every school should have a committee that sits and look into the children who drop out of school so that they can be assisted to go back to school.
This motion really touches me, especially when I realise that a girl child’s life has been affected by a boy who will later continue with his education while the girl is taking care of the baby. Some girl children fail to get money to go to school while the brother goes ahead and ends up being impregnated while at home. Some of them are shy because they do not have enough resources to use or to look presentable at school and drop out of school. Even the teachers themselves also look down upon those who are not well presentable and they end up dropping out of school. Parents wish that their child goes to school and have a better life. As mothers, we want our children to go ahead with school because these are tomorrow’s ministers. This issue only affects the girl child and not the boy child. May all the children be given opportunity to go to school and the girl child should be protected from such issues? I thank you for giving me this opportunity to add to my voice to this motion.
HON. SEN. R. M. NDLOVU: Thank you Madam President for allowing me to add my voice to this very important motion. Let me first of all thank Sen. Tongogara for this motion. It is a very painful motion. At times you know during the colonial era, both the pregnant and the person who impregnates were being fired from school. After independence, we agreed that was a wrong approach by the former colonial rulers. Sometimes our own people - when your child is pregnant after birth, they take the child to the other family; they cannot bring up this young child. It is too expensive, and it becomes a problem.
The two families became unhappy with each other. I think as human beings or as parents, our children must learn to respect themselves when they are sent to school. They are not there to go and do bad things but they are supposed to go and do the learning. It is unfortunate and it is nature, they cannot avoid that. What is important at the end of the day, the innocent soul that has been born by these young teenagers - they did not apply to be born. If the fathers and mothers of the teenagers decided to do these bad things, we need to have counselling of the two so that in their lifetime, they will remember that they did a bad thing. But because of counselling, they now have to respect themselves.
Madam President, many children have left school especially in rural areas where they go long distances. Those who drop out of school will be on the way trying to make love to these young children. If they fall in love and the girls get pregnant, they leave school. Some even do not even go even if their parents want them to go back to school. Some become very shy, others laugh at them for what they have done. I believe we need to have some laws that really makes it difficult. I do not know how best we can do it but I think we can plan and think better so that these children can realise that education is the best way to do before they go to love matters.
Madam President, it is very difficult and painful to find young boys herding cattle especially those boys who are looking for girls. Those are the boys who impregnant the school girls because they have got the little money that they are paid. It is unfortunate that human beings do not buttress you know, it is Inkomo nxa ingumnjanja uyayithena. So. Madam President, it becomes very difficult, very serious, very unfortunate that our young people these days are indulging in sex before the time. To themselves, they do not see the problem but after committing the crime, it is where they will see how serious it is to have that Hon. Sen. Tongogara calls upon Government to have lenience which I also support that if the children have done that, they must be counselled and be allowed to go back to school and continue their studies. I thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NYATHI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 21st May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Madam President, I propose that we stand over Orders of the Day, Numbers 2 to 8, until the rest of the Orders have been disposed of. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL OF THE LOAN BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE AND THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) FOR HORTICULTURE ENTERPRISES ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
(HEEP)
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Thank you Madam President. I stand before this august House to present the proposal for the approval of a loan of US$37.140 000 million from IFAD, the international fund for agricultural development which Zimbabwe Government seeks contractual and this loan will go a long way in supporting the horticulture sector within the agricultural sector. Madam President, according to Zimbabwe’s Economic Blue Print, the National Development Strategy 1 of 2021 to 2025. Government prioritises the recovery of the agricultural sector which is a key enabler to the country’s economic growth and development.
Madam President, what is being proposed today here is what we call the horticulture enterprise enhancement project known as HEEP. It seeks to increase agriculture production and productivity especially by horticulture farmers which enhances food nutrition security, income and increase opportunities for value addition and the development of agro value chains.
Madam President, to this end, Government secured US$37.140 000 from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in order to enhance agriculture production and productivity. The project is being co-financed by the OPEC Fund for international development. The objective of this project HEEP is to support, increase and sustainable horticulture production and sales by small holder farmers and micro small and medium enterprise engaged in horticulture value chains.
Madam President, the project shall benefit all small holder farmers who will be organising what we call agricultural producer groups in village horticulture gardens and also what we call agricultural producer groups in four Ps that are linked to anchor firms. Four Ps here we mean public, private and people partnerships. There are two aspects of support within this loan arrangement.
The project would be located in four provinces, which are Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland for the village horticultural gardens only. However, for the four Ps aspect the project will be located in well-functioning irrigation schemes throughout the ten provinces of the country. In particular, in the high potential regions of Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland province. The objective of the project is to realise increased household incomes and improved nutrition through sustainable transformation of the horticulture farming sector. The revival of the sector is key in boosting the national economy through transforming the small holder sector to participate and enhance horticulture production and productivity, development of local and regional markets, employment creation, expansion of horticulture exports and import substitution as well as poverty reduction.
In 2021, we contracted a previous loan which financed small-holder agricultural projects and this covered five provinces; Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Midlands and Matabeleland North. These were covered in the first loan which was conducted in 2021. This loan aimed at increasing household incomes and improving nutrition through a sustainable transformation of the small-holder farming sector. The project development objective is to increase equitable small-holder participation in market oriented and climate smart value chains. Whilst this current one that I am presenting today HEEP, is more focused on small-holder farmers who are into horticulture farming and is being implemented in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland provinces. So, if you take into account the 2021 loan and then this loan that I am presenting today, the two cover all our provinces and you must think of them as two together because no province has been left behind by…
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: On a point of order Madam President. I don not think we have a quorum.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I think the quorum is there.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: No, we do not have a quorum. There are 21 Members in here and they are supposed to be 26.
[Bells rung.]
Notice having been taken that there being present fewer than 26 Members, the bells were rung for Seven Minutes and a Quorum still not being present, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE adjourned the House without question put at Seventeen Minutes to Five O’clock p.m. pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order Number 57.
NOTE: The following members were present when the Senate adjourned: Hon. Sen. Kunaka, T.; Hon. Sen. Manyengavana, M.; Hon. Sen. Kabondo, T.; Hon. Sen. Gotora, C. J.; Hon. Sen. Nyathi, E.; Hon. Sen. Fanuel, R.; Hon. Ndlovu, R. M; Hon. Sen. Ndlovu, M.; Hon. Sen. Chief Gumpo, S. K.; Hon. Sen. Maluleke, O. M.; Hon. Sen. Tongogara, A. K.; Hon. Sen. Zvidzai, S.; Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa, N.; Hon. Sen. Chakabuda, K.; Hon. Sen. Moyo, S.; Hon. Sen. Sibanda, L.; Hon. Sen. Bvumo, T.; Hon. Sen. Mdhuluri, M.; Hon. Sen. Gwature, M. G.; Hon. Sen. Chitsamba, J.; Hon. Sen. Munemo, S.; Hon. Sen. Ndlovu, C.; Hon. Sen. Chikukwa, L.; Hon. Sen. Hungwe, O.;
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 15th May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
FAREWELL CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICE FOR MISS. HELEN B. DINGANI
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to remind the House that there will be a Catholic Church Service to bid farewell to Miss Helen B. Dingani on Thursday, 16th May, 2024 at 1200 hours in Special Committee Room No. 1 following her appointment as Ambassador to the Republic of Tanzania. All Members are invited, including non-Catholic Members.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: I received the following apologies from the Executive:
Hon. Dr. S. Nyoni, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife; Hon T. Machakaire, Minister of Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training; Hon. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. M. Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development; Hon. J. Mhlanga, Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Hon. F. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. S. Sibanda, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. M. N. Ndlovu, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. R. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Z. Soda, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities and Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
ABSENCE OF QUORUM
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, yesterday in the afternoon, after I had left the Chamber and the Hon. Deputy Speaker was presiding, assisted by members of the Speaker’s Panel; the bells had to be rung twice because there was no quorum in the House.
Hon. Members, when you made your Oath or Affirmation, you said, ‘I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and that I will uphold the Constitution and other laws of Zimbabwe; and that I will perform my duties as a Member of the National Assembly faithfully and to the best of my ability.’ That was the solemn affirmation oath that you made; to perform your duties is to be in the House until the House adjourns.
I have asked the Chief Whips to appeal to you to observe your oaths of office simply because you are here at the grace of those members of our society, the people of Zimbabwe who gave us the opportunity to come, serve and represent them because all of them could not be in the Chamber or in Parliament for that matter, and we are here at the taxpayer’s money.
Therefore, we need to respect that authority we derive from the people. I have appealed to the Chief Whips that they appeal to you to attend religiously to Parliamentary business. I have the means in terms of Standing Order Number 215, to apply some measures which I hope can result in some remedial correction of such untoward behaviour. Some of you may say I am harsh. Indeed I will be harsh on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe. That is my responsibility. When I leave the Chair, I go to my office, I do not go home, and I follow proceedings from my office until the House is adjourned. I could easily leave the Chamber and go home to relax, but that is not how it should be. If I apply Standing Order Number 215, some of you have tested that and you will regret it. I do not want to put in place measures that will dictate who is who, who does the absconding. Today I am merely appealing to you and through the Chief Whips who I believe have spoken to you. I hope you will respond positively to the appeal. If there is no change, I will be forced to act accordingly.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTOINS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir, good afternoon. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and in his absence, probably to the Leader of Government Business.
I want to find out the Ministry’s position pertaining retrenchment of workers seeing that the Labour Act of 2023, the amendment is a bit silent on retrenchment packages. Now, employers are letting go of employees without compensating them at all and yet previously we knew that the retrenchment was a two weeks salary plus the number of years that the employee would have served in that company but right now it is silent. We have a lot of employees that are being let go without any retrenchment packages, so, I wanted to find out the Ministry’s position on that matter, I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. Mr. Speaker, I need to verify. So, I will kindly request him to put it in writing so that we can check the relevant section within the Labour Act what it now says.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. J. Tshuma, please put your question in writing for next week so that we can have an appropriate response.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I stand guided accordingly.
HON. A. T. MAVUNGA: Afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr. Speaker Sir, the happiness index in the country right now is at its highest and this is because of the introduction of the new currency -[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – the civil servants, the population at large has been going in and out of shops and realising value for their money and that is very important Mr. Speaker.
However, Mr. Speaker Sir, some elements of sabotage have arisen in society, particularly in retail shops and other service providers that are introducing ungodly rates to the people of Zimbabwe. Mr. Speaker Sir, what measures are in place to protect the citizens and apprehend those retailors and service providers that are sabotaging our currency, sabotaging the efforts of the Second Republic? – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
THE HON. SPEAKER: I do not see the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs. The question was directed to the Minister of Home Affairs, measures to arrest the culprits. May we refer to Hon. Ziyambi.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is responsible for putting in measures to ensure that the Minister of Home Affairs and the law enforcers will enforce that. A more informed response may come from the Minister responsible for finance. If you allow deferment of that question to him since he is around. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank the Hon. Member for that very important question. It is very important that we should protect our currency and keep it stable and discourage unnecessary speculation. The speculation is unjustified. It is clear what the fundamentals are that drive value, that underpin the value of this currency and therefore it should be clear to everybody that this currency should be stable and appropriate official exchange rate should be used for transaction purposes. In our desire to protect that Mr. Speaker Sir, we are putting certain measures, certain sanctions on those who deviate from that objective.
First of all, for those who are managing retail or own retail organisations and sell goods to the public, we are insisting as Government that they ought to use the willing buyer-willing seller price for foreign currency as the basis for pricing. What we did last week after my presentation here to this House to the joint Budget and Finance Committee and also the Committee for Industry and Commerce, I did undertake that we will remove the 10% limit for certain prices and that was removed and it was subsequently brought to this House and we debated it, the House approved it and we are very grateful. We have removed any basis to deviate officially from the official exchange rate, that 10% exchange limit was causing deviation as an excuse for overpricing purposes. So, from now going forward, we make use of the willing buyer- willing seller pricing mechanism and any deviation will be sanctioned through a fine of no less than ZiG 200 000 per offence. So that is really the measures we have put in place to deal with the pricing by retailors.
On individual trading on the streets and so forth, clearly, they do so without any licences, they are violating the exchange control regulations and the law has taken course of those that have violated and we have seen a few or more than 70 individuals being arrested. Police have done their job and some of them have appeared before the courts so that they face justice and stop what they are doing. It is very important that we must all abide by the law to protect our currency. After all, that is the only domestic currency we have. The other currencies are actually foreign currencies and we cannot develop a country without your own currency, neither can we have a full bouquet of micro-economic tools without our own currency and monitory policy. I submit, thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MAVUNGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. We applaud the efforts by the Ministry of Finance and I think the ball is no longer in their court because they played their role last week after the introduction of that Statutory Instrument on Exchange Control Act. However, I think the ball is now in the police force. Is the police force equipped enough or capacitated enough to go to the grassroots and enforce the rule of law when it comes to protecting this currency?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. On matters of finance, we have a financial intelligence unit that is under the Ministry of Finance to specifically look into those issues and monitor. The police will come at the tail end. If we are to protect the currency, the measures put by the Ministry of Finance, the monitoring is done there. The police will come at the tail end, hence the request that I made to you in my submission that the Minister is well positioned to offer an answer on how to deal with malcontents in society. I submit.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Hon Minster of Finance, the Financial Intelligence Unit, is it up to scratch?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I thank Hon. Mavunga for that supplementary question. Yes, the Financial Intelligence Unit has been effective in investigating illicit activities, money laundering and other aspects and in fact, triggering the sanctions on those who are deviating from the prescribed exchange rate or pricing frameworks, but of course, we can never say they have all the capacity they need.
In fact, they have written to me to say Minister, we need more capacity and I have granted that and we will be giving them more resources so that they can hire more personnel equipment or whatever they need like tools of trade to remain effective on the ground, but that is one hand. Hon. Mavunga wanted to know more about the police side. Again, we have said to the law enforcement agents, the police that if they need additional capacity, we are happy to support that whether it is equipment mobility, we have to support that because this is an important issue. I can assure him and I can assure the nation that we really mean business and we will make sure that our law enforcement agents and agencies are equipped enough to deal with the situation. I thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Sir. I am happy Hon. Minister for the steps that you have taken. We note that retailers are being arrested, but wholesalers are not being prosecuted. Manufacturers have also been spared. You find that there is 17% of wholesalers who are in plain sight. Let me ask, what is the Financial Intelligence Unit doing regarding wholesalers who are flaunting Government laws and are not being prosecuted? I thank you.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Mr. Speaker Sir, should I proceed?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, please.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank Hon. Nyabani. This question is very important. What he is really saying is that so far, we have been concentrating with an enforcement at the tail end. What should be done is an enforcement along the value chain. Manufacturer, wholesaler up to retailer. So, he is correct and I agree with him. I have actually instructed the Financial Intelligence Unit to begin doing that to make sure enforcement is involved right through the value chain. That is exactly what we will do. Thank you.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My supplementary question goes as, is it not that this is as a result of a supply or demand deficiency because economics follows logic? There is no abracadabra as highlighted by the Minister of Higher Education. My question therefore is; is it because there is a policy deficiency that is where we are going to involve the police to take charge? To suggest Minister, the absence of Bureau de Changes, does it actually not inconvenience other people who want to hold a few foreign currencies to use on their daily basis, which creates this gap which is being used by other people to do illegally? My question therefore to the Minister is; is it possible to correct this without the police but introducing a watertight policy that encourages Bureau de Changes so that everyone else is free to get foreign currency? These people are just utilising a gap in the market. I submit.
HON. PROF. NCUBE: I thank the Hon. Member for the question, but I do not think you will find many owners of big wholesale shops queueing to get foreign currency from a Bureau de Change. So, I suspect that is not the solution. His point is valid, which is perhaps the Bureau de Changes have to be capacitated so that we can have a more inclusive approach to access foreign currency. We make sure that we will look into that to see how they can be capacitated, supported with foreign currency supply so that they can sell to the greater public. For the wholesalers, if I can link that to the prior question, that is clear indiscipline. It has nothing to do with the absence of Bureau de Changes, but I do accept that having Bureau de Changes that are effective and systems that are effective, we will assist the public in terms of access to foreign currency and we will reduce the need and pressure to go to alternative markets which are illegal. I thank you.
HON. DR. MUTODI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question to the Minister is; is there a long-term plan to reduce the demand of USD in this economy? If we go to other countries like South Africa, you would find that they do not accept the USD100 note. They prefer to use their local currency. Can we not have the demand for USD reduced while we increase the demand for the local currency?
HON. PROF. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank Hon. Mutodi for the question. Yes, we have a plan for increasing the use of the ZiG and therefore reduce the demand of the use of the USD. First of all, the first order of business is to make sure that the ZiG exchange rate is always stable within reason. When we say stable in exchange rate language, we mean stable within reason. It means that we maintain stability. Once the currency has a track record in stability, it becomes more acceptable as a transacting currency and also as a store of value and as a currency in which citizens can make their savings in investments.
So, the first order of business is stability. To accompany that, we need to increase the use of the ZiG through creating super demand for it by basically legislating that certain taxes and fees from Government should be paid in the local currency. We are working on that and we will be announcing as to which taxes we paid only and solely in ZiG currency. Creating that demand is critical and gradually, you will see the demand of the ZiG increasing, but what is really important is the stability of the currency. That way, the currency really gains a credibility through that stability track record. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Minister.
An Hon. Members having called for a supplementary question
THE HON. SPEAKER: Did you not hear my English? I said Hon. Mutodi is the last Hon. Member to ask a question.
HON. S. MOYO: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. The Cabinet yesterday announced that 1.7 billion urban Zimbabweans are food insecure because of the drought. What is Government policy towards the feeding of urban people, taking cognisant that Government previously prioritised the rural folks only – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Member did you say 1.7 billion?
HON. S. MOYO: 1.7 million.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Million, alright.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker. In Cabinet, Hon. Minister Masuka and Hon. Moyo are tasked to steer that programme. With your permission, I would request Hon. Minister Masuka to answer that as he is fully involved in the issue and he is the one who issued the statement yesterday.
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): The context is that we now have the second round of crops, livestock and fisheries assessment issued on the 18th of April. We have completed the household-based village coordinated rapid vulnerability assessment conducted by the ministries of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. Those two have indicated that six million rural people out of 9.2 million will require food assistance from now till March 2025.
The urban livelihood assessment has also just been completed by the Food and Nutrition Council and in it, 1.732 million urban people will require food assistance. The Government has indicated that both the rural people and the urban people that are vulnerable will be assisted. That assistance will be in the following manner; for rural people, from now until September/October, the distribution will be 7.5 kg of cereal which might be wheat, maize or traditional grain per person per month. That will amount to 46 000 metric tonnes on a monthly basis. In the three month, 138 000 metric tonnes will be required but because of the logistical hurdles, instead of going around the country every month, an individual will receive three months supply at any given time – that will be 22.5 kgs of cereal for the rural households for the six million people that will require assistance.
For urban households, a cash transfer system will be operational and modalities will be announced by Minister July Moyo. The expectation is that the private sector has been allowed to import and they will see and perceive business in this drought year and will be able to import, mill and sell appropriately priced mealie-meal to urban households. These 1.732 million people will then be given cash and will be able to access that mealie-meal.
However, to ensure that there is stability in terms of prices, we have an indicative price that if a 10 kg bag of roller-meal goes above USD 6.5, the Government will try and intervene using its own institutions to ensure that there is stability.
*HON. TAFANANA ZHOU: I want to appreciate the good work which was done in terms of assessing the need of the rural community. My supplementary question to the Minister is that; since you noted that the rural populace has quite dire plight, what strategies are you going to apply so that they get an allowance to pay for milling?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: For now, Government is looking at distributing the different types of grain so that we assist the community. We do not have a specific programme of giving people money for milling. We note that there will be a shortage of water for livestock and domestic consumption. We are going to sink boreholes. At the moment we do not have the funding for milling of grains.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: We know that drought in Zimbabwe was declared a national disaster by the Head of State. Since we know that in a national disaster setting, it disproportionately affects women. What is Government policy with regards prioritising women in a national disaster that was recently announced.
HON. DR. MASUKA: I would like to thank the coordinator for this state of disaster who is the Minister of Local Government and Public Works. I think there are about seven ministries that are under that umbrella. May I hasten to highlight that in the vulnerability assessment, this is not gender based because drought in my view, everyone needs to eat and therefore we prioritise that. I know that in the Committee, perhaps the Minister responsible will be able to highlight but there were elements that there is perhaps a possibility that gender-based violence might increase as a result of households having food insecurities which is why Government has stepped in to undertake household-based vulnerability assessment that takes into account those elements. So, hopefully, those will be minimised and eventually eliminated so that we do not have any gender aspects in terms of these vulnerabilities. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister of Local Government and Public Works, would you like to add on the question of vulnerable groups?
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Allow me to thank the contribution from the Hon. Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The Elnino induced disaster is not focusing on gender, it is focusing on Zimbabweans who are exposed to hunger. It is looking at everybody - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – But special attention is also being given to children in schools. Some feeding programmes are catering for children so that they do not fail to attend school due to lack of food. I thank you.
*HON. MAJAYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question concerns everyone, whether working or not, everyone is affected and will face hunger. What plans does the Government have to assist everyone? I thank you.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for that question. We have a double-pronged approach. Firstly, we had to assess the situation in the fields in terms of the cropping that was done. The second phase being looking at what has been harvested. So, we went with the Ministry Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Every village head was tasked to consult different households so that they compile and create a database of needs in different villages. Therefore, every household, ward, village, district, and province submitted that data which contributed to the database.
We then collated information that implies that we have six million people who are in need of food. We did not discriminate, but if anyone has been left behind in different communities, the President has another plan that resonates with his mantra that no one is going to be left behind. In every Ward, people will be given small grains, maize, sorghum and millet and our traditional leaders will play a crucial role.
In every Ward, there are five tonnes, if there are 12 Wards, then they will be given six tonnes. So, the Chief’s silo will be responsible for allocating to the community and the chief will play that role to ensure that no one is left behind. I thank you.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to appreciate President E. D. Mnangagwa’s vision that everyone should be given food aid without discrimination. My supplementary question is, today, in the past and in the future, the way we consume is different from the way we replenish what we consume, which implies that the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development stated that he is going to be working with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
As a nation, we need to pool our resources so that we are able to supply the needs of our people. So, we need a contingent plan so that the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion clears debts at ZESA so that wheat farmers can plant their wheat. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You can try responding Hon. Minister, perhaps the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion can assist.
* HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for that question. These are the things that we consider. Firstly, when we meet our farmers, we engage them and inform them on Government plans regarding this drought that it has four stages. The first being that we look at what we have in our Government coffers. We have 423 000 metric tonnes of grain in our GMB silos.
Secondly, we look at the anticipated harvest during this drought. Thirdly, we also consider where we will be able to buy grains. Fourth, what we are able to plant during the winter cropping season. Therefore, we are working on wheat-based food security intervention because we noted that planting maize during winter might reduce the harvest to two tonnes per hectare but if we plant wheat, we will be able to harvest more within a short period of time.
There are things that must be in place and most importantly, we need electricity. We need 100 to 120 megawatts of electricity in a 120 000 hectares land. So, with my colleague, we made it a point that we set aside 2500 billing points that are in line with irrigation schemes around the country. We requested for meter numbers and would do satellite positioning, create a WhatsApp group and put people in clusters so that they are not affected by load shedding. If there are people who say that Government has enacted that there cannot be load shedding, we want to know any errant behaviour that is taking place because we have laws.
All winter wheat farmers will not be affected by electricity and water shedding. Some wheat producers have not been paid. So, if they have not been paid, then they cannot be expected to pay taxes to Government, electricity and water rates before they are paid. So, if we know of any farmers who are affected, we need to communicate as soon as possible so that authorities take action. I thank you.
HON. CHIWANZA: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport. Moving with the trend of Government modernisation, we have seen that ZBC has made it mandatory to licences as far as motorists are concerned. Are there any measures by Ministry of Transport to consolidate the discs on the windscreens because the windscreens are becoming crowded, there is a disc for ZINARA, insurance and now a disc for ZBC?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Let me thank my brother Hon. Chiwanza for the important question pertaining to amalgamation of our discs which makes sense Hon. Speaker, given that the windscreen will be clattered. I want to assure the Hon Member that there is nothing that cannot be done and surely we are talking of a disc coming from the licencing of vehicles and also our insurance, which is, at the end of the day, after the promulgation of this very important law which is still being deliberated, I do not think it has been implemented as we speak. Given the fact that it has been implemented there is nothing, with the advent of technology, that cannot be done where we can also sit together with the ICT Minister and see how we can bring the disc to one disc at the end of the day.
HON. MAKOPE: My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. I have been checking on the curriculum of most of our practical subjects and it is my observation that most of the subjects which are practical are those which are emanating from the resources which we have apart from mining. So, I want to inquire from the Minister the potential of incorporating mining as a learning area or as a subject so that our learners can have information or the skills on how to operate in mining and also to participate in the sector.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): May I thank the Hon. Member for the question. As we are rolling out the Heritage Based Curriculum, we are emphasising the importance of learners to understand their background information. They need to have an understanding of their surroundings and endowments within their areas where they stay so that they are able to study and do research on whatever challenges that might be faced in their communities. Heritage Based Curriculum emphasises the issue of technical and vocationalisation of education and indeed, mining as a subject is a suggestion that the Hon. Member is giving us but, in my understanding, mining studies are done in Geography where people talk about alluvial mining and underground mining. I am sure it is well captured in the Heritage Based Curriculum in as far as geography is concerned.
HON. MAKOPE: I think the teaching of mining in geography and other science subjects, to me is not enough because those are just topics or themes within the main subject. My suggestion is that we incorporate mining as a subject on its own, in fact Mining Engineering just like what we do in Agriculture. We are using our land and other resources. We have other subjects which are practical subjects where we are using our wood. So, we incorporate that one as a subject but if we look at mining, there is a gap there and that is why you see other nations, in particular the global north, they are studying Mining Engineering as a subject on its own.
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is your supplementary question?
HON. MAKOPE: Yes, I just want to give a background so that the Minister can appreciate my question. Is it not possible that we can introduce Mining Engineering as a subject like other subject?
HON. T. MOYO: Hon. Speaker, I wish to thank the Member for that supplementary question. In fact, it is a suggestion which we can consider but it is a human resources issue Hon. Speaker, where we want to liaise with our sister Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education which deals with the training of our teachers. Currently, we do not have manpower to offer Mining Engineering in secondary schools. So, I think we need to sit down with our sister Ministry and since there is a gap from what he has said and I also observe there is a gap where we may want to introduce Mining Engineering as a subject; whether we have capacity to train mine engineers who will act as teachers so that we are able to roll out and also introduce this as a subject.
*HON. MAZHINDU: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance. Where are we going to get money to procure passports since we do not have Bureau de’ Changes in this country and banks are not issuing USD for us to procure passports?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): If I understood the question, it has got to do with payment for passports at the Passport Office. We are currently in a multi-currency system so really you should be able to pay with other domestic currency, the ZiG or foreign currency which, by default, is the USD. What has happened is that when we worked hard as Government and I think the public appreciates, to clear the long queues that had arisen out of the process of acquiring travel documents and passports and we have cleared those queues very successfully; we had to negotiate a contract with the service provider and that contract is denominated in hard currency, in USD. It is not easy overnight to just say overnight start paying in ZiG. We need to be sure that we are not violating that contract and that we will be able to meet the requirement for servicing that loan but it is a valid request and observation which we are actively looking into but I just wanted to highlight that we have got that issue in the background of honouring a contract signed between the Government and a service provider who has done very well in the production of passports.
Now, we are seeing them expand right across the country, into SA, UK and other sectors across the globe where citizens will be able to apply for a passport and get it on time as an e-passport. Looking into this but for now we have this obligation which we must take into account. I thank you.
*HON. J. STHOLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir, my supplementary question is; can this be possible to ensure that we pay partly in ZiG and partly in United States dollars whilst they work out the modalities? Most of the people who want to apply for passports are not able to find United States Dollars except through illegal markets.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion said they are scrutinising the contract between the service provider of the passports versus Government to ensure that this issue maybe worked on amicably. So the Honourable Minister said they are looking at the contract.
HON. PROF. NCUBE: I think the Hon. Member for the follow-up question said that when the Hon. Member was using the Zimbabwe Dollar, his question did not arise. So I am a little baffled why it is not arising now that we are using ZiG, but I agree with you Mr. Speaker Sir.
*HON. MUTSEYAMI: Tank you Mr. Speaker, my supplementary question is to the Hon. Minister through you Mr. Speaker, this company that was given tender to provide passports, whose company is this that is making us suffer like this which is really pushing us to try and think how best we can solve this, can you please tell me who the shareholders of this company are?
HON. PROF. NCUBE: Mr. Speaker Sir, before Government enters into any contract with serious service providers, we do some due diligence of owners, their credit standing, their financial standing - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order!
HON. PROF. NCUBE: So, this was done and I can assure the Hon. Member that the owners of this company are credible business people who understand this business and who have provided similar services in other countries. I think that if he went to the passport office, he will be well served and be very satisfied with the service they provide and should not be of any doubt to the quality of the - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, Order! – the essence of the question is not about shareholding. The essence of the original question is the possibility of paying in ZiG. Since the supplier currently requires payment in US dollars, that is the essence of the question. It has nothing to do with shareholding.
HON. MHETU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. From what the Minister said, he said this contract was signed between the Government of Zimbabwe and that company, so my request is, can Government not subsidise the rest in US dollar so that the citizens can procure these passports in ZiG?
HON. PROF. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, first of all, I would like to appreciate the Hon. Member who has shown a lot of appreciation for the ZiG and he loves domestic currency.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker Sir, what he is proposing is not doable because of the nature of the contract. The contract is what we call a typical public private partnership arrangement where we do not borrow from the service provider, but the service provider enters into a revenue sharing agreement with Government for the privilege of being able to make profits from the opportunities. So, that is the arrangement and what they will do over time is that they will then be able to recoup the cost of supplying their equipment, time and service for the betterment of the lives of Zimbabweans. So it is not a loan, it is a revenue sharing arrangement, it is a typical public private partnership and I think that is what we want and then there is no immediate strain on the fiscus, one would not be coming here for supplementary budget and such things, but it cannot be done in the way that the Hon. Member is suggesting. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MUTOKONYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. Firstly, I would like to applaud the works that are being done by the Second Republic through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. We are seeing a lot of progress on our roads. My question is on the urban transport system. We have witnessed a lot of vehicles and a lot of congestion, particularly in urban cities. I would want to ask the Hon. Minister; what is the plan to ensure that there is efficient urban transport system, particularly on the issue of congestion?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Let me thank Hon. Mutokonyi once again for acknowledging the work that is happening in the country, and also to thank him for raising a very important question pertaining to urban transportation. When it comes to urban transportation, quite a number of times the question is posed, which actually relates to how we can coordinate easy flow of traffic in cities, but the urban transport system falls under the purview of local authorities and in this case, it means it will be under the Ministry of Local Government.
However, we have a whole of Government approach where we are working together with local authorities and with the police to bring sanity in our cities. It is true that what we are witnessing is so chaotic in our cities in terms of movement of traffic, but the longer and sustainable plan is to decongest our cities, thereby providing a cheaper mode of transport where we can have trains in terms of railway line.
This is the plan that we have as a Ministry, to say we have got neighbouring cities, Chitungwiza, Norton and Mabvuku. The idea that we are pursuing in the Ministry is to connect those places so that we have people embarking on trains, thereby using their own vehicles during weekends or have their leisure time, which is more sustainable way of decongesting our cities.
However, through the Ministry of Local Government and working with the city fathers so as to make sure that we have in terms of congestion, it could be our robots that are not working which are under the purview of the local authorities, there is complete ownership of our infrastructure without pointing fingers to say this relates to a particular department. So this is the approach that we have adopted with the Ministry and you will see us accelerating in that regard. Thank you.
HON. GANYIWA: I also wanted to know from the Minister, the immediate plans regarding the issue of increasing access roads or detours in order to ease the congestion, in particular to roads that connect the roads that are being constructed. For example, we are talking of Lomagundi connecting to this Parliament as well as Bindura Road and Lomagundi. Are there any immediate plans that can ease congestion before the opening of this road?
HON. MHONA: Let me thank Hon. Ganyiwa for the very important question. I also want to start by apologising to the citizenry for the inconvenience that they are witnessing. However, it is just like a pregnant mother. The pain can be endured for nine months and thereafter you celebrate and precisely, this is the period that we are in as a country and I want to say instead of having detours, we can count from now in three weeks’ time or earlier, we will be opening some of the roads.
So, we are going to be moving traffic to the new roads and then attend even to the ancillary roads that were damaged during the rehabilitation of our major roads. The good news for the City of Harare is that the roads that we are currently using, we will be attending to those soon after opening the sections, in particular Lomagundi. We will be opening from Harare Drive intersection, Nemakonde which is Lomagundi and Harare Drive towards roundabout which we will open in two weeks’ time. We will also open from Harare Drive towards Bindura at the same time again meaning that we will then be using the new section and we will be administering the detours that we were working on. Thank you.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you Hon. Minister. My question is directed to the Minister of Health. Following the reports of the recent deaths of 35 children in this country due to the shun of immunisations, what is the Government policy with regards the attainment of head immunity by mandatory immunisation of all children in Zimbabwe in order to protect children from six killer diseases and to avoid the spread of diseases in our community?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. E. NCUBE): I want to thank the Hon. Member for that question. It is known that immunisation is mandatory in this country, every child is supposed to be immunised at the age of five. The issue is that we have got some challenges with Christianity or other people who do not believe in that, but it is now mandatory for each and every Government stakeholder to encourage and preach the gospel of this immunisation to each and every one to appreciate the efforts made by the Government so that everyone is immunised despite their religion. I thank you.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, these deaths occurred because of religious beliefs. Is the Government going to go after the religious sects and mandating them to have children immunised or it is just going to leave it to them to do it on their own? We would like to know what the Government is going to do in order to safeguard the rights of those children who are under those religious sects. Thank you very much.
HON. E. NCUBE: Thank you for the supplementary question. Yes, Government has done all efforts to make sure each and every child has been immunised. A holistic approach has been taken by all Ministries including Members of Parliament to go to the ground so that people appreciate what Government efforts are and also to make sure each and every child has been immunised through explanations to these leaders because these religious leaders are the ones whom we stay with. They are also the people whom we share ideas and information with. It is now taken as a holistic approach. All Ministries have been taken to task such that each and every one has got the information on the importance of immunisation such that we reduce these mortalities being said by the Hon. Member. I thank you.
HON. NYELELE: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. My question is directed to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Last week ZIMSEC notified parents and guardians of ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level candidates who intend to pay their examination fees in ZiG, that they are given one week to make payments using 10 to 17 May interbank rate. My question is why are candidates who want to pay in ZiG being given one week to pay while those paying in USD are given more days? I so submit.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): The position is, the deadline for payment of examination fees was in March. I came here to this august House and extended the deadline to the 17th of May. One week applies to everyone whether one is paying in ZiG or USD.
HON. E. NCUBE: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. What is Government policy on the release of ZiG notes which are going to be adequate to meet demand? The RBZ introduced a drip system of releasing ZiG notes. They started with a ten ZiG, but the market is in limbo – for example the commuters do not have change and even in the big shops, there is no enough ZiG for transacting. I thank you Madam Speaker.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. Madam Speaker indeed, the strategy is to release in the manner that the Hon. Member is indicated not to flood the market. If you recall, we spend a lot of time the Minister trying to answer questions regarding the parallel market rates and people using several exchange rates. In managing that situation and ensuring that there is confidence in the use of the currency, we have that approach of slow release of notes into the market. As a way of background Madam Speaker Ma’am, before the introduction of ZiG, we rarely had notes which were being used. So I do not think that all of a sudden after the introduction of ZiG, we then woke up with a problem when we did not have a problem before. Rather than that, we have people who want to manipulate the currency when there are huge chunks of notes that have been released into the circulation. Our financial advisors gave us that advice, which advice we accepted and that is the way to go. I thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Thank you very much for your response Minister, but do we have enough reserves to back that ZiG in the market.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. The simple answer is we have sufficient reserves – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Secondly, Madam Speaker, the circulation of our basket of currencies - 85% is USD and only 50% even before the removal of the Zimbabwe dollar. That was the proportion. When we have 85:15, we do not wake up with a problem in that scenario when the 85 was never removed.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My supplementary question to the Leader of Government business. Yes, we are in the multi-currency regime. We are using both the USD and ZiG. The question is on the divisibility of the USD for transport operators, the cost of moving from one point to another normally withing the 10 km radius is fifty cents and there is no change. That is exactly where the question is coming from. Can the Minister please try and introduce for example USD 10 000 worth of ZiG which is denominated in the 10-dollar ZiG for ease of change in the famous quote by Hon. Chinotimba, ‘for the ease of change’. How can the Minister help us in that kind of situation? It is not inflationary to introduce such kind of money.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: I have taken note of the request.
*HON. JIMU: My question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. Which law do you use as police to arrest vendors who pay to local authorities?
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): I would like to thank the Hon. Member for a pertinent question that the police are arresting people who are vending at designated points, yet they have documents that clearly show that they are legally operating. The Hon. Member has since responded. If someone is licenced to operate, they are not supposed to be arrested. Can the Hon. Member put the question in writing because it seems that he knows that there are people who are being arrested when they are not supposed to be arrested?
*HON. JIMU: I appreciate the response by the Minister. My question was; is there any core relationship between the Home Affairs and local authority by-laws because the vendors do have receipts that show that they are allowed to operate where they will be selling, but the ZRP still come and arrest them – [HON. MEMBERS: Nyora, nyora.] –
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): Order, order. May I please assist you, the Leader of Government business here said, if there is something that you know, please put it writing so that you may be responded to adequately or if there is something amiss that you are aware of.
*HON. KANUPULA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works. What is Government’s policy to those former farm owners that were repossessed to allocate residential stands? Those people have approved layout plans and the former farm owners are coming back with title deeds that they own the land. I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. GARWE): I thank the Hon. Member for that question. May the Hon. Member put the question in writing so that we may respond accordingly so that we know which farm exactly where that is taking place.
*HON. HUNGWE: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. What is Government policy with regard to irrigation between Government and private partners?
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Madam Speaker Ma’am, may the Hon. Member repeat the question so that I understand.
*HON. HUNGWE: Thank you Hon. Madam Speaker Ma’am. I am referring to some areas where there is water and there are no irrigation facilities, if Government does not have adequate resources at that particular time. Does it have any plans to bring on board private companies to provide irrigation schemes so that, at least, we may have the use of such resources?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Madam Speaker, that is a very good thing, if there are people with resources and want to partner with Government to make irrigation facilities, we really appreciate that. As Government, we have 10 600 dams that can be used to irrigate 2.2 million hectares but at the moment, we only have 219 000 hectares under irrigation as a country, which means that we are only utilising a very small percentage of water that can be used for irrigation. This shows that money from the fiscus is inadequate to make sufficient irrigation facilities for the country.
So, as Government, we have since formed a platform or organisation of irrigation alliance where we put together all stakeholders including private companies so that we find out from them, what they want in order to operate and assist farmers in terms of their requirements. So, the organisation is trying to procure loans from the banks and ensure that farmers access the fund. Currently, they are operating on 4 000 hectares. We have water challenges and have since met to ensure that they increase their capacity from the current 4 000 hectares.
Farmers are also encouraged to drill boreholes and procure pivots or any other resources that are required for irrigation. So, as Government, we are targeting 350 000 hectares for irrigation by summer. Currently, we only have 75 000 hectares and there is a very huge gap. So, we encourage such private players to come in, if the Hon. Members knows of an organisation or any of his ideas that we can do as Government to ensure that we encourage such private players. We encourage him to come forth.
Let me use this opportunity to inform the House that on the 5th of June, we are going to call for a meeting to try to map the way forward on how best we can increase our irrigation capacity. So, we call upon such ideas so that we increase productivity and water that is full in dams. I thank you.
*HON. MAHACHI: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. What is Government policy with regard to irrigation? We have seen some equipment like tractors and pivots but there is no completion of irrigation schemes. For instance, where I come from there is Osborne Dam which has centre pivots but the system is yet to be fully equipped. What is Government’s plan to ensure that projects are completed? I thank you.
HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am and thank you Hon. Member for that question. We only complete such Government projects after getting money from Treasury. So, if we do not receive adequate funding, you will discover that sometimes we will only do half jobs. For example, what we did at Kanyemba. We installed centre pivots but as we wait for more funding, sometimes the projects may not be completed because at times the contractors actually abandon projects. So, the availability of funds ensures that we complete those projects. I thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to applaud the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development for a job well done to ensure that the country gets adequate food.
Sometimes when we travel, we see centre pivots that show that they were once functional but bushes grow and those pivots stop working. What is Government policy to ensure that those pivots are functional for irrigation? I thank you.
HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Hon. Nyabani for that question. My response will be two-pronged. Firstly, if it is on a farm where we have been allocated a payment or offer letter, it means we have been chosen amongst the citizens to produce for the country and to also do agriculture. So, the person who is allocated a farm is expected to produce for their benefit as well as to benefit the country. When there is water, it means that water must be utilised. We are putting in place S. I. 38 of 2021, if you have land that S. I 38 of 2021, if there is irrigation and that farm has potential for irrigation, that person maybe asked to go somewhere else where they can only do their activities through rain so that someone else maybe allowed to operate. I hereby request Hon. Nyabani to show us where such is happening so that we really show him that S.I. is there.
HON. MAKWIRANZOU: When is the Government programme going to start where you are going to desilt some of the dams where there is too much sand because if we desilt these dams, we can be able to store more water for next year?
HON. DR. MASUKA: There is no Government programme to desilt dams. The policy position is that on a case by case basis, generally it is more expensive to desilt than to construct a new dam, however, we need to be able to approach this on a case by case basis. The Hon. Member might actually be referring to dams or weirs that are constructed on the upper reaches of a lower dam. Those are specifically constructed to be silted in order to protect the lower dam. So, we would need to investigate this on a case by case basis but generally, for larger dams, it is not economic to desilt. You may do that with weirs and the smaller ones, but we would approach this on a case by case basis and I would appreciate being given additional specific information about the specific dam that the Hon. Member is referring to.
*HON. T. ZHOU: Hon. Minister, may you explain to this august House how many kilometres people are supposed to travel with their livestock in search of water since you are saying there maybe some dams that maybe constructed for de-siltation, not to assist people. How can people be assisted to get access to water?
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, your question does not arise from the original question about irrigation.
*HON. NYABANI: Hon. Minister, I understand that it is expensive to desilt, so what are you doing to ensure that those dams are not silted because in most of the farming activities that are taking place in rural areas as Rushinga, there are no contour ridges, which means there will be a lot of siltation? Your Agritex officers are not facilitating in doing contour ridges. What is your plan to ensure that we prevent siltation of dams? I thank you.
HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Hon. Nyabani for the question. Let me start by focusing on the liberation struggle. When we went to the liberation, we encouraged people to stop constructing contour ridges to ensure that we are disobeying the colonial government. …
*HON. NYABANI: On a point of order. My point of order is that I asked my question in vernacular for the benefit of the people in rural areas so that the response may be well-received. May the Hon. Minister please respond in Shona.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: During the liberation struggle, yes, people were encouraged to disobey the construction of contour ridges, but right now after independence, we are trying to change that mindset through that department specifically meant for contour ridges. What we expect is that all farmers know exactly what they are supposed to do in terms of construction of contour ridges.
I think when local leaders like the headmen, when they hold those meetings, they are supposed to point to some activities like cutting down of trees that are causing soil erosion. We must also focus on the fact that those activities are the primary causes of siltation and soil erosion, and people later ask the Government to desilt. We want people to know that the causers of that problem are the ones who are supposed to solve it again, so we proffer solutions. We encourage everyone not to wait for Government to come and tell you to construct contour ridges to safeguard your farm or field. We all know what we are supposed to do.
Let us all unite and work together and we know that might assist us. We lose a lot of soil, something like 50 tonnes per hectare in rural areas and in urban areas about five tonnes per hectare. That top soil is the one that is fertile. We are encouraged to protect, safeguard it as well as protecting the environment to ensure that we get adequate food without causing siltation of dams so that we do not suffer even from shortage of water for livestock.
*HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care with regards to Cholera. Yesterday in the evening, they released information that we have since lost 710 lives and they also announced that it is spreading. What is Government programme to ensure they stop the spread of the disease in safeguarding people’s lives?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. E. NCUBE): Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for that question with regards to cholera. Indeed, the disease is fluctuating because we received low rains this year, so, we know that this disease is prevented by hygienic places especially where they have food facilities. So, we are saying because of low rainfall this year, we are trying by all means to work hand-in-hand with other Ministries like Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that we increase water sources and construction of boreholes.
We are also making efforts to ensure that there is vaccination to stop the spread of this disease but we are mainly encouraging people to use clean water and be hygienic. That is the primary measure that we are taking as a Ministry, encouraging people that they wash their hands and people receive protection from vaccines. I thank you.
*HON. MAMBIPIRI: I thank the Hon. Member for Government efforts but my supplementary is, health workers are complaining that Government is not providing us with adequate facilities such as medicines that are used to treat patients. How do you respond to that as the Minister with regards to availing equipment and everything that is supposed to be used for treating patients?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE(HON. E NCUBE): What is happening and the efforts that are being taken by the Ministry – this is a disease that just came up without anticipation and planning from Government, but anywhere, the Ministry of Health anticipates such emergencies to ensure that we increase medicines to curb such diseases that may come up. Right now, as a Ministry, we have equipment or resources that are used but they maybe insufficient. So, as a Ministry, indeed yes, here and there, there may be insufficient facilities or resources to fight the disease and to ensure that we stop the spread of the disease. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 68.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICES
IMPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION
AND TECHNOLOGY LEARNING IN GLEN VIEW NORTH
SCHOOLS
- HON. CHIDZIVA asked the Hon. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House when the Ministry plans to implement information communication and technology learning in Primary and Secondary schools situated in Glenview North in light of the absence of the ICT teachers and reliable power.
HON. MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Chidziva for the question. The implementation of ICT in Primary and Secondary Schools is already in progress with a number of initiatives being introduced to ensure all children in Zimbabwe have access to this critical field.
The issue of teachers is being addressed through a number of programmes such as the Teacher Capacity Development Programme which is taking teachers for training in ICT at local universities across the country. Higher and Tertiary Education continues to channel out ICT teachers and with Treasury concurrence, they are deployed to schools in Glenview North and other schools across the country that need ICT teachers.
We are working as a whole of Government and through partnership with the Ministry of ICT Postal and Courier Services. We are working to ensure all schools have the necessary infrastructure and equipment for an ICT enabled learning environment at the school situated in Glenview North and other schools also in rural areas. This is critical because as a Ministry, we have digital content through the learning passport which we expect every learner to access once the infrastructure and equipment is in place.
Further, using a whole of Government approach as well, we are working with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development to ensure that there is reliable power supply at all schools in Glenview as well across the entire country so that access to digital content is not interrupted. I submit Madam Speaker Ma’am.
HON. CHIDZIVA: Thank you Madam Speaker and I thank the Hon. Minister for the response. When can this be established, when can this programme start operating and when can it be found everywhere? How long will it take? Thank you.
THE MINISTER ROF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): We are already offering lessons in this country, but this depends on each and every school. Some may not have ICT gadgets and some will have them, but as Government, we have a very strong programme to ensure that we afford equal opportunity in terms of facilities to all learners such as laptops, tablets and computers. We cannot give a timeframe for that because it is an ongoing programme. I think in Glenview, there are some schools that already offer computer studies. I know that in some provinces in this country, that is where we are going to start to supply those computers.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: My question is directed to the Minister of Education. Whilst you are talking about enough equipment of facilities, how do you do it because right now, all learners will be sitting for examinations? The examinations will be the same between a Rukangare student and a Prince Edward student, yet the facilities are not the same. Rukangare will not have facilities at all. We realise that in the past, some schools actually had zero percent pass rate and right now we are approaching examinations season with the same problem. I thank you.
HON. T. MOYO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member. Right now, our programme is to ensure that all learners get enough equipment for learning. This year, I believe the Hon. Member is from Manicaland, we are going to start with Manicaland and we will be issuing out computers and from there, we will be going to Matabeleland South in Beitbridge. We will go to Chivi until the whole country gets computers. As we speak, we have a very serious issue where we put in place computers. We have friends in the United States of America who have since procured computers.
Right now, we are going to meet and deliberate on how we are going to distribute them. We have Zimbabwean citizens in America who have sourced computers for us and we are going to give them to Manicaland as well a as Matabeleland South so that at least, we cover the gap between the rural and urban learners so that the urban learners are not the ones who pass more than the rural learners do. So, we need to ensure that we facilitate that all learners get access to 21st century learning facilities. I thank you.
SHORTAGE OF NEW CURRICULUM TEXT BOOKS FOR
MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGES
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to explain to the House the Ministry’s plans to address the shortage of new curriculum textbooks for mother tongues languages of marginalised communities in Hwange where Nambya books are critically in short supply.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Mr. Speaker Sir, Hon. Bonda is asking the Minister to explain to the House the Ministry’s plans to address the shortage of new curriculum textbooks for mother tongues or languages of marginalised communities in Hwange where Nambya Books are critically in short supply. I would like to thank Hon. Bonda for the question. Indeed, we are facing challenges in terms of reading materials in some local languages. This is because some publishers are not willing to venture into this area fearing lack of market.
The Ministry currently has a concept paper awaiting funding for a programme to develop course materials and modules for indigenous languages, Nambya included. For your information Hon. Bonda, Nambya is one of the seven indigenous languages taught from ECD to Form 4, including Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Tonga, Venda and Shangani. We also have a book dash programme where story books for infant learners will be written in indigenous languages by teachers proficient in the indigenous languages to improve on literacy and numeracy rates for infant students in schools. The Ministry has also developed radio lessons in Nambya and other local languages to ensure children have adequate learning materials. I submit.
HON. BONDA: As a Ministry, what are your plans to ensure that the facilities are on line to ensure that the local language learners are also on the same level with the rest of the country?
HON. T. MOYO: I would like to thank Hon. Bonda for that question. Our Ministry has what we call learning passport which means Nambya, Tonga as well as other indigenous languages. Teachers as well as some of the Ministry officials load information on such gadgets like tablets which means we have books that are loaded in Nambya because most of the leaners from Hwange sit for examinations in Nambya at ‘O Level as well as Grade 7. So, because of the learning passport, that is the plan that we have to ensure that learners get information using those gadgets. I thank you.
DEPLOYMENT OF EARLY LEARNING DEVELOPMENT
(ECD) TEACHERS IN BINGA DISTRICT SCHOOLS
- HON. CUMANZALA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to explain to the House the Government policy regarding the deployment of Early Learning Development (ECD) teachers in the Binga District Schools where infants are being taught by teachers who cannot converse in Tonga, a situation which is even worsened by the fact that there are qualified Tonga speaking teachers who are still awaiting recruitment on the waiting list.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. MOYO): Concerning the recruitment of teachers Government, policy is that, teachers conversant in local languages are deployed in that particular jurisdiction. This is especially important at ECD level where the mother tongue is the language of instruction. In fact, Binga was one of the first districts to be considered for decentralised deployment, meaning teachers form the area are to be considered first and made to sign four-year contracts meaning they can only transfer after that period. If indeed there are qualified Tonga speaking teachers who are on the waiting list, the Ministry would be glad to know their names so that they can be deployed in the District.
I will add and say starting January 2024, we have decentralised recruitment of teachers. Teachers in Binga are recruited in Binga. Normally what we do when we are recruiting teachers for example this term, we have recruited 2600 each Province given an allocation. For Matabeleland North, I am sure we gave them an allocation of 260 posts. These posts were going to be divided by the number of districts in Matabeleland North. This means that some of the teachers were recruited in Binga and that has addressed the challenges we used to face as a result of the centralised system of recruitment where somebody from another Province who will not be conversant in that local language was deployed. Now it is a thing of the past, we have since addressed that challenge.
HON. CUMANZALA: Firstly, I would like to appreciate the response by the Hon. Minister. Secondly I would like to say that my name is Cumanzala. I am glad that the Minister spoke about the decentralisation of the recruitment process which has been said now in this august House. My question is, are there any specific guidelines regarding this process because I have evidence that at the time of writing this question, Harare was still deploying some teachers to Binga. I interviewed them and they said they were from Harare. Regarding the teachers, I have a database of local teachers. I attached the database to the question which I sent through the Journals Office so that the Ministry would appreciate that I was not just raising this question. I had evidence that this was still being the case. Having said that, I would like to appreciate that there has been some movement on the database. About three quarters of the people on the database have now been employed. This is a significant improvement. Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir.
HON. T. MOYO: I appreciate that the Hon. Member now recognises that as a Ministry, we are working tirelessly to ensure that we decentralise the recruitment exercise. Last week I spent two days in Matabeleland North interacting with all the seven DSIs in there from Binga, Hwange and Tsholotsho. In fact, I spent two days in Muchina area at Tsholotsho High School interacting with the Head. People are so appreciative of what the Second Republic is doing to ensure that we decentralise the recruitment. We no longer deploy from Harare because Harare for the first time, we are deploying people who are resident in Harare, trained here again in Harare. For those in Matabeleland North, they are deployed there. The PD Mr. Mpofu is also grateful of what we are doing as a Ministry.
HON. MAKOPE: Supplementary Hon. Speaker. I also want to appreciate the effort that has been done. Mwenezi is one of the beneficiaries of that programme. I do not know with the other ministries or departments, particularly when we are looking at the general hands; if that recruitment is also decentralised. The situation what we have sometimes is that we have someone from Murehwa going to Matabeleland South just to clean at the hospital and you ask yourself what type of a broom does that person use when we have the locals who can also do that. Maybe I can get a response from the Leader of Government Business because I am now talking of all other ministries that are employing general hands.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Do you want me to consider it as a new question because if you are asking the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, I would ask the Minister to respond or if you say you want to forward it to the Leader of Government Business, it is a new question?
HON. MAKOPE: Hon. Speaker, in whatever way that can assist me.
HON. T. MOYO: I really appreciate the comments made by the Hon. Member that in Mwenezi, the teachers who were recruited from first term to second term are people from Masvingo. I cannot speak for the Ministry of Health. I am sure some of the resolutions that were made by the Second Republic are that decentralisation should apply to all the ministries, Health included.
I am sure that is why even when…..
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Minister. I thought he was asking about your Ministry, the schools employing people from other places in the country other than where the school is.
HON. T. MOYO: The examples he gave where drawn from the Ministry of Health….
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Sorry, it was my mistake to ask you to answer. Please take your sit.
HON. T. MOYO: Thank you.
SCIENCE LABORATORY FOR BINGA SECONDARY
SCHOOL
- 6. HON. CUMANZALA asked the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to explain to the House when Binga Secondary School will have a functional Science Laboratory like the majority secondary schools in Zimbabwe.
THE MINISTRY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): With the country promoting STEM subjects, it is important that schools have functional and modern science laboratories. Binga Secondary School is not the only school that is facing such a challenge, but it is a country wide problem.
As a strategy to curb the challenge, the Ministry has introduced several programmes to ensure schools have laboratories to facilitate the teaching and learning of STEM subjects. One such programme is the conversion of classroom blocks into science labs instead of constructing new buildings. We are working with education partners to ensure the provision of mobile science labs in schools across the country and Binga High School will indeed benefit from these initiatives.
PROTECTION OF UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN ON BEAM
- HON MACHANGU asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House the measures that the Ministry has put in place to protect underprivileged children who end up paying fees at a time when they are supposed to benefit from the BEAM facility which delays their fees payment.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): The Ministry is indeed concerned by such reports especially coming through Hon. Members. It is important to note that children being assisted through the BEAM programme have their fees wholly paid by Government and should not be asked to pay any extra.
We have appealed time and again to have such schools brought to our attention so that we can address the issue. We have a Toll Free (317) line through which guardians or indeed citizens can notify us where children on BEAM are being made to pay extra fees. We have also set up command centres at District, provincial and head office levels to address that and many other issues. I call upon Hon. Members to bring names of such schools to our attention so that we can ensure that children’s rights are not violated.
REDUCTION OF TEACHER-STUDENT RATIOS IN NORTON SCHOOLS
- HON. TSVANGIRAYI asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House what measures the ministry has put in place to reduce the teacher-student ratio in Norton schools where classes are overwhelmed by students resulting in low pass rates.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am and thank you Hon. Tsvangirayi for the question. Indeed, the high teacher-pupil ratio is a phenomenon that is obtaining in some of our schools and has become an issue of concern. It is our wish, as a Ministry, to have it attended to as a matter of urgency. We have made a request to the Public Service Commission to have more teachers deployed to our sector and that reduces the teacher-pupil ratio. Over the years, we have been consistently getting these teachers and our first priority was for the schools or learning areas that are experiencing the greatest shortage of teachers in areas such as Mathematics and Sciences that have been experiencing acute shortages over the years.
However, as more and more teachers are deployed to the sector, the Ministry will consider some of the schools that are experiencing these shortages, including schools in Norton Constituency and other schools in the country. It is our hope that the teacher-pupil ration will be a thing of the past in the near future. As a Ministry, we will attend to this phenomenon without leaving any school and any community behind.
In fact, I am so grateful to His Excellency, the President for providing resources. We are going to recruit close to 7 000 teachers this year Hon. Speaker Sir. So far, we have recruited 4 600, the figure does not include those whom we recruited on attrition posts. Next year, we are going to recruit another 2 000 which gives us a total of 7 000 and that is the way of reducing the teacher-pupil ratio. I thank you.
PROVISION OF TEXT BOOKS TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS
- HON. KARENYI asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House the Government policy regarding the provision of textbooks to primary schools as a way of improving pass rate.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARYAND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): The provision of textbooks to pupils is critical Hon. Speaker, for learning to happen in the classroom. Indeed, textbooks and other teaching and learning materials are necessary in order to improve pass rate. As a Ministry, we have done the best in providing textbooks despite competing priorities in the Ministry. We have over the years, advocated for a budget that caters for the provision of textbooks and other teaching and learning materials. We are grateful that Treasury has always responded positively to our request. However, because of the limited fiscal space, priority was given to some of the disadvantaged and newly established schools such as satellite schools. As such, most of the beneficiaries were what we call P3 and S3 schools.
Over the years, the Ministry has been distributing some textbooks and other teaching and learning materials that we acquired with the assistance of partners. Similarly, priority was given to schools I have referred to, that is, the P3 and S3 schools. However, the Ministry has authorised schools to purchase textbooks through what we call textbook levy. Schools that intend to purchase textbooks are free to apply for authority to collect levy which they can use the sole purpose of purchasing textbooks. I so submit.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. May I have clarification on the issue of the textbook levy, how do these schools apply? Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): How do these schools?
HON. KARENYI: How do they apply for the textbook levy?
HON. T. MOYO: Schools that wish to apply for a special levy be it textbook levy, bus levy or any other levy. At least 20% of bona fide parents should sign to show that they are in agreement with the proposal to raise that levy. Then when 20% of parents sign that they want a new levy to be effected, the papers are brought to district office, provincial office, and later to Head Office where the Permanent Secretary will sign.
These days we have a very youthful Permanent Secretary. He does not delay in terms of approval, as long as there is justification for whatever levy, be it a car or bus levy – anything. When there is justification, we quickly approve that levy. I thank you.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My main worry Mr. Speaker, is that parents cannot afford to pay for textbooks. I thought it was for Government to provide textbooks to students. Burdening parents is my concern where I am trying to ask the Ministry to lessen the burden on parents. I thank you.
EMPOWERMENT OF LESS PRIVILEGED PUPILS IN REMOTE VILLAGES
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House
- The Ministry’s policy regarding teachers who wish to assist pupils particularly those who are less privileged; and
- Measures the Ministry has put in place to empower the pupils in remote villages during school holidays to access online classes.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): I thank Hon. Bonda for the question, on a) I do not know whether this assistance is in the form of monetary terms or is it in form of paying schools fees, he needs to give us more information.
The Ministry takes into account the fact that our learners come from different backgrounds. We have in our sector the less privilege students. For this reason, our teachers discharge their duties diligently bearing in mind the needs of these pupils. The Ministry therefore assists teachers who are in charge of these less privileged students by providing teaching and learning materials. Like I said that the question is not specific so my secretariat just responded.
Over the years, the Ministry has assisted in providing text books and other reading materials to teachers and learners in less privileged schools and communities. The Ministry, through its partners also provided science kits to some schools. Priority was given to some of the less privileged students and schools as a way of assisting teachers in discharging their duties.
On question b), it is the mandate of the Ministry to provide education to all students regardless of their geographical location. For this reason, measures have been taken to ensure that educational content which is accessed by pupils in urban areas is also accessed by pupils in some of the remote areas. The distribution of text books prioritises the pupils that are found in remote rural schools so that pupils can access learning materials that are available to all pupils.
The Ministry is currently providing radio lessons. These lessons are also accessed by pupils in some remote areas where the Ministry has distributed radio sets with lessons already loaded on flash disks. Over and above that, the Ministry, through partners, provides ICT gadgets and internet to remote schools. One such programme is the Profoturo that the Ministry is undertaking with the Word Vision. I thank you.
HON. BONDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, my supplementary is that the classes that I am so concern about when I raised this question are the classes that are sitting for examinations in the coming two months or so. We realise that teachers who are trying to do remedial lessons to the classes that are sitting for examinations have actually been threatened with being arrested. So, this is where my question is, the assistance that we are talking about is not monetary. We are talking about the remedial by teachers who are taking Grade 7 classes and those who are taking Form 4s are actually being denied to assist the students freely without charging any fee. That is what I wanted to know that on what grounds is that not being allowed?
What effect does it have say if the teachers do assist these students, where do we short change or where are the grey areas on the Government side if they do assist for free.
HON. T. MOYO: The Hon. Member has now clarified, I think his question arose from the circular that we distributed in April where we said holiday lessons were not allowed. We did not allow schools to conduct holiday lessons during the April holiday because of the reason that some schools would demand more than what they usual pay during the course of the term.
However, in August we allowed them to make those applications as students will be preparing for public examinations in October and November. From what he has asked me, we do not have a circular forbidding teachers from offering free holiday lessons. Teachers are allowed, they are not restricted because they do not pay anything so, they are free to offer those services. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Thank you Hon. Minister but from the question that the Hon. Member has asked, do you think that misconception only ends with him or it is now prevalent amongst the teaching community. How are you going to rectify that one? Are you going to give them another circular or you are going to write them a memo clarifying that they are not forbidden to assist without monetary rewards?
HON. T. MOYO: Mr. Speaker Sir, we will not make a circular where teachers who are offering free service are allowed to do so, we will not do that. We will only write a circular calling upon schools that want to conduct holiday lessons in August, they are free to do that. As long as we look at their budget and as long as they do not charge exorbitant fees from parents, we will approve so that they give time for examinations preparations.
PAYMENT OF CONTRACTORS WHO CONSTRUCTED
DELPORT ROAD
- HON. MHETU asked the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to inform the House on the progress made regarding the Rehabilitation Programme 2 who constructed Delport Road from Mabvuku turn off to Mbudzi interchange via Epworth Delport Road.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir and I thank Hon. Mhetu for the question. Hon. Members, you will be aware that Government has been implementing the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2) in order to address the state of our roads given the importance of having an efficient road network in order to support economic transformation and national development. This programme is being implemented through Road Authorities being our Local Authorities, Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and Department of Roads.
Whilst the programme has registered progress in the restoration and upgrading of our road infrastructure across the country, it is also beset with challenges emanating from over contracting by roads authorities beyond the financial capacity of both ZINARA and Treasury. This mis-alignment has affected the implementation of the programme due to accumulation of outstanding payment including failure to meet requirements to sustain current works which is obviously affecting the contractors.
Whilst Treasury is privy to the actual outstanding amounts related to construction of Delport Road, Treasury is working with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. Beginning of last year in September, the Ministry has put in place mechanism towards liquidation of outstanding obligations to our contractors.
Under this arrangement which started in September 2023 when the debt was estimated at about US$76 million, Treasury is paying US$5.6 million per month over a period of 12 months to liquidate the debt. In light of this framework, last week for example Treasury paid US$5.6 million to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development which is currently processing payments to contractors and these sorts of payments will continue.
Going forward, it is critical that Government technical teams under auspices of the Road Development Programmes effectively coordinate and engage to align implementation plans with financial capacity in order to avoid unnecessary accumulation of debt which then compromises a delivery of projects and also endangers the availability of contractors. I thank you.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I really appreciated the response from the Minister of Finance. My humble request is to know the date that he thinks that the operations with regard to the construction of Delport Road may commence?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank Hon. Tsvangirai for that supplementary question. Unless we had begun the payment process, I can assure you that we will liquidate the debt as I said earlier. The issue is one of over-contract. I know you are speaking about a specific contractor, the general over-contracting which stretches our resources. They are precious everywhere, including from the recurrent budget requirements. So, we will eventually liquidate those arrears. I can assure you because to me that project is very important and ought to be completed in the not so distant future. Thank you.
BANKING FACILITIES FOR NORTON
- HON. TSVANGIRAI asked the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to inform the House the measures that have been put in place by the Ministry to attract banks to the town of Norton in view of the fact that the residents are travelling long distances to access banks.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank Hon. Tsvangirai for that important question. Norton has a number of financial service providers. These include CBZ, NMB, Zimpost and agent, Steward Agent Bank, FBC Bank, CABS, AFC Bank, Totengram Financial Services, to mention some of them. The banking environment has undergone significant transformation in the age of technology with several notable changes including digital banking, where technology has enabled the rise of digital platforms of banking, allowing customers to access banking service any time, anywhere, through online platforms from mobile Apps. This shift has led to the decline of traditional brick and motor branches and proliferation of digital online banks.
The advent of mobile payment systems and digital wallet has revolutionised, where people make payment and transfer money. Customers can conveniently pay for goods and services using their smart phones, reducing on cash and physical cards. Therefore, for banks to stay competitive, they have to enhance customer experiences and navigate the complexities of modern financial landscape. They have to embrace this digital transformation. The populace is therefore being capacitated to also embrace this digital transformation and leverage technology to access all banking services digitally and decongest banking halls as well as avoiding having to travel long distances to access banking services physically.
The Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, has come up with an initiative for Norton and countrywide in order to improve financial inclusion to promote mobile banking and also to foster partnerships among various financial institutions. For example, on the issue of financial inclusion, Hon. Members will recall that I launched a strategy for financial inclusion which covers period 2022 to 2026, in October, 2022, with the theme, no one left behind to allow Government together with other financial sector regulators to work together to improve access and usage of financial services across the country. The country`s level of inclusion is 88%. I have not checked what it is in Norton, I am suspecting it is growing and perhaps, it may be 88%. Various continuous awareness campaigns are going to be enacted across the country, including within the town of Norton.
Let me turn to the promotion of digital and mobile banking technologies. Awareness and literacy programmes promoting the use of digital solutions to the banking systems have been and continue to be rolled out in Norton and across the country. During the recently held global money week which was conducted across all provinces in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands, RBZ, Deposit Protection Cooperation (DPC), POTRAZ and the banking and micro-finance industry customers, all including school children are being educated on the availability and use of digital banking products as well as security issues that are involved. These campaigns are continuous programmes aimed at educating the nation as a whole.
Let me turn to the area of partnerships; the RBZ is collaborating with financial institutions to develop tailored financial products and services that meet the needs of residents in Norton and hence, the approval and adoption of the modernised ATMs to allow for deposit and other banking services. I thank you.
Oral answers to Questions with Notice was interrupted by THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER, in terms of Standing Order Number 68.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
TECHNICAL STUDIES FOR DESIGNATED TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS
- HON. BAJILA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House the plans being put in place to ensure designated Technical High Schools such as Luveve High Aviation Studies and Metal Technology and Design School offer technical studies as per their curriculum.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARYAND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Bajila for such an important question. Indeed, the Ministry has designated schools in each province and district as Technical High Schools, which besides offering technical and vocational subjects, would also be acting as center of excellence for other disciplines. Such schools are already offering subjects in their designated area of specialization, especially in Technology and Design. For example Luveve High, which is specialising in Metal Technology and Design (MTD) and Aviation Studies, is already up and running in the MTD area. The school received some equipment in the form of lathe and bending machines. Regarding Aviation Studies, the syllabus is being worked on and we are also working with our sister Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education to ensure we train teachers in that area so that Ministry of Public Service would then deploy the necessary teachers for the learning area. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is also being engaged to address all the issues of provision of appropriate learning material.
Going forward, we have plans to ensure such schools have adequate equipment and teachers for their designated areas. Guidelines for the implementation of Tech or Voc subjects will be finalised soon since the heritage based curriculum framework has now received Cabinet approval.
CONSTRUCTION OF MAGAMBA PRIMARY SCHOOL IN RUSAPE
- HON. SAGANDIRA asked the Minister of Primary and secondary Education to update the House on the progress made regarding the construction of Magamba Primary School in Rusape whose building material has been lying idle for close to two years.
THE HON. MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T MOYO): Thank you Hon. Sagandira for your question. The delay emanates from the fact that the contractor had quoted the Ministry using the local currency, which was then eroded by inflation and so he could not proceed. He has however, since submitted papers for price variations, which we are attending to through procurement structures. We are pushing so that construction can resume as soon as possible. Once due diligence has been done, and all procurement processes fulfilled, construction will commence immediately.
TRAINING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT TEACHERS
- HON. MATARA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House the measures being put in place to ensure that teachers deployed for the Early Childhood Development or Infant Learning Stages are adequately equipped with requisite skills.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education takes the education and development of children in the Early Children Development (ECD) and Infant Learning stages very seriously. We understand the critical role that teachers play in shaping the early learning experiences of young children and are committed to ensure that educators deployed for these stages are equipped with the requisite skills.
We are pleased to report that the Ministry has made significant strides in this area. Currently, teachers who are qualified to teach ECD are being deployed to schools, thanks to training provided by the Higher and Tertiary Education Ministry. Additionally, the Teachers Capacity Development programme, which is being implemented by our Ministry, specifically, targets teachers involved in ECD and infant education to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, we have established various in-service teacher professional development programmes that cater for ECD teachers, including those who may have been trained for junior classes but are now teaching ECD. These programmes are designed to equip teachers with the necessary competencies and strategies to effectively teach and support young leaners in the ECD and infant learning stages.
The Ministry remains dedicated to providing ongoing support and training opportunities for teachers working in ECD to ensure that they are well prepared and continuously improving in their practice. We are confident that with these measures in place, teachers in the ECD sector will be adequately equipped to provide quality education and care for young children in Zimbabwe.
MOTIVATION AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
FOR HEADS OF PUBLIC LEARNING INSTITUTIONS
- HON MATARA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House;- the measures being put in place to motivate Heads of public learning institutions as a means to encourage their good performance towards improved academic results; and
- whether the Ministry is planning to develop performance measurement instruments for Heads of public learning institutions.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): On the measures in place to motivate school Heads in public schools, the Ministry has several programmes in place to cater for this. In as far as remuneration is concerned, we always work with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure Heads of schools and indeed all teachers are well remunerated. We have in place the Secretary’s Merit Award given every year to high performing school leaders. The Ministry is also providing training programmes to equip our school leaders with 21st century skills. This is in line with research which shows that providing training opportunities can make school leaders feel more confident and competent in their work, which in turn increases their motivation to excel. We are offering working with education partners, instructional leadership training to school Heads across the country.
In terms of performance measurement instruments for Heads of public schools, we already have the IRBM in place which is used across Government to measure performance. One such is the Joint Monitoring Visits (JMV) to schools through which we monitor performance as per Education Sector Strategic Plan 2021-2025. The JMV incorporates all stakeholders from education partners to teacher unions.
ENGAGEMENT OF DEBT COLLECTORS TO RECOVER UNPAID SCHOOL FEES
- HON. BAJILA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House whether the Ministry has resorted to engaging debt collectors to recover unpaid school fees from defaulting parents.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARYAND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Legally, school authorities are allowed to engage debt collectors to recover unpaid school fees instead of turning away learners. As a matter of fact, we have consistently advised our school authorities to engage with parents or guardians in order to pay school fees and levies without even sending pupils away from school. In the event that parents or guardians are not able to pay all the required fees and levies, the Ministry has been on record, for advising school authorities to enter into a flexible payment plan. However, we want to urge parents or guardians to respect the payment plans which they enter into with school authorities.
REHABILITATION OF MHLONHLWENI PRIMARY SCHOOL
IN WARD 2, MATOBO DISTRICT
- HON. BAJILA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House the Ministry’s plans regarding the rehabilitation of Mhlonhlweni Primary School in Matobo District Ward 2 which was damaged by storms in 2010 and 2022.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARYAND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Mhlonhlweni Primary School in Matobo District is one such school which has been we experiencing the vagaries of the weather for quite some time. However, as a Ministry, we have always taken measures to ensure that teaching and learning continues to take place at our schools. As the Hon. Member might be aware, the Ministry with the assistance of other stakeholders has taken measures to rehabilitate one of the two blocks that were destroyed by the storm in 2010 and 2022. I am glad to share with the august house that one block is now complete. Currently, resources are being mobilised to rehabilitate the second block. I want to urge the Hon. Member to join hands with the Ministry in mobilising resources and the community in rehabilitating the second block.
However, as an alternate to providing the learning space for pupils, the Ministry, through partners has plans to provide tents. We will continue to take other appropriate measures to ensure that the rehabilitation of the remaining block is expedited. The same measures will be taken to the similar affected schools in other provinces as well.
RETENTION OF COLD COMFORT PRIMARY SCHOOL TO
THE COMMUNITY
- 16. HON. HAMAUSWA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education what measures are being put in place by the Ministry to ensure that Cold Comfort Primary School is brought back to the community through either of the following:
(a) Calling for a judicial review of the court judgment that gave the school to a private player when the existing trustees made it publicly that they have not sold the school,
(b) calling for a multi-stakeholder engagement considering that there is no public school in Cold Comfort area, Parkview and Dawnview, a situation that creates problems for our school going children , or
(c) Allocating equivalent land to the private player if indeed they were deprived in order to safeguard the interest of the community.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education does not have the mandate to call for the judicial review of the court judgment between the private players and the existing trustees. In fact, it is the responsibility of the existing trustees that you have made reference to who can call for the review of the court judgment if they are the bona fide owners of the land. On the other hand, the Ministry only facilitates in the construction of school s, deployment of teachers and other members of staff and registration of the school when the conditions for registration have been met.
The establishment of a school is determined by the local communities and its local leadership. The community and local leadership initiative is determined by the availability of the land on which to construct the school, the potential enrolment of the area and the distance to the nearby school. Once these conditions are met, communities are free to approach our offices for expertise and other requirements needed in the establishment of a school. So, the Ministry is ready for any call in the event that communities in Cold Comfort area, Parkview and Dawnview want a multi-stakeholder engagement for the purpose of constructing a school.
Again, the Ministry does not have the mandate to allocate land to any stakeholder, including the private players in Cold Comfort. Our mandate as a Ministry revolves around issues that I have talked about above. The Cold Comfort communities are free to approach their local authorities in resolving the situation in the area, and then approach the Ministry for any technical advice and on the issues under the purview of the Ministry.
MEASURES TO ENSURE OWNERSHIP OF OPEN
GROUNDS REGARDING WARREN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
- HON. HAMAUSWA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House the measures being put in place to ensure that Open Grounds located to the west of Warren Park High School remain in the hands of the school considering that it is the only public secondary school servicing Warren Park 1 and 2. Warren Park D, Westlea, Cold Comfort, Parkview and some parts of Belvedere.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Warren Park High School as a registered school, has an area which is specifically designated to it. The open spaces which are currently to the west of Warren Park High School are council land. It is the council that has a jurisdiction over the land, and as such, the Ministry does not have authority over the open spaces that are currently available for now. The Ministry can only safeguard the land that is already designated to a school.
However, the Ministry, through local authorities, can request for the open spaces if there is need to build some more schools or classrooms for the learners. The Honourable Member , as the local National Assembly Member, may join hands with the local communities in Warren Park 1 and 2, Warren Park D, Westlea, Cold Comfort, Parkview, Dawnview and some parts of Belvedere in initiating the need to have the area reserved for a school. Thereafter, the Ministry will assist in ensuring that another school is established in the area.
SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS AT MAPARADZE PRIMARY
SCHOOL AND EXAM CENTRE STATUS FOR MUNEPASI
PRIMARY SCHOOL
- HON. C. HLATYWAYO asked the Minister of Primary and secondary Education to explain the following-
(a) Whether Government is still hiring temporary teachers at schools in light of Maparadze Secondary School in Ward 29 of Chipinge South where there is an acute shortages of teachers for exam classes;
(b) whether there are any measures being put in place to establish an A level class at Maparadze Secondary School in the coming year, and
(c) to explain why Munepasi Primary School in Ward 236 of Chipinge South has not been designated as an exam centre when it was established more than 20 years ago.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): The Ministry has been receiving qualified teachers deployed to the sector by the Public Service Commission. We still have many of these qualified teachers in our database. These bare the teachers who are likely to be deployed to schools such as Maparadze Secondary School. We are grateful to the Public Service Commission because we have been getting a supply of teachers almost every term. Temporary teachers are therefore not an option for deployment to schools now because we have enough qualified teachers.
However, these qualified teachers are deployed depending on the availability of vacancies at the school and the fiscal space. The Ministry will continue to make a request to the Public Service Commission so that teachers are deployed to some schools that are currently experiencing a shortage. Schools such as Maparadze Secondary School are on the Ministry’s priority list.
It is the mandate of the Ministry to provide the much needed education to all pupils in Zimbabwe. As such, we have progressively upgraded some of our schools to A Level status depending on the available of resources at the school. Maparadze Secondary School for now is satellite school. There is need to develop the requisite infrastructure to provide the learning spaces that are needed by the pupils. Thereafter, the school will have to be registered. We will then upgrade the school to an A-level status school after it has met the minimum functionality standard expected at a school. For now, pupils who would have completed O-level and wish to proceed to A-level can access education at the neighboring schools.
Munepasi is one of the schools that we regard as a satellite school operating under Matikwa Primary School which is 5 km away. The necessary infrastructure is being developed so that it becomes a registered school. As soon as the registration is complete Munepasi will become an examination center. I am glad to inform this august House that the necessary papers have been brought to our Head Office so that we hasten the registration process.
PLAN TO SETTLE BASIC EDUCATION ASSISTANCE MODULE (BEAM) ARREARS
- HON. BAJILA asked Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to provide a definitive roadmap for disbursement of adequate funds to settle the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) arrears.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Hon. Bajila, you asked for a definitive roadmap for the disbursement of adequate funds to settle BEAM arrears. During the 2023 financial year, Government provided assistance to 1,515, 047 children through the Basic Assistance Education Module. The programme ensures that all children access basic education crucial for children to realise their full potential. To this effect, Government availed ZWL$77.5 billion against budget of ZWl$23 billion thereby reducing school fees arrears as well as clearing ZIMSEC examination arrears for 2023
Notwithstanding the above efforts, resource constraints exacerbated by changes in the macro-economic environment resulted in accumulation of arrears for BEAM which stood at an equivalent of US$57 million (ZIG 772 Million) by the end of the 2023 financial year.
The 2024 budget set aside ZWL805, 087.608.000 now ZIG 322 163 908 to cater for BEAM. However, due to limited fiscal space, the budget is not able to fully cover the arrears thereby limiting to cover both arrears and current fees obligations.
To this effect, Treasury will ensure the release of the full budget in line with current fees payments to curb further accumulation of arrears.
Treasury, will also strive to find additional budget during the course of the year to priorities payment of arrears to the marginalised schools so that service delivery is not compromised.
BANKING FACILITIES FOR NORTON
22. TSVANGIRAI: asked the Measures put in place by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to attract Banks to Norton.
THE MINISTER OF MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE):
- Norton has got a number of financial service providers including: CBZ, NMB, Zimpost Agents, Steward Bank Agent Banking, FBC Bank, CABS, AFC Bank and Tottengram Financial Services.
- Digital Banking
The banking environment has undergone significant transformation in the age of technology, with several notable changes including Digital Baking where technology has enable the rise of digital platforms of banking, allowing customers to access banking service anytime, anywhere through online platforms and mobile apps. This shift had led to the decline of traditional brick-and-mortar branches and the proliferation of digital-only banks.
- Mobile Payments;
The advent of mobile payment systems and digital wallets has revolutionised the way people make payments and transfer money. Customers can now conveniently pay for goods and services using their smartphones, reducing the reliance on cash and physical cards.
- For Banks to stay competitive, enhance customer expediencies, and navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape, they have to embrace this digital transformation.
- The populace is therefore being capacitated to also embrace this digital transformation and leverage technology to access all banking services digitally and decongest banking halls as well as avoiding having to travel long distances to access banking services physically.
Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Initiatives in Norton and countrywide
- Financial Inclusion Strategy 2 (2022-2026)
Honorable Members, you will recall that l launched the Strategy in October 2022, with the theme, “No-one left behind”, to allow Government together with other financial sector regulators to work towards the improvement in the access and usage of financial services in the country. The current level of inclusion is at 88%. Various continuous awareness campaigns continue to be conducted across the country including within Norton town.
- Promotion of Digital and Mobile Banking Technology.
Awareness and literacy programs promoting the use of digital solutions of the banking system have been and continue to be rolled out in Norton and across the country. During the recently held Global Money Week which was conducted across all provinces in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance. RBZ, DPC, POTRAZ and the banking and microfinance industry, Consumers including school children are being educated on the availability and use of digital banking products as well as security issues involved. These campaigns are continuous programs aimed at educating the nation as a whole.
- Partnerships with Financial Institutions:
The Reserve Bank is collaborating with financial institutions to develop tailored financial products and services that meet the needs of residents in Norton, hence the approval and adoption of modernized ATMs to allow for deposits and other banking services.
MOTION
LEAVE TO MOVE A MOTION ON AN URGENT MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. Speaker Sir, I seek leave to introduce a very important and urgent matter to this august House, without prior notice of motion. This matter pertains to request to this House for the approval for a loan of USD37.14 million from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This loan is due to expire in the next 48 hours and I think that for the country to lose USD37.14 million, it will be a big shame. It will go a long way in supporting agriculture; the horticultural sector. So, I seek leave to introduce this matter and be debated, without prior notice of motion.
THE TEMPRARY SPEAKER: When do you wish to bring the matter to the House?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): With leave forthwith, Mr. Speaker Sir.
Motion put and agreed to.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, please read the notice of motion.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The notice of motion is as follows that; Whereas Subsection 3 of Section 327 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an Agreement which is not International Treaty but which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President with one or more foreign organisations or entities imposes financial obligation in Zimbabwe does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament.
Whereas the Loan Agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and, in fact, for Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP), concluded on the 7th of May 2023 with the following terms; the loan amount, Mr. Speaker Sir, is USD37,14 million. The purpose of the loan is as follows Mr. Speaker Sir, this is to finance Horticultural production for smallholder farmers and micro Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) engaged in horticulture Value chains. The project shall benefit all smallholder farmers who will be organising Agricultural Producer Groups in Village horticulture Gardens in Agriculture Producers Groups in four Ps linked to anker firms. The project will be located in four provinces Mr. Speaker Sir. Matebeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland for the Village horticulture Gardens and for the four Ps programmes, the project will be located in well-functioning irrigation schemes throughout the ten provinces of the country in particular in the high potential regions of Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland province. Agriculture is one of the economic pillars of the Zimbabwe economy and the support for horticulture farming will go a long way in achieving trust of the national development strategy;
Food Security- the implementation of the project will result in
the following benefits, Mr. Speaker Sir, and Member of the august House.
- Employment Creation for the local communities
- Capacity Building for the local communities
- Climate smart Agriculture and easy market access
- Improved food security and nutrition
- Increased household incomes
- Improved resilience to climate change effects and economic shocks, and finally
- Increased production and productivity.
Mr. Speaker Sir, if I could spell out some of the condition for this loan. The loan, first of all is ratified by Parliament. Looking at the interest rate, the principal of the loan will be repaid at 4.5 per cent of the total principal per annum from year 11 to year 30 and at one per cent of the total principal per annuum for years 31 to year 40. So, Mr. Speaker Sir, the total tenure of the loan is 40 years and the grace period is ten years. So, the first ten years there is no interest paid. So, from year 11 then it is 4.5 per cent up to year 30, then from year 31 to the end year 40, the interest is 1 per cent, it drops to 1per cent.
In terms of repayment modalities, the repayment of the principal interest shall be made from the National Budget naturally.
Now therefore, in terms of Section 327, Subsection 3 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Agreement be and is hereby approved. I am seeking for approval. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
Question having been put to the House and objected
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, thank you for the notice, but when is it for.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE. This is for today Mr. Speaker Sir, for now.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: For now, it is not possible because there was an objection Hon. Minister. So, when can we have it?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Can we do it tomorrow.
HON. DHLIWAYO having stood on a point of privilege
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point of privilege and does it apply now?
HON. DHLIWAYO: Yes, Hon. Speaker. Is it possible that this House may consider the motion raised by the Hon. Minister considering that it expires in 48 hours and if it expires in 48 hours, that means this country is going to lose that credit line of US$37,5 million? I thought if that particular motion maybe considered now to save that credit line – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. DHLIWAYO: Point of clarity Hon. Speaker Sir.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Yes Hon. Dhliwayo, what is your point of clarity?
HON. DHLIWAYO: We are here to ensure that the welfare of the majority improves. I understand this particular credit line is there to ensure that our small-scale farmers get some funding in order to improve their agricultural productivity. For this House to be found blocking such an opportunity, I do not think that will be in order Sir. You as the Honorable Speaker Sir, I think you have all the powers to make sure this particular …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Dhliwayo, you are out of order, please sit down. - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order!
The Minister has given us a very urgent matter here, which will be passed by this House tomorrow. It will be the first Business of this House. Meanwhile you have up to tomorrow morning for those who want to debate on the motion, you can do it tomorrow. You must also take into cognisance that Parliament consists of two Houses, so, this motion has also to be passed tomorrow in the Senate. So, we will deal with it as a first Business item and then the Minister will go to the other House and have it passed. Thank you.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker. I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 10 be stood over, until Order of the Day Number 11 has been disposed of.
HON. MAMOMBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) PARLIAMENTARY MEETING AT THE 28TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF PARTIES (COP28) HELD IN DUBAI
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary meeting at the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP28).
- [HON. MAMOMBE: Inaudible interjection.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members, Hon. Mamombe, you must not say what you are saying – please withdraw.
HON. MAMOMBE: I withdraw Hon. Speaker.
Question again proposed.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker, I would like to thank the delegation that represented Zimbabwe at COP 28 in the UAE. This meeting in Dubai was held within the Global stocktake of the Paris agreement towards reducing the global temperatures by cutting down Green House emissions.
Mr. Speaker Sir, climate change causes a biggest existential threat to humanity and especially for us the poor countries in the global south. Climate change is already at our doorsteps, the poor crops in our fields this 2023-2024 summer cropping season are a proof that we are bearing the full brand of the effects of climate change, of which the 2023-2024 season was declared a national disaster.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the report recognises the impacts of climate change. Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls because they heavily rely on the natural resources and the depletion of these resources exacerbates the existing societal inequalities, making climate change a threat multiplier. Mr. Speaker Sir, the poor rainfall pattern is causing scarcity of fresh water in our communities, which gives women and girls a heavy burden of collecting water from very faraway places putting them at a high risk of many forms of Gender-Based Violence.
Sadly, Mr. Speaker Sir, we are in the receiving end of climate change, so we must be at the forefront of holding the emitting countries to account with our loud voices. Climate change is crosscutting, for every portfolio, every department, every Ministry, every committee must raise voices on climate change. Mr. Speaker Sir, the report also urged us to be Parliamentarians for the Planet. As Parliamentarians, let us be at the forefront in protecting the environment and call out all evils in the environment without fear or favour.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker Sir, the report acknowledges the impact of climate change on food security. This cannot be under estimated as it directly affects agricultural productivity and exacerbates existing challenges in our communities that are prone to hunger and malnutrition. As Parliament, it is important for us to first address the root causes of hunger such as poverty, inequality, lack of access to education, healthcare and climate change in order to create lasting change and ensure food security for everyone.
Collaborative efforts between the Government, organisations and communities are essential to implement effective strategies and promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve distribution systems and empower marginalised populations to lift themselves out of poverty. By working together and prioritising long term intervention on developments, we can create a future where effects of climate change are felt less. I so submit. Thank you very much.
HON. MATEMA: Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice to the IPU COP 28 Report. My point of departure relates to Section 3.2 of that report and that same section is about the statement that the Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Jacob Mudenda said “climate change must not conquer humanity. Humanity must conquer climate change decisively”. I also need to make reference to what the head of the legal division of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Madam Christine Adam said. She made reference to climate change as being an existential threat and on account of that, there is convergence between what the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Jacob Mudenda said and what the head of the legal division said.
Yes, as captured in that report, it is an existential threat and a threat multiplier, that is number one. Number two, as captured in that report, climate change is a security matter. As captured in that report, climate change is a human rights issue. There is need for global response, regional response and country response in terms of primary prevention which is mitigation. In terms of secondary prevention which is adaptation to the impact and effects of the climate shocks across the board. It is clear in that report that the impact of climate change is cross cutting. It is cross cutting on matters relating to economics, society and to our environment. You can draw your sustainability triangle in that order.
I made reference to climate change being a security matter as captured in that report because of the economics. If you look at the economics of climate change, economics primarily looks at allocation of scarce resources. Climate change in terms of impact both direct and indirect impact, reduces resource availability. It is on account of that, that we need as a House, to refer to the opinion of history on this matter. By way of reference, the war in Syria is a climate war because when there was a serious drought that affected the rural areas, there was serious rural urban migration into Damascus.
When the numbers grew in Damascus, there was pressure on service delivery to the extent that service delivery collapsed in Damascus and there was an uprising. The war mongers seized on that opportunity. But I need for the House to understand that what drove people from rural Syria into Damascus was primarily the impact of climate change. That is why the war in Syria is classified as a climate war. With respect to human rights and the disproportionate impact that climate change has and why we argue that the vulnerable groups in society, people living with disabilities, women, old people, they feel the disproportionate impact of climate change, especially in times of disasters. So, it becomes a human rights issue because in terms of their access to health and food, these groups are disadvantaged. We need to respond with the urgency of the moment as captured in the report that we need to adapt and adopt very fast. We need to mitigate the causes of climate change. It is on this account that we need to look inwards for solutions to this existential threat that we face. We need to domesticate our interventions and solutions.
One of the recommendations in the report relates to on 5.3 of the report, capacity building. There is need to capacitate because climate change is cross cutting. There is need to capacitate all ministries so that we all have a collective response to the challenges confronting us. We respond collectively to the domestication of the solutions and interventions. We need to start working with our institutions of higher learning so that building on research and development, building on artificial intelligence, leaning on the future on the back of artificial intelligence, we should be able to then anticipate in terms of our adaptation. We anticipate, prepare, build and respond in a manner that will cushion the rest of us and our country Zimbabwe. There is need to capture sequestration of carbon in the atmosphere. That can only happen if we invest in research and development. Article 5.6 of that report advocates for a robust climate change Act. It is on the basis of that recommendation that this august House should support that position and direction. We have been too fragmented in terms of our approach. We have tried to respond to the challenges of climate change in instalments. It is about time that we come together as a House and sing the climate change song from the same hymn sheet so that there is no discord in this House on this matter. I so submit. Thank you very much.
HON. MAMOMBE: Hon. Speaker if there is no debate, can I thank Hon. Members….
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Please sit down.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker for recognising me. I wish to thank the Hon. Members for the robust debate contributing to the motion that I moved in this House. This demonstrates our collective commitment to dealing with issues of climate change, particularly issues of making sure that our communities become resilient to the effects and impacts of climate change as well as promoting climate justice. Allow me to just express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members that contributed to this motion.
Together as a Parliament, we can make significant strides in addressing the impacts and effects of climate change. Having said that, I therefore move for the adoption of the report.
Motion that this House take note of the Report of the Interparliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary meeting at the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) that was held on the 6th of December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, put and agreed to.
On the motion of HON. KAMBUZUMA, seconded by HON. S. MOYO, the House adjourned at Eleven Minutes to Six o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 15th May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
FAREWELL CATHOLIC SERVICE FOR MS. HELEN B. DINGANI
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I wish to remind Senate that there will be a farewell Catholic Service for Ms. Hellen Dingani on Thursday, 16th May 2024 at 1200 hours in the Special Committee Room Number One, following her appointment as the Ambassador to the Republic of Tanzania. All Members are invited and non-Catholics are welcome.
SWITCHING OFF OF CELLPHONES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Let me remind Hon. Members once again to put your phones on silent or better still to switch them off.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Thank you Mr. President. I move that Orders of the Day, Number 1 to 4 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16th May, 2024.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF CENTRES FOR STREET KIDS
AND PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE FAMILY
INTEGRATION
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Plight of children on the streets.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. FANUEL: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16th May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact an enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial Government tier of Government.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Thank you Mr. President. Allow me, before I make my presentation, to extend a warm greeting, warm, how do I call it in Ndebele. I am trying to figure the name in Ndebele. Just to congratulate women, all women to celebrate their day. This is a month for women, so we need to recognise them wherever they are in their spaces that we love you. We are what we are today because of you. We wish you well. - [HON. SENATORS, Hear, hear.] –
Mr. President, on 2nd day of May 2013, we were celebrating our birth, we were born again in Zimbabwe. We ushered a new Constitution by Zimbabweans and for Zimbabweans. We went right across the length and breadth of our spaces, canvassing, asking the communities through traditional leaders, churches, students, community leaders, opinion leaders, family units set ups and we came up with the Constitution. On this day, when every information was collected, Zimbabwe was born again. We said goodbye to the foreign constitution, to the foreign ideas and we said this is the new Zimbabwe. Inasmuch as we celebrated our independence in 1980, where Zimbabweans, regardless of their political persuasion, came together and celebrated that we are Zimbabweans, we are happy that we have achieved one-man-one-farm-one-vote, that was equally celebrated Mr. President, when we ushered this new Constitution that is governing this new Republic that I have become a Member of Senate, and I am proud to be in this new dispensation Mr. President. - [HON SENATORS: Hear, hear.] -
Mr. President, we have not, to date, implemented what we celebrated in 2013 that let us have the Provincial Council. We have not elected a framework to this date such that Provincial Governments can govern their affairs to this date Mr. President. I was a product of the Provincial Council in 2013, that was an old era of Zimbabwe but in 2013, I became one of the first in Matabeleland to represent the people of Matabeleland on paper and the five years elapsed without being sworn in. Those were the ills of the past Government. Those were the ills of the past regime. Fast forward Mr. President, in 2017, we saw the political dynamics, political change which we all celebrated that we were being suppressed by our own.
We were liberated when this dispensation was born and Mr. President, we are still talking about the implementation of that clause 164 which is very critical because it is the construction of a devolved Government. It is a construction of a new phenomenon which is going to ease the national Government, but to this date Mr. President, it has not been done. To this date, the Minister of Justice is still crafting from 2013, a framework such that it is going to usher the new Provincial Governments. Just take a leaf from our borders in South Africa, they manage their own affairs at provincial level. We really enjoy seeing people exercising and putting their potential as Provincial Governments, tapping the local talent at that Provincial Government and we admire, we envy to be in South Africa. History tells us that developing countries with this kind of set up develop, they really progress well. Mr. President, is this new dispensation afraid to promote a democratic, effective, transparent, accountable and coherent Government?
Is this new dispensation afraid to preserve and foster peace and national unity in Zimbabwe? Is this new dispensation afraid to recognise the right of communities to manage their own affairs and to develop their own communities? Is this new dispensation afraid to ensure equitable sharing of local and national resources? Is this new dispensation Mr. President, afraid to transfer responsibilities and resources in order to establish sound financial base for each provincial council and local authority? These are the questions that arise from this Constitution.
Mr. President, I am a product of devolution. I believe in devolution. Where I grew up, my mother and father devolved the power of authority in all our families, we experienced that. It cannot be winner take all Mr. President. Our Ministers in this second republic are shooting down the excellent vision of His Excellency so that he fails. He fails because he does not have adequate Ministers who are able to implement the Constitution. Vatotanga here maMinisters kurova bhora musango, because I do not believe that. I have seen his Excellency in each and every community. I never saw that under the previous regime. Today, he is accessible in Bulawayo, every day you will see the President there in Bulawayo, that means he believes in devolution. The previous President never slept in Bulawayo at State House because he never believed that Bulawayo was part of Zimbabwe, but His Excellency believes that Bulawayo, Marondera or Masvingo are part of Zimbabwe. Where is Comrade Ziyambi to enforce and make sure that his vision is going to see the day of light or vaita subbotage? Isusu tiripoka Mr. President kana President ashaiwa vanhu tiripo.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order!
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: I withdraw Mr. President.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: No, no, no, you have not said anything but stick to one language.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Look at the capacity, we have got traditional chiefs, we have got this Senate, they are capable to be ministers of this Government and implement the vision of His Excellency. We do not want this Government to fail. We are here to support it. We are here to differ in terms of ideas and ideology but when it comes to the national interests, we will support them. This is why we are here Mr. President.
I am here as the footprint of the late Joshua Nkomo. I am here as the footprint of the late Dumiso Dabengwa who believed totally in devolution. I am not going to rest until that vision and objective is achieved. I thank you.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I wish to wind up this motion. I wish to thank you for giving me this opportunity to wind up the motion on the need to enact a law to make sure provincial governments and sub national governments are fully functional in terms of the Constitution. In winding up this motion, I wish to thank the seconder of the motion Senator Rita Ndlovu, who ably seconded this motion and spoke very strongly around the need to devolve the governmental powers and she depicted this through the need to make sure that services are very close to the people, whether it is registration certificates, identity cards or passports. This was just putting that pictorially so that we all understood the need for devolution.
I also wish to thank very fervently Hon. Senator Gotora, who exhibited unparalled knowledge and understanding of what devolution is and what it can deliver to the nation. I thank you Senator for putting in certain angles that I personally, as well as the mover of the motion, was not too clear about. I understand there was a bit of contestations around whether devolution is now in place or not. Through the contribution of Hon. Senator Gotora, it was clear that we do not have devolution properly supported by the laws of this country. A lot of Senators on the other side believed that devolution is fully functional because there is what is called Devolution Funds to which it is clear that these funds are not going to sub national governments through a devolved process. It is basically a renaming of what we used to call Public Sector Investment Programmes (PSIP). It was not a devolution process. It is just Central Government transferring resources to sub national governments without the other concomitant requirements of devolution.
I also wish to thank Hon. Senator Phuti from Matabeleland South, who ably supported this motion which support I do appreciate very heartily. Thank you to Hon. Senator Mohadi for bringing in a different angle. We may have disagreed on whether it is devolution or not but at the end of the day, it is clear that across this House and among us all, there is no one person who is opposed to making sure that Government is interacting with the people at their level, to make sure that Government is closest to the people and to make sure that services are very close to the people. I did not hear any opposition to that feeling.
I also wish to thank other Senators whom I may not name individually, Hon. Senator Mlotshwa here, Hon. Senator Phulu, Hon. Senator Tshabangu who just put in new energy into the motion just now around devolution. Devolution is giving power to the people. It is making sure that you are devolving three key things. The first thing is political devolution where you give people the ability to choose who their political leadership is. This is happening very well. I am not talking about the beauty or ugly issues around certain aspects of our elections. I am talking about the principle that the people of Zimbabwe are allowed to choose their leaders at local level. That is devolution.
The second thing is fiscal devolution where sub national governments should be allowed to raise local taxes and make money, attract revenue streams, managing their own budgets and cooperating with Central Government but not master-servant relationship. You need administrative devolution where sub national governments can make their own laws at local level, they can employ their own staff, remunerate them as they see fit depending on their resource envelopes at the local levels. That is the devolution that we foresee when the law eventually comes in play.
I also wish to emphasise that even the President, in the parliamentary agenda for this period, has very strongly advocated for the enactment of devolution because indeed devolution is good government. Devolution is empowering. Devolution is good for us all.
With these remarks, I wish to move that this motion be adopted. Motion that this House:
WHEREAS the people of Zimbabwe voted overwhelmingly for the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, emphatically pronouncing that they want a three-tier governmental structure which has a Central Government, Provincial Government and Local Authorities;
OBSERVING that the 2023 plebiscite was the third election after the consummation of the people-driven 2013 Constitution yet there is no enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial Government tier of Government;
CONCERNED that the elected Provincial Councils are unable to contribute to the national discourse notwithstanding the cost accompanying their election;
FURTHER CONCERNED that the delay in enacting a devolution law is not in line with the dictates of the constitution and delays equitable development across our provinces;
NOW THEREFORE implores that:
- This august House put pressure on the Executive to expedite the enactment of a legal framework for the functionality of Provincial Governments in line with Section 265 (3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe; and
- That the 100 Provincial Councillors be sworn in, inducted and be enabled to participate in national development as envisaged by the Constitution, put and agreed to.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE
PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Eighth Order Read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: Hon. President, I move that the debate do now adjourm.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16 May, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Nineth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of Climate Change.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16th May, 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE
NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to say a few words on the motion raised by Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa on the National Clean-Up Campaign. The National Clean-Up Campaign was pronounced by His Excellency the President in 2018. It was for a purpose Hon. President to make sure that as Zimbabwe, we get together towards cleaning up our environment. I am persuaded Hon. President to refer to Section 119 of the Constitution which talks about ensuring that all institutions of Government act constitutionally and to the national interest. This was brought to form at the weekend by the Speaker himself, the Speaker of Parliament. We now see when the Head of State pronounces a national programme which speaks to national public health, which speaks to sustaining our environment, some sections of our lower tiers of Government do not buy to the scheme. That was why Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa brought this as a motion to bring us all together on national objectives.
What is the mandate of local authorities regarding refuse removal? We see that some of the local authorities which are empowered in terms of the EMA Act and in terms of By-laws, have accumulated mountains of waste. They have gone against their own mandates. Look at the City of Harare, their vision is to be a first-class service provider and attract investment, but are they doing that? First-class services provider, what is a first-class service provider anyway? It is somebody who consistently and sustainably provides highly commendable service, and we see this is lacking. You move around and you find litter everywhere and the President of Zimbabwe has said just one day a month, the first Friday of every month, we should all get together just for two hours to clean up our surroundings.
Some amongst ourselves then turn around and say this is a Government programme and since it is one, it is a ZANU PF programme. I think we should differentiate between national programmes and party programmes. This is not a party programme. I know so because I come from the Midlands province. There are some Hon. Senators here from the Midlands Province and there are times when we congregate either in Kwekwe or Gweru on national clean up days and I have never seen some of the Senators who are here joining us particularly Hon. Senator Zvidzai – [Laughter.] – [HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Ah munonyepa.] -
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. A. DUBE): Order Hon. Senator Zvidzai, can you withdraw your statement. You must not use that language in the Upper House. Kunyepa kuUpper House, we do not do that.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I am at the dead end of the stick here and I have to withdraw, what do I have to withdraw?
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE : So, kunyepa in the Senate! No, we cannot use that language.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Because I have always joined them together with him to do clean ups, he is lying in this Senate.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE : No kunyepa we cannot allow that.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Ari kunyepa uyo.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I say can you withdraw your statement? Kunyepa hazviite, we can use another language better than that.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I would rather go out than to withdraw.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You can go. You can leave the Senate if you want to leave.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: But he is lying.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Kunyepa no. We can use another language not kunyepa.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Are you happy with me saying he is lying?
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Kunyepa, we cannot use that language in the Senate.
Hon. Senator Zvidzai left the Senate.
HON. SEN. D. M. NCUBE: Thank you Madam President. It is very important that when there are national programmes, we should all be attuned to them and do our part. We need to encourage our constituents, regardless of our part affiliations, to participate in national programmes. The one particular issue which was raised by Hon. Mavenyengwa is to ensure that there is adequate funding for this important national programme so that we can cover every village, particularly those places which are urbanised. There are other people who like to travel to ensure that they participate in this national programme. So, funding is important, that I support.
On the overall, we can see that most local authorities are lacking in terms of commitment towards this national calling, particularly those local authorities that are in the hands of our counterparts. The management, do participate but the leadership is definitely lacking. Let us all work together and take national programmes seriously. With these few words, I thank you for allowing me to contribute to this important motion.
+HON. SEN. RICHARD NDLOVU: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion which was raised by Hon. Mavenyengwa. There is a saying in Ndebele that says as you move around, there is a lot that you can note of, especially the good things. You will then ask yourself whether you can get the same things in your own home or you ask whether in your community, you can also get the same things. Our President, His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, presented this that we should keep our environment clean.
We had ZITF in Bulawayo last month and we invited the President of Kenya as the guest to officially open the event. From Bulawayo Airport, we used Robert Mugabe way. You will come across vendors and so many dirty things and litter along the road. It portrays the nation as a nation that is not healthy conscious and that does not preserve the environment. Hence, I believe that is why the President thought of this noble cause to have a National Clean-up Day dedicated to clean the environment. It is saddening, however, that you will realise especially in our urban areas that most of the times, you find litter that is not being collected. It portrays this country as a country that does not prioritise cleanliness. We have visitors that come from different countries. I therefore urge that as representatives of the people; as Members of Parliament, we are all encouraged that we should all participate in this national clean-up campaign.
You will realise that when an environment is clean, we also reduce things like diseases. I grew up in Bulawayo, there were so many garbage collectors, especially in low density areas but it is saddening that we no longer have such collectors. We pay garbage collection fees to the city council but they do not collect the garbage. I am not sure whether the money that we pay for garbage collection is used for salaries since they do not collect. My wish is that all our urban areas should prioritise and also take into consideration that when residents are paying garbage collection fees, they should collect the garbage.
I implore this House that there is need to work as a team. There is no need to be a country that is always setting up investigations like what is happening currently. I wish this House should take this with the importance it deserves and also in advising our local authorities, members of our constituencies and our communities that we should always prioritise cleanliness. If there is so much litter in our surroundings, we realise that it causes so many diseases. Thank you.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Madam President. I want to add my voice on this debate that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Mavenyengwa. I want to allude to the same thing in that litter in the country is not due to failure by local authorities. When we are saying there is problems in the country, these are some of the problems that we would be alluding to. I come from Maphisa township, which is in Matebeleland South. Litter that was seen in that town is not that it was introduced now. It was there even when that town council was being led by a specific party. What we need to do is that we should advice each other on what ways we should do to collect litter and not finger-point each other. I want to give an example; plastic is something that we can recycle. We should recycle such things. Hon. Sen. Ndlovu alluded to garbage that we can use as compost. People should be taught what it is that can be done to benefit us. Yes, it is litter but we can do something with it. For example, we can recycle plastics and do compost using garbage and we can resale that. There are so many farmers who need such compost for their vegetables. There are people that you can sell the compost to as well. Madam President, I think finger-pointing does not help. If you look at a province such as Bulawayo, revenue collection is one of the challenges. People do not have money which is an indicator that revenue is not paid properly. However, inasmuch as it is being paid properly, we had RTGs that was not being used properly. The introduction of ZiG also affects city councils. Most of us are being paid in the local currency and most people are having challenges to make the payments.
Madam President, we want those cabbages and we also want to stay in a clean environment. We should however have a proper way or a solution to avoid such litter. I grew up being taken care of by my mother’s sister. We used to sell cabbages in the market and it was a good thing. We need to encourage culture of cleanliness. Hon. Madam President, we used to sing songs that were encouraging us to practice cleanliness especially in schools when we were growing up. What I know is, it should be a culture that we should clean the environment where we are operating from. Even if we are travelling in the bus, we should encourage, for example if some buys a drink, whatever that they are buying whilst they are travelling, we should encourage people not to throw litter through the window. There should be a deterrent that is put that people should not throw litter all over. It has nothing to do with local authorities that someone has thrown litter all over. It means that person is not clean. I will also give an example of pampers that are used for our children. We should find a way of disposing pampers. We should teach people that we are staying with or people from our Constituencies how to dispose such. Another challenge that is there is that the local authorities where not prepared to have such a development. Hence, we have certain challenges in how to dispose certain litter.
Madam President, I did a survey and most of the times it is either water bottles or the nappy pants that are being used by children are all over. We should therefore find a way of separating the litter, for example, have a specific container where you put plastic, have a container where you put nappy pants. Yes, Clean Up Campaigns Madam President Ma’am for example, as an Opposition Member but I attend and do the cleaning. We have even other clean up campaigns that we do on our own. It is not a good idea that we should politicise Clean Up Campaign. It has nothing to do with where you are coming from. Everyone wants cleanliness, you want value to your shop; you want value to your home. If there is dirtiness around your shopping area, your place is not given a good status. For example, in Mapisa, we are failing to get a town status because of litter that is all over. Where we have influence Madam President, we should always talk to the people from our community to say litter is not good. However, we can turn that into good things. It is not good to finger-point, however there is a way of turning that litter into something that can benefit you like what I have alluded to.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Madam President, my apologies. I wanted to speak in my language but I will not be able to coin some of the words, but I would really have loved Madam President, to use my language. With your indulgence, I will break my presentation in two languages.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: It is not allowed Hon. Senator. You can use one language in the House. If you want to use your own language use it.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Alright Mr. President. The question to this important motion, we have to ask ourselves how do you rehabilitate a broken mind, how do you restore a broken soul, how do you rehabilitate a broken fabric of a society; a society that has lost dignity, a society that feels they have lost their identity, a society that feels they cannot be part of the progressive society? These are the fundamental questions in as much as we want to respond to this important motion. If we fail to answer those questions, we will still continue to have the soul searching without practical tangible solutions.
Madam President, during the rainy season, preparing for the tillage of land, a lot has to be done. The traditional leadership in our respective communities, in their spheres Madam President, take it upon themselves with communities that before the rains start, we need to make sure that we clean so that the heavens can bless us without any hinderance those trees which will be struck by lightning, there will be a process. It was not a question of really bringing them together but there is a traditional cleansing ceremony so that the good heavens can bless and see to it that we can harvest. Through the traditional leadership which is here, those processes are no longer happening in our communities. We have lost that fabric Madam President. They sit here, we respect them. They are no longer initiating these. What has gone wrong in our society. What has gone wrong in our communities. These play a fundamental role in terms of mindset.
The previous speaker, Madam President, spoke about littering. I spoke earlier about a dejected person’s broken soul. You find Madam President, you are in a bus, there is no bin and surely you cannot ask the President, the Head of State to do these things. You are in a bus, you board a bus, it is overloaded, there is no bin in that bus the litter you cannot throw it in the bus because it will produce maybe some different smells. So the only place that you know outside the bus is the virgin land because there are no laws Madam President. You will throw that in the land and that does not only endanger the traffic, or endanger the human life but it will endanger even the ecosystem. It endangers the wildlife. Many people have lost their cattle because the plastics that he spoke about endanger them and they are a poison to our cattle. The simple method, the operators for example in a bus - they should provide these bins. Failure of which, we should create a law that if a person throws litter through the window, he/she should not be penalised but the bus operator should be penalised for failure to provide the adequate services for me to use in that environment. So, as the legislative arm, these are some of the things that may change the society.
My learned friend spoke about Harare. He is a good friend of mine. When I was growing up, Harare was a sunshine-city but it was a filthy city but today it is one of the cleanest cities in Zimbabwe. You walk in the streets of Harare and there is a bin in each and every corner but that is not happening in Bulawayo where I come from. There are cleaners overnight cleaning the city of Harare. That is the culture which they have developed. At times when I walk, I want to throw litter. I usually drive with my colleagues to Bulawayo but on a lighter note, some of them are here and they will say can you open the window and we can throw the litter out and I always say no guys we cannot do that, let us look for a bin or a safe place because it is no longer in me to do so.
HON. SEN. PHULU: On a point of order Madam President. The Hon Member should withdraw because some of his friends are known.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: That is why I said on a lighter note. We need to point to each other and this is how we can build each other as a family and develop ourselves. Going back to my subject Madam President, we cannot really ask this Government of today without really looking up to ourselves. This Government cannot change our culture, we need to change our own beliefs. Ubuntu, it cannot be prescribed by the Government of the day but in our spaces Madam President, we can change this society for the better. Zimbabwe can be a better place to live. Zimbabwe can be cleaner than ever before if we change our attitude. If we change our mind set even today Madam President, a detainee who has served and who was incarcerated for about fifteen years, ten years, coming out from prison, he needs a rehabilitation process. So, for us to move from where we are today, we need that rehabilitation Madam President. When I was growing up, it was happening but these things are no longer happening but they are very important. When I grew up, when I was a five, six, seven years old and coming from school, you would see a hearse Madam President, you would either run away or you stood still. That is what we were taught by our parents and you let it pass. We were taught to respect those who have gone but it is no longer happening. We do not even respect the dead, how then am I going to respect someone who is next to me. Look at our traditional chiefs, there are senators here. I have never seen anybody from this House bowing to them.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. DUBE): Order Hon. Senator. Can you stick to your debate?
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Madam President, I am sorry. This is why I wanted to use my own language but I withdraw. The message that I am trying to put across Madam President is that for us to move forward, we have the traditional leaders in this House. It means a lot but as Senators, we do not value their presence here.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Madam President, on a point of order. I do not believe that the removal of waste in the streets has anything to do with the Chiefs. I do not also believe that for me to bow before a Chief has anything to do with waste collection. Why would Hon. Senator Tshabangu not stress points like people should not throw away litter through bus windows and the removal of litter at houses and so on. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: I am talking about the culture, change of mind set. I am linking my presentation to the change of mind set and culture. So, you cannot streamline and reduce my presentation to litter throwing. What causes that is the mind set of an individual. I cited an example of a mindset. I am talking about the mindset. The reason why we have litter everywhere is because of the mindset. How do you change that mindset? You can only change it through what I have said now. If I do not recognise that there is a traditional chief today, I will not recognise that we need to live in a clean environment. I will not recognise that, that litter endangers the ecosystem and wildlife. It is broad Cde Madam President.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: There is no Cde here Senator. There are Hon Members.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: My father was a revolutionary. We took the comradeship from where we were taught about the struggle. My apologies. I am bringing in a different way of debate. I know it is not going to be understood instantly but as we move on, people will understand the theory that I am trying to project in this House. I am bringing in a different way of communication. I am bringing a different way of interacting. I am bringing in fresh ideas, not tired ideas. Senate is not going to be the same again. Senate is going to be different.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAVENGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16th May, 2024.
MOTION
ROAD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Eleventh Order read: Adjourn debate on motion on the successive road accidents on consecutive days in the month of November, 2023 countrywide.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: The issue of road safety and curbing accidents which has been raised by this motion and been debated by fellow Hon. Members is serious and needs urgent attention. Allow me to close this motion by highlighting some critical and disturbing statistics that may show the seriousness of the matter. The ZIMSTAT statistics show that road traffic accidents and traffic deaths in Zimbabwe have been increasing rapidly since the year 2021. Between year 2020 and 2021, the number of road traffic accidents increased by 27.4% from 35 560 to 45 307. Similarly, the number of traffic accidents deaths increased from 1520 to 1885.
Then between the year 2021 and 2022, the number of accidents increased by 16.1% from 45 307 to 52 585 whilst the number of deaths also increased from 1885 to 2079. In the year 2023, it was recorded that there were 51 924 accidents and 2099 deaths. It is no wonder that the 2022 UN Economic Commission for Africa Report on Zimbabwe Road Safety Performance Review recorded that the Zimbabwean roads are the most unsafe in Southern Africa in terms of road crash mortality.
These accidents are not only having a serious knock on human life, but are also a serious drain on our economy. As of the year 2021, it was reported that Zimbabwe was losing 3% of its gross domestic product to road accidents and this was about US$406 million every year. This is money that could have gone to other productive sectors of the economy or that could have funded our critical social services such as education and health.
In conclusion, I recommend that:
Zimbabwe sign and ratify the African Road Safety Charter and participate in the new African Observatory for Road Safety. By becoming a contracting party to the Charter, Zimbabwe will advance the goals of the African Agenda 2063 for socio-economic transformation.
The Zimbabwe National Road Authority and the responsible minister move with speed to dualise all the country’s highways in order to reduce head-on collisions on our highways.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police traffic section increase patrols along the country’s highways before and after the festive season in order to curb the high rate of accidents on our roads.
The Vehicle Inspection Department goes out in full force and impound all unroadworthy vehicles that ply the country’s roads causing horrific accidents and loss of human lives.
The Treasury increase funding for the Road Safety Council in order to enhance their performance.
The Civil Protection Unit be developed and always on standby and ready to deal with accidents that may befall travellers during the festive season
All drivers responsibly and observe rules of the road in order to minimise the risks of road carnage during this festive season and at all times.
Motion that:
SADDENED by successive road accidents on consecutive days which claimed scores of lives in the month of November, 2023 countrywide;
CONCERNED that it has become a norm that each time the festive season approaches, horrific road traffic accidents increase leading to loss of lives;
DISMAYED that some of our citizens have become so accustomed to road carnages to the extent that they become insensitive and seem to have lost respect for the deceased as evidenced by photographs of ghastly accident scenes that they post and circulate on social media each time road carnages occur;
DISTURBED that remains of deceased are at times left uncovered in the open for long periods as if to confirm lack of sanctity and respect for the dead, a practice which is quite exogenous to our culture;
NOW, THEREFORE, implores that: -
- the Zimbabwe Republic Police increase patrols along the country`s highways before and after the festive season in order to curb the high rate of accidents on our roads;
- the Police ensure that body bags are timeously availed whenever fatal accidents occur so that dead bodies are not exposed to the public and in particular the children;
- the Vehicle Inspectorate Department goes out in full force and impound all unroadworthy vehicles that ply the country`s roads causing horrific accidents and loss of human lives;
- the Civil Protection Unit be always on standby and ready to deal with accidents that may befall travellers during the festive season; and
- all drivers should act responsibly and observe rules of the road in order to minimise the risks of road carnage, during this festive season and at all times, put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION ON THE ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO RUSSIA
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report of the Delegation on the Election Observation Mission to Russia on Russian Presidential Elections led by Hon. Shamu from 13th to 20th March, 2024.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I second Madam President
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. Honorable W. K. Shamu, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, spearheaded a Parliamentary Delegation on an election observation mission to the Russian Federation from 13th to 20th March, 2024. The visit was initiated following an invitation extended by the Federation Council, and the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to the Parliament of Zimbabwe. This endeavour serves to strengthen the bond between the two sisterly legislative bodies and promotes the progression of Parliamentary Diplomacy. The initiative is in alignment with the nation's foreign policy objectives, which aim to foster relationships with the international community, hence adhering to the engagement and re-engagement agenda, further strengthening our diplomatic ties.
The Chairperson’s delegation comprised of the following
Members,
Hon. Mercy Mugomo- Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
Hon. Caleb Makwiranzou- Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
Hon. Sen. Angeline Kumbirai Tongogara- Chairperson, Thematic Committee on HIV and AIDS; Hon. Sen. Robson Mavenyengwa- Chairperson, Thematic Committee on Human Rights, and
The delegation observed Russian Presidential Elections held from 15 to 17 March, 2024. Its mandate was governed by the guidelines set forth by the Central Election Commission, a counterpart organisation to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
LEGAL FRAMWORK AND VOTING IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
The Russian Federation's election legal framework includes the Constitution, establishing a basis for credible elections through citizens' rights and obligations, and Federal Laws, providing detailed guidelines on election management. Article 3.3 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation notes that the supreme direct expression of the power of the people shall be expressed through referenda and free elections.
In accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Confederation, the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, by Resolution No. 678-SF of 7 December 2023, scheduled the election of the President of the Russian Federation for 17 March 2024. The CEC decided to conduct voting over a period of three consecutive days, namely 15, 16, and 17 March 2024 with polling commencing at 0800 hours and concluding at 2000 hours each day. The decision to have a three-day polling period was made by the CEC after thorough consultations with the electorate. The majority of respondents supported this option as it offers greater flexibility for voting and has the potential to increase voter turnout rates.
The President of the Russian Federation is elected every six years
through universal, equal, and direct secret ballot (Constitution Article 81.1). The President has a six-year term renewable once. To be eligible for the Presidency election, candidates must be at least 35 years old and should ordinarily have been resident in Russia for a minimum of 25 years.
Additionally, candidates must not have foreign citizenship or
residence permit in a foreign country, neither at the time of the election
nor at any time in the past. Previous legislation expected presidential
candidates to belong to a political party, however this requirement was
removed by a 2020 Constitutional amendment to allow independent
candidates to contest. Party candidates must have a minimum of
100,000 nominators while an independent candidate must have a
minimum of 300,000 nominators to be considered by the CEC.
The current President, His Excellency Vladimir Putin, competed
against the Communist Party’s Nikolai Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky of
the Liberal Democratic Party, and Vladislav Davankov of the New
People Party, as illustrated in Table 1.
Table 1: 2024 Presidential Candidates for the Russian Federation
Candidate name |
Age |
Political Party |
1. Vladislav Davankov |
40 years |
New People Party |
2. Vladimir Putin |
71 years |
Independent candidate |
3. Leonid Slutsky |
56 years |
Liberal Democratic Party |
4. Nikolay Kharitonov |
75 years |
Communist Party |
Russia has fully harnessed the use of technology and digitalised its
voting system. The country utilises Electronic Voting Systems (online
voting) through the internet portal of the Central Election
Commission, a sub system of the State Automated System of the
Russian Federation, “VYBORY”. The SAS “Vybory” has fourteen
subsystems, providing automation of all stages of the election process.
The system is completely autonomous from the global internet and
securely protected from any external influence. Data is fed into the SAS
“Vybory” internet portal through an air gap that excludes direct
connection to the internet. Additionally, more than 3 500 specialists
who regularly upgrade their qualifications in specialised areas ensure
the uninterrupted operation of the SAS “Vybory” across Russia. It is
interesting to note that the use, operationalisation and modernisation of
the SAS, Vybory is provided for by the Federal Information Centre at
the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation.
The automation of electoral processes increased efficiency,
reduced costs, makes the voting process more accessible to all
Russian citizens. It contains and processes information on election commissions, election campaigns, participating candidates and parties, election funds, complaints and appeals received and the number of citizens voting in an election.
The portal provides an opportunity to view the data of protocols of
each of the hundreds of thousands of Precinct Election Commissions.
The portal has services that allow users to get information on
polling stations where they are included, location of polling stations,
candidates and parties participating in elections and the results of the
election.
The Voter Register, one of the major subsystems of the SAS,
Vybory contains a constantly updated database of all voters in Russia.
This subsystem generates voter lists, including applications for mobile
Voting, and voting outside the polling station/remote voting. As of 1
January 2024, the total number of voters within the borders of the
Russian Federation was 112,309,947, while the number of voters
registered outside the Russian Federation was 1,890,863.
It is noteworthy that in order to cater for citizens who advocate for
casting votes through ballots as a secure and transparent method, the Russian Federation has continued to uphold the implementation of traditional paper-based voting systems. Subsequently, polling stations have the necessary equipment for both E-Voting and conventional voting methods. This arrangement allows candidates to exercise their right to vote through a method of their preference. This approach improves the overall efficiency, fairness, and representation in elections.
Voting at the election of the President of the Russian Federation
was held at 94 000 polling stations. Additional opportunities were
provided for the realisation of the active suffrage of citizens of the
Russian Federation, which included remote electronic voting and voting
outside the voting premises.
In Russia, voters are afforded the opportunity to exercise their
voting rights remotely through the "Mobile Voter" technology. This
allows voters to request inclusion in the voter list at any polling station,
irrespective of their current location, and to cast their ballot at a
convenient polling station, regardless of their registered place of
residence.
The option of voting outside of the designated polling premises,
commonly referred to as voting at home, is granted to individuals who are unable to physically attend their designated polling station on election days due to valid reasons such as illness, disability, caregiving responsibilities, or other legitimate circumstances. To qualify as an eligible home voter, individuals must formally apply to the Precinct Election Commission by means of a written request, verbal communication (via telephone), or the submission of a request through trusted relatives or acquaintances.
Individuals with special needs and conditions are able to exercise
their electoral rights in the Russian Federation due to the
implementation of social policies aimed at ensuring that all public
infrastructure facilities are accessible. Polling stations are equipped with
specialised equipment and information materials to facilitate voting for
individuals with special needs. Sign language interpreters are provided
on voting days, and volunteers offer comprehensive assistance to voters
with special needs. Additionally, the utilisation of Mobile Voter
technology allows individuals with special needs to pre-register for
inclusion in the voter list at the most convenient polling station.
Importantly, a significant majority of voting precincts, specifically 90%,
are situated on the ground floors of buildings for easier access.
The voting, counting, and result-establishing process is
documented through the use of video surveillance and recording. These
recordings serve as a means for candidates and political parties to defend
their interests in the event of complaints submitted to election
commissions and courts. The retention period for video recordings is a
minimum of one year from the official publication date of election
results.
Vote counting is conducted through the utilisation of sophisticated
Ballot Processing Complexes (BPCs). These are automated tools for counting of votes, collection of paper ballots and printing of the final report of the Precinct Election Commission, as well as its duplicates. Stakeholders involved in the electoral process hold these BPCs in high regard. Most importantly, the results are known in just a few minutes, as the processing of ballots, checking of control and other ratios of the protocol data is automated.
OBSERVATIONS ON ELECTION DAYS (15-17 MARCH 2024)
The Delegation observed the election process at seven polling
stations, five in the Central administrative district of Moscow and two
in Kankova region. All polling stations operated from 8am to 8pm for
the duration of the election period. They were situated on the ground
floor of existing facilities like schools, libraries, and public buildings for
easy access.
Each polling station displayed posters introducing candidates in the
order specified in Table 1. Furthermore, posters detailing regulations for
voters and observers were also present. These posters provided a
summary of electoral laws and regulations, as well as penalties for any
violations.
The polling stations were uniformly equipped with voting
materials and equipment for E-Voting, conventional voting, and voting
at home. Additionally, they were furnished with portable, mobile
digitalised electronic devices and ballot boxes to accommodate voters
wishing to cast their votes from home or at locations outside of
designated polling stations.
Electronic voting was accessible to all registered voters via a
website, accessible through the CEC online portal on laptops and
Smartphones. Voters simply log in on the portal and cast their vote by
clicking on their preferred candidate. At polling stations, online voting
was done through a digital online booth. The voting process begins with
the electronic scanning of the voter's identification document, followed
by selecting their preferred candidate.
All visited polling stations had high-resolution video surveillance
cameras and security personnel stationed nearby for added security.
Media outlets provided objective and balanced reporting on
elections, helping to ensure voters have access to fair and accurate
information.
The electoral process in Russia was comprehensive and facilitated
participation of all citizens wishing to vote. The CEC implemented
measures to enable citizens living abroad, those away from their
registered location, individuals wishing to vote outside polling stations,
and residents of remote areas to cast their votes.
Electronic voting was favoured by the youth demographic, while the elderly population preferred manual voting. There was a notable presence of elderly women voting manually at polling stations compared to other demographic groups.
The election environment was peaceful, with fair and impartial
procedures being upheld throughout the process.
LESSONS LEARNT
The conduct of elections in the Russian Federation reflected a
harmonious relationship between different political parties,
communities and interest groups, fostering a sense of unity and
cooperation among citizens.
Russian citizens are patriotic and trust their democratic institutions,
namely, the Central Elections Commission and law enforcement
agencies. They facilitate fair and transparent electoral process.
The Russian Federation strategically leverages electoral events to
showcase itself as a leading tourist destination. International observers
were afforded the chance to explore the distinctiveness of Russia and its
prominent tourist sites through a virtual reality presentation at the
Zaryadye Park media centre. Additionally, international observers were
escorted on guided bus excursions around the city of Moscow and had
the opportunity to visit the museums inside the Kremlin.
THE ZIMBABWEAN MISSION IN RUSSIA
The delegation capitalised on the EOM to conduct a
comprehensive assessment of operations at our embassy in Moscow. A
number of operational shortcomings were identified, encompassing
understaffing, a fleet of vehicles not meeting recognised diplomatic
standards and a reliance on leased premises.
Staffing levels at the embassy are currently below optimal
capacity, especially in key positions such as those of second Counsellor,
Trade Attaché, and Tourism Attaché. The vehicular assets at the
embassy are also lacking, with three vehicles present, but only one
in reliably functioning condition, a five-year-old BMW. Additionally,
the Ambassador's vehicle, procured eight years ago, is presently out of
commission. In light of these findings, it is imperative that immediate
steps be taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
to address the identified deficiencies and reinforce the operational
capacity of the embassy in Moscow.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission should conduct a thorough
research on the electoral system utilised by the Central Elections
Commission of the Russian Federation with a view to adopt the same for
Zimbabwe’s next elections by 31 December 2024.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and
Local Government and Public Works should liaise with their Russian
counterparts on a potential land swap deal for the construction of
Zimbabwe’s embassy in Moscow by June 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade should
appoint a second Counsellor, Trade Attaché, and Tourism Attaché at the
mission in Moscow by 31 December 2024.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade should
acquire a new vehicle for the Zimbabwean Ambassador in Moscow and,
possibly upgrade the current vehicle fleet at the mission by June 2025.
CONCLUSION
The 2024 Presidential elections in the Russian Federation were
conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, embodying the core principles of democracy. The successful utilisation of advanced technological tools for voting underscored a significant advancement in democratic processes amidst the era of artificial intelligence. This seamless amalgamation of technology with electoral procedures serves as a benchmark for other nations aspiring to champion democratic norms and foster transparent electoral outcomes. The elections not only underscored Russia's dedication to democratic ideals and good governance but also established a new and exemplary standard for future electoral endeavours, especially the Presidential vote. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. FANUEL: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday 16th May 2024.
MOTION
MOBILE BIRTH REGISTRATION EXERCISE
HON. SEN RICHARD NDLOVU: I move the motion standing in my name that this House:
ACKNOWLEDGING the challenges faced by the population living in the border areas of the country on the issuance of birth certificates by the Registrar General’s department;
COGNISANT that a birth certificate is an essential document in the lives of the citizens as it provides all necessary information required when it comes to history, nationality identification of the people;
AWARE that a birth certificate is an integral record on issues of inheritance administration and welfare matters;15
CONCERNED that those living in border areas find it extremely difficult to secure birth certificates owing to inaccessible roads and their proximity to neighboring countries where communities inter marry and end up losing their true identities when their parents pass on.
NOW THEREFORE, calls upon the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to conduct extensive mobile birth registrations exercises in affected areas of the country to mitigate these challenges.
HON. SEN. FANUEL: I second.
HON. SEN RICHARD NDLOVU: Thank you Madam President for giving me the liberty to raise my concerns pertaining to the challenges faced by people living in border areas in getting birth certificates from the department of the Registrar General under the Ministry of Home Affairs. While there are no specific recent statistics available on the exact number of individuals failing to get birth certificates, it is estimated that a significant portion of the population living in border areas do not have birth certificates. This challenge is more rampant in border areas like Mapolisa, Brunapeg, Bulilima, Plumtree and Mangwe in Matabeleland South and along the Eastern border areas of Zimbabwe, mainly Honde, Checheche, Malipati, Chibuwe and Boli. People in these areas migrate out or into Zimbabwe and as they do so, they inter-marry, bear children and when they try to register the newly born babies, they fail to meet the requirements outlined in the Birth and Deaths Registration Act Chapter 5:02, which strictly require that a birth certificate can only be issued to a child born by parents with National I.Ds. Therefore second, third and fourth generations of children born by parents who initially do not have identification documents cannot get birth certificates. Again, these areas are in remote areas far away from the Registrar’s Offices, huge transport costs will discourage seeking birth certificates.
Madam President, a birth certificate is a foundational document which is of paramount importance to the social, economic and political development of a human being. Firstly, it gives a distinct name to a person for identification. It is where other important documents like national identity cards, travelling documents like passports and temporary travelling documents (TTDs) are issued. A birth certificate is required when registering to write grade seven examinations. On participation in the national voting process (to exercise the constitutional right to vote). One has to have a valid national identity card. For one to do economic transactions like ecocash or opening bank accounts, one has to have a valid national identity card. For one to get social assistance, there is need for a valid national identity card and even for a dead person to get a death certificate, first he/she should have an identity card. For one to inherit, one has to have a valid national identity card. For one to have this crucial valid national identity card, he/she should first get a birth certificate since according to the Births and Deaths Registration Act Chapter 5:02, a national identity card will only be issued to a person with a birth certificate.
Madam President, the nation of Zimbabwe is guided by His Excellence Cde Dr. E. D Mnangagwa’s mantra “leaving no-one and no place behind” and Vision 2030 of an Upper Middle-Income Society. Hence the challenges faced by people in border areas, mainly on borders between Zimbabwe and countries like Botswana and Mozambique in getting birth certificates denies these people their constitutional right outlined in the Constitution on Section 81 (1)(b)(c)(i, ii),leaving them stateless. This will exclude them from actively participating in the socio-economic affairs of their beloved country, Zimbabwe.
Madam President, Despite the challenges faced by people living in border areas in getting birth certificates, there are various positive developments and initiatives that have been done by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Civil Registry Department. The Government has established to date 282 civil registration centres of which 219 are in rural and 63 are in urban areas. This has improved access to these birth certificate issuing centres.
Furthermore, the Government availed resources, more staff and more tools of trade for the Civil Registry Department to successfully conduct periodic mobile registration blitz with birth certificates issued for free. This has brought the Civil Registry Offices closer to the people especially those rural remote areas.
Despite all these efforts, it is glaring evident that much still needs to be done to mitigate the challenges faced by people living in border areas in getting birth certificates.
I therefore call upon the House to amend the Birth and Deaths Registration Act so as to eliminate the current hurdles met when one is applying for a birth certificate in order to fulfill constitutional provisions in particular Section 81 of the Constitution.
I also call upon the Minister of Home Affairs to come up with a Statutory Instrument mainly for specified border areas where the challenge of undocumented parents is rampant that relaxes the requirements to get a birth certificate.
The Government, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, to avail to the Civil Registry Department, more financial resources and several all-terrain vehicles to do mobile birth registration programmes in those remote border areas. I thank you.
HON. SEN. RICHARD NDLOVU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16th May 2024
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourteen Order read: Adjourned debate on the motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16th May, 2024
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 80TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE 45TH CONFERENCE OF APU HELD IN COTE D’IVOIRE
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion of the Report of the Delegation to the 80th Session of the Executive Committee and 45th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 16th May, 2024
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. TONGOGARA, the Senate adjourned at Twenty-Two Minutes to Five o’clock. p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 14th May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
FAREWELL CATHOLIC SERVICE FOR MS. HELLEN B. DINGANI
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to inform the House that there will be a farewell Catholic Service for Ms. Hellen Dingani on Thursday, 16th May 2024 at 1200hrs in the Special Committee Room Number One following her appointment as the Ambassador to the Republic of Tanzania. All members are invited including non-Catholic Members.
*HON. ZVAIPA: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker. My point of national interest pertains to war veterans. Mr. Speaker Sir, our war veterans are facing different challenges, particularly those who are in hospitals. The cards that have been given to them do not work and some go back unattended when they go to hospitals. Our war veterans do not eat what they are supposed to be eating, yet the public is enjoying good food.
HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of Order Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Why do you not wait for the Hon. Member to finish his point of national interest? Can you wind up Hon. Member?
*HON. ZVAIPA: We see children of war veterans facing challenges in different schools and their school fees is being paid late. It is important that Government intervenes so that our war veterans benefit and are given first priority. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Well, in English they say, do not flog a dead horse. Measures are in place - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - to attend to what the Hon. Member is raising. The Minister responsible, especially the new Minister that has come in, supported by her Deputy, are on course to ensure that the delivery system expected by the war veterans is consummated accordingly.
So, your point of interest maybe misplaced because Government is on course in attending to those issues expeditiously - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – unless you are talking of some specific issues where some members of the War Veterans Association have approached you. In that regard, you have the right to approach the Hon. Minister and state the case of those two or three war veterans accordingly.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 14 be stood over until Orders of the Day Numbers 15 to 18 have been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON
THE PROTECTION OF MIGRANT WORKERS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR
AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. M. DINHA): The International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and
Members of their Families adopted by the General Assembly Resolution 45/158 of 18 December, 1990.
I will summarise concentrating on the Preamble. The State parties to the present Convention, taking into account the principles embodied in the basic instruments of the United Nations concerning human rights, in particular, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Taking into account also the principles and standards set forth in the relevant instruments elaborated within the framework of the International Labour Organisation, especially the Convention concerning Migration for Employment Number 97, the Convention concerning Migrations in Abusive Conditions and recommendation concerning Migration for Employment Number 86. The recommendation concerning migrant workers Number 151, the Convention concerning Forced or Compulsory Labour Number 29 and the Convention concerning Abolition of Forced Labour Number 105; reaffirming the importance of principles concerned in the Convention against Discrimination in Education of the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisations;
Recalling the Convention against Torture and other Cruel In-human and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Declaration of the Fourth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials in the Slavery Conventions;
Recalling that one of the objectives of the International Labour Organisation as stated in its Constitution, is the protection of the interests of workers when employed in countries other than their own and bearing in mind the expertise and experience of that organisation in matters related to migrant workers and members of their families;
Recognising the importance of the work done in connection with migrant workers and members of their families in various organs of United Nations. In particular, the Commission on Human Rights, the Commission for Social Development and in the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation and the World Health Organisation as well as in other international organisations;
Recognising also the progress made by the …
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, just a second please. If you may take your seat. Clerk of Parliament, approach the Chair.
The Clerk of Parliament approached the Chair.
You will excuse the process Hon. Members. I will now ask the Hon. Deputy Minister to continue.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I therefore move that;
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of all Migrant workers and Members of their Families which came into force on 1st July 2003.
WHEREAS Article 85 of the aforesaid Convention provides that Instrument of Ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the United Nations
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for ratification.
Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity. Let me start by saying in principle, I do not have a problem in respect to this House ratifying the treaty, but my challenge Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Did you say rectify Hon. Member? - [HON. MEMBERS: Ratify] - I am not asking you, I am asking the Hon. Member.
HON. MUSHORIWA: I am not against the ratification.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Pardon.
HON. MUSHORIWA: I am not against the ratification as requested.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Did you say rectification?
HON. MUSHORIWA: I said I do not have a problem in terms of making sure that this Parliament ratifies this.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You mean ratifies because for purposes of record, when you rectify you are meaning something different.
HON. MUSHORIWA: No, I did not say rectify. Mr. Speaker Sir, the rights of migrant workers are important and it is even more important Mr. Speaker Sir, given the fact that as Zimbabwe, we now have quite a number of our people that are scattered across the globe and by us taking the step in making sure that we are not only a signatory but we have also stamped it here as Parliament and ratified this, it will actually help us, but Mr. Speaker Sir, Zimbabwe signed it in 2003 and we are now in 2024 and that is twenty one years later. That shows you Mr. Speaker Sir, that there is actually a gap between the signing by the Executive and then bringing these treaties before the august House.
I do not understand Mr. Speaker Sir, why it could actually have taken us twenty-one years to bring this important treaty. Mr. Speaker Sir, if you look at Zimbabwe, if you go back to our history, when we used to have that amalgamation of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, we had quite a number of people that came and contributed to the growth of this economy and indeed most of those people, some of them were in the farms and some of them up to now Mr. Speaker Sir, following the Land Reform, some of them have not been properly compensated given the fact that they came, they have rights just as ordinary workers, but we failed Mr. Speaker Sir, during that course of time. l am just wondering if we had signed in 2003 and during that time when we had quite a number of migrant workers who were suffering at that particular moment, I think if this treat has been brought to this august House, I believe that the Executive then would have probably have acted in a certain manner or there could actually have been some compensatory mechanism to compensate those migrant workers that were actually mostly in our farming areas.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the urgency of this matter, I know for instance that in South Africa, we have quite a number of Zimbabweans. There is no country today that you can hardly fail to find a Zimbabwean. It does not matter which part of the world you go to, you are likely to come across a Zimbabwean who is based in that country. So it is important that we ratify, but the most important thing Mr. Speaker Sir, which I then think we need to do as this august House. I am aware three weeks ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade which is the depositary of all treaties sent an addendum which shows the number of treaties that Zimbabwe is signatory to but which have not been brought before this august House.
I think it is crucial and important that we should ensure that the Executive should urgently ensure that all the various Ministries that have actually entered into these agreements should quickly bring them before this august House so that we can actually look at them whilst they are still hot. We do not want a situation where we take this long period to have this august House to go through the treaties and any other international agreements that could actually have been signed by this country.
So Mr. Speaker Sir, as I said I am in support to Parliament passing and ratifying this treaty. My only worry is the pace at which the Executive is taking in terms of brining these treaties before this august House. I thank you.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion regarding the ratification of different treaties which were presented by the Deputy Minister. I really commend that and in English, I would say that it is better late than never. I am happy that the treaty is here for ratification. Mr. Speaker Sir, no good thing is done by a country without looking at those who visit the country and they aspire to work in a foreign country. The reason is that they aspire and emulate what they see obtaining in that country.
So, the issue of ratification is a good thing but my plea is that when we grew up, there was this adage which says that ‘an elephant came to a village and first he put his head, leg and his hand’. What I am saying is that visitors might come in a country like Zimbabwe. We are talking of the United Nations or the world as a global village. My request is that our visitors should be looked after by us as owners of the nation, but there should be laws which ratify local initiatives which speak to visitors who come.
If you come as a visitor, it is important to adhere to the laws of the land. You find some immigrants who are found cutting down trees and doing different things. When you come as a visitor or as a worker, you need to work with the locals. I do not see that thing because if you do a good thing, the same will be done to you. In English, they say what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. With these few words, I want to appreciate the fact that the Minister brought this to the House from His Excellency, and having listened to her, I believe it is a good thing. I thank you.
The Hon. Speaker having recognised Hon. Togarepi as Leader of the House
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I think this afternoon you are very generous; you would want to promote me to a higher office.
THE HON. SPEAKER: It was a slip of the tongue.
HON. TOGAREPI: I would like to add my voice in support of the ratification of the International Convention on the protection of all migrant workers and members of their families. I think the intention by Government should be applauded. It is right throughout the world, that has been taken seriously by the United Nations, to ensure that those who migrate from one country to another especially for those who are coming either to Zimbabwe or to any other country for employment purposes, they must also get the rights that are accorded to other people in the same territory.
The issue related to the delay in ratification after signing; I do not think they are neither here nor there because once you have signed, you are saying to the international community, I will not oppose the objects of this treaty or protocol. So, in a way, you are silently in support of that. From 2004, Zimbabwe was as good as supporting the protocol. So, we were there and in support. It means even in our actions; we were already supporting this protocol. You can see that we have so many of migrant workers here in Zimbabwe who are getting the same benefits even before we ratified. We were not opposing this protocol. I think I want to urge Hon. Members to just support. This is a very important move by the state to ratify the protocol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR, AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that whereas Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an International Treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament.
Whereas the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on the rights of older persons in Africa which was adopted in January 2016 and signed on 17 June 2020. Whereas Article 28 of the aforesaid Protocol provides that instrument or ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Now therefore, in terms of Section 327 (2)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS
ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR, AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that whereas Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an International Treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament.
Whereas the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s rights on the rights of citizens to social protection and social security which was adopted on 6 February 2022.
Whereas article 35 of the afore said Protocol provides that instrument of ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Now therefore in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS TO SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SOCIAL SECURITY
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR, AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that whereas Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an International Treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament. Whereas the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s rights on the rights of persons with disabilities which was adopted on 29 January 2018. Whereas Article 40 of the afore said Protocol provides that the instrument of ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union.
Now therefore in terms of Section 327(2)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe - [HON. MAMOMBE: I am sure that is what the Clerk is highlighting.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, I think there was a slip of the tongue. I think you have to re-do Order of the Day Number 17 as it appears in the Order Paper and I hope Hansard will take note and record the correct thing.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS
ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that: WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Rights of persons. Do you have a different Order Paper there? Does it say ‘Citizens’ or ‘Persons’?
HON. DINHA: African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens …Persons.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes. It should be right of Persons there.
HON. DINHA: To social protection and social security which was adopted on 6 February, 2022.
THE HON. SPEAKER: No. Can you take the correct Order Paper Hon. Minister?
HON. DINHA: I move that:
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which was adopted on 29th January 2018.
WHEREAS Article 40 of the aforesaid Protocol provides that Instrument of Ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union.
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS TO SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SOCIAL SECURITY
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE HON. DINHA): I move that:
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security which was adopted on 6th February 2022.
WHEREAS Article 35 of the aforesaid Protocol provides that Instrument of Ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, this protocol was signed in 2022 and whereas I was complaining about the gap, but in this case the gap is alright. What I just find a bit tricky is that whilst we need to make sure that we approve this treaty Mr. Speaker Sir, I think when we signed, Zimbabwe should actually have taken some steps that shows we have signed such a protocol which respects the social protection and social security.
What I find queer Mr. Speaker, is that since 2022, 2023, even the 2024 budget that we actually passed last December, there has been a down slide in respect to our budget as a country towards social protection and social security of our people. Whereas after signing, we should have seen a move by Government towards realigning and making sure that there is allocation of sufficient resources, because it is not enough to just sign without the need to then walk the talk.
What we are doing in as much as we are supporting the ratification of this treaty but what we now expect is Government to urgently walk the talk in respect to making sure that our people are protected. Today, Mr. Speaker Sir and I say this being an MP that represents a high-density suburb where most of the people are living beyond the poverty datum line, where most of our people require protection and assistance from the State. Even the old people that used to get some resources the Ministry of Pubic Service and Social Welfare have, in the recent past, been delinquent in failing to provide the necessary resources and this is going to be made worse given the current drought situation that we find ourselves in.
Drought, Mr. Speaker Sir, does not just affect the rural set up. It affects each and every person in Zimbabwe including those people that are staying and living in the urban set up. Madam Speaker, my request to the Hon. Minister is to simply say that we should make sure that once we rectify, once we have signed any protocol and in this case the African Charter on the Social Protection and Social Security, it should also be accompanied by a move by the Government in that right direction, rather than to have a situation where we sign and then we see our budget in respect to Social Security going down, sliding down. If you check from 2022, 2023, 2024 in real terms, our budget towards the Social Sector Security has actually been going down and this Madam Speaker.
HON. I. NDUDZO: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Mushoriwa.
What is your point of order?
HON. I. NDUDZO: Thank you Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, the motion before the House seeks a ratification of a treaty which was signed by the Government of Zimbabwe, but there is a complaint by the Hon. Member that even before there has been ratification, there ought to have a budget provision to deal with the aspects of the treaty. In my respectful view, that would have been to put the cart before the horse. I do not believe the debate arises thank you Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member. Hon Mushoriwa please may you debate the motion.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Madam Speaker, I am actually debating the motion. In actual fact, the Chef Whip from the Government side earlier on had said that what is crucial is that the State should actually have a side. It has actually given an intent and what I am basically doing, Madam Speaker, is questioning that intent to say once the intention has been set, we expect the Government to actually have walked the talk.
Having said that Madam Speaker, we are therefore saying that the Hon. Minister and the Ministry of Public Services and Social Welfare, the situation that we are facing on the ground is dire and many of the vulnerable people that were supposed to be receiving monthly or periodic assistance from Government have not been getting that assistance and we are basically saying that whilst we are going to support you to ratify this protocol, can the Government walk the talk in terms of assisting the less vulnerable of our communities. I thank you.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker for giving me this opportunity. Madam Speaker, firstly I would like to commend the Government of Zimbabwe for being part and parcel of such an important piece of legislation. Needless to say that our Government has walked the talk of protecting its citizens throughout the period especially at the beginning of the Second Republic. We must be cognizant to the fact that there have been a lot of hinderances that have come our way, but Government has been seized from day one to make sure that our people are not left vulnerable. Even right now as we experience the phenomenon of El Nino, we have seen Government going out of its way to source for food to make sure that no one goes hungry and the President of Zimbabwe Cde. Mnangagwa has come out openly to say that no one is going to be hungry during this whole disastrous period and while he has said that, he has not only said it by word, he has said it by action as well as we have seen Government going out and making sure that they are providing grain for the vulnerable.
So it is very surprising to find someone who will probably now want to say that Government is not walking the talk and especially also looking at the history that we are coming from. We are coming from sanctions that have actually made it difficult for Government to perform and to actually be able to carry out its mandate. Despite those same sanctions Madam Speaker, the Government has gone out of its way to make sure that whatever has been agreed world over, they also come through and do their part despite the hinderances of sanctions and all these other things that I am talking about.
Government has been on point in trying to make sure that everyone is protected and it is now up to all of us here to actually ratify this and make sure that we keep on supporting Government to keep on doing what it is doing best despite all these circumstances that make it difficult for it to operate. With that submission, I would like to say that I thank the Hon. Minister for brining this to the House and shall we definitely ratify it. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Madam Speaker, I move that we revert to Order of the Day Number 3.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
COMMITTEE STAGE
ADVERSE REPORT FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE ON STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS NUMBER 17,18, 23, 24,32, 33, 38,39, 40,41,42 AND 52 OF 2024
Third order read: Committee Stage: Consideration of the Adverse Report by the Parliamentary Legal Committee on Statutory Instruments No. 17, 18, 23, and 24 of 2024, published in the Gazette during the month of February, 2024 and Statutory Instruments No. 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, and 52 of 2024, published in the Gazette during Month of March 2024.
HON. I. NDUDZO: The Parliamentary Legal Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) met on the 5th and 17th of April, 2024, in pursuit of its Constitutional mandate as provided for in Section 152 of the Constitution. The Committee considered Statutory Instruments gazetted in the month of February 2024. Among them were Statutory Instruments 17, 18, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 52 of 2024 titled,
- Mwenezi Rural District Council (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-laws, 2024[Statutory Instrument 17 of 2024];
- Mwenezi Rural District Council (Advertising) By-laws, 2024[Statutory Instrument 18 of 2024];
- Gwanda Town Council (Advertising) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 23 of 2024];
- Gwanda Town Council (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 24 of 2024];
- Murewa Rural District Council (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 31 of 2024];
- Murewa Rural District Council (Advertising) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 32 of 2024];
- Murewa Rural District Council (Fishing) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 33 of 2024];
- Marondera Municipal Council (Wayleave) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 38 of 2024];
- Marondera Municipal Council (Occupation and Council Properties) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 39 of 2024];
- Marondera Municipal Council (Advertising) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 40 of 2024];
- Marondera Municipal Council (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-laws, 2024 [Statutory Instrument 41 of 2024];
- Nkayi Rural District Council (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-laws, 2024[Statutory Instrument 42 of 2024];
- Mhondoro-Ngezi Rural District Council (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-laws, 2024[Statutory Instrument 52 of 2024];
The Committee unanimously resolved that an adverse report be issued in respect of the Statutory Instruments, due to the following considerations: —
- Statutory Instruments 17, 18, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 52 of 2024 give wide discretionary powers to the local authorities; this is so as the By-laws permit them to impose unspecified fines to persons that the local authorities determine have violated By-laws regulating their jurisdiction.
- The Committee observed that the aforementioned Statutory Instruments created offences that gave local authorities full discretion to determine the penalty. The offences and penalties are found in:
- Statutory Instruments 17, 24, 31, 41, 42, and 52 in their sections 6(5), 7(2), 8(2), 10(5), 11(3), 13(8), 14(5), 15(3), 17(4), 18(6), 19(2), 20(6), 21(7), 23(8), 26(3), 27(2)(d), 36(3), 38(1) and 40;
- Statutory Instruments 18, 23, 32 and 40 in sections 7(5) and 9;
- Statutory Instrument 33 in sections 4(4) and 6(3);
- Statutory Instrument 38 in sections 14(3) and 15;
- Statutory Instrument 39 in sections 7(4) and 13.
- The Committee further noted that the By-laws are made in terms of two pieces of legislation, namely:
- Section 90 of the of the Rural District Council Act [Chapter 29:13]; or
- Section 229 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15].
- It is the opinion of the Committee that legislation must be explicit, principally when it comes to the punitive measure to be imposed when it comes to an offence. These By-laws must state the maximum level fine to be applied to offenders in terms of their principal legislation. If the intention is to issue a spot fine, such spot fine must not exceed level 3.
- Section 117(2)(d) of the Constitution states that⸺
“The legislative authority confers on the Legislature the power to confer subordinate legislative powers upon another body or authority in accordance with section 134”.
- For the evasion of any uncertainty, the delegation of lawmaking powers to the Executive Branch is recurrent, particularly on matters of detail for which it would not be feasible to create extensive provision in the enabling Act. Such a power can never be inferred. It must be expressly legislated in the Act, and the Act must specify some parameters within which the Minister or other delegated authority must operate when enacting delegated legislation. This is the case with the Rural District Council Act [Chapter 29:13] and the Urban Council Act [Chapter 29:15]; which set parameters when it comes to prescription of fines, as found in their sections 164 and 319 respectively.
- Finally, the Committee opined that no Statutory Instrument can impose criminal or civil liability upon a person unless the imposition and the extent of the imposition is specifically authorised by the enabling Act.
Therefore, the By-laws contravene their enabling legislation, and were accordingly found ultra vires their enabling Act by the Committee.
HON. MUSHORIWA: I just want to thank the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) for a fantastic job in respect to those Statutory Instruments (S.Is). We have a huge challenge and it is actually an indictment to then find that all those S. Is are under the Ministry of Local Government. There is actually a disconnect in respect to the national policy and sometimes the Local Government policies whereas we are supposed to have the Ministry of Local Government carrying its mandate in terms of making sure that the lower tiers are in sync and in line with the legislation that is in existence.
The reason why I also applaud the Committee is that all ministries, I speak for Local Government in this case – they actually have a legal department. That legal department in my view is either sleeping on duty or turning a blind eye in terms of its role in making sure that they scrutinise some of these by-laws and S. Is that are initiated by the lower structures.
The closing remarks by the chairperson were telling in the sense that the Ministry had conceded to the findings of the PLC. They had actually made a commitment of withdrawing or amending the S.Is. In my own view, one of the things that was expected was speed in action by the Ministry of Local Government in ensuring that the issue that has been raised and discussed between the PLC and the Ministry are actually attended to as a matter of urgency and the fact that we are today debating this report without tangible evidence that the Ministry understands the urgency of taking action speaks volumes.
The other problem that we find ourselves in is that if you check quite a number – I think this thing has been going on for a long time where we have had S.Is, entities and sometimes Government Agencies knowing fully that they are on the wrong side of the law, they have done and allowed some of these by-laws or S.Is to pass only to be corrected later by the PLC. In the case that the PLC misses it, it creates problems. To that extend, I believe we should adopt the report by the PLC. I think it will send the right message not only to local authorities but also to a number of Government entities whom we have delegated power to make various regulation so that they know that they should stick within the ambit of the legislation that empowers them to make those regulations.
House resumed.
Progress reported.
Committee to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Madam Speaker, I move that all other Orders of the Day be stood over until Order of the Day Number 4 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LEGISLATION DEFICIENCIES IN THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK IN TERMS OF THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION CORPORATION ACT
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the protection of depositors and investors` deposits in Banks and other Financial Institutions.
Question again proposed.
+HON. A. MAVUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I banked my money when I was growing up and worked so hard to earn a living. Madam Speaker Ma’am, I kept my money in the bank and circulated it for more interest to enable me to buy several things. As time went on, it was stated that the bank had been liquidated as it was under difficult times. We were informed what was happening with the bank and that it had been shut down. This was very difficult and painful to us.
Madam Speaker, as a young man, I had so much money in United States Dollars and I lost a lot of money. As time went on, we were called for a meeting in Harare from Bulawayo. The meeting was for them to expound on the issue, to inform us on what was going to happen as the bank had liquidated and closed. It was the first time that we were informed that we had a Depositors Protection in Zimbabwe. I did not know that there was such protection for depositors. We were advised that the bank had closed and they also explained that through the Depositors Protection, they were going to reimburse depositors with USD500.00.
After some time, we were informed that the bank was going to be liquidated and they were going to sell all the assets in the bank so that they compensate us. They did not inform us as to how long the process would take. We were overjoyed that we were going to be compensated USD500.00. Madam Speaker Ma’am, sometime lapsed and it took about two or more years for us to be reimbursed.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, as they called us to Harare, I was seated next to other people, some of whom were saying they had USD2 million in their accounts and others had USD3 million. I had USD1000.00 in my account and pitied them over their loss. As time went by, I received a message that some money had been credited into my account. I verified the message and it was reflecting an amount that had been credited into my account, equivalent to the USD amount that I previously had. Unfortunately, the reimbursement was now in Zimbabwean Dollars since there was a new law introducing a rate of 1:1 to the United States Dollar and the RTGS. It was very painful to us that we had lost a lot of money Madam Speaker Ma’am. It was very difficult to us as youngsters and national youths.
When Hon. Jere tabled the motion in Parliament, I was very happy that this matter was going to be elucidated in Parliament. I still remember sending a message to my brother asking him what was going to happen to our monies that had been reimbursed in Zimbabwean dollar equivalence of the USD. My brother explained to me that it meant I had lost my money to the bank. I am happy that some laws are going to be enacted to further fix this matter so that some other people do not continue losing money over the issue of banks liquidating in Zimbabwe.
I thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am for giving me this opportunity to speak in my mother tongue so that I do not stammer when speaking in English whilst trying to express myself. May you allow me Madam Speaker, to read the speech that I had prepared in English.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You may proceed.
HON. A. MAVUNGA: It is imperative that we take decisive action to address these pressing issues and restore faith in our banking sector. To achieve this, we … - [HON. MAMOMBE: Stick to one language!] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I allowed him to do so.
HON. A. MAVUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker, to achieve this, we must implement comprehensive reforms aimed at bolstering depositor protection and ensuring a resilience of our financial institutions. I believe that this will as well play a significant role to bolster confidence in our currency. Therefore, it is prudent to draw insight from international benchmarks and bank practices.
Across the globe, numerous countries have implemented robust measures to safeguard the interests of depositors and ensure the stability of their financial systems. One notable example Madam Speaker is Canada, where Canada Deposits Insurance Corporation (CDIC), provides deposit insurance to protect eligible deposits at member institutions in the event of bank failures. This scheme instilled confidence amongst Canadian depositors contributing to the resilience of a Canadian Banking Sector and the stability on the Canadian Dollar. What this insurance scheme Madam Speaker does, it provides insurance up to the USD100 000 for qualifying members, and I think this is a huge amount that brings confidence to the depositors in Canada. I know the local Depositors Protection provides up to USD500. So, it is important to take note from other countries like Canada which provides insurance up to USD100 000.
Similarly, the European Union, the Deposit Guarantee Scheme directive (DGSD) establishes harmonised rules for deposit protection across member States, ensuring a consistent level protection for depositors throughout the EU. South Africa has implemented comprehensive measures to boost depositor protection and is still confident in its banking sector. Central to this effort, is the role of the South African Reserve Bank which regulates banks and ensures they operate soundly. The SARB regulations aim to manage risk effectively, safeguarding depositors’ funds and maintaining financial stability.
Additionally, the Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC) provides depositing insurance coverage for eligible deposit held at member banks offering safety nets for depositors in the event of bank failures. These initiatives, coupled with oversight of the financial sector, conduct authority and the promotion of financial education programmes contribute a robust frame work that prioritises costumer protection and foster’s trust in South Africa’s Financial System.
HON. MAMBIPIRI: My point of order is that according to rule Number 38, the quorum for this House should be 70 members. I have done a head count and I notice we are low below the quorum.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I direct that bells be rung for seven (7) minutes.
[Bells rung]
[Quorum formed]
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: We now have a quorum and we can proceed.
HON. A. MAVUNGA: Allow me to pick from where I left off. By studying these international benchmarks and best practices, we can bring valuable insights into effective strategies for enhancing depositor protection and fostering confidence at the new ZiG currency which might bring currency stability. From deposit insurance schemes to financial education initiatives, there is much we can learn from the experiences of other nations and adapt to the unique context of Zimbabwe. We must strengthen regulatory oversight to prevent malpractice and misconduct within the banking sector. This entails enhancing the capacity of regulatory bodies to effectively monitor and enforce compliance with the credential standards.
Madam Speaker, one of the key reasons people turn to the informal sector is lack of trust in banks and financial institutions. They may fear losing their savings due to bank failures, mismanagement or lack of transparency. However, if effective depositor protection measures are in place, individuals are more likely to feel secure about depositing their funds in regulated banks. This shift towards formal banking channels can reduce reliance on cash transactions and informal financial networks, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and accountable financial ecosystem and in the end, it could as well result in an increase in Government revenue.
Secondly, we must prioritise transparency and accountability in the operations of financial institutions. Deposit insurance schemes should be reinforced to provide a safety net for depositors in the event of bank failures, thereby mitigating the adverse impact of such crisis on the broader economy. Furthermore, we must promote financial literacy and consumer awareness to empower depositors with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about their financial assets. Like I mentioned before, I did not know about depositors protection until the bank closed and until I lost my money. So it is important for the relevant authorities to take time to educate depositors about such programmes, educating the public about their rights and responsibilities as depositors is essential to fostering a culture of financial resilience and responsibility.
Lastly Madam Speaker, in a study which I found through Oxford Academic done by Johnathan Tembo on ‘Economic Management in a Hyper Inflationary Environment, the Political Economy of Zimbabwe’ in Chapter 7 titled ‘Seven Bank Failures in Zimbabwe, Evidence and Lessons from 2000 to 2009’. Tembo states, using secondary data, it finds that micro economic stability was largely responsible for the failure of banks in Zimbabwe. In addition, bank fundamental weaknesses were also partially responsible for the bank failures.
In 2015, CEO James Benoit of AfrAsia Bank said the difficulties that AfrAsia Bank Zimbabwe was facing arose primarily from legacy issues within the bank and the difficult economic environment within the country. Madam Speaker, in as much as we look into the future and in as much as we introduce regulatory frameworks that protect depositors, it is important to note that the difficult economic environment was largely brought about by sanctions introduced by the West and advocated for by opposition party leaders. With that Madam Speaker, let us be cognisant of the brutal effects of sanctions prior to the closure of these banks and on the financial sector as we advocate for the review of the depositors’ protection regulatory framework. The patriotic Bill must be passed to deter sellout tendencies that call out for sanctions, which in turn affect the economic stability of this country. This in turn affects the financial services of this country which consequently leads to the masses that deposit their money losing their money, thereby crying foul on the Government and yet it would not be the fault of the Government.
In conclusion, as we endeavour to strengthen the depositor protection in Zimbabwe and bolster confidence in our new currency, let us draw inspiration from international benchmarks and practices by leveraging lessons learnt from other countries. We can start to chart a course towards a more secure resilient financial system that serves the interests of all Zimbabweans and promotes the success of our currency. Thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. MUTOKONYI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I also rise to debate on the motion. The Depositors Protection Corporation was established in 2003 through the enactment of the Depositors Protection Act. Madam Speaker, this was after the Government had noted that surely the depositors need to be protected at law and thus led to the enactment of the Chapter 24.29 of the DPC Act.
I will start Madam Speaker, with the importance of the Corporation. It is to protect the depositors as it provides the depositors in the event of the bank failure within the corporation, ensuring individuals and businesses do not lose all of their eligible deposits. In addition, the importance of the same is the financial stability. The Corporation guarantees the reimbursements. It contributes to the stability of Zimbabwe’s financial systems as all the depositors would know that in the event of anything somehow, there is some kind of cover. It is an insurance of their hard-earned cash.
Also, the importance is the public confidence. When we have that Corporation and work in place properly and formally, it ensures public confidence in the financial systems by providing explicit protection to depositors which can prevent the bank runs. Another important aspect is the Corporation establishes a framework for the resolution of failing or of failed members in the institution. They come up with the frameworks to that.
However Madam Speaker, there are also shortcomings to the Corporation concerning its operation, particularly where it states that it only reimburses $500 and $1 000 equivalent to the ZiG. The challenge Madam Speaker then is one depositor could have deposited $10 000 and is only assured of getting only $500 equivalent. What does this mean? It then brings in the issue of confidence whereby one is not sure that in the event of the bank failure, one would then know that they are only going to get $500 at that time and then later on after the assets have been disposed and that could take a lot of time. So that is one of the shortcomings on the issue of the insurance.
Also, the issue of public awareness. A lot of people are not aware of this Corporation in terms of what it covers and this might bring a lack of public awareness about the existence of this DPC to the extent of its coverage, as I have actually learnt that after I was to debate on the motion that it only covers $500. So this means that quite a lot also has to be done from the supervisory systems of the bank from this Corporation to ensure that the depositors are actually made aware of how this Corporation works, particularly on the issue of paying back the depositors.
The other challenge is the shortcoming of the financial constraints. The DPC is funded by quarterly premium levies collected from the member institutions, which might not always be sufficient to cover large scales in the back of bank failures. Therefore, it is also a challenge to that whereby the banks will have more deposits and then in the event of one bank failure, only a lesser amount is paid at that time until and otherwise all the other assets are disposed.
The other challenges is for the DPC to be fully implemented and effective several steps should be considered. These include the increase of coverage to review and potentially increase the maximum insurable limit to provide more comprehensive coverage to the depositors.
Another one is public education to conduct wide spread education campaign to increase awareness of the DPC and its benefits. Also Mr. Speaker, in the issue of strengthening the funding to explore additional funding mechanisms to ensure that the DPC has adequate resources to cover depositors claims, the other issue is on the regular assessments. The supervisory systems, particularly the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe should actually make a policy of assessing from time to time the assets and liabilities of the banks so that they can quickly detect the challenges that might come in the near future because if the RBZ does not make sure that there is stability; it is the duty of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to ensure that the banks are all operating in the required systems and standards. So, I actually challenge the RBZ to ensure that there is actually a robust system that covers, that ensures and monitors the antennas that monitors that the banks are all in healthy conditions and if there is any risk, they should be able to quickly detect and work on it before the depositors lose their funds because it then brings the issue of confidence in the banking system.
A lot of people up to now are not sure they should deposit all their monies because of what earlier happened in the same systems. So, we actually think that this DPC is a good corporation because it covers the public but there is more work that needs to be done in the banking system peculiarly the supervisory systems of the bank to ensure that the history does not repeat itself. The issue of also benchmarking checking on the international best practices. How are other countries doing it? It is also very important to also look on that and then we apply to our system in Zimbabwe because at times it is always proper because that will be a strategy to ensure that the people get the confidence of banking their money into the banking system.
Once the money is banked in the form of banking system, we also then see stability from that angle where there is a good liquidity in the market, in the banks landing and all things like that because the banks will be saturated with more liquidity. So, it is very important Mr. Speaker that the DPC’s role is crucial in maintaining trust in the banking system and its full implementation and significantly enhanced the resilience of Zimbabwe’s financial sector.
So, Mr. Speaker, I can comment the work that the government did by ensuring coming up with that corporation and it is now the duty of all the banks to make sure they manage the depositors funds in a good and proper cooperative governance to make sure that the depositors do not lose their funds and that will bring economic stability in the country. I do submit Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. B. JAMES: Thank you Mr. Speaker for this opportunity. Due to general consensus on this motion, realising the importance of it and the protection for our depositors; the Zimbabwean banking sector has been under some criticism of late and it is partly due to the lack of confidence in our local currencies and lack of deposits. With this lack of confidence, it is also partly due to inconsistent government policies. It is money that makes the world go around and possession of it and the assets that you can buy requires the safety-nets that really are in the Constitution, country laws and national laws and adherence and what implementation of these laws can provide.
The protection of Depositors Act is in serious need of adjustment and if done diligently, can provide a lot of this confidence. We need to encourage our population to save their electronic assets and bank their cash and not hide it in the safe at home. The success of this effort is in the detail and it is better that we realise that consistent policies can earn this confidence. Commercial banks go down to the tune of Government policy. We remember well the unrealistic exchange rate of 1:1 in the past years. There are many details to be addressed and sorting out and strengthening this Act, bank charges and interest rates have to be realistic, insecure and defaulting loans have to be addressed, prompt pay outs to the depositors in the relative currency must be done to avoid loss of valuation.
Bank boards and directors must be accountable to avoid speculators. There is always a possibility in that if an institution is failing, speculators will come in and deposit in everything, something worth considering. The investment of the funds that is being proposed here needs to be administered in a detailed manner. These are many details to be addressed Mr. Speaker and many more can be done by more professional persons. I can only suggest that the lawmakers here consult with the Bankers Association and the Institute of Chartered Accountants amongst others. I support this motion and look forward to the final draft coming through this House. Thank you.
HON. KAITANO: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. Sir. Good afternoon to you and I hope you are doing well. I am going to premise my debate as my custom is on 1 Sam 17:29 and David says ‘what have I done now, is there not a cause?’ Mr. Speaker. Sir, any money, any currency is very sensitive to news, whether the news is factual or fake news. Any currency reacts to that. Protection of all depositors’ funds can never be overemphasised. The negative effects and consequences of lack of proper and effective protection system are enormous.
People lose confidence in the financial sector and that alone affects economic fundamentals in that particular economy. Some of the economic fundamentals that are prone to fake news, lack of trust in the financial services sector include foreign direct investment. It also includes the inflows of foreign currency into the currency. No investor would want to invest in an economy where there is no stable currency because people have lost trust in that financial services sector. When people lose money in the financial sector, when depositors have not been adequately and effectively protected, the economy becomes highly volatile. You might be aware that USD 2.1 billion is sent by Zimbabwean residents outside this country as diaspora remittances.
These come through the formal channels. I can imagine how much more is being sent into the country outside the formal sector. The reason being depositors’ funds are not adequately protected. If there is a curtailment of inflows of forex into the country, the balance of payments in the economy is negatively affected.
The transfer payments account is negatively affected. That alone, affects the exchange rate of the local currency. When there is exchange rate volatility, the other economic fundamentals such as inflation are also negatively affected. It is said in Zimbabwe the bulk of our inflation is by and large, driven by exchange rate volatility. Therefore, there is a cause for this House to amend the Deposit Protection Corporation Act to make it even more water tight. There is a cause for this Tenth Parliament to rise up to the occasion and ensure that the depositors are protected. We may mourn about what has happened before. We may bring up different philosophies and theories, but the buck stops with this Parliament when we stand up to our role and help in amending the Deposit Protection Cooperation Act to ensure that it is water tight and does not allow a repeat of what has happened in this country.
Is there no cause for this Tenth Parliament to rise up to the occasion to protect the citizenry of this country? The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe led by His Excellence Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, has risen to the occasion. It has done all that is required to stir the economy into the right direction and to correct the most critical of the economic fundamentals in this country. Even His Excellency during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), spoke about this Deposit Protection Cooperation Act. He has done his part. It is this Parliament that needs to rise up to the occasion, take its position and assist the Executive in ensuring that depositors’ funds are adequately protected.
Is there no cause for this Parliament to expeditiously do so? For me, this issue we do not have time anymore because people have worked over the years and the next day they are brought to nothing. This Tenth Parliament cannot be seen sleeping on duty. We have to act on this matter and act on it expeditiously because there is reason for us to do that to protect what the nation of Zimbabwe has worked for over many years.
The Government of Zimbabwe has introduced the ZiG and if we do not rise up as Parliament to protect the depositors’ funds, confidence in the ZiG will dissipate day by day. We need to assure the public, the Zimbabwean people that depositing your money in the financial services sector is safe when we enact or amend this Depositors Protection Cooperation Act in order to restore confidence in the financial services. The Executive has done its work. The ZiG is there, but Parliament must rise up to the occasion and bring forward laws that protect people’s funds in the financial services sector.
As I conclude Mr. Speaker Sir, the strength of a currency is not only in the gold or forex, it is also in the perception of people about that currency; the perception of people with regards to protection of the deposits, and that is a critical element that this Parliament needs to zero down on and amend the Act of 2012 and surely when that confidence in the Zimbabwean economy is furthermore enhanced, we are able to then continue operating using the ZiG. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that all the Orders of the Day be stood over until Order of the Day Number 7 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION ON THE ELECTION
OBSERVATION MISSION TO RUSSIA
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation on the Election Observation Mission to Russia.
Question again proposed.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to debate the report on the election observation mission that went to Russia which report was moved and tabled by Hon. Shamu, seconded by Hon. Makwiranzou.
Hon. Speaker, the report, when it was presented by Hon. Shamu, was presented the same day President Vladmir Putin took his Presidential Oath to the people of Russia and was inaugurated as the President of Russia. I think the timing of the presentation of the report coincided with the President taking oath. To me that was quite significant. The invitation of the Zimbabwe delegation to observe the elections is a vote of confidence in our systems and the capacity as a country. As Zimbabwe, we need to be happy that we are being invited to observe elections, not only at regional level but at international level.
Hon. Speaker, elections were done in line with the Russian Federation Electoral Legal Framework which included the Constitution of Russia. It is very critical for us to note that whenever elections are done, it is the supremacy of the Constitution that takes precedence over any other protocols that we might have. We can draw parallels even to our own situation that whenever elections are done, we need to ensure that we abide to our Constitution and this is what we have been doing.
The delegation observed elections in line with the terms of reference defined by the Central Electoral Commission of Russia. I want to applaud and commend the delegation for sticking to their mandate. Why I am saying this is, election observation is meant to gather information and make an informed judgment without interfering with the process. What we have seen with quite a number of observers, when they are invited to observe, they end up monitoring and supervising.
It is also very critical Hon. Speaker, that if you look at Geopolitics, Russia is our all-weather friend and the invitation is a testament to the deepening of our relations between Zimbabwe and Russia. It is also in line with the provisions of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1), where we have got the priority area on engagement and reengagement.
Hon. Speaker, you can take note that after the Land Reform Programme, Zimbabwe was put under sanctions and the main motive was to make Zimbabwe appear like a pariah State. The coming in of the Second Republic, one priority area out of the 14 priority areas under the NDS1 was for Zimbabwe to engage and reengage, guided by the foreign policy where Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. So, this again is covered by the report.
I also want to mention that the invitation gave us an opportunity to learn and benchmark from others, especially on the issue of election management. The application of ICT in election management, this was very critical, especially if you look at the voting stations. I saw the recommendation in the report that we need to deploy ICT in election management. I want to take you to some statistics, Hon. Speaker, Russia had 114 million registered voters and they had 94 000 polling stations. If you divide, you will get a rough figure of 1 200 voters per polling station. Then we juxtapose that to our case, we had 6.6 million registered voters, that is in 2023. 6.6 million registered voters against 12 370 polling stations, giving an average of 535 registered voters per polling station.
Now, you look at 1 200 registered voters per polling station for Russia, then 535 registered voters per polling station for Zimbabwe. At 535 registered voters per polling station, if it was going to be in Russia, we were going to require 213 000 polling stations, yet they had 94 000. So, the difference that is coming in here is because of ICT. Automation increased efficiency and it also reduced the cost of running elections. This is noble, but I think what is critical Hon. Speaker is the ownership of the ICT systems. The ICT system, inasmuch as the committee recommended that we need to embrace ICT.
There is need for the ICT systems to be homegrown. The country should invest in cyber security and if we do not do this, there is high probability that if we do not own the systems, they are likely to be tinkered around with. There is also the issue to access voting or polling stations for individuals with special needs. I think this is a recommendation that we need to seriously consider and I totally agree with the recommendation that we need to seriously look at all our polling stations and make sure that they are special needs friendly.
As I conclude, dynamic and continuous voting which was also recommended may not work for us because of mistrust and toxic politics. It is something that can be applied if we have invested in ICT systems and all the stakeholders are agreeable to that. With our current situation of mistrust, I do not think we can embrace continuous voting at any polling stations. What I would want to recommend is let us invest in home grown voter ICT management and I close by applauding the team for sticking to their mandate and representing Zimbabwe so well.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker for allowing me to add my voice to the report that was presented by Hon. Shamu detailing what they observed in Russia during the 2024 Presidential Election. I would want to appreciate that the team brought to the attention of this Parliament, the key issues which we have also been clamouring for in Zimbabwe. I will highlight a few issues that I think should be also considered by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
Firstly, the issue of the use of ICTs. It is stated in the report that Russian elections made use of ICTs in terms of voting. It made it easier for the people of Russia to vote. People in Russia can actually vote using their mobile phones and this also enabled people to vote even from home. Something that I think there is need to consider the adoption of ICTs in our country for this also helps to make sure that there is universal suffrage for our people. This is in line with the Constitution that everyone has a right to vote. So, adoption of ICTs in terms of voting is really crucial and we recommend it.
There is also consideration in the Russian system of persons with special needs. Those persons with disabilities were given special access to the voting places in Russia according to the report that was presented. This is also commendable. We also hope that our Government, the Executive, will also consider to expand the opportunities of persons with disabilities and to improve their access to voting. I am sure they also constitute a considerable percentage in our country and need to be considered in line also with the Constitution, even in Senate, we have representatives of persons with disabilities. So, it will be good also for the Government of this country to consider adoption of that.
We also listened to the report where we were informed that the Russians who are in the diaspora were also allowed to vote. In Zimbabwe, we have been calling for the diaspora vote. The people who are living in the diaspora, I strongly feel that they need to contribute. If you go back to the history of Pan-Africanism, it was started by the people who were living in the diaspora and they were pushing also for the decolonisation of Africa. They still continue to contribute to our economy. Even if you check the remittances that they bring to our country, for example in Zimbabwe, it meets the need also to be afforded the right to vote because they remain connected to their mother country but they are disconnected when it comes to the issue of voting. Therefore, there is need maybe to dig deeper the modalities that were being used by the Russian Government to ensure that the people who are in the diaspora also participate in the voting process.
However, Mr. Speaker Sir, I have a few issues which, some of the issues were not contained in the report but also published by other reporters and these are in the public domain. I would want to commend for example, there was a record that was done. The winning candidate got 88% of the votes; something that was too high and I think he had to break a record since the end of Soviet Union. The other issues which we also need to take note of as an all-weather friend of Russia, we may also need to highlight these issues in this House.
The eligibility of the winning candidate was made possible through a constitutional amendment of 2020. It is something that we also should take note of which may also be against democratic principles where the incumbent benefitted from a constitutional amendment that was done when the incumbent was still in office and this may also have possibly tainted the re-election of this candidate. The other issue was that of another candidate Navalyn who was barred from running due to a prior criminal conviction. This conviction was viewed by other quotas as politically motivated and it would result maybe to some, to think that it was a lawfare at play and it is something that may not augur well with …
HON. TOGAREPI: The Hon. Member should stick to the report. The report has facts that were put in there but he is now creating some perceptions and information that is not related to the report. The previous debater said go and observe and he was not part of the delegation. Now, he wants to know everything that happened during the elections. I do not know why he is doing that. I think the Hon. Member will help us by not digressing. Let him concentrate on the report as was presented by the mover of the motion.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Hamauswa, please stick to the report.
HON. HAMAUSWA: We love Russia because our war veterans were trained in Russia and we continue to get support in a number of ways. So, I was thinking there are things that maybe it is because our delegation only visited seven (7) polling stations, they could not, maybe because of the limited time, they did not manage to dig deeper on these other issues about the candidate that I was referring to, it is sad and may his soul rest in peace. He later died in prison. So it is something that as democrats, we must be concerned with and as our all weather friend, we must be able to be candid to say can you improve in these areas.
There is no election in this world that can be free of faults. So we hope that the Russian Government will really consider our plea to sort out certain issues in their election. However, I will go to other things that were also raised in the report. You see in terms of the invalid votes in Russia, they recorded 1.4 million invalid votes that were blank, ballots that were blank. This can also be a black mark on the outcome of the elections that also needs improvement. If we are serious that we want to copy from Russia, then we must copy things that are good for the old adage in Zimbabwe says kukopa dhoiri kopa dhoiri rakanaka or kugara nhaka huona dzevamwe.
It means that we must then pick those things that are good for our country. Therefore Mr. Speaker Sir, l would also want to give others a chance but all in all, I also implore that whenever we also send a delegation, it is under tax payers’ money. They should also bring to us everything that would have happened where they would have been send thank you.
HON. MAVUNGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the report by Hon. W. K. Shamu, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. I think there are a number of lessons that we can draw from their visit and from their report. However, I will just talk about two important points that were raised by the report.
First of all, the report speaks on the inclusion of people with disabilities, which is very important in the spirit of inclusivity that when an election is held, people with disabilities are thought of, included and catered for in the whole process so that they participate in an election. So it is commendable that the Russian Federation clearly and intentionally included people living with disabilities. I can confidently also add that our own elections included people living with disabilities. So I think Zimbabwe is on track concerning the inclusion of people living with disabilities.
Secondly, we notice that in the report, there is mention of the use of online portals, ICT in the voting process which I think is also commendable for a country that is a first world country. When we look at a developing country like Zimbabwe, there is a conducive environment, certain things that have to be in place in order to get to that stage. It poses a lot of advantages having an online platform that it saves calls, provides efficiency, convenience and safety and looking at the number of voters that the Russian Federation had, I think it was critical that they take advantage of online voting platforms unlike in our case in Zimbabwe where we have a smaller population and a smaller number of voters. We can certainly manage to manually cater for our voters.
We saw that in the report that the youth demography preferred to vote on line compared to the older demography that preferred to go into the polling station and voting manually. For our country to get to a stage where they can embrace ICT in terms of voting, I think certain things have to be in place first. For example, a previous debater stated that their ICT solution has to be home grown. In other words, Zimbabwe has to be in control of that solution and not borrow that solution from another country or have the servers of that solution being run in another country.
Our cyber security has to be of top notch. It has to be at a stage whereby it can avoid any breaches to its system, avoid any tampering of the system. We saw that an anti-State organisation called Pachedu was bragging about hacking into ZEC’s website, ZEC’s systems and going on line and making noise about it which shows that it was dangerous for us as a State to have online voting because organisations like Pachedu can tamper with the systems. Our cyber security has to be home grown, it has to be top notch in order to defend the country from such practices which were displayed by Pachedu and they are masters. In line with digitalisation, with a vision of digitalising Zimbabwe it is safe to say that Zimbabwe is on its way to providing such an environment. So we can take notes from Russia.
In conclusion Mr. Speaker Sir, the lessons learnt and recorded in the report are quite good and we can clap hands for Hon. Shamu and the delegation for giving us such a comprehensive report. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Is there any debate?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Yes Hon. Speaker.
HON.TOGAREPI: When your Chief Whip has seconded?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Zvinebasa rei? The question was posed, is there any further debate and I said yes – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Madzivanyika you are out of order. Please take your seat and switch off the microphone.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA, the House adjourned at Five Minutes past Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 14th May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE
FAREWELL CATHOLIC SERVICE FOR MS. HELLEN B. DINGANI
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to inform the Senate that there will be a farewell Catholic Church Service for Ms. Helen B. Dingani, following her appointment as the Ambassador to the Republic of Tanzania on Thursday 16th May 2024 at 1200 hours in the Special Committee Room No. 1. All Members are invited. Non-Catholics are also welcome.
Why is it the House is almost empty?
PROVISION OF STANDING ORDER NO. 18 (1)
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I also wish to bring to the attention of Senators, the provisions of Standing Order No. 18 (1) which reads as follows: “the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders must subject to the provision of Section 139(4) of the Constitution regarding political and gender composition of Parliament or the Senate as the case maybe, determine the number of and nominate Senators who must save on Committees”. In addition, Standing Order No. 18(4) states that: “any vacancies in the membership of Committees shall be filled by the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders”.
I am reading slowly so that we understand. It has been brought to my attention that some Senators are moving from one Committee to another without the approval of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. Members in question should therefore go back to their original Committees with immediate effect. It has also been brought to my attention that some Senators are not taking the business of Committees seriously by either persistently being absent or by coming late to Committees. I urge all Senators to take the business of Committees seriously. In terms of Select Committee Rule No. 4(2), Senators who attend less than half of the period the Committee sits are not entitled to a sitting allowance. Furthermore, in terms of Select Committee Rule 4(3), Senators who arrive after the adjournment of the Committee are not entitled to transport allowance. Going forward, I will direct Committee Clerks to enforce these rules; so be guided accordingly.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Mr. President, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 8 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Mr. President I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF CENTRES FOR STREET KIDS
AND PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE FAMILY
INTEGRATION
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of children on the streets.
Question again proposed.
+ HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you President of Senate and I would also like to thank Hon. Senator Tongogara who moved the motion on the plight of children living in the streets. Mr. President Sir, what we see in the streets is disturbing because these children living in the streets leave us without any questions as to their stay in the streets. On Thursday, after leaving this House, I passed through Nandos and about three seven-year olds ran to me asking for help and the Hon. Member that I was with scolded them and they ran away. This motion was debated quite a lot last week Mr. President and most of the issues have been addressed. I also agree to the fact that Government should see to it that we remove these children from the streets; these children should be returned back to their homes like what other Hon. Members were saying that some of them have parents close by and it is true because I also witnessed the same. When I got into a shop, the moment I left, I realised that some of them had left the streets because it was a bit late.
When I started coming to Harare in 2016, I had about two street kids that I used to see each time I went to Harvest House but right now, in almost every corner, there is a street kid and even when the weather is extremely cold, you realise that they are walking without enough clothing. We realise the challenges with parents who are avoiding their duty of taking care of these children. What is it that we need to do to ensure that kids are removed from the streets? My suggestion will be if a child is born like today on the 14th May, they need to have a grant like they do in South Africa. Even if I am to remain with this child as a grandmother, I know that this child is going to be well kept from the grant that they will be getting. You will be able to pay their school fees from their grant allowances. So, if Government introduces a grant to every child who is born, it will assist us. If this grant is reviewed each time these children are growing up, it will assist a lot.
South Africans are crying but their situation is better. My plea to our Government is that we also go the same way. This could assist us as a country. I have also asked myself if these are street kids or something else because I have challenges with Harare roads at the present moment. Turning from TV Sales and on the other side, there is Monomotapa Hotel, there is quite a number of people who will be asking for help from that corner. Even if you want to assist, you cannot be able to. I do not know whether these are street kids or something else. I do not know why it is like that.
If you are to go to downtown, people that call themselves street kids are taking part in dubious activities and most of them are engaged in criminal activities like pick pocketing. In early February just behind Monomotapa, these people that call themselves street kids or street adults stabbed someone else. You realise that some of them are running away from their homes because they do not want to be reprimanded. Most of them are grouping up in smokey areas. In August this year, we will be having a delegation from the sub region and we need to ensure that we clear our streets because it will be so embarrassing in front of visitors. We need to take them to rehabilitation centres until this SADC Summit is over because this will be so embarrassing.
Again, there are other people who are taking advantage of disabled children. You realise that when it is raining, there is this other lady who stays close to N1 Hotel. Whatever time you go to that place, you realise that the lady will be there with this disabled child. This child is grown up but still confined in a wheelchair. My plea to Government is that we need to seriously look into this issue. Of course, this child is disabled but the way it is happening, it is not right. We need to ensure that such people get help from Government because that one qualifies to be looked after by institutions that keep children who are disabled. If this child is to remain on the street without any action being taken by Government, he or she will end up being a street kid. It is prudent that they are taken to a proper home. With these few words I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Thank you Mr. President. I did not want to debate this motion but let me say in absentia, we miss Madam President so much. She left this Chamber in safe hands, in you and your panel thus we were able to execute our mandate. We are so proud to have you in that Chair.
I am persuaded by the fact that the street kids that we find in our communities are a result of something. Our economy is not working. The centre is not holding. The corridors of power are broken. The family set up is broken. The country is divided. There is no nationhood. The drug abuse is at a higher level. Those kids that we find on the streets, it is not their liking. They do not have a problem but we need to address the push and pull factors for them to be on the streets. What made them to be on the streets?
They were not born on the streets. We were not born on the streets. As long as this country does not address the fundamental issues that if a father and mother in a family set up cannot feed themselves or they cannot provide shelter in their small space of existence, it will mean that the child will not be able to go to school. The child has to feed the family, do drugs and make sure that he has some money to fend for himself. I do not think we should criminalise the street kids. I do not think that the Government of Zimbabwe will be doing the right thing by putting a law that removes the street kids by force. We should create an environment that is conducive and make sure that those street kids are not born in the streets.
If there is disorder in a family and if parents fight, there is no peace in my home. If we fight over accommodation, welfare, transport, food and all these other fundamentals that should be provided in the presence of our children, what will that mean to our children. They walk away because we are failing to provide the motherhood/fatherhood in the family. If a child sees his father raping his sister; if that child witnesses that the father who is supposed to be the custodian of that family rapes the sibling of that child, are you telling me that that child is going to live in that environment? Absolutely not, she or he will walk away and find some place to live. The only place where they can live is in the streets. So we need to address and say I will understand Mr. President and say, let us institute a Committee which is going to go and establish the causes of these kids to be in the streets. In 1980 to date, the number of street kids are increasing; when we got independence in 1980, there were no street kids in our streets.
When we had the Unity Accord in 1987, we never had the same number of streets we are having today. What is it that we are not doing right? What is it that our elders who were there before us did right for us and now we are failing? I think let us redefine and look ourselves in the mirror and say if the Government is now working, let us address those issues. If the centre is not holding, then we will end up having broken families.
Today, Mr. President of Senate, if we go to a Magistrate Court and look at the number of marriages that you will find; people go and marry and when they marry, they will never think of break ups or see that marriage broken. The number of broken marriages is more than the number of marriages that we see every day. All those things contribute for us to see these kids on the streets. So I do not subscribe from where I sit in, I do not subscribe that we should criminalise for one to be a street kid. We should arrest, use police, use force, use army to clear our streets; I do not subscribe to that. Those kids have fundamental rights, they have freedom and all the freedoms that are enshrined in this Constitution, they have those rights. Why should they be taken away from them?
It is because we are not addressing because we are more privileged than they are. Mr. President of Senate, we have created a society where those who can afford can push away those who cannot afford from the centre. That is not politics, that is not governance and that is not nation building. The Government has the responsibility to create safe zones, to create and establish the cause of mushrooming of the street kids in our streets. You look at America, advanced economies Mr. President, they still have street kids in their streets. So it is something that we should address Mr. President, not by force but applying our minds and making sure that at the end of it all, this Parliament will be proud and say yes, through poverty, through addressing the issues of the economy, which I am sure that the street kids are where they are because our economy is not functioning.
There are no jobs, we are not creating jobs, and this Government is not creating jobs. Churches are mushrooming everywhere in the industrial zones where we are supposed to be creating a form of employment where the same mother of the street kid should be going to work and fend for that child, this is not happening. We have turned that industrial hub to a church zone. Bulawayo for example Mr. President, which used to be the hub of industries, you go to the industrial sites; you will see churches everywhere and the economy is not functioning. As a result, it becomes the sole product, if we fix our economy, we will have fixed those street kids. We will take them to school, the Government will be able to take those kids to school. We will be able to take those kids and create safe zones for them. Some of them do not have both parents. How does a child who does not have a father and a mother be punished for not having their parents? It does not make sense; this Government should, at all cost, make sure that it is a Government for everyone. The Vision 2030 which His Excellency the President said, we are all to prepare and subscribe to is not exclusive, it is inclusive.
Why should we then, Mr. President, streamline, shred it and use the same methods that were used by the Smith regime of divide and rule that this is a school for whites, this a school for blacks, this is a hospital for blacks , this is a hospital for whites? Today we are saying these streets should be cleared, but in the same process, we say we are the only ones who should walk in those streets and those kids are not there by choice Mr. President, those kids are not there by choice, let us address them. I put forward that this Senate, we are the Senate, we are the Upper House. Why should we not investigate? You will go and listen to those kids, they will tell you their story.
It is their story that will are going to make a policy from. We cannot make a policy from nowhere, we cannot make decisions without going there on the ground. Maybe I am shooting from the hip, I am talking about the economy, yet it is not the push factor of that child there. Maybe that child has a problem with a broken family which can be fixed. So Mr. President, I believe you can still execute this motion in the sense that through that motion which was brought in this Senate, my colleagues debated, they put flesh, I am not better than them. Through you Mr. President, I put to you that it does not mean even if SADC is coming, we should clear the streets because we want to please our brothers and sisters no. I put to you Mr. President that let us address, let us go to the ground and hear across the length and breadth of Zimbabwe. It is not only in Harare, it is happening in Gweru, Kwekwe, the urbanisation. Why are they migrating from rural to urban? It is happening in Mutare, why should we not let us have a scientific analysis, facts that are based on scientific analysis so that we are informed as we take the policy, as we craft the policy, as we respond those issues. Mr. President, let us go and investigate, we have the capacity, we have the human resources, we have the money, we have the time , we have the ability to do that so that we can make this country better and make Zimbabwe a working economy, a working nation where Zimbabweans can interact, share ideas and views. I know my brother is not there, he was going to agree with me on the other side of the bench. Thank you Mr. President – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] -
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact an enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial tier of Government.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE
PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Twelfth Order Read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by their relatives.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Thirteen Order Read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of Climate Change.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: Thank you Mr. President for allowing me to contribute to this very important subject.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE: THE CASE FOR GENDER-SENSITIVE POLICIES IN ZIMBABWE.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality, impacting communities worldwide. It is a global issue that has negative effects on ecosystems, economies and communities. The impacts of climate change on humans are not gender-neutral and affect women and men differently. In Zimbabwe, a country particularly vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events, the effects are acutely felt. Women are typically more vulnerable to climate change due to pre-existing gender inequalities and access to resources. Gender-sensitive climate change policies and initiatives are essential to promote gender equality and ensure that the impacts of climate change do not exacerbate existing gender-based inequalities.
GENDER DYNAMICS IN ZIMBABWE’S CLIMATE CONTEXT
In Zimbabwe, women are often at the forefront of climate-related challenges. Agriculture, a sector highly vulnerable to climate change, is predominantly managed by women. They play critical roles in crop cultivation, livestock management, and natural resource stewardship. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and in Zimbabwe, approximately 80% of women live in the communal areas where they constitute 61% of the farmers and provide 70% of the labour. Thus, the work of women farmers is essential for food security. Most women are unpaid family workers. Rural women work 16 to 18 hours a day, spending at least 49% of their time on agricultural activities and about 25% on domestic activities. However, they also face unique obstacles. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts (The recent El Nino induced drought for example), and extreme weather events disrupt agricultural activities, jeopardising food security and livelihoods, particularly for women farmers.
GENDER-SENSITIVE CLIMATE INTIATIVES AND POLICES
To address the gender dimensions of climate change, the government of Zimbabwe, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed a Zimbabwe Climate Change Gender Action Plan (GAP). The GAP is aimed at integrating gender concerns and prioritizing gender equality in climate change policies and initiatives. The policy recognises that women and men have different needs, roles and responsibilities in addressing climate change. The action plan includes measures to increase the participation of women in the decision-making processes, promote their access to resources, and enhance their resilience to the impacts of climate change.
SEVERAL INITIATIVES IN ZIMBABWE ARE PIONEERING GENDER- SENSITIVE APPROACHES TO CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION:
- The Gender and Climate Change Programme (2017- 2022): Implemented by Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and UNDP in Matabeleland North and South provinces. Focuses in main - streaming gender into climate change policies and programmes. This programme recognised the critical role women play in building resilience and promoting sustainable development. It aimed to empower women and promote gender- sensitive strategies to address climate change challenges in vulnerable communities.
- The Climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA) PROJECT (2018-2023): Implemented by FAQ and Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement in Mashonaland West, Manicaland, and Matabeleland South provinces. Focuses in promoting gender- sensitive climate resilient agriculture practices. This project empowers women farmers to adapt to climate change by promoting gender – sensitive climate – resilient agriculture practices. It recognises the critical role women play in agriculture and aims to enhance their capacity to address climate change challenges.
- The enhancing Climate Resilience project (2019-2024): Implemented by Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) and World Bank in Buhera, Chiredzi, and Gutu districts. Focuses on supporting community-led climate change adaptation initiatives with a focus on gender equality. This project supports community -led initiatives that prioritise gender equality, recognising that local communities are best placed to address their own climate change challenges. It empowers women to take leadership roles in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
- The Women in Climate Change Network (WCCN) (2019-present): Implemented by: Action for Accountability and Transparency (A4T). Locations: Harare, Bulawayo, and other urban centers. Focus on empowering women to take leadership roles in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. WCCN empowers women to take leadership roles in addressing climate change challenges, recognising their critical role in building resilience and promoting sustainable development. It provides a platform for women to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in addressing climate change.
These initiatives demonstrate Zimbabwe’ commitment to gender – sensitive climate action, recognising the critical role women play in building resilience and promoting sustainable development. By addressing the gender dimensions of climate change, these initiatives aim to enhance climate resilience, promote sustainable development, and empower women to take leadership roles in addressing climate change challenges.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Despite progress, challenges remain in mainstreaming gender into climate policies and programmes in Zimbabwe. Limited funding, institutional capacity gaps, and entrenched gender norms hinder effective implementation. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to integrate gender considerations into all stages of policy development, implementation, and monitoring.
However, there are also opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Engaging women as agents of change, leveraging local knowledge and expertise, and fostering partnerships between government, civil society and the private sector can drive transformative change towards gender- sensitive climate action in Zimbabwe.
CONCLUSION
Gender -sensitive climate policies and initiatives are essential for addressing the differential impacts of climate change on women and men in Zimbabwe. By recognising and addressing gender inequalities, promoting women’s empowerment, and fostering inclusive decision-making processes, these policies can enhance resilience, promote sustainable development, and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. H. MOYO): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 15th May 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE
NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Fourteenth Order read. Adjourned debate on motion on the
national clean-up campaign.
Question again proposed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. H. MOYO): I move that the debate do now adjourn
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 15th May, 2024.
MOTION
ROAD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on successive road accidents on consecutive days in the month of November, 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Thank you very much Hon. President for affording me the opportunity to debate on this very important motion which was moved by Hon. Senator Mlotshwa. I must hasten to say that Hon. Senator Tongogara, in her statement almost took part of my submission. Nevertheless, I think it is in good spirit.
Hon. Senators before me have flagged out and put flesh on this motion. So, I would not be able to match the previous submissions but allow me just to add my voice, little as it may be. We have good laws in this country. Those who came before us made the laws and there is no nation that can function without traffic laws or any form of law. The question is the implementation of those laws. Do we have stringent enforcement of the existing laws in that regard? We have situations of over speeding. If you go to bus terminus, we are overloading. We have situations where drivers drink and drive. We have reckless behaviour that is exhibited by the drivers of the day.
The question is that are these laws implemented such that the carnage is reduced and mitigate the loss of life and casualties that may come through these accidents through negligence. So, I call on authorities that it is important that we enforce, reactivate and make sure that this Government, in a way, reduces the carnage that we see from day to day, week to week, month to month and year to year. There is no life which is not valuable. Every life is valuable.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: I rise on a point of order on the motion which is being debated. I thought a notice has been given and the proposer of the motion had said she is going to present the motion on Thursday. I thought maybe we should hear from the proposer of the motion and then get into the debate. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY OF PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Which motion are you talking about.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: The one on traffic and safety.
THE HON. DEPUTY OF PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: The motion which the Hon. Senator is debating is the one which was presented by Hon. Senator Mlotshwa on accidents which occur. The Hon. Senator referred to a contribution which was made by Senator Tongogara. He is not debating Senator Tongogara’s motion. He is debating the one which was moved by Hon. Senator Mlotshwa.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: Thank you Mr. President. I withdraw but what was presented to us is what is being discussed. Maybe there are some similarities.
THE HON DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: There are similar motions but they are different. You may proceed Senator Tshabangu.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: In that regard Mr. President, I call upon the activation of our laws so that we reduce the carnage. In as much as we want to mitigate traffic accidents that happen on our roads particularly during holidays, we need the presence of our police especially on major roads. Today you can travel from Bulawayo to Harare or vice versa overnight, there are no longer highway traffic police therefore, it is free for all. I can drive at 180km/hr because I know there is nothing in my mind that will tell me that I will meet the highway patrol. They used to be there before. Their presence will cause us to drive carefully because you know you will meet them and they will stop and penalise you. We need the presence of highway patrol particularly on our highways.
Let us allocate resources in these highways. We need to rehabilitate our roads. Our roads are now a death trap even if you have laws that you want to put, you cannot do something on nothing. We do not have roads that are conducive for our motor vehicles for smooth passage for our goods and services. The Bulawayo – Victoria Falls Road does not have potholes but dam walls. It used to take four hours for one to drive that stretch of 435km but today it will take someone eight hours. Here is the danger, you have never driven on that road before and you want to visit Victoria Falls, there are no road signs and you will still think that the road is the same as it was before. There is no information that the road is bad. You will drive and hit a pothole and that is the end of your life.
Where there are issues and indicators that the road is in a bad state there has to be communication to the drivers that this road is terrible ahead. That way you will reduce the carnage. Education is key and paramount to the drivers and stakeholders themselves. It is no longer there and it is part of the working policy that there is an obligation of the authority to educate the drivers, pedestrians and stakeholders about the safety. It is no longer happening. If that can be revisited as well.
When you drive at night, there are seven haulage trucks following each other on a highway road carrying coal. There is no gap which is enforced from one truck to another. That is dangerous practice and that contributes to the accidents because drivers will want to beat a stretch of seven haulage trucks travelling at 80km/hr in a two way lane. I therefore put a proposal, you go in other countries in Southern Region, particularly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, haulage trucks Mr. President should not travel after 6 ‘O’clock like in Botswana, wherever you are, you stop on a Friday. Park your vehicle because everyone, be it workers who are working from Chitungwiza from Harare and from Harare to Bulawayo, they want to travel to see their families. You park your haulage truck that is a standard practice. They will travel at 2200hrs because you will allow the small vehicles to travel. In that way, you will mitigate this carnage that we are talking about.
I am telling you Mr. President, I am a night driver, I enjoy traveling at night but it is now a nightmare travelling at night. It is a nightmare because our rail system is not working, everyone is using road transport coal or whatever. So, everyone is linked to road transport and the road transport is congested, the road transport, roads do not permit and cannot carry that congestion Mr. President. So, I feel we will sit here and count the losses and count the number of accidents every day. As we speak now, Mr. President, accidents are happening someone is dying through an accident and these are some of the things Mr. President that we should mitigate. We cannot afford in a country like Zimbabwe, to have statistics that run to 2000 road accidents, 2000 people die in a year this is a small country. We cannot lose 2000 people in a year through road accidents. This is a small country we cannot afford these statistics Mr. President, that is way above. These are the statistics that we expect to have in a developed country but look we are the same.
If UK can still have these statistics yet a city of UK is as big as Zimbabwe and have the same statistics as ours, that is a sign of concern Mr. President. So, I think my submission will enable the Minister - those who can create a policy because I sit here as a policy maker so these are my proposals that I am putting as much as I am criticising, I put a thought of reflection, a submission that can be considered Mr. President. I thank you.
HON. SEN. D. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President. I also would like to add a few words on this important motion moved by Hon. Senator Mlotshwa. On road accidents, the spate of road accidents is a very worrying one Mr. President because the carnage on our roads is continuing unabated, so we need to do something about it. While some of the statistics given by the previous speaker were a bit too exaggerated but the true statistics are that every month, about hundred to hundred and fifty people die on our roads that translate to about a thousand plus a year. That is worrying in any case because one more death on our roads which could be avoided should be avoided but generally it is impossible to completely do away with road accidents, they happen.
Some of the causes of the road accidents have already been articulated by others but let me systematically deal with them Mr. President. One of the most contributor to road accidents is speeding. Our roads are designed for a certain maximum speed, the curves both horizontal and vertical are specified for those maximum speeds and that is no longer being observed Mr. President, 120km/h is our maximum speed and our general speed particularly in urbanised area is around 60km/h but it is true that on some of our good roads, we are doing 150km to 180km/h because the new cars now can actually handle those sought of speeds but our roads are not designed for those speeds.
The second biggest contributor of road accidents is reckless driving and we see it in town. People driving whichever way they want without due care for other motorists. Yes, the police from time to time, try to enforce but generally, nothing significant is happening to rein in Kombi/ Mushikashika drivers. They can even deliberately drive against the traffic and you can not stop them. In the end, it gives others the impression that you can do whatever you want on our roads; so something has to be done there Mr. President.
The third one of course was mentioned by others as drunken driving. China has got very strict laws of drunken driving. You see people even in pubs drinking late in the night and they got cars parked outside. They jump into their cars and drive home but your motor processes are now suppressed and you can not react like a sober person. In the end, they are involved in accidents which kill innocent people.
The fourth major causes of accident Mr. President, are road conditions, you know when I started working in the 80s, there were teams of people hunting for potholes. Our maintenance crews could easily be fired if there are potholes on the roads. Maybe it is because of sanctions and other factors, I do not know. What I know is that the conditions of our roads are a major contributor to accidents, that we have got to take care of.
Fortunately, the Second Republic is aware of that and major programmes have now been mounted to deal with that. The number of people who perished on the Harare/Beitbridge Road before work was started is unimaginable. However, now people are being killed because of excitement, driving on that good highway, speeding. Before the New Dispensation, people from South Africa, when the NI was in good condition, they would jump and proceed, they would extend into the Beitbridge/Harare Road and they would invariably veer off the road and end up being stopped by trees.
The fifth major contributor is lack of enforcement. Lack of enforcement by itself is a major contributor to road carnage. We remember during Chihuri’s time, they had speed traps everywhere. There were targets for police to catch people so that there could be money flowing into the police coffers. Right now, I do agree with Hon. Senator Jabangwe, you hardly get highway patrols on our roads. You hardly get speed detectors on our roads. How can we do that? These are gadgets which do not cost a lot of money but they can help us monitor speeding and those who break road rules. We have got VID; I think VID is trying but mostly on heavy vehicles.
Over the weekend, you will see all sorts of cars on our roads, some of them without lights. There should be proper enforcement so that those vehicles which are not roadworthy should not be allowed on the road. Let me end there in terms of the causes but what should we do to make our roads are safe? Most of us here travel long distances but we are not safe on our roads.
We have got the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ). They need to pitch up their work, not only in terms of just distributing leaflets but proper strategies, particularly of teaching youngsters who will be drivers tomorrow. They should grow up conscientised about proper driving ethics; proper road use ethics that is lacking. So, the TSCZ has got a big job to do. Yes our police, in terms of enforcement of traffic laws; laws are there. I totally agree but the road blocks which are mounted are no longer for enforcement. They are now like mini-tollgates. Any car can go through as long as they have contributed something. It happens all the time and we have got to face up to it. Traffic law enforcement – obviously, we have also got to improve the conditions of our roads in terms of infrastructure development and that is taking place.
We are using our own internal funds and roads by their very nature require long term funding but because of the state of our economy as imposed by outsiders, we have got to use our own internal generated funds. So, we cannot move at a higher pace because there are also other demanding factors or demanding needs like education, health et cetera. However, we are alive to that in terms of the Second Republic. There is another thing which we need to do, which is deployment of technology. In Rwanda, they have got cameras everywhere and they call them ‘sophia’. ‘Sophia’ is always looking for road rule breakers. If you actually go through a red robot, your number is captured immediately and you will be arrested. So, we do not need to deploy people, let us also deploy people to a certain extent complemented by technology including those drones which fly in the sky. They will help us a great deal.
In conclusion, as law makers, while we can strengthen our laws, if the implementation is weak, there is very little which can be done. However, we cannot continue allowing carnage on our roads to go unabated as going on right now. Something needs to be done. Thank you Hon. Senator Mlotshwa for moving this motion and I thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to contribute to it. Thank you very much.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Mr. President I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. PHUTI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators should participate in the Business of the House. When I ask you a question, you should respond, if you do not respond, I will keep on asking the question until you respond.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): Thank you Mr. President. I move to revert to Order of the Day Number 1.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF MIGRANT WORKERS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): I move the motion standing in my name that:
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of all Migrant workers and Members of their Families which came into force on 01 July 2003.
WHEREAS Article 85 of the aforesaid Convention provides that Instrument of Ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the United Nations
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for ratification.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Mr. President. I welcome the motion to discuss the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of all migrant workers and members of their families by the Republic of Zimbabwe. This Convention which came into force on 1st July, 2003, aims to safeguard the rights of migrant workers and their families ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. As we deliberate on the ratification of this Convention, it is imperative to reflect on the historical contents that have shaped our approach to International Treaties and Conventions. In the First Republic, International Treaties signed by the President were often neglected and never domesticated, resulting in missed opportunities to align our nation with international standards and obligations. However, it is encouraging to witness a shift in this trend during the Second Republic where there is a pro-active effort to bring these international instruments for ratification. I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for the sterling job that they are doing. In fact, I have seen that they have quite a number of these on the Order Paper.
Mr. President Sir, the shift is a clear sign of commitment to respect the Constitution and an acknowledgment of the importance of honoring our international commitments. By seeking to ratify this Convention, we are signaling our willingness to uphold our international obligations, integrate global best practices into our national framework. I urge my esteemed colleagues to recognise the significance of this motion in the broader context of our nations involving approach to international engagements. Let us see this as the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment by respecting international treaties and conventions, thus setting a positive precedence for future generations and future engagements.
Therefore, in light of this historical context, the changing trends in our approach to international instruments, I propose that this House resolves to approve the ratification of the international convention on the protection of all migrant workers and members of their families. Let us embrace this opportunity to show our dedication to upholding international standards and fostering a culture of collaboration and respect for our Constitution.
Article 85 of the Convention specifies that the instrument of ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. By ratifying this Convention, Zimbabwe will demonstrate its commitment to upholding international standards for migrant workers and their families. In light of this, I urge this Hon. House to consider the importance of approving this Convention. Doing so aligns with our national values and principles as well as our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights for all individuals within our borders.
Furthermore, in accordance with Section 373 (2a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, I propose that this House resolves to approve the ratification of the Convention for the Protection of all Migrant Workers and their Families. I call upon my esteemed colleagues to support this motion as it reflects our dedication to upholding our fundamental human rights and demonstrate our willingness to collaborate with the international community in addressing issues that affect our migrant workers and their families. Mr. President, let us stand together in support of this important cause and take a step towards ensuring a safer and more secure future for migrant workers and their families thank you.
Motion put and agreed.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS TO SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SOCIAL SECURITY
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): I move the motion in my name that:
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security which was adopted on 06 February 2022.
WHEREAS Article 35 of the aforesaid Protocol provides that Instrument of 8 Ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS
ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): I move the motion in my name that:
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol on African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which was adopted on 29 January 2018.
WHEREAS Article 40 of the aforesaid Protocol provides that Instrument of Ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union.
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification.
HON. SEN. PHULU: It will be remiss to let this motion go through without any whisper of a debate. Secondly, in all that advances the right of the disabled is something to be applauded and we would like to thank the Government and recognise the effort that they have made in the area of people living with disabilities. In fact as I was coming into this building this morning, I was marveling at the amount of ramps and the thoughtfulness that has been put in coming up with this building of a structure which takes into account that there are people with various disabilities who must be able to access this structure. This is demonstrative of the general attitude that we have to add in this area which has been brought under the spotlight since we have had our independence.
Secondly, every Government department is sensitive to this issue. Every member of civic society is sensitive to the people living with disabilities and to align our legislation and all our laws to global international standards and regional best practices when it comes to how to handle, legislate, formulate our polices and how to enforce our laws taking into account that people living with disabilities have certain challenges in interacting with the environment, given some of the short comings that they have. In fact the approach is to ensure that they have no short comings when all is said and done. We must put effort in coming up with infrastructure and laws and how we deal with society generally to ensure that their lives become better. That is done basically through a framework and once our frameworks are aligned to the rest of the world, then we can claim to have taken a huge step forward in that field. We thank the Minister for bringing forward this instrument for ratification; in support, such an instrument should be adopted by this House. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: I want to support the motion and I can say almost everything has been said. So, let us support this motion and move on.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DINHA): I move the motion standing in my name that:
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa which was adopted in January 2016 and signed on 17 June 2020.
WHEREAS Article 28 of the aforesaid Protocol provides that Instrument of Ratification shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you for allowing me to add my voice on this important protocol. As a female Senator representing rural constituency in Matabeleland South, I rise to advocate for the adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa. This protocol which aims to protect and promote the rights of the older persons holds a significant importance for our country, particularly for rural communities where the elderly face unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
In rural areas like the one I represent, older persons play a crucial role in community as repositories of knowledge, wisdom and cultural heritage. However, they also face a myriad of issues such as limited access to healthcare, social protection and economic opportunities. By adopting this protocol, we have an opportunity to strengthen the legislative foundation for addressing these challenges and ensuring that our elderly population receives the support and the respect they deserve.
The protocol’s provisions are non-discrimination and equal treatment, particularly relevant for elderly people who may already face multiple forms of discrimination based on age, gender, social and economic status. By adopting this protocol, we can send a clear message that older persons in rural communities have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and that no one should be left behind or marginalised. Furthermore, the protocol emphasises on access to healthcare for older persons is critical for rural areas where healthcare services may be limited or difficult to access.
By adopting this protocol, we can advocate for increased investment on healthcare infrastructure in services in rural communities, ensuring that older persons have the care and support they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Additionally, the protocol provisions on social protection and economic empowerment are essential for addressing the poverty and financial insecurity faced by many older persons in the rural areas.
By adopting this protocol, we can push for policies and programmes that provide older persons with access to pensions, social assistance and other forms of support that can help lift them out of poverty and improve their quality of life.
Before I conclude, I want to give examples of hospitals that I visited in rural Matabeleland South where older people have no access to their chronic medications like blood pressure and no access to nutritious food. The fact that when they are sick, they have to be transferred to urban areas is out of their comfort zone and it is far away from their families. As a Senator representing the rural constituency in Matabeleland South, I whole heartedly support the adoption of the protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa. The protocol aligns with our values of respect for elderly and community solidarity and it offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the legal framework for protecting and promoting the rights of older persons in our country.
I urge all Members of Parliament to join me in supporting this important initiative. I thank you.
HON. SEN. PHULU: I rise today to urge this House to approve the ratification of the Protocol on the African Charter on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa. This protocol adopted in January 2016 was signed by Zimbabwe on 17th June 2020 and is a significant step towards protecting and promoting the rights of older persons in our country and across the continent.
The protocol recognises the unique vulnerabilities faced by older persons and seeks to ensure that their full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms sets out a comprehensive framework for addressing issues such as discrimination, access to healthcare, social protection and participation in decision making processes. By ratifying this protocol, Zimbabwe will commit to upholding the dignity and rights of our elderly population.
One of the key provisions in the protocol is Article 5, which guarantees older persons the right to non-discrimination and equal treatment under the law. This is crucial as older people are often marginalised and face discrimination based on age. By ratifying this protocol, we send a strong message that we value and respect the contributions of our elderly citizens. Furthermore, the protocol emphasises the importance of access to healthcare as already emphasised by my colleague for older persons, particularly in terms of preventive, curative and rehabilitative services. This is essential for ensuring that the well being and quality of life for our aging population is guaranteed. Life is not just breathing oxygen, living and walking around – life is enjoyed when there is quality in that life and that life is infused when someone has respect, dignity and access to all services that are offered by society and to the enjoyment to the fullest extent of all their senses.
By ratifying this protocol, we commit to ensuring that our old persons have access to healthcare services and they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life. So, it not just a health life, it is not important when we measure and when we go out in our communities to simply measure whether they are heathy and are living fulfilling lives; certainly, this protocol takes us there. Additionally, the Protocol recognises the rights of older persons to social protection including access to pensions, housing and social assistance.
Again, this is crucial for addressing the economic challenges faced by many older persons, particularly those who may be living in poverty or facing financial insecurity. By ratifying this Protocol, we pledge to take concrete steps to ensure the social and economic wellbeing of our elderly population.
Mr. President, in conclusion, the Ratification of the Protocol on the African Charter on the Rights of Older Persons is a vital step towards advancing the rights and dignity of older persons in Zimbabwe. By endorsing this Protocol, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding human rights for all regardless of age. I therefore, urge all Members of Parliament to support this resolution and seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our elderly citizens.
I take this opportunity as well to thank the Hon. Minister for bringing such a wide range of instrument for ratification. It shows hard work, dedication and care for what you do. It shows grave respect for our Constitution and our respect for all our institutions including Parliament. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Thank you Hon. President, I rise to put a few words on to this Protocol. My coincidence, just yesterday in the Committee on Human Rights, we were debating exactly things like this. There are so many rights that the elderly people should be accorded. By us adopting and approving this Protocol, it will give impetus to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to amend the old Older Persons’ Act to conform with Section 21 and Section 82 of the Constitution. It will also give impetus to the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare to expeditiously come up with the right policies that accord the elderly their rights. The rights that should be accorded to elderly people in this country and of course in the rest of Africa are so varied. Just giving an example the right of an elderly person to have a seat in a bus, it is a right. The right of an elderly person not to queue to collect their stipends in a bank whilst youngsters are in front. I rise to support the Protocol so that we ratify it as quickly as possible if not yesterday. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 80TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND 45TH CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY UNION
HON. SEN. CHIEF NECHOMBO: Hon. President, I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the report of the delegation to the 80th Session of the Executive Committee and 45th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) held from 11th to 15th December, 2023 in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NECHOMBO: Allow me Mr. President to begin by thanking you for giving me this opportunity to present our report on African Parliamentary Union (APU).
Mr. President, In accordance with Articles 12 (1) and 16 (1), of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) Statutes which state that “The Conference shall meet once a year in ordinary session, alternatively in one of the five regions of the African continent, namely Central, East, North, West and Southern” and “The Executive Committee shall meet twice a year in ordinary session upon the invitation of its Chairperson. One of the two sessions shall take place immediately prior to the Conference”, the 80th Session of the Executive Committee and the 45th Conference were convened in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire from 11 to 15 December 2023.
The delegation from Zimbabwe, led by Hon. Mabel Memory Chinomona, President of the Senate, comprised the following Members of Parliament: -
- Tsitsi Gezi, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly;
- Tichawona Karumazondo, Member of Parliament, and;
- Susan Matsunga, Member of Parliament;
Furthermore, Hon. Mabel Memory Chinomona, President of the Senate was elected Vice- President of the Executive Committee representing the Southern African region.
THE 80TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The 80th Session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) was held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on 11 and 12 December 2023 under the presidency of Right Honorable Mabel Memory Chinomona, President of the Senate of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the APU Executive Committee.
Representatives of the following parliaments took part in the proceedings: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Chad, Togo, and Zimbabwe.
Representatives of the Consultative Council of the Arab Maghreb Union and the Youth Organization for the European and African Union attended the proceedings as observers. The opening session took place in the presence of Hon. Adama Bictogo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire, Hon. Mabel Memory Chinomona, President of the Senate of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the APU Executive Committee, Hon. Vanderpuije Alfred Okoe, Member of the Parliament of Ghana, Rapporteur of the Executive Committee, and Mr. IDI Gado Boubacar, Secretary General of the APU. Speakers of the National Assembles of Benin, and the Central African Republic were also, in attendance.
The opening ceremony was marked by the welcome address of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire as well as that of the Chairperson of the Executive Committee. In his opening remarks, the Host Speaker Hon. Adama Bictogo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire, started by extending a cordial welcome to Abidjan to the Members of Parliament present on the occasion of the 45th Conference and 80th Session of the Executive Committee of the APU.
Hon. Bictogo conveyed the warm greetings of the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, who is delighted by the choice of his country to host this event. Addressing the APU Chairperson, the Hon. Speaker praised the quality of her leadership and her commitment as the head of the organization since her election in November 2022 during the 44th Conference held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
To the Heads of delegations and Members of Parliament, he expressed deep gratitude for honoring Côte d’Ivoire with their presence. Lastly, he commended the APU Secretary General and his staff for their efforts in organizing the Abidjan meetings at short notice.
Addressing the political situation in the West African sub-region and particularly in Niger, which was to host the present sessions, the Speaker of the National Assembly echoed the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire’s ardent wish for a return to constitutional order in the brotherly country and in other countries in the sub-region. He indicated that peace and stability are necessary to pursue progress towards development.
The Speaker also noted that political changes in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are significantly impacting African economies, particularly causing food and energy crises, as well as rising prices of basic commodities. To address them, Africa must act from a regional perspective through greater solidarity and coordinated efforts, he added.
In reference to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, with its unprecedented humanitarian consequences, the Hon. Speaker called for a truce and dialogue between the parties to resolutely commit to the path of sustainable peace. Before the end of his welcoming remarks, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire wished fruitful proceedings to the Members of Parliament, adding that recommendations from this meeting would be capable of advancing the APU and promoting African unity.
Hon. Mabel Memory Chinomona, President of the Senate of Zimbabwe, Chairperson of the APU Executive Committee gave the opening remarks. The Chairperson, on behalf of all the delegates, first expressed thanks and gratitude to the Ivorian authorities for having agreed to host the APU meetings and for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to participants since their arrival in the beautiful city of Abidjan, on the green banks of the Ebrié Lagoon.
She recalled that Niger, which had committed to hosting the 80th Session of the Executive Committee as well as the 45th Conference of the APU, was unable to materialise this commitment due to the military takeover that took place in the country and the dissolution of the National Assembly. Faced with this situation and the difficulties that could arise in urgently seeking a host country, the Chairperson appreciated the rapid reaction of the Ivorian Parliament, through the Speaker, Hon. Adama Bictogo, who agreed to take up the challenge by organising the meetings in Abidjan. She then asked the delegates, as a sign of recognition, to thank with loud applause the Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire as well as Hon. Kandia Kamissoko Camara, the President of the Ivorian Senate.
Hon. Chinomona underscored that it is always with fervor and enthusiasm that African Members of Parliament meet to pursue dialogue, strengthen Inter-Parliamentary cooperation, share experiences, and good practices, harmonize and reaffirm their positions on the challenges facing the continent and play their role in strengthening peace and democracy in Africa. She added that their meetings are always an opportunity for mutual enrichment and sharing a context characterized by a spirit of conviviality and dialogue, which are specific to Africa and the APU and reinforce the resilience of Members of Parliament in an international context marked by multiple challenges.
The Chairperson expressed the hope that parliamentary delegations should be more present at Union sessions and that member parliaments should make sure to pay their statutory contributions. Effective participation in meetings and payment of contributions remain the two essential pillars that enable the APU to develop its activities and scope and to consolidate the place it occupies on the continental parliamentary landscape.
The Chairperson insisted on the statutory commitment of Member Parliaments by appealing to those who are not up to date with their contributions to comply with their obligations.
The Chairperson, recalling that her mandate was coming to the end on the occasion of the 45th Conference, expressed gratitude to Members of Parliament for their support. She also made proposals for strengthening the APU.
- She requested that the General Secretariat be reinforced with human and material resources in order to facilitate implementation of the recommendations of the Executive Committee.
- A revision of the statutes so that the Conference bureau can fully play its role.
- She suggested the establishment of a forum of Secretary Generals of Parliaments (Clerks in some jurisdictions) so that they can come together and discuss issues raised by the Executive Committee.
- Lastly, the Chairperson proposed the establishment of thematic committees such as a women's caucus, a youth caucus, a caucus on climate change and a caucus on sustainable development in line with the African Union Agenda 2063.
Before closing her remarks, the Chairperson, wished fruitful proceedings to the Members of Parliament, reiterated warm thanks to the Ivorian authorities for the hearty welcome, the hospitality and the arrangements made to guarantee the proper conduct of this session of the Executive Committee, of the meeting of women Members of Parliament and the APU Conference. Finally, she declared open the 80th Session of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union.
Annual Work Programme:
The Secretary General presented the proposed work plan for the year 2024 at the invite of the Chairperson. The members of the Executive Committee observed that certain Member Parliaments do not take part in APU meetings and there are African Parliaments that are not yet members of the Union. Therefore, it is urgent to consider the situation in order to strengthen the organisation. They proposed that the question of strengthening the APU through more memberships and increased participation be included as a leading item in the work programme and the objectives of the Union, especially through meetings among Presidents and Speakers of parliamentary Assemblies.
Following these observations, the Executive Committee approved the Annual Work Programme for 2024. The programme includes among other activities, the Executive Committee Meetings, the Conference, Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) related activities as well as the Afro-Arab Conference.
Examination and Adoption of the Draft Budget for Financial Year 2024
The Secretary General, Mr. Idi Gado Boubacar presented the draft budget for the 2024 financial year.
He expressed concern over the difficulties in recovering contributions owed by certain Parliaments to which the members of the Executive Committee suggested that the governing bodies of the APU reach out to the countries concerned in view of finding solutions that would allow them honour their obligations and ensure a better participation in APU activities.
Following these observations, the Executive Committee approved the draft budget for the 2024 financial year which is balanced in revenue and expenditure at 1,138,177 Euros.
Hon. Mr. Pierre Flambeau Ngayap, Senator from Cameroon and Hon. Ms. Nakut Faith Coru, Member of Parliament from Uganda were appointed account auditors for the financial year 2023.
The Committee of Women Parliamentarians
The Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the African Parliamentary Union, met on 13 December 2023 to deliberate on the theme; Promoting the role of African women in stimulating intra-African trade.
Considering that African countries have enormous trade potential, both regionally and globally and recognising the leading role that women play in regional trade, the committee made the following recommendations:
- Recognition by public authorities of the role of African women in trade and the promotion of their role in stimulating intra-African trade;
- Monitoring by African governments of the implementation of the rules and regulations governing trade at borders; This, for the purposes of helping women cope with the risks they face in their trade-related activities;
- Training African women in managerial skills to improve their access to knowledge and the development of competences, thus facilitating their access to financing;
- Access of African women to information relating to trade, policies, regulations, standards, taxes, markets and investment opportunities;
- Support for African women to use the agreements and market opportunities of the AfCFTA;
- Promoting policies and laws that protect the rights and opportunities of African women;
- Providing them with an environment conducive to export activity;
- Promoting the leadership of African women and their participation in business and export networks for export trade;
- Trade facilitation measures for African women in the AfCFTA;
- Improving amenities offered to African women at border posts (safe storage, access to clean water and hygienic sanitation facilities, care, safe accommodation and transport infrastructure and public transport, et cetera)
Resolutions Adopted at the 45th Conference of the APU
The resolution submitted by the Political Committee on “Combating insecurity, and terrorism, factors of political instability and recession” was unanimously adopted. The resolution recognizes the large number of victims of terrorism in the Sahel and on the African continent in recent years. These conflicts are causing a massive influx of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to other regions.
The resolution notes with concern the mushrooming of Coup d’états in Africa especially West Africa which has affected the hosting of this 45th Conference in Niger. Armed groups and violent extremists are increasing their influence in West Africa and the Sahel while repeated coups d’état are destabilising Governments.
Noting the inseparable connection between security and development, the Committee calls for:
- The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments to ensure that all member States are restored to full constitutional order by the end of 2024;
- Reviewing of government policies related to Agenda 2030, Security Council Resolution 2250 and other relevant processes concerning peace and security;
- The need for adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for regional security initiatives.
- Transparent democratic processes
The Resolution submitted by the Economic and Sustainable Development Committee on the theme “Development of intra-African trade in view of the effective implementation of the African regional integration agenda” was unanimously adopted by the Conference. The Resolution recognizes that the Agenda 2063 adopted by the African Union places great importance on the role that trade plays in developing economies and recognises that trade is a powerful engine of economic growth and development.
The Committee noted that intra-African trade is one of the levers of social and economic development capable of generating high value-added potential for the manufacturing industry, knowledge transfer, productivity growth, and job creation and of contributing to increase income and reduce poverty.
The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its launch on 1 January 2021, which aims to create a single market of more than 1.3 billion people, constitutes a big step towards African economic integration and opens up prospects for boosting intra-African trade, strengthening complementarities in production and exports, and creating added value and job.
The Committee also noted that the success of the AfCFTA is closely linked with broader African regional integration and that it is necessary to overcome obstacles such as insufficient infrastructure, tariff and non-tariff barriers, low product diversification, market fragmentation, and weak policy coordination. Accordingly, the resolution calls on:
- African States to promote policies and strategies aimed at preventing and resolving armed conflicts, terrorism, transnational crime and the various crises that may threaten stability and peace in the region and hinder the development of intra-African trade;
- African States to ensure compliance with commitments made regarding intra-African trade and strengthen support for local businesses during the transition to the continental market;
- The acceleration of the implementation of policies and programmes that enable African countries to promote economic diversification, create added value and derive higher income from their commodities, with a view to developing intra-African trade and integrating global value chains;
- African countries to join the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) established by the AfCFTA and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank);
- African countries to further promote stock exchanges at the national or regional levels and their interconnection at the continental level;
- Development partners to intensify efforts within the framework of the AfCFTA by providing technical and financial support to Member States, regional economic communities, the African Union and the public and private sectors, through the following actions:
- States to adopt measures aimed at reducing production costs by reducing taxes and allowing cheap transport and energy services, infrastructure and information and communication technologies (ICT) to contribute to improving the purchasing power of populations and commercial competitiveness;
- Calls for the strengthening of dialogue and cooperation between different stakeholders, including governments, parliaments, the public sector, the private sector, civil society and regional organizations;
- Recommends finally that African countries put in place development strategies and policies that prioritize innovation, industry, digital technology, education and health;
Abidjan Declaration on the Crisis in Gaza
The Declaration on the crisis in Gaza was adopted by acclamation.
The representatives of African National Parliaments, gathered in Abidjan on the occasion of the 45th Conference of the African Parliamentary Union, on 14 and 15 December 2023, expressed deep concern in the current context, about the security and humanitarian situation in the Palestinian Territories and particularly in Gaza.
Dismayed by the appalling suffering of Palestinians in Gaza whose human rights are no longer respected nor insured in flagrant violation of international law, including humanitarian law made the following pronouncements;
- Condemn terrorism in all its forms and Israel's military actions against civil populations in Gaza, resulting in thousands of casualties, massive displacement and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis;
- Denounce the disproportionate military response of Israeli forces in Gaza;
- Support the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on 12 December 2023, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and respect for international humanitarian law;
- Affirm that the two-state solution constitutes the path to a lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with United Nations resolutions;
- Urge States and international organizations to respond effectively to the specific needs of populations facing humanitarian and security crises, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Motion of Support for the Nigerien People
Mindful of the situation prevailing in Niger due to the sanctions taken by ECOWAS, representatives of African Parliaments gathered in Abidjan were concerned by these sanctions which affect vulnerable people, in particular women, children and the elderly,
The Parliamentarians of the African Parliamentary Union, called for the lifting of these sanctions, in order to allow the Nigerien people to contribute to the construction of Africa like every other African people.
Election of the Bureau
According to Section 2, article 14 of the APU Statutes modified and adopted on 28 November 2019 by the 42nd Conference, the Executive Committee of the Union is composed of three (3) members per National Group including at least one woman. Accordingly; the three Members of Parliament from the Parliament of Zimbabwe appointed at the 45th Conference in Abidjan are:
Hon. Tsitsi Gezi, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly;
Hon. Tichawona Karumazondo, Member of Parliament, and;
Hon. Susan Matsunga, Member of Parliament;
The bureau of the Executive Committee is composed of the chairperson elected by the conference at each of its ordinary sessions, and three vice-chairpersons and a rapporteur elected by the members of the Executive Committee. The Chairperson of the Executive Committee must be a Presiding Officer of the National Parliament. The members of the Bureau shall be elected for two years on a rotating basis which takes account of equitable regional distribution. Accordingly, the following Members were elected into the Executive Committee:
Hon. Adama Bictogo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire, was elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee.
Hon. Mabel Memory Chinomona, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Zimbabwe was elected Vice President of the Executive Committee. Congratulations are in order for the Hon. President of the Senate whose commitment to the development of Africa particularly women is well recognized in the region and abroad.
MAKOROKOTO, AMHLOPE, CONGRATULATIONS!
Hon. Mr. Abdo Sheikh Dirieh, Member of the National Assembly of Djibouti was also elected Second Vice President of the Executive Committee
Hon. Mr. Mahamat Oumar Malloum, Member of the Transitional National Council of Chad was elected Rapporteur of the Executive Committee.
The Chairperson of the Committee of Women Parliamentarians shall be an ex-officio member of the Bureau. Hon. Ms. Tayeb Wassila, Member of the National People’s Assembly of Algeria was elected President of the Women’s Committee.
Hon. Ms. Bethy Ethel Naluyima, Member of Parliament of Uganda was elected Vice-President.
Hon. Ms. Foudda Arada Izzedine, Member of the National Assembly of Chad was elected Rapporteur.
Draft Agenda for the 81st Session of the Executive Committee
The Secretary General presented the following draft agenda:
- Consideration of the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Conference
- Consideration of the audited management account for financial year 2023
- Development of the draft agenda for the 46th Conference
- Draft agenda of the 82st Session of the Executive Committee
- Date and place of the 82st Session of the Executive Committee.
The draft agenda was adopted.
Date and Venue of the 81st Session of the Executive Committee
The Secretary General indicated that the session is scheduled to be held around April or May 2024. The President tasked the members of the Executive Committee find the host of this 81st Session and communicate with the Secretariat.
RECOMMENDATIONS
|
Recommendation |
Action |
Timeline |
|
Engaging SADC countries on the possibility of joining the APU |
- Presiding Officers can informally engage their counterparts in the region on the possibility of joining the APU when they interact at international fora. - It is pertinent to understand why SADC is reluctant to join the Continental body. The information will help the APU as they engage the respective non-members. |
Continuous
|
|
Non-recovery of 50% of the annual contributions due by member Parliaments |
-examine with the parliaments concerned the means likely to achieve a solution, such as the establishment of a multi-annual installment aimed at clearing arrears. The Parliament of Zimbabwe annual subscriptions for the year 2023 amounting Euro 20,000 is now due. |
Continuous |
|
Development of intra-African trade in view of the effective implementation of the African regional integration agenda |
-acceleration of the implementation of policies and programmes that enable African countries to promote economic diversification, create added value and derive higher income from their commodities, with a view to developing intra-African trade and integrating global value chains. |
Continuous |
|
Enhancing the work plan and visibility of the African Union |
-A revision of the statutes so that the Conference bureau can fully play its role. -The establishment of a forum of Secretary Generals of Parliaments (Clerks in some jurisdictions) so that they can come together and discuss issues raised by the Executive Committee. -the establishment of thematic committees such as a women's caucus, a youth caucus, a caucus on climate change and a caucus on sustainable development in line with the African Union Agenda 2063. |
By December 2025 |
CONCLUSION
The need to implement resolutions emanating from Parliament of Zimbabwe’s participation at international fora can- not be over-emphasized. It is only through implementation that our participation can be rendered useful. It should also be noted that follow up action is required on each of the resolutions adopted at the 45th Conference of the APU.
The delegation wishes to express its deep appreciation to Parliament for affording them the opportunity to represent the country at these important continental Meetings.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NGUNGUMBANE: Thank you Madam Chair for affording me this opportunity to support the report that has been tabled before this esteemed House by Hon. Senator Chief Nechombo. First and foremost, I would want to recognise the role played by women in the upliftment of the Continent, regional bloc, the country and to the ward level. I think women you should receive this honour in your lifetime – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
Madam President, I think as a Continent, we should take such regional bodies seriously. The issue of non-payments of subscriptions is indeed embarrassing. At times we complain that foreign organisations do support continental bodies like APU, PAP, SADC PF because as a continent, we are really failing to live up to our expectation in enhancing social, cultural and political integration. Madam President, that can be achieved if member States make their subscriptions timeously.
Madam President, I would want to also acknowledge Madam President of the Senate Hon. Chinomona. She has raised the bar of the Senate to higher levels – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – I think the presenter mentioned the positions that she has held. It is also a vindication to this House that we saw it fit to elect her to be the President of this Senate. If a regional body like APU sees it fit to give her positions of authority, then it vindicates the decisions that we took as Senate. I think we should give due recognition to other Members that were elected to various Committees.
Madam President, Africa is in turmoil. I will make reference to ECOWAS Bloc where we have seen coup d’états taking place and it is women and children that suffer the brand of military coups, unconstitutional takeover of Governments. I am very happy that as I discuss this report, in our midst, we have the President of the Pan-African Parliament who I feel should play a very leading role in ensuring that there is constitutional order when these member States go or hold elections. Of note, I know Mr. President, I have been following your debates when we are at PAP. I would want to reiterate the statement that you made in your address that there is need to ensure constitutional order especially with regards ECOWAS.
Madam President, it is also important that we provide adequate transparent democratic practices and processes for our women. You know in our culture, women are of the weaker sex, not to say that we want to demean them, no! When it comes to the political fight, we are not as advantaged as our male counterparts. Madam President, we feel that there is a deliberate need to protect our women so that they occupy position of authority. It could be in politics, economics, socially and so forth. We applaud the report that calls for women support in decision making processes.
Allow me in conclusion, to say women constitute 52% or more of the population in this country – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – and in Africa but what is disappointing amongst our women is that they do not support each other. If you have 52% you have a bargain, you should not be negotiating to have quotas reserved for you when you have 52%. I feel women need to really support each other. If you find more men occupying positions of authority, it means that you are not supporting each other, you are supporting men. When you support men, men will continue to dominate you. I want to raise this point in support to say Madam President, it is important that we support as many women in positions of authority. Madam President, with those few words, I would want to support the report that has been tabled by Hon. Senator Chief Nechombo. I thank you – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. SEN. CHIEF NECHOMBO: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NGUNGUMBANE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 15 May, 2024.
On the motion of THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF WAR VETERANS OF THE LIBERATON STRUGGLE (HON. H. MOYO), the House adjourned at Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 9th May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that on Monday, 6th May, 2024, Parliament was notified by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) that in terms of Section 39 (7) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2: 13], the following members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Party, were duly appointed as Members of the National Assembly to fill in vacancies that occurred, following the recall of the incumbent members by the CCC Party. The appointments are with effect from 28th April, 2024. The members are as follows:- Chitimbe Vivian Pamella, Harare Metropolitan; Batitsa Nyasha, Manicaland Province; Mureyani Samantha, Manicaland Province; Marikano Diana, Mashonaland East Province; Rungwave Tsungirirai, Masvingo Province; and Gwabeni Melphiner, Midlands Province.
Section 128 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that, before a Member of Parliament takes his or her seat in Parliament, the Member must take the oath of a Member of Parliament as set out in the Third Schedule of the Constitution. Section 128 (2) states that the oath must be taken before the Clerk of Parliament.
I, therefore, call upon the Clerk of Parliament to administer the oath of a Member of Parliament. I now call upon the members to subscribe to the Oath of Loyalty – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
NEW MEMBERS SWORN
HON. CHITIMBE VIVIAN PAMELLA, HON. BATITSA NYASHA, HON. MUREYANI SAMANTHA, HON. MARIKANO DIANA, HON. RUNGWAVE TSUNGIRIRAI, AND HON. GWABENI MELPHINER subscribed to the Oath of Loyalty as required by the law and took their seats – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
APPOINTMENT TO THE SPEAKER’S PANEL
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Naledi Maunganidze joins the Speaker’s Panel. Can you come and take your seat – [HON. MEMBERS: Ululations.]-
APPOINTMENT TO THE IPU DELEGATION
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Lusyomo Nyelele becomes a member of the IPU delegation – [HON. MEMBERS: Ululations.]-
APPOINTMENT TO PORTFOLIO COMMITTEES
THE HON. SPEAKER: The following two Hon Members recently sworn in, join the following Portfolio Committees; Hon Kiven Mutimbanyoka joins the Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans as well as the Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education.
Hon. George Mashavave will join the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing as well as the Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for according me the opportunity to share in Parliament, my point of national interest. My point of national interest relates to the utterances made by the governing party’s spokesperson Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa in the last three weeks, pertaining to the issue the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe gold which was in its vaults and at some point in 2014 sold to the Arabs through a conglomerate called Ali Baba. The spokesperson went on to say that the income or revenue from the sale of the gold was never accounted for. For that matter therefore …
Hon Togarepi having stood up to raise a point of order.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order! This matter was dealt with accordingly through a statement by the former Governor of the Reserve Bank, Dr. Gono. So the matter of interest does not arise.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Mine is a point of privilege and thank you for your indulgence. Zimbabwe is a member of the Inter Parliamentary Union and it is a global organisation of national Parliaments. Previously, we even held a position in the Executive through your appointment. Now, allow me to bring to the attention of this House the report that was done by the IPU on 27th March where the IPU released a report by the Committee on Human Rights of the Parliamentarians. In the report by the IPU, there is a decision that concerns the Parliament of Zimbabwe. It is crucial that this House takes note of that decision…
HON. TOGAREPI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. I think if there was a report from IPU that our own delegation did and the report which I think was debated here, can we bring back the issues of IPU into this House when they were dealt with in the report of this Committee that represents this Parliament? Can we bring it here again as a point of national interest? What interest has it?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, the point of privilege is misdirected as alluded to by the Government Chief Whip. There was a report and that report should have been dealt with, and also when the matter was tabled at the IPU Assembly, Zimbabwe had the right of reply. I replied accordingly and the matter was adopted without any further debate. What remains now is for the Committee on the Human Rights for Parliamentarians to proceed in the manner they think so fit and we are waiting for that.
HON. MAMOMBE: With all due respect Mr. Speaker Sir, I had not even finished the point of privilege and say what is the point.
THE HON. SPEAKER: No, no, the Government Chief Whip was correct and if there was an issue, that should have been debated under the report of the IPU.
HON. MAMOMBE: It is not an issue Hon. Speaker Sir. You did not even hear my point of privilege.
THE HON. SPEAKER: No, unfortunately no.
HON. MAMOMBE: It is okay Hon. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: With all due respect.
HON. MAMBIPIRI: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise on a point of national interest on the raging Cholera cases that are in the country. As Members may be aware, yesterday the Ministry of Health released rising and therefore, worrying national statistics around Cholera. Whereas Cholera appeared to be subdued and the new cases suppressed at the end of last year, there is now a new and worrying surge in terms of numbers. Yesterday alone, there were 43 new Cholera cases and as of today, Zimbabwe has recorded 35 000 Cholera cases. We have lost 709 precious lives due to this medieval disease. Mr. Speaker Sir, it has been a year of fighting Cholera with no end in sight since the first case was recorded in February 2023, in Chegutu. Now, Cholera has spread to more than 63 districts and is now ravaging our communities in the 10 provinces that we have. In Kadoma where I come from, last week we buried a casualty each day for four consecutive days. As I stand here today, we have 22 people battling for lives within Kadoma admitted at various Cholera centres. Whilst Government declared a state of emergency regarding Cholera some time ago, we certainly need to find a new impetus in the fight against Cholera. I appreciate the men and women who have made their vocation to be at the forefront in fighting against this disease, but there are more strategic steps that need to be taken both at Government and local levels if we are to win this fight.
The first one is for Government to mobilise more and more resources in order to fund and support the local centres and the men and women who are standing guard in the fight against Cholera. The second is for Government to immediately partner with local authorities in the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation services. The third one is for civil society organisations and NGOs to also be reined-in on resource mobilisation in support of the same cause. Lastly, is an appeal to the national media not to bury issues and statistics of Cholera under the carpet, but to raise awareness and publicise heavily the incidences of Cholera. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish you had asked your question yesterday at question time so that you would share your strategies with the Minister of Health concerned. But your observations are noted.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 2 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LEGISLATION DEFICIENCIES IN THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK IN TERMS OF THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION CORPORATION ACT
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Protection of Depositors and Investors Deposits in Banks and other Financial Institutions.
Question again proposed.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Now, for purposes of consistency, I have been given names of Hon. Members who are going to debate from my right. I do not seem to have a list from Members on my left. Be that as it may, I shall proceed by calling upon Hon. J Tshuma to take the floor.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity to add my humble voice towards this very pertinent issue. Good afternoon Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Afternoon.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I will speak from a layman’s point of view, seeing that I am a representative of the people. This Bill that is before us is long overdue. I was wondering that we are just lucky that we have not had any…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Just a minute. When you say from a learned point of view, are you a lawyer?
HON. J. TSHUMA: Not as yet – [HON. MEMBERS: Laughter.] – I am working towards it.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Anyway, I think you need to correct yourself. The only group of learned people are the lawyers.
HON. J. TSHUMA: No, I said layman, not learned.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Ooh, layman. I beg your pardon.
HON. J. TSHUMA: : I will forgive you Mr. Speaker Sir – [Laughter.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Please proceed.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. As I was saying, it is just by sheer luck and God’s grace that we have not had any bank closing up to today, from the time these things were happening and prior. Can you imagine if a bank had to close before this Bill had been enacted? We were going to have disaster Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to urge this House to expedite the processes of making sure that this Bill is put into order and passed.
I want to bring to light that as we debate this issue, let us look at the mindset of prevention more than coming with measures to try and address an issue that would have occurred. I am saying so Mr. Speaker Sir because there are a lot of things that we can do towards this Bill that can empower the system to make sure that we do not have banks collapsing the same way that we saw during that time when banks like Trust Bank, Royal Bank and those other banks that were there collapsed.
One of the first suggestions that I wanted to put to this House Mr. Speaker Sir, is that in the very beginning process of registering a bank, I think it is prudent and important that these very same institutions, the Deposit Protection Corporation must be incorporated into the systems that vet the banks to be given licences instead of putting them at the tail end of coming to solve a problem when the problems have already begun and occurred, affecting people. Mr. Speaker Sir, can you imagine if the Deposit Protection Corporation was part of the system that vets the very same banks that want to get licences. We would have all these loopholes and all those boxes ticked already, so that by the time a bank is allowed to come and operate, it comes in with all the prudence that we expect it to have.
Like somebody said in one of the papers that I was reading, they even said that if you want to rob Zimbabweans without holding a gun, just open a bank. What kind of scenario is that, in which we put upon our people, the depositors themselves? So it is important that measures are put to prevent these issues from happening.
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is also important in this Bill to thoroughly look at the conduct of management of these banks. We cannot allow people to come in and manage banks. After that they are living lives that are beyond reasonable means. They are going off on holidays and they are giving each other loans from the same banks using the money that is deposited by some people. At the end of the day, when those monies cannot be paid back, who is suffering? The people that I represent.
That is why I say it is prudent that all these things are checked from the day it starts up to the day it finally explodes. The conduct of management must definitely be looked into. The people that want to come and manage banks must be looked into. If we do not do that, we also run a risk of scaring away investors in the banking sector Mr. Speaker Sir because at the end of the day, those investors suffer, and at times they will not have been part of the whole scandal that has caused the bank to collapse.
I have seen one article that was saying the residual assets must be withheld by the Deposit Protection Corporation and I was asking my self why? The residual assets are things that have been left after everything has been done and all the creditors have been disposed of, so why are we now enacting a law that says that residual assets must be held back by the same Deposit Protection Coroporation, instead of giving back to the shareholder so that at least they can recoup something from whatever would have happened in their investment?
It is very important Mr. Speaker Sir for us to look at these things with sober minds. Otherwise we will end up having a sector that is very much unbankable. A sector wherein nobody wants to deposit money. Also, in that same vein, the insurance part of the system, I do not understand why we do not have a law or enact a law which will make sure that whatever deposit I have put in, I must be able to be paid back all my money. I do not understand why they must pay me part of the money, yet I would have deposited my money there. Why are they not ensuring that money enough so that when there is something that has gone wrong, my money as a depositor is given back to me and I do not suffer any prejudice?
I think it is one of the things that we need to look into and say, how do we do that and how do we come up with a law that will compel these insurers to make sure that they cover the depositor more than anything. Like I said, I am not going to speak about all the other creditors like the ZIMRA and others. I am talking about that depositor from Tsholotsho, Binga and other areas, who have deposited their last dollar and now they are told they cannot get their money any more. It becomes unfair on them.
Also Mr. Speaker Sir, I think there is need for a law that will speed up the whole process from the RBZ handing over to the Deposit Protection Corporation. It takes time and somebody would have deposited their money in there. They want to use it like yesterday, but are now told they must wait, there is a process that must happen before everything is done. There is also this issue of saying, the creditors must now travel either to Bulawayo or Harare presently, to the Master of High Court to go and put up their claim there. Let us put a law to say that depositor simply put in their money there, why now say they must come there to lodge a claim? That should be done for large corporates, not these individual depositors. Please protect our people because the person would have deposited a mere $500 there and they are coming from Binga. They are told to go to Bulawayo. They will have to provide their own transport, their own accommodation, food and everything. Their money will end up getting finished from travelling to go and claim that $500.
Let us have a system where they are protected to say, we know the Hon. Speaker, Hon. Mudenda has an account here and it has $500 and unfortunately …
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order. You do not give example of the Chair.
HON. J. TSHUMA: I beg your pardon Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAEKR: Withdraw.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Let us just simply say, Mr. X – [HON. MEMBERS: Withdraw, withdraw.] – I beg your pardon Mr. Speaker Sir. I withdraw that statement.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you.
HON. J. TSHUMA: I know you do not have $500 in the account. I am sorry about that. I was saying, Mr. X is known that he is a depositor in that certain bank, why are we making it tedious for them to keep on coming to lay a claim of an account that is known that account number so exists? Let us put laws that are going to make things easy for our people Mr. Speaker Sir, instead of having people go through horrendous experiences. After all, they are already experiencing a nightmare that their money is probably no longer there and they are not even sure if they are going to get that money.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I just stood up to say, let me add my voice from the point of view of that depositor from Mufakose, Pelandaba, Tshabalala to say no, make things easy for us and please make sure that whatever we do, we must have a situation whereby whatever I put in must be brought back to me. It should be as simple as all that. Let us not suffer as depositors for whatever we have put in there and for the mismanagement of the banks. I so submit. Thank you so much Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. ZIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Good afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity given to me to add my voice to this very important topic. Depositor protection in Zimbabwe is managed by the DPC established in 2011 which aimed to protect depositors by providing a safety net in case of bank failures. This is how it works. This DPC covers deposits of up to a maximum of a thousand Zimbabwe dollars. Now, with the new currency that we have, I do not know what will that amount to, but this is per depositor per bank. So, if one has more than one account with several banks, you will only be compensated what you have per bank. This is a ridiculous law as alluded to by the first speaker.
Mr. Speaker Sir, membership of the DPC comprises commercial banks, merchant banks and building societies. The funding is by contribution to the DPC which is used to protect the depositors. In the event of a bank’s failure, the DPC reimburses depositors up to the covered amount within 90 days. To enhance depositor protection in Zimbabwe, the following steps could be done. I am coming in with more of recommendations on how we can have DPC work properly for us.
- We need to increase coverage limits; the current coverage limit is relatively low and could be increased to provide more comprehensive protection.
- We need to expand coverage and consider including other financial institutions such as micro-finance institutions, credit unions under the Deposit Protection Scheme. We need to strengthen regulation and supervision most importantly.
- Enhanced capacity of regulatory bodies to monitor and supervise banks. Ensuring the stability and soundness.
- Improve, public awareness, educate depositors about the Deposit Protection Scheme and their rights.
- Regular review and update, periodically review and update the Deposit Protection Framework to address emerging risks and international best practices.
- Enhance DPCs capacity, that is to strengthen the DPC operational capacity including its ability to promptly reimburse depositors in case of bank failures.
- You need to encourage banking sector for stability. Foster a stable banking sector through effective regulation, supervisions and micro-economic management.
By implementing these measures, Deposit Protection of Zimbabwe can be enhanced, promoting confidence in the banking sector and safeguarding depositors’ funds. However, there is much more that can be done because the issue here revolves around confidence. To be more confident in the banking sector, additional measures could be taken.
- To strengthen governance and risk management. Ensure banks have robust management systems, effective boards, transparency decision making processes.
- Enhance transparency and disclosure. We require banks to provide clear and timely information about their financial health, risk exposure and operations.
- Improve customer service. Banks should prioritise customer satisfaction, respond promptly to complaints and offer tailored financial solutions.
- Foster financial inclusion. Expand access to banking services especially for undeserved populations through innovative products and digital channels.
- We need to encourage competition, promote level playing field, allowing new entrance, innovative financial institutions to stimulate competition and improve services.
- We need to develop a robust consumer protection framework that establishes clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard customer rights and interests.
- Invest in financial literacy, educate customers about financial products, risks and responsibilities, empowering them to make informed decisions.
- To ensure effective supervision. Enforcement and crisis management capabilities to prevent and respond to banking crisis.
- We need to enhance cyber security in data protection, implement measures to safeguard customers’ personal and financial information.
- Encourage innovation, digital transformation, support banks on embracing technology, enhancing efficient and offering cutting edge financial institution.
- Foster international corporation, collaborate with global regulatory bodies and banks to share best practices across border risks and enhance standards.
- Regularly review and update regulations. We need to ensure that regulatory framework is still relevant, effective and responsive to emerging risks and trends.
By implementing these measures, the banking sector can further enhance, promoting financial stability, customers’ trust and economic growth. However, there is more that could be done. There could be incentives offered to depositors. Offering depositors favourable interest rates is an excellent way to build confidence in the banking sector. Competitive interest rates can incentivise depositors to keep their funds in the banks. Promoting financial stability and growth. Here are some of the potential benefits.
- Attractive returns. Favourable interest rates can attract depositors, encouraging them to serve and invest in the banks.
- Increase deposits, higher interest rates can lead to an influx of deposits, providing banks with a stable source of funding.
- Reduced capital flight. Competitive rates can discourage depositors from seeking higher returns in foreign banks or alternative investments.
- These encourage savings culture. Attractive interest rates can promote savings culture, helping individuals and business to build a financial safety net.
- Supports economic growth by attracting deposits, encouraging savings, banks can increase lending support, thereby increasing the economic growth and development.
- Offering competitive interest rates can foster customer loyalty as depositors are more likely to maintain their accounts and recommend the bank to others.
- This improves bank reputation. Offering favourite interest rates can enhance the reputation and demonstrating commitment to customer satisfaction and financial stability.
By offering interest rates, banks can demonstrate their commitment to depositors’ interests, building trust and confidence in the banking sector. It is not just the depositor’s protection that we are talking about here that can build confidence to the banking sector. These issues also as well may add up to building sound financial stable environment. I so submit Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you. I see some dwindling of numbers of Members of Parliament on my left. Now, we owe it to the taxpayer, to be present even if you are not debating; to listen to others. We learn by listening from others so that we can improve our knowledge base. So, whosoever is responsible for advising the Hon. Members on my left, they should come back. Let us not force the Administration of Parliament to come up with measures to the effect that those who do not attend for a minimum of x number of hours in the House shall not receive their entitlement. Do not force the Administration of Parliament to go that far.
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Hon. Speaker, I thought I would also add my voice to the motion by Hon. Jere on the Deposit Protection Fund or Scheme. The Deposit Protection Corporation was set up by Government to protect depositors against loss in the event of bank failure. Its purpose, if I were to start from there, it creates peace of mind to those people who bank their money. In the event of bank failure, they will recover. In the event the bank one is dealing with fails, they will not lose all their investments that they would have invested in that bank.
What we have been seeing over the years, somebody said there are cases where the bank is robbed and the robbers end up being shot and die in the process of trying to rob a bank. Some criminals out there, because they want to rob innocent people of Zimbabwe, come up with an idea of coming up with a bank so that members of the public will then deposit their money and after depositing their money, the bank will say look we are bankrupt now. The banks themselves pay a premium to the Deposit Protection Corporation for the insurance. The insurance will pay very little in relation to the deposited funds by the clients. So if I had deposited ten thousand and my bank then pay for insurance to cover me 500, they will pay that premium, claim the bank is bankrupt and take 9500 to themselves.
Mr. Speaker, the idea of the Deposit Protection Scheme is everywhere in the world and it is a very noble idea. I would want to thank our Government for coming up with this fund. I think on its own, it will not protect the depositors. The first thing is if it is called an insurance, it must be able to indemnify, to bring the client to his original position. In this case, the Deposit Protection Scheme does not bring anybody to his or her original position because they chose to pay 500 instead of the whole amount that was exposed to the bank failure.
I think as Parliament and as Budget and Finance Committee which is responsible for oversight in that sector, we need to engage the Deposit Protection Fund so that it really works as an insurance company, it is because it becomes a misnomer for it to become an insurance company who pays less than the exposure.
Mr. Speaker, the Deposit Protection Scheme, is an institution which only deals with the bank failure at the end of the process. It is not involved in making a decision whether this person, institution and this organisation is prudent enough to be a bank. So we have seen in the financial sector maybe I would have won a lottery or I have some source of money that I have. I come and open a bank; the requirement is that there should be so many shareholders with so much equity in the bank.
So what do these criminals do? They will then come to the Reserve Bank for registration and say, I am the person opening the bank, but I will not disclose I am the only shareholder. What I will do is I will come with another ten and give them funny nominal shares to say they are part of the ownership of the bank. You will only discover that the bank was owned by only one individual at the end of the tunnel when the bank fails.
I think the Deposit Protection Corporation together with the bank supervision at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and everybody involved in protecting the interest of depositors, should be involved beginning at the start of this bank, some of these things could have been disclosed and some of the things could have been picked and we will protect would be depositors. When a bank fails there are many risks that come to play, confidence in the banking system will obviously fall, there will be more run-ons on the banks. Banks do banking transaction with each other and some other banks then are exposed in systematic risks of this failing banks.
So it is very critical that our Deposit Protection, those who are in the banking sector who intend to be in the banking business, must contribute enough to cover the exposure. The exposure is the amount of deposits that we put in those banks and must have an insurance. If they are holding one billion dollars in their account where people have deposited same, we should expect them to buy an insurance policy either with DPC or with other insurance companies to the value of one billion dollars; that is when people are insured.
At the moment, it is just lipstick; it is true that they are not giving our innocent depositors enough cover. I would also want to say what we have seen in many of these banks that have failed is shareholders borrowing from the bank, directly looting of people’s deposits. DPC has no teeth, they cannot do anything because supervision rests with the RBZ. They only come in when they are supposed to come and compensate that little percentage of one’s contributions.
So I want to agree with the mover of this motion that we need to come up with enough laws, enough teeth for the Deposit Protection Corporation so that they really protect the members of the public who bank with our financial services industry.
We have so many banks in the past that have failed. We see their owners and those who were involved are still very rich. None of them is broke. It means if I look at them, I see them as still enjoying my money. How can they be rich when they declared bankruptcy? The other issue is that we would want to see the opening of the corporate veils – we need to know by name the people behind the bank. We need to know where they got this money to capitalise the bank. Where did they get this money from? We need to know before we even put our money there, we need to know because we just find somebody opening a bank and he has never been in the banking sector. The guy is not that rich. So, he may use money laundering funds to open a bank and get our money and they declare insolvency. What do we do?
I agree that we need to ensure that those who open banks must have enough capitalisation that they put aside. In the event of them failing, we can liquidate those assets and compensate depositors. As we speak, those who have stolen our monies use the Deposit Protection Corporation as a place to hide. They will say I failed as a bank and when you want your money, go and see the Deposit Protection Corporation where you are going to be given 10% of what you will have entrusted the bank with.
I would really think that the Minister of Finance must revisit the present Act that regulates the Deposit Protection Corporation. And also try to create some form of synergy between the DPC and bank supervision at the RBZ so that we have enough early warning signs before the banks fails. We need that early warning sign and people must be allowed then to make an informed decision. For us to know at the day of failure, it means RBZ was sleeping because the signs of a bank that is failing can be read two or three years before the failure of the bank. Today, we deposit our money in these banks and what they know is to put high charges. Where do they take this money to? No interest is paid in Zimbabwe and today many people keep their monies under their pillows. The reason is that we suspect every bank to be one of these funny institutions that have failed. We can only protect our people by coming up with strong regulations given to DPC because DPC will just pay and they do not even ask questions to the bank. The questions are asked in another institution. The law must explicitly show how DPC and bank supervision at RBZ work together to protect the innocent who save their monies with the bank.
My prayer is that we would want to have the Minister of Finance together with DPC to come to Parliament and explain how solid their insurance policy is, how they can enhance it either by bringing in more players to ensure that when the bank fails, I should get back my money. I thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MAMOMBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that we revert to Order Number 3 on today’s Order Paper.
HON. MAMOMBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
ADMINISTRATION OF THE NATIONAL CADASTRE
SYSTEM TO THE ZIMBABWE NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL
AND SPACE AGENCY
HON. MHURI: I move the motion standing in my name that:
NOTING that the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, in his Budget Statement on the 30th of November 2023, indicated that the 2024 National Budget would cater for:
- An Electronic Cadastre system to be administered by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; and
- A Mining Cadastre system to be administered by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
CONCERNED that the establishment of the two Cadastre systems to be administered by two different ministries carries heavy cost implications and will resultantly be inefficient as well as impracticable;
ACKNOWLEDGING that the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) currently has the infrastructure and capacity to administer a National Cadastre system;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon Government to assign the responsibility of administering a National Cadastre system to the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, as this would immediately bring a National Cadastre system into effect and inevitably reduce the burden on the fiscus.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: I second.
HON. MHURI: A national cadastre is defined as an official register or database of real estate indicating the spatial distribution of property quantities, values and ownership and will, at a minimum, have all the information necessary to calculate tax obligations on land use. Furthermore, information such as property owner’s profile and characteristics, properties building information, property location and area of land will be recorded. Since the national cadastre provides this important base for taxing property, it has assumed a very crucial role as a source of revenue for governments.
It must be noted that for national cadastre to be effective, it must combine property related information from important stakeholders such as:
- Deeds Office, providing ownership information to property that is registered;
- Mining, providing mining rights information which includes claims and future prospecting areas;
- Environmental Departments, providing the environmental data and important areas rehabilitated or still to be rehabilitated;
- Department of Surveyor General, providing boundary information of all the surveyed properties;
- State Owned Entities like National Railways of Zimbabwe providing rail and other important infrastructure information;
- Water related entities like ZINWA providing water bodies and access servitudes information;
- Department of Roads and related entities providing information on roads and servitudes;
- Urban and Rural District Councils providing master plans, building plans on structures on land (to support valuation) and also for the related data sets of properties (which are not necessarily registered at the Deeds Office), i.e.
- Servitudes leases giving rights to the use of council or municipal land or buildings
- Residential developments offered through cession rights
- Formal/informal business or industrial sites occupied through lease rights arrangements
- Customary land, State owned land administered by traditional leaders and rural district councils and in some cases with business and lease agricultural activities,
Mr. Speaker Sir, let me give a small background about the cadastre systems projects.
Mining Cadastre
It is important for this House to know that the mining cadastre project started sometime in 2014 and went through a tender process which resulted in a private company working on the project. This is more than nine years ago. We do not have any significant progress on this project since 2014 when the project discussions started.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the electronic Cadastre system project was divided into two components being the tender for hardware and software, and another one for consultancy. The discussion concerning these two components started some time in 2021. The hardware and software part of the electronic Cadastre system project was given to a private company in 2022 and nothing has been covered to this day. This significant part of the entire project seems to have now been abandoned. While on the other end, the consultancy project has not covered areas expected in line with their project plan and the last enquiry shows their project at around 10% of implementation.
Mr. Speaker, it is my respectful view that our private consultancy companies involved in these projects have failed the people of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe needs a national Cadastre as of yesterday for us to move with speed as we strive to be an upper middle-income economy by 2030. The electronic Cadastre and the mining Cadastre are indeed major land management systems in the country. Hence, they require best practices to be in place that would ensure a successful delivery. These two high profile projects require that all risks to failure be identified and mitigation steps be put in place. This will avoid Government overpaying when deadlines are not met or worse so, avoid fruitless and wasteful expenditures when the project shows signs of failure.
Mr. Speaker Sir, for a project of this nature to succeed, some of the following issues should be put under consideration:
- Deployment of a quality management plan.
- Conducting a systems independent testing
- Conducting continuous audits.
- Transparent and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
Most if not all of the above are not visible in what we are witnessing in the two current projects. At present, we have seen a mushrooming of “cadastres” within various property/land related entities. All these come at a cost to the fiscus and this should be corrected. Whilst the use of technologies in these entities is highly appreciated, these efforts can be at best be described as automation exercises. These separate initiatives in building different “cadastres” will not serve the prime objective of a National Cadastre as sources of spatial information as well as revenue through property tax among other objectives.
Building of national systems require the intelligent use of national resources. To this effect, we have existing resources at Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA). ZINGSA is a wholly owned Government of Zimbabwe entity, established under the Research Act (Chapter 10:22). This is an entity which was involved in the launch of Zimbabwe’s first Satellite ZIMSTAT-1. ZINGSA has also been instrumental in the mapping and regularisation of informal settlements in and around Harare; that is, Caledonia, Epworth, just to mention a few. ZINGSA is housed at Zimbabwe Science Park 1, where they operate together with Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing (ZCHPC). ZINGSA has managed to put in place, appropriate systems and platforms which could be utilised for hosting the National Cadastre as opposed to mobilising resources and run parallel cadastre processes by private players.
Automation of the relevant stakeholder systems from departments and entities like Deeds System, Mining System, Surveyor General System, Land Reform System and Council or Municipal systems will be supported and where necessary, expertise provided from ZINGSA to the needy departments. This will ensure that duplication of effort will be eliminated as these systems will have a common data base environment hosted at ZINGSA (Zimbabwe Science Park 1). The Mining Cadastre and Surveyor General Cadastre are being developed at a high combined cost of around US$18m, and they have fallen behind in completion, which in turn means that the eventual costs will more than double. If allowed to develop in this disparate manner, it means there will be duplication of effort, more effort, more costly and at the same time, the overall objective of having a Cadastre to provide spatial information and support revenue from property tax will be missed and rendered impracticable.
A Single National Cadastre will have the following benefits at the economic level;
- Integration with banking mortgage systems and finance houses.
- Data to easily support property valuation will be made available to Government, councils/municipalities and real estate professionals. Currently, it is cumbersome to get this information.
- Easy management of spatial information (location and size of properties) by National Government and Councils and Municipalities.
- Curbing of illegal activities by Land Barons as all information on land and ownership, registered and non-registered properties will be at one place.
- Providing integrated information that is needed by investors in mining and property development.
On the other hand, people of Zimbabwe:
- Will have easy access to much needed property information and verifications, which will also curb property fraud and disputes:
- Will have visibility of available areas in mining and within their councils and municipalities to request for allocation or start any type of business.
Madam Speaker, the status quo of two parallel systems has the following implications.
- Incorrect Cadastre perceptions: By using the terms cadastre, an impression is being created that the current systems being developed are indeed “true” cadastres. This is not the case in my respectful view. The fees charged and perceptions created to the state are those of full cadastres. It is my respectful view that these are basic automation processes and the ideal situation is for a country to have only one Cadastre system housed at one place.
- Fragmented Developments: By the mere fact that the two Cadastres are being developed parallel to each other, shows how fragmented the environment is. These two systems are definitely duplicating functionalities and efforts. This motion addresses this unwanted situation by proposing one National Cadastre, which is supported by stakeholder data sets and systems.
- 3. Post Implementation Operational Sustainability and Maintenance: Cadastral system maintenance and system updates involves costs and challenges that need to be addressed. For example, it can require significant financial, human and technical resources. These two ministries’ core responsibilities are not on technology development, which provides a very big risk once the private service providers are done and they have left. This will expose tax-payers money to high risk. This is a red flag and we propose a freeze on development of these pseudo-cadastres and redirect the management of the developmental process to be done under ZINGSA, a Government entity where the facilities and skills can be found.
Let me acknowledge the wisdom of His Excellency, our President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa who officially opened ZINGSA to cater for the highlighted issues as was seen when they launched the first Zimbabwe satellite, ZIMSAT 1. Madam Speaker, other implications to just mention are also:
- Data Integrity and Accuracy: Generally, cadastral systems face a number of challenges and some of them include updating and maintaining cadastral records and maps to reflect changes in ownership, boundaries, value, land use overtime. Also, there is need to improve the quality and reliability of cadastral data by ensuring accuracy, completeness and consistency of the information. All these require technical ICT skills that are currently housed at ZINGSA.
- The current property tax charged at councils and the one proposed and adopted through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion require property/real estate which is of high integrity and this can only come from a national cadastral system put in place and centrally coordinated.
Madam Speaker, may you allow me to move and address issues of information security if these cadastre processes are left done by private companies and some which might not be resident in Zimbabwe. Over the past decade, Zimbabwe State institutions have been involved in automation of their land and property management processes through the use of various technologies. Automation in general, assumes that the Government is in line with technological developments world-over. However, when one deals with property data, then issues of national security, integrity and individual privacy must be addressed.
Data in form of property boundary demarcations, rights, encumbrances and basic infrastructure form the basis of land administration system that ensures territorial integrity and security of ownership, as well as a unique land identification that supports the national economic activities and growth. Hence, data on property is a treasured asset to any State and must be preserved with all might.
The need for security is highlighted from as long back as 1856, property records were stored in vaults and strong rooms to preserve the ownership data, legal boundaries and related rights that are captured within. With automation, especially the development of the cadastres in which lack of capacity is evident, we get a new wave of data security threats. The following issues should be put under consideration:
- Clear understanding of property data
- Protection of national areas of interest.
- Data security legislative and policy imperatives.
- Securing the State’s investment.
- National security and stability.
- Security of community health.
- Security of real-time mapping data.
- Secure data warehousing facilities.
- Cyber security.
- Operation routines to guarantee security.
ZINGSA CAPACITY: Madam Speaker, ZINGSA represents a conglomerate of geospatial and technological competences, a rarity in most institution. This confirms that ZINGSA has the capacity to deliver in almost all geospatial initiatives. This agency was set up for this among other objectives. The skills and competencies identified at this agency can be summarised as follows:
- Geospatial systems architecture: designing space systems, property system and land management systems, disaster management systems to suit local conditions.
- Geospatial mapping: use of conventional and modern equipment in farm, residential, informal settlements, disaster and infrastructure mapping.
- Programme and project management: ability to design project or programme management plans for geospatial programmes/programmes that ensure that the outputs are delivered timeously and on budget. In the process, using best practice project management techniques.
- Geospatial research: has qualified research resources to conduct research in mapping (Epworth), space satellite (ZIMSAT 1).
- Hosting capacity: because of the high-tech environment, ZINGSA has continuous operating reference stations (CORS) and ground control functions as well as the satellite, ZIMSAT 1.
The electronic cadastre’s output of the property boundary is needed by a number of stakeholders who include mining, deeds, municipalities and other land management institutions. One would expect that the design of data warehousing involves other stakeholders which in turn would allow for stakeholder systems to share the property boundary data. Because of lack of expertise within the service provider, most relevant stakeholders have not been engaged. This surely violates the State’s drive of e-governance in which systems “talk” to one another. This might lead to every system developing its own property data set. Evidently and as of now, the mining cadastre and electronic cadastre development efforts are blind towards each other’s efforts.
Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the current electronic cadastre delivery approach has failed to meet the targets. Like the mining cadastre, in all probability, this initiative will subject taxpayer’s money to wasteful and fruitless expenditure. ZINGSA has the expertise and can deliver at far less cost to the State. By the way, ZINGSA is a Government department. Since the project involves safeguarding spatial information, it therefore needs to look at the security concerns of our country, hence the need to give it a Government department with capacity and expertise.
It is therefore, suggested that the Government assigns the responsibility of administering a national cadastre system to the Zimbabwe National Geospatial Space Agency as this would immediately bring a national cadastre system into effect and inevitably reduce the burden on the fiscus. I so submit Madam Speaker.
*HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Madam Speaker for according me this opportunity to support – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mamombe and the Chief Whip from the Opposition, please can you approach the Chair. It is not proper for an Hon. Member to instruct the Chair on what should happen. The motion was seconded by Hon. Togarepi and we are proceeding with debate now. You can go ahead Hon. Nyamupinga.
Hon. Mamombe and the Chief Whip from the Opposition approached the Chair.
*HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I was saying I would like to thank the Hon. Member for tabling such an important issue in this august House. I stand in support of this issue of cadastral system that has been tabled in this august House. Honestly speaking, the issue whereby Government spends a lot of funds while having a lot of cadastral systems for all those things to go on, they need to be financed. We have a cadastral system which is administered by the Ministry of Mines. They have their own cadastral system.
Just like what was said before that these issues started in 2016 and in other areas started in 2021 and 2022, while they were accorded – can you kindly bear with me because some of the words are difficult to say in Shona. They were offered to private players to monitor these cadastral players. Honestly speaking, just like what the speaker was saying, private players are being offered money but up to now, we do not have anything tangible. That is why we are saying this issue is very important. If we leave them out and we do not critically look at these issues, on some of them, we will lose a lot of funds from the Government because we will not be monitoring them clearly.
If we go on to mines, there is chaos there. Somebody will say they are mining in my farm, some will say this mine used to belong to so and so and this person did not get enough funds. Everything will not be clear. Madam Speaker, if you see such things, we have a lot of quarrels. If we focus on the issue to do with farms in the rural areas, others will even kill each other to say you have encroached into my territory but with this cadastral system, they were offered to monitor such although nothing tangible came out. A lot of funds were disbursed for this cadastral system. We were expecting people to know their boundaries to say this farm belongs to so and so and this person does not own the farm. That is the importance of cadastral system. The people who allocate land in these Ministries should use the cadastral systems so that we do not have double allocation to those farms. We do not expect such confusion because everything will be clear and computerised. When a person goes to the computer, it clearly shows that this land was allocated to so and so. We will not see double allocations anymore. They said they are now focusing in electronic cadastral system in the Ministry of Mines. They invited private players from 2021 but up to date, we do not have anything tangible.
Madam Speaker, we all know that in those farms, we have a lot of unsolved issues. They were not solved at all, even if you remember well, when we used to debate the report which was tabled in this House, on Peace and Reconciliation Commission, it stated that people are now spending more money in trying to resolve the issues to do with the land. Even those artisan miners, they will come holding letters from the Ministry because they will say mining is more important than land. This is simply because we do not have a uniformed cadastral system so that those from Mines and Lands can use it. It is very important for us to have a national cadastral system.
I remember when the Hon. Member raised the motion, said that we have a private prayer in lands and a private player in mines. In all those areas, we do not have anything tangible. We are actually supporting the mover of the motion to say we have to combine both of them and come up with a national cadastral system, which will then be looked and monitored by ZINGSA because it showed us that it is capable. Right now, His Excellency, our President launched the Mazowe satellite. It is part of the Government because it was launched by His Excellency. It will never be left out without enough resources to monitor the cadastral system which was mentioned by the previous speaker. If we talk of cadastral system, some people will ask what that is. It is information which is kept at the central place, whereby even investors when they come, we will not be ashamed to say that this mine belongs to so and so ,yet we want them to invest into our country.
Madam Speaker, if we have a central system, they will be working with someone from that area, they will just visit the national cadastral system and there will not be any confusion of double allocations. It will be clear in that cadastral system. There is need for a one-stop shop that will help the relevant Ministries because everything will be at one central point. There will be no wasting of time in trying to get the information. Even if you are a resident of this country, you will have a problem of trying to know whether the areas belong to someone or not. It is very important for us to have a national cadastral system which will then be kept by ZINGSA. It is not that we like ZINGSA so much, we are seeing the capability of this organisation because the other organisations did not have the capacity to take care of all the things in various areas.
Madam Speaker, we are saying we want to bring everything together. Our Government will also spare some funds and other things which are needed for them to centralise this cadastral system. Government will save a lot of money, if we save a lot of money, we will channel some of the monies somewhere else because our Government is overwhelmed. There is a lot to be catered for by the Government. By so doing we will have saved some funds. That also helps the Government when planning. If they do not know what to do, they will simply go to a computer, it will show everything in the national cadastral system. They will not rush from point A to point B only to find that it is already occupied.
I am supporting Hon. Mhuri to say we need to have a national cadastral system. It has to be centralised and monitored by ZINGSA which was launched by the President. The President gave the organisation all the responsibilities and in a short period of time, they launched the Mazowe satellite. They are doing a lot. They are capable of doing a lot of things. They must be given the custody of the cadastral system to monitor it, to simplify everything, chaos within the mines has to end, it has to be resolved. I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to support the issue of the cadastral system that was also contributed to by Hon. Nyamupinga. All wise nations use their reserves to serve their nationals. We need to have a one-stop-shop just like ZINGSA which will keep all the information to do with the country. If you look at mines, 80% of gold mining which is done, they take many years in disputes between mines and themselves. Some do air pegging, others take bribes and then repeg on top of other people’s claims and this will end up in people failing to mine gold and a lot of time is lost in trying to resolve disputes.
To solve this problem, the information must be contained in one organisation and centralised. If it is kept in the Ministry of Mines, there is corruption that is happening there and if it is kept in the Ministry of Agriculture, there is corruption that side as well. We must make it as an independent organisation that does not have a lot of corruption. People are not making progress in mining because there is in-fighting. Even if we go to agriculture – [HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Inaudible interjection.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): Hon. Madzivanyika, I have noticed that you are conversing in a loud voice, please can you allow Hon. Mapiki to be heard in silence.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I did not know that I am conversing in a loud voice – [Laughter.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Madzivanyika, do I look like a man?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Madam Speaker Sir, my apologies.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: So, you continue to say Madam Speaker Sir?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My apologies Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Please, can you allow Hon. Mapiki to be heard in silence.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Hon. Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. Madzivanyika for being humble.
HON. BUTAU: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point of order? HON. BUTAU: According to the Standing Rules and Orders, Members of Parliament are expected to address others as Hon. Members. The utterance by the Hon. Member to say, that… “puts his tail under the” - it is not professional. I kindly ask the Hon. Member to withdraw.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mapiki, did you mean that it was a good thing that Hon. Madzivanyika had to apologise?
HON. BUTAU: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I do not think Hon. Members need to give each other lecturers in terms of language application in this House. –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mapiki, please continue.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The issue here is that Zimbabwe has a lot of natural resources but we are failing to plan. I will take other countries, for example those countries that are borrowing money from the World Bank. They take loans and use their natural resources as collateral, like minerals, farms or et cetera. They know the importance or the value of those things. So, on the system that is being used, it gives us an opportunity as a nation to know that in such and such a place, there are minerals which are valued at this price and the quantities.
Even when an investor comes, it makes the job easier because if it is ZINGSA where investors go, they give you some coordinates and then they know that the area called Shamva has minerals like gold, lithium and other various minerals. It also indicates that this place has gold worth so much and the names of the owners of the mines. If it is allocated to so and so, they will quickly update it so that nobody will take over.
That also helps us as a nation even when we are asked to give the value of our unexploited minerals compared to the loan that you would want to take. The Ministry has to determine, and if anyone wants to invest, they go to the Ministry and will use that technology to demarcate on the boundaries done by ZINGSA. These issues help us as a country. If someone was to ask the value of our minerals and as a country today, we do not even know. Those are some of the challenges that are forcing us to end up having those EPOs.
Others are being asked to do the prospection. If you have an opportunity to know the full details about the area, then we simply give the person coordinates to say go and mine there. If it is done by private players, it will attract a lot of money and people will fail to see the transparency part of it. Other people who have their own personal interests will deprive those that will be interested on that information. So, what is happening between mines and agriculture, mines are doing their own things so as agriculture. Those from Ministry of Mines are going into those agricultural lands and then they will start to peg. If we only have one central point where that information is kept, it would be prudent for us to have such information, hence I strongly support the debate by the previous speaker. It is important to our country; I cannot remember whether it is Mali or Niger, those countries could actually tell to say if you want to lend us money, we have things worth this amount.
So, I stand to support what was tabled here in this august House and also supported by Hon. Nyamupinga. We are more than ready to have such information which is then kept private. There are bribes and corruption, I thank His Excellency for the launch of ZINGSA. I think it has to be an independent company which does not have to be told what to do. It must be independent just like any national centre. That will also help us to solve disputes faced in different ministries. It helps us on issues to do with land barons.
It will also resolve many issues, and whenever somebody wants to be allocated something, it will be easy to get a clearance. I would like to thank you Hon. Speaker.
HON. FRED MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I have listened very attentively to the debate. I am afraid I may differ with the mover of the motion and I will try to explain why. I believe that we may be going the wrong way with this subject. When I was in Government, I was one of the pioneers who initiated the issue of mining cadastre. I would therefore try to explain what the objectives of the mining cadastre was and I think they have remained that way. If they have changed colour or direction, it would be very unfortunate, but the intention of bringing in a mining cadastre was in fact to benchmark our mining sector with mining sectors of other countries. The intention was to benchmarks the operations of our mining sector with that of other mining jurisdictions.
The first reason of trying to benchmark was that we needed to manage our title for both local and foreign investors. We needed to manage the way we give title, the way we maintained title, the way we withdraw title must be managed in a manner that is internationally understood to make it easier for investors to feel the same way of managing mineral portfolios. We must understand that mining is in fact international business. If you are looking at mining at a bigger scale, arbitration of mining disputes will always have a sprinkle of international influences because mining is an international business. The minerals that we mine here are in fact largely consumed by external jurisdictions, which means if we delivered a product out of spec, we are going to deal with disputes at international levels.
So we wanted to say how do we maintain, draw and issue title. That was objective number 1. Objective number 2 was to make sure that Government collects revenue in a manner that is correctly supervised by standard platform, whether it is revenues for local authorities, Treasury and other Government departments that had to be supervised with a platform that is consistent. Remember these revenues are being detracted from sales revenue that are coming out of the country. So we needed to make sure that we collect our revenues in a correct manner that is auditable and standardised with behaviours of other mining jurisdictions. The third point was that of ushering in efficiency in the way we do things. I will explain how efficiency was going to be achieved or intended to be achieved so that the whole system of managing our mineral portfolio is done in a manner that is efficient, consistent, auditable and benchmarked.
Let me go to point number 1 which is the issuing of mining title. At the moment, our system is manual and because it is manual when you apply for title, you go through a number of offices at the Ministry of Mines. You go through survey, legal, geology, mining engineering until you go to commercial and administration. What we intend to do with mining cadastre is that we must automate this whole system. All titles are drawn to a specific shape and size whether it is rectangle or square. By computerising, you are making sure these shapes are drawn without leaving gaps where we waste land, and these squares or rectangular when done online by this cadastre system, will sit nicely together in the whole area where we have pegged. Corners are picked and there is nobody who is going to traverse into another person’s block.
We needed to pick every mine that we have, and give their title coordinates to say this is what I own. That is then drawn by the computer. When we have done that to all these mines, we will then see where there are conflicts. Once we resolve the conflicts, we now have a shape that is not going to be changed because it is computerised. It is not going to be changed because cadastre works on a hierarchy of authorisation. We start at the top by the person who is called the system administrator. That is the person who will be holding the key to the whole system. He or she is the one that gives every other person in that department the authority to access the system. That authority designates you to say if you are at this level and you do this work, you only have access to this point and you only authorise the following decisions. That hierarchy goes right up to the top. The system administrator must have reconciliations at the end of each day to say what happened in the system, who did what, what was authorised, what was withdrawn and what was paid as dues to Government. That person is the person who is really the legal officer of the whole mining system running the cadastre system.
The intention was that anybody who wants a mining title in Zimbabwe can ask for a title on their phone. They can be sitting in Kariba, Finland and Russia. There should be a website of the Zimbabwe mining cadastre on an international platform where I will take my phone and say to the Zimbabwean system, I want to apply for a title to mining in Zimbabwe. The system will ask what mineral I want and I say I gold. The geological map will come up and show me whether gold mining has taken place and indicate the titles that are already taken by who – of course it hides some confidential information – it shows me the areas that are blank and ask do you want to peg here? If I say yes, I put the coordinates on my phone and comes up and asks me if I want that block and say yes, I want to peg that block. It then says please uptake and I punch to say I have taken that ground. The system will say on Thursday at 1600 hours in Zimbabwe so and so took this area and that area is locked. Nobody can access that and it says your interest will be kept locked for 30 days or three months or whatever. It asks you that if you want to proceed, you can make payment either online or go to the bank with your reference number from the Ministry of Mines to make payment. If I have a computer nearby, I print and carry that to the Ministry of Mines. Nobody touches your paperwork; nobody makes a decision for you but it is being done on the computer. That is the point on title management. If title is going to expire, the whole system will give you a warning on line to say your title will expire in six months and the steps you have to follow are 1,2,3. It will expire on account of you not making returns on your production or because you have not paid your renewal fees or whatever the reason is and you are warned you have to act because all the timings of warnings are there. Nobody can then go to court and say you forfeited my claim without my knowledge because you have it all yourself. That was part of the intention.
Please note that I am saying that the system is interactive. Do not go to the Ministry of Mines but go to your computer or internet café and register and do everything there. That makes the whole system efficient. The issue of corruption by mining officials is not going to happen. If it happens, it means that the system administrator is liable as he is the only person who can override the system and nobody else. By the way, at the end of each day, it will record to say official so and so logged onto the system for so many hours and at 2 p.m. this person tried to execute a decision that they are not allowed to do. That comes out daily as an exception report which tells everything that will have happened, which is out of order.
If a request comes to my desk as the surveyor, it says surveyors must execute within a fortnight or within two or three days. If I do not do my duty on the stroke of the specified period, your unattended issue that was raised with you moves up to your supervisor because the system knows who your supervisor is. It goes to the supervisor and says your subordinate should have executed this matter but did not and it is now on your desk. If you want to get that report to go to the Minister as well for his information, even if the Minister does not execute the final authority, it will also go back to him but I do not know whether it will go above him to say you are sitting on a decision that should be taken. So, that is the issue.
On the revenue collection, every payment by every person who owns a claim or a mine is not going to be guess work because it sends a signal to the Ministry of Finance that this title is due for payment of this money and it should be paid by this period to both the Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Finance. So, we all know what we expect this month and what revenue should come this quarter. The Minister of Finance is not in the dark of what is happening. That is the intention on revenue collection. All people who collect revenue from the Ministry of Mines are on the same platform. When the monies are paid, they are sent straight to where they should be going and not to Treasury only. That is the issue on improving revenue collection.
The third point on efficiency is that the system is prompting everybody who is working on the system to do things that they have to do in a specified period. So, Madam Speaker, the system is not about keeping information but about getting the business to function. The system reports on what is being done in the Ministry every day, every month and so, taking it and positioning it into some geo-spatial system elsewhere does not work. In fact, you are allowing the Ministry of Mines to sit back and do nothing. If you want us to store the data that the Ministry of Mines has, it is all fair. It can be dumped every fortnight to where you want it to go. But this system must be interactive and supervise the mining system.
What we have as a challenge at the moment is that the Minister of Finance could go in and present a budget here that says in the next five years, the Ministry of Mines will bring so much revenue when in fact the Minister does not have information of what the Ministry will have in the next five years. Our intention was that every mine must have some computerised system that shows what we call a life of mine plan of one to five years. We also need an interface; each mine must put their information on the interface with our cadastral system so that we know the mining industry’s plans by mineral; nickel, gold, each and every mine interfaced to cadastre so that the engineers and economists in the Ministry can supervise the activities of the Ministry better. So. I would like to submit that there is need for Hon. Members to be exposed in clear detail to the intentions of using cadastre. That is technical detail which relates to the Ministry. This has nothing to do with farms or storage of data, but has everything to do with supervising our mining sector, hourly, daily, weekly or monthly. The fact that it has not been done does not mean it is not the right thing. By the way, when you have listened to what I said, what the system will do there is no wonder why it is being resisted in the Ministry. The Committee responsible for mining in this House should demand that progress be made. That is what we should be asking for. When I was in the Ministry and we said the mining sector must put their information to interface with the Ministry through cadastre, some executives said no, but that is confidential information and I said but it cannot be confidential to your stakeholder who is Government. Remove what is confidential and leave the resource planning so that Government can see what is happening. So, there could be resistance from a number of fronts. Let us get the system implemented and not create a diversion and try and say things are not going to be done. They cannot be done if you move people from us who are sitting in another system, ZINGSA and ask them to come and interface with mining surveyors and get told this is how we do things. It will take us 20 years and it is not going to be done Madam Speaker. I am sorry I took too much time. I thank you for indulging me.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. DHLIWAYO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAZUMBUMA: Madam Speaker, I move that we move to Order of the Day Number 4.
HON. N. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LAW FOR THE PROVISION OF LAND TENURE SECURITY
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact a law providing security of tenure to all the land including communal land.
Question again proposed.
HON. PINDUKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Good Afternoon. Thank you so much for allowing me to add my voice on the current debate before us on the motion that was brought forward by Hon. Hlatywayo on security of land tenure. On that debate, I have a definition that I would want to premise my debate on, which tries to define the security of land tenure as it refers to the assurance of or protection of that individual or community has over the right to occupy, use and control of a piece of land without fear, forced eviction, expropriation or other forms of dispossession.
With that definition, Madam Speaker, the issue of land in Zimbabwe or in the context of our motherland Zimbabwe, is intertwined with the sacrifice that the boys and girls of our yester years who are the veterans of the liberation struggle we have today, who have sacrificed for this particular land we are talking about, be it communal or other land use categories. In my own perspective Madam Speaker, when we refer to land in Zimbabwe, we also need to define or put it or at least give it to the value and weight it deserves as there is a covenant between the people of Zimbabwe and those who have sacrificed for us to be where we are today.
If we also look at aspects of security of land tenure, we look at it from the perspective of long-term duration. I would like to give an example from the villages we come from, our rural areas. You would see that we have quite a number of families that have been on the communal lands for a very long time, 70, 80 years. However, if you would like to equate it to other families which assume titles in urban centres where there are titles or deeds to say, you will find that a family could have moved from one title to the other. So in terms of long-term duration, the security of land tenure is already there. The call for security land tenure is misplaced Madam Speaker.
If I would also call that land in Zimbabwe is our birthright. If we look at it from the perspective that even all of us here Hon. Members, we have already deposited in the sense that when time visits us, we all need this earth. Where are we going? The answer Madam Speaker is land. Looking at this perspective Madam Speaker, the issue of land is critical. When we refer to the Berlin Conference that took place around 1884 to 1885 in Portugal, organised by the German Chancellor, Otto Bismarck, which also called for the petition of Africa, we can also try to relate it to the context of calling for the security of land tenure to say, it will lead us to fragmentation of our communal lands, which Madam Speaker, I feel undermines or weakens our traditional systems as well as the governance systems of our local authority in Zimbabwe.
Madam Speaker, as Zimbabweans, we have our values and norms which relate back to our yester years where most of our rural communities abide by the dictates of our values and traditions that even influence what we also put or what we also wear in our different communities. It also speaks to the means, respect and honour to our ancestors of the land. How will this be coordinated if one assumes a title of a piece of land?
Madam Speaker, this calls for security land tenure, whether collective in the form of a trust like what has been put by an Hon. Member from the opposite side of this august House, whether individually, the titles undermine the unitary state of Zimbabweans and also threatens our identity. This idea of titles will result in our communities to be fragmented. At the end of the day, our village headmen as well as our chiefs and the oversight role vested in His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, will end up difficult for the communities to unite and be coordinated under such security of land tenure aspect.
I also want to thank other Hon. Members that have also come before me with their views as well and contributing to the current debate where the issue of land tenure should be looked at from a perspective where we value our traditional norms and local governance system that we see today. Our rural/communal areas and people we represent are united. They have no other values and norms. They are also living harmoniously in peace. Having said that Madam Speaker, the security of land tenure is misplaced in this context as it does not relate or have relevance to the current state of the nation. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for the voice that I have added. Thank you so much.
*HON. KASHAMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would want to add my voice on the motion that is seized on our nation and Zimbabwe as a whole, the issue of land, especially agricultural land. Madam Speaker, the issue of land in Zimbabwe is not addressed without emotions because it has a historical background. The issue of land in this country did not come on a silver platter because we are endowed with rich land and good weather. Madam Speaker, some of us were oppressed because people wanted to take our land. Our ancestors fought and died for the land. Because of that, our land cannot be divided into portions. Even in this House, we have to remain united because in this House, some still think that the land belongs to the white people. For some who believe that the land does not belong to us, they will take it back to the oppressors. Our land should not have title deeds, it should remain in the hands of the President, the State. It is not only about land. We have so many minerals in our land.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order, I think we need to allow Hon. Kashambe to be heard in silence. Thank you.
*HON. KASHAMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker for protecting me. It is not a rumour that we have agricultural land which includes animal husbandry and horticulture. In that farming as well, we come across some who are residents who want to cause confusion, who go to the agricultural land and build illegal structures. They take agricultural land with the aim that they will be given title deeds which are being given in the urban areas. On that issue as well, we have three organisations responsible for land which should be strengthened so that our land remains and will be inherited by generations to come.
We have the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Local Government; many speakers have talked about the conflict between the agricultural land and the mining land and one of resettlements which is being managed by the local government. Madam Speaker, there is nothing that we can do in this country if we do not own land. Land cannot be contained in one pocket but it should be in one place where the President is the custodian of the land. That is the one whom we say should remain as the custodian of the land.
In conclusion, because this issue has been debated thoroughly, I want to acknowledge Advocate Ndudzo’s debate because he articulated the history of how Africa was divided. That it was one country but because of our land, and our favourable weather conditions in Africa, our minerals – because land is rich, borders were erected upon us. If they say this land belongs to Zimbabwe, if we cannot do anything in Zimbabwe then we can go to Zambia. If we cannot get the land in Zambia, then we can go to South Africa. I want to thank the courts of South Africa on what they passed in the past few days to the whites who deserted Zimbabwe. They went to approach the courts in South Africa and were referred back to Zimbabwe. We want to thank the people of South Africa because of that ruling which shows that as Africans, we know how important our land is. With these words, I will take my seat and say once again that our land should belong to the State. We were given 99-year leases. They explain that if you are able to utilise that land the next generations can come and occupy the land as well. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
+HON. P. MAHLANGU: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thought it is wise that I also contribute to this motion about the land. Land is a person and a person is land. Therefore, land is very important to us black people. We say land is ours and it is our heritage and the generations to come. That is why it is written in the Bible that the children of Zelophehad attacked the King because they had the right to inherit the land that was of their ancestors. We agree with people that it is different. We love land because it is precious, there are a lot of minerals which I cannot highlight because we all know them. They include gold, diamond and platinum. A person should not be given land to be his alone. When the Government wants that land, it will be difficult for them to get it because the person will say he or she has title deeds to the land. Hon. Speaker, I also say that we the black people may be in the rural areas; we may be in the agricultural lands, we love land because we have our herds of cattle which can be around 30. Where we plough, we should get production because it comes from the land. Land is ours. The land in the rural areas belongs to our ancestors. I am entitled or have a right to go to the rural areas of my ancestors of Masvingo, and you can easily track that this is a descendant of Ncube and has a right to come back to the land of her ancestors. A heritage land cannot be sold or be given to an individual because we believe that we are from the soil as says the Bible that we are dust and to dust we shall go back. Hence, this land is very essential to us. Some of us of a different religion, we say we do not know where my religion is tied to, which is a symbolic clarification that a human being is so attached to the land.
We, the new generation and the future generation, the land that we have should be kept as our prosperity, hence the President does not allow people to do whatever they want with our land because this land is so rich. This land is also our future and prosperity. We can show evidence that on this land we shall prosper. When we go to the Bible, Joseph tells his children that when he dies, they should take back his bones to the land of his ancestors which signifies that the land is so important and we cannot take it so lightly. I am saying the land in rural areas cannot be sold in terms of title, hence the land should belong to the President in relation to the chiefs and how that land can be allocated and distributed.
*HON. SAMSON: Thank you very much Madam Speaker for the opportunity that you have given me. Firstly, for it to be called a country, it is the land and that is why you saw people left this country to join the struggle. Others went to Zambia, Mozambique and so on, but the bottom line was to fight for our land which had been taken from us by these foreigners and shared it amongst themselves. People knew the land belonged to us and that is why people sacrificed their lives to join the liberation struggle to reclaim back our motherland.
In addition, it was not an easy task. There was a lot of bloodshed. Even if we debate in this august House, everyone from all the corners of this country has a relative who died for this country. Even when we are seated in our homes, we can have different mindsets despite being born from the same womb. As a country, there are others who do not recognise the importance of land, but what I know is that even those people who do not know the importance but right now, people understand the importance of our sovereign land.
When the colonisers came into this country, they occupied all the fertile areas and took black people to poor soils simply because we did not know what was happening when we saw those whites coming in wearing those shorts. We thought they were poor people, but they knew that our land was very rich. So when we speak on the issue to do with land, we need to think deep. We do not have to joke when we talk about our sovereign land. The issue to do with our farms, just like what is being said, all land should be protected and safeguarded by His Excellency Cde. Dr. E.D Mnangagwa. It helps us. Whenever he discovers that there is need to do farming in this area for the welfare of our citizens, he has overall powers to say you have to farm on this land. If that land is allocated to me, I do not have power over His Excellency.
This issue was once debated in this House and some Hon. Members ended being emotional from the memories and experiences during the liberation struggle. This country of ours, the problem which happened is that some of us got angry to say we were taking land from the white settlers. We were reclaiming our land, but I would like to thank His Excellency Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa who said let us stay together and unite regardless of race. However, we discovered others who are hard-headed whom we thought were not suitable to continue staying on those farms and were evicted because you cannot, as an intruder, overpower those who reside in that area. So this issue was perfectly resolved. There is not any leadership as good as our President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. He knows how to live in peace even with those who are fighting against him. His Excellency is very kind and has accepted those people to continue to stay in this country. If I was the one in charge, I was going to chase all of them out of this country because they were abusing us for quite a long time. So I would like to thank His Excellency for his kind heart. He is a good leader.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, I would like to thank you for this chance that you have afforded me to debate on this important matter. I will not respond to those Members speaking behind my back but if you tell me to sit down, I will simply do so. So, I rally behind the keeping of our land in our custody. I thank you.
HON. KAITANO: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I want to premise my debate on the passage of scripture, II Corinthians, Chapter 2 verse 1, “To keep Satan from taking advantage over us for we are not ignorant of his schemes”. Madam Speaker Ma’am, I am going to underline the word schemes and tricks.
The schemes about our land here in Zimbabwe started way back and at this juncture as a country, we are now quite aware of them. In 1889, the schemes initiated by Cecil John Rhodes approached the traditional leadership of this country. He prepared a scheme under what is now known as the Rudd Concession where he came and asked for exploration rights to look for minerals in this country. He was granted that concession, little did we know that he wanted to use that concession to seek a royal charter from the then British queen, Queen Victoria to colonise Zimbabwe.
Now, we must as Zimbabweans, be very careful when it comes to the issue of land because we are not ignorant of these kinds of schemes. In 1930, the same colonial masters then legally enacted a model law that barred Africans from owning land from the designated native land and that law was used against us to acquire land.
In 1966, Zimbabweans decided enough was enough, we had to defend our land. At the moment, we have a very serious war happening somewhere north of Africa and that war, if you look at it is just about land. That war has been for centuries, it does not stop, it even goes to the era before Christ (BC), and that war is basically about land. Even though in 1986 we started the war in the first Chimurenga, we did not succeed but in 1966, our forefathers continued with the quest of taking back our land because over the years, we were now aware of the schemes of our erstwhile enemies.
1979, we had the Lancaster House and we agreed that we were as Zimbabweans going to have our land but again the past colonisers schemed another scheme. They said for 10 years we will not take back the land. They said we would then appoint a white Minister of Agriculture. We did that as a way of pacifying the warring partners believing that as we move forward as a people, we were going to reach a consensus.
If you may remember Madam Speaker Ma’am, in 1980, we then asked everybody to co-exist in this country. So in that same spirit, we allowed them for about 10 years to have the land before we started redistributing it earnestly. Come 1990, we then had a brotherly consideration; we allowed what was happening to take its course. As you might be aware, the late African icon President Mandela was released from prison and we did not want to alarm the whites by beginning to take back our land in 1980. So we gave our brothers in South Africa an opportunity to defeat apartheid via the pause that happened in 1994.
However, all this time Madam Speaker Ma’am, we were very much aware of the schemes of the white colonial master and we are even up to date and continue to be very much aware of their schemes.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, in 1998, 1999, and 2000, we then decided to have our Constitution to appropriate land legally, but over the years since I was eligible to understand what elections are all about, we then realised that in the year 2000, how the white minority group mobilised masses of farm workers to go and vote against the New Constitution like in 1896 and 1966, Zimbabweans went back and took back their land. So, from 2000, we took back our land.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the question that is before us is whether we should allow individuals to do whatever they want to do with our land or let the State be the custodian. Should we allow anybody to do whatever they want with this land that our forefathers, brothers, and sisters fought for? Should this Parliament allow such to happen – that is the question before us.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, I submit that the Government of Zimbabwe, the Government of the Second Republic has shown that it is very responsible when it comes to giving land to Zimbabweans.
You might be aware Madam Speaker that in Epworth, His Excellency the President of this country Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa has already given 350 title deeds to beneficiaries and there is a target of 38 000 beneficiaries in Epworth alone. In Caledonia there are 29 000 targeted title deeds beneficiaries.
My point Madam Speaker is that the Government of Zimbabwe is amenable to giving out title deed. However, it has to be done responsibly and you may agree with me that it is the State, it is the Government that we are 100% sure that it will use, it will exercise this right responsibly with national interest at heart, not just commercial interest, but national interest at heart understanding that this land we have it today, blood was shed and today it is that same blood that is watering our freedom.
As I conclude Madam Speaker, it is prudent that the powers to allocate land, to give title deeds be it communal land, commercial land, resettlement land it does not matter, let this right reside in the State headed by the President. It is the President who will decide. When I say the President, I mean the President leading the Government who will decide who to give title deeds to because we know it is a responsible Government. If we are not careful that Satan whom we must be very much aware of, may once more again creep into this county and surreptitiously steal away land from the Zimbabweans.
I therefore submit Madam Speaker that land tenure or title deeds reside in the State controlled by the President of the Republic. I thank you.
*HON. CHINODAKUFA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Let me just add a few words on land. Madam Speaker, what I want to say is that this issue of land is very painful but when it was first debated, I thought the person who introduced it had direction, but I realised that it was just a lie. They were trying to entice us and it was like a trap.
What I am thinking about the issue of land is that land should remain in the hands of the President. The communal lands are our inheritance from our ancestors. The land that I am farming was farmed by my ancestors and if I leave that land, my grandson will farm that land but if it is put in my name, where will my young brothers and nephews farm? So this issue of land is a serious issue.
In short, I want to say that there are a lot of games which we can play. We can play chess; we can do folk stories but when it comes to land, it is not a play game. Thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. N. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. N. NDLOVU, the House adjourned at Thirteen Minutes past Five o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 9th May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE
SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): I have to inform the Senate that on Friday, 3rd May, 2024, Parliament was notified by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), that in terms of Section 39 (7) (a) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], five members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) were duly appointed as Members of the Senate under proportional representation with effect from the 3rd May, 2024.
Section 128 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that before a Member of Parliament takes his or her seat in Parliament, the Member must take the Oath of a Member of Parliament as set out in the Third Schedule of the Constitution. Section 128 (2) states that the oath must be taken before the Clerk of Parliament.
I, therefore, call upon the Clerk of Parliament to administer the oath of a Member of Parliament. I call upon the following Members to subscribe to the Oath of Loyalty; Kunaka Tambudzai, Murisi Zwizwai, Manyengawana Moses, Munemo Spiwe and Bvumo Tawanda.
NEW MEMBERS SWORN
HON. TAMBUDZAI KUNAKA, HON. MURISI ZWIZWAI, HON. MOSES MANYENGAWANA, HON. SPIWE MUNEMO and HON. TAWANDA BVUMO subscribed to the Oath of Loyalty as required by the law and took their seats – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Today being a Thursday, we are getting into a session where we have Questions Without Notice but before that, I have a very long list of apologies from the Ministers as follows:-
Hon. Prof. M. Ncube, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion; Hon. B. Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality; Hon. T. Mnangagwa, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality; Hon. O.C.Z Muchinguri-Kashiri, the Minister of Defence; Hon. L. Mayihlome, the Deputy Minister of Defence; Hon. Sen. M. Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; and Hon. W. Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. F. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. S. Chikomo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. O. Mazungunye, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Prof. A. Murwirwa, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. S. Sibanda, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. T. Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. R. Modi, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. D. Garwe, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Hon. Dr. A. J. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. B. Haritatos, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. Dr. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care; Hon. S.T Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care.
In the House, we have Hon. Deputy Minister K.D Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion; Hon. Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development; Hon. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. E. Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development; and Hon. Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
+HON. SEN. R. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. When are the roads in question going to be rehabilitated, which are Bulawayo-Nkayi, Kwekwe, Lupane and Nkayi?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Unfortunately, there was no interpretation, but I was following. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Ndlovu for the very important question that relates to two very important roads, Bulawayo-Nkayi and the one that she mentioned emanating from Kwekwe, Lupane, Nkayi.
Mr. President Sir, I need to apprise and let the august House know that with the advent of the Second Republic, we have seen that we were partaking in a very robust infrastructural development which entails tapping into our resources domestically, which is an ongoing exercise. We have extended it for another two years through the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, which is continuing with the indulgence of His Excellency, the President.
I want to say to Hon. Senator that you are right regarding Nkayi Road, there is a section we are working on currently, but the progress has not been that tremendous. I want to assure the august House that the model that we are taking as a Ministry now is also to invite private players to resonate with the President’s mantra that says, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’. We are saying we need private players to partner Government so that we have relevant sections of some of our roads that will then work together with private sectors.
So this is the exercise that we are doing and one such particular road is Nkayi Road where we arevnot only going to attend to the 15 km that has been earmarked, but we will go straight to Nkayi which is 90 km from Bulawayo after having factored in the 15 km that I have talked about. So you will see us working on that particular stretch that I have talked about with speed because we will be having partners to work with.
Not only that road, if you would look at those going to Victoria Falls, the shortest possible route is for them to connect from Kwekwe-Nkayi-Lupane. So we now have another investor again working on that stretch on a triple ‘P’ basis. Hence, you will see us moving in that trajectory, which will then give impetus to the road rehabilitation programme rather than for us to continue taping into the fiscus where we have other competing factors. Therefore, this is the humble plea that it might be taking time but through the triple ‘P’ arrangement, you will see the Ministry attending to several roads.
Through the initiative of the Ministry under the guidance of His Excellency, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa, you will see the Ministry flighting an advert to invite the private sector. We are talking of pension funds, and banks so that they start participating in the infrastructure development of this country. I thank you.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. Hon. Minister, you know that the most topical subject at the moment is our own structured currency, the ZiG which is backed by gold and other precious minerals.
My question is that if the gold fluctuates on the international market, what effect does that have on our currency relative to other international currencies?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGANGWA): Thank you Mr. President. In our bid to defend our currency, right now we are smiling because gold is going up but indeed, the inverse can happen and gold will go down so it poses a very important question as to what happens when the gold price depreciates. I would like to refer to the monetary policy statement, the Governor had a very complicated but simple formula that took the inflation differentials between the gold price and USD inflation which usually move in different directions. That is why in our reserves we have both physical gold and USD reserves, which means that the inflation differentials between the two are supposed to even out and make sure that the value remains somewhat stable. So, the monetary authorities, in their wisdom, had taken that into account to make sure that we do not have a constantly fluctuating currency because key to what we were trying to achieve in the monetary policy was micro-economic and currency stability. Henceforth, those factors were factored in. I thank you Mr. President.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you for the opportunity Mr. President. Why can we not have passports since the money is valued on the dollar? Why can the money not be able to buy all these items which are important?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Minister, if you have been following up, can you respond?
HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA: Mr. President, the translation was faulty, but I could pick up a few points. If I could rephrase the question just to make sure I captured it right. I would think the Hon. Senator was asking whether ZiG would be able to pay for some of the essential services such as fuel, passports and air tickets. If not, it then creates a problem for some because they are unable to access the foreign currency. I am not sure if that was the full import of the question. I may need further translation.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Member, did he phrase it correctly? Is that what you wanted to hear that the ZiG should be able to buy fuel, passports and air tickets?
HON. SEN. PHUTI: For now, what makes it impossible to buy using ZiG?
HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA: Thank you Mr. President. I think what the Hon. Senator is referring to is the desirable situation where we have fully dedollarised and we are fully transacting in our local currency, ZiG.
What we have in our economy, Mr. President, is a multi-currency regime where 85% of our transactions are in United States dollars and 15% are in the local currency. The structure that we have for our currency only covers the 15% of the currency in circulation, which means that even if we desired, there is not enough ZiG in circulation to support these transactions. What the fiscal authorities are doing is making sure that as we go through a dedollarisation plan and roadmap, it is done in a way that does not cause chaos in the markets. You will find that over the next few weeks, over the next few months, there will be certain taxes that will strictly be in the ZiG as opposed to optional, and eventually this is how we get to a dedollarisation plan.
Now, speaking to the areas that were pointed out because they are very specific - I will start with the fuel. Fuel dealers have the option to sell in ZiG but right now most of them are preferring to sell in United States dollar, a dispensation that has been allowed. To give background as to how that came about; it was during the advent of fuel queues and shortages where a social contract between Government and the fuel dealers came about where the fuel dealers would be allowed to sell their fuel in United States dollars and they would guarantee supply.
I believe that social contract and the mechanics around it is being discussed. It is a sensitive area that we do not want to rush or expediently go to without having spoken to all the stakeholders. Similar to some of the PPP arrangements that are there, I think the Government holds sanctity of contract sacrosanct and so, you would find that for passports, they were accused because you would spend days at the Passport Office. An investor came in, and part of those arrangements included foreign currency pricing. These are stamped-in documents that need to be reviewed and the relevant ministries, the relevant authorities and stakeholders are looking at how we can possibly have all these areas within the ZiG domain.
I will say Mr. President, these same operators, fuel dealers, the passport companies, will have to pay their taxes. Come next QPD, they will have to look for 50% of their taxes in ZiG. It will not be sustainable for them to continue going to the interbank to look for ZiG to pay their taxes. So, it is eventually through a market-driven process. They will find themselves having to charge at least a certain quota of their services and their products in ZiG and local currency. It will allow the mix between the United States dollar and the ZiG in an organic and market-driven way to increase without creating scarcity and chaos in the market. Mr. President, I thank you.
+HON. SEN. R. NDLOVU: Supplementary Mr. President. Minister, what measures are you putting in place to stop these middlemen? The middlemen are saying right now their rate is 20 and the official rate is 13. What are you doing to stop those street shenanigans? These same people allege the resources they have, they get from Government people. I do not know whether it is the truth or not. I thank you.
HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA: Mr. President, in any reform process such as we have now, you will always have three groupings of people. The first group of people will always be the ones who will abide by the law because they are stickers with the law. Whether it is a good law or a bad law, they will always abide by the law.
The second group Mr. President, is one that lags behind as they seem to understand what it means to them, what the reforms will do to their business, how it affects and how they trade. Then there is a third group that will always be defiant regardless of how good the law is. The Hon. Senator is referring to the last one. These are the defiant ones. I will mention why Mr. President. The biggest demand for foreign currency was driven by importers in the past. Importers were unable to access foreign currency on the official market and would go to the black market. What this new structured currency and what the Governor has guaranteed is that anyone who wants to import any of their goods and presents a bona fide invoice will get foreign currency from the interbank. Anyone who wants to import a service or who wants to pay for a service, whether it is school fees or any service that requires foreign currency, you have to go to the bank, with your invoice to get that foreign currency. Failure to get that foreign currency because there are no willing sellers of that foreign currency or the banks are still skeptical, the Governor has cover. This is where the structure comes in. He has to cover three times over to purchase of that ZiG and give the foreign currency. This is why we have some of the reserves in physical cash. That means that there is no reason for any of our importers who constitute a large part of our retailers to be charging different rates or going to the streets.
Mr. President, we will have a group of money launderers. Money launderers is a group of people who would have gotten money through nefarious methods. They might have missed proceeds and are not sensitive to the exchange rate that they convert their money into USD cash that they can hide from the law. These people will always be there and there, in any country that you go to. This is where the FIU is focusing its efforts on as we speak because there is no reason for a bonafide individual to be going to the black market. It then means that anyone who is dealing on the black market, is either a money launderer or is trying to avoid tax.
All of which are reasons why the authorities need to come after you. Those who fall in between, your general populace, we are working on a solution as Government, coupled with the private sector to allow for small transactions, the general populace to be able to get the small amounts, $20 or $50 through negotiations with our mobile network operators. To be able to access the Bureau de Changes that are on their Ecocash or Netcash platforms. This means if you have an Econet line and you register for ecocash, you can convert from ZiG to USD, from USD to ZiG at the official exchange rate. That is the first part to allow interchangeability without having to go to the streets.
The second part is, we are still in discussion. Right now, the Reserve Bank (RBZ) is talking to the mobile network operators, mentioning Econet in particular because they were suspended in 2020 after some issues that now have been ironed out. We would want to have agents re-activated so that the most remove areas, our constituents, the citizenry can access both USD and ZiG from their wallets. Econet went a step further last week and zero rated the charges for sending money from the diaspora to Zimbabwe. This was a show of good faith and support for Government during this Elnino period as well as to show the commitment in bolstering our efforts in supporting and defending our currency. I would submit that these are the efforts that we are doing. In as far as the proclaim that some of these money changers have been sent by Government officials; I would refer that may be to the Minister of Justice. I have not heard reports of that nature but on this one, there are no scared cows. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Mr. President. The Minister of Finance is saying that we go to the bank with our invoice to get foreign currency if you want to import. We had a problem when we were using RTGs, they said we should come with invoices for companies and they claimed that they were going to use the prevailing bank rate. Now that there is ZiG, what is going to happen in terms of allocation? What about us who had gone to the auction but did not get USD what will happen to our balances?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. K. MNANGAGWA): If I hear the Hon. Member correctly, he is asking about those who had applied on the auction market and had gotten bids that had been outstanding and did not get them until the introduction of the ZiG. What happened was that there was an auction backlog as had been represented by the Ministry of Finance that no one would lose their value. These balances have been converted into NNCDs and quarantined for a period of two years to manage the excess liquidity that might come into the market. All the beneficiaries of the auction, who now had these instruments, in touch with their banks, if there is discussion that needs to be heard, on whether these should be tradeable, negotiable, I think this can follow but that value has been protected and is there. No one has lost their value, amounts can be converted from USD to ZiG and were quarantined to make sure that there is no excess liquidity in the market. This is something that we are keeping a very close eye on to avoid inflation. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order, I would introduce three other Ministers who have joined us so that if you have any questions directed to them, you can do so. We have Hon. Minister Z. Soda, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities. We also have Hon. Deputy Minister, J. Mhlanga, Deputy Minister of Women’s Affair, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development. We have also been joined by Deputy Minister, H. Moyo, Deputy Minister of War Veterans Affairs.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. What steps are being taken by your Ministry to ensure that there is efficiency and transparency in our justice system?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Tongogara for the question. This is a very broad question, which is very difficult to tackle in a question and answer session like this because the justice delivery system; the whole basis of it is legal rules and procedures. So in a system where you have legal rules and procedures that guides what happens be it in courts, be it in society to say there is a law that says when you get to a robot, if it is red, you must stop. If you do not stop, you have committed an offence. If a police arrests you, he takes you to court. The due process is followed. So, there is procedural justice and substantive justice. So. I am not very sure how to tackle the question because it is very broad but the long and short of it is our justice delivery system has got rules and procedures that knows no colour. If you break a law, the law must be applied regardless of who you are. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Why is that some cases take a very long time before the offenders are presented to court?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Our laws indicate that a person is an accused person unless you bring that person before the court and the court duly convicts them. In other words, even if you know that Hon. Mhona stabbed somebody and that person died, he will remain an accused person until convicted.
Having said that, the arresting officers who are normally our police officers are supposed to investigate and ensure that when they go to present their dockets to the prosecution authorities, it is complete. If in the wisdom of the prosecuting authority they deem the case not ready, they will indicate that go and finalise whatever is supposed to be done to ensure that it goes into court.
Again, it is a very broad question which I believe cannot be tackled in the manner that questions are being presented. I am sure she has a specific case that she is making reference to, but the general principle is that our prosecuting authority will refer back dockets that are incomplete and rush back into court when in their belief there is no sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
HON. SEN. PHULU: I have a supplementary question. To what extent does the Ministry train prosecutors and those in the justice delivery system on the prosecutorial guidelines of 2021, and are they being applied? Is there any effort to ensure that the public is aware of those guidelines so that they do not have these concerns as evidenced by this question?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: In all earnest, I think that is a completely new question.
HON. SEN. PHULU: This has to do with the transparency because these guidelines deal with that.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I got you correctly. Minister, are you able to respond to that?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Yes. That is the norm that should happen that you must train. We have produced new prosecution guidelines. I was in discussions with the Prosecutor General. We have consulted PLC on the guidelines and we are about to publish them. Once that has been done, the Prosecutor General is going to roll-out the training to all our prosecutors. Once these are published, members of the public are aware of them.
You will recall that there was a period when we used to have acting Prosecutor Generals but now we have a substantive. She has done new guidelines and has finished consultations. The process of training will definitely occur.
*HON. SEN. SHIRI: My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. The vision of His Excellency says ‘leaving no place and no one behind’. What is your Ministry doing to uplift people with disabilities in the mining sector to enable them to be in the sector as is happening in other sectors so that they can access the equipment and they are able to fend for themselves independently?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA): At the moment, we have people with disabilities who are in the mining sector. Government is assisting and there are loans at Fidelity which can be accessed by everyone, disabled or not. If persons with disabilities are failing to access these funds at the appropriate time, our office can issue documents so that they get assistance at the earliest convenience. There is also a mining fund where people can get loans. They can come to the Ministry and get letters so that they access the money.
As of now, we have identified land which is being prospected for the benefit of people with disabilities. This area is believed to have alluvial gold which is found well beneath. If there are any people with disabilities that you know of who want to get into mining, Hon. Senator, you can approach the Ministry so that we see how we can assist them.
HON. SEN. NDEBELE: My question is directed to the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. What is your Ministry doing in order to address the welfare of women and issues of health and education of girls who live in the rural areas?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS,
COMMUNITY AND SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (HON. MHLANGA): I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for posing that very important question. I think that first and foremost, policy of Government is very clear that we are not going to let anyone suffer during this time of drought and as a Ministry, the Ministry is subdivided into four departments. The additional being that of cooperators. We have begun programmes at community level to ensure that we support our communities so that they earn from the projects. We have also put aside money as Government in terms of the women development fund, which fund we are giving as grants to support women’s projects.
We also have the Zimbabwe Community Development Fund, which will also encourage our girl children and women to partake in so that they can access funds to come up with community projects. We are also supported by the Government through the entity SMEDCO and the Zimbabwe Women’s Bank, which two entities assist in terms of funding whenever there is need. That to me I think is Government policy, plans, actions and programmes that have been put in place to support.
In as far as the other part of the question is concerned, the health and education aspects are concerned, I may ask you maybe to ask my colleagues to beef me up.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Allow me to introduce one other Minister who has just joined us; Hon. O. Marupi who is the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: I am impressed by the responses by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Finance, very eloquent demonstrating understanding of the issues at hand very much. If this was a university, I would actually think he would be a professor like his counterpart, Hon. Prof M. Ncube. You are very good. In most countries, they have what are known as reforms. The ZiG, the name itself is very sweet because a name plays an important role in English, giving a good image. Economics remains the preserve of the economists, but economics themselves are an integral part of our lives. Why should we not make everyone aware of the ZiG as RBZ or Ministry of Finance? Maybe there was some sort of education in the Lower House, but what about here where we have people’s representatives. Let us go out there to the grassroots teaching people about ZiG so that people understand the dynamics and differentials. We should encourage people to use this money. In other words, I am asking when we are going to educate the people from ward level so that they appreciate this good thing, otherwise it appears it is for a few. We want all the Senators here to have an appreciation of the ZiG and how it works so that they will be able to respond to questions.
*THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Chief Charumbira, it was as if it was a word of encouragement, but it came as a question at the end, so Minister, it is up to you to respond.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): It is true that for our money to work successfully, people need to understand how it works. As Ministry of Finance, we support what the RBZ is doing. They lead and we follow. The RBZ has a programme for outreach to go up to ward level and for educational awareness campaigns, explaining what ZiG is all about and the features so that people will not be cheated and avoid counterfeit notes. We will not leave RBZ to operate alone and that is why you see us coming to Parliament responding to any questions. We also go out to companies and the populace. We try by all means to go everywhere, but we need to work together so that it succeeds. We can operate alone and that is why we come to such fora as this one.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: I am saying let us all go together as leadership and not RBZ or Ministry. So come and tell all the people who are here so that they understand and are able to articulate to people. As Senate, we are still awaiting that you come here to educate us so that we are able to respond to questions, maybe you have already done that in the National Assembly, we do not know. People should be able to clarify and understand so that we move together as one, supporting each other.
HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA: I think the problem came when the Monetary Policy was announced but when we came to Parliament, power went off and we were unable to proceed with business, so indeed we did not do it. I do not know what the procedure says, but perhaps we need to do that.
*THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I am not sure also how it goes, but when leaders like these do not know anything, it is very difficult to achieve progress.
HON. TSHABANGU: Thank you very much Mr. President. One question is a supplementary whereas the other is another question. I have a question that I want to put to the House…
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Supplementary first!
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: It is not about the Minister of Finance.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Unfortunately, you cannot do that…
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: I want to demonstrate something that is going to…
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order, order! Hon. Senator Tshabangu, may you take your seat. Once the Minister has responded and no one has decided to ask a supplementary question, you cannot then ask a supplementary question in retrospect. It becomes a new question. So, if you want to make it a new question, then you only have one question that you are purporting to be a supplementary. So you cannot ask the two questions because our time is so limited. It is either you turn that supplementary into a question or you forget about the supplementary and ask a complete question to a completely new Minister.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: I will seek an extension of this session and in that regard, I would want to raise this important question. I have two important questions. It was a supplementary question.
The Minister of Transport, the Nkayi-Bulawayo Road is 158 km and that road started in 1993. At that time, it was expected to be completed in 1999. In theory, it was supposed to take six years. It means the road was supposed to be completed in six years unless the Government policy has changed.
Let us come back to date, the road has been resurfaced since 1993…
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Senator! Do not debate, ask your question?
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: It is a question. Allow me to give you the figures so that when he explains to me, he does so with the figures. It means we were going to cover that road in six years. Let us come back to date, we have covered 58 kilometres from 1999. This means the Government, and your Ministry covered 1, 6 km per year, so this road is likely to be completed in 67 years at that rate.
However, when we go back, in 1993 and 1999, the road was going to be; they were going to cover 26km in a year, which means per month, they were going to do 2, 1 km and to date, we are covering 1,6km per year.
Now, the question is; has the Government policy changed because we are talking about the same Government since 1980? Are we covering the ratio that we allocate for road construction and what is the ratio? Have we changed the Government…
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Order, order! When I say order, you take your seat. I gave you enough time to ask you questions but you seem to be lecturing. Unfortunately, your question is specific and it has to be put in writing.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 67.
HON. SEN. PHUTHI: May we extend the Question time session by 15 more minutes?
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The time for questions without notice has been extended by 15 minutes. Now, Hon. Senator Tshabangu ask your question and if you do not do that, I will not give you that chance again. Do not debate, ask your question.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Mr. President, I will leave this one as you have indicated. I sought the indulgence initially…
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senator Tshabangu, take your seat. Hon. Minister of Transport, do you have anything to say about what Hon. Senator Tshabangu has said about the Nkayi Road?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Let me thank Hon. Senator Tshabangu for the lecture and statistics that he gave. The Hon. Senator asked about the Government, whether it has changed or not but I want to say with the advent of the Second Republic, infrastructure development has been at an accelerated pace. Our roads were neglected for years but before that in 2000, everyone knew that the country was under very punitive illegal sanctions until today where funding of infrastructure was no longer flowing into the country. In other jurisdictions, you find that infrastructure development, you cannot sustain from your pocket of any given country. You need to get concessional facilities from other development partners, World Bank, IMF to support your infrastructural development but alas in our case, we have been using our domestic resources.
Hon. Senator Tshabangu has highlighted that yes, we have covered 58km - that was the time and upon the coming of the Second Republic where we have earmarked 15 km which I have talked about. So, even if you were going to do your numbers at most, maybe we were doing 5km but the question was also raised by Hon. Sen. Ndlovu where I indicated that at that pace, we now need to accelerate through private players since we are building the country together so that we have one who would then take the entire road.
So, in that trajectory, you will see that pace and I want to affirm to Hon. Senator Tshabangu that Nkayi Road is on the top of our agenda in terms of our dashboard as a Ministry. I want to assure you that this year you will see tremendous work along that road. I talked about the 90km because I had factored in the 58 kilometres that you are talking about and the 15 km that we are currently working on so that we get into Nkayi town.
So this is precisely the roadmap for the Nkayi Road but it is not only the Nkayi Road, we are looking at the entire road network where we also need to prioritise very emotional roads. In particular, Nkayi Road is one of the emotional roads. I concur with the Hon. Sen that we need to move with speed but I want to assure you that we are no longer going to be doing the 1,6 km that you have seen. I can cite a very good example, what you have seen around this Parliament where we started four weeks ago, but look at what we have done already. This is the same magnitude that we are going to descend on the Nkayi Road. So I would also challenge you to continue coming to my inbox on the particular road if you do not see any progress. I thank you.
HON. SEN. KATUMBA: Thank you Mr. President. I will direct my question to Hon. Ziyambi, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs since the Minister of Health and Child Care is not available.
What steps is the Government taking to ensure that Zimbabwe’s healthcare system adequately addresses the unique health needs of women and children by providing pediatricians and gynecologists in all province hospitals?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for her question where she is inquiring about Government policy to ensure that we decentralise our specialist services in our hospitals to provincial and district hospitals.
Mr. President Sir, in fact what the Hon. Senator is asking is the thrust that the Second Republic is taking. We are in the process of ensuring that we train more specialist services. She mentioned pediatricians, those are doctors that specialise in looking after our children. She mentioned gynecologists who deal with women’s reproductive health, all these are being trained. If the Hon. Senator will recall a few days ago, there was actually a clip that was indicating the work that the Second Republic is doing to decentralise specialist healthcare in provincial and district hospitals.
We now have several specialist gynecologists and pediatricians at our provincial hospitals and we are now cascading it to district hospitals. Therefore, that is work in progress, but you must always remember that this will also depend on the availability and willingness of those specialists also to go and work within those particular district hospitals. I thank you Mr. President Sir.
*HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. I would like him to know that I heard ZINARA saying this country has a car population of more than 1 million. Some of them belong to Government and parastatals, but most of them belong to the generality of the people of Zimbabwe.
All those people at filling stations, from Beitbridge to Chirundu and Plumtree to Mutare, are not buying fuel using their salaries. It means all those people that you see driving today are crooks. They are getting their money from the parallel market. My question is, with your knowledge after implementing the policy of using ZiG, it means everyone has been made a criminal. Can you think about finding a way to ameliorate a situation where everyone is considered a criminal? I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Indeed, we do not want to encourage corruption but like what I alluded to with regards to fuel, we looked at the history or background and considered how we came to where we are today. Right now, they are sitting again to ensure that we understand, concerning the new currency and how we are operating. Is it not possible for all of us to get to where we want?
Indeed, fuel is a very delicate issue that needs to be handled with care so that we do not revert to days where we would spend time on fuel queues. That is why we are saying we understand that our people need to get disposable income, be it for fuel, keeping it as pocket money or hair do. That is why we are saying we are engaging mobile network operators like Econet and Ecocash so that if you have ZiG, you can then change it through their booths or their systems. We are looking at that and we have not reached exactly where we want.
So Mr. President, we are deliberating on all these issues so that we indeed come up with a solution whereby we do not encourage corruption amongst our citizens. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MBOHWA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Energy and Power Development. I wanted to ask about electricity that we are using in agriculture and as a result increase economic output, but the problem is that there is a lot of problems on transmission lines because power lines are falling down. What are the plans to ensure that you do not use weak power lines, but instead use durable power lines because there is evidence that most of the power cuts are happening as a result of power line poles that are falling? I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SIMBANEGAVI): Thank you Hon. Senator. Indeed, I would like to agree with you. As Ministry of Energy and Power Development, we have that problem that in the country there are a lot of power lines that are falling, especially during the rain season. We see that wooden poles tend to fall, especially when it is windy or when there is lightening.
Most of the wooden poles are under Rural Electrification Authority (REA), but as a Ministry, we realised that we cannot leave that work all to REA on its own to solve this issue of wooden poles in those areas. So we have since asked ZETDC in conjunction with REA to go to rural areas so that they replace any defective power transmission poles. I would like to request Hon. Senator that wherever you stay or whenever you see those poles falling, please report to ZESA offices because sometimes those poles may fall with live lines. That may actually affect livestock or humans. So we encourage you to report wherever you see power lines that may have fallen so that they replace them or lift them up together with the live lines so that those who would be using electricity in rural areas may be able to get access to power on time. I thank you.
Questions without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order Number 67.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS, COMMUNITY, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHLANGA): Our apologies Hon. President, can we defer our question to next week?
PROVISION OF MODERN EQUIPMENT FOR THE METALLURGICAL LABORATORY
- HON SEN. ZVIDZAI asked the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to inform the Senate the plans being put in place by the Ministry to provide modern equipment for the Metallurgical Laboratory as well as the employment of qualified personnel.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA): The capacitation of the Metallurgical Laboratory is a key output of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, with funding coming from the Minerals Marketing Corporation Zimbabwe. Over USD1 million was budgeted for in 2024, primarily to ensure assay of all minerals found in Zimbabwe included those sophisticated ones. All bodies that are multi-element and difficult to assay their composition like the Platinum Group metal ore bodies, rare earth metal ore bodies and lithium ore bodies. A world class laboratory is expected in 2026 which is at the end of the department of Metallurgy five-year development plan.
Human capital capacitation through certification ISO 1702:5 for the laboratories being pursued. Equipment challenges remain a challenge and Government competes with the private sector but Ministry of Finance has set aside a fund to recruit and re-train specialised skills. Hon. Senators, another metallurgical laboratory is at the Zimbabwe School of Mines and a lot of mining companies have been, in the recent past, capacitating that and in the next few months, they will be receiving state of the art equipment for that laboratory. I thank you.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
WORKERS EMPLOYMENT POLICY USED BY MINING COMPANIES IN CHIADZWA DIAMOND MINES
- HON. SEN ZINDI asked the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to inform the Senate the workers employment policy used by mining companies operating in Chiadzwa Diamond Mines which recruit workers from outside province at the expense of local residents of Manicaland.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHITANDO): All mining companies have their own employment policies in line with the country’s laws to enhance their competitiveness. In Chiadzwa, Diamond companies prioritise locals in their employment, particularly for the non-skilled labour. However, for skilled labour that may not be available locally, the companies recruit experts from across the country. For example, Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company has 63.4% of their staff being employees from the local area.
FORMULATION OF A LIMESTONE MINING POLICY
- HON. SEN ZVIDZAI asked the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to inform the Senate whether the Ministry has plans to formulate a limestone mining policy.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHITANDO): The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development banned the exports of base mineral ores through S.I 5 of 2023, including limestone. This move is expected to promote local value addition and beneficiation and also support the local industries including manufacturing. Limestone is used for cement manufacturing, agriculture, steel making and domestic purposes. The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill will be set out by the terms and conditions prescribed by Government. Given its importance to the national economy, limestone will be also considered as a strategic mineral.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF CENTRES FOR STREET KIDS
AND PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE FAMILY
INTEGRATION
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of children on the streets.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN.TSOMONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact an enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial Government tier of Government.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. GWATURE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE
PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of Climate Change.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE
NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
MOTION
ROAD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the successive road accidents on consecutive days in the month of November, 2023 countrywide.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHAKABUDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. TONGOGARA, the House adjourned at Ten Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 14th May, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 8th May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
PETITION RECEIVED FROM TINASHE MATIKA AND KHOSIKONA SIBANDA
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I have the following announcements; I have to inform the House that Parliament received a petition from Tinashe Matika and Khosikona Sibanda from Hwange Constituency, beseeching Parliament to review the policy that subjects Hwange Urban under dual administration and inquire into the operational modalities of the current Government matrix of Hwange, with a view of making not all the necessary policy recommendations and amendments but also devise a proposed timeline on the incorporation of the Hwange Colliery Concession Residential Areas into the jurisdiction of Hwange Local Board as prescribed in Section 274 of [Chapter 14] of the Constitution. The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
NON-ADVERSE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have also received Non-Adverse Reports from the Parliamentary Legal Committee on the following Bills and Statutory Instruments; The Private Voluntary Amendment Bill [H.B. 2, 2024], Statutory Instrument Numbers. 34, 35, 36, 37, 37A, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53 and 54 of 2024, published in the Government Gazette during the month of March 2024.
ADVERSE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have also received Adverse Reports from the Parliamentary Legal Committee on the following Statutory Instruments; Statutory Instrument Numbers. 17, 18, 23 and 24 of 2024, published in the Government Gazette during the month of February 2024 and Statutory Instrument Numbers. 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 52 of 2024 published in the Gazette during the month of March.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have received the following apologies from Members of the Executive; Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence; Hon. M. Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development; Hon. D. Garwe, Minister of Local Government and Public Works; Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. Mazungunye, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. W. Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Prof. Dr. A. Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. T. Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. R. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. D. Soda, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities; Hon. Dr. A. J. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. D. Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. Dr. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care; Hon. S. T. Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care; Hon. Prof. M. Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
*HON. P. ZHOU: My question is directed to the Leader of the House. What does the law say and how can we strengthen that law in connection with those abusing drugs and toxic drinks? Most of these drinks are being sold at reduced prices and are being manufactured by companies based here in Zimbabwe that have licences to distribute such items.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): If a company is licenced to do so, it means it meets all the requirements for it to acquire a licence to distribute or manufacture such beverages. On the issue to do with the reduced prices, it will then be looked upon by those companies considering whether they have any profits out of it. If the Hon. Member knows any company which is manufacturing anything which is harmful to human consumption or any other type of beverage which is dangerous, they have to write to those who are responsible to analyse and critically look into it to see if they are doing the right thing at the right time. I thank you.
*HON. P. ZHOU: I have asked the question but while I am here I want to refrain from naming the products and the companies but from the farming community where I stay, there are those toxic beers which are manufactured; where you see some artisanal miners just pass out after taking the substance. Looking on the manufacturers’ side, I discover that these types of beer are manufactured in Zimbabwe. I would like to put that on farms and other mining areas, these types of beers are being sold for US$1 and they are toxic to human beings. So how can the Government strengthen the law. I thank you.
*HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: We have inspectors who are responsible for monitoring shops or areas where they trade such liquors. They monitor to see if they are licenced. We have a Committee which was put in place by His Excellency the President, which is being led by the Minister of Defence, to critically analyse those types of liquor whether they are harmful to human consumption. The pace and rate at which people drink those types of liquor will then lead to over intoxication by the public.
For the past three weeks, Government has been putting in place modalities on how to constitute an agency to look into all matters and how the public can reduce the consumption of these substances. This is what Government is doing at the moment. If she knows where such things are being done, we have our Zimbabwe Republic Police to be there waiting to take cases and to investigate to see where they are getting such harmful substances so that we can ensure that Zimbabweans are safe.
*HON. MUTSEYAMI: On the issue pertaining to such harmful liquor manufacturing, we have areas where ethanol is being blended. During the production of ethanol meant for fuel, you find people taking this substance and using it to manufacture beer. The type of beer which is being manufactured has an alcohol percentage which is more than 90%. What should be done to curb the incidences of diverting ethanol to beer brewing in areas like Chisumbanje and Triangle?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. He mentioned that the type of fuel which is being manufactured is being made with the intention to blend petrol for vehicle consumption but other people are using that same fuel to manufacture that harmful type of beer. Therefore, people are abusing things which were not intended for human consumption, such as the harmful types of beers. That should be avoided. Amongst the Committees which went around, there is one Committee working on supply reduction and others are working on apprehension of people who are abusing such things and be rehabilitated to their normal senses. So, we have a lot being done by our Government. People have to be deterred from taking ethanol and abusing it by manufacturing those harmful type of beers and we have to reduce such harmful practices. I thank you.
HON. MURAMBIWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development. The President of the Second Republic, Cde E. D. Mnangagwa has come up with very good policies where various schemes have been availed to improve the livelihoods of people. Do you have any plans to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to avail such schemes such as the Presidential goat scheme, poultry scheme and fish scheme to schools so as to boost their revenue collection? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. If the Hon. Member recalls as he is from this side of the House, when we had our independence celebrations, the President handed over a company business certificate to Murambinda B. Primary School who are into horticulture, and the Ministry of Agriculture having spearheaded the drilling of boreholes and setting up of that business unit at that particular school. This is being replicated in most of our schools so that they can be capacitated, not only in their teaching activities, having practical subjects, using the gardens and the horticulture fields that they have but also to ensure that they have nutritious vegetables for preschool and grade one learners in particular, who are supposed to be given supplementary feeding so as to learn well during this drought period. This is the thrust that the Second Republic, under the leadership of His Excellency Cde. E. D. Mnangagwa, is doing to ensure that we capacitate schools to create business units that will uplift the status of all those schools.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Murambiwa, you want to ask a supplementary question when the response has been so comprehensive?.
*HON. MURAMBIWA: I just want to seek clarification. The Hon Minister did give a very good response but my question is, when will these schemes be cascaded down to all the other schools in the country? I thank you.
THE HON SPEAKER: The Leader of Government Business clearly indicated that the programme is ongoing and if you listened to the Presidential speech at independence, it covered the 35 000 homesteads throughout the country. I do not know if the Hon. Leader of Government Business has anything to add.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: No, Mr. Speaker, you have actually added comprehensively what was said by His Excellency in his speech pertaining to that. I thank you.
HON. MATINENGA: Mr. Speaker, now that we have the new currency ZiG, does the IMTT of 2% encourage the use of ZiG especially when we take cognisance of the fact that we need to encourage the use of the banking sector and avoid robberies which are rampant in this country? I am directing this question to the Minister of Finance.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Hon. Speaker. Thank Hon. Member for the question. To provide fuller context, this would be in comparison to the use of the US dollar. The Minister of Finance, through the Minister who issued an S.I. a few days ago, increased the IMTT on the US dollar transactions. Prior to that, the IMTT on US dollar electronic transactions was 1%. It has now been equated to the ZiG IMTT which puts the two currencies at par. What that does is that it becomes the same to transact in either currency, henceforth, one is not deterred by the IMTT itself on the currency of choice. I thank you.
HON. MATINENGA: Now that we have increased the IMTT for the US dollar yet you want to encourage the use of the banking sector, do you not think that you are encouraging people to keep money in their homes?
HON. D.K. MNANGAGWA): I think that is a fair comment. Increasing the transaction cost does indeed dissuade the general populace from transacting electronically, but this is something we have had to deeply introspect upon trying to balance the need to collect revenue versus the effort of allowing everybody to be financially included. At this juncture Mr. Speaker, we are still leaning towards the revenue collection necessity and we will continue to monitor as we go along, whether this skew hinders people from entering the realm of financial inclusion and electronic transactions upon which we can review. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My supplementary question to the Minister is, increasing IMTT of USD to 2% actually jeopardises more because it does not create demand for ZiG. If you check for example, 2% of ZiG100 thousand, is equal to two thousand. It is a big amount. We thought that the Minister would take it down. Can the Minister consider reducing IMTT on Zig transactions from the 2% to probably 0.5% to encourage demand for the ZiG? I submit.
HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to clarify for the Hon. Member of Parliament that the ZiG, which is our local currency’s IMTT was not increased. What was increased was the USD IMTT to equate it to the ZiG IMTT, but that submission is noted Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
*HON. MANANZVA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Roads. Firstly, I would like to appreciate the type of hard work which you are doing. A lot is being done. Thank you so much. Minister, we see some of the roads will be under construction and they are abandoned midway before rain starts. What will be the problem? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I did not quite get the question. Were you referring to the current road construction leading to Parliament or generally?
*HON. MANANZVA: Generally.
*THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank Hon. Mananzva for his question. He said, chamisa chii on the road constructions – [Laughter.] – I would like to respond that chamisa hapana – [Laughter.] – Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank the Hon. Member who appreciates the good developments under construction within road networks. If the Parliament continues like this, we will have limited funds to proceed with road construction. If you see us not working well, you can kindly add to our budget so that we can continue with the development. Way back, we used to have some other companies which used to take a tender to develop roads and they do it half-way. Now, in the Second Republic, we have a programme whereby, if the company bids for a tender and do it half-way, we do not pay them the remaining balance. We agreed that they have to complete the project and then we pay them.
Sometimes we know that we may face some difficulties with the budget we have towards road construction as a country, but we do not expect to do it half way without completing the road construction. I promise you that in all the areas where we have roads which are under construction, we will complete in time. I thank you.
Some Hon. Members having stood up on supplementary questions.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You spoke to the Hon. Minister that there is nothing chamisa. So I think he is right – [Laughter.] –
HON. MANDIWANZIRA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to associate myself with the comments by the Hon. MP in thanking His Excellency, particularly through the Hon. Minister for the great work that is happening on our roads. My supplementary question Mr. Speaker, relates to the standard and quality of the roads that are being made. Because of the great work that is being done to fix and make the roads to this Parliament Building, we are now having to use some roads that we did not use often. We know that some of these roads were recently upgraded on Government space.
For instance, this afternoon, I drove through Lorraine Drive, but the state of that road does not indicate that this road was recently upgraded. My question to the Hon. Minister is, to what extent is the Ministry supervising the standard and the quality of the roads that are being built? Are there funds being retained on the amounts that are due to the contractors that within a specific period, if the road does not stand or withstand the demands of time, those resources are used to fix those roads? I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me also thank Hon. Mandiwanzira for that very important observation. Just like in a normal scenario where at times we need to take ownership, in this particular case, the Hon. Member has raised and indicated a particular road which is Lorraine Drive. For the past weeks, it was topical during our debates and social media circulations where the road failed dismally. As Ministry, we have summoned the contractor, who has also acknowledged that yes, the road failed. For us, we are saying under the Second Republic, we do not pay when the work is not done properly. We have instructed the contractor to work on the road and take corrective measures where the system failed and the type of bituminous products used collapsed.
He has learnt from that experience and it is not the only road that contractor has been working on. If we see, he has been attending to a number of roads across the country. The terrain and the nature of the soils and how the road collapsed is something that we interrogated. We have agreed that the contractor will take remedial action. We are saying this because we have our own engineers and the public is there to take us to account. We are grateful that yes, we are taking correction and we endavour, as we progress and construct our roads so that we do not have such recurrence in terms of road maintenance. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. KAPOIKULU: Thank you Mr. Speaker. What is the time frame for corrective measures for that road?
THE HON. SPEAKER: The target for corrective measures!
HON. MHONA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Let me also thank the Hon. Member for that very important question. Hon. Speaker Sir, the contractor is working on Nemakonde Road, which is Lomagundi Road. As soon as we open in just a few weeks’ time, then we will revert to Lorraine Drive. Now, it is being used as a detour, as a diversion route, but as soon as we open the link to avoid congesting the traffic, then the contractor will revert to Lorraine Drive. I can say after this month, you will see us back, rehabilitating Lorraine Drive because we will be having access to the Nemakonde Road, which is Lomagundi. Thank you, Hon. Speaker Sir.
HON. CHIGUMBU: My supplementary question goes to the Minister of Transport. What is Government policy pertaining to the timeframe that is required for roadworks to be completed? We have seen instances whereby contractors start work and they take long to finish. Do you have a policy that speaks to timeframes to say when work starts, it has to be finished within a certain period? I can give an example whereby we saw recently where less than one kilometre stretch in Southerton is taking ages to be completed – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: The original question was investigating quality assurance and also specifically the example of Lorraine Drive. Hon. Minister, would you like to respond?
HON. MHONA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir, let me thank the Hon. Member again for the very important question. I am sure he is relating to a particular road. With your indulgence Hon. Speaker Sir, if the Hon. Member can engage me directly so that we ascertain why the stretch that he is talking about has taken long to complete so that we address it accordingly. Thank you, Hon. Speaker Sir.
*HON. KARUMAZONDO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Good afternoon. My question is directed to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. I would like to thank the Ministry for the splendid job of broadcasting on challenges and development within this country. What plans does the Ministry have for bureau chiefs within the provinces to be well resourced?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. MARUPI): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. As a Ministry, we are busy preparing and putting in place logistics to assist our bureau chiefs to be in a position to perform their duties accordingly, by purchasing cars for all the provinces across the country. Thank you. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
*HON. KARUMAZONDO: I would like to thank the Minister for his response. We have discovered that within the Ministry, the majority of bureau chiefs within provinces, the last time they got vehicles was in 2016. Now, the types of vehicles that they have are no longer reliable. That is my plea. My question is; what programmes do you have so that you provide new vehicles and fuel for the whole country to know the developments being done by the Government? I thank you.
*HON. MARUPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I have since responded to the question. We are planning to purchase vehicles which will be distributed to all the provinces for them to do their duties diligently.
HON. ENG. MHANGWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I just want to find out if the resources that you are availing to the bureau chiefs include capacity workshops to assist them in objective reporting and do their work effectively.
` HON. MARUPI: I think you are just adding into what I have just said, to say we are capacitating them, yes, through workshops Hon. Member.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question to the Hon. Deputy Minister is that capacitation in the media industry especially the one that State runs is atrocious. I can confirm that most of these media houses have gone for months without pay. What is the plan from the Ministry to ensure that the people in ZBC, the Herald and all the other Government State funded institutions are given sufficient salaries because most of them are complaining? This will also lead to a lot of people taking advantage of them. What are you doing to ensure that you adequately compensate those who are in the media industry? Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Well, the original question was talking about bureau officers out there in the provinces, not generally those that are in the public media, including ZBC. You can ask a separate question later on.
HON. KASHAMBE: My supplementary question is; as they capacitate the bureau officers in our provinces, Hon. Minister, can you also include, with the devolution and decentralisation coming in, the whole equipment? You find that some bureaus have one camera the whole province thereby not being able to cover all the programmes that will be happening on a same day. Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. MARUPI): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir and I thank the Hon. Member for the suggestion, for the comment and compliment. We are actually in the process of doing what you have actually raised. It is noted that we have just equally introduced district information officers, provincial information officers that support the bureau chiefs in the provinces, and we are actually also in the process of seeing to it that they get their equipment to assist them to do their duties, I thank you.
HON. SAGANDIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask a question concerning people living with disabilities. Section 77 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Amendment No. 20 provides for the rights to clean potable water to people living with disabilities. Mr. Speaker, the normal scenario is that people should get water from their homes in urban cities. Currently, people have access to water at boreholes. What is Government policy regarding the same considering that the only reliable source of water in cities is through boreholes which are not sufficient, accessible or affordable to them?
Hon. Speaker, I ask this question with particular reference…
THE HON. SPEAKER: You do not have to elaborate on the question. If you need elaboration, you can ask a supplementary question.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I want to thank Hon. Sagandira for the question. Hon. Speaker, the policy is that urban water supply is done by local authorities within each particular setting. What has happened over the years is that our urban local authorities have been failing to do that. What Government is now doing is getting in to work with the local authorities with a view of ensuring that we solve the water problem. Cabinet agreed that we would start with Bulawayo and ensure that we solve the water problem in Bulawayo first and we concentrate there and pool our resources to ensure that it is done in one area then we move to the other.
We have realised that the water reticulation system is now archaic. So trying to rehabilitate that water reticulation system has been a nightmare; not only for Bulawayo, even for Harare as well. So the thrust now is to ensure that we improve the water reticulation system, have standalone treatment sites at particular locations rather than having one bulk water treatment system whereby we have noticed that we have so many leakages along the conveyancing line to particular households.
So Government indeed acknowledges that the majority of our local authorities in urban areas have failed and we are coming now with a plan to ensure that we help the local authorities tasked with ensuring that there is potable water availability within urban local authorities.
HON. SAGANDIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, my supplementary question regards those people living with disabilities in rural areas. I have a particular example of a person who is disabled, a war veteran for that matter, who is in my constituency of Makoni. She does not children that she lives with and whenever she wants to draw water from the borehole, she has to wait for somebody to come to the borehole and make sure she pumps the water for her. What plan does Government have considering that Government has rolled out a thirty-five thousand borehole-drilling programme? I thank you.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. What is pleasing is that the Hon. Member is indicating that Government is rolling out a borehole facility in all the villages to ensure that there is clean potable water. Then the actual question is very specific to an individual. Government indeed assists our disabled people, so her case is specific, if she needs a wheel chair, she can be assisted by our Department of Social Welfare so that specific needs maybe catered for. In terms of the availability of clean and potable water, Government is doing that, it is rolling out the drilling of boreholes so that every village will not only have potable water, but can use that water for their livelihoods and sustenance. I thank you.
*HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir, my supplementary question; we agree that the Government is working flat out to have access to clean water in all urban and rural areas. My question is, does our Government have a database to know that so and so has this type of disability and needs water close by? Most of the boreholes there are not drilled near the disabled persons’ homestead, they are centralised within the community, but sometimes it will be very far from a person living with disability. Do we, as Government, have the statistics and knowledge to say so and so has a disability and needs water close by? Some people are being sexually abused when trying to fetch water. The other problem is that we have some touts or those bouncers who stand firm to challenge whoever wants to challenge them.
My question is, what is it that the Government is doing to make it simple for those people with disabilities to have access to clean water, especially focusing on rural areas? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The statistical question poses a problem. Because if it were to come under a written question, then the Hon. Minister would have sufficient time to gather the data and present a response to that written question. So if you may put that question in writing for next week and the responsible Hon. Minister will be able to give – [AN HON. MEMBER: Supplementary question.] – I am still speaking! So the Hon. Member please be kind enough to put your question in writing for next week and the Clerks-at-the-Table will then inform the Hon. Minister to prepare a response accordingly.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, I will do so.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: My question to the Minister is that, I heard that Government is going to take-over the different types of responsibilities which were directed to local authorities. My question is, do we have any steps in place to empower local authorities so that they can have power to provide clean water? At the moment, most local authorities are seized with refuse collection problems where Government is saying they are going to take-over.
*HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: In my response which I gave earlier on, I simply said Government is working flat out in collaboration with those local authorities that are responsible for providing safe and clean water. If I say Government is working with local authorities in those respective areas, I simply mean that we have some negotiations which are taking place in order to rectify the problem which is being faced by those cities. I thank you.
*HON. NHARI: My question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. What does the policy say to drivers who are violating road regulations by using mobile phones whilst driving, which results in accidents?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): We have a law which does not allow drivers to speak on the phone whilst driving. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police actually enforce such laws to be followed. The problem with drivers is that most of the time they feel that those accidents do happen to other people, and not to them. So, they continue breaking the law. If you look closely, those people who enforce the law, be it traffic officers and those within the Ministry of Transport, were out in full force during the just ended holiday sensitising people. They were interacting with people to say kindly exercise caution on the roads. That is what the Government is trying to do, to promote and ensure compliance on the roads in order to make sure that we are free from accidents. I thank you.
HON. MUTOKONYI: Of late, we have been witnessing the mahwindi, they are always being driven behind moving vehicles. Can the Government not impose heavy and punitive fines to ensure that menace is stopped?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: It is a good proposal that we will discuss with our counterparts within the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Home Affairs.
*HON. P. ZHOU: My question is on mobile phones which have been referred to. I do not know how we can strengthen the law in terms of drivers who drive whilst conversing on the phones. Is it possible to put a law which can compel passengers and other motorists to arrest drivers who break road regulations? In addition, is it not possible for Government to put stiffer penalties for those who are caught using cellphones whilst they are driving?
*HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you very much for the question. Our people have a right to report drivers who break the law, but our law does not allow people to pay spot fines. Our law allows that if a driver breaks the law, they should be taken to court where the courts have a right to prove whether they are guilty or not. The other thing is that if an accident happens, if passengers say he was using the phone, the Ministry of Transport may also want to check the roadworthiness of the vehicle so that when the case is taken to court, then they will find out what really caused the accident, was it speaking on the phone or the vehicle was defective. There are a lot of things that come into play when an accident happens. The VID and police come in so that when the case is taken to court, it will be clear what really caused the accident. I thank you.
*HON. MHETU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Minister of Home Affairs explained to us that many people who are being involved in accidents are found drunk and he said he will bring breathalysers and will install cameras on the roads so that the criminals will be prosecuted. I would like to find out how far they have gone with that because we have not forgotten.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The question does not arise.
*HON. SHONGEDZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government. What is Government policy in terms of vending stores that are old and falling down, endangering the lives of people, especially in the urban and growth point areas?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. ENG. KABIKIRA): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for her pertinent question. Our councils have Model building by-laws, which according to Section 48, say that after Council engineers have done their inspections and finding out that there are dangerous buildings, the councils are allowed by the law, to write to the owner of the building that he/she should vacate the place in the shortest period of time. After vacating, they must ensure that no one gets into that building as it will be dangerous. Councils have powers vested in them, which include destruction of the building if it is dangerous and if it needs renovations, the council has powers to alert the owners of the building. I thank you.
HON. TSVANGIRAYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. State universities issued a statement that students who have not paid their tuition in full are not going to be allowed to sit for their exams. Is it Government policy to prevent students from writing exams on account of not paying tuition? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINSTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION (HON. S. SIBANDA): Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. I would also like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. The Government policy is quite clear on the fact that students should pay fees. That is the first port of call. Then on the issue of writing of exams, the students who are having challenges in terms of payment of fees should approach the student affairs office for payment plans. There are no students who are supposed to be barred from writing exams as long as they would have followed those proper channels. Government policy is quite clear. We have many programmes that are there to assist students who are having challenges in terms of payment of fees. We have a programme such as the work-for-fees which has not been exhausted. So those students who received such communication would not have approached the relevant offices in line with the several packages that are there at the universities in terms of payment of fees. So we would encourage students to approach the relevant offices so that such issues do not arise. I thank you.
HON. TSVANGIRAYI: Thank you Minister for a clear answer. I also want you to communicate with the State universities indicating that it is not allowed to prevent students from writing exams on account of not paying tuition. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is not a supplementary question. You could have asked a rhetoric question to get to where you want to get.
HON. GUMEDE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is; what is Government policy in terms of telling the students or sensitising students about these services that they can get when they are unable to pay their fees? The Hon Minister talked about the work-for-fees programme, but most of the students are not aware of this programme within the tertiary institutions. So what is the Ministry doing about giving students the information that is required for them to be able to help themselves? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I do not think I can allow that question because you are being presumptuous. If you have specific students who are failing to have access to those services, as an Hon. Member, you can assist now that you know such services are there. We cannot ask the Hon. Minister on presumption.
HON. MAPFUMO: My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister of Education is, what is Government’s position regarding the BEAM facility? You would find that in the rural areas, a school with a capacity of 500 students, 450 are on BEAM, which is presenting a challenge towards the school to capacitate its operations. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The BEAM facility is dedicated to Primary and Secondary Education. I think the Hon. Minister answered comprehensively that there are facilities at tertiary institutions which students can access. Your role Hon. Member, is to advocate for that so that students know what the Hon. Minister has said in terms of availability of the resources.
Hon. Hamauswa having stood up for a supplementary question.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Hamauswa, let us give chance to the other Hon. Member there, if you do not mind.
*HON. MHETU: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Minister for the Work for Fees Programme, but my research in the universities is that a lot of students received the information and approached the Student Affairs Office. The universities are not able to accommodate all the students. That is why the students are failing to write their examinations. Minister, how can these students be helped because the universities are not capable of accommodating them in the Work for Fees Programme?
*THE HON. SPEAKER: The Minister said the services are there but as an Hon. Member, if you know the children who are in trouble, you should contact the Ministry and submit their names.
*HON. MAKUMBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. What is Government policy on schools in the rural areas so that they are uplifted because they are not in good state?
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank the Hon. Member for the question. The Hon. Member’s question is not addressing the issues that the schools are not in right state. All schools in Zimbabwe are not the same. If he has specific schools that have certain things missing, he can put it in writing, then the answer will be provided. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you do that so that we can enquire to the specific schools that have no chimiro.
HON. MABURUTSE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. The issue of EPOs is of serious concern among our people. Minister, what are you doing as far as these EPOs are concerned? I believe some two months ago, the Ministry suspended a number of EPOs but our people are not allowed to peg on those suspended EPO areas. Why is the Ministry refusing our people to peg on the suspended EPOs? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMEN (HON. KAMBAMURA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question about EPOs. It is correct that we started processing EPO applications. During processing, some EPOs were not successful and others were successful. Some EPOs that were granted time back expired, but in a way, to control areas of high mineral potential for the benefit of Government through large scale development, the Minister has put some reservations over those areas so that we control highly mineralised zones for large scale development. If ever there is anyone who wants to peg over those areas, he can write to the Ministry for special approval, where we will be following up on progress being done and also for mineral accountability over those areas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. For a very long time, the country has been grappling with some immense difficulties in the public health sector. Also, these challenges have undermined the public health system, particularly in delivering the services to women and also to children. Now Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to your attention that the women and children have unique challenges and special needs that require special attention. My question to the Minister of Health is, what is the Government doing to ensure that there is special attention and also some specialists in provincial hospitals, particularly the pediatricians and also gynecologists? I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank Hon. Mamombe for the question. The policy of Government is to ensure that as far as possible, our hospitals, especially our provincials, cascading to district hospitals, have specialists. Mr. Speaker, you will recall that in Bindura for instance, only recently or a few weeks ago, we started a chronological surgery there. That is a specialist service. The availability of human resources is not dependent on Government alone, but by those personnel, whether they are available to be deployed to that particular area or not. In so far as Government is concerned, that is the direction that we want to make sure that we have specialists’ services at the provincial hospitals. Mr. Speaker, we have upgraded the hospitals, all the services are there, the same with Chinhoyi Hospital. We want to cascade to district hospitals ensuring that what Hon. Mamombe is appealing to is realised. I thank you.
*HON. MAMOMBE: Let me thank the Hon. Minister for answering the question. The question I raised has to do with women and children, particularly women, those who end up facing challenges and difficulties during childbirth. Some of them sometimes end up giving birth on the floors. Is there any Government policy to make sure that every provincial hospital has got a gynecologist and also a pediatrician, particularly for the women who are giving birth? Thank you.
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Hon. Mamombe, the Hon. Minister has responded to that. He said that is what is needed at each provincial hospital. He said Government is working on that programme and he gave different examples.
HON. CHAKAKURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. When we opened the 10th Parliament, His Excellency, the President in his SONA address, presented a number of Bills to which two of them were under your Ministry. These are the Sport, Leisure and Recreation Bill and the Sport Integrity Bill. What is your position as a Ministry with regards to bringing Bills to Parliament? When can we expect them? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF SPORT, RECREATION AND CULTURE (HON. JESAYA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member for raising such a question. Indeed, I want to agree that it is true that in His State of the Nation Address that was made by the President, he did mention two Bills which fall under our Ministry. As a Ministry, we have managed to do what we call the zero drafts and we presented and submitted this to the Attorney-General’s Office. As we stand today, we are making consultations and follow-ups with her office. I am sure, after she is done with them, they will then be submitted to Cabinet and then they will be tabled in Parliament for debate. I submit.
*HON. ZVAIPA: My question is directed to the Minister of Sport. She said that the Bills are now at the Attorney-General’s Office. Is she not able to give us the timeframe so that we know how the process is going to take place?
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: That question is not emanating from the original question. We take it as a new question because you are now talking of timeframes, maybe we can ask the Leader of the House to assist us. The Hon. Deputy Minister of Sport, do you know the timeframe?
HON. JESAYA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I cannot tell them the timeframe because I do not know how it works at the Attorney-General’s Office.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you, I knew you would not know - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon. Members.
HON. MUTOKONYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Driven by the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind and driven as well by the National Development Policy NDS1 on the cluster of digital economy, my question is directed to the Minister of Information Communication Technology. What is the Ministry’s position in ensuring that all communities do have network connectivity, the network of the telecommunication? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (HON. DR. MAVETERA): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Let me thank Hon. Mutokonyi for that question. Indeed, we are really pushing as a Ministry to make sure that we are also able to achieve a digital economy as asked by the Hon. Member. In terms of connectivity, we have been able to work on our digital infrastructure whereby we are also going ahead deploying base stations across the country. Definitely, because of limited resources, we have not been able to go to all areas. Again, within that same thrust, we have also tried by all means to have a shared infrastructure policy which is a policy which is seeing us within the base stations having all these players able to utilise these base stations together. We believe that within that same gesture, we also need to also utilise resources to their fullest and also be able to utilise resources for other uses.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we are also making sure that we have got community information centres, especially to the rural population. It is quite important for us to also make sure that we have them and people are be able to access networks and connectivity there. These are some of the works that we are also doing. However, more needs to be done in terms of our infrastructure. Definitely we need to make sure that we have got more base stations which I believe we have been getting a lot of letters coming from even Members of Parliament. Of course, resources have been a constraint, but we are continuously pushing so that at least we are able to make sure that we have more base stations and more fibre coming up.
I am sure the Hon. Member is aware that we have also been trying to also make sure that we have got companies which are privately led, which are engaging in fibre in the country. I thank you.
HON. CHIGUMBU.: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Much as we appreciate the good work that is being done by the Ministry, we are concerned particularly with the siting of these base stations which was done some years back. In Makonde, base stations were sited two years ago but work has not yet commenced in the construction of these base stations. So, when can we expect commencement of the construction of these base stations? I submit.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Hon. Member, have you not been answered when the Hon. Minister gave a response? I will let her answer you but I think she has already answered that question.
HON. DR. MAVETERA: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker Sir and I thank the Hon. Member for that question. Indeed, resources are a constraint but of course, it is within our plans to make sure that at least all the base station sites that are there which have been identified, I think it is important for us to also make a plan for that. Let me just say to him that yes, we might not be able to talk about the time, but we are hoping that we will be able to expedite time so that we can do it in the shortest possible time. I thank you.
HON. CHIGUMBU: Thank you Hon. Speaker. We have had the Ministry complaining a lot about resources being inadequate. What are they doing in considering other technologies which are less resource consuming, for example Star Link? I thank you.
HON. DR. MAVETERA: I thank you Hon. Speaker and I thank Hon. Chigumbu for that question. Our Government policy is clear, ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ and we are very much welcome to any other technology to make sure that we enhance our digital footprint as a country. For the one that we spoke about, of course, it is a specific question but because it is quite an issue that everyone would want to really hear about, Star Link has applied and we are waiting upon POTRAZ to finalise on the licencing, after that, we can then be able to see it coming through.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker and I want to thank the Hon. Minister for the response. My supplementary question is about the issue of resources that she is highlighting about. We have a lot of Post Offices that are no longer in use in almost all of the districts in this country. Is there a plan by the Ministry of ICT to make use of those dormant post offices to turn them into information centres where people can also go and access internet? I thank you.
HON. DR. MAVETERA: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker and I thank Hon. Mamombe for the new question that she has just raised. Indeed, we are saying on the Postal and Courier Services, our President, His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa is very clear; he has given us a mandate to make sure that at least we digitise all these post offices. I am saying, what we need to be able to do is to have smart post offices. Of course, you are also talking about having some information which I think we already have.
I think from the post offices that we have, we have got more than 165 of them which have got community information centres. We are already utilising them. In addition to that, I think we can also speak with the Ministry of Transport. You realise that now when you are going to go to a post office, you will actually be able to access even your driver’s licence from that place. We are saying, we also need to utilise these places to be able to have all Government services that we have.
However, we feel that there is a lot that needs to be done, especially to the Postal and Courier Services whereby now we need to be using artificial intelligence. We also need to be using IOT so that at least we can then be able to also harness the power of ICTs. We need to actually think outside the box whereby now we have tasked our ZIMPOST to also utilise some gadgets like drones in their delivery. Just to make sure that at least they provide the post office as an e-commerce hub which we believe there is more that needs to be done and indeed, very soon we are going to be launching our smart post office. I thank you.
HON. M. C. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. It is Mxolisi Sibanda. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. Statutory Instrument 67 introduced extremely high charges for vehicle licencing and registration. What is the rationale in charging USD100 for a vehicle up to 1500 CCs, 500 dollars for a vehicle with 1500 CCs and above, and also 5000 for personalised vehicle number plates given that 5000 is charge for personalised number plate and that the material used for that is of the same size and may also be from the same supplier?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): I thank you Hon. Speaker. Let me thank my hon. brother Mxolisi Sibanda. He has raised a question that is important. If you go back to school where we were studying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where we talk of self-actualisation, this is where it comes into play. Even if we were to lower the prices, those who want those personalised number plates are the ones who are advocating for higher prices because they want to be in their special niche market where at the end of the day, they will accord themselves with affluence. For someone to then ask and say they are expensive, I am sure at that category, they are very happy. It is not about the material but I want to assure the Hon. Member that whenever it comes to charges, they come through Finance. As we deliberate on the Budget, it goes through the Finance Bill which then becomes the Finance Act. These prices will only be gazetted following what Parliament would have approved.
So, these are some of the issues that we also need to take cognisance of that as we do our budget, when we are debating, at times if we are not happy, let us then finalise some of the charges as we then debate and make sure that when it is now law, we will not revert to the position where we were supposed to debate. We also need to take cognisance of the fact that the funds are being ring-fenced towards infrastructure development, which is a noble cause. So, it is something that we must be grateful as a nation that we are only doing and rehabilitating our infrastructure using our own resources. It is also a humble plea to the people of Zimbabwe to bear with us that ndisu tinovaka nyika nemaresources edu. I thank you. Hon. Speaker.
HON. M. C. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. The background that I was coming from was the fact that transportation is one of the economic drivers and when we make it so expensive right from the onset, it them makes transportation and cost of goods in Zimbabwe quite expensive. I submit.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Hon. Speaker and once again to my own brother for the very important follow up question. Yes, I do concur that transport is an economic enabler which must be affordable and we are talking of personalised number plates that he has highlighted. So, we are saying at the end of the day, the moment you decide to personalise, it them becomes something that is your volition in terms of you wanting some that is extraordinary. There is a cost, a premium to that and the premium is what has been charged. Like I indicated, those who are in that category are happy that when it comes to the number plates that he talked about, the purpose of that fund is what we must also factor in as we then deliberate and debate to say what is the purpose of the fund?
The purpose of the fund is to make sure that we resource-mobilise domestically, that is using our own resources which is my humble plea to the people of Zimbabwe. I thank you Hon. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon Minister, I think he asked two questions. The first one was on number plates and the second one was on the general increase of licencing fees where he was saying transport is an enabler and if goods are expensive, then it means the cost of living goes high.
HON. MHONA: Like I indicated that I do concur that it is a cost factor when you are also considering your business in terms of the cost implication. The question behind, like I indicated is that fees come from this House. We are talking of budgetary line items which were passed by this august House. As we debate and discuss on these charges, let us make sure that when the Minister of Finance comes to present the budget, if we are not happy, we will then make sure and announce that we are not going to pass because we are the ones who are going to pass the budget. The onus will then rest within the august House to make that whatever is approved is in tandem with the expectations of the House.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister is that, is it tacit admission by Government that it is policy to discriminate the people on the issue of personalised number plate? This is against the background that US$5000 is equivalent to buy two Toyota Aqua vehicles and for that matter, it cannot be argued that it is for the rich and so forth. Is it the position of Government through the Ministry of Transport to discriminate against its people?
Secondly, is it true that S.I. 67 was passed and approved by Parliament as the Minister is insinuating.
THE TEMPORTARY SPEAKER: The Minister spoke about a market niche. He even indicated that those who are being charged US$5000 are quite happy. On the Statutory Instrument, you will get some feedback tomorrow because I am not seeing it on the S.I.s that the Speaker of Parliament presented to us this afternoon. We will check whether it has come to Parliament or not. I thank you.
*HON. JARAVAZA: Let me take this opportunity to thank you for chairing this House properly. I also want to thank His Excellency, the President for road construction which is happening in the country. Most of the roads are now in good state, hence I want to thank His Excellency for this work.
What is Government policy concerning the issue of grass and trees which are growing on the shoulders of the roads?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): I also want to thank the Hon. Member for raising a pertinent question. Yes, most of our trunk roads are covered with trees and grass. Long back, we used to have maintenance units and Cabinet saw it fit that we must reintroduce the maintenance units which were found in each and every province. I want to promise this House that we are going to start next month to open about 20 maintenance units.
These maintenance units are going to trim the grass so that we do not see the menace in which there is litter, trees and grass along the highways. These units are going to maintain the roads and hygiene alongside the roads where litter bins are going to be put at lay byes. We are going to work with RIDA and RDCs to make sure that our roads are properly maintained.
HON. CHIWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Lands. Sugarcane as a crop was declared a strategic crop for years now and we have not seen the Statutory Instrument designating intervention associated with the strategic status. When can we have that done to unlock the economic value of the declaration? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. What I will do is to go and check with the Minister and the Attorney-General on the status of the S.I. and will advise accordingly. I thank you.
HON. MHETU: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister of Transport provide an update on the progress for the implementation of proposed measures to curb road carnage, particularly the installation of speed limiters on all public vehicles as stipulated in S.I. 118 of 2023.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Let me thank Hon. Mhetu for the very important question. I do concur with Hon. Mhetu on that S.I. 118 of 2023, which came into effect on the 1st January and we were mandating public service vehicles to be fitted with speed monitoring devices, which is an exercise we are doing. I will be glad to also furnish the august House with the status quo relating to those who are compliant. We have said that given some of the accidents that we are witnessing, we have noted that some of the vehicles will not be having these very important gadgets. We continue to raise awareness and giving the mandate that whenever they ply our roads, they must have these speed monitoring devices. I will bring to this august House a report on the status quo of these speed monitors. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 68
HON. TOGAREPI: Hon. Speaker, with your indulgence if we could defer Questions With Notice.
HON. KARIKOGA: I second.
HON. TOGAREPI: I have the Minister of Finance to move a motion.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. My point of order is to do with procedures which have not been followed. You did not recognise me but however, on the proposition by the Hon. Chief Whip of Government business, he did not explain why we should suspend Questions With Notice. It was just a request.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I think he mentioned that the Minister of Finance has something to present.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: But today is not Government business which is meant for Tuesday and Thursdays. Today is a day for Members to ask questions and interact with the Ministers. Government business has more room on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Questions With Notice have been on those papers, some for more than three months. With all due respect to our Government Chief Whip, if that can be considered? It is very noble.
HON. TOGAREPI: I really understand what the Hon. Member is saying but we had one Minister who had prepared answers to questions. Now, that Minister has gone out and has just been invited to go and see the Speaker. So, I thought we could proceed with other business than wait for the Minister to come back.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Chief Whip. The Chief Whip has said one of the reasons why he requested for the deferment of Questions With Notice is because there are no Ministers in the room to take up the questions, and the only Minister who was in here has left. So, when the proposal was put, we asked for a seconder which we got. So, I will now ask the Minister of Finance to proceed.
HON. MHETU: On a point of privilege Mr. Speaker. On the Order Paper on Questions with Notice…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have not recognised you but you can go ahead. Next time you can not just start speaking before being recognised.
HON. MHETU: Thank you. On the Order Paper, there is a Question With Notice, which we expected the Minister of Finance to respond to and it has been on the Order Paper for more than two months. So, I humbly request the Minister of Finance to attend to that question first before going on to the business which he is here for.
HON. TOGAREPI: We have already requested for a deferment of business, but I understand where he is coming from and it is important that our Ministers respond to Questions With Notice. We are really going to work on that so that when we come back next week, these questions will be attended to. For now, it is my request that we proceed with that business and next week we deal with the cases where the concern is being raised. I also want to see our Order Paper clean, and we are dealing with that.
MOTION
AMENDMENT TO THE SCHEDULE OF THE EXCHANGE CONTROL ACT NOTICE 2024
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to move that the amendment to the schedule of the Exchange Control Act Notice 2024 be now debated. Mr. Speaker Sir, the Exchange Control and the Schedule provide for the power of the Reserve Bank to issue several penalty orders. The Act also provides that when the Minister, after consultation with the President, if he so wishes to amend the schedule, shall draft a Statutory Instrument amending the schedule and bring it before the National Assembly. The main objectives of the amendments to the Schedule….
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, just wait a bit. I am being advised that the Chief Whip should have stood over Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 10.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 10 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 11 has been disposed of.
HON. DHLIWAYO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Mr. Speaker. Shall I continue from where I left off?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Yes.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I was describing the main objectives of the amendments we seek in this S.I. which are amendments of the Schedule of the Exchange Control Act, which is firstly, to repeal the provision within the Schedule that allowed sellers of goods and services to sell at a 10% margin above the exchange rate. This amendment will also provide that sellers of goods and services will be guilt of a civil infringement if the offer of such goods and services are above the exchange rate as published by the Reserve Bank. We also seek, Mr. Speaker, to put a fixed penalty of ZiG200 thousand for offenders in the Schedule.
This penalty Mr. Speaker, is meant to be a deterrent to those businesses that offer goods and services above the stipulated and market determined exchange rate. This 10% margin, while was fit for purpose before the Monetary Policy is no longer fit for purpose. Mr. Speaker, in that regard, I move that this motion be adopted. I so submit.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for this opportunity. I would want to debate the amendments of the Schedule of the Exchange Control Act. Mr. Speaker, you might be aware that the background to this amendment of Schedule of the Exchange Control Act was as a result of the promulgation of S.I. 118 (A) of 2022, the Presidential Powers. This S.I. 118 (A) of 2022 was then presented to this august House under the Finance Bill. It then led to the amendment of the Exchange of the Control Act when the Finance Bill was signed into Finance Act.
Now, when we introduced the ZiG, the provisions of S.I. 118 (A) allowed traders to charge margin of 10% above the official rate, which then meant that with the coming in of ZiG, anyone who was trading above the market determined rate, within a margin of 10%, it was legal. I think this is why the Hon. Minister brought this Amendment of the Schedule of the Exchange Control Act to make sure that we are all guided by the rate which is determined by the market and also to set punitive rates on those who seem to wonder away from the rate which is determined by the market.
Mr. Speaker, when the 10% margin was allowed by the Ministry of Finance, it did not stop the depreciation of the parallel market rates. The rates continued to plummet and there was a thriving black-market rate, which according to market watchers, was because of the perceived distortion of the exchange rate because of the general intervention of the Reserve Bank and Ministry of Finance
The other reason was the shortage of foreign currency and also illegal dealers exploiting shortcomings in our banking sector. The main recommendation that was coming from the market was why can we not just float the currency so that the rate is determined by the market force. An attempt to float the rate resulted in the speculative attack of the Zimbabwe dollar and there was rapid depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar in both the official market and the parallel market. This again, resulted in a volatile exchange rate and runaway inflation.
Mr. Speaker, I may want to bring to your attention what a distorted exchange rate has done to this economy. We have seen the exchange rate being indexed in the pricing of goods and services. Because of that indexation, this has resulted in high inflation. We have seen the erosion of people’s incomes and we have seen the non-functionality of our National Budget. If you remember last year, when we had the Supplementary Budget, it was mainly because of the erosion that was happening to the Votes had been allocated by the Ministry of Finance.
We have also seen a dampened market environment when it comes to FDI inflows and challenges when it comes to business and national planning. These are some of the challenges that we are facing as a result of a distorted exchange rate. As I see it, the operations of the black market, the parallel market rate is a cancer that is affecting the economic fabric of this country. The parallel market rate is fighting the core-values that defines who we are in terms of where we want to be as a country. If you look at Vision 2030, it has about six pillars and I want to speak specifically on the pillar on macroeconomic stability and financial re-engagement. Under the NDS1, there is a priority area on economic growth and stability.
If you look at NDS1, the Vision 2030, they are giving prominence to economic stability and financial re-engagement. All these will come to not when the core values of our economic fundamentals are being undermined by parallel market activities. What we need to define from now, going forward is anyone who is fighting the vision of Zimbabwe is an economic saboteur – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – we need to clearly define that parallel market activities are economic crimes. These are economic crimes that are fighting literally everyone. The moment you see an activity that is fighting the National Budget which is being used for us to realise NDS 1 and Vision 2030, we know that we have got people who are fighting the aspirations of Zimbabweans. Let us look at it. The currency that is being attacked here is a feared currency. A currency that is being issued by the Government and is not backed by any commodities. This was not only peculiar to Zimbabwe, the US dollar that we all talk of is a feared currency. It is just a currency that exist because of confidence. It is not backed by any commodity. You go to our neighbours, the South African Rand, it is not backed by any commodity, any gold or anything. It is just a feared currency, issued by the Government and people have got confidence in it.
Mr. Speaker, because we had confidence issues, the RBZ, Government then introduced the ZiG on the 5th April, 2024. The ZiG currency is backed by gold, it is backed by minerals and it is backed by forex reserves. It is different from feared currency. On the back of it, the exchange rate of the ZiG is determined by the market. I know Hon. Speaker, quite a number of people were saying why do you say the exchange rate is determined by the market but at the same time you are saying it is determined by international movements in gold.
The international movements in the price of gold will only act as an indicator for the RBZ to intervene. Our exchange rate is determined by the market. The role of the Reserve Bank is only to publish the rates that are determined by the market. I had mentioned that if there was any market player who added a premium of ten percent on top of the ZiG rate, there was nothing illegal because of the existence of Statutory Instrument 118 which is now under the Exchange Control Act Schedule. This is what then prompted the Minister to come before us to regularise things.
With a market determined rate, there is no justification for providers of goods and services to offer their services above the prevailing market exchange rate. What we have seen in the market is the parallel markets for ZiG, which is beyond what is obtaining in the market, yet we are saying our currency is backed by gold. It is backed by precious minerals and it is backed by forex reserves. Based on that, I have already said where we have said the market is the one that is determining the rate, anything outside that is done by economic saboteurs. It is promoting money laundering. What we are saying is we would want to applaud the Ministry of Finance for coming in at the right time to deal with the behavioural issues that are guided by economic saboteurs and that are not guided by market fundamentals.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we would want the economic agents to go back to the basics. The motion looks at the removal of the ten percent margin and the motion is also looking at fixing the penalty at 200 000 ZiG on those who violate the exchange control. Mr. Speaker, we have got enough forex in the country. As, I speak, we have roughly around USD2. 5 billion in nostro balances. I think this is an area where we would also want the Ministry of Finance and the RBZ to make sure that there is optimal allocation of the resources that are available. It is not that we do not have the foreign currency, the foreign currency is there. Imagine a country that is sitting on USD2. 5 billion in nostro balances.
Hon. Speaker, of those offending individuals and institutions, I think, in addition to the 200 000 ZiG, I am proposing a jail term for repeat offenders – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – A jail term is very critical for those who are engaged in economic sabotage and those who are harming national interests. I think this is very critical. At this point in time, in the economic history of this country, we cannot afford to fail with regards to the ZiG.
Hon. Speaker, we also want to call upon the Ministry of Finance and RBZ, those who are engaged in these economic crimes are making use of our banking platforms. It is not like they have got ZiG notes. They are making use of our banking platforms. Are you saying we are so backwards that we are not in a position to track some of these transactions? They have got digital footprints; we can see what is happening. I think there is need for us to improve on that. On the financial institutions, I think there is also need for the financial institutions to be charged for failure to do proper KYCs. We are also calling on Ministry of Finance to make the ZiG our primary currency and the US dollar to be an optional currency – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Chiduwa, you are left with five minutes.
HON. CHIDUWA: Noted Hon. Speaker, I am almost done. With regards to enforcing compliance, to the Exchange Control Act, I have noted we have been using the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Having the advantage of having worked under the Ministry of Finance, I know the FIU has no capacity to go after all these issues that are coming to its offices. What we need is a multi-stakeholder approach where we are going to involve all the stakeholders. There is need for inter agents’ involvements from district level. Are we satisfied that FIU is going to be in a position to follow-up on money laundering activities that are happening in Chiendambuya? Are we satisfied that FIU is going to follow-up on money laundering activities that are happening in Zaka, where I am come from? Why can we not make use of inter agents’ involvements, the police and the security arms. We can have task forces at district level. These will build up to FIU. There is also need for the Government to develop system operations to allow the operationalisation of Bureau De Changes. How do we say we should not have black market activities when there are no alternatives where people can buy these small amounts. We need Bureau De Changes.
So as I conclude Hon. Speaker, let us all support the success of the ZiG. This is the actual currency which is supported by gold, precious minerals and forex. The amendment to fix the penalty at 200 000 ZiG is deterrent enough and is fully supported for approval. I therefore support the approval of Statutory Instrument tabled by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Finance, Investment Promotion and Economic Development. I so submit.
HON. MUTOKONYI: I also rise to debate on the motion tabled by the Deputy Minister. It is very imperative that the country without its own currency, its stability is always compromised. So Zimbabwe as a nation, is driving to get its own currency so that we can actually exchange our money outside the country using the ZiG currency. The proposed structure by the Hon. Deputy Minister, I do support it because if we are to stop this menace, we have to come up with punitive fines and the Hon. Deputy Minister has proposed 200 000 ZiG to those who are going to break the law and it is us here in this Parliament who make the laws for our country.
For the economic growth of the nation, for the nation to sustain stable economic growth, the currency of its status should always be in good mode and as such, the 10% that was being charged now with the new proposed instrument, let it be removed and whoever is found working against the Government should be penalised.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in this digital era, a lot of payments are done electronically and it means that we need to ensure that in our banks, there is a proper flagging system. The banks should actually flag these huge payments that are done at once. I remember sometime, I used to have a Barclays Card and I made a huge payment in the United Kingdom; I gave someone the card. I actually then got a call from United Kingdom asking whether it was myself who was making that payment. So we are saying our digital systems in the banking sector should also ensure that these huge payments that are made locally should also be checked and flagged because this is where these money changers are playing.
Mr. Speaker, we have got the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission together with the Financial Intelligent Unit (FIU) and I have heard that Hon. Chiduwa has also proposed that we need to devolve the structures of this, even up to district level because this is where we are seeing these things happening. So we need to have more people that are made to encounter the acts that are taking place in the country because we do not want our currency to lose value and particularly that these currencies are backed by gold and other metals, we cannot then see a rat going amok.
So, Mr. Speaker, I support the proposed structure. In fact, I was thinking that to bring sanity and discipline to the offenders, I think 200 000 ZiG is a bit on the low side, particularly on what we want to achieve. The objective Mr. Speaker is to stabilise the economy and we cannot stabilise the economy without first stabilising the currency. So I submit, thank you.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you for according me the opportunity to air my views on the motion brought by the Deputy Minister of Finance regarding the issue of repealing SI 118. I think what is important is to understand the background or the fundamental circumstances that led to the imposition of that 10%. Previously businesses were allowed by SI 118 of 2022 to put a 10% margin in terms of pricing their commodities.
Let me put things into perspectives, goods costing $10, businesses and supermarkets were allowed to sell those goods at $11 after factoring in a 10% increment. Why did the Government do so in the first place? It was intended to protect the business against the consequences of volatile exchange rates as well as to protect the businesses against the consequence of run-away inflation. Now, we have introduced a new currency and then we are saying that currency is backed by gold as well as other precious minerals such as diamonds as well as the US$.
We have actually got to a point where we say the challenge of exchange volatility and inflation has gone – that is what is important, Mr. Speaker Sir. Why am I saying so? The new currency was promulgated on the 5th April 2024, barely a month ago, are we so certain that in the short to medium term, the exchange rate will remain static to an extent that we will not come back again to say let us replace or re-introduce the 10% like what we have done before? So the bark stops with the Government itself, the bark stops with the Ministry to ensure that volatility is a thing of the past and to ensure that inflation is a thing of the past.
The new currency should provide confidence to the citizens. Let me put things into perspectives, a good example is the fact that our currency is said to be a backed currency. There are two types of currencies to put things into perspective, there is what we call a fiat currency, such currency is not backed by anything it is actually backed by the trust in the Government policies. For example, the USD is backed by trust so it works like that without any reserves.
So when we say a currency is backed, we are saying whenever you feel that there is a problem with the currency, do not look at the currency, look at the underlying asset, which is in this case gold, diamonds as well USD. Now the question comes, how will the business community trust the Government on this issue because one of the fundamental features of such a backed currency is convertibility? I am saying whenever I am in doubt that this currency works, I should go and get the underlying asset in place of the currency. In other words, I should go and get USD in place of ZiG at any local bank in Zimbabwe. So when that is not happening, under the current circumstances, that is only limited to importers. Those are the ones who can access the backing which is the USD. Everyone else is not allowed to do so. So when have that kind of situation, it ceases to inspire confidence, especially to me as a lawmaker to say that the currency is fully backed. So those issues continue to linger around.
Secondly Mr. Speaker, are the fundamentals right to repeal this SI. Why? The same currency that we introduce is only applicable to certain areas. There are some certain areas which are being ring-fenced for United States dollars and we cannot use this. So, all these things remove trust to say things are now okay to repeal this SI. It is a good idea to repeal the SI but honestly, we need to get to a point whereby we make sure we protect everyone.
The business community is part of the economic fabric of this nation. We also need to consider their issues and their plight. So, have we also consulted them on this very important issue because we are only a month after the promulgation? Can we wait at least six months then we are sure everyone is convinced that this currency is ready, everyone is convinced that everything is now in the right direction and then we now change the policy. That is my submission Mr. Speaker.
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I think what we are now looking at is an issue of defending our currency. When there is a gap, when there is room for arbitrage, people exploit that and when they exploit and get used to a situation, it might be very difficult to then deal with it.
If the reasons why we had that margin of 10% is no longer there, I think the Governor of the Reserve Bank was very forthright. He said if you want gold, if you want your United States dollar at any stage, it will be available, but I want to pose this question. We are going back to the basics when we are dealing with a backed currency. Ninety percent of all the currencies in the world are not backed. They are backed by perception and trust. Is that not true, but because of the canibalisation that has happened on our currency, the perception that is created by those who want to exploit the 10%, those who would want to go on the black market, if you look at the monies that trade in that space, it is very little but the problem is the perception they then create and that perception then drives the economy in the direction that you have not planned.
Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister has done this at the right time. We cannot allow a disease to grow. When a person is about to be amputated either a leg or an arm, then we decide to look for medicine. It is better to deal with the tell-tale signs now and I support that we deal with it and we take the word of the Governor that there is gold backing our currency, there is not going to be more supply of ZiG in the market beyond what is being backed by our Unites States dollar which we have in our reserves, our gold and other metals. We are not going to have more. They are going to balance the two in order to defend our currency. So, there is no need for anyone to be scared that this 10% will affect those who are in business.
I think if I tell and listen well people like CZI and many other people in business are really in support. In fact, if it was possible to move away from United States dollar overnight without distortions, we could move because everyone would want to use our own currency and no economy anywhere in the world has survived on a currency they have no influence over. We do not have influence on the United States dollar and if we have to deal with the United States dollar either through monetary policy or through fiscal policy and we do not know when it is coming in our economy, where it is being printed, we will not be able to run this economy successfully, but we need to move gradually. I agree with that but those areas that create loopholes need to be dealt with now. So, I am very much in support of this motion and we must ensure that it passes. We will be the first to smile if our currency is not disturbed and price distortions will go as long as that margin is not being taken advantage of.
Those who are playing around with the rates today are using that S.I. and why do we keep it if it has no purpose anymore? If we have our currency backed now, the issue of inflation would not be an issue, but if we allow the 10% to remain there, we are actually giving fertile ground for people to manipulate that 10% and then we have inflation again.
Mr. Speaker, I think this is the right time, the right dosage of medicine to treat this illness and we will move forward as a country. I thank you.
HON. DHLIWAYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I would want to commend our Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion for introducing this proposal to this House to repeal the S.I. 118 of 2022.
I understand when it was introduced we did not have any reserves, gold or any other mineral that was backing our currency, but now with the introduction of the ZiG, we have something that the monetary authorities can use to intervene in the market if there are some challenges. The removal of this 10% will ensure that people will not take advantage of the premiums that were created by this 10% where some individuals will buy the United States dollar at 10% less and sell it at 10% higher so that they gain the 10% at their profit margins. Removing that will make sure that our markets do away with such underground challenges.
Of paramount importance again in our financial market or goods market or any type of market, is certainty and that certainty brings market confidence. If we remove these variations in exchange rates that will ensure that we have a certain exchange rate that we are dealing with and of course, that will not cause issues when it comes to evaluation or accounting systems. So, having a sure rate that we know, that is consistent, will bring in no confusion to accounting systems, to our markets or other types of markets is a good thing.
I would like to commend the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and I would also like to appreciate; I heard another Hon. Member from that other side saying that removal is good. That is one thing he said. Yes, he had his issues but he said the removal of this S.I. is good. So, I would like to commend our Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion for this timely intervention, especially given that the monetary policy on its own is not sufficient to introduce market confidence. There is need for that fiscal support. There is need for that support from the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to ensure there is market confidence.
I would like to commend our Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion for this timeous introduction. It is only a few weeks ago when the ZiG was introduced and within those few weeks, they have come up with several measures that are meant to ensure market confidence and stability in our ZiG. Then maybe of particular interest, I would also request our Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to continue engaging different stakeholders, especially the heads of associations for different groups in our economy. We understand that the underground economy, though it is not formally regulated ,but it is regulated through associations. So, I think continued engagement with these associations will ensure that they have sufficient information to defend our ZiG. I would request our Minister of Finance to make sure that there is a proper channel that they can use to meet with our informal traders; to meet with our cross borders; to meet with different stakeholders within the economy as they try to increase the demand for the use of our local currency.
Another thing that I would also request the Minister of Finance to pay particular attention to in ensuring that our ZIG is strengthened, there is this approach that was done by Russia, when it had challenges with its own currency. What they did was to identify a strategic commodity within their economy. They found out that their strategic commodity without any close substitutes was oil. What they did was to demand that their oil be sold in the Russian currency only. That meant that those who wanted the oil, had to buy the Russian currency first before they bought the oil. By doing that, they were dishing in the foreign currency into the Russian economy. That increased the demand for the Russian currency to such an extent that the exchange rate for the Russian currency versus other foreign currency actually improved. It appreciated within a short space of time.
So I am of the opinion that Zimbabwe or the Ministry of Finance, should try to identify a strategic commodity that we have. Is it lithium; is it diamond, is it gold and may be try to copy from what the Russians did? I think that may also assist in ensuring that our ZIG appreciates in value against other currencies. All in all, I would want to say to our Minister of Finance, thank you for introducing this. I think it will help in ensuring that there are no speculative tendencies within markets and our ZIG appreciates value against other currencies with such timeous interventions in our markets. Thank you.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to add a few words to the motion that was raised in this House. Firstly, if we say the ZiG can be strengthened if we remove 10% before people have never accessed that ZiG, I do not see it working. If we were to ask each other, from the Government Chief Whip to the Minister of Finance in this House, if there is anyone who has ZiG in their pockets, we would find very few with ZiG in their possession. Let us wait and see that people have the ZiG and manage to build confidence in the currency, we can now talk of removing 10%. I am also of the view that the process of the 10% is Government should have other services be paid in local currency and other currencies like USD can be by choice. For example, number plates for vehicles are being paid in USD. All those things like passports and other services offered by Government, should be paid in local currency so that people have confidence in our ZiG. If we are going to remove 10%, it is not going to strengthen the currency.
The other thing is, there is a country which is near us which also faced the same economic crisis, although right now they have other problems with their currency, but managed to go for around 15 years, whilst their currency was strong. We used to condemn them saying they go to buy bread with money in wheelbarrows. As a country, let us go for bench marking visits, we should visit such countries which had similar problems when their money lost value, but right now their money has got value, to learn how they managed that. I do not think it is too expensive for Parliament of Zimbabwe to send Members of the Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance to learn how the Zambian Government’s money managed to gain power. Let us learn from other countries. In Shona, they say kugara nhaka huona dzevamwe. So we say all the ways, let us look at other countries who have faced similar problems so that we can follow suit in how they managed to overcome that.
In conclusion, there is an issue that a company can peg their prices at 10% higher. I think that 90% of that 10% comes from the political landscape and Government. If we look at the issue of money, let us look as a country, where we are on the issue of political landscape. Has our country managed to reach a level where people have confidence with the Government which is there? If we have achieved that as a country, if all those are in place; if we look at the statements which were being given by the Minister of Finance, some of the Hon. Members did not read. I read all those statements from 2018. They do have a section where they wrote about the issue of re-engagement and stability. So on the stability which I am mentioning, let us also have the hope and aspirations that if we have the rule of democracy and everyone has got power, if our money is going to have more value…
HON. TOGAREPI: On a point of order, we were debating and I got a lot of debate coming from the other side of the House which was very focused on the issue that the Minister brought to this House. If then somebody starts dramatising and trying to be a political guru when we have enough to discredit his political taps, we will not enjoy that. Let us concentrate – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Let us concentrate on the motion and the motion never talked about politics and yet the Hon. Member wants to bring politics; you are too young for politics.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: Hon. Speaker, I am sorry…
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have not recognised you yet Hon. Member. I had not even seen that you have risen. May you now take the floor?
*HON. HAMAUSWA: I would like to applaud what the Government Chief Whip is saying. My issue is not drama, but I was speaking from my heart. I was talking about the issue of confidence. These are issues we see from the policies being brought by the Minister of Finance. Government must look at all spheres so that we can come up with a viable solution.
The Government Chief Whip also mentioned that he has heard good and vibrant debates from the opposition side – he has had meaningful contributions from the same. Let us work together as Zimbabweans so that we can build the confidence of the currency and we can have a proper approach and the confidence of people must be included.
HON. TOGAREPI: We cannot allow impunity in this House.
*HON. S. SITHOLE: On a point of order, the Minister brought this Instrument in this Parliament so that we defend our currency. I think we need to teach this Hon. Member how things go in this House. Since 1980, we had 100 strategies in elections and we only used two during the time of the late President Mugabe. We were left with 98. Now on this issue of the currency, we are head and block now. It is because this is the last solution to us as the ruling party. That is why we are backing it with gold. We are here to defend it…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: There is no point of order Hon. Member. Please sit down.
An Hon. Member having stood up to raise a point of order.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you cannot raise a point of order when there is someone already standing on a point of order.
Hon. Hamauswa having stood up to contribute
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have not recognised you Hon. Member.
HON. S. SITHOLE: I was trying to say we are here to defend our currency – [AN HON. MEMBER: The Speaker has made a ruling.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member…
HON. S. SITHOLE: The Minister of Finance …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: You can take your seat Hon. Member – [HON. MEMBERS: Sit down.] –
HON. S. SITHOLE: Hon Speaker, I take instructions from you alone.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Yes, please take your seat – [AN HON. MEMBER: Gara pasi Sithole.] - Hon. Members, please do not shout. Thank you Hon. Member, you can take your seat.
HON. S. SITHOLE: Yes Hon. Speaker – not them to tell me because they are against this issue. We are here to defend our currency.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member. Hon. Hamauswa, you had finished debating? You were responding to what the Chief Whip had said. There is no further debate.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. It is very common for people to be easily misled. When someone is sent to Tarshish, they end up going to Nineveh, but it is pertinent to find people who can correct them. I also want to thank the Minister of Finance for bringing in this motion
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MUTSEYAMI: May the august House take into consideration our traveling arrangement considering the nature of the roads?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon Mapiki, may you kindly conclude your debate.
*HON MAPIKI: I want to thank the Minister of Finance and Economic Development for bringing a pertinent issue into this august House. There is need for political will. Everyone in Zimbabwe has a role to play to make sure that we believe in our currency. There is an Hon. Member who talked about the issue of money from Zambia. I wish I had managed to debate before the previous speaker. People from Zambia, when it comes to policies for the development of their country, they speak with one voice and they do not listen to the opposing voice. I am encouraging all political parties in this country to work together when it comes to something which benefits the country.
We must desist from taking the approach of looking at political parties. Let us unite as Zimbabweans and come up with viable policies. The other issues are on laws. Those who are tasked to make sure that people build confidence when it comes our currency must work together to make sure to achieve that. Today, I saw money changers in Harare’s First Street. These money changers were arrested and taken away by police officers. They were later released and charged for obstruction of justice and loitering. This is an indication that there is no proper execution of duties on the side of the law enforcement agencies. Hence, I implore them to execute their duties properly.
The other issue which needs to be looked into is the issue of fines which are being paid by the perpetrators. Some of the big companies who are running big businesses are the biggest money changers. These big companies are fined the same amount as the small money changers. For example, if a big company is found changing money worth one million, the fine is just an amount of USD100. For this business, it is a small drop in the ocean hence they will continue to change money since they sometimes manage to get one million dollars yet the fine will be only USD100. Right now, if you look at the rate which is being charged in supermarkets like Ok and TM, some of these shops are charging their goods at a rate of 20 and 25. When it comes to the law, the law which is being applied to small companies is the same law which is being applied to the small money changers. I suggest that if some supermarket is found overcharging goods worth USD50 000 their fine must be 50% of that amount. If you pick a one-dollar coin and you recoin it into two dollars, if the fine is higher than the benefit, people will desist from committing the same crimes.
At the border posts, we must have bureau de changes where people are going to change their monies and not being welcomed by money changers. When we went to Zambia, if you produced your US$20 for you to get a Kwacha, you would not get it at a certain rate at bureau de changes and the shops would not accept United States Dollars. They needed the Kwacha. Hence, there is need for us to make sure that we follow suit. When money changers were being arrested, they said that the rate is now at 20.00, who is pegging that rate? I saw another money changer being arrested. That person was changing money in his car and when the police officers tried to arrest him, he said he was paying a credit from someone.
The issue of money laundering must be looked into on how best we can tighten the laws. We have a lot of work to do and as a country. These money changers have got many ways to run away from their crimes. Right now, the banks are giving out ZiG and that money is being distributed in the streets to buy forex. If the banks are going to be punished for channeling money to the black market, let it be done. We can trace the money which is on the streets using the serial numbers. One Hon. Member said let us not follow book economics and everything, but let us use unorthodox means like the military approach.
We have many minerals in the country and let us not take a long time before we decide on how we are going to export them. Right now, it has been six months with lithium being mined by very few people. We have a lot of minerals which have been suspended from mining, but these minerals need to be exported outside the country. Countries like Russia are prospering despite being put under sanctions. They have a lot of gold bars under their reserves. If they get the opportunity to export or send their gold to other countries, they are ready. Let us not spend a lot of time without deciding what we must do with our minerals. There must be a law that makes us prosper in terms of mining and exporting our minerals. There is nothing that is stopping us from having confidence in our currency. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): I will take into cognisance one of the contributions from the Hon. Members that we need to be expedient, given the roles that we have and the time that we have. I will try to summarise the responses from some of the Hon. Members that came around some of the same issues.
Allow me to highlight some of the issues that came a few times that is of importance and that is the issue of confidence. Indeed, our currency the ZiG needs to have the confidence of our people. How does Government and the RBZ gain the confidence of our people? That will be done by doing two things. Number one doing the right thing and number two doing the right thing long enough and consistently. This is something that Government has committed itself to. What is this right thing that we are going to do to make sure that the currency ZiG is a success and this was highlighted in the Monetary Policy Statement?
Because we now have this structure to our currency that is backed by gold reserves and other minerals and a liquidation policy where all our export of minerals, a certain percentage is then converted into gold, the Governor and the Reserve Bank will not print any money that is beyond what is in the reserves. That will ensure that money supply will remain what is within the realm of what the Governor is able to take back from the market. This point is very important because I am going to break down the black-market activities into four.
Before we go into S.I. 18, I think there was a misunderstanding on why S.I. 18 was in place and why it is being repealed now. In breaking down into four, I am going to answer some of the questions that came from the Hon Members.
We have analysed the black market into four parts. The first part are your importers. These are your suppliers of goods and services that import goods traditionally because there was no foreign currency available, they would go to the streets and dealers. This is where the willing buyer and willing market was. Because we had an auction which probably was not accessible to everybody, the remnants then went to the black market. What has the Governor done to address this first cluster of people? He has said anyone with a genuine import invoice should go to their bank and they will get their foreign currency. If you want to import whatever it is you are selling in your grocery store or an invoice for school fees, for example – all you need is go to your bank and you will get the foreign currency for that. The Governor has enough foreign currency to buy all the ZiG that is in the market three times over. This is the structure of the currency.
If the banks decide that they want to hold on to their foreign currency, if the willing sellers decide they want to hold on to their currency, the Governor will come in and satisfy those invoices which means that there is no reason for this first group to go on to the black market. I will then explain how they fit into the third and fourth group, but I will explain the second group which is the one that touches all our constituents. These are youth, women, people in the rural areas who might not necessarily want to export, but need foreign currency for something, maybe go to the hairdresser to have a haircut. There are some barbershops that are not accepting ZiG for now. This group is not necessarily malicious, but still has a need for foreign currency. Many service stations right now are not taking ZiG, henceforth there is a need for that day to day transacting. In the Monetary Policy Statement. Even as we go forward with some of the policies that we are introducing, you would find that the gap had been left behind. Where that gap is left behind is where we then involve the private sector.
What Government has been doing is that we have reached out to our mobile network operators. I will point out Econet in particular because of the history that they have dating back to a few years where the licences for agencies got suspended. We called Econet for national duty and asked them to come forward and come up with a solution knowing that we have the Monetary Policy Statement that needs to be financially inclusive. We requested two things from them. Econet, Netone and Telecel that firstly, we have people who want to transact in small amounts. Sometimes you just want to see your USD20 or USD50 in your pocket, can we not have a Netcash platform, a Bureau-De-Change that can allow exchange from ZiG to USD and from USD to ZiG? That is currently under discussion and you should see that happening in the next few weeks. This is important because it will remove the need for those who want to use small amounts of USD for their day to day use.
They do not need to be going onto the streets and getting caught up in the melee of the FIU operations where money changers are being chased by the Police. The second aspect to that is, after conversation at the Bureau-De-Change or mobile platform which everybody can access, someone might still want to have physical cash hence the second task was that we get the agents reinstated. These are the Ecocash agents where you would go and cash out and cash in. This is also under discussion and will be coming in the next few weeks. This means that our rural constituents will be able to access ZiG and USD at these agents. So, these issues are being addressed through a combination of Government and private sector efforts. The nitty-gritties and administrative issues are still being ironed out but the framework is in place. This means that in terms of financial inclusion in this second bracket of our people who are looking for foreign currency, no one and no place will be left behind.
Now, Hon. Speaker, it leaves two more groups, which I will describe as numbers 3 and 4 who have traditionally gone to the black market. These people will probably always still exist. There are people who have local currencies they have earned in a way that might not be legal or that might not be hard work. The intention of this group of people is always to convert their proceeds into hard currency so that they can hide it away. This is what we call money laundering and usually these money launderers would want to convert their money into an untraceable format and there is a lot that is going on. So, you will find that money launderers will always be insensitive to the rate, henceforth they will propel and subsist a black market.
The number 4 group is those who try to evade tax. In their computations, they realise that if they are operating in USD, they can evade ZIMRA and will still make more money than the premium that is on the black market. These are areas that FIU is now actively looking at.
To answer Hon. Chiduwa, when we talk about the Exchange Control Act and the Schedule, as much as we would want to criminalise this offence, the schedule only speaks to civil penalties but money laundering is indeed a criminal offence. Hon. Mapiki mentioned that some criminals are being let go because they come up with brilliant excuses. We will be going out to these people for money laundering because if groups 1 and 2 are satisfied, then it is either you are evading tax or you are laundering money, hence there will be no need for a black market unless it is for the purpose of money laundering and evading tax.
Hon. Chiduwa mentioned the need for the FIU to be restructured and decentralised. I think this is something I have taken note of as well as the issue of bureau-de-change is an effort that we, through the mobile platforms, are engaging that we have mobile bureau-de-changes – electronic as well as the physical ones that used to be operational to be reinstated to ensure that there is availability. The infrastructure might not be as widespread as some of the mobile network operators but these are being re-instated.
We welcome that the 200 000 ZiG is perceived to be a bit on the lower side but I think the rationale was that 200 000 ZiG, which is an equivalent of about USD15 000 should be punitive enough to deter both small and large businesses from this practice.
Hon. Madzivanyika gave a background on S.I. 118 and it is unfortunate that she is not in the room but might not have understood why this S.I. 118 came into being in the first place. Prior to this Monetary Policy Statement and structured currency, we had the exchange rate being determined by the auction. What that would do was, Government would support the auction with foreign currency and bidders would come and rates would come from that. On the parallel market, it would seem that there was a very big discrepancy between the foreign auction and parallel market rate. This law was put into place cognisant that the parallel market has a somewhat higher rate and gave supermarkets and traders officially the leeway to deviate from that exchange rate up to a 10% cap. That would then allow them to somewhat compete with the parallel market because at the time the parallel market would oscillate between the 0 to 10%. It was only more recently when it started going beyond 15 to 20%. This was the import of S.I. 118.
What then happened is that when the Monetary Policy Statement came into place on 5th April 2024, with S.I. 118, these supermarkets could still legally and unjustifiably charge 10% above the prevailing rate. The rate that is there is not determined by the RBZ. The exchange rate that we see today is being determined by the interbank exchange. The interbank exchange is a willing buyer/willing seller where businesses or sellers and buyers of foreign currency trade their foreign currency. The RBZ will not interfere in determining the exchange rates. All the RBZ does is, take the averages and publish that rate.
Now, because our currency is backed and structured, the RBZ will always know the intrinsic value of the currency, henceforth if the interbank exchange rates start to run from what we believe the exchange rate to be, the Governor has reserves to inject into the banking system to defend the currency. This is the import and context of the structured currency. It is not to interfere with the market forces or the exchange rate but to have a gauge of what we perceive the value of the currency to be and to intervene in the event that the market might not be in congruency with what we believe the rate to be.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I think having exhausted debate on this S.I. 118 and there being no further comments or questions, I move that the Exchange Control Amendment of Schedule to Exchange Control Act Notice 2024 be approved by the National Assembly. I so submit.
Motion put and agreed to.
Motion put and agreed to.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA, the House adjourned at Ten Minutes to Six o’clock p. m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 8th May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
APPOINTMENT TO COMMITTEES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Good afternoon Hon. Members. I have to inform the Senate of the appointment of the following Hon. Senators to the following Thematic Committees:
- Sen. K. Phulu to serve on the Thematic Committees on Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals;
- Sen. S. Tshabangu to serve on the Thematic Committee on Climate Change;
- Sen. C. Ndlovu to serve on the Thematic Committees on Indigenisation and Empowerment and Human Rights;
- Sen. L. Mlilo to serve on the Thematic Committees on HIV/AIDS and Gender and Development;
- Sen. L. Sibanda to serve on the Thematic Committees on Climate Change and Indigenisation and Empowerment;
- Sen. S. Kadondo to serve on the Thematic Committees on HIV/AIDS and Indigenisation and Empowerment;
- Sen. S. Chapfudza to serve on the Thematic Committees on Peace and Security and Gender and Development;
- Sen. M. Mdhluri to serve on the Thematic Committees on Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change; and
- Sen. Mpande to serve on the Thematic Committees on Peace and Security and Gender and Development.
NON-ADVERSE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I also have to inform the Senate that I have received non-adverse reports on Statutory Instrument Numbers 34, 35, 36, 37 (a), 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53 and 54 which were gazetted during the month of March, 2024.
ADVERSE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Furthermore, I have to inform the House that I have received adverse reports for Statutory Instrument Numbers 17, 18, 23 and 24 gazetted during the month of February, 2024 and additionally, Statutory Instrument Numbers 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 52 gazetted during the month of March, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 6 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND
RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Seventh order read: Adjourned debate on the motion of the report on Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION ON THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 harmonised elections.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. CHAPFUDZA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to debate on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for 2023 harmonised elections. My debate will be mainly focused on the report, what is contained in the report and nothing else.
The election report which was brought by ZEC according to Section 241 of the Constitution which mandates that ZEC, after an election, is supposed to produce a report and also supported by Section 323 of the Constitution that any Commission that is set each and every year before the end of March, should produce a report to the Parliament.
The report is an important document, especially this one of ZEC which is supported by Section 241 because many people will be having questions on how it transpired during the election period and the post-election period. So when a report like this comes, it will be answering those questions. Therefore, I would like to applaud ZEC for giving a report or presenting a report timeously.
However, in my applauding of the ZEC Report, I applaud it partly. When I look at the report, there are areas that I could say ZEC did its job quite well, but in some areas when I was checking the report, there is need to relook at how they did some of the things.
ZEC gave a section in the report titled acronyms where they were explaining the abbreviations which they were using in the report. It is like ZEC was saying you should have this in mind when you are going through the report and not just concluding on your own. For example, if you look at the acronyms, there is where it is written ZACC. For all of us, if we come across ZACC, in our conclusions we can just say Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission, but if you look into the report ZACC stands for Zimbabwe Amalgamated Council of Churches. There is also where it is written ZANU PF, standing for Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front.
So, when we are going through the report, we should have this in mind that whatever abbreviation that you find inside the report, you should just not conclude on your own, but you should go back to the acronyms section and check what it really stands for like the examples I have alluded to.
Furthermore, on page 10 in the report, there is a pie chart, ZEC was just giving out the values of ZEC to us that is inclusive, transparent, independent, team work, impartiality and integrity. These are some of the values that ZEC gives to us that bears these values. When we move to table 5.5, there are some statistics of registered voters, we got 6 623 511 of which men who registered to vote were 3 069 450 as compared to women who are 3 554 061. We noticed that there are a lot of women who got registered as voters in comparison to men.
There is a section where they put presidential candidates, we got 11 and out of 11, there is only one woman. It is surprising that a lot of women registered to vote, but they are not aspiring to lead this country whilst we are preaching of gender balance and it was an open ticket that they could also compete as an independent candidate.
Therefore, I would like to urge women to participate in these events, especially if we are noticing that the statistics are favouring them, so the probability that if a woman stands as a candidate, she can win is so high though I encourage my fellow Hon. Senators to preach this gospel that women should participate to take these national positions.
Furthermore, in the National Assembly, we got 636 registered candidates, and of those 636, only 70 were female. In my opinion, females are like male chauvinists, they believe in the superiority of men because we are just seeing that they are plenty on the registration, but on the part of leading, they shy away. This means that they believe in leadership of men more than theirs.
On page 34 of the report, ZEC recorded deaths. We have got deaths there. Five people died before the election and there was a postponement of those elections. Those who died before the elections, may their souls rest in peace. When I checked on this report, they were all male. Maybe participating in election brings death and that is why women are shying away from participating. Maybe if death was an organisation, we could summon it to Parliament and ask it to do gender balance.
On page 39, I would like to applaud ZEC, it did a very good job. It was so transparent. It gives a list of all the things that were used to conduct the elections, from fuel, ballot papers, the amount of litres of diesel, the solar lamps which were used. It was so transparent and clear standing to its obligation that it is transparent as seen from that pie chart that I talked about where they are saying they are impartial, exercise integrity and transparency. The transparency was shown on page 39 when it was just recording everything that they used and the quantities. I think we need to applaud ZEC for that.
Again, the personnel that they employed, it was around 132 958 people. Of those, females were 76 584 compared to men who were 56 374. I would also like to urge ZEC that next time when they are conducting elections, they should also include gender balance to make it maybe 50/50 men and females so that it would balance.
On page 38, fig 9.2 there is a map there, ‘National Assembly results’. On that map, Mr. President, you can hardly see anything. This is the crucial part of National Assembly results. We want to see the pattern, how it happened, but you can hardly see on that map. Even the key, you cannot see it. It is so microscopic, you cannot see, but this is so important because the nation wants to see the distribution. There are just yellow and green colours but we do not know what they mean.
Another thing that is so disheartening is that ZEC did not include ZANU PF in the report. We are saying ZANU PF is the winning party. We only see the term ZANU PF in the acronym section. When you move through this report, you will come across ZANU PF in the acronym section and you will know that it stands for the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front, but if you check in the report, you will not see where it is written ZANU PF. I do not know how they drafted such an important document and excluded the winning party. So it is of concern why it does not include the winning party in the report whilst after every election, we want to know the winner. We want to know where he comes from.
Even if you look at the Presidential candidates, they are just names. It is Nelson, Emmerson but these people are not vetted, they are not given to their parties. If you give a person who has just come, he does not know which party Emmerson belongs to, which party Nelson belongs to, where does this lady belong to. So, I think it should be contained in the report.
So ZEC should write a supporting affidavit correcting this error because on page 58 again, we have got the distribution of Presidential votes. It is just written ‘the distribution of Presidential votes’ but if you look inside, you see nothing on that map. We are talking of a Commission which comprises of almost nine Commissioners who took an oath that they would do their work in a diligent manner but if you look at this, can we say it is done in a diligent manner when the winning party is not even included in the report? When you look closely at it, CCC also is not included. Why do I say so? Some might say no, you are now starting to lie. No, I am not lying. I said the acronym section gives us the definition to the abbreviations which are being used. When you go to the acronym section where it is written CCC, it is Citizens for Coalition for Change, of which the party I belong to is not Citizens for Coalition for Change, it is Citizens Coalition for Change.
If you look and check in the dictionary, the prefix in Citizens for Coalition, we are saying in the party we are together but when they put ‘for’ between our togetherness, it means we are not together but we are trying to move to be together so that we could reach change, which means in doing that, ZEC was distorting the party’s name. It is like they have made an error of commission, omission or it is an error of principle. We do not know. That ZEC knows, but if we take that as an error, it means that the document does not include the two main parties in this report.
If you look at what Mr. James said - hear me well there, not Mr. James Makamba, Mr. James in the Bible. Mr. James in the Bible talks of a stick which can pin the whole forest and he talks of a small object which can contaminate the whole body, and here by just including ‘for’ between the Citizens and say ‘for Coalition’, they have distorted everything. It is no longer our party. So, I think ZEC should be very diligent when it is producing a report.
If we look at how judges operate, if you cannot put your things in order, they can discard your case without looking at the merits. I expect that the Chairperson of ZEC is a judge, she could look into things very closely and eliminate all these errors than just bringing a thing which is distorted like it is.
Mr. President, I would say if it is possible, ZEC should write a following affidavit correcting the error and acknowledging that they made an error so that we could accept this report, especially on the maps. There is nothing that is seen there. If you try to stretch your eyes and you are tested with a tonometer, you will be found wanting. You will be recommended glasses there and then because you could have done an impossible job.
Thank you, Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to discuss on this issue.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Senator Chapfudza for your very analytical debate, and obviously you read the reports with an eagle’s eye.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
PLIGHT OF CHILDREN ON THE STREETS
Nineth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of children on the streets.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. MOYO: Thank you Mr. President Sir, for the opportunity that you have given me to contribute on the motion moved by Hon. Sen. Tongogara on children found on the streets. These are vulnerable children. Firstly, when we speak of street children, there is an issue that should be addressed. Why are they in the streets in the first place, requesting for food? We also realise that some of the children would be having their parents with them sitting at a distance. Some would not be having their parents. This matter is across the country. It is unfortunate that we see these children in the streets requesting for food in this rich country. We also have other children in other provinces who are being conscientised that they should not go around begging for food. They want to teach them to work and not beg for food.
If this continues, our country will be in serious problems. It is unfortunate for our Government – I realise that before independence, what is occurring was not happening before. Our parents did not have enough resources, but there were laws that stopped the children from begging. After independence, we destroyed those laws. By then, I was young, but I know what was happening. We thought that since the country had gained independence, we were going to enjoy ourselves. When I look back, I realise that the Government failed on certain things. I have listened to Hon. Senators; they are of the view that there should be a law that allows for children to be apprehended and removed from the streets.
Last week when I was on my way to Bulawayo at Ingutsheni Psychiatric hospital, I realised that 60% of the inmates are male. These particular individuals are there because they are poor. Why did this happen to these people? We should examine that. We have our traditional leaders here; they can help us on how to remove these children from the streets. They know where we are going wrong. We have business individuals who have access to resources, they were blessed by the Lord, I believe. Why do these people who have resources not have that empathy and feel pity for these street children and extend a helping hand?
Our people are poor, that is the reason why children end up living in the streets. If we come here every month without realising anything for our stomachs, we will end up being street kids. If you are hungry, you can do anything or eat anything you find. I have not read of individuals who have donated to the Ingutsheni Institution. Some of these street kids who beg, at times even want to enter into the vehicle in order to be given something. That is a sign of hunger.
Therefore, those people with resources should assist these street kids. There are some who say we should have a law to cause the arrest of these street kids. What has that individual done with the resources with which he was supposed to help street kids? All these people are on the street because of poverty, they need our assistance. Why is it not that those well-resourced people help these street kids to also have a normal life? We have realised that in other countries, those children who do not have parents or who roam around the streets, benefit from their own Government. Even orphans from the war, why cannot the Government have an envelop where on a monthly basis, money is disbursed to the poor in this country? Our country is endowed with resources. We should utilise what we have and help these street children. We have men like Joshua Nkomo and Josiah Tongogara, where ever they are lying, they should be turning in their graves when they see these children in poverty. We should realise that their present situation is caused by poverty. I thank you.
^^HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion. This is a very important motion, especially looking at us as women who are mothers. Firstly, we need to know who is referred to as street kids and why they are referred to as street kids. These kids that we refer to as street kids today are our kids and they are referred to as children of the poor. It is not true, even though others are saying they do not have parents. These are our children who have parents somewhere. We however, end up abusing some of them not realising that it is because their parents failed somewhere. If we look at them as they roam around the streets, we realise that their parents will be seated by the roadside and they send these children to ask for money so that they can get a living from there.
Today, we realise that these children do not go school. They just spend their time on the streets whilst their peers are at school. It is critical for us to make sure that these children attend school. Still on the issue, the children’s health issues are not well taken care of because they have no one to take them to healthcare facilities. Should we continue to look at this issue whilst things are going on like this? At the end of the day, these children do not have any ambitions in life. I remember one of the days as I was walking around, someone said, talk to these children. I approached them and said, I have work that you guys can do, so can I go with you? They did not agree to what I was saying and they started insulting me because they are used to getting adequate food on the streets and do not see any benefit in working for themselves.
Growing up long back, there were no street kids but today we have so many of them on the streets. This means that as parents, we have a duty, especially as parliamentarians here to help these children to move out of the streets. Let me thank our First Lady who is encouraging and doing this duty on her on, seeing how best these children can be supported. What I am asking for is for us to assist her in ensuring that the children get better lives. This is where our tomorrow’s presidents and doctors come from. We cannot get a better future from these children if they continue to roam around the streets without any education and good health. Therefore, my plea is that we all get involved in the proper upbringing of our children and ensure that one’s child is yours.
One other issue is that no one knows where the children sleep and they misbehave. Most of them are involved in drug abuse, that is glue and mutoriro. So, they do not have a future and as parents in this august House, what are we doing pertaining to this issue?
In conclusion, it is critical to have rehabilitation centres although we know that if some of them are taken to these centres, they have got a tendency to run away, but we need to make sure that even if they run away, we try and get them rehabilitated in some way because we love them, they are our children. It is the legacy that we can leave to them in saying we took them out of the streets and made them better people. However, there are few rehabilitation centres, if only there could be a way of making sure that these two are also cascaded to other districts around the country so that wherever there are, they find a centre to go to. In such a way, they will be monitored even by their parents, but right now, we are not achieving any results because if they run away from the rehabilitation centres, no one follows up to have them retained. The other issue is that school drop-outs should be sent back to school and study through either correspondence or they go back as fully fledged students.
Another issue regarding these street kids especially those under government schemes like BEAM are the ones that drop out in numbers and once they are out of school, they roam the streets in search of quick money. If they need quick money, they have nowhere else to get it from besides from the streets. Let this bother us as parents and find lasting solutions to the problems of street kids. Let us help the First Lady who has a motherly heart of wanting to see these children live better lives. We thank her because there are some who have been rehabilitated. They can now be farmers and engage in projects that uplift them.
Hon. Members, let us assist these children and not to assist them on the streets, hear me well there, but provide them with help away from the streets. If you give them a blanket or a dollar from the street, you have not assisted them but fueled their street life activities
Hon. Deputy President of Senate, think of a situation where your child does not have bathing water, not attending school nor any health facility. Upon falling sick, you give them a dollar right on the street? What will they use it for apart from buying mutoriro or glue? I am grateful for this motion brought to this house by Hon. Sen. Tongogara because it obliges us to ensure that we assist them by not giving them money as they remain on the streets. With these few but many words Mr. President, thank you and a great day to you.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENTOF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Senator Mohadi, even though I was not able to comprehend anything. Apparently, the relevant interpreter is off today for this language and the one who relieves him is in the National Assembly. It is quite clear that we are not attracting interpreters. Perhaps one of the reasons is the conditions of service which we are offering. We must do better than we are doing so that debates become meaningful in this House. I believe over 70% of the people in this House did not capture what was debated, and that is sad really for debates and for proper exchange of ideas and debate in a democratic society. We are going to ensure that administration rectifies this very unfortunate situation.
*HON. MAKAMBA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the
opportunity to debate the motion which was moved by Hon. Sen. Tongogara. I want to focus on the words which were uttered by Senator Moyo who was really passionate. I am disappointed because I wanted to debate in Chikorekore, so I might fail to communicate as people might not understand me.
I suggest that there must be interpreters for all languages and this will help us. Hon. Sen. Moyo indeed showed concern regarding the plight of street kids and he proffered suggestions. He also spoke about what he is doing in Matebeleland. I thought Hon. Sen. Moyo was going to share his ideas regarding what can be done so that we can copy and apply this in other provinces. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. SHIRI: Thank you Mr. President for the opportunity
to share a few words in this important motion which was moved by Hon. Senator Tongogara regarding children who live on the streets. Indeed, as a nation, we know that a child is a minor who is below the age of 18. These children include boys and girls, the disabled, those coming from poor families and even those from rich families. Street kids have a touching plight.
As parents, we see them along our streets in different cities. Some of the children run away from their homes preferring to live on the streets maybe because they cannot stay in their homes because of abuse and they cannot go and live with other relatives. I am looking at children from broken homes. Sometimes these are homes experiencing Gender-Based Violence or domestic violence.
In other instances, they come from poor families where they do not have anything to eat so they prefer going to the streets. Some are deviants or children who cannot be groomed to behave well. So regarding the issue of street kids, I am quite pained because I was approached by one journalist saying Senator, are you aware that there is a disabled child who sometimes is being used by people old enough to be the child’s parent, pushing the wheelchair so that they raise money. This is happening. You find children being abused that way in Harare and in different weather conditions.
Children are just children. They cannot refuse and are being used as a way of begging for the benefit of adults. This does not benefit them. You find people using children to raise money. It is quite touching, especially for the people with disability whom we find that some parents or relatives are taking children to the streets and introducing them to drugs, and they start abusing drugs and even using children for criminal activities. When law enforcement agents come, you find some saying this is a parent of a disabled child and they let go.
So children are being taught wrong values because a lot is happening in our streets. This is what they are seeing as they are growing up. A child indeed is a person whom we need to protect. We need to fight for them. As Members of Parliament, we need to do things in the best interest of the child. We have a Ministry of Social Welfare which has the social protection department and when we debate the National Budget, we allocate a large chunk of money towards that so that the department caters for people with disabilities and that a number of programmes are run for the benefit of children.
However, in terms of BEAM, we had the opportunity of consulting the public and some were complaining that the children of people with disabilities are not covered by BEAM yet they are disadvantaged children. There are some children who are desperate to an extent of ending up going into the streets for begging. Government programmes like BEAM in most cases do not benefit the intended beneficiaries.
Therefore, the issue is that as a nation, our social workers were going to developed countries for greener pastures. We did not have many people in the streets, particularly looking at the issues of drugs and other challenges faced by children. In the past, children were molded in a responsible manner and parents could engage children, even social workers are no longer enough for those who want to adopt children. The process is cumbersome, it takes time, there is an assessment which is done and those who do the assessment are just a few.
Sometimes these children do not have parents, because in children’s homes, there are a lot of issues which happen there. There are also quite a few children’s homes, that is why a law was enacted discouraging the institutionalisation of children’s homes so that children can have foster families to experience family life. Children coming from children’s homes were refusing to go to school because they were being discriminated against. Those who were coming from children’s homes at 18 were told to leave because they were above the required age.
In the past, there was a case of a child who committed suicide and this child was living in the streets. The issue of rehabilitation centres, indeed it is important to have rehabilitation centres. There must be empowerment of children so that they have income generating projects. We can take these children from the streets but they go back. People feel pity for them and they give them something, of which we do not encourage that but at times you find that there is dire need for a child with disability who may not have water, food and clothing. So, it is important to have proper foster homes and children’s homes where children can be looked after.
Looking at vocational training centres, I went to Matabeleland North and I met a lot of people with disabilities who were saying there is no vocational training centre. So, it is important to have vocational training centres in all provinces. There must be areas where the vulnerable children are kept. I have noted that as a nation, the First Lady is doing a good job. She is uplifting the vulnerable, the street children with disabilities and this is a job which is demanding and needs commitment. So as leaders, we need to work towards transforming those who are vulnerable. We need to value their lives so that as Members of Parliament, , we need to assist those in need, especially children in every constituency. We can say they are our tomorrow’s leaders but we find them in streets being abused in different forms and ways. Indeed, we will be neglecting our children and this will turn against us in the future because those who are in the streets are so desperate that they can even pilfer food, they can even take away your food. For us who are a bit old, it is difficult because you fear that they will take the food away from you.
Zimbabwe is a peaceful country compared to other countries, but because of drugs and other illicit substances, you find that our children who live in the streets are behaving like animals. Churches are assisting Government. Organisations are working with Government to uplift their lives, so as Senators, we need to work with Government so that our children’s lives are improved. It is painful to note and hear a child saying that it is better to live in the streets than to see the mother being beaten by the father. Gender-based violence is affecting a lot of children. Some mothers prefer to live in the streets than to be abused at home.
So, there are a lot of factors which are pushing children to the streets. As leaders, we need to come up with strategies which would curb this and we need to work with Government so that our children are assisted. Those who are poor should benefit from Government programmes.
Therefore, I want to thank Hon. Sen. Tongogara for moving this important motion. It is our responsibility collectively to make sure our children move away from the streets. It is a bad image which visitors see when they come to our cities and see children with disabilities begging in the streets. Our Ministry of Social Welfare should help in assessing whether there can be reunion of children who have parents but live in the streets, because if we leave them in the streets, you would find that some would grow up in the streets and they lose a lot. Therefore, as Members of Parliament, it is our responsibility to make sure that those who are in the streets are assisted so that they live better lives because the streets do not have children. The children are ours. I thank you Madam President.
*HON. SEN. KATUMBA: Thank you Madam President. I believe that a lot has been said and I agree the issue of street kids is quite touching. Like what was said by a previous speaker, there are different reasons which push our children to the streets. It is because of the problems they face that you find some going to the streets.
Looking at the streets, what they eat is not healthy because they just eat everything which is thrown away. Health wise, they are at risk because they do not have ablution facilities. They defecate along the streets, which is not good for hygiene.
I have a testimony of a child in our streets who was adopted by someone after being interviewed. That child was taken to school right through to university and I saw that child testifying after qualifying as a doctor, which means there are some children with genuine reasons who need assistance to move away from the streets and to have a better future. There are some who cannot be rehabilitated or who cannot be taken to homes because they are used to street life. Some are violent; some use knives. I saw a street kid harassing a woman with a knife. Sometimes we fear going out with our wigs because they can take them away. You find young girls being sexually abused. Some men take advantage of them because they say they are cheaper to pay. They abuse them and dump them in the streets.
Like what was said by a previous speaker, it is important that these children are empowered through income generating projects. The Social Welfare Department should also ensure that children go to school. Some might move to the streets because of a stepmother and because of abuse. It is important that Government intervenes so that children are rehabilitated depending on the reason. Some might be reunited with their families. Therefore, as a nation, it is important for us to assist street kids so that they have good livelihoods and also live in harmony with others. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. R. NDLOVU: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. I want to add my voice to what has been said by my fellow Senators. I want to thank Hon. Senator Tongogara for moving this important motion.
We have a number of groups of children who live in the streets. Some who live in the streets, some who go to town to play with other children. Some of them are young children. These are minors and adolescents. You will find young children in the streets. Some live with their parents, their mothers, some with their grandparents and some live in child headed households. Some live as children because their parents are in the diaspora. You would find that some of these children are being influenced through peer pressure. Some are learning through social learning because they do not have anyone to parent them.
I remember at one point when I did not know what to do because when you engage these children, you find that they have attitudes like those of old women, what do you want to do? They cannot be taught, but it is our responsibility to work together. Where we stay, we have a number of children. There are a number of houses where child headed families are found and you cannot discipline these children. You cannot admonish them. I will give an example of where I stay. The mother moved away and left her children with their grandmother. The grandmother is not responsible enough. She is a bit old. There is a child who was in Form 1 and the stepfather impregnated the young girl. He was arrested and he was given bail, but then he left for South Africa.
After relocating to South Africa, the child’s mother moved from that house. After moving, the mother travelled to Mashonaland. The funny thing is that despite the abuse that was done upon her child, she relocated to South Africa to stay with her husband who had abused her child and her child had given birth to another child.
So that old woman came to me. She approached me and told me that it is surprising that my daughter has gone back to her husband who is in South Africa who molested and sexually abused her daughter. So I said let us see what she is going to do. This young girl does not sleep at home. She does not listen to her grandmother. Sometimes they just pass by my yard. They say please do not look at us. These young girls are now getting wild. I am saying this because it is not their fault, but it is the parent’s fault. As a parent, leaving young children for South Africa, neglecting them because they do not have food, they will experience peer pressure and will not have anyone to parent them. So they end up falling into temptations.
My view is that child-headed households should be considered and the Government should have a database of child-headed households. Where we stay, we have reported several times to our police stations and you would find that the same police officers end up living in those houses. At times you will get confused as to what should be done. You would find young boys who are coming to prey on the vulnerable young girls. You would see that some of them drop out of school at grade seven. It would be better if they go through to form four. Some opt to live in the streets because of the circumstances around where they live because they are children alone.
I believe that those who live in the streets should be interviewed to determine their reasons for living in the streets so that they are graded. Some live in the streets because they are desperate and others live in the streets because they are being naughty and do not listen to their parents. I saw a young child by Monomotapa Hotel and I asked where he was coming from. He responded with an attitude that he was coming from Epworth. I was trying to ascertain whether the child would be having someone who needs some assistance. This shows that we may not be able to control this. What we need are laws which will ensure that children are taken off the streets and be rehabilitated.
If they are interviewed and it is ascertained that they are leaving their homes because of poverty, there must be centres where they can be housed. I remember in Bulawayo, there is Thembisa Children’s Home. Some were left by their parents because they were naughty but they were taught vocational skills so that they can look after themselves. We have a challenge of naughty children. I believe with the current laws, it will be quite difficult to apply them because nowadays children do not listen even to their parents. There are also parents who do not want their children to be admonished by other parents. When we were growing up, you could be beaten up by a parent from next door if they saw you doing something which was unbecoming.
Now, there is the legal age of majority which is empowering our children and we applaud that as parents. However, let us go back to the drawing board and determine what should be done so that we can assist our young children because they are now disobedient. I thank you Hon. Sen. Tongogara for moving that pertinent motion.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE METROPOLITAN (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial Government tier of Government.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. R. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTEMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE
PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows, who are routinely being evicted from their houses by relatives.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Twelfth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of
climate change.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Madam President for giving the opportunity to share my views regarding this motion, which is quite important and affects the people of Zimbabwe. It is clear that this challenge is not only unique to Zimbabwe, but it is a global challenge. In Zimbabwe, if we look at the causes of climate variations. One of the causes is that we are failing to look after our environment. We have a challenge because the fire season has been announced where you find veld fires. Our forests are being burnt – our flora and fauna is being burnt and this is affecting the population of trees through cutting down of trees too and the wanton destruction of forests.
Where I stay, you find men carrying axes looking for trees to chop. You find that the trees being cut are the ones that took so many years to grow. People take three to four days to cut a tree which would have grown through generations. This is one of the causes of global warming. Those who just mine gold without licences or due diligence or do it nicodemously and do not cover the pits that they dig is a hazard because such pits when the rains fall, they fill up with water and our animals end up drowning. This is affecting a lot of things. You find that sometimes water is just flowing – there is no control and the water is not following through the natural process. This is one of the reasons and as a nation, we should see what we can do so that people are sensitized. The biggest challenge is that people are ignorant – they do not have adequate knowledge.
I want to encourage the Minister of Environment – who is the responsible authority and has a task in preserving and conserving our environment. Our chiefs and traditional leaders should be taught because we do not just look forward to the Ministry of Environment to do that job on its own. The Ministry should centre on printing pamphlets or books to educate the public. However, what is happening in rural areas is quite disappointing. We have chiefs who live with communities and they are teaching people. When I was growing up, we were taught that chiefs are custodians of culture. We need to educate even churches because they are responsible for inculcating culture and moral values. You find that churches are always filled up. It is important to engage churches through the Ministry of Environment.
Engaging churches even after conducting church services would be beneficial. It will help in educating people about how to protect their environment. This works because last week there was a meeting at our church and the publicity team of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe came and educated people on what ZiG is and what it stands for. They had posters and information which described the notes, coins and the whole family of the currency and the exchange rate. This indeed helps because when people hear such information from reliable sources or people who work in that office, they concentrate or pay attention. Environmental issues would permeate into communities and this will benefit chiefs, headmen and village heads. We know that climate change indeed can be mitigated in our communities because this is a global challenge.
I would like to thank Hon. Senator Mohadi for moving this motion which was quite pertinent. It is evident that this year is a year of drought, rains were not sufficient. If we teach people, they will know that what is being said is true because no one had a good harvest because climate change is real and it is with us. It is affecting our livelihoods – we end up not harvesting properly. When climate change affects people, sometimes it brings floods that displace people and also destroy people’s houses and livelihoods. Some will be affected by drought and will not have enough food. The Ministry of Environment should come up with strategies of teaching people so that information can reach communities. Regarding climate change, you will find that it brings negative effects and having such information will help our people about what climate change means. I thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE
NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Thirteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the
National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
ROAD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Fourteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the
successive road accidents on consecutive days in the month of November, 2023 countrywide.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. PHUTHI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA seconded by HON. SEN. TONGOGARA, the House adjourned at Seventeen Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 7th May, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE HON. SPEAKER: I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery, of Members of Parliament and staff from the Parliamentary Budget Select Committee of the Parliament of Namibia – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - The delegation is on a benchmarking visit. Hon. Members from Namibia and staff, you are most welcome to our Chamber - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - I thought you could stand up so that the Hon. Members can see you.
Hon. Members from Namibia stood up.
THE HON. SPEAKER: There are the members there. I want to thank you very much.
SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I have to inform the House that on Friday, 3rd May, 2024, Parliament was notified by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), that in terms of Section 67 Subsection (III) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], Mutimbanyoka Kiven and Mashavave George, Members of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) Party were duly elected as Members of the National Assembly for the Harare East and Mt. Pleasant Constituencies respectively – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – This is with effect from 28th April, 2024.
Section 128 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that before a Member of Parliament takes his or her seat in Parliament, the Member must take the Oath of a Member of Parliament as set out in the Third Schedule of the Constitution. Section 128 (2) states that the oath must be taken before the Clerk of Parliament.
I therefore, call upon the Clerk of Parliament to administer the oath of a Member of Parliament. I now call upon the members to subscribe to the Oath of Loyalty – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
NEW MEMBERS SWORN
HON. MUTIMBANYOKA KIVEN and HON. MASHAVAVE GEORGE subscribed to the Oath of Loyalty as required by the law and took their seats – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear,] – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, there is only one Chair. I do not need some assistance at the moment.
PETITION RECEIVED FROM THE COALITION OF MARKET AND LIBERAL SOLUTIONS
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that Parliament received a petition from the Coalition of Market and Liberal Solutions (COMALISO), beseeching Parliament to exercise its legislative role by enacting legislation that gives life to the tenets of the 2013 Constitution on property rights and the right to shelter. The petition has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
DRESS CODE DURING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
THE HON. SPEAKER: Just to add on a little reminder; when you are in Committee meetings within the precincts of Parliament or outside, you are expected to observe the dress code as outlined in Standing Order No. 80 and I noticed a Member who was in the Committee on Budget and Finance was not properly dressed. I have forgiven him for this time but in the future, I shall not exercise that indulgence.
*HON. NYABANI: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. My point of national interest is that, firstly, I would like to thank the President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, the Minister of Finance and his Deputy and the RBZ Governor for introducing ZiG as a currency. There is no country that can develop without using their own currency.
I have travelled and seen that the President has done well for us to have our own currency. From my own investigations as the representative of people of Rushinga, I have visited the wholesalers to see how they are using the new currency and how people are transacting. I have visited two wholesalers for my investigations. When it comes to a box of jade soap, Munella Wholesalers are charging US$11.00 and in ZiG it is costing Z181.50. When we convert it using the exchange rate of 1:14, it is going for US$12.96. When it comes to Gains Wholesalers, a case of self-raising flour is costing US$16.30 and in ZiG it is Z295.19. If we convert that to dollars, it will be US$21.00.
I have come into this august House that as people of Zimbabwe, we are the ones who should honour our own currency. Basic commodities in Harare are expensive, yet they do not attract transport costs. You find wholesalers are putting 18% mark up on their products. What will that commodity cost when it gets to Plumtree or Rushinga?
HON. MATEWU: I rise on a point of order. The Hon. Member from Rushing is debating and he is supposed to give a point of national interest. He is wasting our time. I think it is better that he puts it in a motion or talk to the Minister himself. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, your point of order is misdirected.
*HON. NYABANI: The issue that I am referring to is that people are concerned and it is affecting the general citizenry of the country. I am urging you Mr. Speaker Sir, that the 11 companies that were convicted - I have evidence to that effect even if the police or RBZ asks for it. I can take them to these wholesalers that I am talking about. These wholesalers are not accepting ZiG on all the basic commodities. Even if you go to Mohammed Mussa, you can verify these facts for yourself.
HON. MURAMBIWA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Good afternoon to you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Good afternoon, please stick to your time.
HON. MURAMBIWA: Hon. Speaker, I rise on a point of national interest which is around the good work being done by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E.D Mnangagwa, through the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services. We are witnessing base stations being erected in various parts of the country and network coverage has greatly improved. Network connectivity is reaching every corner of the country and this is in line with the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. In March, during question and answer session, I posed a question to the Minister of ICT about the switching on of the base station which is at Jichidza in Ward 12, Zaka North Constituency. The Deputy Minister, Hon Phuti, promised that in no time he would work around that. In less than two weeks, the base station I am talking about was switched on and the residents of Zaka North, especially those coming from Ward 12 of Nyakunhuwa area are now enjoying the sweet fruits of the Second Republic. So, I want to commend the good work which was done by the Deputy Minister of ICT. I thank you.
*HON. CHIKOMO: Thank you Mr. Speaker for according me this opportunity to speak. My point of national interest is in line with road traffic accidents. I am pained by the accident that happened yesterday involving school children who were going back to school. What is Government…
*HON TAFANANA ZHOU: On a point of order. The Hon Member is raising the same point of national interest which I once raised and was answered by the Minister in this House.
*THE HON. SPEAKER: In Shona, they say dzokororo inesimba.
*HON. CHIKOMO: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I was saying I am pained by the accident that happened yesterday involving school children who were going back to school. I am saying, what plans is Government putting in place for those errant drivers? What should be done so that the accidents are controlled because some of the drivers will be under the influence of alcohol and they will have been hired just for the purpose of ferrying children to and from schools? I was really pained because some of the children were badly injured, some of whom are future leaders. Also, those groceries which the parents had bought went to waste in the accident. I think we should come up with a law to curb those accidents. I thank you.
HON. SAKUPWANYA: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker. My point of national interest refers to the need for language classes to be availed here at Parliament such that Hon. Members of Parliament may learn any of the 16 official languages in Zimbabwe. Even though Hon MPs hail from different constituencies, when we speak in this august House, we speak to and on behalf of the entirety of Zimbabwe. In this regard, the availability of these language classes means that MPs can fully participate in debates raised in the House in their respective and various languages and MPs do not miss out on vital information that may affect their respective constituencies. I appreciate and acknowledge the move to introduce ICT training in this august House so that MPs can keep abreast of technological advancement. So, through the same, I ask that your esteemed office actions these language classes so that MPs do not miss out on vital information that is shared. It is not only for MPs, but also for Ministers who come during question and answer session. I thank you.
THE HON SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Sakupwanya. I thought you could hold back until the motion is debated and you would come in extensively with more time to try to justify what you have just said now. I suppose you will be there to debate further on your observations when the motion is debated later.
HON. MHETU: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Good afternoon.
HON. MHETU: My point of national interest is on regularisation of informal settlements by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. This issue was once raised in this House, but there are no notable changes which we have seen. This has prompted me to rise on a point of national interest:-
URGENTLY calling on the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to expedite the regularisation of informal settlements across our nation;
RECOGNISING the challenges faced by residents in these settlements and the need for clear guidelines, I propose the following measures:
- Streamlining in regularisation processes to minimise bureaucratic hurdles and consolidate departments. All departments dealing with regularisation should be available at one place, allocating sufficient resources for surveys and infrastructure development as well as engaging with residents for their input and concern.
FURTHERMORE, we need a clear deadline for regularisation, penalties for non-compliance, including arrest and public awareness campaigns about the deadlines. If we adopt these measures Mr. Speaker Sir, we will provide residents in informal settlements with a pathway to legal recognition and improved living conditions, while also ensuring a controlled and planned approach to urban development. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Number 1 to 5 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 6 has been disposed of.
HON. N. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION ON THE ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO RUSSIA
HON. SHAMU: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report of the Delegation on the Election Observation Mission to Russia on Russian Presidential Elections led by Hon. Shamu from 13th to 20th March, 2024.
HON. MAKWIRANZOU: I second Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. SHAMU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to present the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade on the Election Observation Mission to Russia.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Mr. Speaker Sir, I led a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, spearheaded by a Parliamentary Delegation on an election observation mission to the Russian Federation from 13th to 20th March 2024. The visit was initiated following an invitation extended by the Federation Council, and the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to the Parliament of Zimbabwe. This endeavour serves to strengthen the bond between the two sisterly legislative bodies and promotes the progression of Parliamentary Diplomacy. The initiative is in alignment with the nation's foreign policy objectives, which aims to foster relationships with the international community, hence adhering to the engagement and re-engagement agenda, further strengthening our diplomatic ties.
1.2 The Chairperson’s delegation comprised of the following Members,
- Mercy Mugomo- Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
- Caleb Makwiranzou- Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
- Sen. Angeline Kumbirai Tongogara- Chairperson, Thematic Committee on HIV and AIDS
- Sen. Robson Mavenyengwa- Chairperson, Thematic Committee on Human Rights.
1.3 The delegation observed Russian Presidential Elections held from 15 to 17 March 2024. Its mandate was governed by the guidelines set forth by the Central Election Commission, a counterpart organisation to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
2.0 LEGAL FRAMWORK AND VOTING IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
2.1 The Russian Federation's election legal framework includes the Constitution, establishing a basis for credible elections through citizens' rights and obligations, and Federal Laws, providing detailed guidelines on election management. Article 3.3 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation notes that the supreme direct expression of the power of the people shall be expressed through referenda and free elections.
2.2 In accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Confederation, the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, by Resolution No. 678-SF of 7 December 2023, scheduled the election of the President of the Russian Federation for 17 March 2024. The CEC decided to conduct voting over a period of three consecutive days, namely 15, 16, and 17 March 2024, with polling commencing at 0800 hours and concluding at 2000 hours each day. The decision to have a three-day polling period was made by the CEC after thorough consultations with the electorate. The majority of respondents supported this option as it offers greater flexibility for voting and has the potential to increase voter turnout rates.
2.3 The President of the Russian Federation is elected every six years through universal, equal, and direct secret ballot (Constitution Article 81.1). The President has a six-year term renewable once. To be eligible for the Presidency election, candidates must be at least 35 years old and should ordinarily have been resident in Russia for a minimum of 25 years. Additionally, candidates must not have foreign citizenship or residence permit in a foreign country, neither at the time of the election nor at any time in the past. Previous legislation expected presidential candidates to belong to a political party, however this requirement was removed …
HON. MAMOMBE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you. Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise on a point of order, Standing Order Number 19 read together with Standing Order Number 24, that when Committees are travelling on Parliament business, be it international trips or local trips, those Committees must be balanced. They must be very inclusive, including gender composition, including political parties. As the Hon. Member goes through his report, I take note that all the Members who travelled to Russia, there was no representation from the Members from this side. Hon. Speaker, we would need an explanation why such a composition without inclusivity was allowed to travel. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is an administrative matter. That will be looked into. Thank you.
HON. SHAMU: By a 2020 Constitutional amendment to allow independent candidates to contest, party candidates must have a minimum of 100,000 nominators while an independent candidate must have a minimum of 300,000 nominators to be considered by the CEC.
2.4 The current President, His Excellency Vladimir Putin, competed against the Communist Party’s Nikolai Kharitonov, Leonid Slutsky of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Vladislav Davankov of the New People Party, as illustrated in Table 1.
Table 1: 2024 Presidential Candidates for the Russian Federation
Candidate name |
Age |
Political Party |
1. Vladislav Davankov |
40 years |
New People Party |
2. Vladimir Putin |
71 years |
Independent candidate |
3. Leonid Slutsky |
56 years |
Liberal Democratic Party |
4. Nikolay Kharitonov |
75 years |
Communist Party |
2.5 Russia has fully harnessed the use of technology and digitalised its voting system. The country utilises Electronic Voting Systems (online voting) through the internet portal of the Central Election Commission, a sub system of the State Automated System of the Russian Federation, “VYBORY”. The SAS “Vybory” has fourteen subsystems, providing automation of all stages of the election process. The system is completely autonomous from the global internet and securely protected from any external influence. Data is fed into the SAS “Vybory” internet portal through an air gap that excludes direct connection to the internet. Additionally, more than 3 500 specialists who regularly upgrade their qualifications in specialised areas ensure the uninterrupted operation of the SAS “Vybory” across Russia. It is interesting to note that, the use, operationalisation and modernisation of the SAS, Vybory is provided for by the Federal Information Centre at the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation.
2.6 The automation of electoral processes increased efficiency, reduced costs, makes the voting process more accessible to all Russian citizens. It contains and processes information on election commissions, election campaigns, participating candidates and parties, election funds, complaints and appeals received and the number of citizens voting in an election.
2.7 The portal provides an opportunity to view the data of protocols of each of the hundreds of thousands of Precinct Election Commissions. The portal has services that allow users to get information on polling stations where they are included, location of polling stations, candidates and parties participating in elections and the results of the election.
2.8 The Voter Register, one of the major subsystems of the SAS, Vybory, contains a constantly updated database of all voters in Russia. This subsystem generates voter lists, including applications for mobile Voting, and voting outside the polling station/remote voting. As of 1 January 2024, the total number of voters within the borders of the Russian Federation was 112,309,947, while the number of voters registered outside the Russian Federation was 1,890,863.
2.9 It is noteworthy that, in order to cater for citizens who advocate for casting votes through ballots as a secure and transparent method, the Russian Federation has continued to uphold the implementation of traditional paper-based voting systems. Subsequently, polling stations have the necessary equipment for both E-Voting and conventional voting methods. This arrangement allows candidates to exercise their right to vote through a method of their preference. This approach improves the overall efficiency, fairness, and representation in elections.
2.10 Voting at the election of the President of the Russian Federation was held at 94 000 polling stations. Additional opportunities were provided for the realisation of the active suffrage of citizens of the Russian Federation, which included remote electronic voting and voting outside the voting premises.
2.11 In Russia, voters are afforded the opportunity to exercise their voting rights remotely through the "Mobile Voter" technology. This allows voters to request inclusion in the voter list at any polling station, irrespective of their current location, and to cast their ballot at a convenient polling station, regardless of their registered place of residence.
2.12 The option of voting outside of the designated polling premises, commonly referred to as voting at home, is granted to individuals who are unable to physically attend their designated polling station on election days due to valid reasons such as illness, disability, caregiving responsibilities, or other legitimate circumstances. To qualify as an eligible home voter, individuals must formally apply to the Precinct Election Commission by means of a written request, verbal communication (via telephone), or the submission of a request through trusted relatives or acquaintances.
2.13 Individuals with special needs and conditions are able to exercise their electoral rights in the Russian Federation due to the implementation of social policies aimed at ensuring that all public infrastructure facilities are accessible. Polling stations are equipped with specialised equipment and information materials to facilitate voting for individuals with special needs. Sign language interpreters are provided on voting days, and volunteers offer comprehensive assistance to voters with special needs. Additionally, the utilisation of Mobile Voter technology allows individuals with special needs to pre-register for inclusion in the voter list at the most convenient polling station. Importantly, a significant majority of voting precincts, specifically 90%, are situated on the ground floors of buildings for easier access.
2.14 The voting, counting, and result-establishing process is documented through the use of video surveillance and recording. These recordings serve as a means for candidates and political parties to defend their interests in the event of complaints submitted to election commissions and courts. The retention period for video recordings is a minimum of one year from the official publication date of election results.
2.15 Vote counting is conducted through the utilisation of sophisticated Ballot Processing Complexes (BPCs). These are automated tools for counting of votes, collection of paper ballots and printing of the final report of the Precinct Election Commission, as well as its duplicates. Stakeholders involved in the electoral process hold these BPCs in high regard. Most importantly, the results are known in just a few minutes, as the processing of ballots, checking of control and other ratios of the protocol data is automated.
3.0 OBSERVATIONS ON ELECTION DAYS (15-17 MARCH 2024)
3.1 The delegation observed the election process at seven polling stations, five in the Central administrative district of Moscow and two in Kankova region. All polling stations operated from 8am to 8pm for the duration of the election period. They were situated on the ground floor of existing facilities like schools, libraries, and public buildings for easy access.
3.2 Each polling station displayed posters introducing candidates in the order specified in Table 1. Furthermore, posters detailing regulations for voters and observers were also present. These posters provided a summary of electoral laws and regulations, as well as penalties for any violations.
3.3 The polling stations were uniformly equipped with voting materials and equipment for E-Voting, conventional voting, and voting at home. Additionally, they were furnished with portable, mobile digitalised electronic devices and ballot boxes to accommodate voters wishing to cast their votes from home or at locations outside of designated polling stations.
3.4 Electronic voting was accessible to all registered voters via a website, accessible through the CEC online portal on laptops and smartphones. Voters simply log in on the portal and cast their vote by clicking on their preferred candidate. At polling stations, online voting was done through a digital online booth. The voting process begins with the electronic scanning of the voter's identification document, followed by selecting their preferred candidate.
3.5 All visited polling stations had high-resolution video surveillance cameras and security personnel stationed nearby for added security.
3.6 Media outlets provided objective and balanced reporting on elections, helping to ensure voters have access to fair and accurate information.
3.7 The electoral process in Russia was comprehensive and facilitated participation of all citizens wishing to vote. The CEC implemented measures to enable citizens living abroad, those away from their registered location, individuals wishing to vote outside polling stations, and residents of remote areas to cast their votes.
3.9 Electronic voting was favored by the youth demographic, while the elderly population preferred manual voting. There was a notable presence of elderly women voting manually at polling stations compared to other demographic groups.
3.10 The election environment was peaceful, with fair and impartial procedures being upheld throughout the process.
4.0 LESSONS LEARNT
4.1 The conduct of elections in the Russian Federation reflected a harmonious relationship between different political parties, communities, and interest groups, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among citizens.
4.2 Russian citizens are patriotic and trust their democratic institutions, namely, the Central Elections Commission and law enforcement agencies. They facilitate fair and transparent electoral process.
4.3 The Russian Federation strategically leverages electoral events to showcase itself as a leading tourist destination. International observers were afforded the chance to explore the distinctiveness of Russia and its prominent tourist sites through a virtual reality presentation at the Zaryadye Park media centre. Additionally, international observers were escorted on guided bus excursions around the city of Moscow and had the opportunity to visit the museums inside the Kremlin.
5.0 THE ZIMBABWEAN MISSION IN RUSSIA
5.1 The delegation capitalised on the EOM to conduct a comprehensive assessment of operations at our embassy in Moscow. A number of operational shortcomings were identified, encompassing understaffing; a fleet of vehicles not meeting recognised diplomatic standards, and a reliance on leased premises.
5.2 Staffing levels at the embassy are currently below optimal capacity, especially in key positions such as those of second Consular, Trade Attaché, and Tourism Attaché. The vehicular assets at the embassy are also lacking, with three vehicles present, but only one in reliably functioning condition, a five-year-old BMW. Additionally, the Ambassador's vehicle, procured eight years ago, is presently out of commission. In light of these findings, it is imperative that immediate steps be taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to address the identified deficiencies and reinforce the operational capacity of the embassy in Moscow.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission should conduct a thorough research on the electoral system utilised by the Central Elections Commission of the Russian Federation with a view to adopt the same for Zimbabwe’s next elections by 31 December 2024.
6.2 The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Local Government and Public Works should liaise with their Russian counterparts on a potential land swap deal for the construction of Zimbabwe’s embassy in Moscow by June 2025.
6.3 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade should appoint a second Counsellor, Trade Attaché, and Tourism Attaché at the mission in Moscow by 31 December 2024.
6.4 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade should acquire a new vehicle for the Zimbabwean Ambassador in Moscow, and possibly upgrade the current vehicle fleet at the mission by June 2025.
7.0 CONCLUSION
The 2024 Presidential elections in the Russian Federation were conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, embodying the core principles of democracy. The successful utilisation of advanced technological tools for voting underscored a significant advancement in democratic processes amidst the era of artificial intelligence. This seamless amalgamation of technology with electoral procedures serves as a benchmark for other nations aspiring to champion democratic norms and foster transparent electoral outcomes. The elections not only underscored Russia's dedication to democratic ideals and good governance, but also established a new and exemplary standard for future electoral endeavours, especially the Presidential vote. I thank you.
HON. MAKWIRANZOU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to second the motion moved by Hon. Shamu on the Report of the Election Observer Mission for the election of the President of the Federal Republic of Russia.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as indicated by Hon. Shamu, the election was mainly digital. Though polling station based, one could vote anywhere but the voter’s name would be blocked in the other voters’ roll at once so that one could not vote twice. This was possible because the Russians have got their own internet systems.
Secondly Mr. Speaker Sir, those voters who were unbale to go to the polling stations would apply to vote from their residents. Small ballot boxes would then be taken to these people’s residents but would be opened at the polling station. Mr. Speaker Sir, there was no voter’s ink as we know it here on our fingers. In our own opinion, there is room for research and adoption as this is a waste of money to import this ink in the Zimbabwean voting procedure.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the elections were free and fair. At every one of the seven polling stations we visited, the voters were jovial showing that there was no discrimination and that the election was free and fair. At the end of the election, the four candidates publicly signed the results and there was no rancor from the losers showing that they accepted the results.
Mr. Speaker Sir, there is room for Zimbabwean research. It is our opinion that the system could be researched on with the hope that it can be adopted in Zimbabwe with a few digital amendments. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for allowing me to second the Chair, Hon. Shamu.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Sorry Hon. Members. We are just clearing some small administrative issue. In terms of Standing Order, Number 69 (6), “a Notice of Motion may be given by a Vice President or Minister or the Attorney-General between any two items of business”. So, there must be a motion to adjourn the debate for that to happen.
HON. SHAMU: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. DR. MAKWIRANZOU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 8th May, 2024.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister of Justice!
The Hon. Minister of Justice having risen to leave the House.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is happening now? Hon. Minister!
HON. TOGAREPI: The Minister is going to the Senate.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Hon. Speaker, the Deputy Minister is there, it is allowed…
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is not the issue Hon. Minister. I had been advised that you were going to move...
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Apologies on behalf of the Chief Whip. He mixed up.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Initially, I was informed it was the Deputy Minister. Then, I was informed that the substantive Hon. Minister Ziyambi is here, he shall give the Notice of Motion.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you very much. The Deputy Minister is going to move the motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You are taking leave, I suppose?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: No, I am conversing with those, and I will listen attentively while he is…
THE HON. SPEAKER: No, no, I thought you were going to the Senate. – [HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Yes.] - So, if you are going to make some conversation there, I am saying no. You should submit the motion.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: There is no rule that says a Deputy Minister cannot move the motion.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, if you are there - I thought you were going to the Senate.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Hon. Speaker, there is no rule that forbids the Deputy Minister from moving the motion.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Your conversation – Hon. Minister, your private conversation does not take precedence.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Where is the private conversation?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, can you leave the House!
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: No, Mr. Speaker. That is not correct. Why are you saying I should leave the House? Why are you saying I should leave the House? Ah no. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Deputy Minister proceed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, a very good afternoon to you.
The Hon. Deputy Minister (Hon. Mazungunye) proceeded to give a Notice of Motion. The Hon. Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Hon. Togarepi approached the Chair.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that we go back to Order of the Day Number 1 on today’s Order Paper.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LAW FOR THE PROVISION OF LAND TENURE SECURITY
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact a law providing security of tenure to all the land including communal land.
Question again proposed:
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON. MEMBERS: Akambo debater, akambo debater!] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you confirm, some Members are saying you debated on this motion.
*HON. NYABANI: I would like to debate now.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Did you debate before?
HON. NYABANI: Not yet.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Alright. Please proceed.
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to add my voice to the issue of agriculture land tenure. When we talk about farming or agriculture, we are talking about the issue of farming crops and rearing livestock.
Yes, we do have the farms and we got them under the 99-year lease. We should not only continue to put the issue of 99-year lease forward, but also the issue of title deeds. On the issue of 99-year lease, there are some of the things which need improvement in terms of farming. Right now, people were given the 99-year leases, but when I am doing my investigation on the farms, I see that people are just holding the 99-year lease, yet they do not have enough equipment and resources to practice farming.
If you go to the farms, some people have land which ranges from 60-1000 hectares. In my view, Government was supposed to intervene like what it did by giving people the 99-year leases, by giving the people equipment like tractors so that they will be able to utilise the land properly and also provide inputs like fertilisers and seed and put in place irrigation facilities. If adequate resources to utilise these farms are not provided, we end up saying that people are failing to utilise the farms. The issue is that people do not have enough resources to carry out their farming projects…
HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
*HON. HAMAUSWA: My point of order is that this motion which has been raised is on the issue of communal lands. It is not about the farms that were allocated through the Land Reform Programme under the 99-year lease. I thought that Hon. Members who are going to debate must be guided so that we can have a comprehensive conclusion and we see it from one direction without touching the issue of the Land Reform Programme.
*THE HON. SPEAKER: The Hon. Member was just adding. He was just paving way for his debate.
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir, for protecting me from the Hon. Member who is humiliating me because I am better in terms of debates compared to him.
Hon. Speaker Sir, when we look at the farms in the rural areas, if we mention places like Rushinga, we see that there are many farms that are being sold, so there is need to come up with a policy and see who is going to be responsible for the land that is being overseen by village heads, at growth points and all other areas.
Right now, you see that people in the reserves are selling their land and also invading land which is meant for towns. As Government, we must put a policy that protects the people. During the liberation struggle, people went to war because of land. We must protect our land and our people. There is a relation between land and people. Right now, chiefs and village heads must have a say on the issue of land in the reserves. Before colonisers came into this country, the village heads and chiefs were the custodians of the land and they were responsible for the distribution.
We know that the land is under His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa. As the chiefs and village heads, they are the ones who know where the sacred places are, the rivers, mountains and everything. When we enact a law, those who know how people are living in these different areas must be considered first.
Mr. Speaker Sir, let us also put into consideration that many people went to war in order for them to get land. There is no one who can say I am the only one who is responsible for owning land. Sometimes, some people would have resided in a certain area for a period of five to 15 years but they end up being told that they settled at the place illegally. Why did they leave the people to stay there for more than five to six years? When they see that a person is benefiting from such areas, they begin to say the land belongs to their grandparents, hence they see the need to relocate the people.
It is very important that we come up with a law that stipulates that when a person has settled on land for a period of time, that land should belong to that person; he or she must not be relocated. In the rural areas, women are not given the opportunity to own land. Everyone who is above 18 years, irrespective of gender, must be able or has a right to be allocated land.
Mr. Speaker Sir, with these words, I say let us go back to our traditional values. I travelled to Germany and I learnt why European people are prosperous. As Zimbabweans, we are adopting other people’s laws that we do not understand. People in Europe, especially those in Germany, follow their traditional values and that is why they are prosperous.
According to the Bible, it is written “honour your father and mother so that your days will be increased on this earth”. We must respect our parents who gave birth to us. Right now, we are respecting the laws of other countries, especially the European countries. That is the reason why we are not prospering. We are now adopting the laws of other people’s forefathers. Let us visit our traditional homes. May we craft laws that will benefit the country so that we can prosper and when we are no longer in this House, we will be remembered? I thank you.
*HON. JONGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for awarding me this opportunity to add my voice on the issue of settlement being debated in this House. Land is very important in our lives. I want to take this opportunity to say land must remain in the hands of His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe because he is the people’s choice. He cannot put the future of Zimbabweans in jeopardy because he is the people’s favourite. There is the issue of 99-year lease which is being given to A2 farmers. This programme was supposed to be done and finished because the future of the country and its prosperity depends on farming. If farming is not considered important and we delay on the issue of 99-year leases, it does not help us because farmers will not be able to farm. We must be able to access agricultural programmes and inputs under 99-year lease. This will help us because we can use the 99-year leases as collateral in banks so that we can improve our farming. The issuance of 99-year leases is delaying and this is affecting our farming.
On the issue of rural areas, if someone owns a farm and when I face hunger, I must be able to sell the farm. The papers must also be issued after His Excellency the President has allowed the land to be allocated to a certain individual. These are the few words that I wanted to share with this House because land is our heritage. I thank you.
HON. JAMES: Thank you for allowing me this opportunity. I want to recognise our distinguished guests from Namibia.
Land and land ownership has always been an emotive issue. However, it is an issue which must be addressed comprehensively in an all-embracing manner. The right to shelter and property is enshrined in our Bill of Rights and Section 71 of our national Constitution. However, without security of tenure, our vulnerable citizens find themselves not only insecure but also facing economic deprivation in the absence of collateral to empower them. Moreover, one can only enforce a right based on legal ownership not just by virtue of a constitutional benevolence.
We have heard from the right to historical background to the land use and I have the greatest respect for that. We have a very much greater population to consider and solutions must be found to cater for these situations. It is understood that most successful economies are based on security of tenure, that is security underpinned at law and in constitutions and tenures that offers freely tradeable market value civilisation grow from and prosperity comes with security of tenure.
Much has been said about the Land Apportionment Act of 1930 and the subsequent Land Tenure Act of 1969. As we judge administrators and legislators of yesteryear, we too will be judged from history of our handling of this issue. Immediately to mind are legislative opportunities, this House has at its disposal as well as access to best practices availed to us around the world. Many papers have been submitted and written to Government to resolve the land issue and its tenure and no doubt many more will follow.
At Independence about 5 million hectares approximately half of the land held under commercial white ownership was acquired and transferred to 160 000 families. It was an orderly and structured process done on a willing buyer willing seller basis. However, no titles were granted to the recipients, only insecure permits. Further investigations will tell us why this programme failed to continue.
Following the fast track Land Reform Programme initiated in 2000 which turned out to be chaotic, disorderly and violent most of the remaining farming properties were acquired….
HON. TOGAREPI: I rise on a point of order! I do not know what to say to the Hon Member who is debating. The Hon. Member is attacking a Government process which I do not think is the basis of this debate. The Land Reform Programme is a Government process which was approved by this Parliament and people are in those farms through the laws of this country. For him to say the Land Reform Programme was chaotic, I think he is bringing in images in some of our minds. We start thinking he is influenced by some racial connotations which I do not think is right.
He is saying the Land Apportionment Act was good because it was done by white people. Now we did the Land Reform Programme because we are blacks, it becomes chaotic. I think the Hon. Member must stick to the debate on whether it is good to have title deeds or the present structures and not to tell us about his views on what us as blacks do and what they did as whites. It is very bad.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I think you should stick to the issue of the need for land tenure as requested by the motion. If you go into the dynamics of the land, just to remind you a little bit; when the colonial settlers came in here, they formed a looting committee led by Thomas Meikles which grabbed the land forcefully from the indigenous people and they gave themselves after occupying that land title. This is the emotive side of the Land Apportionment Act 1930/31 and 1969.
So, you rather stick to the need to have tenure for the communal land and avoid the emotive aspect of that area. You may continue as guided.
HON. JAMES: I understand all that has been said there. I do not in any way, want to disagree with the Hon Member. I am well aware of the history of this land and I find myself in this position as a relic of that colonial period. However, we have to find solutions to this and there is a clarion call for security of title. I call all for these solutions to be put on the table by the relevant authorities.
My understanding is that we are asking for security tenure and I would like to point out that some people do have title on their old commercial farms and why not everyone. That is my point.
It is my understanding that farming properties are indeed being sold and bought with title as we speak but only with the approval of the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement. Confirmation of this can be sought from the relevant Ministry if required. Again Mr. Speaker, title is recognised from some citizens and why not everyone? What then has become of the NDS1 maxim “leaving no one behind”?
I may stand corrected here that the current Global Compensation Agreement attempts to address farm owners affected by the fast track Land Reform Programme. It is sensible that in order to grant title to beneficiaries of the programme and everyone else in the country, concerns of the original title deed holders have to be addressed. This will only entail the agreeable sale of the land and improvement but also trigger a massive surveying exercise. This is in order for true security of tenure to be achieved.
My submission is that the massive titling exercise addresses urban, peri-urban and long-standing council rental properties. This is no doubt that it will require an overhaul of not just the Deeds Registry but also digital integration of the whole title deed value chain from Surveyor General, conveyancing, municipalities, Central Identity Registry and ZRP. Detailed investigation and recent media articles have alluded to this value chain experiencing security breaches resulting in fraudulent loss of property.
Many legal challenges are mounting against our Government, locally, regionally and internationally regarding title deeds pertaining to acquired agricultural land. A more holistic approach regarding communal land occupations, old resettlement schemes beneficiaries and the fast track Land Reform Programme beneficiaries is urgent. It would be prudent for Government to consult with a wider group of disposed title deeds holders to resolve these current and inevitable legal challenges.
As I understand Government has for some time been consulting with individuals and entities claiming to represent all commercial agricultural land title deeds holders but in reality, they represent no more than approximately 25% of the displaced farmers. This House needs to be informed on details of these negotiations, payment offers currently on the table and not yet presented to Parliament and who exactly is negotiating these deals with Government. I am well informed that there may be some conflict of interest prejudicing the majority of former commercial farmers, and thus complicating the bigger picture of security of tenure for all other groups occupying land.
- Concerns have been raised by previous speakers about repercussions of issuance of secure title to the recipients mentioned above. In particular, there appears to be unfounded fears that the white community will again repossess the land, giving a false perception that the FTLR programme is being reversed. These negative perceptions need to be dispelled given that FTLR programme is more than 25 years in place and is irreversible.
- The AI, old resettlement scheme and communal land occupiers, need a secure form of tenure through certificates of occupation with all features of title deeds except that transfers must guard against holder destitution after possible disposal of their land. However, wider consultations are needed in these areas to ensure no limitations on access to capital for certificate of occupation holders since this would defeat the purpose of secure tenure.
- 99-year leases, offer letters and permits are, in my mind, mere short term smoke-screens, denying recognition of rights of existing title deed holders as proclaimed by the SADC Tribunal in its November 2008 judgement. These issues are impediments to resolving secure land tenure together with all its benefits for the general Zimbabwe population.
- Anyone who is genuinely concerned about land tenure and its resolution within Zimbabwe would do themselves justice by looking up the history of SADC from 1992, including the establishment of the SADC Tribunal under Article 9 of the SADC Treaty. The SADC Protocol was signed on 7th August 2000.
- Speaker, whilst I clearly do not advocate reversal of the FTLR programme in any way, the right to land ownership to those who want it, let alone shelter, is a basic human right. The onus is on us now, the generation of this august House, to do the right thing and adopt this noble motion to start the ball rolling for a sustainable solution.
HON. BUTAU: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to establish whether the Hon. Member has locus standi to speak on communal lands.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Butau, when a motion is before the House, all Members of Parliament are free to debate that motion.
HON. BUTAU: Hon. Speaker, I thought there was need for locus standi. - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, I am responding, do not take over. The locus standi is based on the principle that all members here present are sworn Members of Parliament. When there is a motion before the House, it does not distinguish as to who has locus standi in the process of debate. Alright.
HON. BUTAU: Mr. Speaker, thank you for that clarification. I come from the rural areas, so the knowledge is a bit limited.
HON. JAMES: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The Hon. Member across there, please bear with me.
- I would like to suggest a small committee from this Parliament that travels to Rwanda to learn about the 10.3 million titles that were issued and how this has not only assisted in empowering, but created wealth for the citizens of that country.
- It is untenable that few properties have security of tenure through title deeds while the majority sit precariously on insecure permits, offer letters or 99-year leases at the mercy of evictions and economic deprivation.
Mr. Speaker, my submission today was prepared a while ago. My thought was that accepting this motion would open the door for further in-depth negotiations to put together a sustainable solution to our land tenure issues.
It has come to light that these overtures of round table discussions are in fact happening and we, as legislators, will eventually be expected to ratify the final drafts of their deliberations. Surely then, by not adopting this motion, we nullify the work being done to find common ground and cementing a sustainable solution on the overall land issue.
Again, Mr. Speaker Sir, we have to encourage those at this round table to negotiate in the best interest of the nation and for the future generations who will have to live with our decisions. We, therefore cannot allow negotiators to deliberate for their own short-term gratification, but to seriously think of the long-term future.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker Sir, we have heard the recent monetary policy regarding our national currency. The social media is active regarding this issue and the confidence surrounding it. It is my submission that true security of land tenure will go a long way in encouraging confidence in our national currency and its exchange rates. I thank you.
*HON. MANANZVA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Good afternoon. I have risen to also add my voice to the motion on land which was moved by Hon. Hlatywayo. The issue of land includes our ubuntu, the way we live and speak. What I mean is that in our rural areas that is where we have the chiefs. There are also laws and values which must be followed such as chisi, the day when everyone rests from going to the fields as it is regarded as a day of resting. If we say the people in the rural areas must be given title deeds, it means that the values and norms which have been preserved all along are no longer being followed. The issue of land is the one that caused the first, second and third liberation struggles. If you go to Genesis 12 vs. 1 in the Bible when God was speaking to Abraham that there is a land I have given to you which is flowing with milk and honey, that is the same time when God also spoke to our ancestors that he had given them a country. However, God did not give anyone a title deed. Our ancestors lived for very long periods of time until the white colonisers came into this country under the disguise of hunting animals and ended up taking land from our ancestors. To date, these people are still hunting but this time not for animals. So, if issues like this are being raised, we are saying they are now targeting us through the title deeds. So, if we are talking about this issue, we must look at where we are coming from, who started with the issue of title deeds and when were the title deeds introduced, then check on when the title deeds were introduced going back and how people are supposed to be protected. Hence, the protection of the people must be in the hands of the Government which they have voted into power that time because that Government is responsible for the protection of land, values, norms and ubuntu of the people of that country. The issue of saying people in the rural areas must be given title deeds, I see it as an issue of being lured again by the colonisers whilst they are using another way of title deeds.
In conclusion, the Bible verse from 1st Kings, there was a King called Ahab. He told another person that, I have seen your land and your vines, but I want your farm as the King. I will also give you another land. What I want to emphasise on is the response which was given by Naboth saying, the Lord God does not give me the opportunity to think about it. As parliamentarians and Zimbabweans, we must not talk about the issue which was raised in this august House of title deeds. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
*HON. NYAKUEDZWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to add my voice on the motion which was raised by Hon. Hlatywayo. The issue of land is a pertinent issue because our ancestors, Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi fought and died during the liberation struggle for us to be able to repossess our land which has been taken by the colonisers. Mr. Speaker, on the motion which was raised by Hon. Hlatywayo that we must give title deeds to the people who are staying in the rural areas. I am against the idea because when our land was taken by the colonisers, all of them were driven to the reserves whilst the colonisers were taking bigger farms with good soils. Right now, they want to take that land under the disguise of title deeds. If someone drinks the illegal beers which are being brewed and wants money to drink for the other day, that person will sell for a few dollars. We end up in a country where we do not have land which belongs to us as Zimbabweans.
Mr. Speaker Sir, if we look at a country like Guatemala, they do not have a place to call theirs. Each person has got his/her own right to do whatever he/she pleases, but Zimbabwe is a blessed country. Our country Zimbabwe which was given to us by God, has got a lot of natural resources and minerals, which has caused headaches to most of the colonisers who want to come into this country and mine our minerals like gold, diamond and other minerals.
If you want to say that in the communal lands, the people who are staying in those areas must be given title deeds, it means we would have taken power from the chiefs and village heads. These are the custodians of the land and they are the ones who sent the liberators who are saying they are the heroes who fought for the liberation of this country. In 1980, when the country got independence, chiefs were given back their areas which they used to rule. It will be surprising that in the 10th Parliament, we have enacted a law that certain chiefs no longer have power over their land.
Mr. Speaker Sir, there is an issue which was raised and also supported by Hon. James, that land was not issued properly, but was distribute in a chaotic manner during the Land Reform Programme. He spoke well, but he mixed the years. The issue of chaotic land distribution was done during the colonisation, but when we reposed our land as blacks, we took our land in a rightful manner because we are the rightful owners of the land.
In conclusion Mr. Speaker, the person who was voted to rule or to lead the country of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa is the one who has got power to protect the heritage of our country, not to say that we put a law in this House today. The laws of nda, nde, ndi, ndo, ndu for our country to move forward, I do not agree with that.
I also want to thank the pertinent issues which were raised by Hon. Jonga. He spoke very well that if we were still at school, I was going to make him a prefect. He spoke very well that if we are talking about the land looking into those issues, we must not approach it on the basis of trying to return the land to the colonisers. In my concluding words Mr. Speaker Sir, let the chiefs, village heads and all traditional leadership be custodians of our land as per our norms and values which we used to follow as a country.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the owner of the land is the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa because we are the ones who gave him power. Right now, we are standing on land. Everything we are doing; we are stepping on the land. Everything which we are doing, we are stepping on the land. You might trouble us as here on earth or trouble the women in this House and those who are not in this House because we enjoy all the benefits when we are here on the land, but let us protect our land, hence whatever was raised by Hon. Hlatywayo must be discarded. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.
HON. ENG. MHANGWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise in support of the motion by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Hlatywayo and seconded by Hon. Mushoriwa. As Hon. Hlatywayo was reading the motion, tears fell down my cheeks. I had mixed emotions. I felt elated that the 10th Parliament has a unique opportunity to stand on the shoulders of the great men and women since the Mutapa Empire. It is a chance to make Zimbabwe the UAE of Africa. It is an opportunity to redefine what communal lands are all about to the settler regime who were merely wastelands. The question today before the House is, do we want to continue making them wastelands, do we want to continue making them the reserves with no other purpose except to serve as providing labour force for the town?
Mr. Speaker Sir, I stand here inspired by one great man, a warrior, once a mighty chief who braved it all in an effort to defend the land we are sitting on today. If I am to ask in this House about the man by the name Gwiranerwizi from the Shumba Simboti totem clan, it will be a miracle if more than one Hon. Member can relate to his story. This warrior in the early 1890s, just after the settlers took residence in the now called Mazowe area, took it upon himself to push back the attack. He attacked and killed the first settler Governor there. His action had a catastrophic effect to his descendants. His chieftaincy was disbanded and handed to his vassals and headmen. He was restricted and executed and his family reduced to headmen.
His area that spanned from his headquarters, in the present day Nyachuru Village in Chiweshe, stretching through Mazowe and the present-day Mount Hampden, was seized and his family was restricted to the small Nyachuru Village as a headman. Had this episode not happened, we could have been his subjects in Parliament here. His jurisdiction was much bigger than any other in Mashonaland Central but today his name is nearly forgotten. There is not even one street in Mashonaland Central by the name Gwiranerwizi. It is one and only, I repeat Mr. Speaker Sir, by the grace of the people of Chinhoyi that a descendant of Gwiranerwizi today addresses you the people in this august House.
Hon. Speaker Sir, as I speak today, a whole clan that had prominence less than 200 years ago, their fate has been reduced simply because they lacked security of land tenure. They lacked it then and our people, 44 years after independence, still lack security of land tenure in communal lands today. Why do I go to pains to explain this story? The communal lands of this country are a produce of continual disempowerment and vulnerabilities of communities and tribes. It is incumbent upon us, this august House Mr. Speaker Sir, either to perpetuate the colonial agenda of denying the bulk of our people, security of land tenure or take this opportunity to use these once wastelands and reserves as they were called as the opportunities for growth.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the golden words in the motion by Hon. Hlatywayo that may have been missed conveniently or inconveniently by most speakers, is that it is in communal lands. Mr. Speaker Sir, with more than a century, deliberate this empowerment and this position ranging from the Land Apportionment Act [1930], the Land Husbandry Act [1957] and the Tribal Trust Land Act [1965.] To the few that tried to sanitise the situation such as the Land Tenure Act [1961] and its amendments in [1969], which sought to sanitise disempowerment, still have effects among us and have been inadequately addressed to date.
This motion gives us ample opportunity to move our communal lands to participate in the economy of this country. It further aides in giving us the much-needed breath of fresh air to these spaces that house the majority of our people. It is an undeniable fact that the majority of our people reside in communal lands. My affirmation to this motion is premised on the following; seeking to safeguard the unique heritage of communities and preserve it for future generations. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is said that we do not own this land but we have borrowed it from our future generations. Our communities are unique and complement each other. The diversity it brings to this country we call Zimbabwe can only flourish if we actively ensure they develop undisturbed in their domicile areas. We owe it to the next generations to preserve and assure the heritage, including the graves and the culture are preserved.
Devolving decision making on issues to do with land use and creativity is enhanced by security of land tenure. Various aspects of land are venerated differently and it is not practical for political offices to be prescriptive to the individual communal lands and centralising this right can prejudice individual communities. The same way the settler regime sought to take away the rights from our chiefs and headmen, is the same way that we continue to perpetuate it. Safeguarding wealth accrued over time by communal dwellers and giving them an opportunity to plan beyond a few years ahead is only guaranteed if we give security of land tenure. Allowing the greater access to finance, leveraging on their assets and the assets they have is what we call land. So, there should be innovative ways to allow them to do this in the lands they call communal lands; we call it home. Land has long ceased to be just about one or two uses, as was when the Communal Land Act was muted. Land is a source of both active and passive income generating. An example is where telecoms towers can give a viable source of income to a family or a community without any active action.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I could sense some consternation from the previous speakers, as their opinions of security of tenure means title deeds. Fear amongst a section of legislators could only suggest one or two things. Failure to imagine alternative ways to empower our people whilst at the same time overcoming the potential pitfalls of this envisaged benefit.
Secondly, deliberate disempowerment aimed at continual impoverishment of the people so that they remain vulnerable and making them cannon fodder and perpetual beggars and indigents. I do not want to assume the second. I will try to proffer ways to still achieve security of land tenure, without the undesired effects of having full title. In towns world-over, properties have had what is called sectional titles, trends that we have seen happening in Harare lately, where people had cluster homes. Owners have sectional title to their properties.
They enjoy certain rights as owners of apartments, but ultimately the full rights to the land belong to the body corporate. There are rules governing how one exercises their rights, as well as obligations. Certain decisions to deal with the overall outlook of the enclosure, types of house plans, the ensuing environment, preservation of property value and so on, are a preserve of the collective. Communities under traditional councils can collectively own the land with individual families within their clan land remaining USUFRUCT.
Each community can have trustees to ensure the collective good is preserved. We can get much more from our land. Certainly, with will, how can we not as this august House, adopt such innovation to give the majority of our people security of land tenure in communal lands and complete the business of the First and Second Chimurenga?
The security of tenure is an opportunity to empower and create wealthy traditional authorities and fast-track the devolution agenda. The primary beneficiaries of any resource in this country should be those that are blessed by God with that resource. I can only imagine that security of land tenure was the missing link in the past when empowerment and growth schemes were mooted. Had this been embraced early on, our growth points by now would have been grown points.
Security of land tenure is the difference between the people of Ngezi under the Mupamombe Clan of Chief Ngezi and the Bafokeng Nation of the North-west in South Africa, yet both communities have platinum group metals under their land. God blessed them with the same mineral. The same company exploits their minerals, albeit with different set of rules. The Royal Bafokeng Nation of about 350 000 people, covering 1 000 km of the platinum rich North-west Province is unique in that it holds mineral rights, courtesy of security of land tenure. From the initial ownership of land, it has investment in mining in Impala Platinum Holdings and Royal Bafokeng Mining making up 40% of their portfolio.
I further perused to check their asset base and I was pleasantly surprised Mr. Speaker as to the levels they have reached, through what merely seemed as empowering a rural community years ago. It has become a major investment in South Africa and Africa. In addition to mining, they have shares in banks such as First Rand Group and Discovery which has medical aids, banks and so on. Telecommunications – surprisingly they have shareholding in Liquid Telecoms. They also have shareholding with DPA which does solar infrastructure also owned by our own magnate, Strive Masiyiwa. They have shares in pharmaceuticals.
Another community that we can benchmark on is the Ingonyama Trust of the Zulu Nation, again in South Africa which was established in 2000 after amendment of the Ingonyama Trust Act. It owns vast tracts of land estimated to be approximately 2, 8 million hectares in the province of KwaZulu Natal. These are lands that ordinarily were regarded as communal lands prior to majority rule. Land management that they do is professionally done in conjunction with the traditional council. I took as snap-pic into their website Mr. Speaker and again, I was green with envy. I will highlight a few issues;
The land there is held in trust for the benefit and welfare of the tribes and communities by the Ingonyama Trust. Since land is a limited resource, their role is to ensure there is controlled access to the land. They have managed to give limited time leases to businesses and generate income from this land. The businesses span from shopping malls, service stations, cellular phone towers, office blocks and you name them. The monies collected from these leases is used to uplift the communities in the traditional councils where the development has taken place.
Mr. Speaker Sir, having presented the above, allow me to conclude by stressing the following:
- Our people in the communal lands are important. They lack security of tenure and it is incumbent upon us to make their lives better.
- Security of land tenure, if well structured, can go a long way in unleashing our potential as a country and have truly indigenous rich investors whose investments will not leave the country.
- Security of land tenure cannot be deferred to future generations as the opportunity cost can only taint us as a Parliament for not doing all necessary to ameliorate those in communal lands.
- Centralisation of land administration for communities can only serve to leave communities vulnerable to land barons and opportunistic land-preneurs. Politicians have no space in determining how land is distributed within communities. It is a preserve of the chiefs and the chiefs need to have a place on the table.
- Growth of our communal growth points to grown points is long overdue and the panacea to this is security of land tenure.
- Wherever there is benefit, there is inherent risk. The solution is not being risk averse, fearing adverse effects of the bold step, but mitigating them and ensure we have beneficial arrangements for Zimbabwe.
Fear always asks, is it safe? Greed asks, is it beneficial to me only?
Pride asks, is it popular? However, conscience asks, is it right? This motion appeals to our conscience and indeed, as legislators, we should do what is right for Zimbabwe as a whole. The land is not ours. We borrowed it from the future generations. We cannot afford to give land to be absolutely run by politicians. We cannot allow ourselves to drop the ball. I so submit.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. N. NDHLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 8th May, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 2 to 13 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 14 on today’s Order Paper has been disposed of.
HON. N. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to give a response to the debate of the President’s speech on the occasion of the opening of the First Session of the 10th Parliament.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to thank Hon. Nguluvhe for raising the motion that this august House debate on the Presidential Speech delivered by His Excellency, Cde E. D. Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe during his State of the Nation Address and the legislative agenda opening the First Session of the 10th Parliament. I would also like to thank the Hon. Members for a lively debate which ensued.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I join Hon. Members in acknowledging the astute leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for providing leadership in delivering a successful, transparent, credible, fair and peaceful election. In the build up to the elections, the President’s message was clear that we want an election that is void of violence and the nation took heed of the message.
The President understands the importance of participation of women and youth in the affairs of this nation. It was through His Excellency’s initiative that the Constitution be amended to extend the women’s quota in the House by a further two terms and also Mr. Speaker Sir, a youth quota was introduced through the same amendment.
Mr. Speaker Sir, a number of Hon. Members debated on the legislative agenda for the current session which was set by His Excellency and in his speech, the President urged all Parliamentarians to whole-heartedly participate in the enactment of laws that will improve the quality of our people’s lives. The President also encouraged Parliament to be an institution of peace-building, hope, national development, the entrenchment of constitutionalism and deepening democratic practices in our society.
His Excellency urged Parliament to consider Bills which lapsed in terms of Section 147 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe when the 9th Parliament was dissolved just before polling day in the general elections. Section 147 of the Constitution provides that on dissolution of Parliament, all proceedings pending at the time are terminated and every Bill, motion, petition and business lapses. These Bills cannot be restored at the stage where the 9th Parliament left them, therefore they will be introduced afresh to Parliament. The President mentioned the following Bills: – the Mines and Minerals Bill, Public Finance Amendment Bill, Medical Services Amendment Bill, Insurance Bill and Private Voluntary Organisation Amendment Bill.
Additionally, there are other Bills which were not mentioned by His Excellency which had lapsed or passed by Parliament, which were introduced afresh to this august House. This is the Police Amendment Bill and the Child Justice Bill.
As laid out by His Excellency the President, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs shall introduce new Bills. A Legal Practitioners Amendment Bill that will streamline the registration process for foreign legal practitioners, also an Inheritance and Succession Laws General Amendment Bill shall be introduced. The Bill will align inheritance and succession laws to the Constitution and also international best practices. There has not been expedience in the introduction of these Bills to Parliament, including those which were terminated by the dissolution of the 9th Parliament. Mainly, this is owed to high staff turnover within the Attorney-General’s Drafting Division.
Interventions have been made to address drafting challenges and more Bills are going to be introduced to Parliament. Private Voluntary Organisations Bill is one of the Bills which His Excellency urged the House to deal with and the Bill has been gazetted. This is as a result of deliberate approach that has been taken to prioritise drafting of legislative agenda Bills for this session.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in closing, I am humbled by the motion moved by Hon. Nguluvhe that a respectful address be presented by this House to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Once again, I would like to thank the Hon. Members for the lively positive debates and the contributions thereof. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MAMOMBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 8th May, 2024.
On the motion of THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE), the House adjourned at a Quarter to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 7th May, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
FAULTY MICROPHONES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Good afternoon Hon. Members, I am afraid we have to wait and see whether our ICT will be able to fix the problem affecting our microphones. So, we have to wait and pray that they will be able to fix whatever problem it is.
The Senate having waited for 15 minutes for the technical problem to be solved –
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The Hansard cannot record due to faulty microphones, so we have to adjourn the House.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENTOF SENATE adjourned the House at a Quarter to Three o’clock p.m. without putting any question in terms of Standing Order Number 208.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 11th April, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)
HON. HADEBE: I am rising on a point of privilege Madam Speaker. I wanted to remind the House that Parliament Business starts at 2.05 p.m. Next time if anyone comes late, we will chase them away. Thank you very much.
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. M. NCUBE): Thank you Hon. Member for reminding us. Unfortunately, we had a bit of a crisis because our generator is not working well and we do not have ZESA. So, they are trying to fix the generator…
Hon. Hadebe, I am advised that the time for sitting is 2.15 p.m. and so, we are on point although we had some delays because of the generator. My apologies Hon. Members, we were supposed to have a break because they wanted to sort the generator. I am advised that they have sorted it and now we can proceed with the Business of the Day.
MOTION
LAW FOR THE PROVISION OF LAND TENURE SECURITY
First order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact a law providing security of tenure to all the land, including communal land.
Question again proposed.
HON. MHETU: On a point of privilege Madam Speaker! I think, they were supposed to have time allocated for points of national interest.
THE. ACTING SPEAKER: Not Today Hon. Member. – [HON. MHETU: Why, today is a Thursday?] – Hon. Member, not today. – [HON. MHETU: But we have been raising points of national interests on Tuesdays and Thursdays.] – Yes, but not today Hon. Member. – [HON. MHETU: For what reason Madam Speaker?] – Order Hon. Member, the Chair has ruled, there are no points of privileges today Hon. Member. – [HON. MHETU: Madam Speaker …] Order Hon. Member, order! – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order Hon. Members.
HON. NDUDZO: Thank you Madam Speaker and good afternoon to you.
THE. ACTING SPEAKER: Good afternoon, Hon. Member.
HON. NDUDZO: I wish to thank the Hon. Member who raised a motion on the very important subject of land tenure…
THE. ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Ndudzo. Hon. Member on my left, whatever you are saying there nce, this is not right. Stop it, we want to proceed with the business of the day. I do not want to mention you, let us have order. You may proceed Hon. Ndudzo
HON. NDUDZO: Thank you Madam Speaker. Land is an extremely sensitive and emotional issue which at all times, requires slow, cautious and meticulous treatment and consideration. You will note Madam Speaker that all historians concur on one point that, of all wars that have been fought since the beginning of time to date, the central point of disputation has always been on the subject of control of land. There has not been a war that has been fought in the world where land and control of land was not a central issue. I therefore, wish to first deal with two misconceptions that are inherent in the motion, as it was presented, before I make my further submissions.
The first misconception inherent in the motion is the conflation and convolution of communal and agricultural land. The two are distinctly separate and in my view, it would seem the motion is wrongly premised on an assumption that the laws and principles that are applicable to agricultural land in terms of the leasehold resettlement scheme is the same with land that is gazetted and which we regard as communal land.
The second misconception arising from the motion is also a misapprehension or misunderstanding of the meaning of land tenure. It seems clear that there is an assumption that land tenure is a synonym of title deeds which are issued in terms of the Deeds Registry Act and that is not correct. Sociologically, land tenure simply refers to the relationship between people and the land. The aspects of control, access, allocation, distribution, reallocation, re- arrangements and whatever plans that may be put in place in a particular territory in respect of land, the systems that are put in place will tell us the land tenure that exists. So, the law simply provides the legal framework upon which the relationship between a particular people and land is defined.
So, to get started Madam Speaker, so that I will be able to narrow down my debate to the aspect of communal land, there exists four land tenure systems in Zimbabwe. The first one is the freehold which is also the private land. We have freehold title in most urban areas where people have title deeds and they privately own land. We also have freehold title on some farms where people have title deeds for their farms.
Then the second form of land tenure that exists in Zimbabwe is what we call State land. This would refer to land such as land allocated to the Parks and Wildlife Authority, such as the land we have in Hwange, and Gonarezhou that is wholly owned by the State and is designated for a particular purpose, the same with gazetted forestry land - that is the second genre of land tenure that we have in Zimbabwe.
Thirdly, we have the leasehold tenure system that refers largely to gazzeted State land under the A1, A2 model schemes. This is land which was formally owned by the colonisers that has been recovered by the natives of this land and is being redistributed by the Government of the people of Zimbabwe - that is a separate form of land tenure.
Lastly, we have land that we refer to as communal land. Globally, it is known as ancestral land, the land which one would say, I inherited this land from my fore-fathers who also inherited it from their fore-fathers. So, when we speak of land tenure, we must be very clear on what we speak of.
Madam Speaker, you will note that before Zimbabwe was colonised, all the land within the territory presently called Zimbabwe was communally owned by the people of Zimbabwe under the custodianship of their chiefs. No one had a title deed, no one had a lease, no one had a permit, no one had a document but there was no doubt on any day that the people wholly owned their land and they had full and unfettered rights to that land.
You will note that on 15th November 1884, 14 European powers together with the United States of America, convened at a conference in Berlin and set in motion what has become to be known as the scramble for Africa. Shockingly, the European powers in their arrogance, had the merit to sit in some conference in Germany to divide and apportion for themselves land which wholly belonged to Africans and which land was on a separate continent where you had to cross oceans to be able to access that land.
The present boundaries of Africa, as we have them when people say Zimbabwe is separated from South Africa by the Limpopo River, and Zimbabwe is separated from Zambia by the Zambezi River, are all artificial creations of the Berlin Conference of 1884 which were added in 1885.
You will note, Madam Speaker, consequent to the shenanigans that had been commenced at Berlin, on the 30th of October 1888, Charles Rudd and his other two accomplices acting for and on behalf of Cecil John Rhodes, fraudulently obtained a concession from King Lobengula in terms of which they purported to arrogate to themselves exclusive rights to prospect and to own all minerals within the territory of Zimbabwe. Their real intention was clearly to utilise that concession to colonise the great people of Zimbabwe.
That having been done, you will notice that in 1889, the Boer Edwardo Lippert also acquired what was called the Lippert Concession which was intended to grant him rights to parcel out farming land in Mashonaland. We know that Lippert sold his concession to Cecil John Rhodes and armed with the two concessions, John Rhodes was able to convince the crown in England for him to be granted a royal charter.
On 6 May 1890, a very sad chapter commenced when the British South African Company, with its two contingents of the Pioneer Column and the British South Africa Police, set off on a mission to subjugate colonise, and steal the land of the natives of this country.
We are all aware that the dispossession of our land was a forcible exercise that was strongly resisted by the natives of this land in the first Chimurenga wars. The first one was from 1893 to 1894 and the second one from 1896 to 1897. There was never any voluntary or conceptual giving up of our land. Blood was shed, and kings were executed with people defending their land and territory so that they could perpetuate the land tenure system that they had been accustomed to.
We are aware that through the provisions of the Matabeleland Order and Council of 1894, the first court of Southern Rhodesia was established to resolve land disputes. The judge who set in that court was an employee of the British South African Company. All the orders and judgments that were being made were manifestly against the wishes of the locals and were subsequently supported by the native reserve Order and Counsel of 1898 which was the first piece of legislation in Southern Rhodesia after the conquest of the locals where land was being parceled, heavily skewed in favour of the colonial contingent of the Europeans.
We know that by 1900, the Land Occupation Conditions Act was enacted to further entrench the rights of the colonial invaders. We know that all over Europe, adverts were made inviting Europeans to come and be part of the occupation of Rhodesia and the privy council in the United Kingdom in 1919 in the case of Rhodesia, made a ruling justifying the colonisation of Zimbabwe based on the Royal Charter, the Rudd Concession and the Lippert Concession. This paved the way for the most draconian piece of legislation that has ever been promulgated in this territory in 1930 known as the Land Apportionment Act. The Land Apportionment Act reserved the most fertile, the best land of this country to the Europeans in a clear racial segregatory manner. A very small population of occupiers was allocated the greater portion of the land. The rest of our people were confined to native reserves on rocky, infertile, and arid pieces of land.
The arrogance of the colonial legislature in 1930 did not end with the Land Apportionment Act. When there were cries all over the country because people were now being driven out of their ancestral land, what was the response of the colonial government? They passed what they called the native purchase areas of 1930. They said if you are a native and you also want to own a good piece of land, you can go and buy it but who had the means, who had the money, and who could be subjugated to the double jeopardy of losing your ancestral land and at the same time being asked to pay for it?
The complaints continued as the infractions and invasion continued and in 1951, the colonial Government passed what it called the Native Land Husbandry Act. They said the reasons why you were complaining was because you were not practicing good agricultural methods and means and that some of you were keeping too many cattle on a small piece of land. So, we know that the Native Land Husbandry Act of 1951 was an instrument that was used to steal millions of cattle. People lost their livestock because they had to pave way for the colonial masters. That was a very clear act of primitive accumulation because the process of primitive accumulation is by nature, a process where force is ruthlessly used. The European powers all over the world, post the Berlin Conference were in a contest of ruthlessness. We know that in the Americas, the natives were subjected to even worse processes of extermination, which is why if you go to South America today, you will find Caucasian people of Spanish and Portuguese origin and because the origins of that land, the natives of those lands were wiped away. If you go to the United States of America, you will struggle to come across the natives who are the Red Indians. All these acts were meant to steal and protect the colonisers from the vengeance that would obviously follow from the native upon losing their land.
The Communal Land Act we have presently, which was last amended in 1982, is simply a successor in title to the Tribal Trust Land Act of 1965, where whilst the rights had been duly accorded for title and rights and other entitlements because if you were part of the colonial contingent, you were not only titled to land, but you would be given title for that land, but then you would also be assisted by the State with capital and resources to make sure that you are able to be productive. The Africans on the other hand were stripped of all rights and title and were left marooned in rocky places where they could be moved any time. This is why the land was called reserve. It was reserved for further appropriation and redistribution as and when the colonial Government would deem it necessary to do so.
Therefore, you will note that the central issue in the execution and prosecution of the Second Chimurenga war was the reclamation of ancestral land, the reclamation of land by the locals. All the other issues were red herrings. At the epicentre of the liberation war was the issue of land where the locals were seeking to be restored their precolonial rights to full and unfettered control and access of their land.
At the Lancaster House, there were so many other things that were discussed, but the sticking issue became land tenure. So many weeks and months were spent in negotiation because the colonial masters even after they had been defeated, were adamant that there ought not to be land appropriation. As a result, we underwent a very painful period of 10 years where the Government of Zimbabwe could only acquire land through a willing seller and willing buyer method.
All the undertakings that had been made at Lancaster by the colonial masters were all not fulfilled particularly when Tony Blair became the Prime Minister of Britain and in 1997, he was very categoric.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Ndudzo. Hon. Members on my left, please let us have order. On my left, Hon. Member Order!
HON. NDUDZO: In 1997 the British refused – [HON. MEMEBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
Power outage.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Members, order please! Let us have order! Hon. Members be quiet. Let us be patient Hon. Members, they are sorting out the ZESA challenge. The generator will be on very soon. Let us be patient.
Power restored.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members! Please proceed Hon. Ndudzo, but you are left with only three minutes.
HON. MUGWADI: I move that the Hon. Member’s time be extended by 10 minutes.
HON. MUSHIPE: I second.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Hon. Mugwadi, you said you are requesting to extend with how many minutes?
HON. MUGWADI: In fact, if I had your honour, Madam Speaker 15 minutes.
HON. MUSHIPE: I second.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I can only allow five minutes – [AN HON. MEMBER: We have objected.] – According to the standing rules he is allowed.
HON. KARENYI: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I think this is an opportunity…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Karenyi. I think I have heard your point. Your objection is sustained - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon. Mavunga. – [HON. NDUDZO: Madam Speaker, you had already made a ruling that I was left with three minutes. That ruling still stands.] -. Okay, you can proceed Hon. Ndudzo.
HON. NDUDZO: I am indebted Madam Speaker. It was in 1997, when Tony Blair was very categoric in his rejection of the colonial obligation to compensate Zimbabweans for the land as has been undertaken by its predecessors at Lancaster. You will note that when it became very clear that the locals of this country were so keen on the recovery of their land, a series of events were set in motion by the beneficiaries of the colonial festive. You are aware that the Westminster Foundation in 1998 began to fund subversive individuals to – [ HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]– to fund neo-liberal political parties with the sole intention of derailing land reform. You are aware that in 1998…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Ndudzo. Order Hon. Members. There is a Member on my left side who is chewing a gum and is making a lot of noise. Please be quiet, I would ask you to go out, throw away your chewing gum. We are not allowed to eat in the House. I do not want to mention your name, you know yourself. Please do so. You may proceed Hon. Ndudzo.
HON. NDUDZO: Madam Speaker, a lot happened and you are aware that in 1998/1999, we had a Constitutional Commission and the central issue in that whole constitutional process was the land clause, which culminated into a referendum in 2000. You are aware that a lot of money was spend by neo-colonial forces to make sure that the referendum would not allow the people of Zimbabwe to reclaim their land without compensation. It is at that juncture that my people whom I represent, the great people of Svosve – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear,] – became so fed up with the shenanigans of the colonisers and their surrogates and took it upon themselves to reclaim their land, which they had owned for centuries. That is what set in motion the Land Reform Programme.
HON. BAJILA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. At 1456 hours, you granted Hon. Ndudzo three minutes to round up his speech. Now the time is 1459 hours. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Bajila, I am being assisted by Clerks-at-the Table, not you Hon. Members. You can proceed Hon. Ndudzo.
HON. NDUDZO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. The native of this land became united in the reclamation of their land. Today, Zimbabwe is a distinct nation among the nations of the world; among the nations of Africa, in that the natives of this land have control of the primary means of production, which is land itself. There can never be tolerance of any suggestions of that land to be subject to a process where it can be transferred and be taken away from the people of this country.
What we therefore need in this country, is to protect the rights of the natives from our ancestral land. Secondly, we need to entrench the non-transferability of communal land. If you read the Bible in 1 Kings Chapter 21, you will read of King Nabboth Vineyard, that there is no value, there is no price which can be equal to ancestral land.
[Time Limit]
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Ndudzo, your time is up.
HON. KARENYI: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I rise to say that today as Members of Parliament, we have learnt a lesson that if one of us is debating and one has requested for an extension of time, both sides should agree to the extension of time. We observed that Members on the other side, whenever there is a request for an extension of time from this side, they simply deny it, which is a bad habit. They must learn today that it is important that we must be given additional time. This is a lesson we all learnt today. Thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: We are not in this House to fix each other. Please, let us bear that in our minds.
HON. S. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Before I proceed…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Order, Hon. Members. Order, Hon. Ziyambi. Hon. Members please, may we hear the Member in silence. You may proceed Hon. Ziyambi.
HON. S. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I was saying, before I proceed, I just want to applaud the debate by Hon. Ndudzo, this is very important. He chronicled part of our history, where we came from, where we are because of the part of history. My task now is very simple, I would not take much of the House’s time because most of the issues have been tackled, not by Hon. Ndudzo only but by some of the Hon. Members on my side here. I would like to applaud all of them for debating so well on this issue.
I would like to agree with the speakers from the previous session, who said that land cannot be sold. Land cannot be sold, it cannot be sold – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]– As Zimbabweans, we cannot afford to take chances with our land. We have learnt the hard way. The issuance of title deeds to communal land owners has the potential to create a market for land. This market for land is not something that we want at the current situation in Zimbabwe. Yes, it is not enough for me to continue with my debate without referring to a part of history, some of which has been said by my predecessors and many people in this House.
I would like to start with the Land Apportionment Act of 1930. The Land Apportionment Act of 1930 marked the officilisation of land imbalance in Zimbabwe between the blacks and the white minority. The Act saw the relegation of the black majority to areas unsuitable for agricultural purposes known as Tribal Trust Lands (TTL). On the other hand, the whites apportioned themselves with vast tracts of fertile land suitable for agricultural purposes. This then, from 1930, became the arrangement which favoured and benefitted the small white population in the then Rhodesia and disadvantaged the black majority for many years.
To further solidify their upper hand, they crafted the Land Tenure Act in 1969. This tenure Act gave the whites the opportunity to have title deeds for the land that they had illegally possessed. This was to protect them by giving them total ownership and power to borrow. However, the First Chimurenga as we all know, was a response to the encroachment and appropriation of land by the European settlers. This saw Nehanda Nyakasikana, Kaguvi and Lobengula becoming symbols of resistance and ultimately leading to their capture and brutal execution. This was because of land.
Communal lands, Madam Speaker, are often tied to ancestral heritage and cultural identity. The system where chiefs allocate land is part of the traditional governance structure and respects historical ties and community cohesion. This land is held in accordance with customary law and chiefs act as custodians, ensuring the community’s rights and interests are protected. The Second Chimurenga was a guerrilla war from 1966 to 1979, which led to the end of white minority rule in Rhodesia and establishment of Zimbabwe as an independent state or nation.
In the resettlement areas, offer letters are the documents making a citizen’s ownership of the land. Some are given 99-year leases in resettlement areas. This system is currently working as Government can control and keep track of who is where and owners do not have the right to sell the land because the land belongs to the state. This system is suitable as unscrupulous individuals or owners can be dispossessed of the land and another citizen can be made to benefit.
Communal land in Zimbabwe has always been under the custody of local leaders such as chiefs and headmen. So far, this system has worked with ancestral land passed from generation to generation. Let us therefore always not wish to discard everything that is originally of our own design to adopt foreign practices. The other Hon. Member in this House said there are people in Zimbabwe who always want to be Americans when in fact they are not Americans, but Zimbabweans. Our culture is our culture; we cannot run away from our culture. We are Zimbabweans.
Madam Speaker, it does not make sense and it is not practical to give title deeds to a very small portion of land, which rightfully belongs to a large number of people in communal lands. This will create a lot of conflicts and fights within families. So far, families have a way of managing their land and this cannot be disturbed. If we give title deeds to communal lands, it is a potential disaster in this country. Even the whites when they crafted the Land Tenure Act, they did not even want communal lands to have title deeds in communal lands. So where are we getting this concept from of giving title to communal ancestral land.
Title deeds could lead to the fragmentation and eventual sell of communal lands to erstwhile colonisers which may undermine the security of livelihoods for many who depend on these lands for subsistence farming and grazing. Selling land could lead to the concentration in the hands of a few, potentially displacing the rural economy. So this debate on land tenure systems and title deeds found its way in this House through a backdoor. It is my humble submission that this debate should be dismissed forthwith. So I submit.
*HON. CHIDZIVA: Thank you Madam Speaker for affording me the opportunity to add my voice on the land issue. First and foremost, as Zimbabweans, we should understand that since the time of Mbuya Nehanda, their wish was for free Zimbabweans. The greatest form of liberation that led them to battle was the issue of the land because the colonisers who were coming had seen an opportunity that the Zimbabwean land could be possessed. So the issue of the land is the reason why there is always this war. When it started, it was the concept of “Child of the Soil” “Mwana wevhu” and up to date, you know that leads us to connecting with our Zimbabwean soil because we fought for the liberation of this country.
Those who would remember, and I am happy that others were talking about the history of this country. Those that know the history of why we are on the opposite side and because of our ages, it is because of the land. If people are not given title over the land, the land would be misused. Those that know would know that in 1987-1989 up until the creation of the Movement for Democratic Change, it was land to the people and not to the politicians. What we were fighting for was that people should have the land and that then triggered the Government of the day to come up with the Land Reform Programme.
*HON. MAPIKI: My point of order is that the Hon. Member, we had asked him to go to Tarshish, but he has gone to Nineveh. He has gone off tangent in terms of the debate. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Mapiki, your point of order is dismissed.
*HON. CHIDZIVA: I wanted to bring in that element of that history because we are in opposition as a result of the fight against the people. For the land, I am here as opposition because I am fighting for the land. This is another element of the fight for the land. The fight for the land cannot end without the Zimbabwean people getting title deeds to the land. To those that are in the know, our land in the communal lands, you will know this is where we have buried our ancestors.
*HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The Member who is debating has used a word in a sentence that at the moment there is war for the land in Zimbabwe. I do not know in this august House where we hear that we are at war over the issue of the land. If the Hon. Member was speaking in English which is used by other Members of this august House, it means there is no war over the land in Zimbabwe. Can he use any better word so that he cannot over-emphasise or misguide this House in terms of the definition of the war? I thank you.
*HON. CHIDZIVA: Madam Speaker, when I spoke using vernacular and the word hondo, I am talking about disagreement which leads to conflict that has to be resolved so that we can go ahead and say it has been resolved. I will proceed by saying that the issue of the land brings us together because it takes us back to totems of each and every one of us. We go back to our totems and touch or grab scent and talk to one’s ancestors. If one has not yet had a right to this land, it means that you will be removed from the areas that you value as residents as was the case that happened in Seke, Mutoko and Mvuma.
Those people no longer can connect with their ancestors or their traditional way of life. It is important that when we talk about the issue of the land tenure and the right to land, the movers of this motion, we requested that they be given title deeds to the land. It helps everyone that no white man can come and chase you away from your piece of land. There is no Chinese that can come and remove you from the piece of land if you have title to it. There will be no evictions if you have title to that land.
As has been said before by the white men, they had title deeds because they wanted to remove you from the land hence, they did not give the title deeds to the blacks. As Zimbabweans, we must have the appropriate people who now have title deeds. You know that this land, in other words, if you are in certain places, I talked about the liberation and that there is need for liberation in terms of the land. If you are not a member of a particular political party and you live in Chidziva Village, you can be removed from Chidziva Village because you have no right to that piece of land that you have. People will not be free to live in the country.
If you do not support that particular ideology, you are removed from that land because you have no right to that land. If you have got the right to that land, no one can remove you from it. That is how we connect the liberation of the person to the land. If you want Zimbabweans to be free or liberated or feel that they belong to this country, they are children of the country. This soil is where we live today.
This is where we are going to be interred and it is going to be our final resting places. It important that we need to have our rights even if we are dead. It is important to have title deeds for our land. If we get to a stage where we think we want to sell the land – what we need is, we are not going to sell the land, but do not want to be moved away from the land. We want to remain in occupancy of our land, no matter who is going to come tomorrow, do not address the issue about the sale of the land when people are busy suffering from being evicted from the land that they occupied.
People should have their rights to live to their ancestors’ land where their umbilical cords are buried.
*HON. MALINGANISO: On a point of order Madam Speaker Ma’am, the Hon. Member is now shouting. He spoke about being at war and we now became afraid when others debate, they speak normally and we listen. This is an august House, we should not be quarrelling with one another. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. CHIDZIVA: Thank you, Hon. Speaker, let them forgive me. On the issue of the land, I become possessed. If your father were a village head, you would not have said that.
*HON. SHONGEDZA: On a point of order. My point of order is that the Hon. Member is threatening us. They do not know where the land came from. He was a young child when the war was being fought. He was a sellout.
THE. ACTING SPEAKER: I think you must withdraw the word sellout.
*HON. SHONGEDZA: I withdraw Madam Speaker.
THE. ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Shongedza. Please proceed Hon. Member.
*HON. CHIDZIVA: Thank you Madam Speaker…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members! In terms of Standing Order Number 111, Hon. Members are advised not to engage in tedious repetition, but to come up with new ideas instead of repeating the same things that have already been debated. You may proceed Hon. Member.
*HON. CHIDZIVA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I do not have much to say, only to say I would like to thank Hon. Clifford Hlatywayo for the motion that he brought forward. I think all of us, in the end, will see the importance of this motion because it is our hope that we do not look down upon those who started the liberation struggle. I thank you.
*HON. C. CHIDUWA: Thank you Madam Speaker Maám. I also want to add my voice on this motion that was brought by Hon. Hlatywayo. I think from the onset, we need to bring each other to speed as to why the land? Land ownership in Zimbabwe is rooted in the liberation war as alluded to, but I will try to make sure that I will also take a different route in my debate.
Those who fought for land fought for the means of production. The means of production we have the land, the labour and the capital. When we are talking about the land, it is not just the soil, but we are talking about the soil, that which is on top of the land and that which is found under the land. By this, we are talking about our forests, water, and minerals - all this constitute the land. Then when we defined ourselves and when we had acquired our land, the country was vey precise in terms of placing the role of land in the development agenda of Zimbabwe. The land is the economy and Hon. Members, I would want to link what we have done so far with the land, especially on tobacco, mining and wheat production. We are a food secure country outside the EL-Niño weather phenomenon. If you look at last year, for the first time in the history of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe is wheat secure.
We have managed to construct a number of dams because we own the land. So if you check where we want to go now, our economic development trajectory which is in vision 2030 and National Development Strategy One (1), is rooted in the land. Vision 2030 under NDS1, we have got priority areas, infrastructure development. Under infrastructure development, whether you are looking at rail, road, energy or water, all these require land. So if you link the vision 2030, its realisation requires land.
There is priority area on food security, and in order for us to realise food security, we need land. There is priority area on housing, to realise housing we need land. Devolution, under devolution, the main thrust of devolution is local economic development, and local economic development says, develop your area using the resources that you have around you and it requires land. Mining development, now that we are discovering a lot of minerals, imagine if we had no ownership of land and all of a sudden lithium happens to be at someone’s plot. Imagine the platinum now, the oil and gas - all these if the land was in the private hands, we were not going to be able to access these as Zimbabweans… – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
Land, for those who aspire to lead this country, it is the economy that determines the political super structure, if you do not own land, you can forget about having power in Zimbabwe – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - So the policy on land in terms of the ownership is non-negotiable and irrevocable – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - What we can only do now is to talk about production. What we should do in order that we till the land and I am happy that our banks now accept the 99-year leases and the focus is now on production. The beauty of the 99-year leases is, the ownership of land is rooted in those who are present and those who are not yet born. It then means there is even a chance for future governments to redistribute the land in line with the population sizes.
So, imagine if we are going to share it amongst ourselves now and we say this one belongs to you and it is yours forever. We will not get the chance to redistribute the land in the future. So, the 99-year lease will allow us to re-look at the land sizes as we focus on intensive agriculture.
So, I would want to totally dismiss the motion as it was submitted by Hon. Hlatywayo but to also take this opportunity to say the motion is a reminder to all of us as Zimbabweans. Hon. Members mentioned the importance of ownership of land, which is quite laudable. However, I think what we need to agree on as Zimbabweans is the issue of ownership of land is non-negotiable. We are looking at sustainable tenure, at the moment we have sanction-induced poverty and sanction-induced economic instability and if we had title deeds, given the hardship, one would easily sell the title. Once the title is gone, I tell you we will start to hear about being a member of the International Court of Justice or arbitration and all that.
So, Hon. Members, we should not allow a situation where we will lose what we have. Land is the economy and the economy is the one that determines the political superstructure. I so submit.
HON. GANYIWA: Thank you Madam Speaker for giving me this opportunity to vigorously defend and to ultimately block the attempt of reversal to this land that we have as enshrined in the motion brought into this House.
I am glad and at the same time reminding the august House that we are debating and I have been observing that some Members seem to be making jokes out of what we are debating here. We are only eight days away from celebrating 44 years after independence and Hon. Members, you are reminded that if you are indeed a patriotic Zimbabwean, we must meet in Murambinda next week, on the 18th of April, 2024.
I would not do justice or bring exactly the facts around this issue of land without having to refer back, unfortunately the previous speakers have detailed the historical and death sentence. So, I am not going to dwell much on what has been said.
However, let me quickly get into 99 as we get into 2000, the New Millennium when our forefathers, and chiefs decided to take back the land for our people. It surprised me that some of the people who had a different ideology of thinking that the land was supposed to remain with the minority white people are now, to some extent, kind of agreeing that the land indeed belongs to the Zimbabweans but in a different way, which to me, to some extent has a hidden agenda.
When the land was then taken back; let me not talk about the Second Chimurenga, some people with a different ideology which they currently still have were criticising it heavily. In analysing, they were saying we should not take the land, and if you ask, they were saying why should we take the land that does not belong to us. Why are we taking someone’s land? I once said in this august House, last year on the 28th of November, this is an emotional matter because I did not have the privilege of seeing my father. After all, he had gone to war for the reason of this topic we are discussing about. Therefore, whenever we are debating, we should not bring jokes here.
After we took the land they then said, it was good to take the land but the way it was taken. My question is still unanswered even today, what then were we supposed to do in getting our land? Did we need to use any means besides the way we got it? Surely, if someone robbed me and I meet with him with whatever they have stolen from me, I will not have any formula for taking it back. The thief has no right to tell me how I should take it back; you do not lecture me on my property or something that belongs to me. So, the question of how we took it back is none of the business of the Western. The way how we took it back is non-negotiable and it brings emotions when it comes to this issue.
Madam Speaker, when we moved, they then said well, we kind of agree that it was necessary to take it in that manner but what are you doing with the land? In some instances, they will be posing very valid questions but the problem that has happened; Hon. Togarepi once spoke about it. If we were not debating, beaming on these screens, some of the Members here would not be debating because they have got people whom they want to show off that they are defending them in this august House. However, let me remind Zimbabweans that we are not defending anyone outside Zimbabwe, we are only defending Zimbabweans here.
Madam Speaker, I happen to also have some relatives who live abroad, and one of my relatives there is kind of living miserably. I asked him to come back home and get a piece of land so that he can do some production and he answered, I do not come to share looted parcel. I said really, we still have people who think like that. Then I was reminded that it is very difficult to liberate the mind of a happy slave to some extent. Let me say that again, it is very difficult because it is the intention of the colonial masters that the power of the oppressors stays in the oppressed person such that they speak on their behalf even when they are not there.
On many occasions, I have been the go between, especially when we are going with the bride token, not bride price. I always tell the people that I will be accompanying that when you are given nice chairs and sofas to sit on, do not attempt to sit on those ones up until we finish. In Shona I quote, ‘hero sadza nyamukute uchienda kunonyudza’. You will not be able to come back. If you speak when you are a son-in-law before you finish handing over the bribe token, you are going to be punished for that. It is a trap.
My question is, what is it that we cannot do because we are not holding title deeds? The best undisputed title deed, biblically, culturally, socially is not that piece of paper. The graveyard of our own forefathers are a proof and testimony that it is and they are indeed undisputed title deeds. Even in the rural area, if you come from Murombedzi in the communal lands, the only proof that you have about who owns that piece of land, just show people to say there pakarara madzibaba nemadzitateguru edu. It is proof of a title deed.
Madam Speaker, if we check many other countries that have failed this trap, right now I can give examples like Uganda and Kenya, the land is in the hands of the private players as we speak. Now when the land is fully controlled by individuals, when the land is no longer distributed by the State, there is chaos that is yet to come. We are creating and giving an opportunity of the new revolution of land barons that will sell it back. Mind you, those so called colonial masters have looted. They left so many shafts when they looted our gold and minerals and they have reserved them there. They will come back and buy this land from our own indigenous people. At the end, we will be left with nothing. Let me clearly say Madam Speaker, anyone who can debate in support of this motion is stealing ignorantly from future generations – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
Madam Speaker, there should be a difference between a lease holder and the property owner and in this case, rural settlement areas known as reserved area, commercial agricultural land and mining, land should only be used and remain state owned properties while citizens remain as 99-year lease holders, renewable, who will be there after 100 years. It is just as good as you have been given it for a lifetime and our children will inherit it and renew it.
Let me also remind this august House that even in the UK and America, the citizens there do not own title deeds to the land that they have built on. They have got only sectional title deeds of the dwelling properties, not the land. Meaning to say if the house is sitting on 200sqm, that is only what you own. The rest is owned by the State. So why do we need to start something that is not implemented by those who want to be choir masters of human rights.
Madam Speaker, in my view this is a total trap that is to some extent going to short change our own Zimbabwe. Madam Speaker, tittle deeds can be made available like I said for only property that falls under the Ministry of Local Government, such as those in peri-urban local authorities like growth points, towns and cities, while sectional title deeds may be issued to those who wish to have them only in those areas.
Madam Speaker, the issue of the title deeds is not a clear issue here. I am sure there are other issues behind which we are not seeing, but we are glad that we once got trapped with the issue of title deeds. If we look back when Cecil John Rhodes came, he occupied the whole land of Zimbabwe and named it after himself, Southern Rhodesia Northern Rhodesia, but he followed by subdividing it into what was then called estates. Many are to be reminded of the charter estates and many other estates around.
That was a testimony of holding on to a bigger piece of land of many thousands of hectares. They went on to subdivide it to ranges and they went on to subdivide it to farms and issued title deeds. They started selling that land to our own Government, the same Government that went to war for the same issue of land
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Ganyiwa, you are left with five minutes.
HON. GANDIWA: I am sure five minutes is enough for me to conclude Madam Speaker. What I am trying to bring here, Madam Speaker, is that even at present day, issuing of title deeds to the communal lands and farming land to the people that never paid any cent to have it is a total fraud. How can you issue a title deed to a piece of land that you have not even paid any cent for? How can we officiate and legalise fraud at its highest level?
Madam Speaker, this is a trap. In Shona and I quote, we say ‘inyasha dzei kubvisa mwana wemvana madziwa.’ inyasha dzei kubvisa mwana wemvana madzihwa, iyo mvana yacho yakatsvuka kudaro, murikudei? There are issues in here. So, the best way to deal with it, we should only – like Hon. Chiduwa said, talk about production and let it be a subject to be discussed by Zimbabweans for Zimbabweans. We do not want anyone from outside who will start criticising to say we have taken back the land but what have you done with it. It is like you are telling me that you are wasting this beautiful wife, why can you not make seven children with her? I do whatever I want. This motion should not be given further opportunity to be debated but to be totally dismissed. I thank you.
*HON. L. MUNEMO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I will add a few words to the debate. I would like to add my voice on the issue of land tenure. Firstly, this country came after the liberation struggle, meaning there was something which was done the wrong way before. All our ancestors had their settlement. When Whites came, they then taught us the systems on which they wanted us to live. We then went on, then we started a liberation struggle, up to the extent when we liberated the country because it is important for us to have this land.
If somebody is given land to say you now own it. It is very true just like what was said by the former speaker, Hon. Chiduwa, you can discover that there are minerals on that piece of land, we can improve the economy by having those minerals. If we give it to someone for good, then we will not have anything. Other people will languish in poverty.
I would like to give you an example of what happened in Scotland. Part of their rural area, has less than people who bought Scotland. They have other people who own pieces of land in Scotland but they do not stay in that country meaning, if we say willing buyer willing seller, it would not end well We can say Scotland is ours but when those people stay in other countries - we do not want to follow that in our country Zimbabwe. If land is sold, people will do whatever they want, meaning to say if anything comes out of that land, if you discover something like minerals from that place, that person can easily say, he or she does not want to sell those minerals.
There is a man by the name Marcus Garvey , he spoke in English “ people without their past history, origin and culture, are like a tree without roots” meaning to say if you are a true Zimbabwean, if you do not know the history of your country – when you simply think and believe it has to be sold and owned by a few people, you are just like a tree without roots. It is only in a short space of time; you can easily be taken down. I remember when Zimbabwe was still under colonialism, those settlers got the rich parts of the land. Us as the Mutapa tribe, were taken to those poor soils and that is where war of the land started. I am only saying that land must not be sold. They left the land after they were defeated. Land must not be sold. I do not want to continue debating.
I would like to emphasise to you that we have to be strong and not to follow the likes of those people from the West. People from countries like Scotland, are fighting to get back their land, that is what we do not want to happen in Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. W. MAPOSA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. Thank you very much for giving me this time to add my voice on the land tenure. Land Reform in Zimbabwe, the paper begins with an ethical case for land redistribution in Zimbabwe, based on principles of social justice and equity. Drawing a brief history of land in Zimbabwe from the first European expulsion up to the independence of the economy that is farming, commercial sector is more efficient than peasant sectors.
Conflicts of land in Zimbabwe is one of the big news, and stories of today but the media tends to exaggerate the extent to which events unfold. They are historically contingent and driven by happenings as they stand. Instead, the situation should be seen as structural in the historic process of the colonial rule and subsequent international diplomacy and intervention. In fact, similar processes are unfolding in our neighbouring countries, that is, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. I just want to take you back to the fourth, when Hon. Bhajila debated, I hope he is in the House. I want him to take a paper and pen so that he writes what is there.
In South Africa, South Africans own 13% of the land. This is the black majority, 87% is owned by the white minority. I just want to take back Hon. Bhajila, who told us about what is happening in South Africa? An ethical case of land distribution, it will be argued first that there is a strong moral case for radical redistribution of land in Zimbabwe. Such depends on appreciation of the origins of the country, land ownership. So, therefore, the historical outline of land acquisition exploited from the initial European settlers in the 19th Century from British rule up to 1980. How many came to be British, the Berlin Conference of 1884, I hope my Hon. is writing because land is irreversible…
HON. MAPOSA: 87% is owned by the white minority. I just want to track back to Hon. Bajila who told us about what is happening in South Africa. An ethical case for land distribution; it will be argued first that there is a strong moral case for a radical distribution of land in Zimbabwe. Such a case would depend on appreciation of the origins of the country’s land ownership. So, there follows a historical outline of land acquisition and expropriation from the initial European settlements in the 19th Century to Independence from British rule up to 1980.
How land came to the British? The Berlin Conference of 1884 defined the broad limits of expansion of each of the European powers. I hope my Hon. Member is writing because land is irreplaceable and I am referring to Hon. Bajila because when he spoke on the 4th, it was not correct. As part of this exercise, the British Government in 1888 declared the existence of a British sphere of interest between Botswana and the Zambezi. Thus, Mashonaland and Matebeleland were allocated by the European powers to British influence. In that year, our King Lobengula was misled into signing a mining concession which effectively granted Cecil Rhodes the right to occupy Mashonaland. Land theft occurred right up to the 1970s and many expatriate landowners still claim their rights over specific landholdings that they had previously farmed.
Madam Speaker, land is irreversible. I want our Hon. Members to take paper and pen so that I elaborate what happened with the land which is not irreversible:
1979/80 Lancaster House Agreement materialised funding the voluntary sale only compensation; full market price convertible to foreign currency.
1983 stalling of the Land Reform Programme.
1991 Amended Constitution allowing compulsory acquisition of land with little compensation or right to appeal.
1992 Land Acquisition Act. The right of the Government to acquire land by compulsion.
1997 Decision to implement the 1992 Act and undertake compulsory purchase of land.
1998(Sept) International conference donor support for voluntary sales only.
1998(Nov) Compulsory acquisition orders issued. Dispossessed farmers to be compensated (at fair market value)
2000(May) Amendment to the Constitution and the 1992 Act permitting compulsory acquisition of land without compensation.
2000(July) Programme started, land expropriated without compensation
Madam Speaker, could land reform be reversed? No. As we have seen, Government has now declared the programme complete and I do
not know why we are debating this land in this House yet it is complete. Of course, we can only speculate. To some extent, it would depend on what the programme had accomplished by then.
In conclusion, it would be difficult to talk of reversing the land reform. I urge the Government, international community and the opposition, if possible, to alleviate Zimbabwe’s economic crisis. It should be remembered that the roots of this crisis can be traced back to the introduction of policies under ESAP in 1991. Instead, whether by accident or design, the Government is pursuing the only available route to recovery. I, therefore, propose that we dismiss this motion. Thank you so much Hon. Speaker.
HON. TOGAREPI: I come forward to debate this very emotional motion raised by Hon. Hlatywayo. A motion about land and land tenure. Land was the number one grievance that made the people of Zimbabwe, the black majority to fight against colonialism. I think everyone who debates or who wants to talk about land must have that in mind that land defines a people.
Land cannot be owned by a section of a society or people depriving others of that land and you do not see people fighting. There are countries in the world today who are fighting for football grounds, small portions of land. Thousands and thousands of people have died fighting for that small piece of land. Land and survival of the people of any country or nationalist, you cannot separate them from their land. Wars have been fought.
If you compare reasons for many countries going to war, you will find not less than 80% of those wars are related to the land issue and today we sit in this product – this House is a product of the liberation struggle – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – debating to reverse all what we fought for – [HON. MEMBERS: Tichatorwa. Wanga uripo here?] – Madam Speaker, I was listening very well when others were debating. I would not want somebody to interrupt me because that person is a surrogate of imperialism – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – I would not want that. I listened. You have your opinion; I will listen to it and I will debate to give you my side of the story. ‘Don’t’. The land issue is emotional. I punctuated that when I started. It is very emotional.
The idea of coming up with title deeds, let me explain how I see it. Look, when we embarked on the land reform in 2000, we were taking land slightly above 4 000 white minority who had 70% of the agricultural land and gave it to our people and others did not get the land because it was limited. If the Government one day and I am sure the progressive Government should decide that the population has increased those who demand or who want land have become many. The land that was given to Hon. Karikoga is big and we would want him to remain with a little portion and redistribute the other to other people. How will they do it when Hon. Karikoga now has a title deed? We are creating another war.
Any idea of coming up with title deeds to land which was repossessed not for me who has got the land but for all the people of Zimbabwe is not good. I am only holding it for the people of Zimbabwe and when they want it, they must be able to take it. I cannot claim to say that the land that I got is mine and mine alone. Why? I did not pay a cent. I was only at the right place at the right time when the land was redistributed, I got that land but it should remain State property. Should the State want to redistribute that land, it must have the power and the right to do it. Every person and future generations have the same rights that I have today on the same land. So, for those who are trying to sell or come up with title deeds, it is the strategy of the enemy. The strategy of those who owned land illegally in the fist place and parceled it out and got title deeds to it. They have now lost the game because we took our land. Now they want to come back and say can you parcel it out, give title deeds, they bring in monies they go after stealing our gold and our minerals.
They will come and buy that land and when they buy it, it is now sold by our people, they will say we have title deeds and we bought it from your people and this is now our land. Zimbabwe will wake up sold on an auction floor. Is that what we want? All agricultural land, whoever wants to sell title, sell it in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare and urban centres, sell it. When we are talking of our communal land and our agricultural land, it is not owned by an individual. Every individual has got a chance to use the land, if you get there ahead of others then you can use it. When the time comes for others to get that land, there should not be a reason for you to resist. We are better of after the liberation struggle now because we got that land.
We got that land and gave it to everyone who has land today for free. It is now easier to take it and give it to anyone else who wants land and there will not be any problem because nobody paid a cent. What paid for the land is the blood of our people who died to liberate this country. The main reason why we went to war was land.
Madam Speaker, I will tell you a very short story. There was this guy who kept a monkey on a leash on its waist and the chain destroyed the waist. There came a good man who saw that the monkey was injured, leashed on a tree. He said why are you keeping this monkey leashed like this and injured. He fought the owner of the monkey or the guy who claimed that he was the owner of the monkey and he won. He untied the monkey, the monkey instead of running away now that it was free, the monkey went up the tree to go back to its tormentor.
The reason is that some of us were freed from colonialism, what was freed was their bodies but the brain remained colonised. Up to today, they think money can be the major reason for our existence as a country. This country Zimbabwe, cannot be owned by an individual, it should never. I thought some of the people that I see who were opposing the view of the Land Reform Programme thought the land was not going to be taken from whites, would be the first to defend that land must never be titled because they do not have the land. There will come an opportunity for their children and descendants to get land. They are here now giving us title to those who agreed on the land reform and we got the land. Your children will be poor because you have already relegated your people and future generations without land.
You must not defend anyone owning the land. Those who fought for this country, some died and they never had an opportunity to have title to this land. They did not fight for themselves, they fought for you and me. Why should we who are the first heirs to this land decide to own it at the expense of those who are coming and those who had no chance to get the land when it was redistributed? Why should we think we are special? Anyone who will sectionalise this land, create title deeds, and deny others the right to get this land is an author of future turmoil and is an author of future war. People will fight for this land because the same people will remind you how did you get this land that today you have got title to?
We asked the whites, Madam Speaker, when we were taking the land in 2000; you stole this land. This land belongs to our forefathers and you took the land after fighting a war in Malaysia, in Burma there, and came here to be compensated for your fighting outside Zimbabwe and got fertile land here. Now, you have got title to the land that belonged to our forefathers, we want it back and we took it back. It will come again if we are not clever, not responsible if we are incited or excited by other forces to try and sell our birthright, the right by every Zimbabwean to own land or to be part of the land; we will create another war. Let us not be fooled, excitement should never influence our mind.
So, Madam Speaker, it is interesting that we find everyone wanting to discuss or debate about land. The mover of this motion, I think he just wanted to jolt us and make us rethink about who we are, our relationship to our land. It was good for that not to propagate or to push for title deeds for communal land or for any piece of land that was acquired. It is a process of the revolution that made us take the land. If we are real Zimbabweans, we should therefore advocate for our land to be owned by a single individual because that single individual got that land ahead of you. So, he must have title and you are now asked to look for money to buy it from me but I got it for nothing.
Madam Speaker, I really want to encourage the Hon. Members here from the two sides of the political divide that let us talk about other things. Let us not play with the land. It is deep, some of us who are going against this, we have relatives that died fighting for this land. Will they be happy that you do not get land and when you want land you are going to buy when I got it through the land reform for free. Those relatives of yours who died fighting for this land, will they be happy when you are asked to fork out a million dollars to buy the same land that I got for free? That mentality must just go. Go and throw it in the dustbin, it is not correct.
If there is anyone Madam Speaker who has land today, who believes that that land is for him, is for her or his descendants, that mentality must be cleaned. Otherwise, we need to go to the madzibabas and clean that mind. It is very dangerous; this land belongs to all of us. This land is our land together. We are in this Parliament built on this land because it is ours. If all this and land was titled by other people, would we come on this hill and build this beautiful Parliament? Will we have the same freedom that we have, I agree with leasing. Government remains with the right to take the land back. Some will tell you when they are drunk from taking too much chibuku that Hon Togarepi has 50ha, but he is doing nothing with it. Let me tell you today that every revolution has a duty. There was a duty to go to war to fight to get this land. The other stage of the revolution was to go and take it from the whites. Maybe I was part of that, but if your child, who is a good farmer and an expert farmer comes tomorrow, he must find the land in the hands of a black man and use it for the future growth of this country. So your mind must tell you that the land is with Togarepi today, but tomorrow when my descendants come and they want this land, it is easily accessible because Togarepi got it for free.
HON. P. DUBE: On a point of order. With all due respect, Hon. Togarepi continuously refers to either this side or that side during the debate. I think the rules are very clear that he should address you so that we do not feel he is just referring to anyone. I think the rules are very clear.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Okay, Hon. but I did not see him pointing at anyone or hear him referring to any side. He neither referred to the left nor right side. If he pointed maybe he was pointing at the Clerks-at-the-Table.
HON. TOGAREPI: Madam Speaker I hear you. Hon Members, I am talking to you as representatives of the people. I am raising these issues and surely as the Chair, you will hear me. Hon. Members, as representatives of the people, I urge all of you to go and tell the people of Zimbabwe that Zimbabwe and its land belongs to them. Nobody must have preference to that land above others. Where-ever you come from and whatever your view is, you are part of the ownership of this land and you must defend it. Whether it is owned by me today, defend it for future generations. If it is owned by you today, I will defend it for future generations. The Zimbabwean land cannot be priced. The blood of our people, young and old is pricier for this land to be sold for a song. On the 18th April, when we celebrate the independence of Zimbabwe, the major cause of celebration was reclamation of our land. We can talk about one man one vote and everything else, but you cannot have that right without ownership of that land. So I really pray that the Hon. Member in my view, without going deep into his mind or what influenced him to come up with this motion – but if you ask me, I think he just wanted to remind us that 18th April was coming and the land is in the hands of the black people of Zimbabwe. We must never sell it. So, the motion cannot be adopted, it is misplaced and not serving our interest as a people. I thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume Tuesday, 7th May, 2024.
MOTION
PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS AND INVESTORS DEPOSITS IN BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on Protection of Depositors and Investors Deposits in Banks and other Financial Institutions.
Question again proposed.
HON. DR. MUTODI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Allow me to add my voice on the debate around the deposit protection law which in my view is very pertinent and very technical. My contribution will center around the collapse of banks in Zimbabwe which dove-tails with the risk faced by depositors when the banks collapse. I have classified these factors into three, namely: the idiosyncratic factors, macro-economic factors and legal, political or policy factors. On the idiosyncratic factors, the general trend that has emerged or what we can call corporate related factors are the primary source of bank instability. I say this because from empirical evidence, most banks that have collapsed pausing a risk to depositors are the indigenous banks or simply banks controlled by locals. Examples include the ZABG, Trust Bank, Royal Bank, the ENG Discount House, Barbican Bank, Interfin and Kingdom bank among others. All foreign banks such as Barclays, Standard Chartered and Stanbic have not collapsed. However, some have sold their stakes and left the country due to what they call unfavourable banking conditions. The idiosyncratic factors leading to the bank’s failure need to be examined and laws need to be crafted in order to protect depositors. These factors include among others, the weighted average cost of capital, the bank quick ratio and also the debt equity ratio, the profile of bank directors, the banks’ financial model which dove-tails with the portfolio selection and its return on investment. Then the bank’s dividend policy. Madam Speaker Ma’am, from my understanding, the various financial market theories such as the Markowitz Single Factor Model, the Arbitrage Pricing Model and the Capital Asset Pricing Model, these idiosyncratic factors contribute immensely to the performance of banks, hence the need for them to be regulated by law. Madam Speaker, macro-economic factors include the following: - Money supply which relates to the monetisation of the economy or printing of money in order to finance Government expenditure; Interest rates, which pose a risk to depositors especially when the interest rate or the lending rate is below inflation rate, thereby encouraging speculative borrowing; and inflation. Inflation is another macro-economic condition Madam Speaker that erodes confidence in the banking sector. A hyperinflationary environment is directly linked to bank failure. Any legal intervention that we therefore need to propose to protect investors must address inflation as a root cause of instability in the banking sector and leading to unjust enrichment of bank executives in some cases.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, closely related to the money supply interest rates and inflation, is the exchange rate volatility which has often caused the erosion of incomes including bank deposits or savings as well as per capita incomes. Banks maintain books of accounts and financial and management accounts which they produce periodically to tell the bank how much profit they can make, simply as a result of depreciation of assets under their control. Cash deposited into the bank depreciates at a rate proportional to the exchange rate and inflation. If there is no law to deal with hyperinflation and exchange rate volatility, there can be no law which is effective to protect depositors. Savings are devalued based on exchange rates and inflation.
Bankers are also rational persons hence they will try to hedge against inflation by acquiring assets which they can sell easily to offset liabilities or through the commodification of United States Dollars. Due to the time value of money principle, rational bankers quickly convert Zimbabwe dollars deposits into hard currency which they can easily liquidate on the informal market in order to cater for demand deposits because the Zim Dollar depreciates quickly against the hard currency leading to super profits by banks. This situation therefore, encourages those speculative bankers to act in the way they have done in the past.
The cure lies with the control of macro-economic factors. Madam Speaker, the rate at which our currency was losing value, especially before the introduction of the ZiG show that financial authorities may have pursued misleading policies which have left our depositors at risk of losing their wealth.
On the political factors, Madam Speaker, they include whether or not the Reserve Bank was independent, the existence of policy inconsistences which in turn affects public confidence in the banking sector and also other decisions that are associated with the management of nostro accounts. Madam Speaker, it is apparent that this House comes up with laws to protect depositors without necessarily focusing on idiosyncratic factors of banks, but also the monetary policy and other wider macro-economic conditions set out by the Government through its fiscal policy.
I would like to thank His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa for allowing the RBZ to introduce the ZiG currency which is going to be backed by gold and other precious metals. This is envisaged to stabilise our financial market systems through strengthening the market. We need to establish laws that regulate or protect depositors in order to:
Promote a sustainable and safe sound banking sector;
To protect banks from being run over into times of crisis;
To protect depositors from losing the value of their deposits from the time the bank closes and the time they are compensated; and
Also, to transfer this from depositors and banks to insurance companies.
However, the question that remains is whether it is possible to ensure or to insure every dollar. The answer is a no. Banking, like any other business, has a risk that cannot be avoided. I therefore, suggest that there must be any intricate interplay between Government policy and legislation in order to reach an optimum level for banking service and a cultivation of confidence in the financial service sector. The RBZ, for a start, needs to be independent and desist from quasi-fiscal activities. The RBZ also needs to play its lender of last resort function effectively and the interbank lending system must be promoted and corporate governance principle is followed to avoid banks failure.
Government must properly plan macro-economic factors especially keeping money supply interest rates and inflation under control, especially during the period I have alluded to, the period before the introduction of the ZiG. Also, Madam Speaker, there must be an effective operation of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, which must keep a close eye on bank executives’ lifestyles and arrest those found to be engaging in speculative lending and other unfavourable activities.
The bank lending rates must be inflation adjusted such that exchange rate depreciation does not end up as the source of profit for financial institutions and for individuals who capitalise on the interest rate and inflation deferential. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. MUKOMBERI: Thank you Madam Speaker for the opportunity granted for me to add my voice on the debate on depositors’ protection. The protection of depositors is the brainchild of the Government of Zimbabwe when the Depositors Protection Cooperation was formed with the intention to form somewhat an insurance cooperation that will subrogate in the event of an individual contributory failing. This implies that the Deposit Protection Cooperation is an institution to which the contributors are banks which are commercial banks, merchant banks, building societies and even the deposit taking micro-finance institutions. These contributors pull their resources into the Depositors Protection Cooperation such that in the event of bank failure, the cooperation is going to subrogate and act on behalf of the contributory and restore the depositors to their original position before the risk so that one is not going to lose wealth at bank.
The Depositors Protection Cooperation’s operations are guided by the Depositors Protection Cooperation Act which provides for the creation of the Depositors Protection Cooperation Fund which is guided by Section 30 of the Depositors Protection Cooperation Act [Chapter 22:29]. It is from this fund, that in the event of an individual institution, say a commercial bank fails, it means that the bank owes the depositors whatever balances are in the accounts of the depositors, they make the amount that the bank owes to the depositors.
In essence, the Act provides that there is a maximum amount that is a ceiling, that is recoverable upon bank failure by a depositor. This amount, if it is to the tune of the balance of a depositor or a depositor has got a balance less than the ceiling, one is going to recover the total amount in his bank account balance. So, the loophole in this Act that needs refining Madam Speaker is that of a ceiling of the amount that is compensated to the depositor or to a client. Suppose one has got an account balance which is above the ceiling, it will imply that the excess above the ceiling is not recoverable upon the bank’s failure. It will be paid to the depositor later through the process of liquidation if the bank is deemed fit for liquidation or when a bank is considered to be run under the judicial management. Then the depositors are going to be paid the excess above the ceiling on pro rata basis. That is the liquidator upon disposal of assets of the bank; it will be paying depositors their excess balances on pro rata.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, there is a risk on the side of depositors that in the event of the bank’s failure, you one is not assured of recovering the total amount that one has at the bank. Madam Speaker Ma’am, why is it important to protect depositors? An economy can grow only if it has a well-functioning banking system; where businesses have confidence in the banking system and deposit their funds, and all funds they receive undergo a formal banking system. This will imply that the more the corporates and individuals do save their funds at banks, the more the credit is created through the bank to make available capital for economic growth.
In economic analysis Madam Speaker, savings are always equated to investment. It implies that with a proper depositors’ protection system, individuals and corporates do save their funds for future investment. As one saves money at the bank, this money is not wholly kept at the bank, relative to the required reserves as gazetted by the Central Bank, in our case the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, a bank has a proportion or a percentage of the deposits that are made by individuals or by depositors or by clients that the bank should keep. The excess can be lent out so that credit creation through the bank lending out an excess over and above the percentage that is kept as reserves at the bank will create capital for investment. In our Zimbabwean scenario, we have like the Women’s Bank. People go there, they may not find money because people are not depositing. We may have commercial banks where people can go and try to acquire loans for investment, people cannot find money because people are not depositing. It implies that there will be limited sources of capital for investment. If the depositors are confident that their funds are protected against risk of loss, one can deposit as much funds as he can to save for future investment, but it will not be only his investment per se. It will be the creation of investment by any other person or any other economic player who may be willing to go and acquire a loan at the bank as the bank is going to create credit through the credit multiple effect.
Madam Speaker, it implies therefore, that there is a direct proportionality between savings and investment. That growth investment automatically results in the increase in national income. This is through the investment multiple effect that a smaller amount invested today results in national income increasing in multiples, as investment is exogenous. Madam Speaker Ma’am, with a proper depositors’ protection system, Zimbabwe is assured of achieving Vision 2030.
At this juncture, I want to applaud the Government of Zimbabwe for protecting depositors during the transition form the Zimbabwean dollar to the Zimbabwean gold. We had our balances at banks. The Government tried and maintained our value such that our balances were transformed from the Zimbabwean dollar to the ZiG. It maintains their real values without any erosion of value as the interbank rate was used and everyone was assured of the security of his or her balance in the bank account. This is where my clapping hands for the Government is coming from – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Madam Speaker Ma’am, I think it is and it was a common consensus by the House that there is need for some consideration and improvement in the loopholes in the current Depositors Protection Corporation Act. It does not indemnify depositors in full upon the risk of closure of a bank or a financial institution. As the Depositors Protection Corporation Act, as an insurance company, the principle of indemnity should apply. It brings one to his original position before the risk happened, which means one is restored, and is going to recover the total amount to the tune of his risk exposure. This is my humble submission. I thank you.
HON. HADEBE: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I rise to support the motion and also throw a few nukes on the Deposit Protection Corporation Act. The Deposit Protection Corporation Act is a crucial piece of legislation that provides protection to depositors of failed financial institutions. It is especially important given the recent spate of bank failures in our country. The Deposit Protection Corporation plays a pivotal role in maintaining public confidence in the banking sector and protecting the savings of individuals and businesses.
Madam Speaker, I would like to highlight a few key points in support of this motion. The Deposit Protection Act provides for the establishment of a Deposit Protection Fund. This fund is financed by levies paid by financial institutions and is used to reimburse depositors in the event of bank failure. This Fund ensures that depositors do not lose their savings when a bank fails and it helps to maintain financial stability. It is therefore essential that we continue to support the Deposit Protection Corporation.
Finally, I would like to highlight the importance of public awareness about the role of Deposit Protection Corporation. The general public needs to be aware of their rights and the process for claiming their deposits in the event of bank failure. Madam Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to the importance of monitoring and enforcement under the Deposit Protection Act. The Act requires that financial institutions submit regular reports to the Deposit Protection Corporation. It also provides for onsite examination by the corporation. These monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are critical for ensuring that financial institutions comply with the law and protect the interests of depositors.
Madam Speaker, the Deposit Protection Corporation may be given the resources and authority to carry out its function effectively. For us to fully debate about Deposit Protection Act without involving the Treasury, we will be doing a disservice.
I will argue that the Deposit Protection Corporation will not be effective in protecting deposits made in the new currency ZiG, given the economic and pollical conditions in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s currency has been in a state of flux for many years and the introduction of yet another new currency will only add to the confusion and volatility. The Deposit Protection Corporation is a system designed to protect bank deposits in the event of bank failure, but is not designed to withstand the type of economic turmoil that is currently taking place in Zimbabwe.
Moreover, the Government of Zimbabwe has a history of making sudden and unpredictable changes to the monetary policy. The Government of Zimbabwe has a history of not being transparent or accountable in its economic policies which makes it difficult for the Deposit Protection Corporation Act to effectively do its job.
In fact, there is no guarantee that the Government will even honour its commitment to protect deposits made in the new currency given its track record of breaking promises and not following on its economic commitments. Therefore, while the intention of the Deposit Protection Corporation is noble, it is unlikely to be effective in the current environment with vene vayo still in charge. Thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: On a point of Order Madam Speaker. I think the Hon. Member had finished, but I think we need to put these things into perspective so that whatever we are saying has some relationship to the motion. The Hon. Member talks about what Government does, but we are talking about the Deposit Protection Corporation whose responsibility we should debate here. Why are we bringing in the Government? We are talking about the Corporation set to do something. If it fails, we attack that institution not Government.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I agree with you Hon. Chief Whip that when Members are debating, we must debate the motion and not any other issues.
HON. HADEBE: Thank you very much Madam Speaker. I had actually summed up my debate on the Deposit Protection Act. Thank you.
HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Madam Speaker and greetings from Hurungwe. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to rise today to speak on a matter of utmost significance, the protection of investors deposits in banks and financial institution. As a representative of the people, it is cumbersome upon us to ensure the integrity and the stability of our financial system. Recent events have underscored the vulnerability of investors funds to mismanagement and malpractice within the banking sector. It is imperative that we take decisive action to fortify the safeguards in place and restore trust in our financial institutions. The banking sector serves as the lifeguard of our Zimbabwe economy, facilitating commerce, investment and economic growth.
However, we cannot ignore the troubling trend of bank failures and collapse that have left depositors in distress and shaken confidence in our financial system. The repercussion of these failures extend far beyond individual deposit, poses a risk to our economy and hindering our national progress. As custodians of public trust, we must confront these challenges head on and implement measures to protect investors’ deposits. Ensuring the safety of investors deposit build trust and confidence in the financial system.
When people believe that their money is secure in the banks, they are more likely to deposit their funds rather than keeping them in cash or investing them in other less secure assets. This trust is vital for attracting both domestic and foreign investment which can contribute enormously to economic growth.
Furthermore, knowing that the deposits are protected, individuals and businesses are likely to save money in banks. Increased savings can provide banks with a stable source of funding for lengthy activities which then can be used to finance investments in various sectors of our economy. This in turn, can stimulate economic growth and development.
In addition, deposit protection mechanism helps in stabilising the financial system by preventing banks collapse and systemic risk in the event of a bank failure or financial turmoil deposit insurance or fidelity cover to provide a safety net for depositors, reducing the likelihood of widespread panic withdrawals that could destabilise the entire banking sector.
More so, when people feel confident in the safety of their deposit, it can encourage greater participation in the formal financial system. This is of particular importance in Zimbabwe where a certain population remains unbanked and underbanked by promoting financial inclusivity, Deposit Protection Measures can help to bring more people into the formal economy, improving the access to financial services and facilitating economic development.
Lastly, robust deposit protection framework can enhance Zimbabwe’s attractiveness to foreign investment. Foreigner investment, particularly those considering long term investment or establishing businesses in the country are likely to prioritise jurisdiction with stronger investment protection mechanisms. This can lead to an increase in foreign direct investment, which can contribute to job creation and technology transfer over our economic growth.
Madam Speaker, implementing deposit protection schemes necessitates a strong legal and regulatory framework. Enhancing these frameworks can have broader benefits beyond just deposit protection including improved governance, transparency and compliance standard with the financial sector. Strengthening these foundations can help to foster a more resilient and sustainable financial system overally.
Therefore, we must boost our regulatory framework to enhance oversight and accountability within the banking sector. These includes strengthening the powers and independence of regulatory bodies, task them with supervising financial institutions. Additionally, we must enforce stringent penalties for banks found to be engaging into frauded and unethical practice sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Furthermore, the establishment of a comprehensive deposit insurance scheme or a fidelity cover is paramount to providing a safety net for depositors in the event of bank failures. Such a scheme would reassure investors that their funds are protected, even in the face of unseen circumstances. We must prioritise financial literacy and education initiative to empower investors with the knowledge and the tools needed to make informed decisions about their finances.
In summary, ensuring the protection of investors deposits in banks and financial issues offers numerous benefits to our country Zimbabwe including confidence, encouraging serving, promote economic stability, facilitating financial inclusion, attracting foreign investment and enhancing the legal and regulatory framework of a financial sector.
The protection of investor deposits is not merely a legal or regulatory matter but a moral imperative. As stewards of our nation’s wealthy and prosperity, we have a duty to safeguard the interest of our constituencies and upholding the integrity of our financial system by ensuring robust regulatory measures, establishing a deposit insurance scheme or a fidelity cover and promoting financial literacy. We can also restore confidence in our banking sector and laying the foundation of a sustainable economic growth. Let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the interest of all Zimbabweans, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
God Bless Hurungwe and God Bless Zimbabwe, God Bless Africa. I thank you.
HON. BHAJILA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I wish to add my voice on a few issues that are included in the Deposit and Protect Act as well as issues that have been raised by colleagues. Madam Speaker, let me start my presentation by saying yesterday the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion was here. He mentioned something that triggered me to add my voice to this Deposit Protection Act.
The Minister said that they are bringing in provisions of the law to say that bankers in Zimbabwe who are going to keep money in their bank accounts above US$100 or ZiG equivalent for at least 30 days, will not accrue bank charges. Madam Speaker, the issue of bank charges has been raised in this debate ahead of me by other Hon. Members and it is important that the speaker brought it. The issue is a serious incentive for people to keep money in the banks and therefore gives our banks means by which they can grow themselves if people have to keep money, but it also assists our communities in terms of public safety in the sense that people will no longer be keeping money at home. People now have an incentive to keep money in the bank so long as it will not be accruing bank charges.
Madam Speaker, a friend of mine from the banks of Save River told me a story that as children when they were growing up, their mothers would show them the chicken to be slaughtered for dinner and point at it. I am going to the river to look for water so you must catch this chicken, but do not kill it, wait for me. You can put the water on the fire in the meantime. They would then catch this chicken and somehow, they believed that the chicken would sleep if they sing, but the reality is that the chicken would be tired from running. So they would sing a song which my friend says the lyrics say, chikuku vata, vata Mai vaenda kuSave.
Madam Speaker, this is luring the chicken and I think that the announcement by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is luring us to take our monies to the banks, but at some point, something might happen. We are aware of the possibility of a geje announcement that might come when we have kept our monies at the banks.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Bajila, you are referring to the Minister’s ministerial statement which the Minister gave in this House yesterday. Why did you not ask questions of clarification to the Minister when he gave the ministerial statement? Why are you now debating that ministerial statement?
HON. BAJILA: Thank you Madam Speaker for your guidance. Madam Speaker, the issue here is that the matter of deposit protection becomes even more important now as you are having incentives to keep our money at banks. Incentives to keep our money at banks gives rise to the need for deposit protection, Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: So, you must debate the motion of depositors’ protection, not to debate the ministerial statement which was given by the Minister yesterday.
HON. BAJILA: Madam Speaker, the Bible in Mathew 13 vs 3 -9 – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: If you keep on defying my orders Hon. Bajila, I will ask you to take your seat.
HON. BAJILA: Madam Speaker, you have ordered that I refrain from speaking about…
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: If you are going to continue please sit down.
HON. BAJILA: Madam Speaker, I am moving to the next point.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: Take your seat.
HON. MANGONDO: On a point of order.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MANGONDO: My point of order Madam Speaker is that the Hon. Member needs to respect the Chair. He needs to respect the standing orders of this august House. We are not at a shebeen here and I think the Hon. Member needs to apologise or really should vacate the House. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Mangondo. I am sure he has taken note of that and he will not repeat it. Please proceed.
HON. BAJILA: Thank you Madam Speaker for your guidance. The Bible in Mathew 13 vs 3-9 – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Madam Speaker may I be protected?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Can we have order in the House Hon. Members?
HON. BAJILA: In the Bible, Jesus Christ himself spoke to issues of deposit protection in his two parables. The parable of the sower and the parable of talents. In the parable of the sower, Jesus gives four different places where people can put their seeds in and we need to ask ourselves as this House, as our people put their money in institutions that are members of the Deposit Protection, whether their monies are going to fall on fertile land, thorny land, rocky land or whether their monies are going to fall on sandy land.
Madam Speaker, the motion proposed by Hon. Jere and supported by Hon. Chiduwa moves us to make amendments to the Deposit Protection Act and I stand in support of that motion. Madam Speaker ,Hon. Mushoriwa made reference in his earlier debate on this motion about the need to prevent directors of defunct banks from further participation in the economy. Hon. Nyabane moved further to say such people who had their banks going defunct must be charged of murder but Hon. Mandiwanzira warned us saying in doing this thing, we must know that business such as banking is a result of trial and error. People can get into business and then it can fail here and there. In Isindebele, we say, inkomo kaisia khunywa inyawo yoba iskhathi isigade. We are simply saying that if you are milking a cow and it happens to kick that small bucket where you put your milk, you do not have to cut its foot. You need to assist it until it can be able to stand while you are milking it.
I am saying this, to say some of the amendments to the Deposit Protection Act, we need to look into the fate of directors of defunct banks and not say they are banned forever from participating within the banking sector or economy in whatever way, as was proposed by Hon. Mushoriwa, supported by Hon. Nyabani. I am proposing that in dealing with this issue of directors of defunct banks, the amendment must set up some time during which they cannot participate as directors, further of banks, not a permanent ban. That is my proposal to that extent.
I move on to issues relating to Section 6 of the Deposit Protection Act, which speaks around the directors of the Deposit Protection Corporation. I propose that there be addition of representatives of consumers. If you check Section 6 of the Act, it speaks to representatives of the banks. It speaks to somebody appointed by the Minister. It speaks to representatives of the business, but there is no representation of the consumers out there. We might need to amend this section and add an institution such as the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe so that it can be included as part of the directorship of the Deposit Protection Corporation, and that it can represent the interests of the consumers. At the end of the day, when banks collapse, it is the consumers who suffer the most. When banks collapse, it is us who will have taken our monies to the banks and we no longer find them.
Those who were in this House will understand that this matter is important, specifically if you listen to Hon. Nyabani speaking about how he had his money at Interfin and then he went to Bindura, he was told there was no more Interfin. He moves further and his money is nowhere. I say the consumer at the end of the day needs to be represented within the Deposit Protection Corporation because the consumer has their money in those institutions. Lastly, I wish to say that there must be means by which the Deposit Protection Corporation must continuously assess whether its members, its contributors are still capable of handling their functions well, so that if there are signs to a failure, that failure is quickly remedied. We have seen in recent times those who believe that the capacity of women to lead must be scandalised. We have seen them in recent times, doing all they can to hand-over companies that are at the verge of collapse to women. When those companies finally collapse and actually go defunct, the blame then goes to women but they would have already been appointed at a time when those who are in office understand that this company is about to collapse. It will be important therefore, for the Deposit Protection Corporation to set up systems by which it can monitor, evaluate and be able to detect possible systems by which a bank can collapse. I submit.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion that was raised by Hon. Jere. I would like to start by appreciating the mover who brought this important motion at an opportune time when the country is witnessing currency reforms and other financial reforms aimed at bringing back confidence of the consumers to the banking sector. The mover, Hon. Jere, made it clear that the legal reforms that were initiated to offer protection of depositors and investors starting from 2012 and they are still in place at present, have been falling short of achieving the intended objectives. Therefore, the mover stated clearly that there is need for the Minister of Finance to come up with comprehensive legislation that protects the depositors and investors.
It is important to make sure that if we need economic stability in this country, depositors and investors’ interest must be protected. Therefore, I understand deposit protection as a scheme established by Government to protect deposits by consumers, by providing a comprehensive compensation in the event of a bank failure. I would like to move on to the advantages of having this scheme. This scheme will promote consumer confidence in the banking sector. This is very important because it is something that is lacking in this country since the day when we had problems with the financial sector in this country.
Therefore, I strongly support the motion by the mover as it will help us to build the much-needed investor confidence. One of the questions that are being asked by the people we represent, is that are we going to have confidence in the financial sector again? These are legislative reforms which can actually help to bring the much-needed confidence. The mover bemoaned the serious decline of investor confidence of the banking sector in this country. Therefore, the other advantages that the Deposit Protection laws if they are comprehensive, if they are adequate enough, they will then provide for the development of this public confidence in the banking sector.
If it happens, deposits in the banking will actually grow. If the confidence in the banking sector grows, then it means we are going to have people moving their money from their homes to the banks. This enables the smooth functioning of the banking sector. Therefore, this is the reason why we are supporting this motion.
Comprehensive deposit protection can also act as a risk minimiser. It will minimise the risk of people losing their money. If people work, they do not want to wake up the following day not knowing what will happen to their hard-earned savings. If someone deposits their money in the bank, it is a good thing if someone then knows there is a guarantee that if the bank fails tomorrow, they will be able to get their savings. In so doing, we will see even the foreigners who are actually participating in our economic sector starting to make deposits in our banking sector. If you go across Zambezi, you will find that in Zambia, there is a bank of China there. It is because their banking and financial system has managed to build the much-needed confidence whereby even other foreign banks would also come. We will see our economy growing if this happens.
Deposit protection will also reduce panic withdrawal of cash by investors and consumers. If someone reads in the newspaper that this bank is likely to collapse, people will go and withdraw the cash and it will bring a negative impact to the economy, but if consumers are aware that nothing will happen to their investments as they are protected by law and they will get what they would have deposited, there will be no panic withdrawal of cash. This is also another reason why we would want to see this law being amended, the current laws the Minister of Finance is bringing to this House are comprehensive laws to make sure that we bring back the much-needed confidence.
I remember when we were growing up in the 1980s, it was actually a good thing to hear that you were going to the bank and it was something that we were proud of or even to have a bank book. I remember POSB used to have those green books. Even when you were a child going to school or a student, holding a bank card was something that we were proud of.
I would want to end by making two recommendations that yes, I understand the current law makes it mandatory that all the financial institutions must be members of the Deposit Protection Corporation and this must actually be made very strong, that will instil compliance. The second recommendation is to make sure that there are timely or continuous updates on the risk assessment. The DPC must be equipped with the necessary human resources to do risk assessment, continuously update the consumers and investors in terms of the performance of the banks who are actually members to the corporation. This will also help the depositors to make necessary investment decisions. I thank you and it is my hope to see this law coming to this House before the end of this year.
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Madam Speaker for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion by Hon. Jere on deposit protection. In Zimbabwe, we have DPC whose mandate is to ensure that the depositors are secure and are given peace of mind that when they deposit, in the event of bank failure, they will salvage something and I want to emphasise the word, ‘something’ on whatever they will have lost.
I agree totally with the mover of the motion that the efforts of the DPC are inadequate in that when somebody tells you that I have ensured yourself, what that person is saying is I will return you to your original position before the occurrence of the event. So if you have a car, you are insured and in the event of loss of that vehicle, you will get your vehicle back. Now, I see the DPC saying in the event of losing your money, we will give you US$500 or anything less. If it is Z$ before ZiG, it will be Z$1 million.
If we look at the financial assets in this country today, they run into billions and billions of monies, both USD and Z$. So, if we are only going to insure US$500, what that will mean is if I have $20 000, I can only part with $500 into the bank because if the bank fails, I will only get $500. So, in a way, the corporation’s insurance policy is discouraging banking. All monies now are found in people’s houses instead of them going to the bank. People are now scared of banking because there were failures. Some told me that if you wanted to rob a bank, you do not have to buy guns to do that. Just open a bank, three months down the line, people put their monies and you then declare failure and the DPC will pay $500 even if it is a million and you keep the million and roam the streets freely. Some say we can allow these people to come back into the banking sector and steal again.
I tell you Madam Speaker; we need to be stringent and strong about protecting the banking public. People who bank have confidence in the probity, solvency and capacity of those financial institutions. So we give them our monies so that they look after our monies and invest it and help the business to develop, but we find some people taking that money borrowing from our savings, abusing that money and then there is bank failure. The major culprit there is the banking sector and the RB. Its supervision must come up with strong regulations in terms of who opens the bank. Not everybody who is interested in coming up with a bank should be allowed to open a bank to steal our money.
The DPC looks after depositors at the end of the whole chain of events when the bank has failed and we go to the DPC where they give you less than what you had entrusted in the bank. I think DPC must also be somehow involved at the onset when banks are registered. They now have experience on those and some of them have failed to contribute their premiums at DPC. I strongly advocate that the DPC Act must be revamped. It must go in tandem with the present trends. Insurance must be insurance. I should have peace of mind of getting my money back than to be half insured. If it is insurance, it must be honest. So, the regulations must be very strong.
Those corporate veils, Madam Speaker I will tell you, I worked at the regulation system. There are requirements for you to register a financial institution. For you to be part of the directors and run a financial institution you must not own more than 5%. What do they do those who are clever or who are very criminal, if I were to say? They will come and look for their friends who have nothing to do with banking, they have no expertise and say I will give you 5% and you 10%, 3% and there is 100% ownership. The bank is owned by one individual. All others are just a smokescreen. When the bank fails that is when you discover that it was Mr. Jones alone. Everyone else was just there to destruct or lie to the Registrar of Banks.
We need our banking sector to come back. The only way to deal with that is to discard and make sure that those bad apples are out of the banking system. We do not want them. DPC and RBZ must be very strong and strict. Our only oversight here is the Budget and Finance Committee – when are you going to call DPC to give you the reasons why we have these challenges in the banking sector. When are you going to call the banking supervision from the RBZ to tell us why they are not paying interest instead they take out people’s monies? You put US$100 after two years and there is nothing. They are not adding anything but they are lending out our monies making billions. When are you going to call them to order?
It is very critical that when we want our business to grow, the financial system is the lifeblood of the economy. Without borrowing, lending and liquidity in the banks, the whole economy will suffer. Money does business. If you want to do business, you do not do it with your money. You borrow from the bank but the bank is empty because nobody wants to bank with people who will in turn abuse your money. There is a bank and another company related to that bank, they take our money and invest in related companies and those companies then fail and the bank declares insolvency. It is a whole chain of criminals. It is critical that as Parliament, we come up with strong laws and regulations to ensure that if DPC has to survive, it must do its job. This law, which seeks to compensate half of what the members have contributed must be revised. Those banks must pay corresponding premiums to what they hold in the banks so that they feel that if we do not play ball, we will lose all this money. They must be encouraged to invest in Government assets that we can liquidate to compensate members of the public when they lose their money.
They invest everywhere else where you cannot even trace where the money went. They create some pseudo companies. That company comes to borrow money from this bank as a way of siphoning people’s money out of the bank and then claim that there was a bad repayment of loans so we cannot proceed as a bank. We need to be serious. All of these people whose banks failed, I think we need to lift the corporate vlei and know exactly who and who were involved in the failed bank. There is a systemic risk. Many people would want to move away from the banking sector. Honest banks are not doing well now because people are not banking. Some people failed members of the public.
My prayer is that even all the banks who failed 20 years ago, we need a study on what could have been the reason so that when we discover that, we may now put regulations and supervision which will be adequate to protect members of the public. We now have our new strong currency which is covered by our gold and minerals but if the banking sector fails to do its work and expect that when they fail DPC will then pay those who have lost their monies. I think the bark should stop at the point when we register banks to do business in Zimbabwe.
I heard some other people saying Government must do what. These institutions like DPC and RBZ are given this mandate by Government. Government does that because it wants to protect the weak who are members of the public, maybe aybe the laws are not adequate. Parliament must relook at some of these laws and ensure that the DPC has teeth, banking supervision has teeth so that those who want to come into the banking sector as an avenue of stealing see their days in prison.
I want to say to the mover and seconder that this is a timely motion where we should interrogate the present laws that govern the supervision of banks, their stability, probity and solvency. Those laws must be revamped to protect even our currency so that people have confidence in the banking sector again. We can only do that if we are proactive as Parliament through the Committee on Budget and Finance. Propose laws that can protect and do research on previous failures so that we ensure that we have enough regulations to protect members of our communities who want to keep their monies in the banks and ensure development of our economy.
It is very critical and I do not know how I could raise that but I pray that if Parliament can institute an investigation on past failures and present grievances of our people with the banking sector and recommend to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion what can be done to improve the financial stability of our country. That will serve as an incentive for our people so that they deposit and keep their monies in banks. Robberies are everywhere today because money is kept under the pillow. People are failing to deposit because there is so and so who is abusing the trust they were given by members of the public who deposited their monies in the banks.
This is a timely motion which, for its completeness let us investigate and encourage more regulations to protect our people who want to save their monies in the banks. I thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. N. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 7th May, 2024.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. N. NDLOVU, the House adjourned at Thirteen Minutes to Six o’clock p.m until Tuesday, 7th May, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 11th April, 2024
The Senate met at Half–past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Today, being a Thursday, it is Questions Without Notice but I have a long list of apologies. I have received the following apologies from Hon. Ministers:
Hon. Dr. S. N. Nyoni, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife;
Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture;
Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry;
Hon. T. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry;
Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri, Minister of Defence;
Hon. J. Mhlanga, Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development;
Hon. W. Chitando, Minister of Local Government and Public Works;
Hon. B. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works;
Hon. Sen. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade;
Hon. S. Chikomo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade;
Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage;
Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage;
Hon. O. Mazungunye, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs;
Hon. O. Marupi, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services;
Hon. Z. Soda, Minister of Mines and Mining Development;
Hon. P. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development;
Hon. S. Sibanda, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development;
Hon. T. Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education;
Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education;
Hon. N. Ndlovu, Minister of Industry and Commerce;
Hon. E. Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development;
Hon. Y. Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities;
Hon. Dr. A. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement;
Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development;
Hon. D. Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development;
Hon. Dr. D. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care;
Hon Dr. S. T. Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care; In the Chamber, I would like to welcome Hon. Ministers for fulfilling your constitutional obligation to be here and respond to the Senators issues. Thank you very for coming. I have got;
Hon. Prof. A. Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development;
Hon. F. Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development;
Hon. M. Mavhunga, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle;
Hon. K. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion;
Hon. J. Sacco, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Once again welcome. Hon Senators, you may field your questions.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: I rise on a point of order. I can see that Hon. Ministers are taking the business of Senate seriously. If you look at Hon. Ministers attendance in the National Assembly, it is not the same as in the Senate and we are troubled by this development.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The import of your question was that you have expressed dismay at the fact that we have got a long list of Ministers who are absent and yet in the National Assembly, they appear to honour their obligations. I share the same views with you.
Hon. Sen. Sibanda having stood up to debate on the same issue.
There is no supplementary. Is it the same as the issue raised by Hon. Sen. Phuti? We have already dealt with it. I have agreed with you that we are dismayed. I do not know what other language I can use. We are really saddened that we do not have a full bench of Ministers and we will convey to the relevant office. Rest assured, I am as concerned as you are Hon Members. It worries me.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
*HON. SEN CHITSAMBA: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance. I would like to know if the ZiG can be used to procure fuel or pay for acquisition of passports?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. MNANGAGWA): Hon. President of the Senate, I was hoping that all the questions on the ZiG can be asked after I present my statement today.
THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I will give you the chance to ask your questions after the statement.
*HON. SEN. MDLULI: My question was also on the same issue so I will wait.
+HON SEN. NYATHI: My question was also directed to the Minister of Finance
*HON. SEN MALULEKE: My question is directed to the Minister of War Veterans. People need to know how far you have gone after they were vetted.
THE MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. MAVHUNGA): Thank you Hon. Sen for the pertinent question. I want to say in 2022, we started on the process of vetting of those who assisted in the war of liberation struggle, that is the (mujibhas and chimbwindos). We will gazette the names of those we vetted so people can have a say on whether or not they really assisted. We had however stopped the process because most of those involved in the struggle had not gotten the opportunity to participate. So in this year’s budget, we got RTGs 41.3 billion to enable us to continue the vetting process. We will continue to vet those who were left out and then we can gazette all the names at the same time. That will enable us to then be able to assist them once the process is completed.
+HON. SEN. MOYO: Thank you Hon. President of the Senate. I want to ask the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. What is being done about scholarships? We have seen children of vendors who are not being supported most of the times, especially from Matebeleland South. There are so many children who are not going to school who need the scholarships and their parents are vendors. I want to know what is being done to cater for these children.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you for the question Hon. Senator. Allow me to say that there is nothing wrong with vending. It is just done at different scales. Big shops are vending, people can vend individually, so there is nothing wrong with selling things if it is being done legally. However, we are talking about people who might not be having enough resources, be it vendors or not. I just wanted to be very clear that vending is not a crime and does not reduce the status of a person in society.
Now, when it comes to our policy, it is that we want every Zimbabwean head to be in tertiary education, they can be in colleges or universities. It is because these are the people who will make this country strong by being able to produce the things that we need, from food to shelter, water, transport and everything else. It comes from our education. So we want as many of our…[technical fault]
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: We have some more Ministers who have just joined us: - The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; and the Minister of National Housing. Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, you are responding to the question by Hon. Sen. Moyo. You may continue now that we have got power back.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Mr. President. I started by a preamble where I said the issue of our students who cannot afford, no matter who gave birth to them, I had asked that we should not refer to vendors as if big shops are not vending too, they are just small scale. So, I did not want to subscribe to the fact that there is a profession that we disparage. However, let us talk about our students who might not be in a position to pay fees and what is Government policy and our programmes that are meant for that.
Mr. President, we as a Government, our policy is that we should use every Zimbabwean brain and give it access to education, not as a privilege to them but as a privilege to the nation because we need their knowledge, we need their skill, we need their attitude to make this country strong and formidable, where it can be able to provide for its own food, for its own water, for its own shelter, for its own communications and transport. So, it is very important that we take our students through the process of making this country strong through their capabilities that are developed through education.
We therefore, have a policy where if students cannot afford, we have two programmes. One programme is that of work for fees programme which we started in 2018, but strengthened starting from 2019 where students who cannot afford approach their department of Student Affairs where they state their plight and then they are helped through the work for fees programme.
The second programme is where we have a Student Loan programme that was signed off by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion by that time on 17th July 2018, where we put money in CBZ for our students to be able to access through a loan facility. This facility has not been that popular. Our students have not been availing themselves to take this loan. However, the Work for Fees programme is a very popular programme where students are able to state their plight and they can be helped. It is big at the UZ and MSU, being the two of our biggest universities where our students are given a chance to work and then their fees are paid through that process.
The spirit is to make our people access education because it is national interest that they are able to be educated so that they begin to build this country, brick upon brick or stone upon stone for this country, to attain the necessary dignity so that it earns respect with itself, its neighbours, near and far. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. KADUNGURE: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. Can you not afford to support students who have left this country through scholarships, sometimes they may have passed and spent three years without doing anything? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Mr. President. I thank Hon. Sen. Kadungure for that question, that says students who attain education outside the country spend many years without working. What I did not quite understand is that after graduation, they will not be employed. Is that the case? If that is the case, let me continue. The students who attain their education in countries like the Russian Federation, from the past three years, we are given the names of such students before they complete their education so that we understand what they will be learning. This will enable us to take them to universities or to institutions where they can get employment. We have started doing this and we started two years ago. We have seen that it is working well, but there is a problem with some degree programmes like law and medical professions.
Mr. President, for medical practitioners, we realised that for students who have studied law, they need to do what we call conversion so that they may practice. There are some, especially doctors, it took quite some time - I think it used to take a year or three years for them to be able to practice. Mr. President, we have since changed that to ensure that they are quickly employable after going through an observation period in clinics. I believe this is what I have understood, the Hon. Senator was referring to scholarships.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. I would like the Hon. Minister to inform this august House on what is happening on our roads, with regards to some people who are using unregistered vehicles.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Sen. Tongogara, your question is not clear. The mics are not on, so we cannot proceed.
Hon. Senators, it appears the problem is bigger than we thought it was. The hopes of fixing the problem within the next few minutes are actually fading. We are going to have to adjourn since we cannot record proceedings as is supposed to happen.
I am going to ask the Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to make a statement when we resume sitting. I think you owe it to the Senators to make a statement and clarify the issues about the recent monetary developments that took place in our country on Friday. Agreed?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. K. D. MNANGAGWA): Yes.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA), the Senate adjourned at Twenty-Four Minutes past Three o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 7th May, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 10th April, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have the following apologies from the Executive: Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. T. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality; Hon. O.C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence; Hon. F. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. S. Chikomo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. Z. Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Mazungunye, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Z. Soda, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. P. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. M. N. Ndlovu, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
COLLECTION OF CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS DOCUMENT
THE HON. SPEAKER: May I inform the House that there are hard copies of the Code of Conduct and Ethics document for Members of Parliament. These are now available in the Journals Office No. 104 for collection by Hon. Members. You are duly advised to please get a copy for yourselves.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
*HON. NYABANI: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker. I want to find out from the Leader of Government Business that when an offence of stock theft has occurred, those that steal cattle are the ones that are spending ten years. Now, thieves have realised this and they are now stealing smaller livestock and they are fined or given community service work. What measures is Government going to put in place to ensure that stiffer penalties are imposed on those thieves that are stealing goats and chickens because goats and chickens all fall under livestock?
*THE MINISTER HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): I would like to thank Hon. Nyabani for the question as regards stock thefts. We are aware that if you steal cattle, you will spend nine years in prison but for a goat and other types of livestock, a fine is imposed. He wants to find out what Government policy is. What he suggested is a good idea.
It will also give us a chance to look at the law and see if we can bring it before the august House for amendments so that culprits are sentenced to stiffer sentences. If you have goats, you treasure them just as cattle. All livestock owners should be protected in terms of the law. We are not against what he has suggested. We will bring the amendment to this august House. Thank you.
*HON. S. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister is, the stealing of small animals has been going on for a long time and we are losing that type of livestock. Therefore, there are people who are being used to steal the small livestock. What is government policy concerning those who use hired vehicles to transport stolen livestock? Thank you.
*HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. We talk of one who helps a criminal and if you have helped a criminal, you have also stolen. So, if a report has been made, it becomes a case and if no case is reported, then there is no case. As we speak, those who assist thieves are in complicit with offenders. If you assisted a thief, you are a thief. Thank you Hon. Speaker.
+HON. A. MPOFU: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. What measures are being taken to assist 15% of people living with disabilities? Is there a database of how many of them have been given land? Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is Government land policy concerning 15% of people living with disabilities?
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Mr. Speaker Sir, I thank the Hon. Member for the timely question. The land policy is guided by legislation and the Constitution. Of course, first we have 20% for veterans of the struggle. We also have a policy where 20% is reserved for the youths and we discriminate positively for people living with disabilities. Ordinarily, 10% of the land is reserved for allocation to special circumstances. In the past, I have liaised with the Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Disabilities, to get lists of people living with disabilities across the country to avail them land. So if there are any specific issues relating to people living with disabilities who have been discriminated against Mr. Speaker Sir, I would appreciate if the Hon. Member could avail additional information. I thank you.
*HON. DR. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. On the issue of people who live with disability in terms of land being apportioned to them and the issue about others who have been oppressed in terms of that issue, I categorically want to state that no one, nationwide, has specifically catered for those who live with disabilities. It is an issue that needs to be looked into so that it will not be a talk show…
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you are now giving an explanation. May you ask the question please?
*HON. DR. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: My question therefore is, are there any that were allocated because we require the database for those that were allocated, who live with disability, who were issued with land?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. Yes, we may provide them with names of people living with disabilities who were allocated land. I have also requested the Hon. Member to provide information on those who may have been discriminated against and this will add to the numbers of people living with disabilities who have already been allocated land.
I have already said that we are able to provide those lists and also want them to submit names of such persons so that they may be included in the database.
*THE HON. SPEAKER: When are you going to bring this evidence?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Mr. Speaker, I will send the evidence this evening. Thank you. – [HON. MEMBERS: On WhatsApp!] –
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Not on WhatsApp because it will be recorded in the Hansard.
*HON. MASHONGANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary to the Hon. Minister is, as you issue land to people that are living with disabilities, are you also giving them the startup implements to ensure that they will be able to start farming? Are you giving them any other form of assistance so that they are able to till the land?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. This is quite a good question. At the moment, we do not have anything in place to empower those who are given land. What we simply do is to give them the programmes that are in place and what exactly they can start on including tractor that can be acquired from AFC, Women’s Empowerment Bank, CBZ Bank and other Government programmes that are in place. That is what we have in place and what we disclose to all farmers in terms of forms of assistance. If there are any other bright ideas that you can use to assist these people, I would be more than grateful to receive them. I thank you.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is in connection with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. What assurance can the Minister give this House and the nation at large that the new currency (ZiG) will succeed, given the history of excessive printing of money at the Central Bank and the confidence deficit that we have in the market? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Were you in the House yesterday Hon. Tsvangirai?
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Yes, I was in the House Hon. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Do you recall the request for a ministerial statement?
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Yes, I do.
THE HON. SPEAKER: So, why are you jumping the gun? That question will arise once the ministerial statement is tabled. Every Member of Parliament will have time to ask such questions in that context.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: Thank you Hon. Speaker, but I would also like to know when…
THE HON. SPEAKER: There is no ‘but’ when you tell me, I act accordingly – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I do not want to hear nyaya dzekunzi gara pasi, you are not in the Chair.
HON. NDUDZO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Leader of Government Business. What are the policy measures in place to make sure that when taxpayers’ money is expended by Government departments, agencies, and other arms of Government on foreign trips and travels, there are tangible and measurable benefits that can be achieved by the nation through such trips to avoid having money spent on trips that do not bring anything to the general public? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That question is ruled out of order because, in terms of our Standing Orders which the Hon. Members should be aware of, every external trip is supposed to be reported on officially in the House. Such reports have been tendered in the House with recommendations of what has been learnt from the trips.
*HON. P. ZHOU: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works. How far have you gone in ensuring that provincial councils become functional? Are there any difficulties that you are encountering so that they can start working?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. KABIKIRA): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. As we speak, our legal officers in conjunction with the Attorney-General, are finalising the Bill elsewhere so that it can be brought to Parliament. We are expediting the process so that it comes to Parliament and that the provincial councils can quickly start working. I thank you.
HON. P. ZHOU: What does the law say in terms of their remuneration? Are they being remunerated or not?
HON. KABIKIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. We envisage a situation where they will start working in the following month so that they can be remunerated once they start meeting.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My supplementary question to the Minister of Local Government is, when do you think that the Bill can come to Parliament?
HON. KABIKIRA: Mr. Speaker Sir. We expect to bring the Bill to Parliament in the next three months. I thank you.
HON. ENG. MHANGWA: The Minister has mentioned that they will start having their meetings in a month. The Bill is only coming in three months. What is the basis of the meeting, and is there a necessary provision for them to meet, and under what circumstances?
HON. KABIKIRA: Maybe I can repeat. There is a workshop currently underway whereby lawyers from the Ministry and the Attorney-General are seized with clear directives that they should finish that Bill so that it comes to Parliament as soon as possible. I will get proper feedback next week in terms of how far they are. That is why I said within three months because at this stage, without getting the feedback from that workshop, I cannot give definitive timelines but it is a matter that is high on the agenda and we want to bring the Bill to Parliament as soon as possible. Probably, the Hon. Member did not hear me correctly when I said they would start sitting in next few months.
HON. M. NKOMO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question, is directed to the Minister of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training Centres. What initiatives are in place to promote vocational training and skills development for youths in rural areas?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Vocational institutions fall under the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training Centres.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES (HON. MUPAMHANGA): Thank you Hon. Speaker. The Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training Centres is seized with the matter of upgrading and upscaling our vocational training centres as well as vocational outreach programmes in areas where there are no centres. So currently yes, there is a comprehensive programme for vocational training for skills transfer to young people as well as an initiative to reach out to communities where training centres do not exist at the moment. Thank you.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I wanted to ask the Minister, in light of upgrading the vocational training centres across the country, what is your position in moving towards information communication technology, especially when you look at artificial intelligence, some of the programmes are obsolete. So what is your position in terms of ICT in vocational centres?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, can you rephrase your question again?
HON. MAVHUNGA: The Hon. Minister said that they are in the process of upgrading vocational centres across the country and I am asking the Minister what their position is when it comes to information communication technology, especially artificial intelligence in those vocational training centres?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, in the process of upgrading, are you taking that into account Hon. Minister?
HON. MUPAMHANGA: We are also considering ICT and we are in liaison with the relevant Ministry as well as encouraging our VCTs to form partnerships with the private sector in order to speed up the process of bringing ICT and other technologies to our vocational training centres. Thank you.
HON. MUWODZERI: My question Mr. Speaker goes to the Minister of Health and Child Care. Mr. Speaker Sir, 97% of Government employees are members of the Public Service Medical Aid Society, but as those members try to seek medical attention, they are turned down due to nonpayment by the Public Service Medical Aid Society and they are asked to pay cash up front. We wanted to know what steps are being taken by the Minster to make sure Government remit to the Public Service Medical Aid Society on time. Also, we have seen a number of funeral assurance companies charging us in USD.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Stick to one question.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. DR. KWIDINI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me thank the Hon. Member who has asked the question. Yes, as the Ministry, we appreciate what he is saying about the remittances of the monies being paid by the civil servants in terms of their medical aid. As for now, there are some mechanisms which we have put in place to make sure that all the medical services which are being rendered by PSMAS, there is a board which has been set up such that it can resume to make sure all the services are provided by PSMAS and the Government is remitting the money to PSMAS, such that everyone will receive the proper service. I submit.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister, I just have to put it to him that from last year up to now, PSMAS has not been giving any service. Now that the board has been put in place and the presentation that has just been done by the Hon. Minister, when are they going to give the services to the civil servants including myself? I am suffering the fate as well as my grandmother. Thank you.
HON. DR. KWIDINI: Thank you. Yes Mr. Speaker Sir, PSMAS was offering services as from last year. It is only that some of its facilities were not offering, but some members were receiving services from Government hospitals, especially the private side of the Government hospitals. Also, some of its facilities were not fully functional, but most of them were receiving the services.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is, at the moment, they are also taking money from these civil servants. Are they going to compensate all these monies because these people are not receiving the service?
HON. DR. KWIDINI: On this one I think I need to go back and check such that we approach the other stakeholder, the Ministry, which is also responsible for that – [HON. MEMBERS: inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: I think it is a fair response. Allow the Minister to go and do his research and give you a properly researched response.
I have just cross checked with the Government Chief Whip vis-a vis the request about the new currency and the Hon. Minister is ready to give a statement on how it works, but it will have to be after our question sessions.
*HON. S. TSHUMA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My question goes to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. As we face a drought this year and more so when the people in the communal lands make a living out of selling their livestock whenever there is a drought, the Government does not adequately provide food to them.
There are certain areas where livestock movement is banned because of diseases a short while ago. What measures has the Ministry put in place, as Government, to allow the movement of such livestock to see if there are still diseases that will necessitate the banning of movement of livestock from certain areas so that farmers can sell their livestock and buy food to feed their families?
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. Before I respond to this question, let me state that we did not have adequate rainfall. A lot of areas are going to experience food shortages this year until the next rain season. The Government has put in place, together with the Ministry headed by Minister July Moyo, a programme to ensure that all households countrywide are provided with adequate food stuffs until next year.
Coming to his question on the issue of livestock movement, it is because we want to contain the disease in a small area. We have diseases such as January or tick-bone diseases, we confine them so that the disease is not spread to other areas. The best we could do to ensure that we contain the disease is that our veterinary experts will give 30 days in one area or three months in other areas that livestock, could they be pigs or any other livestock with such a disease be contained. That is the best method that we can use for ensuring that other areas cannot continue selling their livestock. With the confinement being made to that small geographical area, they should stick to the stated days, but I would want to find out if he has a place where this has taken place, where there are no veterinary scientists who can look into that area so that we can assist the people once the ban is over.
We only allow movement of livestock once the period of the ban has expired because if we allow this, we may fail to contain the disease. A month ago, it was said if you want to buy cattle for movement from one area to another, those that are disease infected should not attempt. That livestock which is not yet affected can be moved from the red zone to safer zones. However, we were told in terms of which areas were red zones and we assisted them.
*HON. MAPIKI: My supplementary question to the Minister is, what measures has Government put in place to ensure that we have cattle sales locally so that cattle are not transported over long distances.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for his question, which is pertinent. In different places, we have observed that farmers are busy now de-stocking because they are worried about the quantities of the feed that they have, for instance in Matabeleland South, the cattle that are sold from January to February, we observed that the quantities have gone up by 43%. So, the majority are selling their cattle.
As the relevant Ministry, we urge farmers to stop rushing to sell their livestock. They should only sell those old oxen and cows. The heifers and other young cows, we should keep them in stock so that we can use artificial insemination to ensure that we have pastures for the calves so that they cannot sell their cattle. In the past, we used to have the Cold Storage Commission (CSC). We used to have the market days that will be published. We had 287 selling places countrywide. When CSC failed its operation, that was lost. This is the arrangement now with the district councils. We are in the process of trying to revive such activities so that farmers can be able to buy and sell cattle. We have allowed the Agricultural Marketing Authority to do that process. They have been to Zvishavane, hoping that this time they would go to Matabeleland South to try and revive such areas. We also have programmes to ensure that with the Presidential Rural Development Programme, where we say this year we would want to have two villages on line where water is easily accessed, we should have a place where the cattle can have access to food so that we do not just sell cattle and realise very little in return. I thank you.
*HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary to the Minister is, why there has been bans for movement of cattle is because of the diseases. What measures did the Government put in place to ensure that we have dipping places so that the diseases would not affect the cattle countrywide?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: The issue of dip tanks - since 2016 up to 2022, we lost 500 000 cattle because of diseases. In 2020, in the agricultural transformation strategy, we started to come up with two programmes. The first was to revive the issue of dip tanks. We have more than 4 000 dip tanks. Then, we came up with boreholes and we desilted those so that every household where there are cattle, we give tick grease for them to apply on the ears, backs and tails of the cattle. It lessened the cattle affected with skin diseases. We had 49% decrease and the following year, it was 23% downward effects on the number of cattle affected. We have now revived 3 000 dip tanks out of 4 000. We believe that this year we can be able to revive 500 more dip tanks.
*HON. CHIGUMBU: My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government. What is the Government’s Human Settlement Policy pertaining to the invasion of sites left for school construction, especially in the urban areas? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. CHITANDO): The blue print which was launched by His Excellency on the 1st of November is very clear and it states very categorically that all illegal occupation of land is not allowed and where there is such information, I would request that the Hon. Member brings it up and the requisite follow up would be done. I thank you.
HON. CHIGUMBU: Thank you for the response. I would want to know because we have school spaces which were invaded by land barons and houses were built yet you find that in most urban areas, kids are crowding in classes. A school which is supposed to accommodate less than 800 kids is now accommodating more than 3 000 kids. What are you going to do and what is the Government policy pertaining taking back those areas such that they are given back to the communities so that they can build schools to cater for the children in those particular communities?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Your question Hon. Chigumbu titivates towards specific problem areas and the Hon. Minister indicated that if you have such instances, why not give that information to the Hon. Minister? The Government policy has been pronounced already in the call for action among local authorities and perhaps, the Hon. Minister of Local Government, if you can spare some copies of that policy statement by His Excellency, the President, you can send it to the Hon. Members on soft copies so that they can read for themselves. Is that possible Hon. Minister?
HON. CHITANDO: It is very possible and we can send the copies tomorrow morning.
*HON. MAKUMBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. What is Government policy on the transportation of maize from GMD going to the wards? People are saying the MP should ferry the maize from GMB to the wards, but most MPs are not able to do that and this means some of the areas will be left behind in getting the maize. Thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Speaker. On the question raised by the Hon. Member in connection with ferrying maize from GMB to the community; the Government can do that from GMB up to the ward where the maize is distributed to the people, but nowadays, the problem was that most of those people who ferry the maize from GMB are failing to do so because they do not have money. There is nothing wrong if an MP is able to assist and there is nowhere where it says the MP must assist, but there is nothing wrong if he is able to assist his constituents and we encourage that and people will be happy. Thank you.
*HON. MAKUMBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker and I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for the response. Social Welfare people are saying it is a must that the MP should ferry the maize to the wards. An MP can assist with USD200 or you can assist with fuel. If you have so many wards, for example 15, and each ward requires 30 tonnes to be ferried to their ward, how can the MP assist in such a case?
*HON. J. MOYO: Hon. Speaker, I would want to reiterate that when one is a Member of Parliament and is capable, he can assist the people even other people who are in a position to assist the ordinary people should do so. It is the Government’s obligation to ferry the grain, but at times, we do not pay the transporters timely. As a result, they will end up suffering. So, the point is if anyone is able to assist in alleviating the challenges that we are facing, we should not just look at the Government to provide the solution. More so, as Government, we do not encourage the habit of asking the vulnerable people to pay for the transport cost.
HON. CHIDUWA: I would like to find out from the Hon. Minister as to who is responsible for the ferrying of maize meal from the depots to the distribution centres? I say so because your department of social welfare now requires that the ordinary vehicles that we have in the communal lands should have bulk insurance. Is it policy that even small trucks secure bulk insurance since it is affecting the transportation of maize?
*HON. J. MOYO: My understanding Hon. Speaker is that all public service vehicles are required to be insured. Therefore, they must be insured and beyond that, public service vehicles at law are required to be insured. Therefore, there cannot be any separation between insurance being required for urban public service vehicle operators and non-insurance for rural public service transporters. Let me make a research on this issue and I will come back and give the feedback.
*THE HON. SPEAKER: The Hon. Minister said he is going to make a research on this issue and after the research, he will come back and give us feedback and we will take it up from there.
HON. DR. MUTODI: My point is outside what you have said. I wanted to know because the first person who asked the…
THE HON. SPEAKER: No, if you want clarity, you ask your supplementary question to clarify. I will not allow it because the Chief Whips agreed that not more than two supplementary questions from either side. I am so guided by the Chief Whips.
HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir and good afternoon.
THE. HON. SPEAKER: Good afternoon.
HON. KANGAUSARU: My question is directed to the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. My question pertains to the ongoing transition towards the paperless judiciary, a laudable initiative aimed at improving efficiency and access to justice. However, I am deeply concerned about the technological divide plugging our rural communities where significant sections of the population lack access to the internet and basic technology…
THE. HON. SPEAKER: Your question Hon. Member?
HON. KANGAUSARU: The question is, can you outline the steps being taken to ensure inclusive access to the paperless judiciary for communal communities? What measures are being implemented to bridge the divide access gap in the rural areas? I submit.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank Hon. Kangausaru for the question relating to the digitisation of our judiciary services case management systems. Yes, we subscribe to the policy of a smart Zimbabwe where we will be able to digitise our systems but in doing this, we know we cannot build the wall in one day. The policy is very clear that we want to reach every corner of the country, but we will do it brick by brick and with a policy of leaving no place and no one behind in relation to Section 13 of the National Constitution. So, in terms of the law and our policies, we are moving brick by brick and we will be able to cover all areas. It is a process, there is no policy conflict, it is only a matter of process and the time that the process takes. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you very much for such a detailed account but considering the potential for increased cost associated with internet access and technology, my supplementary question is; how will the Ministry ensure the affordability and accessibility of the paperless system for low-income individuals and communities? Are there financial assistance programmes for subsidy access points invisible?
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Our
aim as a Government, under the leadership of Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, is to provide access and affordable access to information and our policy there is very clear. The issue that we are talking about is the process and the time that it takes to cover our aspirations. There is always a gap between aspiration and the process of reaching that aspiration. We are narrowing that gap Hon. Speaker Sir. I thank you.
HON. CHIGUMBU: I want to ask the Hon. Minister, according to what you have said. I think the electronic system has already been rolled out. What are they doing to make sure that those areas which are not connected are accessing that system? Do we have the dual system that is working, or we are now depending on the E-system that is in place?
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank the Hon. Member for seeking clarification. The systems always work in dual mode so that if one is not working the other one is working, especially for areas where there is no access. There is no way we can enforce an electronic system where there are not transmitters. So, the policy is very clear. We are talking about the issue being dealt with within the fullness of time. I thank you.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Supplementary Mr. Speaker Sir!
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you have forgotten. I said I am guided by the agreement between the Chief Whips that we should allow not more than two supplementary questions.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: This one is very important Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Appeal to your Chief Whips to change policies.
HON. TOBAIWA: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Good afternoon.
HON. TOBAIWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. What is the Government policy with regards to the provision of drugs in Government hospitals to treat the occupation or health hazard of silica which is affecting and has claimed the lives of so many young people in most mining towns? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. DR. KWIDINI): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Thank you Hon. Member for asking the question. The Government policy is such that everything is now in place. We start by detecting the most challenges that cause those diseases.
Now, of course, the drugs provision with the Ministry or Government at large, is now in a position such that all the drugs that are supposed to treat those diseases are in place. I thank you. –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]–
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. My supplementary question is, what are the Government plans to reduce the incidents levels of these occupational health related diseases?
HON. DR. KWIDINI: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. The Government plans and policies is to make sure before licencing the mining companies that are operating and causing the diseases are made to undertake all preventive measures to ensure that those diseases and health problems do not arise. Then if those diseases are to come up in big numbers, then there will be need to revisit the company or organisation such that we make sure that our people are protected. I thank you.
HON. KAPOIKILU: Hon. Speaker, is it mandatory in these mines to do lung function tests on these workers regularly to check for FEV1, FVC, Proximal Interruption of the Pulmonary Artery (PIPA), FEV, over AVC to detect the diseases early and to monitor the disease process?
HON. DR. KWIDINI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank also the Hon. Member with the supplementary question. It is very true as each and everyone knows that it is mandatory for anyone who is working where there is exposure to have a routine check-up so as to prevent all these complications. So, the Government is to make sure that all these mandatory check-ups are done every six months or so. I thank you.
HON. CHIDUWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. Over time, we have seen quite several companies de-listing from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and some preferring to the list on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFex). So, I wanted to find out from the Hon. Minister what is Government policy regarding the regulation and management of the cannibalism of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange by VFex?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): I thank Hon. Chiduwa for the question Madam Speaker Ma’am. He is correct, some companies have been de-listed from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and then listed on the VFex, the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. There is a specific criterion that they have to meet, is quite a rigorous process and there is a Committee that considers all the applications and it goes to the board under the Stock Exchange of VFex on whether that specific company qualifies or not. There are rules and guidelines, so they do not just list, they have to satisfy those guidelines. Those guidelines are driven by policy and the policies that the companies ought to demonstrate are that they have a strong component in their revenues that is export-oriented, that is hard currency oriented because we want to make sure that we promote companies that export in terms of listing on VFex.
We also want companies to be able to show that they will be able to raise capital globally and abroad because we are trying to encourage foreign direct investment through the listings on VFex. So, I will say their criteria are quite strict. I do not think any company has managed to list on Vfex without having to satisfy those very strict criteria. I thank you.
HON. DR. MUTODI: Hon. Minister, the market conditions in general do not support the efficient functioning of stock markets and these include money supply growth, exchange rate movements, inflation and interest rates and the positive correlation between inflation and interest rates. What is the Government policy towards stabilising the stock markets?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: While I appreciate his question, it is a different question, it is not a supplementary question. If you allow me to answer it, I am happy to do so.
What is going to happen is as follows: - with the introduction of the new currency, ZiG, you will notice that the volatility in terms of prices and the currency itself is going to change, and that volatility is going to come down sharply. This will go a long way in stabilising all prices including asset prices being the stock market prices. So, the currency change in the first place is one such factor that will impact positively on equity price volatility.
Hon. Mutodi mentioned the issue of interest rates, it is certainly true that interest rates are high, they turn to take away capital from equity markets towards the money market where interest rates operate. So now with the introduction of the new currency framework, we have seen interest rates also drop from an average of 130% down to 20% in terms of the policy rate as a guiding rate. Therefore, that interest rate change will also go a long way in creating stability in asset prices. So, I think the Hon. Member will see some changes in the stock market going forward.
There are also certain rules that were put in place such as having to buy and hold for a while for selling to restrict any speculative behaviour in the equity market. We are reviewing those rules and will make announcements once we have completed our review to make sure that we restore the efficient functioning of this capital market. I thank you.
HON. DR. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. Before I ask my question, if your memory serves you right, the other time when you were on the Chair, I appealed to the Minister of Health and Child Care on the request of bringing a statement on obstetric fistula in this House. We have been waiting since December up to now and that statement has not come.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Nyamupinga for reminding me. I will ask the Hon. Deputy Minister to take note of that.
HON. DR. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Since the Government is talking about e-governance, what commitment is there to help persons with disabilities to benefit? I would want to know the plans that they have to give them more access to software and gadgets. For example, we have just heard about a monetary policy and deaf people do not even know what was said on the monetary policy. There was no sign language. Up to now, the deaf community does not know what is happening in terms of the monetary policy. So, if it is the issue of accessibility, how far has the Government gone and what plans does the Government have for the people with disability in terms of accessibility?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR, AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): Thank you Madam Speaker. The Government has a budget item for assistive devices for people living with disabilities. This includes those with hearing challenges as well as those who have challenges in seeing where they are going. These assistive devices are given to people living with disabilities based on the allocation that we have been given. For this year, I know that we have been given some money to buy those assistive devices, but I cannot be able to tell exactly which devices are going to be bought using the money that has been allocated. I thank you.
HON. DR. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: My question was split where I was saying up to now as we speak, the deaf people have not heard about the Monetary Policy. Is it going to be read again for them or is there something that they are preparing so that it is distributed to that community so that no one is left behind?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M NCUBE): I have the pleasure of responding to that question. It is a question about communication that we should not leave everyone behind. I agree with the semantic import of the question that we ought to make sure those who are visually impaired or those who are deaf are catered for as well.
So, the communications team in the Treasury is working with the Ministry of Information and Publicity and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to put together a communication strategy that will cover everybody and leave no one behind. It is worth doing a summary of the Monetary policy statement in Braille. I will inform the Reserve Bank Governor to move with speed on that one. I thank you.
HON. MHETU: Madam Speaker, what is Government policy on import duty of assistive devices used by people with disabilities like sunscreen applied by people with albinism, wheelchairs and clutches?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): The assistive devices for those who are disabled are imported duty free, whether it is the creams for those living with albinism, hearing aids, wheel chairs and so forth. The import duties are waived there. If there are areas where we need to extend further provision to make sure that those who are disabled are assisted, I am happy to receive those to make sure that everything that they are able to bring in, is duty free, and they are supported so that they can compete with some of us who are abled. I thank you.
HON. MHETU: I would want to ask the Hon. Minister, when did this law come that the assistive devices are duty free because as of last year, I remember of a certain organisation where their sunscreen was confiscated by ZIMRA due to non-payment of duty which was to the tune of 150 000? If you could check the article in the Chronicle of 7th March, 2023.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I thank the Hon. Member for that very important question. This was done three years ago in this Parliament. We passed, in the Finance Bill, a provision that the creams should not pay any duty. So, I am very surprised by this case. I am happy to investigate it to make sure that those who need these creams are assisted accordingly. I am very surprised actually by this example but there it is. I will check on it. Thank you.
HON. S. TSHUMA: On that same follow up note, I wanted to find out from the Minister, what is Government policy pertaining to the importation and the payment of duty for donated items from the underprivileged or for people who seek to donate to people in Zimbabwe? We always have ZIMRA demanding duty for things that are donated. What is the Government policy on that?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Madam Speaker, it depends as to what is being donated. If someone is donating some highly valuable equipment which is going to compete with what is locally produced and we have a duty to protect local industry, you may find a slightly tougher ZIMRA as you approach the border, but if you are donating something that is really meant to support our vulnerable citizens and is not going to compare unduly with what we produce locally, they will be softer.
Let me just say, it depends but we have a list. The code is very clear. Those who work with the Customs code will know what is dutiable and what is not, but I must say I get a lot of these appeals Madam Speaker, and some of them I accept. I support and some of them I do not support. So, there is always room to appeal to the Minister for any of these donations. If the case is strong and we feel that it should be supported, we tend to support it. We are flexible. Thank you.
*HON. MUDUMI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is, what is the Government policy regarding war veterans and war collaborators? They have been vetted before with promises that the Government wanted to look into their welfare. Can the Government not install boreholes because the Government is not showing mercy and also supporting the work that they did during the struggle? Thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. SEN. MAVHUNGA): Thank you Madam President, and I would like to thank the Hon. Member for his pertinent question which shows that he really feels for the liberators. I think you are all aware that there was once vetting which was done on the collaborators and I reported here that there were some who were successful and were supposed to finish the whole process which we think that in this vote allocation this year, we were given money to complete the exercise. If we know that all have been vetted, it will be gazetted and then after that, we would look at how they will be helped on whatever their needs are. We want to empower them in terms of how they are living like what the Hon. Member has alluded to, but we are still in the process of doing that. Thank you.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: I wanted to ask the Hon. Minister what is Government policy that when they will be vetting, there will be no discrimination, especially looking at our politics that at times I can be a war collaborator but now I am in the opposition, then they will say that I am no longer a war collaborator?
*HON. SEN. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Hon. Hamauswa for seeking clarification. When you are in Government, we are not political, we are apolitical. Our vetting is only done with those who we were with during the war, which means that those people who do investigations are people who are not involved in politics. They have guided questions which they ask pertaining to those areas. What it means is that during the war, when you got to a place there were signs that they used. So those questions will be asked. You should do what you used to do during the war, the signs and signals that were used during the war. Thank you.
*HON. NHARI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to ask the Minister, there were people who were vetted and were successful but they are late now. They did not get anything. My question is, is Government going to look into their children and their families’ needs or because of them passing on, it is a chapter closed?
* HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to thank Hon. Nhari for seeking clarification. When they are vetted or registered, they are given a paper which show that they have been successful. So, everyone is granted their rights. Even in our Ministry, we have war liberators who died but still their families are getting help. In the Ministry, we also look at war victims because some of them are late and they were not vetted whilst they were alive but the law looks into that; as long as they have receipts that show they have been vetted.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Lands and Agriculture. What is the Government policy when it comes to growing maize in winter and also small grains, considering that we are faced with a drought?
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Madam Speaker. The question is on how the small grains and maize, can be grown in winter, since we are faced with drought. The last time I came here, I talked about four things that we should be aware of, so that we know what we are supposed to do. Firstly, the small amounts that we have in our granary. Secondly, the few produce that we are going to harvest. Thirdly, we look at where we can import maize. Then fourthly, what can we grow in winter and in that is where his question is based on, on the fourth item.
We saw that if we grow wheat and small grains, farmers will get a lot of money by growing wheat instead of growing small grains in most areas of Zimbabwe. There are very few places like in Kanyemba, Bulawayo, Beitbridge and Chiredzi, where we can have about 3 200 hectares, which we have identified that people who can grow maize and small grains. They can harvest more than those who grow wheat. Those are the small areas that we are targeting but the big hectares are going to be designated for wheat growing. Those who have irrigation which are complete or almost complete, can use it in winter because we really want to grow large so that our country will have enough food. We have plans with AFC cold ped-stock, who specialise in ped-stock. They have a small fund which can help the farmers but those farmers should rush there now because we are seized with the farming for winter crops. Thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: My supplementary question to the Minister is that as the Ministry of Agriculture, do you have any plans with ZESA, because many water bodies do not have electricity? Are you engaging the Ministry of Energy so that they provide transformers for irrigation?
*HON. MASUKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. I think the Minister of Energy and Power Development is here. He can answer for himself. Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): If I got him well, the issue is of transformers, that there are certain areas where there are no transformers to facilitate irrigation. We have an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide electricity. We know that our infrastructure is dilapidated but we are in a process to revamp most of our infrastructure. If there are areas where there are no electricity and transformers, just let us know which areas, then we see what we can do, since we are faced with a national catastrophe of hunger, we need to irrigate. I thank you.
HON. M. SIBANDA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service. What is the Government policy with regards to Government employees who are office holders in other institutions like council after the 2023 Harmonised Elections?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): The Constitution is very clear in terms of holding office after winning in an election in any political party while you are a Government employee. The policy does not deny such Government employees to be office holders in other institutions after they won in an election. They are citizens of Zimbabwe they belong to political parties.
HON. M. SIBANDA: I think this one matters because the service delivery is being compromised as the person will be engaged in other duties like one is a councillor at the same time is a Government employee.
HON. J. MOYO: Hon. Madam Speaker, I was just saying the Constitution is clear but if the Hon. Member has a specific place where service delivery is compromised because of that, he should put it in writing so that we can look into it.
*HON. ZEMURA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Mines. There are about two or three years when our President, Hon. Mnangagwa said that minerals are no longer being mined and exported in raw form without beneficiation. I want to particularly speak about the road from Macheke to Mutare. There are a lot of trucks using that road carrying granite. Up to now, those stones are still being carried, going to Mozambique. At first, we thought it would come to an end.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Zemura, please ask your question.
HON. ZEMURA: My question is, is it Government policy that what the President talked about is not being followed? People are exporting granite stones outside the country?
*THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank you Hon. Zemura for your question. Your question is in line with the issue of beneficiation so that they can be used here in Zimbabwe and not leave us here with open pits. This is the policy which was talked about by the President, and we are following it especially when he talked two years ago when he was referring to lithium. There is no lithium which is going out raw.
It can be referring to other minerals, but what is known is that there is no policy that our minerals should go as ore. They should be exported after beneficiation, but this was in line with minerals which are known like when it comes to granite. We have granite companies, but if there are special circumstances, they should be known and investigated so that we would be able to clearly say how this precious stone was taken as ore.
*HON. MUCHEMWA: I want to ask about corporate social responsibility which is done by our mining companies in the rural areas. We heard that starting from now, communities are now being given 2%. I want to find out when the community is going to benefit from the 2%. Thank you.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: This is not a new question. It is in line with the damage that is being done on the roads and the mining companies should rehabilitate those roads.
*HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker and I want to thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. I want to say that our Constitution on the Mines and Minerals Act, I think it was brought into this House so that this should be dealt with once and for all by you Hon. Members. We are waiting so that all these should be rectified through that law, and we are looking at you Hon. Member so that you take up this and we finalise it once and for all.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. On the 15th March, 2024, the Government introduced S.I. 51, adding more companies to the Mutapa Investment Fund with the intention to make them profitable and recoup to support Government programmes as well as to benefit future generations. My question is one of the companies that we saw was ZESA Holdings. Looking at the nature of this company and the type of production, what was the rationale of adding ZESA on the Mutapa Fund to make it profitable? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to highlight to the Hon. Member that the Mutapa Investment Fund does not fall under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, but rather under the ambit of the Office of the President and Cabinet. With that being said, we will take this inquiry and present a paper on behalf of this institution so that we give you the rationale so that if there are any more questions on Mutapa Investment Fund, if they can put them on paper, we will come back with a composite response to that. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Minister. Hon. Madzivanyika, please may you put your question in writing.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Hon. Minister, looking at access to local staple food, Members of Parliament in other areas are being asked to transport maize from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and we are hearing it again in this august House. What is Government policy, so that all Members of Parliament are aware of what is happening in our country, especially when it comes to the distribution of maize so that we are equally troubled that we should transport maize to our constituencies?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. JULY MOYO): Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Hon. Member. I think we have devised a system in this record assessment that we are doing together with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, but it will be centred at the village. Every village head is required by law to call a village assembly and we have said all the 35 000 village heads should immediately call these village assemblies to preside over who qualifies to have assistance. This is going on right now as I speak, we have given them a deadline that we should have all these papers by the 15th of April this month.
During these processes, all the citizens in a village and those Members of Parliament who come from the rural areas belong to these villages and they have a right to attend to those villages and influence to make sure that no one who deserves is left behind. So that is number one. Number two, once that has been written and we know that the course of this EL-Nino induced drought, we are going to have more people than what we have been having since last year’s bumper harvest. We expect that there will be so much demand to carry the food to the people and that demand requires that we have a whole of Government approach, and so we are doing everything to mobilise resources so that we can carry this food.
We also have a whole of society approach that anybody who is able to assist including Members of Parliament, should assist. Now, the Members of Parliament who assist must also say to themselves, the food is going to be distributed by the village heads, supported now this time by Social Welfare Officers, and other Government functionaries because the President has declared it a disaster. All the civil protection systems that start at Cabinet and a Committee chaired by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works and in the provinces by Ministers of State, in the district by the District Development Coordinators, in the wards and in the villages by either the chief, headman or the village head, but with all of us assisting.
We are trying to do this so that no one can accuse anybody that we have not been approached in order to say what we need. We have been testing this on the ground to see whether it is working. So I have gone to Bubi, Mangwe, Buhera and Zvishavane just to test to see what is happening in regards to people participation. We have even set up, everywhere where we are distributing food, such that there can be a ‘complaints desk’. The complaints desk will be manned by the village heads and is manned by women, youths and these people who will have complaints can go to that desk to find out why they have been left out.
In our analysis, where we have gone in the case of Mangwe where World Food Programme (WFP) was distributing, there were some genuine people who had been left out or who had lost their cards and genuinely the World Food Programme was able to correct it. In areas where we were distributing, there were complaints about the numbers that we were asked to deal with distribution or who were being given food were too few. We asked the village heads how the selection was done and they were able to demonstrate and the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development was there. They were able to demonstrate that we selected the neediest and we challenged everybody who wanted to be on the list to see whether they had more needy cases than those who were selected and we were very happy with this community-based selection mechanisms, but everyone as we move forward in order to overcome this, we have to say we must support the programme in whatever we want to do. Let us not put the burden of cost to those who are beneficiaries. That is why this issue of who carries the food must be stated very clearly that we cannot ask the beneficiaries to contribute to the carrying of their food. I thank you.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I am happy to hear the Hon. Minister saying that the hunger issue has been declared a national disaster. My question is, when he said we did not hear him saying that it is only affecting those in the rural areas, I want to ask the Hon. Minister whether he is aware that there is what is called ruralisation of urban areas? This means that there is also frightening hunger in the urban areas.
So, with that in mind, what is Government policy that when you visited Bubi, you should come and say that you were in Mufakose and assessing the hungry people there because there are no village heads in urban areas? What are you going to do for the community-based selection to happen in urban areas?
HON. J. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker and this is very important question regarding the urban areas. We are distributing in the rural areas following the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Livelihood Assessment (ZMLA), that ZIMLA demonstrated to us what was needed in the rural areas, at 2.7 million people and going forward we are basing it on the ground.
We are aware that there is food insecurity in the urban areas and as I speak, we are finalising, through the Food and Nutrition Council, the ZMLA assessment that is taking place in all urban areas and as in the past instead of distributing food, we sometimes distribute cash for food and that will take place. So, when the President announced a cocktail of areas where there will be need for assistance, the urban areas are not excluded. As to how the selection process takes place, we know that urban areas are divided into wards and in those wards, there will be Committees that will be selecting people who they think are food insecure and those selection processes have been going on, and we will continue to use the wards as selection processes based on the communities in those wards.
So, everybody again will be involved, but the issue of how and when it will be done is as soon as we have the ZMLA urban assessment which is taking place. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. NYABANI: My question to the Hon. Minister is based on the issue of well-wishers. Certain wards may not be able to get assistance, so, how can people in these wards be assisted in terms of collecting their maize?
HON. J. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. Let me emphasise again on the responsibility to carry food from an area which is designated that is GMB to areas designated for the collection of maize, that responsibility is of the Government. However, any responsible Government will appeal to its people, we have done that with Cyclone Idai, and COVID-19 assistance; the Government is going to do it but there is nothing wrong with appealing to our people to make sure that we participate in any disaster that would have taken place.
Once the President declares disaster; we normally also ask those from outside the country but obviously, you start with your people. All we are saying is the people of Zimbabwe are going to help their Government to alleviate the plight of those who are vulnerable but it does not mean that if there is nobody in that area who can carry the food, the Government folds its hand, we will do our duty but if we can get help, we will accept that assistance. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE DEPUTY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Number 68.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SCHOOL IN LUVEVE WETLANDS
- HON. BAJILAasked the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife to inform the House whether State land opposite the Luveve Zimbabwe Republic Police Station where a school is being built is not a wetland and if so explain whether no Government policy is being violated by such construction?
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND WILDLIFE (HON. DR. NYONI): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank Hon. Bajila for a very important question.
HON. HADEBE: On a point of order! I am noticing a mass exodus of Ministers and they have always disappointed us. As I am speaking, a lot of them are moving out. May you allow me to go to the main entrance and block all the Ministers and bring them to the House?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Permission is granted.
HON. DR. NYONI: I greatly appreciate his interest and concern about sustainable environmental management and I urge other members to do the same to be as positive as possible in trying to protect our environment.
My Ministry through the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has inspected the site and carried out an ecological assessment which brought out the following results: -
- Wellspring Primary School, a private school under Musawenkosi Education Trust acquired the land in 2002 and was given a development permit by the City of Bulawayo in 2023.
- The land in question is 6.4 hectares in extent. An ecological assessment done by EMA indicated the following results: -
- 23% (2.736) of the land in question is not a wetland
- 77% (2.937 ha) is a wet land
- The structures that have been built by the school are confined to the non-wetland area and are 100 metres away from the edge of the wetland.
- Upon enquiry from the local authority, it was highlighted that the school was allocated more land (6.4 Ha) than the usual 3.5 Ha for schools. This area is in consideration of the ecologically sensitive part of the stand which is not to be built on.
- The school was advised that part of their school premises is within a wetland and that there should be no development in the wetland area.
Madam Speaker, the way forward is that wetland areas should be left undisturbed or be considered for low-impact projects such as sports fields. Secondly, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) will continuously monitor the site to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations of the land. I thank you.
HON. BAJILA: I would like the Minister to clarify whether she said the school is built on 2,9% of the land or 2,9 hectares of the land. The broader part of the question is that building a school of that kind, 100 metres away from a wetland in terms of what the Minister has said, the kind of risks that they put learners into in the event of a Cyclone or heavy rains, building a school in such an area. What is the Government’s position on that?
HON. DR. NYONI: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Usually, the schools are given over 3 hectares to build their schools but in this case, they were given over 6 hectares. Only 2,736 hectares are out of the wetland and then the rest is wetland. The school was then instructed that they should only put buildings within the 48.2% of the land and not encroach into the wet land. My Ministry through EMA will supervise this. If they encroach into the wet land, we will stop that. Thank you.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: My supplementary question to the attention of the Hon. Minister is, what is the reason of giving access to the school a wet land. What is the rational because by virtue of them having the land as theirs own, it warrants issues? Why would the Ministry not allocate a certain part which is not wet land? Why has the wet land been allocated to the school? Thank you.
HON. DR. NYONI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I am sure the Hon. Member did not hear when I said the school bought the land from the Bulawayo City Council. The allocating of land has nothing to do with us. We only came in when we saw that they were very close to wet land. So, it was not our responsibility to sell this land to the schools. I thank you.
COMPENSATION OF COMMUNITIES LIVING AROUND HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife to explain to the House the Ministry’s plans to compensate communities living around Hwange Parks who lost domestic livestock and human lives due to human wildlife conflict.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WILDLIFE (HON. DR. NYONI): I would like to thank the Hon. Member for this very important and pertinent question that my Ministry is seized with, and is in a process of establishing human wildlife conflict relief fund. A point of emphasis to the Hon. Members is that there can never be any compensation for any lost life. I commiserate with the loss of human life in encounters between humans and wildlife.
Zimbabwe continues to face numerous challenges of increased human wildlife conflict that threaten people’s safety and their livelihoods. In 2023 alone, more than 35 people were killed by wildlife and more than 80 were injured. The consequences of human wildlife conflict are more serious in wildlife areas such as communities around Hwange National Parks. People lose livestock and crops and yet these are an important part of their livelihoods and incomes, apart from them themselves losing lives.
In most human wildlife conflict hot spot areas, elephants are second to buffalos in terms of human animal conflict. We derive a lot of benefits from our big five in terms of tourisms revenue. However, the communities that live close to national parks face tragedy from the increased wildlife population. To give you a vivid picture Madam Speaker, in Matabeleland North, the elephant population has increased from 49 310 to 61 531. This was from 2021 to 2022 an increase of 12 221 and this was based on an aerial survey.
Most of the elephants are in Hwange National Park and regularly destroy people’s crops. They kill people when they are irritated or encounter people. Government is setting a human wildlife conflict relief fund that will provide relief for the remaining family members of those killed and relief for those injured and maimed. The fund will be managed by ZimParks, our entity with the involvement of the communities. In this regard, we have a programme of community consultation on how they want this fund to be structured, how it will be managed and the design of the necessary modalities for evaluations and technical assessments.
Let me point out Madam Speaker that as we provide this relief, we must not forget the challenges we have as a nation and African States as a whole with the only global biosphere with growing wildlife populations. Otherwise other countries allowed their wildlife to disappear.
I thank the people of Hwange and other areas as they are the reason why we are setting this fund as Government. Zimbabwe has an ivory stockpile of 166 221.18kg from 26 906 pieces from inside and outside the parks and wildlife estate. We have been responsible for keeping these and eliminating poaching at a very high cost which has allowed wildlife to grow. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CITIES banned the international ivory trade in 1989. In 1997 and 2008 recognising that some Southern African Elephant populations were healthy and well managed. It permitted Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe to make a one-off sale of our ivory. However, as I speak, we have a whole pool of ivory with a stock net worth of USD 700 million that we are not allowed to sell.
As an international law abiding country we have complied and are being pushed to keep this stock. I am glad Hon. Speaker that the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the Senate, the Traditional Leaders from Hwange and other areas, civil society organisations and progressive development sector players have joined Government in fighting this unjustified ban from CITES. CITES allow us to trade within the guided international law. If we all do this, we will be able to ensure that people of Hwange and other estates, especially the hot spots are protected while we engage in sustainable wildlife management. I thank you.
HON. BONDA: May I thank the Minister for putting the picture of what is happening in the parks and defined what parks are. I also thank the people of Hwange who are living with the animals for being good custodians of the animals. Also making a follow up on what the Minister has said, that the big five bring quite a lot of revenue vis-a-viz the CITES that is blocking the sale of horns. I want to say to the people of Hwange, all what they are asking at the moment is when are you going to provide scholarships for them to live in harmony with the animals.
HON. DR. NYONI: As I said, Cabinet passed that we create a Fund. As soon that Fund is in place, we will begin. I thank you.
+HON. M. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. What are the measures being taken, especially the private safari operators so that they can revive their fences or boundaries that divide their farms or their Game Parks from the areas where people reside? Animals like hyenas and other dangerous animals are a threat to people. These were used as boundaries, but for now they have been destroyed by people. We understand that these safari rangers make a lot of money after selling these animals. So we need them to make efforts to revive their boundaries to avoid human and wildlife conflicts.
HON. DR. NYONI: I would like to thank Hon. Sibanda for the question. He posed a very pertinent question. People in private Safaris have their wish that they could erect the fences that create boundaries between the animals and residential areas. We once had a meeting with them, they are also complaining that people who reside close to Conservancies and National Parks destroy and vandalise these fences. Hence, we need us as a Ministry to go and sit down and create awareness to people to teach them that if these fences are erected, they are not supposed to vandalise them because people who vandalise these fences are the very same people who reside in the areas. We have people from Sabi, Hwange and from all over the country. We need to have a dialogue with the people who reside close to the Conservatives and traditional leaders so that these fences can be erected. I agree with the Hon. Member. We agree that where there are no fences, these animals move out of Game Parks and Conservatives and create conflicts with residents. They kill people’s livestock and also harm people, hence we need to erect these fences and make sure that these fences are not vandalised. I thank you.
COMPENSATION FOR HUMAN LIVES AND LIVESTOCK
DUE TO HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT
- HON SAGANDIRAasked the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife to inform the House the following; - a) What the Government policy is regarding wild animals that stray from National Parks threatening human life as well as livestock; and b) What compensation plan is being put in place by the Ministry for people who lose their lives and livestock due to human-wildlife conflict.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND WILDLIFE (HON. DR. NYONI): Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Member who asked the question. I thought most of this question, I have already answered, but I will answer. The Government policy in regards to wildlife management places human lives at the highest priority, and where human life is threatened by animals, human life takes precedence.
Wildlife management in Zimbabwe is provided for by the Parks and Wildlife Act, which allows sustainable management and utilisation of wildlife in Parks, Estates, Private properties and Communal areas through rural district councils which are given appropriate authority status. The Government in 1989 launched the Communal Areas Management Programme for indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE), which empowered communities living in areas adjacent to Parks Estates and those with wildlife in their areas, to benefit from hunting safaris and they are issued with hunting quota and the proceeds are shared to the communities or used for development needs in the communities.
In these CAMPFIRE areas, wildlife protection is under the authority of RDCs which also have their rangers who manage poaching and Problem Animal Control (PAC). These rangers are trained by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and also rendered assistance when there is crisis. Allocation of hunting quota also helps in managing the populations of wildlife to minimise encroachment into communal lands as they seek for food. Having water provisions for wildlife in the protected areas as well as in the communal areas to minimise human wildlife interface. Lobbying the international organisation such as Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, is a global agreement among Governments that regulate or ban international trade in species under threat, such that we will be allowed to sell our ivory stockpiles to have more resources to reinvest into conservations and community development.
On compensation to people who lose life, recalling Cabinet’s decision of 4th November, 2022 to establish a Human-Wildlife Conflict Fund, (HWCRF) to provide monetary relief to verified and proved victims of Human Wildlife conflict. The current Parks Act does not have any provision of compensation of victims or the afflicted, hence the need to expedite the Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill, which provides for the establishment of the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund. It was felt that the compensation of life or a limb is not possible, hence the use of the erm relief instead. At the moment, Parks, RDCs and stakeholders are assisting people affected by human wildlife conflict in various ways.
In conclusion, the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund will be financed by the following: Treasury shall allocate resources as may be appropriated by Parliament. The Director General of ZimParks in concurrence with Minister, will allocate a wildlife quota to be utilised for funding the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund account and a portion of Carbon credits revenue from Government. I thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: You said there is no rule that applies. People have lost their lives. Why do you not confine animals on their own? This is why wild animals live in the bush and people live in homes, and the two cannot co-exist. Why do you not secure those camps projects so that the two do not stay together?
+HON. S. MOYO: Madam Speaker, I believe the same question about fence was asked and I responded to it. I said that those that are in charge of the conservancy of the national parks will erect the fences, but people are destroying those fences. We are prepared to sit down with the people, the National Parks and the people in the conservancies because we want them to live in harmony so that these fences are not vandalised. The Ministry is not the one that is responsible for erecting these fences. Those that are responsible for the fences are the ones who are in charge of the parks and the conservancies. Thank you.
HON. BONDA: Here we are saying the number of elephants have actually ballooned and there are a lot of elephants. Why is the Ministry not increasing the hunting quota so that the HRDC’s that are being talked about are short funded? I will tell you Madam Speaker, if I am not mistaken, there are 15 elephants per year and yet we are crying that CITES have actually banned us from selling our ivory and here we are, we cannot increase the quota. We are being stingy with the elephants yet the number is so big. Why can we not increase the quota so that hunters can hunt? It is not all about CITES where we get the revenue. We also get revenue from the private sports hunters who hunt the elephants for fun. Why can we not increase the quota and that is where my question is and feed our nation during this time of hunger? People can get some meat from that. Thank you.
HON. DR. NYONI: Thank you Madam Speaker. This is a very pertinent question. Indeed, as I said, the elephants in Hwange National Parks alone are increasing in number by over 12 000 a year, which means the population of elephants compared to the space, the food available in the national parks and the water is now over ridden by the number of elephants. I want to commend the Hon. Member because this is what we have also been discussing as a Ministry. Our discussion is this year there is hunger, why can we not add the quota to RDCs so that RDCs will hunt the elephants and feed people that are hungry in the communal areas? We are still negotiating for that and if it passes, I think your question will then be answered by a yes. We need to increase the quota and the Ministry is working on it. Thank you.
DISCHARGE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS IN DEKA RIVER,
HWANGE
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister Environment, Climate and Wildlife to inform the House what measures the Ministry is taking to stop mining companies and small-scale miners from discharging toxic chemicals into Deka River in Hwange which has become a hazard to aquatic life, humans and livestock.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND WILDLIFE (HON. DR. NYONI): Thank you for raising this crucial question regarding the protection of Deka River in Hwange from the environmental impacts of mining activities. This issue is of grave concern to the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, as it poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, human health, and environment.
Contrary to popular belief, the pollution of Deka River is to a result of the discharge of toxic chemicals by current mining companies, but rather a legacy issue caused by years of continuous discharge of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from the old Hwange Colliery Company (HCCL) workings. There are three distinct AMD discharge points around Hwange ad records show that by 1997, AMD was already a considerable problem.
The initial interventions at the first and oldest discharge point started in 2008, involving the construction of a series of holding ponds to increase retention times and acid neutralisation using lime. Records indicate that on average, liming has helped increase the pH from around 2 to 3, and the holding ponds have since developed into an artificial wetland system. The discharge rate at this site is variable, generally averaging about 16 cubic meters per day, with the pattern unrelated to natural seasons, suggesting it is not directly driven by rainwater recharge.
At the second site, the rate of AMD discharge can be as high as about 200 cubic meters per day, with a pH as low as 2.7. The discharge pattern at this site is yet to be established, but it has generally been increasing over the years to the current rate. The third discharge point comprises two plugged exploration boreholes, through which the AMD is still seeping out, indicating significant pressure underground. There exists a risk of new discharge points following the plugging of current ones, as records show a surge in AMD discharge at the second site after plugging the boreholes at the third.
However, the efforts by the Hwange Colliery Company (HCCL) to mitigate the problem have fallen short. To address this challenge, the Ministry has implemented several measures to ensure mining activities do not compromise the integrity of water bodies like Deka River. These include:
- Collaborative Research: An in-depth study of the AMD problem, in collaboration with research institutions is underway to develop a permanent solution. A comprehensive study plan outlining the work, equipment needs, and costs has been established.
- Strengthened Oversight: Intensified monitoring, enforcement, and auditing of compliance with environmental regulations and permits for responsible disposal of mining waste and chemicals are being implemented.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, local authorities and community representatives is ongoing to raise awareness, establish joint task forces and act against offenders.
- Pollution Control Measures: Mandating the implementation of appropriate pollution control measures such as tailings dams, waste treatment facilities and containment systems, as well as comprehensive environmental management plans for mining operations, is a priority.
- Sustainable Mining Technologies: Promoting cleaner and more sustainable mining technologies that minimise the use of toxic chemicals and reduce hazardous waste generation is encouraged, with guidance provided for environmentally friendly practices.
- Community Empowerment: Local communities are being engaged through awareness campaigns to educate them about the risks associated with AMD discharge and the importance of protecting water resources. This empowers them to report illegal discharges or environmental violations.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, be rest assured, that the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife remains steadfastly committed to protecting the environment, safeguarding public health, and ensuring sustainable mining practices in our country. We will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent the discharge of toxic chemicals into Deka River and hold mining companies and small-scale miners accountable for any violations. We are committed to seeing a measurable improvement in the river’s health in the near future. Thank you.
HON. BONDA: Supplementary Hon. Madam Speaker Ma’am! Thank you, Madam Speaker. Let me be brief with the question. What social responsibility is being done by the mining companies who are polluting the toxic water to try and mitigate this type of environment degradation that is happening in the Deka River?
HON. DR. NYONI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Indeed, there should be social responsibility by those who have polluted the river. I think the point is taken. Let that be followed up and let there be evidence that their toxins have really done A, B, C damage and I think claims should be made by them. I thank you.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN
THE FRINGES OF GAME PARKS AND RESERVES
- HON. BONDA askedthe Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife to inform the House what the Ministry’s plans are in so far as establishing Vocational Training Centres to reach co- existing skills with wildlife, to people who live on the fringes of game parks and reserves so that they avoid travelling long distances to access these services.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIROMENT, CLIMATE AND WILDLIFE (HON. DR. NYONI): Hon. Speaker Sir, the education and training of communities who live on the fringes is of priority importance to Government, in the spirit of leaving no one behind. In this regard, we are taking the following measures:
- ZimParks has Community Extension and Interpretation Officers in the eight (8) regions that are conducting awareness campaigns throughout the country to enhance human-wildlife co-existence.
- In addition, ZimParks has a Wildlife College, namely the Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Conservation (ZIWC) in Masvingo, which is training Rangers for CAMPFIRE areas and private conservancies.
- Further, the Forestry College under Forestry Commission, has also some modules that relate to community–based conservation.
- The Vocational Training centre Idea is welcome and further engagements between Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Conservation and other training centres in all provinces will be undertaken to enhance wider coverage and provision of wildlife modules
- Further, the Ministry will consolidate efforts and ensure it assist with parastatals to collaborate with other Government institutions in every province, to ensure local communities are trained in natural resources management to assist with heritage–based conservation efforts. I thank you.
+HON. BONDA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. People who reside within the vicinity of these animals do not understand this issue. I think it is better we educate these people on the risks that these animals pose and to know how these animals behave rather than taking to these colleges. They are taken far away to Masvingo, what measures are being taken that these guide lessons can go to Hwange and try to educate and create awareness within the communities in Hwange? People do not need a lot of education, just basic education.
+HON. DR. NYONI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The Hon. Member is saying the truth that people who reside within these areas are the ones who understand these animals better. They need to be educated and to be aware of the behaviours of these animals. I think I made it clear when I started reading that ZIMPARKS has programmes and extensions that are taken to all the regions within the country. I was asking if the Hon. Member might have a specific area he knows within his constituency that he wants people to be educated, so he should contact personnel from ZIMPARKS.
We want these vocational training centres and these Technical Colleges to introduce in their curriculum these programmes of creating awareness of wildlife so that we can help the entire nation.
TEACHING OF LOCAL OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
- HON. BAJILAasked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to inform the House about the primary and secondary schools which are teaching the local official languages as provided for in Section 6 of the Constitution province by province.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Bajila for such an important question that addresses the fundamental aspect of our Constitution. As a Ministry, we have made a deliberate effort to ensure local languages are taught in all schools. As a result, all our 10 600 primary and secondary schools are offering local indigenous languages.
Some local languages are offered in particular, geographical locations in keeping with where the language is predominantly used for example, Kalanga is offered in schools in the Bulilima and Mangwe Districts, which is in Matabeleland Province. On the other hand, Tshangani is offered in Chiredzi District, which is in Masvingo Province.
I have just provided a snippet of what we are offering since providing the entire list of 10600 schools and the indigenous languages that they offer may be a tedious exercise.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, through the Government Teacher Capacity Programme, we are training more indigenous language teachers to ensure the entrenchment of these learning areas in our schools.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the celebration of identity, diversity and heritage through the development of indigenous languages in our heritage-based curriculum.
The Ministry supports the growth of indigenous languages in this 21st Century era and indigenous languages such as Barwe, Chewa, Nambiya, Ndau, Ndebele, Kalanga, Sesotho, Shona, Tonga, Venda, Tshangani, Xhosa and many others which are used as mediums of instruction at infant level.
The role of indigenous languages and sustainable development has been emphasised from early childhood learning and this culminates in individuals grounded on knowing who they are, where they came from, and with the capacity to positively impact their own lives and the world at large.
Indigenous languages due to their nature, document community achievements and heritage, therefore the exposure of our learners to them ensures that a vibrant historical database for generating income is stored. Furthermore, our schools promote the revitalisation and maintenance of indigenous languages.
Hon. Members, the beauty of different languages converging in our country is the foundation for future, collaborations and partnerships that will avail a multiplicity of opportunities.
There is a global drive on indigenous languages and multilingualism which is why we have radio lessons that provide the learners with a window to acquire skills to speak more than one language and improve tolerance and peace in the country. I thank you.
Questions With Notice were interrupted by THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order Number 68.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
LAUNCH OF A NEW CURRENCY
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am, for allowing me to stand in this august House regarding the recent Monetary Policy Statement Announcement which has resulted in the launch of a new currency.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe presented the Monetary Policy Statement on the 5th of April 2024 in terms of Section 46 of the Reserve Bank Act. The major import of the Monetary Policy Statement is to address the exchange rate and inflation volatilities which have largely been driven by factors such as high demand for foreign currency as a store value, reduced confidence due to continued currency volatility seen in recent months, and a widening margin between the interbank and the parallel market exchange rates.
Other factors included the reduced use of the local currency for domestic transactions and finally factors such as the lack of certainty and predictability on the exchange rate front. These are some of the factors impacting exchange rate and inflation volatilities.
To ensure long-term macro stability, the RBZ announced currency reforms which will be complemented by other fiscal and additional monetary measures to restore currency and exchange rate stability. The new policy framework will be implemented sequentially to ensure lasting stability, certainty and predictability, thereby achieving the desired impact of influential monetary currency and exchange rate stability.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, let me take this opportunity to highlight the summary of the major contents of the Monetary Policy Statement.
Madam Speaker, the Reserve Bank introduced a structured currency which is generally defined as a currency that is pegged to a specific exchange rate or currency basket and backed by a bundle of foreign exchange assets such as gold for example. This means that the Central Bank can only issue domestic notes and coins when fully backed by a foreign reserve currency or foreign exchange assets and that the currency is fully convertible into the reserve currency on demand. The structured currency is anchored by a composite or basket of foreign currency and precious metals and in our case, mainly gold which is held as reserves for this purpose by the Reserve Bank.
Let me now turn on to the currency swap and conversion mechanism. The new currency known as the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) became effective on 5th April, 2024, therefore banks have already begun to convert the current Zimbabwe balances into the new currency. Madam Speaker, the swap rate is guided by the closing interbank exchange rate and the price of gold in the London bullion market as at 5 April, 2024. The local currency is being converted into ZiG or Zimbabwean Gold by first of all converting the Zimbabwe dollar balances as at 5 April, 2024 to USD balances at the end of the day at exchange rate of 1:33 903. So that is the first phase of the process. Then second, converting the equivalent resultant USD balances into ZiG balances at a rate of 1:13.56 ZiG. So, US$1 per 13.56 ZiG, that is the exchange rate.
If I can pause a little further to explain; 1 ZiG Madam Speaker, is equivalent to 1mg of gold and that amounts to about USD 6c and when we work that one out, you will see why you end up with an exchange rate of US$1 to 13.56 ZiG. It all starts from the international London bullion gold price. This rate is being used to make a legitimate conversion of all Zimbabwe dollar deposits in the banking sector, all Zimbabwe dollar loans and advances made by the sector, all Zimbabwe dollar Treasury bills and all outstanding auction allotments, all export surrender obligations, all prices of goods and services in Zimbabwe dollars and any other Zimbabwe dollar denominative obligations.
Madam Speaker, on conversion of all current Zimbabwean dollar balances, banks are renaming all the current Zimbabwe dollar accounts as ZiG accounts. The old gold backed digital coin or token accounts, with the acronym GBDT accounts are no longer called ZiG accounts but are now known as GBDD accounts. All Zimbabwe dollar notes and coins held by account holders are being credited into their ZiG accounts using the applicable conversion factor which I have already described.
The banks will continue to accept these deposits for a period of 21 days after 5 April 2024, but Madam Speaker, I have been made aware that we may even need to extend that period. That is okay so that we can give our citizens, especially in the rural areas that need to travel and be able to convert their Zimbabwe dollars into ZiG currency.
The Reserve Bank has made special arrangements for those without bank accounts to swap their Zimbabwe dollar notes and coins at POSB and AFC commercial bank within 21 days, obviously after 5th April, 2024. Madam Speaker, in instances where the cash holding to be exchanged is above ZWL100 000, banks shall apply the requisite ‘know your customer or KWC’ and customer due diligence principles.
Let me turn to the issuance of the new notes and coins. The introduction of the new structured currency naturally requires the issuance of new bank notes to facilitate transactions in the economy, specially to cater for small transactions and to ensure the availability of change. ZiG notes and coins shall be issued in denominations made out of 1 ZiG, 2 ZiG, 5 ZiG, 10 ZiG, 20 ZiG, 50 ZiG, 100 ZiG and 200 ZiG which will be distributed through the usual normal banking channels and will be fully covered by the quantity and value of gold and foreign currency held as reserves.
Madam Speaker, ZiG shall at all times be anchored and fully backed by a composite of basket of reserves comprising foreign currency and precious metals mainly gold, I repeat, but there are also diamonds which are received by the Reserve Bank as part of the in-kind royalties and kept in the volts of the bank.
Foreign currency balances will be accumulated through market purchases, and from the 25% surrender requirements as well as sale of some precious metals received as royalties. As of 5 April, 2024, the bank which is the RBZ had reserve assets of US$100 million in cash and 2522kg of gold valued at about US$185 million to back the entire local currency component of reserve money which currently stands at 2.6 trillion as of Friday, requiring full cover of gold and cash reserves amounting to US$90 000 000.
Let me pause here and explain. Madam Speaker, the reserve money as of Friday last week was ZWL2.6 trillion. Converting this at the exchange rate of 33 000 average which was at the interbank rate, that gives you US$90 million. So really, the value of the notes and coins in circulation was only US$90 million. When you compare this to the value of the cover which is US$185 million in gold plus US$100 million that is US$285 million worth of cover. That is more than enough. So, the gold and cash reserve holdings with the bank represents more than three times cover for the local currency being issued.
Madam Speaker, the intervening exchange rate shall be determined also by the inflation differential between ZiG and USD inflation rates and the movement in the price of the basket of precious minerals held as reserves. The weights will be determined by the composition of reserve assets.
I now turn to interest rates. Madam Speaker, the bank policy rate has been adjusted from 130% per annum to 20% per annum consistent with the new Monetary Policy Framework. The overnight accommodation interest rate has been set at 5% above the bank policy rate, and the bank deposit facility interest rate has been set at 7,5% rate below the bank policy rate, thus giving a starting interest rate corridor of between 11% and 25% per annum. Savings and time deposit interest rates of ZiG are set at 9% and 7.5% below the bank deposit facility rate of 2.5% respectively while interest rates on FCA deposits remain unchanged at 1% and 2.5% for savings and time deposits respectively.
Let me turn to the issue of bank charges. Cognisant of the calls of bank charges by the public for affordable and reasonable bank charges, with immediate effect, bank charges have been scraped for both FCA and deposit accounts that maintain a consecutive minimum daily balance of USD100 or below and its equivalent in ZiG for a period of up to 30 days. This will avoid instances of low-cost accounts being charged interest fees to the point where accounts reach negative balances…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order! Hon. Minister. Hon. Members, let us listen attentively so that when we ask questions, we ask pertinent questions not petty questions that will eat our precious time with the Minister. Please let us converse in silence. You may proceed Hon. Minister.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I will take that again. Cognisant of the calls by the banking public for reasonable bank charges, with immediate effect, bank charges have been scraped for both FCA and ZiG deposit accounts that maintain a consecutive minimum daily balance of USD100 and below or its equivalent in ZiG for a period of up to 30 days. This will avoid incidences of low-cost accounts being charged maintenance fees to the point where accounts reach negative balances, and in the process prejudice depositors and discourage potential savings. With this summary, I hope that Members will appreciate what has been done here in terms of introduction of the new monetary regime. The main issue being the introduction of a new currency, but also seeing the drop in interest rates among other measures. It is also a critical step towards our long term de-dolarisation agenda. It is our hope that this will bring the much-needed currency stability. Thank you.
HON. BAJILA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Thank you Minister for the statement. The statement from the Central Bank indicated that these balances will begin to work from 30th April. Civil servants are expecting their salaries from 18th April, how will civil servants get their monies between that period of 18th to 30th of April? In what current will it be?
HON. DR. MUTODI: I have three or so questions. Hon. Minister, we understand that where currency is backed by gold or any commodity, there may be external shocks. How do you intend to deal with external shocks? Also, you mentioned that banks must apply the know your customer to depositors with 100 000 cash, but look, 100 000 cash is simply $3. 00 if it is converted to USD. Why doing this Hon. Minister? My last question is that how is the Central Bank going to ensure that lending rates continue to be at par with inflation, given that if they are below inflation, they will cause speculative borrowings.
My last question is that how is the Central Bank going to ensure that lending rates continue to be at par with inflation, given that if they are below inflation, they will cause speculative borrowing. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Hon. Speaker, the Minister said we are going to have complementary fiscal policy measures. I would want to know some of the complementary fiscal policy measures that are going to complement the Monetary Policy Statement that was announced by the Governor. The last one is that the willing buyer-willing seller ensures a market-based price discovery for the ZiG. What is Government policy regarding the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange counters that were suspended due to implied exchange rate like Old Mutual and PPC? I am asking this because we are really concerned with the way the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange is performing. I submit.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to thank the Minister for his Statement. I just have only two questions. The Hon. Minister mentioned that we have in reserve about US90 million worth of Zimbabwean dollar. Does this figure include the money that is being converted, and the Minister said there is enough money to cover that in the reserves? Have you considered that banks are converting Zimbabwean dollars already in people’s accounts into ZiG? Is that money covered? How many Zimbabwean dollars do we have in circulation inclusive of that that is in the bank, inclusive of the money that people hold in their bank accounts? Is that all covered by the reserves that we have?
Lastly, are you going to allow citizens to purchase Central Government services such as passports, number plates, such as if you want a licence in ZiG? Thank you.
*HON. P. ZHOU: What plans are there that will make sure that all the Zimbabweans understand the importance of ZiG which is backed by gold? What plans are there so that all of us understand how it works and how it functions? I am happy that we have come here, we are few, but the whole country needs to understand the medium of communication that you are going to use. When this money was unveiled, the prices of groceries have gone up, especially sugar and all the basics. What plans are there that these groceries should come down to where they were already because we are working with 5 April, but those people have gone further? ZiG will come when the market has been distorted already and its value will not be recognised. I thank you.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: First of all, I recognise Hon. Bajila and thank him for his question regarding how things will be handled. He is under the impression that ZiG will only begin to work at the end of the month, 30th April 2024 and yet civil servants will start receiving their salaries from the middle of the month, around 18th April 2024.
I am happy to say that his understanding is incorrect. ZiG is already effective and civil servants will be able to receive their salaries on time on 18th April, 2024. What RBZ mentioned really was the issue of availability of hard cash being available later, at least by the 30th of April. That is the issue, but in terms of receiving electronic payments into their accounts, civil servants will be able to receive these by 18th April or any time because ZiG is already operational.
Hon. Mutodi posed a very good question on how we will be able to deal with external shocks if a currency is backed by hard assets such as gold. What we have done is that we will build in a mechanism in anticipation of these shocks. What is happening is that our exchange rate is being driven, not just by the price of hard assets like gold but also, we take into account what we call effective exchange rate which is the inflation differentials between our country and other countries. That inflation differential is also known as the purchasing power parity. What happens is that when there is a shock, those shocks usually show up in inflation shocks. So, by taking into account those inflation differentials, we are able to take into account part of the shocks.
The Z$100 000 is that not too low – it translates to about US$3, yes this has been raised from the public and I am pleased that we will look into it and maybe we need to raise the threshold here. It is correct that the 100 000 is on the low side. We should not be bothering depositors. Certainly, that is a good point.
How will we ensure that lending rates remain real, in other words they remain above inflation rate all the time so that they do not end up exacerbating the inflationary pressures. We will make sure that when this happens, the correct way to run a monetary policy is always to ensure that we have a positive real interest rate. The interest rate must always remain above the inflation rate. We will ensure that this is the case. In addition to that, we will apply the design of the structured currency which is that we cannot increase domestic liquidity before increasing the reserves in the first place. That must also be applied in addition to the interest rate policy that Hon. Mutodi refers to.
I now turn to Hon. Chiduwa in terms of the complementary fiscal measures – what measures shall we announce to complement the Monetary Policy Statement. We have a few, but I should not announce them here in Parliament. I will just give an indication. What we have announced for sure is that 50% of the company taxes, corporate taxes will be in ZiG to increase the demand for our currency. We will be very specific when we make the announcement as to which fees and which taxes will be paid in ZiG beyond the request that corporates pay in domestic currency. We will make an announcement in the fullness of time. I will beg for his indulgence on this one and not to make it in Parliament today but we already have an idea.
Coming to another question and a very important one, what we will do with the counters on the Stock Exchange that were suspended because under the Zimbabwe dollar scenario, their prices were contributing to the parallel market activities. This is how we determine things to be and we felt that this ought to be suspended from the market because that fungibility was really creating challenges in terms of managing the exchange rate system. So, we suspended that and also took away the fungibility characteristics of the stocks. I am happy to say that the issue is under review as I speak and we are making announcements soon on this matter. I do not want to commit specific action but this is under review.
It is an issue because pensioners want to be able to put some value to their pensions from those specific stocks and some of the pensions, these are large holdings and the pensioners are saying look, we need to put some value. The book value that we last entered into the books was when the stocks were publicly trading but since then we have had an opportunity to make any adjustments. So, it is affecting the value of these pensions, but also affecting value of liquidity of the pensions. So, we are reviewing this.
I now turn to Hon. Matewu who asked about - what does the US$90 million include and secondly, is there adequate cover in a way? The US$90 million really is the reserve money in circulation which is M-zero. Perhaps if you are referring to issues such as the NMCDs, those are not immediately available because we have quarantined these using long term dated Instrument design where the NMCD would be available in a year’s time but in the interim, we will pay an interest to the bank. We have quarantined it that way. We have also quarantined the backlogs from the auction as well through a similar mechanism where we are issuing long dated Instruments. That money is not available immediately. It does not mess up the liquidity projection and the design of the currency. We believe that we have enough cover of this US$90 million without difficulty at all.
You also heard Treasury announcing that in addition to what the RBZ is declaring as reserves of US$285 million, we have an additional US$300 in Treasury which we stand ready to assist the Central Bank if there is a shock to the system.
On purchase of goods and services in ZiG, this is similar to the question from Hon. Chiduwa. My answer is similar, which is that in the fullness of time we will announce specific services that can be purchased in ZiG as we seek to promote the demand for our local currency. The statement is coming. If I can request the indulgence of Hon. Matewu and this will be announced. We want you to pay some of the services you mentioned in ZiG. Just be patient with me and we will make the announcement sooner.
I now turn to Hon. Zhou who wanted to really make sure we do not leave anyone behind when it comes to educating the public about this new currency. People in rural and urban areas must feel that they are receiving adequate information on how this new currency works. I want to assure Hon. Zhou that we are going to do everything to make sure that this is the case. Putting in place a blitz campaign between the Ministry of Finance, RBZ and Ministry of Information, this communication seeks to do that, which is to educate the public and give them the necessary information on how ZiG works. As Government, we would want this to be acceptable that citizens have got confidence and you can only build that confidence if you communicate and explain how it works in simple language.
I was suitably impressed seeing some video that was recorded which went viral and is explaining ZiG in very simple language in Shona. I thought this is exactly how we should be communicating to the public out there about the design of such a currency. It is that type of communication that we want to promote, especially in our rural folk to ensure that they gain the confidence in this new currency, understand how it works and they are not left behind.
Hon. Zhou also mentioned that there were some issues in terms of pricing just prior to the introduction of the currency. Some prices were pushed up and will this not affect the operation of the ZiG well, we will take a look at these issues to see what is happening here. In fact, I am already aware of a situation where some retailer of bread for example; prior to the introduction of ZIG, a loaf of bread was trading for US$1, the price of a dollar in ZIG is 13.56, but the price of bread was rounded off to 14. There should be no rounding off as it is not a good idea. That is a price increase and means that the bread is now $1, 3c or 5c as opposed to just $1. So, we are quite aware of this issue and we are following up with some of the companies to do a proper translation and not to round up, which is contributing to a price increase. So, I agree with her, it is a statement well-made and we are following up on that. I thank you for the question.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I object.
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order Madam Speaker. Yesterday I raised a point of national interest and the Speaker agreed that all my questions would be answered by the Hon, Minister of Finance. So, we expect the Hon. Minister of Finance to answer the questions of these members and not just of five members. I thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: Minister, my question is, when I was doing something in town this afternoon, when ZIG and the transformation of the currency was announced, those street people had run away. However, this afternoon they were back. What measures have you put in place to seriously deal with any manipulation or any abuse of our currency as government to defend our currency?
HON. MUSHORIWA: Madam Speaker, the President, on 6 February, indicated that we were going to a structured currency and my first question is that if the President said it was the road map, why is it that the RBZ failed to ensure availability of the notes when the changeover was done. Secondly, why is it that the communication by the RBZ itself was actually so poor to the effect that it has caused confusion amongst the citizens of this country. Then tied to that Hon. Minister, you had indicated that the fiscal measures that you are going to come up with, you will do them in due course, but if we had followed the pronouncement by the President who had said that both the Monetary and Fiscal Policy were coming up with the complementary, one would have expected that these two statements should have come close to each other and that sort of creates some confusion. Lastly, what is it that government is going to do because as you are aware Hon. Minister, monetary issues are based more on perception rather than reality? There is now a joke going around the country and on social media, what is it that you are going to do to curb the perception that the ZIG will just follow the same consequences faced by the bond note? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. PROF. NCUBE): Thank you Hon. Mushoriwa. I want to thank Hon. Togarepi for his question where he said that he has noticed that some street traders are back in the street corners and they may start attacking our domestic currency again. I thank him for that information. I received similar information as well as early this afternoon. We are going to send out our law enforcement agency to do their work on a blitz to make sure that these vendors are dealt with. They are cleared off the streets and then the heavy fines are also imposed on those who are caught trading in the parallel market. It is illegal. Therefore, if it is illegal, then the law has to take its course. I am also urging our law enforcement agency to move with speed to deal with this matter. We cannot allow it.
I will now turn to Hon. Mushoriwa regarding the delays perhaps that the notes should have been ready earlier than announced. Well, you know that it is a major exercise of introducing a new currency. Many things have been put in place, and even printing a currency is a logistical nightmare, it is not any easy thing to do. Again, if he could be patient and bear with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, they have really done their best in making sure that everything is ready. For instance, we have to change the system in terms of balances which I described. Some of you are already experiencing that because you have ZiG accounts, you have to print new money. You have to make sure that the gold in our case is in place, diamonds are in place and there are just so many variables that need to be dealt with to issue a structure of currency.
Madam Speaker, it is not surprising that may be one or two things did not happen as anticipated, and on time. It is just a complex issue but I think that the public will understand and I hope Hon. Mushoriwa will also understand.
I now turn to the second issue that he raised regarding the announcement of fiscal measures that this should have been done simultaneously. Not necessarily Madam Speaker Ma’am. If you notice, we only announced one issue in that Statement which had to do with 50%, the rule that 50% of the corporate taxes should be paid in domestic currency. That is the only thing that was really announced on the fiscal front. There will be more coming through. You know, we have just gone through what I will call a very grueling period Madam Speaker Ma’am since the announcement of the 2024 Budget with various tax measures and so forth, making adjustments, sugar content tax, this and that. We did not want as fiscal authorities, to start announcing further things on the fiscal front. We have just gone through that. We think the industry is fairly comfortable now. We want to make sure they are accountable so that they can continue to employ more people to grow export and so forth.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, personally, I did not want to start imposing further fiscal measures immediately. We will do those gradually overtime but something is coming. That is the reason why we held back on announcing a few fiscal measures after having gone through fiscal measures through the 2024 Budget.
On the perception of the currency, that perception is very important. He is right, a currency also depends on both fundamentals and perception, how it is and how it is managed. We will do everything to educate the public as to why this currency is strong in the way it is structured. We have reserves that guarantee the notes and coins in circulation. We are saying those notes and coins in circulation which is known as reserve money should never be increased before the reserves are increased in the first place, so that matching mechanism really guarantees the stability that citizens are always looking for. We believe that this is a very good desire and if you have got gold in there as one of the elements, gold has been stable and citizens believe in the value of gold. It has been stable for a while and in fact, it has been performing strongly in the last few years.
We believe that educating the public about the design of the currency, how it has been put together will give them a level of confidence. I would like to urge Hon. Mushoriwa to be confident about ZiG and use it all the time. It is his currency; it is my currency and it is everybody’s currency. We should all be proud of it. After all, a country derives its social pride from the flag, national anthem and also from its currency. I thank you Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Minister for your presentation. I would also like to thank you for answering some of our questions. It is very unfortunate for those who decided to leave the House because this was a very important session. I do not know what they are going to tell the electorate because the electorate is waiting to get answers from Members of Parliament. I hope they are not going to distort the information –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]– Order, the Minister will come tomorrow, he will answer your questions.
On the motion of HON. TOGERAPI, seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA the House adjourned at Three Minutes past Six o’clock p.m.