PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 29th January, 2019
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
BILLS RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have to inform the
Senate that I have received the following Bills from the National
Assembly;
Appropriation (2019) Bill [H. B. 12, 2018]; and
Finance Bill (No. 3) [H. B. 13A, 2018];
INVITATION TO A CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND
WORKSHOP
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I also wish to inform
the Senate that all Hon. Senators are invited to a workshop on Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on Thursday 31st January, 2019 from 0830 hours to 1000 hours. Buses will leave Parliament building at 0800 hours.
INVITATION TO A NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Furthermore, I have to
inform the Senate that all Hon. Senators are invited to participate in the National Clean-up Campaign on Friday 1st February 2019 from 0800 hours to 1000 hours. Parliament is expected to clean streets adjacent to its building namely, Nelson Mandela and Nkwame Nkrumah Avenues, between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Senators interested are requested to meet in Parliament car park on Friday 1st February at 0800 hours.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I move that notice of
motion number one be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I move that the
debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 31st January 2019.
MOTION
SILTATION IN RIVERS AND DAMS
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the level of siltation which is threatening the existence of most rivers and dams.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: Thank you Madam President for remembering my name and compliments of the new season.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Same to you Hon.
Senator.
*HON. SEN. SHOKO: The matter that was raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu is a pertinent one. Our rivers are heavily silted, our trees have been cut and we now have deforestation and as a result we are not having sufficient rains to ensure that there is sufficient drinking water for the cattle and humans.
The motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu is an extensive issue because it also brings on board the issue of climate change. Climate change goes together with what was mentioned by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu because the issues that we are discussing are happening under the jurisdiction of chiefs. Chiefs should have sufficient authority to deal with such cases by such perpetrators of soil erosion. Animal drawn carts cause soil erosion and the result of them being drawn on the ground, soil erosion is being promoted. Hence chiefs should take sufficient steps to deal with such issues so that we eradicate soil erosion as the soil will be silted into the dams and rivers which in turn will be heavily silted. As a result, this reduces the carrying capacity of the dams and rivers due to siltation. It is my plea that chiefs are made aware and appreciate the consequences of siltation.
It is not the duty of the chiefs alone but the Ministry of Lands,
Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry should work hand in glove with the chiefs to ensure that they put a stop to such malpractices. There are certain areas that are controlled by the Rural District Council or municipality – the local authorities should ensure that they work hand in glove with other partners to ensure that there is no soil erosion that goes into the dams and rivers and cause siltation.
I come from Bulawayo where water shortages are perennial, if you go to the dam and try to immerse a log into river bed – you cannot penetrate because it is filled with sand. I would want to believe that those who are in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and environmental agency should ensure that people have the knowledge on how to de-silt these rivers – that is very important for them to do so. Failure to do so, we foresee a situation where in about five to ten years time, we will still have a dam with very little water capacity and we start mourning. As a result, us as urban dwellers will bear the brunt of such mishaps. Yet this will have been occasioned by siltation caused by soil erosion which should have been stopped. As a result, livestock will not have sufficient water quantities and come November/December, the dams will not have sufficient water or no water at all due to heavy siltation.
So the matter that has been raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu is an important matter and we should put our heads together and see to it that we put a stop to siltation. Our failure to do so will result in us mourning because whenever things go wrong, we require rehabilitation to take place. We will start mourning when the city council says they want to de-silt the dams and levy us $5.00 or less – as urban dwellers, we will cry. The same would apply for those who are in the rural areas when such levies are being asked for.
Everyone who is in Parliament, Government, Ministry or ministries should ensure that people are enlightened because a lot of offences are committed by people due to ignorance. Knowledge is power. Once there is lack of adequate education, then we have a serious problem. I urge the ministries to look into this matter. Let us correct these anomalies so that we have sufficient water quantities. There are wars in other countries due to lack of water, people are fighting so as to gain access to water. We do not want the same scenario to occur as regards our livestock. It is important to put a stop to this as a stitch in time saves nine.
Madam President, with those words, I thank you for having afforded me an opportunity to make my contribution to the motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Chundu.
*HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: Thank you Madam President, I just
want to support this important motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen.
Chundu and his seconder. It is an important motion that affects the livelihoods of people.
It is now a big problem in this country that our dams and rivers, as has been stated earlier by the previous speaker, are now heavily silted and no longer have sufficient water capacity. The other cause of this problem is the people who are into gold panning. I would want to believe that our people do not prioritise such environmental issues, as a result we end up in problems but they care the least. It is also dangerous as regards to those who are into gold panning because water quantities will be affected by gold panning. There is also the danger that people and animals may fall into such pits, wild animals will also come to people’s homesteads in search of water and this is a danger to the lives of people and may even lead to loss of lives.
Madam President, our dams and rivers need to be conserved so that we do not have hunger in this country because these water bodies help us in doing our agriculture in this country. It is my considered view that our people need to be constantly educated on such issues. For example, in my Constituency in Mt. Darwin, we had problems with elephants that were now coming to the homesteads – leaving the forests where they are supposed to be. They would be very angry and thirsty and a thirsty animal is very dangerous and will attack anything or anyone that it comes across.
Water is life to both men and wild animals. So as members of this august House and other different people in different sectors. We should enlighten people and as Hon. Members, we ought to be in the forefront ensuring that we educate people about the dangers of soil erosion and siltation of water bodies. Let us lead from the front. We have a lot of big dams and rivers but some of these have been reduced to sorry sights because of environmental degradation.
Deforestation is also another cause of this problem of siltation. We should conserve water so that we can live well. I thank you Madam President.
*HON. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Madam President
for giving me the opportunity to debate. Firstly, I would like to say compliments of the new season to you Madam President and to all Hon.
Senators. We are happy that we have all come back to the House.
The issue raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu concerning siltation is a big problem. I think we should establish the cause or the people who cause this problem. If we travel in any direction, we find that there is sand on the river beds that used to be mighty rivers. All of us here drive week in week out and are observing such scenarios yet we are turning a blind eye to it. Let us be held accountable as leaders. This is not right for this country. Who is the culprit or whose responsibility is it to ensure that there is no water siltation?
Hon. Sen. Shoko has mentioned that Chiefs should ensure that they put to trial culprits who do that. Thank you for the power that you are giving us. Give us the keys so that we are able to dispense justice in that regard. I am saying so because the jurisdiction of communal lands came to an end before independence. Once people were moved from commercial farms to small areas, there was overpopulation. As the population grew, the problem became worse every year. We do not
have trees not because the people of these areas do not understand but it is because the areas were densely populated when regions 1, 2 and 3 were reserved as untouchable.
We know the case of Mazowe and Chinhoyi for example. We were pushed into the southern part where we have bad soils. That was the settlement areas – we have A1 and A2. This has started and who is the culprit because we do not have village heads or Chiefs in most cases. It is a free for all. There are no clear cut leaders in those communities or settlements because the area is said to be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Lands but there is no representative in the village or ward; they are at the district office hence the people do as they please. The Chiefs are trying in their own areas but it is my wish that through you Madam President, Hon. Sen. Shoko has said the Chiefs should do it.
The land belongs to the Chief but technically it belongs to the Ministry of Lands. We tell people that they should not cut trees willynilly. There are individuals who even sell land in the resettlement areas for US$400 to US$1 000. Most of these people are con-artists who are making cheap money. We take them to courts and we are being challenged at those courts yet we are trying to discharge the duties that you have given us as Chiefs. I have said that this person is guilty of selling land. I am doing this in my jurisdiction but when we get to the courts, there will be a lawyer who will come and say that the Chief has no authority in a resettlement area. The person will be saying that he bought the land for US$1 000 and we say these are illegal settlers.
There is land degradation or land is being misused – we must look for the people who are responsible. People at district level are young and they cannot handle court challenges. These are the problems that we are facing. When you go back, you find that initially you are complaining about a hectare where trees have been cut down willy-nilly but on your way back, you find ten hectares will now be cut. Illegal settlements are too many. I know the Minister of Lands through the Hon. Minister Shiri said that he is giving notices to everyone who is illegally sdettled but he knows that there is an outcry that he wants to chase away the people. It is not good to chase away people that have been properly resettled. We have cases where a group of hundred people gave money to a John and are being protected. We cannot defend such settlers. There should be a distinction of cases that can be regularised and those that can never be regularised which include people who are selling land. Those that are selling land are happy because they will continue selling and say discontinue giving notices of eviction for those that are on the land.
Another issue is about the Forestry Act which was enacted in 1953 when most of us here were not yet born save a few Hon. Senators like Hon. Sen. Hungwe and Hon. Sen. Sekeramayi. This Act states that the authority to cut a tree is sought from a police officer at a police station.
You are giving me the power here but the Act does not support me. The Environmental Management Agency has also come on board but if the forests are to be preserved, we have people that are on the ground. The village heads and councillors should join hands and arrest culprits. That way we can reverse land degradation. This is an issue that cannot be presided over by someone who is in Harare, it needs someone to be on the ground and give them sufficient power for them to be able to discharge these duties. There is the Land Resettlement Act, Forestry Act, Mines Act and they also have their own Acts; that is giving us a lot of problems and they say that they do not have power. Such motions as moved by Hon. Sen. Shoko should be redressed.
Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu himself will tell you that he once held a meeting in Chinhoyi with Chiefs in Mashonaland West. There was an outcry on deforestation by tobacco farmers. They get permits from Harare and they are told to go to Chundu area where they are allowed to cut trees that are under the Chief’s jurisdiction. Once challenged, they produce a permit and say they got it from higher authorities. So, you should assist us and not blame us as Chiefs as we do not have an enabling Act to ensure that we discharge or dispense justice.
Lastly, I conclude with mining. Where they are minerals, you even here people are now using machetes and guns to kill each other after they would have destroyed the environment. I thank you Madam
President.
*HON. SEN. GWARADZIMBA: Thank you Madam President.
I just want to make a few additions. I heard Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira saying that we should work hand in glove, with Chiefs and councillors to ensure that we redress this problem. The chief culprits are the village heads. Whenever someone comes to the communal lands looking for a stand, they give the village head US$30 dollars and are given a place where there is a hill. People deforest that area through clearing and it is the village head who would have allowed that. We have river beds where they are allocating people stands.
So, it is difficult for the village heads and the councillors to redress this problem. Let us have ways to redress this without involving these two because they are corrupt; there is corruption. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NTABENI: I thank you Madam President
for giving me the opportunity. I say compliments of the new season to you Madam President and my fellow Hon. Senators. I want to add my voice to the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu. In his debate, he spoke very well. It is an issue that involves us as Chiefs because all of us come from the rural areas. We are suffering in the rural areas Madam President. We have problems of water siltation which has led to insufficient water quantities. We are being marginalised since independence. Not even a single dam has been constructed because people do not even know what dams are. The remaining boreholes are not functioning and we are now sharing drinking water with our livestock. Siltation has affected the majority of our dams.
We should be serious in terms of this matter. So let us be honest when addressing this. The Government stands with the people that are in the urban lands; I am surprised that there are tanks and reservoirs in towns but what about us in rural lands. We are suffering. At one time as I was driving, I found people with too many ox-drawn carts full of water and you will be quite ashamed if you are driving a motor vehicle.
I was hoping that I will say very few words but we do not have such power because you said the village heads have the power to resettle people when chiefs do not have such powers. We are not here just for the sake of opposing. We are suffering together with you as regards the issue of insufficient water caused by water siltation and soil erosion. If possible we should have ways to correct such things. A lot of these boreholes were put in place by the Smith regime of which the majority of them are no longer functioning. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: Thank you Madam President, I felt I
should add a little bit to this very important motion raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu. For me, it is one of the most important motions which has been introduced. I think for us to be able to solve this problem of siltation, we need to be very honest as a people because this siltation has caused a lot of havoc to the national fiscus and even to the livelihood of everyone. Let us be honest with ourselves. This problem of siltation – I
am sure the age groups of people who are in here were grown-ups at independent. Before independence, we had no siltation - maybe very little if any. I think we should have for those ‘vaiva muhondo’, we were going to those Agritex officer accusing them of forcing us to make culverts, migero. So, those things were very important because as far as
I know, even if you were given a place to farm, you would not start ploughing before an Agritex officer came to see if those culverts were well done. You would actually spend a month trying to correct the gradients, everything and divert it to avoid siltation. Unfortunately, we actually failed to copy a very simply thing and I think those are some of the things which we need.
When we grew up in the rural areas, we were actually afraid to go to the rivers because they were so deep and black when you look into them, ‘zvichinzi anenjuzu’. Everyone could do his gardening but now, how many people would actually be able to do it throughout Zimbabwe – know one. Why, because the whole area, the dams and rivers are now under siltation. Now, considering the cost of reclaiming, we do not have money and no one will actually come to support people who are foolish and cannot look after their resources. So, I think we have failed to take our people away from the mood yemuhondo. Those Agritex officers right now are scattered throughout every homestead doing nothing. People are cultivating in the stream banks and there is deforestation. All this contribute to siltation. We think it is the river but at the end of the day, even in Harare right now we are suffering from the effects of siltation. We are saying we do not have enough water yet the greater part of all our lakes is full of sand. So, I think it is very important. We may blame the chiefs or village heads but the problem is the Central Government which has failed to do its duty. I think we have to be honest or 20 years later, it is still like that and the chiefs and village heads have no power, it has been usurped. People are strong political and we have to be very honest with ourselves if we are going to solve this very important issue – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – Just to buttress the need for Central Government to be fully involved.
My father in law was given a farm in Shamva and there was a very big dam from where one could irrigate but a few years back, there were Chinese nationals who were given a permit to establish a mine about 100 metres from the dam. My father-in-law came to Harare several times to complain about those people but the people from Mines were saying;
‘mining supersedes everything, even if I find that there is gold in your house, we can destroy your house and do mining.’ Right now if you go there, the dam is all sand and there is no dam, that is Central
Government. We are actually allowing Chinese nationals to come and do mining from the whole of Mazoe. Mazoe used to be a very big river, feeding all over and that was the source of our bread basket in terms of irrigation. Even the dams which were built by the colonial regime are just sand, there is nothing. I think as Central Government, we need to come in and enforce friendly laws. It is easy, we cannot reinvent the wheel, it was there and we never used to talk about siltation. In fact, we were afraid of going to the river because there were very big pools where you could drown or for fear of crocodiles because there was water everywhere but right now we do not have it. I think it is everyone’s duty to put together our acts and do things properly.
The last issue is the impact of siltation. Right now, rural people go for 40 to 50kms with their livestock to look for water. We have actually disempowered rural people; they have lost a lot of herd because of lack of water resulting from siltation; that is how serious the issue is. I think we all need to make sure that we give this issue the urgency it deserves.
I think it is the Central Government which should enforce and make sure that even the new resettled areas – you will find that someone might plough against the slope and it will be causing erosion of sand into the river. We cannot reach anywhere with that sort of behaviour and soon we will be in Kalahari when we used to be in the tropical forest where there were so many good things.
So, I would like to conclude by thanking Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu for giving us the opportunity to talk and discuss about this issue. I think it has to be escalated to the right office. I am happy that the Hon. Minister Shiri is here – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – you really need to make sure that the Agritex officers are empowered and borrow the few things which were good during the colonial days when there was no siltation. I am not asking anyone because I lived during that time. If I compare it, it is only a term which I started hearing after independence, not very early but after the late 90s when it was free for all, no rule of law on how we use our resources. Thank you very much Madam
President.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Madam President. I
stand up to support this motion moved by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu. It is a very important motion. The problems associated with siltation have been discussed and I think that we may go on and on debating about the causes and effects of siltation but we should look at means and ways of resolving this problem and this will help us to identify human and material resources needed to clear this siltation. This will help us to alleviate this problem rather than continue discussing on the effects it has caused. If we do that, it will help us as a nation so that we restore our rivers and dams. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: Thank you Madam President. I
move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
UPGRADING OF TOURIST FACILITIES IN KARIBA
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the strategic role of tourism to the country’s economic development.
Question again proposed.
Hon. Gumpo having stood up to debate.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You debated, do
you still remember.
HON. GUMPO: I would like to extend the debate –
[Laughter.] –
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: We do not do it
that way Hon. Senator.
HON. SEN. GUMBO: I move that the debate do now adjourned.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 31st January, 2019.
MOTION
CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS BY THE ZIMBABWE CRICKET
BOARD
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the allegations of corruption by the Zimbabwe Cricket Board.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Madam President and
compliments of the new season. Firstly, I would like to thank the mover of this motion, Hon. Sen. Timveos. I do not play cricket but the manner in which she raised corrupt tendencies that are being done by the cricket board is quite painful. It hurts us especially when you look at sport in Zimbabwe.
Sport in Zimbabwe is not being properly run because of the board that is corrupt. The board is alleged to be corrupt. That is why there has not been any development in cricket. Those that have developed, it is because they will be having money to go outside and play with other countries, they are self-sponsored. On outside countries that sponsor cricket, Madam President, you had to follow what the newspapers or other news items say. We are being scolded as Zimbabweans because we are said not to be supporting our children fully by giving them resources to ensure that they conduct their business in sport, even those that are in football or women that are in football.
We are losing; I do not know whether it is the lack of finance that should be given to the board by the country so that the board can further develop our children. Sport is now the mainstay in our children’s lives, whether it is in schools or in national sports. Children like sports so much and it is developing them in their social, economic life.
The recently conducted elections - we are happy that the elections to that body had been initially postponed because people were accused of vote buying. They were then invalidated and a second election was called for. Barely three weeks since the board has taken office, there are allegations of corruption by the new board. We should look closely and see how best we can end this corruption.
We have debated on several occasions about corruption and we are saying everyone who has broken the law, someone who has done something illegal, should be arrested. I am happy that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development is here. Maybe he could assist that there could be proper investigations into the causes of this corruption which is well chronicled for Zimbabwe in everything, even in sport because there are people that are selfish and they want to have all the resources to themselves.
I was seriously touched by this motion, Madam President, and as Hon. Members, let us put our political jackets aside. As Hon. Members who are leaders, let us speak against corruption. Anyone who is corrupt should be dismissed, whether he comes from our political party or they got that position through someone who is powerful. We are pointing fingers into each other’s eyes or destroying each other’s eyes because of corruption. We should not turn a blind eye to corruption. While there are allegations about corruption in cricket, the relevant Portfolio
Committee on sport should summon the Minister and the Minister should be questioned so that we know what exactly is happening in that Ministry so that corruption can be put to an end. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. ZIVIRA: Thank you Madam President. I thank
Hon. Sen. Timveos for raising this motion about corruption in sport. This corruption is not just limited to the cricket fraternity, there is the football body. For people to run for the office, they were asked to pay US$3 000. Where will you get the US$3 000 when you are earning bond notes? How many people paid those US$3 000? Those grants that are paid by FIFA are given to us in United States dollars, where is the money going to? They take the money and replace it with bond notes but they would have received grants from outside the country in the form of foreign currency. That is corruption.
Once they are arrested, they will say the rate for the bond and the United States dollars is 1:1 then they exchange the United States dollars on the market. This is where corruption is. We should be careful about the administration of sport. We will not be successful in most of our matches because some of our matches are being thrown away because of corruption because of these United States dollars. We should put an end to this. I thank you.
HON. SEN. FEMAI: Madam President, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to debate and also thank Hon. Sen. Timveos who remembered the sports persons whose limbs are being broken yet the benefits are being reaped by those who did not sow.
First and foremost, Madam President, we should go, look and see amongst those who are leading the Cricket body, how many are former cricket players? None of them may actually be former cricket players but he is said to be so and so who runs a certain bar and is given a position yet they are not knowledgeable about how cricket is run. Such is the level of corruption that we are experiencing in sport. This is massive corruption and I will not just talk about corruption but will also talk of racism.
I will give you an example of racism. Cricket used to put Zimbabwe on the map. There were white nationals who were also good at playing cricket but we heard that they were chased away. There are black nationals who we had never seen playing cricket – I never heard of our great grandfathers playing cricket. Cricket is an elitist sport that was introduced to us by whites. We should have learnt how cricket is run and played. We had people who could teach us but we chased them away. The countries that have our players whom we chased away as a result of racism are doing quite well. Let us leave racism and say whoever is good at any particular sport, be they of Asia Chinese or African descent as long as they are good in sport should be afforded an opportunity to do so and by so. By doing, this country will be developed.
Countries are being developed because they return from tournaments with medals that can fill up this room. They are our neighbours and we used to do better than them before their independence but they are now the champions because they are not racist. It is a free for all in that particular country to participate in a sport of their choice regardless of their origin, be they of Asian or Chinese descent – they are all Zimbabweans or they are all South Africans.
We will move on to soccer which is also another sporting activity. I urge the relevant Minister of Finance and Economic Development, I that there be audits in cricket, soccer with Zimbabwe Football
Association (ZIFA), PSL and even clubs so that they do not behave in an untoward manner. We saw players being bought in this country. A player from Zimbabwe - we see that Dynamos Football Club a player for $500.00 - $500.00 for a player? The player who attracts massive spectators, entertains them and leaves after the star player has scored is bought for $500.00 when in fact the money has been misused by an official who has pocketed the money. The relevant Ministry should carry out audits in sporting bodies such as cricket, soccer, rugby and the clubs themselves.
I am a former soccer administrator. Once the gates are opened, you hear that this particular gate is for the chef – that is corruption! The money that is supposed to be collected by security agents and taken to the bank is taken by the chairperson who goes away with the funding.
We urge that an immediate stop be put to such malpractices and that the relevant Ministry carries investigations. You even find the clubs moving around but the players are not benefiting anything. The officials drive porsche cars when players travel by bus. You think that such a player will perform for us to achieve world cup qualification status? We will not get there because of racism and corruption which will never end.
Why does corruption not end in this country? I would be arrested within a day if I were to burn down the house next door but someone who is corrupt is never arrested 20 years down the line. Why? I would be arrested within two days for an act of arson. This proves that our police officers are good at investigating but why are they failing to bring the culprits of corruption to book? It is a question that we are persistently asking the Government.
We are saying remove corruption from sporting bodies so that sport is developed in this country. We want people to be independent. We are always shouting at each because there is no entertainment as it was in the past. We would spend a long time on Mondays discussing what would have transpired during sports over the weekends. We now tend to be very political about everything yet sport used to be a rallying point for everyone. Let us go back and ensure that our sporting bodies thrive.
Furthermore, I urge Government to provide funding to those that are performing well. For example, a soccer team that is playing in the Confederation of African Football, we hear they have no money for their airfares yet there is a Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is collecting 22% from the gate takings through the Sports and Recreation Commission. Where is all that money that they are collecting going to? The same applies to cricket. A certain percentage is given to the Ministry or is there no youth policy or there are no youths being developed. What is happening? Anyone who is corrupt should be arrested in the same manner an arsonist is arrested. With those words, Mr. President, I thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
OUTBREAKS OF VELD FIRES
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the recurrence of outbreaks of veld fires with devastating effects on the environment. Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. S. MPOFU: Thank you very much Mr. President
for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to the motion raised by
Hon. Sen. Gumpo. Before I proceed, I would like to wish you and all Hon. Senators well in this year – 2019.
I want to thank the mover of this motion, Hon. Sen. Gumpo who raised this motion to do with veld fires. I have realised that most of the people who cause these veld fires are the truck drivers. When they have a breakdown, they will start a fire may be trying to prepare a meal and they do not put out the fire. That will then be the root cause of veld fires.
Another root cause of veld fires especially in rural areas is our children who will be trying to catch bees. They start fires as a way of attracting bees and they forget to put out the fire.
This can also destroy the grazing land for our livestock because of the clumsiness of those who will be trying to catch the bees and also those who will be trying to clear the land for farming. Most of the time after tilling the land, they will start fires to destroy whatever they do not want yet there is an Act that says people should not start veld fires especially in July. We have realised that people do not follow such laws and people from EMA should do public education to the communities on veld fires and also include students in different schools.
It is my wish that Civil Protection, since it is responsible for such things like floods should also be allocated a good budget so that when we have veld fires they are able to act, protect or encourage people to join outreach programmes on what to do in case there is a veld fire. The Civil Protection Department is the one that is responsible for such disasters especially in our rural areas.
Tourists who visit our country mostly visit because of the vegetation that we have in our country. They love this vegetation which is a beautiful scene to look at. When we have deforestation, it reduces the number of tourists coming into our country. Hon. Sen. Gumpo brought into this House a very good motion. If we keep our vegetation, we will be able to make money out of it. We will be able to make timber out of the trees that we have.
It is important as well to encourage teachers that they teach our children not to start veld fires. EMA should also have laws that can be adhered to by all members of the community encouraging them in outreach programmes not to start veld fires. With these few words, I would like to thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you
Hon. Senator. On behalf of the other Hon. Senators, I would like to wish you also a very fruitful 2019.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: I rise to support the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Gumpo. The issue of veld fires has given us problems and sleepless nights. In the past, the country used to be beautiful. People were afraid to burn bushes because they feared that there would be wild animals like lions in the forests. This was because of the practice that was amongst the people that led them to be afraid to start fires but now our country is in a worse of state.
Let me reiterate Hon. President of the Senate, that there is no one who wants to go and propose love to a very beautiful lady who usually has mucus on the nose. That is how our tourism has been destroyed.
Our country is now akin to the beautiful lady with a running stomach. Nothing is amusing people anymore in the tourism sector. Visitors no longer want to come to this burnt country with open mountains.
If you go to the Bible in Isaiah 12 when God was talking about the vegetation – you travel from Chimanimani all along the road to Hwange, we no longer reap anything from the farms. We even mourn of a reduction in the activities on these pieces of land. When veld fires are being set willy-nilly, we see our children, the policemen manning road blocks stopping someone and asking for licence disks for the motor vehicles instead of attending to the fire that has destroyed the veld or the country. Looking at the animals, barely a month goes by without someone being either killed by a lion or an elephant, or people’s homesteads are being destroyed by baboons.
They are bound to be in that position to come and disturb your peace because you would have destroyed their natural habitat. Veld fires have caused serious problems. We should not have blinkers like horses. If we are to have blinkers like horses, we are going to pay lip service to such an important issue. Our fields are no longer being productive. We were happy after you said that there was land redistribution. Our children are the chief culprits in causing veld fires; the A1 and A2 are notorious for causing veld fires.
In the communal lands, yes their manners are still prevailing because we live by our tradition. Traditional religion was set up so that people cannot be stubborn, rude or misbehave. It was taboo to burn a forest or burial grounds exposing resting places of dead people by fires that are left unattended. You hear a story of a woman who died in the fire as she was trying to take out a child from the house. We must tame them young, discouraging them from keeping boxes of matches in their pockets. When they go to the communal lands and want to carry out propitiation rits, what purpose is a box of matches to someone who is going to perform a propitiation ritual.
The Government is trying to give us bulls so that we can revive our national heads. They can never produce good cows with very poor quality cows. We want our resettled children to be able to ensure that they desist from causing veld fires. I reiterate that the motion that was raised by Hon. Sen. Gumpo has caused a lot of infrastructure to be destroyed, a lot of Hon. Senators are building beautiful houses but the same timber from the trees that they are burning can no longer be produced. Looking into such issues, you should go back to the basics and that we should be apprehensive of causing such fires because veld fires cause destruction.
Hon. Senators, we should go back as leaders and educate people about the need to desist from causing veld fires and that the people should be moral and take their values and ensure that they uphold our culture. The Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development is having problems to revenue the economy. We cannot be forever perennial burdens to everything in this country if all the resources we were blessed with by God are destroyed by fires. Electric poles are being burnt and problems arise and as a result livestock is being lost. I thank Hon. Sen. Gumpo for raising this motion.
Let us go back to our original state and maintain the importance of our culture. We should not be opposing for the sake of opposing regardless of whoever would have said it. I thank you Hon. President.
HON. SEN. CHIEF GUMPO: Mr. President, I move that the
debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
PROTECTION OF CATTLE AGAINST TICK-BORNE DISEASES
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call to control tick borne disease affecting livestock in Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Mr. President for affording me the opportunity to debate on this motion by adding a few words in support of the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi in relationship to the lake of chemicals to prevent tick borne diseases. What we should do is eradicate tick borne diseases and other diseases that affect livestock. I am glad the Minister of Finance is here and he is the one who is supposed to look for money so that we should be able to dip our livestock. Matabeleland was on television and they were mourning about the loss of their livestock. They said there are no chemicals to dip their cattle and ticks are a major problem. Livestock such as cattle are important; they are a measure of wealth for anyone who is at a communal home. If you have no cattle at your homestead, you are not a father just like if you are a mother, you should have your own kitchen.
We are observing that men are losing their respect.
I urge the Minister of Finance to read our debates so that he can see what he can do to alleviate the problems that are affecting the generality of the public who are mourning. In the past, we used to have dip tanks that were used to be run every week and there were sufficient chemicals. You could smell the chemicals from the cattle coming out of the dip tank from a distance. Government should come to the aid of the farmers. If we run out of cattle, it will be uncalled for, for us to then go and look for cattle in Botswana. We have our own good cattle breeds.
The chemicals used for dipping; I do not think they are very expensive. You should just look for dipping chemicals that they be supplied nationwide so that people are able to take their cattle to the diptanks so that they are rid of diseases. Cattle are now expensive. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to encourage the Minister of Finance to look for finance to come up with dip-tank chemicals so that our livestock can survive. Cattle are a source of wealth and are resources which we use to plough when we do not have tractors. If these cattle lose weight, it is difficult for us to use them for ploughing because they will not be having good health and we do not have chemicals for treatment. With those few words, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the motion by Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi on one of our important resources which restores our dignity as a people.
Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: Thank you Mr. President. I stand up
to support the motion moved by Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi. Firstly, I would like to say congratulations Mr. President for the new year. When I was growing up in Njanja, it was a crime if one failed to dip cattle. I do not know how the dip-tank attendants knew whether the dipping ticket was marked or not but within three days of failing to dip one’s cattle, they would make a follow-up. This is because they knew the importance of dipping cattle. Today we store the dipping chemicals in our homes and smear our cattle with it yet some cattle are troublesome and they cannot be smeared. However, if those cattle were dipped at the dip-tanks, they would all be treated within the dip-tanks without any problem.
We direct our plight to the Government of Zimbabwe and its Ministries responsible for our livestock, that you should remember the people of Zimbabwe especially those in rural areas. In the rural areas, people have nothing except their cattle, now if the cattle which we so much depend on within our households perish, how will the fathers be respected? Cattle were used as a source of livelihood to send children to school and pay restitution when children commit crime when there is no money.
I will give you an example of when cattle perished in our rural home from Chivhu to Wedza. In a given village, only three cattle would be found and as I speak now, villages in Njanja have only three cattle each and some even say it is rare and scary to come across cow dung. This is all because cattle perished and we do not even know the disease that led to the death. We would just wake up and see cattle facing the direction from where the sun rises and that means they would have died the whole herd.
I am happy that the Hon. Minister, Prof. Ncube is present and is hearing what is being said by Hon. Senators who are representatives of the people. During your budgets, you should not remove such budgets and listen more to what the people say because these Senators may not be too educated but they live with the people. The other issue is that we are unable to diagnose the diseases of our livestock and yet a lot of diseases affect them. We no longer hear or see the services of veterinary officers in our rural homes. Houses were once built for the veterinary officers in our rural homes but today, they are just white elephants. The question we ask is, where are they working from when we had built houses for them in our midst so that they identify stray dogs which bite people?
Today, if a dog infected with rabbis bites a person in the rural areas, the person just dies because even here, the medication for rabbis is not found, it is found in South Africa. So, our livestock have perished and we do not know whether it is because of lack of knowledge or it is a result of corruption. What is destroying our economy is corruption. If we handled our resources with care, we would be able to talk to each other with confidence face to face. We are unable to speak to each other face to face today because we are always accusing each other of corrupt activities. With those few words, I thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Mr.
President. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi for moving this motion on the wiping off of our livestock. In our culture as black people, cattle are our inheritance and wealth or education policy. It is a disposable asset such that I can dispose in exchange for cash. The majority of those speaking here benefitted from the sale of cattle in order to attend school. It is insurance for the family and also a form of a pension. When one passes on, they leave behind something tangible from where the family can fall back on, the wife and children. Therefore, cattle should be kept well so that they do not die; it is a bank account and pension. When you swipe your money from the banking halls, I go to my cattle pen, that is my account and sell one when faced with any problem. That is how one utilises his cattle. The livestock are a form of a draught power; you get health and nutrition in the form of milk from the cattle and the meat as well.
In our African culture, cattle are used for a lot of things; there are symbolic bulls which are given names in our tradition. Today, we have very few bulls even if you are to look around the communal areas. In towns we talk of buying shares or properties but we do not have a value to put on properties which we construct in our communal homes. Some people sell their shares at the Stock Exchange but I will be selling my cattle. So the issue of livestock is a very essential motion brought into this House. Well done Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi, I support you on this motion. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you for the opportunity that you have granted me to add my voice to the mover of the motion on the issue of livestock that we have, especially with the cattle and what affects them. I am not going to dwell much on that but I will indicate on the challenges that we face as Matabeleland South.
I come from a region where they do cattle ranching. Most of the cattle that we have do not have the value that they used to have because of the diseases that attack them and most of the time it is the issue of the economy. From Mangwe District, we are very far and we are kindly asking from the Government that for example our livestock are close to Botswana and most of the time the Botswana Government shoot them alleging that they have foot and mouth disease. Last year people lost about 300 cattle. The Botswana Government, most of the time shoot any cattle that cross their border. We are asking that the Government, if they can try and find means when my livestock has crossed into
Botswana, to allow me to collect them rather than shooting them.
For example in Makorokoro and Brunaperg, Ngwizi, most of them do not have any livestock because of that. It is only about 2km for you to get to the border and most of the times our livestock cross the fence because of people who would have cut the fence. At the end of the day we have realised that once the livestock get to the border the Botswana Government will just shoot any livestock they see because they claim they have foot and mouth disease. If only as the Government we can treat our livestock, maybe the Botswana Government would not shoot them down, but will allow that they be brought back. Thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE 139TH ASSEMBLY OF THE INTER-
PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the 139th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, Switzerland.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
NATIONAL POLICY ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to formulate a comprehensive National Disability Policy and review the Disabled Persons Act.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. SINAMPANDE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE), the
Senate adjourned at Seventeen Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 29th January, 2019
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
BILLS RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have to inform the
Senate that I have received the following Bills from the National
Assembly;
Appropriation (2019) Bill [H. B. 12, 2018]; and
Finance Bill (No. 3) [H. B. 13A, 2018];
INVITATION TO A CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND
WORKSHOP
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I also wish to inform
the Senate that all Hon. Senators are invited to a workshop on Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on Thursday 31st January, 2019 from 0830 hours to 1000 hours. Buses will leave Parliament building at 0800 hours.
INVITATION TO A NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Furthermore, I have to
inform the Senate that all Hon. Senators are invited to participate in the National Clean-up Campaign on Friday 1st February 2019 from 0800 hours to 1000 hours. Parliament is expected to clean streets adjacent to its building namely, Nelson Mandela and Nkwame Nkrumah Avenues, between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Senators interested are requested to meet in Parliament car park on Friday 1st February at 0800 hours.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I move that notice of motion number one be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I move that the
debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 31st January 2019.
MOTION
SILTATION IN RIVERS AND DAMS
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the level of siltation which is threatening the existence of most rivers and dams.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: Thank you Madam President for remembering my name and compliments of the new season.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Same to you Hon.
Senator.
*HON. SEN. SHOKO: The matter that was raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu is a pertinent one. Our rivers are heavily silted, our trees have been cut and we now have deforestation and as a result we are not having sufficient rains to ensure that there is sufficient drinking water for the cattle and humans.
The motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu is an extensive issue because it also brings on board the issue of climate change. Climate change goes together with what was mentioned by
Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu because the issues that we are discussing are happening under the jurisdiction of chiefs. Chiefs should have sufficient authority to deal with such cases by such perpetrators of soil erosion. Animal drawn carts cause soil erosion and the result of them being drawn on the ground, soil erosion is being promoted. Hence chiefs should take sufficient steps to deal with such issues so that we eradicate soil erosion as the soil will be silted into the dams and rivers which in turn will be heavily silted. As a result, this reduces the carrying capacity of the dams and rivers due to siltation. It is my plea that chiefs are made aware and appreciate the consequences of siltation.
It is not the duty of the chiefs alone but the Ministry of Lands,
Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry should work hand in glove with the chiefs to ensure that they put a stop to such malpractices. There are certain areas that are controlled by the Rural District Council or municipality – the local authorities should ensure that they work hand in glove with other partners to ensure that there is no soil erosion that goes into the dams and rivers and cause siltation.
I come from Bulawayo where water shortages are perennial, if you go to the dam and try to immerse a log into river bed – you cannot penetrate because it is filled with sand. I would want to believe that those who are in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and environmental agency should ensure that people have the knowledge on how to de-silt these rivers – that is very important for them to do so. Failure to do so, we foresee a situation where in about five to ten years time, we will still have a dam with very little water capacity and we start mourning. As a result, us as urban dwellers will bear the brunt of such mishaps. Yet this will have been occasioned by siltation caused by soil erosion which should have been stopped. As a result, livestock will not have sufficient water quantities and come November/December, the dams will not have sufficient water or no water at all due to heavy siltation.
So the matter that has been raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu is an important matter and we should put our heads together and see to it that we put a stop to siltation. Our failure to do so will result in us mourning because whenever things go wrong, we require rehabilitation to take place. We will start mourning when the city council says they want to de-silt the dams and levy us $5.00 or less – as urban dwellers, we will cry. The same would apply for those who are in the rural areas when such levies are being asked for.
Everyone who is in Parliament, Government, Ministry or ministries should ensure that people are enlightened because a lot of offences are committed by people due to ignorance. Knowledge is power. Once there is lack of adequate education, then we have a serious problem. I urge the ministries to look into this matter. Let us correct these anomalies so that we have sufficient water quantities. There are wars in other countries due to lack of water, people are fighting so as to gain access to water. We do not want the same scenario to occur as regards our livestock. It is important to put a stop to this as a stitch in time saves nine.
Madam President, with those words, I thank you for having afforded me an opportunity to make my contribution to the motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Chundu.
*HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: Thank you Madam President, I just
want to support this important motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Chundu and his seconder. It is an important motion that affects the livelihoods of people.
It is now a big problem in this country that our dams and rivers, as has been stated earlier by the previous speaker, are now heavily silted and no longer have sufficient water capacity. The other cause of this problem is the people who are into gold panning. I would want to believe that our people do not prioritise such environmental issues, as a result we end up in problems but they care the least. It is also dangerous as regards to those who are into gold panning because water quantities will be affected by gold panning. There is also the danger that people and animals may fall into such pits, wild animals will also come to people’s homesteads in search of water and this is a danger to the lives of people and may even lead to loss of lives.
Madam President, our dams and rivers need to be conserved so that we do not have hunger in this country because these water bodies help us in doing our agriculture in this country. It is my considered view that our people need to be constantly educated on such issues. For example, in my Constituency in Mt. Darwin, we had problems with elephants that were now coming to the homesteads – leaving the forests where they are supposed to be. They would be very angry and thirsty and a thirsty animal is very dangerous and will attack anything or anyone that it comes across.
Water is life to both men and wild animals. So as members of this august House and other different people in different sectors. We should enlighten people and as Hon. Members, we ought to be in the forefront ensuring that we educate people about the dangers of soil erosion and siltation of water bodies. Let us lead from the front. We have a lot of big dams and rivers but some of these have been reduced to sorry sights because of environmental degradation.
Deforestation is also another cause of this problem of siltation. We should conserve water so that we can live well. I thank you Madam President.
*HON. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Madam President
for giving me the opportunity to debate. Firstly, I would like to say compliments of the new season to you Madam President and to all Hon.
Senators. We are happy that we have all come back to the House.
The issue raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu concerning siltation is a big problem. I think we should establish the cause or the people who cause this problem. If we travel in any direction, we find that there is sand on the river beds that used to be mighty rivers. All of us here drive week in week out and are observing such scenarios yet we are turning a blind eye to it. Let us be held accountable as leaders. This is not right for this country. Who is the culprit or whose responsibility is it to ensure that there is no water siltation?
Hon. Sen. Shoko has mentioned that Chiefs should ensure that they put to trial culprits who do that. Thank you for the power that you are giving us. Give us the keys so that we are able to dispense justice in that regard. I am saying so because the jurisdiction of communal lands came to an end before independence. Once people were moved from commercial farms to small areas, there was overpopulation. As the population grew, the problem became worse every year. We do not have trees not because the people of these areas do not understand but it is because the areas were densely populated when regions 1, 2 and 3 were reserved as untouchable.
We know the case of Mazowe and Chinhoyi for example. We were pushed into the southern part where we have bad soils. That was the settlement areas – we have A1 and A2. This has started and who is the culprit because we do not have village heads or Chiefs in most cases. It is a free for all. There are no clear cut leaders in those communities or settlements because the area is said to be under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Lands but there is no representative in the village or ward; they are at the district office hence the people do as they please. The Chiefs are trying in their own areas but it is my wish that through you Madam President, Hon. Sen. Shoko has said the Chiefs should do it.
The land belongs to the Chief but technically it belongs to the Ministry of Lands. We tell people that they should not cut trees willynilly. There are individuals who even sell land in the resettlement areas for US$400 to US$1 000. Most of these people are con-artists who are making cheap money. We take them to courts and we are being challenged at those courts yet we are trying to discharge the duties that you have given us as Chiefs. I have said that this person is guilty of selling land. I am doing this in my jurisdiction but when we get to the courts, there will be a lawyer who will come and say that the Chief has no authority in a resettlement area. The person will be saying that he bought the land for US$1 000 and we say these are illegal settlers.
There is land degradation or land is being misused – we must look for the people who are responsible. People at district level are young and they cannot handle court challenges. These are the problems that we are facing. When you go back, you find that initially you are complaining about a hectare where trees have been cut down willy-nilly but on your way back, you find ten hectares will now be cut. Illegal settlements are too many. I know the Minister of Lands through the Hon. Minister Shiri said that he is giving notices to everyone who is illegally sdettled but he knows that there is an outcry that he wants to chase away the people. It is not good to chase away people that have been properly resettled. We have cases where a group of hundred people gave money to a John and are being protected. We cannot defend such settlers. There should be a distinction of cases that can be regularised and those that can never be regularised which include people who are selling land. Those that are selling land are happy because they will continue selling and say discontinue giving notices of eviction for those that are on the land.
Another issue is about the Forestry Act which was enacted in 1953 when most of us here were not yet born save a few Hon. Senators like
Hon. Sen. Hungwe and Hon. Sen. Sekeramayi. This Act states that the authority to cut a tree is sought from a police officer at a police station.
You are giving me the power here but the Act does not support me. The Environmental Management Agency has also come on board but if the forests are to be preserved, we have people that are on the ground. The village heads and councillors should join hands and arrest culprits. That way we can reverse land degradation. This is an issue that cannot be presided over by someone who is in Harare, it needs someone to be on the ground and give them sufficient power for them to be able to discharge these duties. There is the Land Resettlement Act, Forestry Act, Mines Act and they also have their own Acts; that is giving us a lot of problems and they say that they do not have power. Such motions as moved by Hon. Sen. Shoko should be redressed.
Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu himself will tell you that he once held a meeting in Chinhoyi with Chiefs in Mashonaland West. There was an outcry on deforestation by tobacco farmers. They get permits from Harare and they are told to go to Chundu area where they are allowed to cut trees that are under the Chief’s jurisdiction. Once challenged, they produce a permit and say they got it from higher authorities. So, you should assist us and not blame us as Chiefs as we do not have an enabling Act to ensure that we discharge or dispense justice.
Lastly, I conclude with mining. Where they are minerals, you even here people are now using machetes and guns to kill each other after they would have destroyed the environment. I thank you Madam President.
*HON. SEN. RWAMBIWA: Thank you Madam President. I just
want to make a few additions. I heard Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira saying that we should work hand in glove, with Chiefs and councillors to ensure that we redress this problem. The chief culprits are the village heads. Whenever someone comes to the communal lands looking for a stand, they give the village head US$30 dollars and are given a place where there is a hill. People deforest that area through clearing and it is the village head who would have allowed that. We have river beds where they are allocating people stands.
So, it is difficult for the village heads and the councillors to redress this problem. Let us have ways to redress this without involving these two because they are corrupt; there is corruption. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NTABENI: I thank you Madam President
for giving me the opportunity. I say compliments of the new season to you Madam President and my fellow Hon. Senators. I want to add my voice to the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu. In his debate, he spoke very well. It is an issue that involves us as Chiefs because all of us come from the rural areas. We are suffering in the rural areas Madam President. We have problems of water siltation which has led to insufficient water quantities. We are being marginalised since independence. Not even a single dam has been constructed because people do not even know what dams are. The remaining boreholes are not functioning and we are now sharing drinking water with our livestock. Siltation has affected the majority of our dams.
We should be serious in terms of this matter. So let us be honest when addressing this. The Government stands with the people that are in the urban lands; I am surprised that there are tanks and reservoirs in towns but what about us in rural lands. We are suffering. At one time as I was driving, I found people with too many ox-drawn carts full of water and you will be quite ashamed if you are driving a motor vehicle.
I was hoping that I will say very few words but we do not have such power because you said the village heads have the power to resettle people when chiefs do not have such powers. We are not here just for the sake of opposing. We are suffering together with you as regards the issue of insufficient water caused by water siltation and soil erosion. If possible we should have ways to correct such things. A lot of these boreholes were put in place by the Smith regime of which the majority of them are no longer functioning. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: Thank you Madam President, I felt I
should add a little bit to this very important motion raised by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu. For me, it is one of the most important motions which has been introduced. I think for us to be able to solve this problem of siltation, we need to be very honest as a people because this siltation has caused a lot of havoc to the national fiscus and even to the livelihood of everyone. Let us be honest with ourselves. This problem of siltation – I
am sure the age groups of people who are in here were grown-ups at independent. Before independence, we had no siltation - maybe very little if any. I think we should have for those ‘vaiva muhondo’, we were going to those Agritex officer accusing them of forcing us to make culverts, migero. So, those things were very important because as far as I know, even if you were given a place to farm, you would not start ploughing before an Agritex officer came to see if those culverts were well done. You would actually spend a month trying to correct the gradients, everything and divert it to avoid siltation. Unfortunately, we actually failed to copy a very simply thing and I think those are some of the things which we need.
When we grew up in the rural areas, we were actually afraid to go to the rivers because they were so deep and black when you look into them, ‘zvichinzi anenjuzu’. Everyone could do his gardening but now, how many people would actually be able to do it throughout Zimbabwe – know one. Why, because the whole area, the dams and rivers are now under siltation. Now, considering the cost of reclaiming, we do not have money and no one will actually come to support people who are foolish and cannot look after their resources. So, I think we have failed to take our people away from the mood yemuhondo. Those Agritex officers right now are scattered throughout every homestead doing nothing. People are cultivating in the stream banks and there is deforestation. All this contribute to siltation. We think it is the river but at the end of the day, even in Harare right now we are suffering from the effects of siltation. We are saying we do not have enough water yet the greater part of all our lakes is full of sand. So, I think it is very important. We may blame the chiefs or village heads but the problem is the Central Government which has failed to do its duty. I think we have to be honest or 20 years later, it is still like that and the chiefs and village heads have no power, it has been usurped. People are strong political and we have to be very honest with ourselves if we are going to solve this very important issue – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – Just to buttress the need for Central Government to be fully involved.
My father in law was given a farm in Shamva and there was a very big dam from where one could irrigate but a few years back, there were Chinese nationals who were given a permit to establish a mine about 100 metres from the dam. My father-in-law came to Harare several times to complain about those people but the people from Mines were saying;
‘mining supersedes everything, even if I find that there is gold in your house, we can destroy your house and do mining.’ Right now if you go there, the dam is all sand and there is no dam, that is Central
Government. We are actually allowing Chinese nationals to come and do mining from the whole of Mazoe. Mazoe used to be a very big river, feeding all over and that was the source of our bread basket in terms of irrigation. Even the dams which were built by the colonial regime are just sand, there is nothing. I think as Central Government, we need to come in and enforce friendly laws. It is easy, we cannot reinvent the wheel, it was there and we never used to talk about siltation. In fact, we were afraid of going to the river because there were very big pools where you could drown or for fear of crocodiles because there was water everywhere but right now we do not have it. I think it is everyone’s duty to put together our acts and do things properly.
The last issue is the impact of siltation. Right now, rural people go for 40 to 50kms with their livestock to look for water. We have actually disempowered rural people; they have lost a lot of herd because of lack of water resulting from siltation; that is how serious the issue is. I think we all need to make sure that we give this issue the urgency it deserves. I think it is the Central Government which should enforce and make sure that even the new resettled areas – you will find that someone might plough against the slope and it will be causing erosion of sand into the river. We cannot reach anywhere with that sort of behaviour and soon we will be in Kalahari when we used to be in the tropical forest where there were so many good things.
So, I would like to conclude by thanking Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu for giving us the opportunity to talk and discuss about this issue. I think it has to be escalated to the right office. I am happy that the Hon.
Minister Shiri is here – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – you really need to make sure that the Agritex officers are empowered and borrow the few things which were good during the colonial days when there was no siltation. I am not asking anyone because I lived during that time. If I compare it, it is only a term which I started hearing after independence, not very early but after the late 90s when it was free for all, no rule of law on how we use our resources. Thank you very much Madam President.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Madam President. I
stand up to support this motion moved by Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu. It is a very important motion. The problems associated with siltation have been discussed and I think that we may go on and on debating about the causes and effects of siltation but we should look at means and ways of resolving this problem and this will help us to identify human and material resources needed to clear this siltation. This will help us to alleviate this problem rather than continue discussing on the effects it has caused. If we do that, it will help us as a nation so that we restore our rivers and dams. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: Thank you Madam President. I
move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
UPGRADING OF TOURIST FACILITIES IN KARIBA
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the strategic role of tourism to the country’s economic development.
Question again proposed.
Hon. Gumpo having stood up to debate.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You debated, do
you still remember.
HON. GUMPO: I would like to extend the debate –
[Laughter.] –
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: We do not do it
that way Hon. Senator.
HON. SEN. GUMBO: I move that the debate do now adjourned.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 31st January, 2019.
MOTION
CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS BY THE ZIMBABWE CRICKET
BOARD
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the allegations of corruption by the Zimbabwe Cricket Board.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Madam President and
compliments of the new season. Firstly, I would like to thank the mover of this motion, Hon. Sen. Timveos. I do not play cricket but the manner in which she raised corrupt tendencies that are being done by the cricket board is quite painful. It hurts us especially when you look at sport in Zimbabwe.
Sport in Zimbabwe is not being properly run because of the board that is corrupt. The board is alleged to be corrupt. That is why there has not been any development in cricket. Those that have developed, it is because they will be having money to go outside and play with other countries, they are self-sponsored. On outside countries that sponsor cricket, Madam President, you had to follow what the newspapers or other news items say. We are being scolded as Zimbabweans because we are said not to be supporting our children fully by giving them resources to ensure that they conduct their business in sport, even those that are in football or women that are in football.
We are losing; I do not know whether it is the lack of finance that should be given to the board by the country so that the board can further develop our children. Sport is now the mainstay in our children’s lives, whether it is in schools or in national sports. Children like sports so much and it is developing them in their social, economic life.
The recently conducted elections - we are happy that the elections to that body had been initially postponed because people were accused of vote buying. They were then invalidated and a second election was called for. Barely three weeks since the board has taken office, there are allegations of corruption by the new board. We should look closely and see how best we can end this corruption.
We have debated on several occasions about corruption and we are saying everyone who has broken the law, someone who has done something illegal, should be arrested. I am happy that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development is here. Maybe he could assist that there could be proper investigations into the causes of this corruption which is well chronicled for Zimbabwe in everything, even in sport because there are people that are selfish and they want to have all the resources to themselves.
I was seriously touched by this motion, Madam President, and as
Hon. Members, let us put our political jackets aside. As Hon. Members who are leaders, let us speak against corruption. Anyone who is corrupt should be dismissed, whether he comes from our political party or they got that position through someone who is powerful. We are pointing fingers into each other’s eyes or destroying each other’s eyes because of corruption. We should not turn a blind eye to corruption. While there are allegations about corruption in cricket, the relevant Portfolio Committee on sport should summon the Minister and the Minister should be questioned so that we know what exactly is happening in that Ministry so that corruption can be put to an end. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. ZIVIRA: Thank you Madam President. I thank
Hon. Sen. Timveos for raising this motion about corruption in sport. This corruption is not just limited to the cricket fraternity, there is the football body. For people to run for the office, they were asked to pay US$3 000. Where will you get the US$3 000 when you are earning bond notes? How many people paid those US$3 000? Those grants that are paid by FIFA are given to us in United States dollars, where is the money going to? They take the money and replace it with bond notes but they would have received grants from outside the country in the form of foreign currency. That is corruption.
Once they are arrested, they will say the rate for the bond and the United States dollars is 1:1 then they exchange the United States dollars on the market. This is where corruption is. We should be careful about the administration of sport. We will not be successful in most of our matches because some of our matches are being thrown away because of corruption because of these United States dollars. We should put an end to this. I thank you.
HON. SEN. FEMAI: Madam President, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to debate and also thank Hon. Sen. Timveos who remembered the sports persons whose limbs are being broken yet the benefits are being reaped by those who did not sow.
First and foremost, Madam President, we should go, look and see amongst those who are leading the Cricket body, how many are former cricket players? None of them may actually be former cricket players but he is said to be so and so who runs a certain bar and is given a position yet they are not knowledgeable about how cricket is run. Such is the level of corruption that we are experiencing in sport. This is massive corruption and I will not just talk about corruption but will also talk of racism.
I will give you an example of racism. Cricket used to put Zimbabwe on the map. There were white nationals who were also good at playing cricket but we heard that they were chased away. There are black nationals who we had never seen playing cricket – I never heard of our great grandfathers playing cricket. Cricket is an elitist sport that was introduced to us by whites. We should have learnt how cricket is run and played. We had people who could teach us but we chased them away. The countries that have our players whom we chased away as a result of racism are doing quite well. Let us leave racism and say whoever is good at any particular sport, be they of Asia Chinese or African descent as long as they are good in sport should be afforded an opportunity to do so and by so. By doing, this country will be developed.
Countries are being developed because they return from tournaments with medals that can fill up this room. They are our neighbours and we used to do better than them before their independence but they are now the champions because they are not racist. It is a free for all in that particular country to participate in a sport of their choice regardless of their origin, be they of Asian or Chinese descent – they are all Zimbabweans or they are all South Africans.
We will move on to soccer which is also another sporting activity. I urge the relevant Minister of Finance and Economic Development, I that there be audits in cricket, soccer with Zimbabwe Football
Association (ZIFA), PSL and even clubs so that they do not behave in an untoward manner. We saw players being bought in this country. A player from Zimbabwe - we see that Dynamos Football Club a player for $500.00 - $500.00 for a player? The player who attracts massive spectators, entertains them and leaves after the star player has scored is bought for $500.00 when in fact the money has been misused by an official who has pocketed the money. The relevant Ministry should
carry out audits in sporting bodies such as cricket, soccer, rugby and the clubs themselves.
I am a former soccer administrator. Once the gates are opened, you hear that this particular gate is for the chef – that is corruption! The money that is supposed to be collected by security agents and taken to the bank is taken by the chairperson who goes away with the funding. We urge that an immediate stop be put to such malpractices and that the relevant Ministry carries investigations. You even find the clubs moving around but the players are not benefiting anything. The officials drive porsche cars when players travel by bus. You think that such a player will perform for us to achieve world cup qualification status? We will not get there because of racism and corruption which will never end.
Why does corruption not end in this country? I would be arrested within a day if I were to burn down the house next door but someone who is corrupt is never arrested 20 years down the line. Why? I would be arrested within two days for an act of arson. This proves that our police officers are good at investigating but why are they failing to bring the culprits of corruption to book? It is a question that we are persistently asking the Government.
We are saying remove corruption from sporting bodies so that sport is developed in this country. We want people to be independent. We are always shouting at each because there is no entertainment as it was in the past. We would spend a long time on Mondays discussing what would have transpired during sports over the weekends. We now tend to be very political about everything yet sport used to be a rallying point for everyone. Let us go back and ensure that our sporting bodies thrive.
Furthermore, I urge Government to provide funding to those that are performing well. For example, a soccer team that is playing in the Confederation of African Football, we hear they have no money for their airfares yet there is a Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is collecting 22% from the gate takings through the Sports and Recreation Commission. Where is all that money that they are collecting going to? The same applies to cricket. A certain percentage is given to the Ministry or is there no youth policy or there are no youths being developed. What is happening? Anyone who is corrupt should be arrested in the same manner an arsonist is arrested. With those words, Mr. President, I thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
OUTBREAKS OF VELD FIRES
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the recurrence of outbreaks of veld fires with devastating effects on the environment.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. S. MPOFU: Thank you very much Mr. President
for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to the motion raised by
Hon. Sen. Gumpo. Before I proceed, I would like to wish you and all Hon. Senators well in this year – 2019.
I want to thank the mover of this motion, Hon. Sen. Gumpo who raised this motion to do with veld fires. I have realised that most of the people who cause these veld fires are the truck drivers. When they have a breakdown, they will start a fire may be trying to prepare a meal and they do not put out the fire. That will then be the root cause of veld fires.
Another root cause of veld fires especially in rural areas is our children who will be trying to catch bees. They start fires as a way of attracting bees and they forget to put out the fire.
This can also destroy the grazing land for our livestock because of the clumsiness of those who will be trying to catch the bees and also those who will be trying to clear the land for farming. Most of the time after tilling the land, they will start fires to destroy whatever they do not want yet there is an Act that says people should not start veld fires especially in July. We have realised that people do not follow such laws and people from EMA should do public education to the communities on veld fires and also include students in different schools.
It is my wish that Civil Protection, since it is responsible for such things like floods should also be allocated a good budget so that when we have veld fires they are able to act, protect or encourage people to join outreach programmes on what to do in case there is a veld fire. The Civil Protection Department is the one that is responsible for such disasters especially in our rural areas.
Tourists who visit our country mostly visit because of the vegetation that we have in our country. They love this vegetation which is a beautiful scene to look at. When we have deforestation, it reduces the number of tourists coming into our country. Hon. Sen. Gumpo brought into this House a very good motion. If we keep our vegetation, we will be able to make money out of it. We will be able to make timber out of the trees that we have.
It is important as well to encourage teachers that they teach our children not to start veld fires. EMA should also have laws that can be adhered to by all members of the community encouraging them in outreach programmes not to start veld fires. With these few words, I would like to thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you
Hon. Senator. On behalf of the other Hon. Senators, I would like to wish you also a very fruitful 2019.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: I rise to support the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Gumpo. The issue of veld fires has given us problems and sleepless nights. In the past, the country used to be beautiful. People were afraid to burn bushes because they feared that there would be wild animals like lions in the forests. This was because of the practice that was amongst the people that led them to be afraid to start fires but now our country is in a worse of state.
Let me reiterate Hon. President of the Senate, that there is no one who wants to go and propose love to a very beautiful lady who usually has mucus on the nose. That is how our tourism has been destroyed.
Our country is now akin to the beautiful lady with a running stomach. Nothing is amusing people anymore in the tourism sector. Visitors no longer want to come to this burnt country with open mountains.
If you go to the Bible in Isaiah 12 when God was talking about the vegetation – you travel from Chimanimani all along the road to Hwange, we no longer reap anything from the farms. We even mourn of a reduction in the activities on these pieces of land. When veld fires are being set willy-nilly, we see our children, the policemen manning road blocks stopping someone and asking for licence disks for the motor vehicles instead of attending to the fire that has destroyed the veld or the country. Looking at the animals, barely a month goes by without someone being either killed by a lion or an elephant, or people’s homesteads are being destroyed by baboons.
They are bound to be in that position to come and disturb your peace because you would have destroyed their natural habitat. Veld fires have caused serious problems. We should not have blinkers like horses. If we are to have blinkers like horses, we are going to pay lip service to such an important issue. Our fields are no longer being productive. We were happy after you said that there was land redistribution. Our children are the chief culprits in causing veld fires; the A1 and A2 are notorious for causing veld fires.
In the communal lands, yes their manners are still prevailing because we live by our tradition. Traditional religion was set up so that people cannot be stubborn, rude or misbehave. It was taboo to burn a forest or burial grounds exposing resting places of dead people by fires that are left unattended. You hear a story of a woman who died in the fire as she was trying to take out a child from the house. We must tame them young, discouraging them from keeping boxes of matches in their pockets. When they go to the communal lands and want to carry out propitiation rits, what purpose is a box of matches to someone who is going to perform a propitiation ritual.
The Government is trying to give us bulls so that we can revive our national heads. They can never produce good cows with very poor quality cows. We want our resettled children to be able to ensure that they desist from causing veld fires. I reiterate that the motion that was raised by Hon. Sen. Gumpo has caused a lot of infrastructure to be destroyed, a lot of Hon. Senators are building beautiful houses but the same timber from the trees that they are burning can no longer be produced. Looking into such issues, you should go back to the basics and that we should be apprehensive of causing such fires because veld fires cause destruction.
Hon. Senators, we should go back as leaders and educate people about the need to desist from causing veld fires and that the people should be moral and take their values and ensure that they uphold our culture. The Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development is having problems to revenue the economy. We cannot be forever perennial burdens to everything in this country if all the resources we were blessed with by God are destroyed by fires. Electric poles are being burnt and problems arise and as a result livestock is being lost. I thank Hon. Sen. Gumpo for raising this motion.
Let us go back to our original state and maintain the importance of our culture. We should not be opposing for the sake of opposing regardless of whoever would have said it. I thank you Hon. President.
HON. SEN. CHIEF GUMPO: Mr. President, I move that the
debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
PROTECTION OF CATTLE AGAINST TICK-BORNE DISEASES
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call to control tick borne disease affecting livestock in Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Mr. President for affording me the opportunity to debate on this motion by adding a few words in support of the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi in relationship to the lake of chemicals to prevent tick borne diseases. What we should do is eradicate tick borne diseases and other diseases that affect livestock. I am glad the Minister of Finance is here and he is the one who is supposed to look for money so that we should be able to dip our livestock. Matabeleland was on television and they were mourning about the loss of their livestock. They said there are no chemicals to dip their cattle and ticks are a major problem. Livestock such as cattle are important; they are a measure of wealth for anyone who is at a communal home. If you have no cattle at your homestead, you are not a father just like if you are a mother, you should have your own kitchen.
We are observing that men are losing their respect.
I urge the Minister of Finance to read our debates so that he can see what he can do to alleviate the problems that are affecting the generality of the public who are mourning. In the past, we used to have dip tanks that were used to be run every week and there were sufficient chemicals. You could smell the chemicals from the cattle coming out of the dip tank from a distance. Government should come to the aid of the farmers. If we run out of cattle, it will be uncalled for, for us to then go and look for cattle in Botswana. We have our own good cattle breeds.
The chemicals used for dipping; I do not think they are very expensive. You should just look for dipping chemicals that they be supplied nationwide so that people are able to take their cattle to the diptanks so that they are rid of diseases. Cattle are now expensive. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to encourage the Minister of Finance to look for finance to come up with dip-tank chemicals so that our livestock can survive. Cattle are a source of wealth and are resources which we use to plough when we do not have tractors. If these cattle lose weight, it is difficult for us to use them for ploughing because they will not be having good health and we do not have chemicals for treatment. With those few words, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the motion by Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi on one of our important resources which restores our dignity as a people.
Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: Thank you Mr. President. I stand up
to support the motion moved by Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi. Firstly, I would like to say congratulations Mr. President for the new year. When I was growing up in Njanja, it was a crime if one failed to dip cattle. I do not know how the dip-tank attendants knew whether the dipping ticket was marked or not but within three days of failing to dip one’s cattle, they would make a follow-up. This is because they knew the importance of dipping cattle. Today we store the dipping chemicals in our homes and smear our cattle with it yet some cattle are troublesome and they cannot be smeared. However, if those cattle were dipped at the dip-tanks, they would all be treated within the dip-tanks without any problem.
We direct our plight to the Government of Zimbabwe and its Ministries responsible for our livestock, that you should remember the people of Zimbabwe especially those in rural areas. In the rural areas, people have nothing except their cattle, now if the cattle which we so much depend on within our households perish, how will the fathers be respected? Cattle were used as a source of livelihood to send children to school and pay restitution when children commit crime when there is no money.
I will give you an example of when cattle perished in our rural home from Chivhu to Wedza. In a given village, only three cattle would be found and as I speak now, villages in Njanja have only three cattle each and some even say it is rare and scary to come across cow dung. This is all because cattle perished and we do not even know the disease that led to the death. We would just wake up and see cattle facing the direction from where the sun rises and that means they would have died the whole herd.
I am happy that the Hon. Minister, Prof. Ncube is present and is hearing what is being said by Hon. Senators who are representatives of the people. During your budgets, you should not remove such budgets and listen more to what the people say because these Senators may not be too educated but they live with the people. The other issue is that we are unable to diagnose the diseases of our livestock and yet a lot of diseases affect them. We no longer hear or see the services of veterinary officers in our rural homes. Houses were once built for the veterinary officers in our rural homes but today, they are just white elephants. The question we ask is, where are they working from when we had built houses for them in our midst so that they identify stray dogs which bite people?
Today, if a dog infected with rabbis bites a person in the rural areas, the person just dies because even here, the medication for rabbis is not found, it is found in South Africa. So, our livestock have perished and we do not know whether it is because of lack of knowledge or it is a result of corruption. What is destroying our economy is corruption. If we handled our resources with care, we would be able to talk to each other with confidence face to face. We are unable to speak to each other face to face today because we are always accusing each other of corrupt activities. With those few words, I thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Mr.
President. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi for moving this motion on the wiping off of our livestock. In our culture as black people, cattle are our inheritance and wealth or education policy. It is a disposable asset such that I can dispose in exchange for cash. The majority of those speaking here benefitted from the sale of cattle in order to attend school. It is insurance for the family and also a form of a pension. When one passes on, they leave behind something tangible from where the family can fall back on, the wife and children. Therefore, cattle should be kept well so that they do not die; it is a bank account and pension. When you swipe your money from the banking halls, I go to my cattle pen, that is my account and sell one when faced with any problem. That is how one utilises his cattle. The livestock are a form of a draught power; you get health and nutrition in the form of milk from the cattle and the meat as well.
In our African culture, cattle are used for a lot of things; there are symbolic bulls which are given names in our tradition. Today, we have very few bulls even if you are to look around the communal areas. In towns we talk of buying shares or properties but we do not have a value to put on properties which we construct in our communal homes. Some people sell their shares at the Stock Exchange but I will be selling my cattle. So the issue of livestock is a very essential motion brought into this House. Well done Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi, I support you on this motion. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you for the opportunity that you have granted me to add my voice to the mover of the motion on the issue of livestock that we have, especially with the cattle and what affects them. I am not going to dwell much on that but I will indicate on the challenges that we face as Matabeleland South.
I come from a region where they do cattle ranching. Most of the cattle that we have do not have the value that they used to have because of the diseases that attack them and most of the time it is the issue of the economy. From Mangwe District, we are very far and we are kindly asking from the Government that for example our livestock are close to Botswana and most of the time the Botswana Government shoot them alleging that they have foot and mouth disease. Last year people lost about 300 cattle. The Botswana Government, most of the time shoot any cattle that cross their border. We are asking that the Government, if they can try and find means when my livestock has crossed into
Botswana, to allow me to collect them rather than shooting them.
For example in Makorokoro and Brunaperg, Ngwizi, most of them do not have any livestock because of that. It is only about 2km for you to get to the border and most of the times our livestock cross the fence because of people who would have cut the fence. At the end of the day we have realised that once the livestock get to the border the Botswana Government will just shoot any livestock they see because they claim they have foot and mouth disease. If only as the Government we can treat our livestock, maybe the Botswana Government would not shoot them down, but will allow that they be brought back. Thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE 139TH ASSEMBLY OF THE INTER-
PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the 139th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, Switzerland.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
MOTION
NATIONAL POLICY ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to formulate a comprehensive National Disability Policy and review the Disabled Persons Act.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. SINAMPANDE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE), the
Senate adjourned at Seventeen Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 30th January, 2019
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF
SENATE
INVITATION TO A CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND
WORKSHOP
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to
inform the Senate that all Hon. Senators are reminded to attend a workshop on Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to be held tomorrow Thursday, 31st January, 2019 from 0830 hours to 1000 hours at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in the Jacaranda Room. Please note that Committee meetings will commence at 1030 hours to allow Members time to travel from the venue.
SECOND READING
FINANCE (NO. 3) BILL [H. B. 9, 2018]
First Order read: Second Reading: Finance No. 3) Bill [H. B. 9, 2018].
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Mr.
President. The Bill seeks to give effect to the fiscal measures that I proposed through the National Budget Statement delivered on the 22nd November, 2018 and also to improve revenue collection and administration. The opportunity is also taken to amend other Acts having fiscal, financial or investment implications.
In summary, the Bill provides for the following:
Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
This Bill proposes to alter the income “Bands” according to which rates of income tax are calculated. The main alteration is to the minimum level of income that will attract income tax. At present the minimum is $3 600 per annum, and this clause will increase that amount to $4 200 per annum. The highest marginal tax rate has also been reviewed downwards from 50% to 45%.
Intermediated Money Transfer Tax
Hon. Members would be aware that the Finance Act, 2002 introduced a tax on transfers of money between persons mediated by financial institutions otherwise than by cheque.
The Bill seeks to give effect to the new enhanced rate of intermediated money transfer tax provisional introduced through Statutory Instrument 205 of 2018. The Bill also defines the scope of exemptions from the tax.
The Bill further seeks to clarify that any amount of Intermediated Money Transfer Tax is not deductible for tax purpose.
Deemed Income Provision: Satellite Broadcasting Services and
Electronic Commerce Platforms
Mr. President, the Bill seeks to deem certain income to be from a source within Zimbabwe even if earned by service providers domiciled outside the country. Consequently, revenues earned in Zimbabwe by foreign-based satellite broadcasting services and electronic commerce platforms will be deemed to be from a source within Zimbabwe.
Allowable Deduction in Respect of Two or More Mining Locations
In order to safeguard revenue, the Bill proposes to amend the legislation, in order to provide clarity regarding the concept of
“Inseparable or Substantially Interdependent” operations.
Tax Debts of Voluntarily Wound Up Companies
Mr. President, I raised concern in my Budget Statement about company directors who evade tax by voluntarily winding-up a company and subsequently incorporating another, albeit the company doing the same business as the old one.
The Bill thus seeks to compel directors and shareholders of such companies to be jointly and severally liable for any amount of tax due.
Withholding Tax on Contracts
The Bill seeks to exempt payments to non-resident persons from withholding tax, in circumstances where they do not file tax returns, since they are not compelled to do so.
Anti-Avoidance and Transfer Provisions
The Finance Act of 2014 incorporated certain anti-avoidance and transfer pricing provisions in the Income Tax Act. The Bill seeks to improve the Transfer Pricing provisions through provision for penalties on a graduating scale for failure to adhere to transfer pricing provisions.
The Bill also seeks to compel taxpayers to submit annual returns showing transactions entered between controlled and/or associated enterprises and also provide for Transfer Pricing Documentary Requirements which will act as a guide to associated enterprises in the recording of transactions in compliance with the Arm’s Length Principle.
Value Added Tax
Payment Basis for Value Added Tax
The Bill seeks to extend the meaning of “time of supply”, such that, in the case of a supply of moveable goods, the time of supply will be the time of removal of that moveable good from the place of sale. In the case of supply of immovable goods, the time of supply will be the time when the recipient takes possession of such goods. Furthermore, in case of a supply of a service, the time of supply will be the time when the service is performed.
Permissible Deductions in Respect of Input Tax
The Bill seeks to provide that a registered operator cannot deduct any amounts from the input tax that would be as a result of applying a rate of exchange in excess of the parity rate of one United States dollar to a Bond note unit.
Payment of Tax in the Currency Trade
Mr. President Sir, the Bill seeks to oblige a registered person to pay VAT in the same currency that he or she would have been paid in respect of taxable supplies. It also provides for a civil penalty for the evasion of this provision.
Customs and Excise
Power of Customs Officers to Inspect Residential Property
The Bill seeks to give Customs officers the right to obtain a warrant from a magistrate authorising them to search any private residences that are reasonably suspected of being used to store uncustomed goods or commit contraventions of the Customs and Excise Act.
Mines and Minerals Act
Remittance of Royalties
Mr. President, the Bill seeks to introduce a civil penalty for failure to timeously remit royalties payable on minerals.
Revenue Authority Act
Expedited Procedure for Recovery of Outstanding Taxes
The Bill seeks to provide an expedited procedure for recovery of outstanding taxes in a manner which is simpler and fairer than the previous one.
Mr. President Sir, I now move that the Bill be read for the second time.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you very much Mr. President. I
just want to note with dismay that we have just received this Bill now and as you can see, with all the pages that it has, we cannot go through it at this moment in time but I want the Hon. Minister to clarify something that he said to say, this Bill is going to allow them to go into private people’s homes to search if they possibly suspect that there is money that is acquired illegally or something like that. I want clarification on that one
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. First and
foremost, I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for presenting the
Second Reading of this Bill.
Mr. President, I think the issue of the documents is that these were brought in long back, before the end of the year. Unfortunately it has taken us time to resume sitting and we seem to have forgotten but we got these Bills last year. I remember taking mine but I did not read it through and it was overtaken by events. So we cannot give excuses that the document was brought in today. I think this was just a reminder, according to me and there is nothing that should stop us from proceeding with the debate. I thank you. – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
*HON. SEN. MALULEKE: Thank you Mr. President. I would
like to thank the Hon. Minister for this Bill. We were all waiting for it to be tabled in order for our things to move. I thank you.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President sir. I have noted the contributions from the Hon. Members and I thank them for their contributions and comments.
On the first item, the document has been well-handled by the stance from Hon. Sen. Mohadi that these documents were distributed earlier for consideration by Hon. Senators.
On the issue of the searches, I must say that this issue was dealt with and simplified in the National Assembly so that it is not too different from what is currently the case. At the moment, the Customs officials have a right enshrined in the law to be able to search premises if they believe these premises are being used for commercial purposes and there is certain commercial activity which is evading taxes. This is already happening, so there is nothing new that we are trying to do except to close further loopholes, this is nothing substantial. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Committee Stage: With leave, forthwith
COMMITTEE STAGE
FINANCE (NO. 3) BILL [H. B. 13A, 2018]
House in Committee.
Clauses 1 to 8 put and agreed to.
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: Mr. Chairman, I have a minor point
which needs clarification from the Minister. It is unfortunately on Clause 6 but it will generally apply to all the clauses where money is mentioned. What denomination are we talking about? For example when you say $500 000.00; is this US$500 000.00 or 500 000.00 bond? I foresee a situation where somebody says I am providing service but this service is below US$500 000.00 and therefore I am exempted. If you look at that service, it may be worth 600 000.00 bond but below US$500 000.00. What money are we talking about?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Hon. Sen.
Mwonzora. This is 500 000.00 bond – [Laughter.] -
Clauses 9 to 17 put and agreed to.
On Clause 18:
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: I am sorry Mr. Chairman, I come
back to the same point. What it seems to be saying there is about a parity rate. I suppose this means one as to one that we were referring to. That then suggests that there is a Zimbabwean currency because we have no such currency as bond when we talk about money. That seems to suggest that there is a Zimbabwean currency. That is why you are talking about a parity rate. I want you to clarify – the US$ to what?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): As you recall, the
bond note was introduced as a way to ease the cash crisis and it was set at the rate of 1:1 with the USD. It is equivalent to that and it is explained – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Order, order. Can we please
pay attention?
Clause 18 put and agreed to – [HON. SENATORS: Inaudible
interjections.] –
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Order, please!
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: I am sorry I came late but on
Clause 18, I was looking at this if the price for the taxable...
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Sorry Senator, that may be
unprocedural because that has already been agreed to. So, we cannot go back to amend. It has already been endorsed, it is now past.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: When you say it has been agreed
to, that is why I apologized because I came late.
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Sorry, but in terms of
procedure if you can debate to it, you can debate after the sitting because it will not change anything. Once we say ‘agreed to’, we cannot go back and reopen the issue.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: Thank you for that.
Clauses 20 to 23 put and agreed to. – [HON. SEN. SHOKO:
Inaudible interjection.] –
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Order Hon. Sen. Shoko and
the Hon. Sen. to your left.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: Mr. Chair, I was not talking, I was just smiling to what is happening in the Senate – [Laughter.] –
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Unfortunately, the smile created some noise – [HON. SENATORS: Inaudible interjections.] - Hon Sen. Makone and Hon. Sen. Timveos please.
On Clause 24:
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: I want to go back to the Finance
Minister. He has written ‘Be liable to a secondary civil penalty of
US$30’. Are we talking of United States dollars or a mixture? – [HON.
SENATORS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Order, there is only one
person on the floor and that is Hon. Sen. Eng. Mudzuri. You cannot hijack his opportunity to speak. If you want to speak, you can raise your hand and you can be granted the opportunity also.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: My question is on the
specification - US$30 or the maximum monetary figures specified from time to time for the level but for now, which dollars because there is bond and United States dollars?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Chair. I
thank Hon. Sen. Eng. Mudzuri for that question. This rightly reads US$30; it is payable in bond because the exchange rate is parity and we are in a multi-currency regime.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: Can we be able to specify then that in the absence of US$30 then you can pay in 30 bond or RTGs because – [HON. SENATORS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Please if you want to take the
floor, indicate and I will give you the opportunity.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: I am saying if we do not specify
here, it is saying ‘or the maximum monetary figure specified from time to time for the level 4 whichever the level that is’. If there is any other specification but as of now, we have these two. It is not being taken equally especially when you are buying fuel or anything; you know that it is not equal. So, can we be able to specify whilst we are still making the Bill.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: The paragraph is clear, it is also clear that we are in a multi-currency regime and we have parity. So you can either read this as United States dollars or bond but if it is convenient for you, bond or RTGS because again the policy is one of parity across those 3. This is according to policy.
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: Thank you Minister, from a drafting
point of view, elsewhere we have distinguished between the US dollar and money other than foreign currency which includes bond notes and RTGS. We have distinguished it in a previous clause, which means United States dollar does not mean bond. Therefore, to convey the actual meaning that you want to convey there, it must specify that it is either payment in hard US currency or in currency other than foreign currency to take into account so that you do not have an administrative official saying that it is clear that it is written US dollars, therefore pay hard currency. To cushion our people from there, it must be specific that the payment shall be either in hard currency or in money other than foreign currency.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I have no objection to that, but what is clear is that we have in terms of policy a one to one conversion that is what we have absolutely. In fact, that is the issue and that is the transaction issue. It is that conversion and that is very simple.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: I think we need to take this exercise
very seriously, noting that we are representing people who will only come face to face with the court and being asked to pay in US dollars. The courts are very clear, they read what is written. I do not know why the Minister wants to take us through such a difficult exercise of bond, US when it fits or suits them. If they are very honest; for this country to go forward, we need honest people – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – not people who pretend. We are not here to act; I do not think we need to waste our time doing things which do not work. Right now, you are saying – [HON. SENATORS: Inaudible interjections.] – protect me Mr. Chairman, I think I need your protection.
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Order Hon. Senators. You are
protected.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: At the moment, we have got the rural folk who may actually be found wanting on this piece of legislation and when it is interpreted, it is US dollars. I find it very difficult to understand. If the Minister or the Government says if you transact, in their honest saying bond and US are trading at par, why should Government say if I get a United States dollar then I should put it in US dollar if bond is real money for you? I think we need to be honest if we are going to carry this country forward. I think it is very unfortunate that we are taking the country to this level but at the end of the day, you know life is very tricky. If you lie; facts will always be facts, we will not bring this country back. We cannot sit here and take a break when we are still dragging. We want to revive this country. This country does not belong to anyone, we need honesty and if it is a difficulty, we would know that we are under a difficulty and we will find solutions and not pretend like this. I find it very unfortunate.
So, Hon. Minister, I think, we as Government should not take people for granted. We used to have bearer cheques introduced by the former Governor Gono and we accepted them and worked with them.
Why should you continue to talk about the bond notes when it suits you? It becomes very confusing and I am not very surprised when people say it, they are confused and they cannot follow this. You use US dollars when it suits you. When you want US dollars, you want me to pay in US dollars and when you pay me, you give me bond notes. I think we need to be honest as leadership and not pretend – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – I think this is my submission.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: The bond note is legal tender and it is
set at parity to the US dollar. This is in terms of Section 44 of the
Reserve Bank Act – [HON. SENATORS: Inaudible interjections.] –
Citizens can pay…
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Order. I think the Minister is
explaining a very fundamental point, can we listen to him.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President Sir. I will begin by thanking the Hon. Member for his passionate contribution to the question. The bond note is the legal tender. In terms of our policy, it is set at 1:1 to the US dollar. Citizens are paying the Government at this rate. This is in terms of Section 44 of the Reserve Bank Act, there is no confusion. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAKONE: Thank you Mr. President. Through you,
I would like to confirm with the Minister. It is not a real question, you can either agree or disagree. I can see that the clerk is writing everything that he is saying. If he is not going to revise this and I fall far with the law where I am required to pay USD30, I can take my copy of this to the court and say the Minister said it is the same and here is your 30 bond, it is equivalent to the US dollars. Will that be accepted?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Yes.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: The President of the country
announced fuel prices. Firstly, at the pump price for locals, in US dollars for foreigners, that is why I wanted it specified. Let us not just bit the tables in excitement, let us be practical and see what is happening in the streets. I have been asked to pay in US dollar for my medication and I have to get the foreign currency in the street and not in the bank.
In addition, you have asked us to change our deposit accounts to one called a nostro and RTGS and we are saying 1:1. Let us be practical please, the common man is suffering out there. Let us define the correct thing.
If I go to CMED today, the fuel price is not one is to one, it is 3, let us be practical. Your announcements show us that it is not correct, so let us define it correctly. When we pronounce the Budget, we said it was in US dollars but the practical side is that when you want to buy anything, you are asked to buy the dollar itself and it is five times the difference. I have been trying to buy a simple thing like an electrical gadget, the traders want either bond or US dollar and they do not even want RTGS because they want to go to the street and buy a US dollar. I ask you Minister to go into the streets and ask where they get the US dollar.
Once we pronounce a dollar here, we will be asked to pay a US dollar. Can we pronounce a bond on 1:1 to a dollar and write it correctly as we are pronouncing it in this House.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I am very comfortable to add in
brackets, which is equivalent to the bond note. I was asked by Hon. Sen. Makone whether the bond will be accepted if one was found to be liable to a penalty and I said yes. I repeat that, frankly, that cannot be a punishment to Zimbabweans. From your own argument, it sounds like that will be a relief rather than punishment that they are able to pay in bond notes. Should you wish us to add in brackets, something that says, a bond; we will have to do that. I know that the Bill cannot be changed but I want to give it time.
You talked about an announcement, remember this is payment to Government itself and the Government sets the policy and very specific on this issue, it is not a general issue. It is being said by the Government itself and it is a policy. Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: Mr. President, I want to thank the
Minister for clarifying on the 1:1 and that the Payee is the Government. However, Hon. Minister, not every person in Zimbabwe has the privilege that Hon. Sen. Makone here has, of knowing these proceedings and the existence of a Parliamentary debate. So, the law must be clear. There are no two laws; one law is in the Parliamentary debate and the same in the Act. In the Parliamentary debate, Hon. Minister, you have explained and it is clear. In the law, it is not clear. I think a law must be easily interpreted, it must not have two interpretations. As it stands, this has two possible interpretations, that it is US dollar hard currency and secondly that it is US dollar or bond using parity. For that reason, and because you have no objection, I propose that we add that ‘payment, using the parity rate in bond note or RTGS, shall be deemed to be acceptable in fulfillment of this Clause’; just to be clear because when we go out there to the courts, I am speaking from experience; when you go to the courts and there are two interpretations, the discretion is that of the Magistrate. So, to remove that, let us just have something that is very clear.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I thank Hon. Sen. Mwonzora for his
impassionate input on this issue. This is very clear Sir. We have a multi-currency regime, we have a parity rate, we are paying to the Government and the Government has set a policy. Surely, were we to deviate from that policy by not accepting the bond note, the citizens have a right to challenge that. This is very clear. There is no confusion, there should not be any confusion – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for his explanation to try and clear this grey area which is confusing but very pertinent. What we are discussing here is public and I think it would also be very important if I could just ask a very simple question to the Minister to say, as Government, when we say petrol is $3.11 and a foreigner can come and buy it at US$1, are you subsidising foreigners at the expense of your citizenry? I think if you say that, the citizens out there will know that because we need to be practical. We need it to be real, not imaginary situations.
So, that simple statement if you say so, will be very happy. I would go out of here and say, Government prefers foreigners. You are subsidising foreigners. You pay more because this explanation, this is all what it leads to. I think, like Hon. Sen. Mwonzora said, he is a lawyer; law must be very simple for a lay person like me to understand than to be so confusing. So, can I have a response from the Minister that the position of Government is that we are subsidising foreigners when it comes to fuel and we are made to pay more as citizens?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Again, I thank the Senator for his passionate contribution and I sense a desire to protect Zimbabweans all the time, which we appreciate. I must say that issue that you raise is not before us right now. We are not discussing the fuel issue. It may be an issue for another time and I will be happy to respond. I am being honest about that.
There is a very clear issue here. There is no foreigner and no citizen. That is not what we are discussing. In future, we may deal with that issue if it is so appropriately raised, but I can assure you that since we are saying we have a 1:1 exchange, we have a multicurrency regime, the bond would be accepted. It is Government policy; it is being paid to the Government. Surely, we cannot be clearer than that. I thank you.
HON. SEN. KOMICHI: Thank you Mr. Chairman. I am swimming in a pool of confusion, Hon. Minister. I heard that the 1:1 ratio that you have just declared is meant to do with the payments to the Government, but we are allowing the practice that is taking place so far mainly in the pharmacies. When I pass through the pharmacy, I am charged two prices – one bond note, one United States dollar. Are we allowing that practice to take place in the country when you know for sure when we make payments to the Government, we pay on a ratio of 1:1? What should I do if I go to a pharmacy today and I am charged US$30 and then $400 RTGs? Should I refuse to pay $400? Should I pay 30 bond notes?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Again, I think we are straying from the issue that we are discussing here. The Hon. Member is referring to the experience when they visited a pharmacy. I am afraid that is not what is before us. What is before us is very straight forward, it is about a penalty which is supposed to be paid to the Government and we have very clear interpretation that we will accept, as Government in terms of our policy, the bond note on a 1:1. It is very clear. I have said that I think this is the third time, Mr. President, respectively Sir. I have said the same thing and again, I still note that the same question still persists.
HON. SEN. KOMICHI: We would kindly ask the Hon. Minister to come for question time tomorrow so that at least we can have these questions answered.
HON. SEN. S. NCUBE: On a point of order Hon. Chair. I think every question that is posed in this House must be answered. I do not think Members are diverting from the Bill that is before the House. What is happening, the concerns that we have as people of this country is that the United States dollar and the bond note are not the same. So, that is why we are still asking the Minister. The Minister has to explain clearly to this House.
We have problems, for example Minister, we were given monies through our banks. We have children who are out of the country. You could just apply to the RBZ and that money was 1:1 at that time. Now we do not have that access and we are no longer given those monies.
We are buying United States dollars on the black market and the rate yesterday was $360 to US$100. How many people can afford that?
Why are you running away from answering the question? We can try by all means. Everything has gone up. Food has gone up and fuel has gone up because of this United States dollar and the bond note. Can you answer us please? What is the rate between the bond note and the United States dollar? It is not 1:1. We buy the United States dollar from the black market. We no longer have access to the United States dollar from the bank. What has happened Minister?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I have two responses to that. First of all, I would suggest that the broader issues on the economic debate, broader beyond the Bill perhaps, be set aside. I will be available tomorrow or any other day when you so wish to call me to answer questions. I will be available.
Certainly, what we are dealing with in this Bill is specifics. So, like we dealt in the previous clause, it was about honouring a penalty which is supposed to be paid to the Government in the first place and I was explaining that on that occasion, the policy of Government of 1:1 would be applied and the bond note would be accepted. Clearly that is a scenario of certainty. At least you would know what you are in for. Surely, that can only be a better position than all the other premiums that perhaps you are subjected to out there when you pay for other things. On this occasion, there is certainty and clarity. You know what you are in for. I thank you.
Clause 24 put and agreed to.
Clauses 25 to 32 put and agreed to.
On Clause 33:
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: It is just for clarification Mr.
Chairman. In this new section Hon. Minister, we are talking of assets, if you could just explain in what sense this then becomes a money Bill. We are talking about assets/property and not necessarily revenue, if you could just explain there. How then does it become a money Bill in terms of the Constitution which requires us to treat a money Bill in the way that we are treating this Bill?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you very
much and can I thank Hon. Sen. Mwonzora for that question.
In an asset management company, you can manage different types of assets, i.e. cash, property, equity or debt and the Asset Management Unit will obviously have a balance sheet to assets and liabilities and things that go with its financials. So everything under this unit can be reduced to monetary value. So it does have implications. So then you will agree with me that anything under the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
(RBZ) often its special liability ends up with the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development, whether it is an issue of recapitalisation. Here, I am extending the explanation so that you can understand. So it does have monetary implications on Treasury and therefore it should be part of the Finance Bill. I thank you.
Clause 33 put and agreed to.
Clauses 34 and 35 put and agreed to.
House resumed.
Bill reported without amendments
Third Reading: With leave, forthwith.
THIRD READING
FINANCE (NO. 3) BILL [H. B. 13A, 2018]
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. President Sir, I
now move that the Bill be read the third time.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read the third time.
SECOND READING
APPROPRIATION (2019) BILL [H. B. 12, 2018]
Second Order read: Appropriation (2019) Bill [H. B. 12, 2018].
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. President Sir, the
purpose of this Bill is to give effect to the Main Estimates of
Expenditure for the year ending 31 December 2019 which I tabled to this august House on 22 November 2018.
Section 3 of the Appropriation (2019), 2018 Bill charges the Consolidated Revenue Fund with a sum of US$6 492 910 000 which relates to the 2019 Vote appropriations.
Section 4 of the Appropriation (2019), 2018 Bill charges the Retained Funds with a sum of US$406 927 000 which relates to the 2019 Vote appropriations.
This gives a total charge on the Appropriation (2019), 2018 Bill of
US$6 899 837 000. The Vote appropriations have been guided by the
Transitional Stabilisation Programme premised on the mantra
“Zimbabwe is open for business” which places a premium on structuring a market-based economy and sustained private sector initiatives of transforming the country into an upper middle income status, anchored on the following fundamental values:- Improved governance and rule of law;
- Re-orientation of the country towards democracy;
- Upholding freedoms of expression and association;
- Peace and national unity;
- Respect for human and property rights;
- Attainment of responsive public institutions;
- Broad based citizenry participation in national and socio-economic development programmes;
- Political and economic re-engagement with the global community;
- Creation of a competitive friendly business environment;
- Enhanced domestic and foreign investment and
- An aggressive fight against all forms of corruption.
Overally, it is imperative to contain expenditures, particularly employment costs in order to re-orient the thrust of fiscal expenditures towards infrastructure development, particularly in the energy, water, transport and ICTs sub-sectors.
Section 6 (1) of the Bill empowers the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development to transfer funds already approved by Parliament between Votes in respect of a function or responsibility transferred between ministries and departments during the course of the fiscal year.
Section 6 (2) of the Bill allows discretion to the Minister of
Finance and Economic Development to transfer funds from the
Unallocated Reserve which appears on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Vote to any other Vote as and when the need arises in order to meet inescapable expenditures.
In addition and if necessary, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development can vary the amounts so transferred by taking back any surplus for reallocation to other ministries to meet demands that may arise. Mr. President Sir, I accordingly move that the Bill be now read a second time.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. Once again, I
want to thank the Minister for giving himself time to be in this august House. I know it is a lot of work to do and he has really taken his time to do so. With much ado, I support the second reading of this Bill.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Committee Stage: With leave, forthwith.
COMMITTEE STAGE
APPROPRIATION (2019) BILL [H. B. 12, 2018]
House in Committee.
Clauses 1 and 2 put and agreed to.
On Clause 3:
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: I just want reaffirmation from the Minister that this is six billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Is he confirming that this is not USD? Is this RTGs because most of the revenue comes from non USD accounts?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I confirm that in
terms of the accounting of Government as led by Treasury, we use a multi-currency regime and the official conversion rate is 1:1. That is what it is. We were very consistent in our accounting and the way we receive our taxes. There is no ambiguity or any cross confusion in that regard.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: Hon. Chair, this is money. The 6 billion budget can be accepted but what the Minister is saying is that he is going to collect a one on one revenue from the public. This is public money – that is 6 billion of the public money. This public money is not really the same. This brings me back to my earlier argument where we talked about fuel at CMED which costs $3. When revenue is coming, it will be like USD when in actual fact it is not USD. This budget will look false in the sense that if you say that this is US$6 billion and you mix the money, you are not going to end up with 6 billion dollars. I do not even know how we are going to do the taxation of the two regimes in the actual market out there when you insist that the Government says it is one to one.
I just want us to be clear because we agreed that this budget is in the real USD term which means because of the multi-currency system, you can exchange a USD for any other currency, which makes other currencies like rand, Chinese Yuan and any other currency but we are collecting money out there not in USD terms. This 6 billion will come out in a different form. Let us have a practical budget. I am just appealing to you to say, is this 6 billion coming in USD as we agreed in the Standing Rules and Orders that our budget is strictly in USD. When you ask me to buy a car, coming from Government – I must go and say I have got US$30 000 and you are paying US$30 000 and not bond or any other currency. It is you who can detect that but when you are collecting, it is the other way.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I must say that he is still asking the same question as before and I have dealt with this. I have said that if we should perhaps generalise about the economy and I have said the same thing to the others. I am available for a more open discussion about the economy and where it is going. We have a method of collecting taxes.
We are collecting and I am assuming his is paying his taxes at the moment. I do not think there is any confusion as to how we are collecting taxes or how we are accounting for them.
If you opened the newspaper last week, ZIMRA published the amounts that we are collecting. We have absolutely no confusion.
Clause 3 put and agreed to.
Clauses 4 and 5 put and agreed to.
On Clause 6:
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: I still call for order, I know
this is about money and economy so the interest is high but listen attentively also.
Clause 6 put and agreed to.
On Schedule IV:
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: I want the Minister of Finance to
clarify on 5, his Ministry is having US$275m, some of the ministries have a reasonable breakdown and his ministry has much more money than even the third arm of Government which is Parliament. I am not sure what is the breakdown in the Ministry of Finance for US$275m, there is no breakdown to say what is it, is it for administration et cetera?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Hon. Sen. Eng. Mudzuri
for your question. You will recall that the Ministry of Finance also holds back certain reserves which can be applied in terms of need for any needy of the ministries. So you will find that the size of our budget also reflects this and in fact with all the demands that you see at the moment for civil servants salaries, even more expensive cars for Senators and Members of Parliament, all of this, we try to take care of that using those reserves sitting in Treasury. As I speak, I cannot even say we have a lot of money that is allocated to us. You can be sure that it will all be applied appropriately. I thank you.
HON. SEN. ENG. MUDZURI: What I am asking is for a
reasonable breakdown to say maybe this is for reserves, administration. Parliament has a responsibility to know really whether money was used appropriately so that responsibility must come when we now look at this US$275m. You can verement funds according to what it is but where are you verementing it for. This is purely administrative to say the salaries were done what else is being done in the Ministry of Finance; the reserve must be shown, that is what I am asking for. We know we have got cheap cars for Ministers and Senators want expensive cars but let us just see the breakdown.
HON. PROF. M NCUBE: Thank you again Hon. Mudzuri. If you
go into the Blue Book, you have got a breakdown for every ministry, it is quite clear, you can take a look at that and that will give you a good guidance as to how that is broken down. You can imagine that obviously there are issues like personnel and it costs quite a bit in terms of salaries that tend to be the bulk in terms of our share right across most ministries.
I thank you.
Schedule IV put and agreed to.
House resumed.
Bill reported without amendments.
Third Reading: With leave, forthwith.
THIRD READING
APPROPRIATION (2019) BILL [H. B. 12, 2018]
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. President Sir, I
now move that the Bill be now read the third time.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read the third time.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE), the
Senate adjourned at One Minute to Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 31st January, 2019
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I recognise
two Ministers present in the Senate, The Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Culture and Heritage. I want to believe other Ministers will be joining us shortly.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you Mr. President. My question
goes to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. Will the rule of law ever be restored in the country because we see people getting beaten before they get arrested and women being raped? A lot of lawlessness is going on in the country especially at the moment.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Before I give
the Minister the floor, we have been joined by the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Mr.
President. I respect the Hon. Senator for a very important question. May I assure the Hon. Senator that Zimbabwe respects constitutionalism which incorporates a very important principle of respect of rule of law. There is no doubt that the Zimbabwean people, through the Constitution which is very clear, know that Zimbabwe is a country which should respect the rule of law. That does not mean that you will not have individuals who will break the law. Otherwise there will be no need for a police force which is tasked with responsibility to maintain law and order.
I want to assure the Hon. Senator that rule of law prevails in this country. That is why those who break the law would be apprehended and justice takes its course. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you Mr. President. My
supplementary question, through you Mr. President is – is it Government policy that the police must beat up someone, hurt them and arrest them injured without being taken to hospital? We have so many people that are in jail right now who have broken hands and legs who have been denied medical attention.
HON. MADIRO: Thank you Mr. President. Let me assure the
Hon. Senator once again that it is not the Government policy that citizens are beaten as she alleges. Now that she is being specific in terms of her allegations that there are incidents of that nature, it is also the responsibility of members of society let alone Hon. Members of Parliament including Senators here; to bring whatever transgression of law to the attention of relevant authorities and investigation will be done. I invite the hon. senator to report if there are any specific issues she is aware of so that investigation will be done.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: We have
been joined by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, the Minister of Energy and
Power Development and the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: Thank you Mr. President. Can th
Minister of Home Affairs enlighten us on what they have done so far because we have heard videos of people who were alleged to have been involved in violence, some running with an ox-drawn plough, within seconds they were apprehended based on that information. We have videos going all over about allegations of police brutality with pictures and people who can be identified. What attempts have been made by the Government to identify those police officers or those who are alleged to have stolen police uniforms and masquerade as police officers perpetrating those heinous crimes against the citizenry? I think for the citizens to have confidence in our law enforcement agencies we should have at least some pointers from Government as to what has been done at this stage to bring culprits to book.
HON. MADIRO: Thank you Mr. President. The Hon. Senator has
asked a very important question, may I once again assure this Hon. House and the Hon. Senator that it is common cause and it is in the public domain that hundreds of those who have broken the law have been apprehended and many have been brought before the courts of law. I want to agree with him that it is important that the public has confidence in the police force and that is exactly what the police force is doing. In terms of its mandate to apprehend, investigate and even prevent the breakdown of law and order. So, I want to assure the Hon. Senator that those who have been apprehended have been brought before the law.
Let me also say that when it comes to those who he mentioned to have been denied the opportunity for medical attention or legal representation – that is a matter that is governed by the Criminal Procedures and Evidence Act. It is very clear in terms of remedies that are available to every citizen when they are complaining of the procedures done by the police, any other citizen can have redress through courts of law – in terms of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: We have
also been joined by the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Mutodi.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: My question is directed to the
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. Hon. Minister, in our country, we have people dressed as they like according to their customs all over the place. When there is a demonstration or riot, we hear some people talking about political parties and partisanship. How do you identify people as belonging to a particular party because people put on clothes of their own choice?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Mr. President, I did
not understand the Hon. Senator’s question because he says that people would be dressed in the manner they like and then we end up apportioning partisan politics to them. May the Hon. Senator kindly clarify because the question is vague?
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon.
Wunganayi, may you kindly rephrase your question in a more apparent manner than kuiputira.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: I seem to have spoken in a
language that is understood by most of us which is ChiShona. I am talking about the riots that took place recently in the country. We know that the riots were perpetrated by individuals belonging to this country and were not wearing any party regalia.
Unfortunately, when investigations were being conducted, we were then informed that the rioters and looters belong to a particular party. My question is, how were they able to identify that these people belonged to a particular party?
HON. MADIRO: Thank you Mr. President, the question has now
been clarified. What I know is that our police officers are responsible
for the maintenance of law and order. When these people were arrested, they were not put into political categories.
The police arrested perpetrators of violence. Then when we have somebody who was arrested for inciting the violence and was apportioned to a particular party, may the Hon. Senator please come out into the open and tell us that this individual was arrested, yet he was wearing his work suit during the violence but is now being said to be belong to a particular party which I believe is false.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: Please when we are debating in
this august House, let us not speak in riddles but speak to the point. The media is apportioning the blame of these riots to the MDC party and my question is, how were these people identified since they were not wearing party regalia during the riots?
HON. MADIRO: The Hon. Senator has not clarified his question that the people who are apportioning this blame are members of the fourth state, that is the media. We are all aware that the police do not belong to the media and I think that the Hon. Senator should direct his question to the respective Ministry because the police do not belong to the media and are not responsible for disseminating information.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NEMBIRE: My question is directed to the
Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. What policy measures have you put in place in order to tap grassroots talent in rural areas? I am referring to the area of sports?
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Before the
Hon. Minister responds, we have been joined by the Minister of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services. So we have a full bench of ministers now. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORT, ARTS AND
RECREATION (HON. COVENTRY): Thank you Mr. President and
thank you Hon. Senator. The policy that we are putting in place right now revolves around a few different aspects in terms of different locations, development, redevelopment and refurbishment of recreational facilities throughout the communities and throughout the nation.
We are compiling a list of where those recreational spots are and what kind of situation they are in? How much refurbishment they may need? We are then getting information on whether or not the refurbishments need to happen or we need to start all over. Once that is done, we are then also looking at talking with the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. We have schools of excellence, we also want that to go throughout all the schools and link it nicely with the new curriculum in terms of the sports. In particular, that now it is part of the new curriculum in terms of being examinable.
With those, we believe that we will be able to then really create a database of young athletes around the country. Who we will be able to identify through the different programmes that we will then run on the database that they would then be entered into. We will be able to link those young people with the different sports groups or through the schools to get them the right coaching that they need. Hopefully that will then lead to growing our national platform across all of our sports. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Hon. Minister, I do not
think that there is much to refurbishment in most rural areas because these recreational facilities have never existed. So you should think of starting developing them from scratch as 90% of rural areas do not have these recreational facilities. Even the schools of excellence, I do not think that we do have a significant number that exists. In a typical rural area we do not have such schools of excellence in sports; even swimming, where you are the best in the world, we do not have swimming pools. I think this being your own passion and area of excellence; we shall see swimming pools, tennis and other forms of sport in rural areas. The point is, there is nothing to refurbish.
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORT, ARTS AND
RECREATION (HON. COVENTRY): My apology that I forgot to
mention that the area that we are looking is all areas. In regards to where there are facilities, we will take note of what those facilities are and what needs to happen. When there are no facilities, we will hopefully be working closely with the Ministry of Local Government in terms of identifying the new areas that are being built and the new rural areas and having that minimum of 5% dedicated space for recreational and sporting activities. We will work alongside them to ensure that those are properly mandated with sports facilities in particular. I hear your point and thank you very much for that.
In terms of schools of excellence, we have to start somewhere. We have identified a few schools to try and figure out the best way that these schools will run and how they will function. Once we have done that, the goal is then to have that throughout our entire system of education.
In terms of the swimming pools, I would love to see swimming pools everywhere. They are very expensive to maintain. It is definitely a goal in which the Ministry can work towards achieving and we will be happy to work with any of the local councils. As it is right now, what we are doing with most of the City Council Sport facilities as I mentioned earlier is that we are compiling a report of what those facilities are. I have specifically asked for the swimming pools and I have visited a lot of the swimming pools around the country. They are some minor refurbishments that need to happen. We are going to look at how best we can work with that to ensure that these pools as well as the other facilities are up and running across all of our communities.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. What is Government policy relating to Community Share Ownership Trusts which were promised seed monies by qualified businesses who never honoured their pledges?
Is it a policy to have them choose to comply or not to comply?
THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE (HON.
- NDLOVU): When it comes to Community Share Ownership Trusts, when you fulfil a pledge it is not necessarily compliance. These were seed monies that were promised under the indigenisation programme. As you would know the legislation on indigenisation programme has been significantly. It is up to the companies to offer the seed capital. It is no longer a compliance issue. In addition, Community Share Ownership Trusts that have companies within the diamond and platinum sectors that were designated by Government in the new legislation to continue to benefit are entitled to support to the shareholding by the companies in those communities.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: What is Government policy
regarding the oath which was taken because even in the Bible, Abraham made an oath and it did not supersede what Moses did. My question is, when we introduced indigenisation, we had policies that we followed. People failed to comply with what they had promised. Is that the rule of law?
HON. M. NDLOVU: Let me put it in a different manner. A pledge is not legally enforceable. The companies were paying out of courtesy. It was not out of a legal obligation by the companies. It is difficult for us to then say that they have not complied with any legislation in the land.
*HON. SEN. MURONZI: My question is directed to the
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Hon. Mutsvangwa. Minister you said that when women were raped they should go and report to the police. It is known that women were raped by soldiers who they do not know. If a woman goes and report to the police that she was raped by a soldier who was in uniform, how will the police carry out the investigation and apprehend the culprit?
*THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. MUTSVANGWA): Thank
you Hon. Sen. Muronzi for that pertinent question with regards to the rule of law. What happens to whoever the offender is – in Zimbabwe we do not care who the offender is; he should be apprehended and taken before the court of law. If you feel that your rights have been abrogated, you have the right to go the police and report that my rights have been abrogated. Our police are responsible for investigations and apprehending the offender. This is what I said in my statement.
We have news from the social media and they are apportioning blame on rape. That is why we are calling upon those people who were sexually abused. As a woman, I am also touched. I am very sensitive to such issues. I was the leader of the Caucus and one of my main assignments was to coordinate with other women institutions so that we instil confidence in women. I was also vice co-chair in COPAC. When we went around searching for information from the people, they talked about the dignity of women. When an offence such as rape has been perpetrated, it should not be swept under the carpet but it should be taken before the courts of law. The women have their rights, they have to be protected. That is why we are calling any woman who was sexually violated to go and report the matter to the police.
What we know is that every police station has a victim friendly desk where that woman can go and approach and report. There is empathy towards such people. They should not fear and there is no victimisation. I know we have some civic organisations which are also aimed at protecting and guiding the welfare of women. Women can also approach those civic organisations so that they can put their cases across the law enforcement agents. These civic agencies should empower these women. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: I have supplementary question
Mr. President. The question that Hon. Sen. Muronzi asked, I did not quite get the answer given because the allegations are that these people who are the perpetrators of sexual violence are said to be people who stole army regalia and perpetrated these crimes putting on this regalia.
So, how are they going to be apprehended? I thank you.
HON. SEN. MUTSVANGWA: Thank you Mr. President. In
Zimbabwe, we have security that is why we are able to live our homes and move around doing our businesses freely because we know we are in a securely protected country. What this means is, whosoever stole army uniform and perpetrated a crime putting on that uniform; we have intelligence officers, we have security agencies and that criminal is going to be apprehended and brought before the law.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NGEZI: Thank you Mr. President. I am
directing my question to the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. What is Government policy regarding the registration of sacred shrines? We also noticed in rural areas that police stations are far away from people in such a way that people travel distances to seek for police assistance. Is there a way of alleviating this problem?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): I will start with the last
question on the accessibility of police services. We want people to be able to access police services near their environment so that there is visibility and mobility of the police especially on investigating crimes committed in communities. Hon. Senators, it is Government’s wish and that of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to have police stations near people. They should have their stations where they can be easily accessed by the people and must also be mobile.
We also intend introducing satellite stations but the problem we face is financial problems to carry out the erection of such satellite stations where people may move short distances to access the police services.
Let me turn to the registration of sacred shrines in our rural areas. The shrines are in different categories. We have shrines which are well known and registered, and we also have shrines which are visited by tourists. There are also shrines that are being discovered right now. So, I would encourage the traditional leaders to come up with a list of some of these sacred places so that they are registered because at times the Government may not be aware of the existence of such places aimed at up keeping our heritage, culture and normative values. When they have forwarded these names and shrines that they would have recorded; we will do researches and these shrines will be properly taken care of.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: Thank you Mr. President. My
question is directed to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. I want to know whether they are many centres of information in this country. I think if we look at history in other countries, the source of disorder comes from information. If you look at the Rwanda story, it was actually information which was peddled by the media which ended up with genocide in the country. I am talking with reference to our country. I think our Head of State from his time of inauguration was preaching peace and unity amongst the people. We have got a very unfortunate situation which happened a few weeks ago where a labour issue actually organised by the labour body ended up being apportioned to MDC Alliance and MDC Alliance was now the main player. If it was rumours from the streets, we would not be worried but it was peddled by ZBC and writteb it as headlines. Do you have evidence to show that? If not, I think we need to be responsible as a country because what ZBC is peddling is potential genocidal, dividing the country...
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Sen.
Mavetera, ask the question you are now putting a motion.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: It is dividing the country. What I
want to know is; are those stables under your purview? What is said in ZBC, is that the policy or the position of you as Minister responsible for information?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. SEN. MUTSVANGWA):
Thank you very much. I think the question is actually referring to the disturbances which happened in the country in the last two weeks, which are regrettable and which should never happen among our people because we know Zimbabweans as peace loving people. What happened in Zimbabwe is not the culture of Zimbabweans. I want to make it very clear that the peace which we have enjoyed in this country from the time Zimbabwe became independent is not a gift from foreign countries, it comes from within our Zimbabweans – [HON. SENATORS: Hear,
hear.] –
Section 59 of our Constitution talks to the freedom of demonstration but that gives you also the responsibility of making sure that you demonstrate peacefully, that is acceptable. If people have got frustrations or whatever they want to vent out, they can do it according to the law. What we saw was not a protest but was an uprise. We saw hooligans, we saw criminals looting shops, looting tuck shops. A man who is trying to make a living to look after his family in the suburbs there trying to do a genuine way of looking after his family, the tuck shop was torched, cars were torched, and even a policeman on duty was stoned to death. The roads were barricaded; innocent citizens of this country wanted to go and continue to do their everyday work without hindrance but were actually being disrupted. We lost lives and this is unnecessary in this country. I must say when I speak about this, let us talk about Zimbabweans, what is our culture? What is it that we value most? We value peace and I am happy that the Government’s intervention managed to contain that situation and now peace is prevailing which allows every Zimbabwean citizen the right to go wherever they want to go in a peaceful manner.
Coming back to your question which talks about whether we have got information centres in this country. I think you are very correct that the President from the time he was inaugurated, he has been consistent with his message. He needs everybody to be on board, and everyone should have access to information. This is why our Ministry is carrying out a project of digitalisation which will then allow the whole country, corner to corner, talking from Beitbridge to Chirundu, from Machipanda to Plumtree to access their televisions and radios. It is important for each and every citizen to listen to what their Government is doing and this is the project which we are working on. We also have a lot of officers in the districts. We collect information from the whole country. We also have in areas like Kanyemba, a public viewing screen because we realised not many people have television sets in their homes. So we have actually put that so that they can access. In Mapisa in
Matabeleland South we have also finished a project where we want our people to access televisions and radios. We do have officers across the country so that everybody accesses information because information is power. Information will make even a poor farmer, wherever he is, to know that whatever he is growing; if it is tomatoes, we want that farmer to access information like where can the tomatoes be sold and at what price. So, I just want to say, information is very critical and the Government of the day, which was constitutionally elected to represent the people, whose mandate is to serve the people of this country, is doing everything in its power to make sure that all Zimbabweans access information. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: Part of my question Mr. President is that, we have got Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation saying violence was committed by MDC, which is divisive. We already know that the issue was a labour issue by ZCTU, I am saying, is that the position, where do they get that information because it is divisive and it pushes people apart instead of uniting them on a common cause. No one celebrates what happened, it is very regrettable on the nation. I think we need to be very responsible and try not to be partisan when we report such unfortunate incidence which befell our country. So, it is about the nature of ZBC reporting.
HON. SEN. MUTSVANGWA: Through you Mr. President. This
country has intelligence, there is nothing that happens in this country which intelligence does not pick. There is a threat on this country for regime change and that is the information which is there. On the 3rd to the 7th of November, meetings were held at Wild Geese, it is on record. On the 12th of January, a meeting was held in Belvedere and there is a record. So, when they report, they report from the reports coming from our intelligence and our security institutions. So, this is what we need to understand, there is no country which does not have – and we would not be where we are and would not have enjoyed peace if we did not have intelligence and security institutions which are concerned about the security of its citizens.
HON. SEN. S. MPOFU: Thank you Mr. President. My question
is directed to the Hon. Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. What is the Government policy on monitoring prisoners who are given community service sentences to serve. I have noted with concern, Hon. Minister, one such person who was given community service sentence only perform his duties when he wishes and does not perform on a daily basis. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
President. I want to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. The law is very specific regarding community service. Once one is given community service, they are given specific hours under supervision and at a specific institution to perform. Should there be a specific incidence where there is connivance between those who are supposed to supervise and the person sentenced to community service, we will be glad to receive that report so that we investigate why that is happening.
HON. SEN. S. MPOFU: Thank you Mr. President. My concern is that, the person I am referring to was assigned to do community service at a school, but I have never seen prison officers coming to monitor for the purposes of supervising what he will be doing. That is where my concern is. Who is supposed to monitor that person, is it the headmaster at that particular school or the prison officers? I thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. However, I believe my response was adequate. Ordinarily, when they do the visits or whatever, they do not publicise but if the Hon. Senator has specific examples where she went to the school and authorities there confirmed that nothing happened and nobody visited to ensure that the community service was being carried out, we are glad to receive that information. However, the position is still the same that we have people whom you may not see in prison garb because they will not be attending to a prisoner coming from prison but somebody from home to perform specific tasks pursuant to the sentence that they would have been given. So, if you have specific examples, we can do the follow up so that the compliance issues could be monitored and tightened. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. KOMICHI: In my view, Zimbabwe is under fire
because of the problems it is facing. Let me just quote what happened within a period of two months. To begin with, we had doctors on strike, this was closely followed by teachers and the third incidence was the Zimbabwean citizens who went on a shutdown of the economy for a week. My question is directed to the Leader of the House, Hon. Minister Ziyambi. In the past three days, lawyers were marching in the street demonstrating showing that Zimbabwe is a country under siege. When the Government is faced with such situations, what is the solution being proffered by the Government of Zimbabwe, this should be a long lasting solution. Last week, when some of these demonstrations were taking place, brutal force was used to suppress the protestors, is that the solution?
* THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
President. I thank Hon. Sen. Komichi for asking this question. Mr. President, the stories being narrated by Hon. Sen. Komichi are not factual because he is trying to integrate things which cannot be integrated. This is because when the doctors were protesting, their issue was debated and rectified. We had thieves, robbers and looters denying people the right to go to work and then saying the doctors’ strike and these looters are in one class and that it shows Zimbabwe is a country on fire. I beg leave to say, when we are in this august House, let us tell the truth as it is, let us be factual. If these people who barricaded the streets and beating up people, looting and erecting false toll-gates were left and police had not intervened, people would have continued to strike. They also destroyed shops and I am wondering what he is saying when he says Government should take measures to stop this, but what I know is that Government really took stern measures to arrest these perpetrators and take them to court so that they receive a fair trial. The court officials were even working on overtime so that they clear these cases.
This was being explained by the Hon. Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Mutsvangwa, so that we have peace in the country. My question is, what kind of measures do you want to be taken by Government when we know that in the country we now have peace. Government has taken the steps to pacify and to bring peace into the country.
*HON. SEN. MOEKETSI: My question is directed to the Minister of Energy and Power Development. What is Government policy regarding people who are constructing their houses in cities and when they have completed constructing, they go to ZESA asking for electricity and the response from ZESA is they should start by buying the poles and electric cables?
A cellphone rings.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Order,
let us remind all Senators that you should put your phones on silent or switch them off before you enter the chamber. You may proceed. *HON. SEN. MOEKETSI: So my question is, is it Government policy that when you want a service from ZESA, you have to give them all the materials so that all ZESA has to do is to come and erect those poles so that they can access these services in your house and not only that, you also have to buy the meters for your houses?
*THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO): This is not Government
policy. Government policy is that Government gives electricity to people in their homes, but when people are in a certain location, if they are able to put their hands together and have a fund which will be responsible for buying materials for their homes, then they can do so. We also find a situation whereby tenants are asked to buy transformers because Government has no money to buy these transformers, but if these residents have purchased a transformer, they will be refunded their monies because as ZESA, we have cash put aside for buying transformers. We have noticed that those people who buy their own transformers come and claim that they bought it for a higher price than the normal price known by ZESA. However, they should be aware that when they come with their costs, they will only be paid the standard price which is known by ZESA because we are not very sure whether the amounts being quoted by the tenants are genuine or they are just fiction.
I have not heard of people being asked to buy their own poles, but we have known of people who are in cooperatives who are the only ones who can buy these poles. I am a Member of Parliament and in my constituency I advise the residents that if you want to access ZESA services easily, please pool your resources together and buy materials so that ZESA will only come and install. The amount you pay is about 40c of the amount which is required for you to access the electricity and this is mainly targeted at rural areas through the programme of REA.
As of now, we have a plan which is aimed at installing electric power in schools and clinics and other essential services and ZESA will benefit through the charges for using the electricity. We are saying we are now asking people to purchase because of the economic situation which is hard.
+HON. SEN. PHUTHI: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Energy and Power Development. I want to find out if the Minister is aware that we lose so much on soya beans, like for example Ngwizi irrigation. They had more than 300 hectares of soya beans and most of the soya beans that were ploughed were destroyed because of lack of electricity. If electricity comes, it is only available for 15 minutes. My request to the Minister is, please have a relook at the issue of electricity, especially Matabeleland South. Please change the line that is coming from Maphisa to ARDA and use maybe the line that is coming from Plumtree. Maybe they will manage it better.
Ngwizi farm is under Command Agriculture. They use 2100 litres of fuel per day so that they can supplement ZESA - 2 100 litres of diesel per day while we have electricity and the transformer is working. We do not know what it is that Maphisa is doing. We will ask the Government to intervene in this issue.
+THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO): Since it is not a question, I
will ask the Hon. Member to present it in writing and give it to me so that I can respond with an adequate answer. I thank you.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: Thank you Mr. President. I am requesting for your direction because I want to ask a question about POSA. To which Ministry do I direct it?
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: It is Home
Affairs.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: Thank you very much. What I wanted to ask the Minister of Home Affairs is, when are we going to have amendments of POSA so that it complies with the Constitution. Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you very much
Mr. President. Amendments to POSA - there is a process underway and in a reasonable time, the amendments will be brought to Parliament for consideration. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. HUNGWE: Thank you Mr. President. My question goes to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Minister, what is Government policy regarding buying vehicles for the Zimbabwe Republic Police so that they are highly mobile. We have a lot of people who are committing crimes up to the extent of killing police officers. The problem that we have is that the police force has no cars in their stations and when a case has been reported, when the people arrive at the crime scene, serious damage will have been perpetrated. What is Government policy regarding the provision of adequate official vehicles to police stations?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Hon. Sen.
Hungwe for the question and if I am not mistaken, this question was once asked sometime before. I know Hon. Senators are very concerned about the none availability of official police vehicles for easy mobility by the police because the police perform better when they are highly mobile.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services spoke about peace in the country because of the stance that was taken by Government. When there is peace, we also have the economy performing well. There is no country that can develop economically in the absence of peace because it is constructive. Therefore Hon. Senator, in the past few weeks, about a month or so sometime in late December 2018, Government distributed 40 new cars to rural police stations. There are also other plans that in the near future, another batch of new vehicles will be distributed soon.
We want the police to be highly mobile in attending crime scenes. I remember mentioning that in order for the police to perform to their best, they need about seven thousand (7 000) cars so that they are adequately mobilised but this is a drop in the ocean especially when we look at what is obtaining on the ground which is disrupting police duties. At times we have noticed in situations whereby members of the public end up providing police with cars in order for them to attend to crime scenes.
It is Government’s wish that police stations be allocated adequate transportation. Like I said, in the near future, new cars will be availed to the police.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 62.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
STATISTICS OF COURT CASES RELATING TO VIOLATION OF
PROVISIONS OF THE MARRIAGE ACT
- HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to provide statistics of court cases relating to violation of provisions of the Marriage Act (Chapter 5.11).
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
President, I want to thank Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi for her question.
Following the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and strong institutions as a priority by the Government of Zimbabwe and the exercise to identify key indicators and targets through the Justice Law and Order sector platform, ZIMSTATS and with support from UNICEF proposed to do comprehensive crime statistics assessment.
In other words, Hon. Chimbudzi, we do not have a comprehensive system of collecting statistics at the moment and this is the work that we are going to undertake to do so that once we have that system, it will be easier to collect the information that you so require. So I am currently seized with developing a national coordination system on crime and criminal justice statistics in Zimbabwe.
Most of the data that is produced by institutions is not published hence it is very difficult to collect and find. There is a common listing of crimes used for data collection and it is being used most consistently by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe National
Statistics Agents. Also, we have the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) which uses a similar listing but with less disaggregation of offences.
For instance, while the Zimbabwe Republic Police form has 30 categories of theft, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services form has 11 categories of the same crime. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Judicial Service Commission also have a shorter listing. However, there is no common standard of criminal offences or dissemination of data on crime and criminal justice. The list of crimes used to record crimes and produce statistics are extensive but there is need for additional information in order to precise the concepts associated with offences and accurately define what is being collected in each offence.
So this is work in progress. Hon. Chimbudzi, I thank you but once we have the system in place, we will be able now to produce these statistics. I thank you.
PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES BY MIMOSA
MINING COMPANY
- HON. SEN. TIMVEOS asked the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to explain whether the Ministry is aware that 90% of goods and services procured by Mimosa Mining Company are being supplied by companies owned by its management and if so, to state the measures being taken to curb such malpractices.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA): Mr. President, Mimosa
is a privately owned mining company which is governed by the company’s code of ethics. If there are any individuals within the mining company who are aggrieved with whatever is going on, they should go through the set rules and regulations of the company and if ever there are any members of the public who are being prejudiced with what is going on, they should report through the Anti-corruption Unit. I thank you.
SUPPORT TO THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM
- HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Youth,
Sport, Arts and Recreation to explain the Ministry’s plans in relation to supporting the national football team in order to effectively compete at the African regional competitions.
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORT, ARTS AND
RECREATION (HON. COVENTRY): Thank you Mr. President and
thank you Hon. Senator. Yes, in terms of your question, with funds permitting, the Ministry will support all of our national teams. We will not just focus on soccer but we also have our national women’s’ netball team travelling this year to the world championships amongst other national teams. We will try and support them as best as we can. I thank you.
POLICY REGARDING PROMOTION OF ARTS
- HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation to explain Government policy regarding the promotion of arts and whether there are adequate recreational facilities of international standards countrywide where artists can develop their talents.
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORT, ARTS AND RECREATION (HON. COVENTRY): Yes, your question is a good
one and we were talking about this in the morning in terms of adequate recreational facilities for both sport and arts across the country. My Ministry is looking at how we can create stronger and more platforms that have updated technology as well for artists that want to go into music, poetry writing and so on. We are looking at how we can best do that. I will update you on where we are and the policy we want to put into place in order to make those facilities a reality.
SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 64
OF 2017
- HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Industry and Commerce to explain the successes and failures of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2017, the envisaged benefits of Statutory Instrument 122 of 2018 and level of public receptiveness towards the later.
THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE (HON.
- NDLOVU): May be by way of clarity as well, I looked at the question and I might seek your guidance as I respond to it.
Firstly, Statutory Instrument 64 is of 2016 and not 2017. Statutory
Instrument 122 is of 2017 and not 2018. We then amended Statutory Instrument 122 in 2018. I would like to get your guidance whether the last part of the question is in reference to the amendment that was made last year. But on the first part which is quite clear to respond on the explanation on the successes and failures of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016, I will look at this from the envisaged benefits of the Instrument when it was promulgated in the first place. This was to try and promote the growth of our industry because at the time, we were largely consuming imported products. From that point of view, the Instrument was quite successful.
I want to also highlight that as it stands, I have requested that we do a comprehensive research so that we have empirical evidence or research based evidence on these successes. From the number of companies that came to set out following this Instrument where we were controlling imports of products and most of the companies who were supplying those products from outside came to set up shop, we have seen successes. Examples include Pepsi and Trade Kings which came from Zambia. We also saw oil expressers -Willowton in Manicaland and some who were already here invested more in re-tooling.
In that respect, I would like to contend that there were successes. However, when you have such measures, they ought to have a timeframe and they ought to have a clear exit strategy – meaning, how do we in the medium term graduate to opening the borders because that is where the continent is moving towards. We are a signatory of the free trade area in Africa. This is where I might also admit that we did not have a clear exit strategy which would have then seen us smoothly move out of those
restrictions.
I would have loved to comment on the receptiveness of the amendment that was made last year but then I will be assuming that is what you wanted. May be you might want to clarify on that one. I thank you Mr. President.
MOTION
SILTATION IN RIVERS AND DAMS
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the level of siltation which is threatening the existence of most rivers and dams.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 5th February, 2019.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORTS, ARTS AND RECREATION (HON. COVENTRY), the House
adjourned and Twelve Minutes to Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 5th February, 2019.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 31st October, 2018
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE *HON. CHIKOMBA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is
directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services regarding pensions. According to labour laws, a person should work up to 65 years but due to illnesses, it is now difficult to reach 65 years. If a person dies earlier than 65 years, what will happen to the pension due to that person? It means NSSA will be just collecting these funds for its own use. We need to reduce the retirement age to 55 years. If the
Minister is not there, I direct the question to the Leader of the House.
THE HON. SPEAKER: We are suspending your question until
we get the Leader of the House.
HON. MASENDA: My question is directed to the Minister of
Finance and Economic Development. When Ministers and Senior Government official go abroad, they stay in lavish hotels and spend quite a lot, yet we are told that ordinary Zimbabweans should tighten their belts on expenditure. What does this mean? – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! The Hon. Member who
asked the first question, can you repeat the question again?
*HON. CHIKOMBA: The health condition of the people in this country means that the people of Zimbabwe have had their life span reduced to 35 years before they can reach the retirement age of 65 years.
We are requesting the Government to reduce the pensionable age from 65 to 35 years because people have to benefit from their pensions.
If the worker or the spouse dies before their retirement age, what happens to their funds accruing?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): The retirement age of
65 years is policy; however it can be subject to review. So, when the time is right and we have gathered enough information, we will certainly take that on board.
*HON. CHIKOMBA: The Minister has just responded saying
when the time is ripe there is going to be a change. However, we need to have a time frame to when the action is going to be implemented on the reduction of the pensionable age from 65 years.
HON. DR. NZENZA: I am not able to give time limit at the moment. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The second Hon. Member who asked a
question can you repeat your question straight to the point please!
HON. MASENDA: The question goes to the Minister of Finance
and it is in regard to travelling abroad by Ministers and Senior
Government official. We receive reports that they live lavishly and they spend big when they go abroad, yet there is an encouragement that ordinary Zimbabweans should tighten up their belts in terms of the economy. The question is: what does this mean in terms of Government sincerity to improve the country’s economic situation? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Hon.
Member for the question. On the issue of travel, there is no lavish travel. On the contrary we are very prudent as a Government. For instance on domestic travel in terms of vehicles, we have not authorised purchase of vehicles for Ministers.
Hon. Speaker Sir, I am talking about all travel. So, locally we have not authorized the purchase of vehicles for Ministers so far and also for Members of Parliament.
On travel abroad, again, there is no lavish travel, there is necessary travel, and there is no travel by me or any other Minster that I know on first class, absolutely not. On the contrary, one of our budget priorities is to cut back on the travel budget and on general waste by Government. You will hear me mention or rather mention this very strongly in my budget statement. I thank you.
HON. MLISWA: Hon. Minister you alluded to the fact that you have equally cut down on Members of Parliament’s vehicles compared to the Executive. Those are two different departments and Members of Parliament have a mandate to ensure that the effective running of the country comes from them. How can they be under-resourced? Can the Hon. Minister compare the expenditure on cars for the Executive and those for Members of Parliament?
We are only entitled to one car yet they have got a 4 X 4, Mercedes
Benz and they are also entitled to cars from parastatals. So, can the Hon. Minister justify why Members of Parliament are put in the same category when we are expected to perform? Can you please do that, thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, Hon. Mliswa, you address
yourself to the Chair and not can you! Can the Hon. Minister please, kindly refer to your Standing Orders.
HON. MLISWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I stand guided.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Hon.
Speaker, in terms of vehicles for Members of Parliament, those will be taken care of in the fullness of time – we are working on it. We are aware that they have got a lot of work to do in terms of visiting their constituencies and running their programmes. We will do it but in the fullness of time. As of now, we also need to signal as the Executive and as Parliament that we mean business about austerity and that we are ready to meet the people of Zimbabwe halfway. I thank you. – [HON.
MLISWA: On a point of clarity Mr. Speaker!] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, you cannot ask two supplementary questions.
HON. MLISWA: It is not a question but a point of clarity Mr.
Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: On a point of clarity but please be brief.
HON. MLISWA: Hon. Minister, you said …
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister!
HON. MLISWA: Hon. Minister, Mr. Speaker Sir, you mentioned in the fullness of time. Members of Parliament cannot work according to your schedule. They have a mandate, when are they going to get their cars?
ZANU PF Hon. Members were given cars before the elections and the Opposition including myself do not have cars – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - We cannot have a situation where there was money spent by the ruling party to buy the cars and members of the Opposition do not have cars – so it is not balanced. In terms of priority, can he then prioritise members of the Opposition to get cars because members of ZANU PF have got cars. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, can you sit down please.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir and I also thank the Hon. Member for the question that they posed to me.
First of all, the business of asset ownership, acquisition and disposal at political party level is the business of the political parties – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - It is not the business of the
Executive. Now, when it comes to the vehicles of the Members of Parliament, I did say that these would be provided in the fullness of time. We are obviously working on our budgets. I am going to be presenting a Budget Statement at the end of November on the 22nd – that is the date we have proposed. Then at that stage, I will be able to say when I am able to provide Members of Parliament with transport. I am acutely aware of the important work that they do – they do very good work. We will support them as much as possible but as of now, I am not yet ready to buy and provide them with those vehicles. I will do so in the fullness of time. They will be the first to know when I am ready because I will let them know. I thank you. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
An Hon. Member having whistled.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, I wish I had noticed properly the person who was whistling. We are not herding cattle here –
[Laughter.] –
HON. GONESE: My follow up question to the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development is whether he can inform the nation what policy measures the Government has taken in order to review, from a policy perspective, the spending on travel abroad? For instance, it has been reported that the Zimbabwean delegation to New York was staying at the most expensive hotel, the Waldof Astoria.
I would like the Hon. Minister to explain to this august House and to the nation at large, what specific measures have been taken to review the allowances which the Hon. Ministers and their delegations receive when they travel abroad in order to tighten their belts as the Hon.
Minister has indicated?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir, and I
also thank the Hon. Member for that question. First of all, we have various stipulated rates for each destination to which we travel, whether it is the United States, Europe or whatever. There is a standard rate which is typically linked to United Nations and World Bank rates. So we make use of those rates in deciding on what level of allowances to provide to each member of the delegation and also depending on their level – that is the first point.
The second point I want to emphasise that I am not aware of and neither do we live in lavish hotels; we work extremely hard and live within the means of the budget that we can afford but also within the travel allowances in terms of globally accepted standards as per the
World Bank and UNDP rates. I am not aware of the hotel that the Hon. Member mentioned, hence I cannot say anything to that but we were living within our means.
He also asked what steps we were taking to curtail this? That is exactly what I had answered to an earlier enquiry by another Hon. Member which is that, in the Budget Statement we will be more precise in terms of our ideas about addressing the expenditure, overall whether you are looking at wage bill, travel and dealing with retirement policy.
Mr. Speaker Sir, all of this is contained in the Pre-Budget Strategy paper which I suspect Hon. Members have had sight of at least within their committees. Next week we will have the opportunity when we are in Bulawayo on the 7th to 11th to discuss further and go into detail as to how we are going to deal with the issues that they have just raised which are very important. I thank you.
HON. MKANDLA: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. How is the Government going to deal with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) overdraft?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you again
Hon. Speaker and I thank the Hon. Member for that question.
The RBZ overdraft facility currently stands at about $2.3 billion. We have a strategy for dealing with it. We are aware and have already made it public that this is well above the 20% target where it should be in terms of expenditure for the previous year. It should not be more than 20% and we are way above that. We have acknowledged this in public and I have said so. We have opened books on this.
In terms of strategy for dealing with it, our strategy is as follows: first of all, we are going to curtail the use of the window when it comes to Government expenditure, by cutting Government expenditure in the first place. Secondly, we have unremitted taxes to the tune of $2.3 billion from ZIMRA, 50% of which private companies have not remitted to ourselves. So, we have got some liquidity out there that we use in part to cover that hole with the RBZ, but 20% of those remittances to us as Treasury are from parastatals and local authorities. We are aware of that. We are doing everything we can so that we can raise those funds.
Mr. Speaker Sir, if you add the interest on that $2.3 billion, it is an additional $1 billion. In actual fact, it is $3.3 billion out there that has not been remitted to us. We will collect it as aggressively as we can and we will make sure that this goes towards closing the hole with the
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. BITI: Hon. Speaker Sir, my question is to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. In view of the fact that the biggest challenge we are facing is the challenge of over expenditure and budget deficit that is now over 25% of GDP; also, in view of the fact that
Zimbabweans are actually overtaxed, the percentage of our revenue to
GDP is over 30%. Why did the Minister introduce the transaction tax of 2% to the people of Zimbabwe when the challenge and obligation should be on expenditure retrenchment and not looking for more resources –
[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Hon. Speaker Sir, I
think that it is opportune that the Member of Parliament is a former Finance Minister and he has full knowledge of what it takes to run that office. It requires determination, energy and focus and sometimes you walk on your own. Let me come to the question. When it comes to the strategy for reducing expenditure and increasing revenue, you need to be innovative but the ultimate goal is to reduce the budget deficit.
It is quite clear that the budget deficit is double digit, which is quite high by African standards and also by global standards. As Treasury and the Minister of Finance, we are determined to cut this deficit down to single digit. In the Pre-budget Strategy paper, I have given a trajectory as to how the evolution of the budget deficit will look like over the next three years towards that lower single digit figure of below 4%. That is the roadmap to cut that down.
The strategy for reducing the deficit is twofold Hon. Speaker Sir. One is to deal with expenditure control on the part of Government. I have already explained that this I will deal with during the Budget Statement in terms of dealing with the Government wage bill and restructuring the Public Service. Here I do not walk alone, there is the Chairman of Public Service Commission, the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, all my fellow Cabinet Ministers and the President. It is a concerted effort on how to handle the wage bill and the reform of The Public Service, cutting back on waste. The issue of vehicles that we spoke about earlier; all of that will be dealt with in terms of expenditure control.
On the support for parastatals, you would see that in our figures, we had to lend them something like US$500 million, which explains the overrun in the budget deficit that Hon. Biti mentioned. Again, we are accelerating the privatisation programme to make sure that those parastatals can be privatised as speedily as possible. I will come to revenue in a moment. I am still dealing with the cost containment measures. Privatisation is very important Mr. Speaker Sir, to make sure that Zimbabweans can participate; parastatals can be listed on the Stock Exchange and diaspora can also invest in some of these companies. Ultimately for Treasury and Government, we want to reduce the reliance of these SOEs on Treasury and that will help us curtail expenditure.
I switch now to the revenue side because we need both; cost containment and revenue side. This is what has happened Mr. Speaker Sir over the last ten years; the economy has expanded. That is why you noticed that a few weeks ago, we formally announced re-basing of the economy. Officially, the size of the economy has moved from $18 billion to about $25 billion and that is a 40% increase. This was not me, this is something that my esteemed Hon. Member knows about. Every five years, countries re-base whether in Africa or wherever, I can name them. It is normal and I can assure you that in another five years, we will re-base again. So in short, the economy has expanded. Just check the number of ‘mushikashikas’ as an indicator, on the road, you will agree with me that there is economic activity out there – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Mr. Speaker Sir, not only the economy has expanded, the informal sector has grown substantially and there is scientific evidence to this effect. The question is - how do you design a tax system that is inclusive – [HON. MLISWA: Answer the question!] – That is what I am answering.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! With all due respect Hon. Mliswa, if you have got some supplementary question, you are allowed to do so. Please do not disrupt the response.
HON. MLISWA: I am sorry Sir but he is being academic – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – He is being academic like a professor at Harvard. He needs to give us the response – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! Hon. Mliswa, do not contest the ruling of the Chair. Hon. Minister, if you may conclude.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. If I could proceed. It was important at the beginning for me to explain the rationale behind the 2% tax and that was the build up for me to get to the answer. When an economy is informalised Mr. Speaker Sir, one should design a tax instrument that is inclusive, that also touches on the informal sector. So, we decided to introduce an electronic transaction tax in the way that we proposed it but also we put exemptions because we are acutely aware that our population that is at the bottom of the pyramid, to use that phrase, transactions of $10 and below should be exempted, otherwise the tax becomes regressive. At the same time, we are acutely aware that corporates are also providing jobs. They are responsible citizens and they are paying taxes. There should be a cap on the amount of tax they pay overall through this 2% transactions tax.
There is also a list of other exemptions such as exemptions for instance for pensions, equity investments, money market and so forth. So, we believe that this tax will go a long way in making sure that we have an inclusive tax system. A tax system that will also help us stop the bleeding in terms of the size of the budget deficit and I will quickly switch to cost containment measures, that is cutting Government expenditure which I will announce at the time of the budget. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. BITI: I have a supplementary Hon. Speaker. Hon. Minister, for all intends and purposes, the country is in a recession. Therefore, introducing a tax and one that is so retrogressive, I say so because it treats everyone as equal; whether you are rich or poor, you will still pay the 2% transaction that is very cruel. So, you cannot introduce a tax and collect more when people are actually in a recession and need to spend. In addition to this, Zimbabweans have resorted to the use of alternative methods of payment including mobile phone transfers and electronic transfers because we cannot use our cash. Our cash disappeared because of the overdraft facility you were talking about. You cannot force us to use cashless money and then follow and tax. There is something cruel about that and you cannot do that.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Biti, you have made a statement
but there is no question.
HON. BITI: The question is that why is the Government imposing this additional transaction tax when we are in a recession? Why are you imposing the transaction tax when you forced us to abandon the use of cash because of the overdraft facility that was implemented by the Government?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker and thank
you Hon. Member for that supplementary question which will help clarify issues as I answer. First of all, Zimbabwe is not the first country in Africa or in the world to introduce this kind of tax. In other countries, the tax rate is even higher. It is much higher in other countries and 2% is not as high as in other countries. Secondly, the tax is not retrogressive.
On the contrary, it is progressive and I will explain.
The previous tax did not take into account the value of the transaction and that is why we amended it. It was really by the fact that you pay the same amount per transactions regardless of the value. This time around, it is linked to value. So, it is progressive in that sense. We actually corrected a regressive situation and turned it into a progressive tax. Hon. Speaker, it is also not correct to argue that the economy is in a recession. The economy is not in a recession. There is a technical definition of recession which is two successive quarters at least of negative economic growth. I submit that we have not had two successive quarters of negative economic growth, neither do we expect future growth to be negative. On the contrary, we have increased our projection of economic growth to the order of 6%. Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir.
HON. PHULU: The supplementary is whether the Minister is saying Government policy is to tax poor people who for instance pay school fees using RTGs as opposed to those who can source actual cash and have more money and can pay their school fees in cash?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir, and I
thank the Hon. Member for that question. Clearly this new dispensation is not – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - THE HON. SPEAKER: Order at the back there!
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Clearly this new dispensation is not
anti-poor. On the contrary, it is pro-poor. We have explained this in our vision 2030 where we say that one of those pillars is to achieve inclusive growth, which really means that we are sensitive to those, if I can use the term at the bottom of the pyramid in terms of income. The issue was really to make sure that those who are in the informal sector are netted in and also contribute to the fiscus and they become responsible citizens. After all, those who contribute to the fiscus also have better citizenry priorities. They demand better services and accountability. So, it is important that everyone contributes to the tax revenue.
Certainly we are pro-poor and you will see that when it comes to the budget. This year we are going to comply with the constitutional provision that 5% of the budget should go to the provinces. We hope that the Hon. Member within their provincial council will make sure those resources are applied properly to programmes that will uplift the poor communities around the country. One of the variables we will use in the allocation formula is poverty levels. We have got an up to date poverty map of Zimbabwe by province and by district and our allocation, that 5%, will be according to that poverty map. Thank you Hon. Speaker.
*HON. KAPUYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is
directed to the Minister of Agriculture. What is Government policy regarding the dipping of cattle? This is because our cattle are dying from tick borne disease and yet we know that cattle are the measurement of wealth in our African culture. So, what is Government policy regarding dipping of cattle to prevent tick bonre diseases? – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order!
THE MINISTER LANDS, AGRICULTURE, WATER,
CLIMATE AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON. RTD AIR
CHIEF MARSHAL SHIRI): Mr. Speaker Sir, cattle should be dipped on a regular basis so that they do not suffer from diseases caused by ticks. During winter, cattle should go at least once a month but if it is during spring, it means cattle should be dipping every week. We realise that in the time between January and May, we have diseases which come from this ticks and they cause cirrhosis and in many areas, cattle were killed by these tick borne disease. As a result, we ask farmers to liaise with their field administrators and Agritex officials on this.
*HON. S. CHIKWINYA: The question raised by the Hon.
Member was on the dipping of cattle and Government has embarked on command agriculture where farmers were given cattle and these cattle are now dying. We have noticed that we have people who are supporting the tender given to the Department of Agriculture to support these people in command agriculture. What is the Government procurement policy regarding the awarding of tender to supply farming implements to these farmers? They are supported by Queen Bee.
*HON. SEN. RTD. AIR CHIEF MARSHALL SHIRI: Thank
you Mr. Speaker Sir. I know there is a tender processing and there is also a procurement system and all these are being implemented in the command agriculture programme and as far as I am concerned, if we need something, we can go through the tender. At times there is a laid down process of procurement of that particular item which we want. As far as I am concerned, there was no abrogation of any rule on procurement or tender in supplies.
HON. CHOMBO: My question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development. Do you have any policy in place to address the black market crisis noting that now the black market has become the white market?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Just a minute Hon. Members, I seek your corporation. Since the Hon. Minister is going to give a Ministerial
Statement on the economy, I suggest that we waiver the question so that the Hon. Minister can give his Ministerial Statement and then from there we can ask the questions.
HON. MATSIKENYERE: Sorry Mr. Speaker Sir. I wanted to direct my question to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – [Laughter.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, Hon. Members at the back – [HON. MEMBERS: NdiZhou.] – Hon. Zhou, we are not at a rally here where we pronounce political slogans, stop it.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. We have seen recently the clamp down on people who are exercising their rights to demonstrate. A recent example is a clamp down on the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade
Union; people were beaten and harassed by the police. What is the
Government doing against that in case we are going to a police State.
Also we have seen the journalists who were recently harassed by the same police. I want to know what is Government policy in terms of harassment of Zimbabweans by the police? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I want to acknowledge the very important question from the Hon. Member. It is not Government policy for police to harass any citizen nor is there any citizen who deserves to be harassed. It is not true that the police deliberately harasses individuals. It is also a constitutional right – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Mr. Speaker Sir, if there is anyone who wants to demonstrate, the right to demonstrate is provided for in our Constitution but one has to follow the law and the police is not there to approve or disapprove demonstration but only that citizens who want to demonstrate must follow the law. I am not aware of situations where any individual was harassed because they wanted to demonstrate. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My supplementary
question to the Minister who has just responded is to say that I have clearly...
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, it is the Hon. Minister.
HON. MAMOMBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. To the Hon. Minister who has responded, my supplementary question is – I have clearly stated that there were members of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union who were beaten up and harassed by police during their demonstration in Harare recently. Also, I have given an example of the journalists who were recently harassed by the police. So these are some of the examples that I have clearly pointed out to. So, you cannot say Hon. Minister that there were no persons who were harassed by the police. I thank you.
HON. MADIRO: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The Hon. Member has asked a specific question and with due respect, I would implore on the member to put it in writing so that we investigate those specific cases.
We are not aware of that. I thank you.
HON. S. BANDA: Mr. Speaker Sir, they are tankers which are right outside there, are we in a state of war because every time we come here we find that there are always those tankers. So, those guys who are coming from that side are the ones that are going to beat people who are going to demonstrate. My question is, are we now in a milieus state? I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, that question does not follow –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. What is Government policy regarding the difference between the quality of education for learners in urban areas and rural areas. Learners in rural areas are deprived of learning materials and yet their counterparts in the cities have a lot of learning materials which put them way ahead of their rural counterparts. What is Government policy on leveling the playing field in primary education?
*THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION (HON. PROF. MAVIMA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
I am also grateful for the Member from Kushinga who has asked this pertinent question. As Government, we have put down some plans which are implemented by different departments and Ministries which are aimed at uplifting the learning environment for the rural learners. We know that in most instances there were a lot of areas in rural areas which had no schools and as of now we are in the process of contructing 17 schools which should be completed before year end. The combined enrolment of these schools is 10 000 pupils and most of these pupils were learning in open spaces, some in tobacco barns or any other unsuitable learning space.
We also have a policy which we want to introduce in Parliament where we will talk of the Education Building Fund. This will be in attachment to the Amendment to the Education Act. This follows that when we have crafted the Education Fund, we will then take it to the Ministry of Finance and then we write joint venture agreements and Memorandums of Understanding which are aimed at building schools which will be adequate for learners in rural areas. These schools should be nearer to where these learners stay. Our target is to construct about 2 000 new schools.
The second plan which we have at hand – [HON. BITI:
Nokudzidza kwawakaita ikoko unganyepa kudaro.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Biti can you withdraw your
statement?
HON. BITI: I withdraw the fact that he is lying.
HON. PROF. MAVIMA: The second plan which we have is that
in the past few months, my Ministry has been distributing literature to 6 000 schools. This literature was aimed for the teachers and learners but targeting the impoverished schools. As we speak, we have 700 mobile science laboratories which are under manufacture and these will be distributed to rural schools because we realised that science education was not in the right proportion, especially when we compare with schools in urban areas.
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and
Technology Development gave us some funds so that we construct 10 laboratories targeting learning institutions in rural areas. We have also asked for additional funding from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development so that we construct another separate 10 science laboratories in rural areas. When you look at all these programmes, they are aimed at giving equal education opportunities for both rural and urban learners - because we believe that in some instances, parents are capable of supporting themselves but others cannot. We know that we have some potential engineers in rural areas like Dotito and Tsholotsho who cannot support themselves so they need Government support. I thank you.
*HON. G. SITHOLE: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My
supplementary question to the Minister of Primary and Secondary
Education is what is Government policy following Section 75, which says that those learners who are supposed to have support from the Basic Education should have their support readily and easily?
*HON. PROF. MAVIMA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The
programme which is aimed at giving free basic education is a topic which is under discussion and what I would like to inform Hon. Members of this august House is that the amount which is needed for a country to have free basic education is the money which is supposed to be generated from within the country. We cannot borrow funds for such a programme. If we say today we want to have free basic education, it means we have to increase our taxation levels so that we accumulate funds for this programme.
We are all aware that as of now our financial position does not allow us to have free basic education because the only taxes which are making education possible are the taxes that are levied against the parents which they use as school fees and other levies. From these levies we are collecting $1 billion from parents and then $1 billion from Government. As a result we are running our education programme on $2 billion per year. I thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: My supplementary question is, is it not
possible that when people are looking for learning positions in local universities, preference be given to people who come from rural areas? This is because people in urban areas have easy access to some of these institutions but preference and favouritism should be given rural areas students.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That question does not arise because the
Hon. Minister said he would want to rationalise the quality of education of both urban and rural centres so that there is quality assurance at these two centres.
*HON. CHIKWINYA: My supplementary comes from the
response given by the Minister when he talked about the construction of science laboratories in rural areas. As of now, some of the examinations in science subjects need these learners to be engaging in practical subjects, but when we look at the situation that these learners do not have laboratories why do we not have a new way of asking – asking questions which does not involve the use of laboratories but ask general questions, so that we do not disadvantage those students in rural areas?
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION (HON. PROF. MAVIMA): I would like to thank the
Hon. Member for that question but this House should be informed that in 2014, the Ministry distributed science kits to every secondary school in this country. Learners at all the secondary schools have been engaging in science practicals based on those science kits that we distributed. This year Mr. Speaker Sir, in preparation for the Combined Science practical examination the Ministry engaged all our secondary schools to make sure that they were ready for that practical. I am actually glad to say that Combined Science practical was written yesterday with very little logistical problems encountered because of the preparations that we had made as a Ministry and our examination council, ZIMSEC. Thank you
Hon. Speaker.
*HON. MUCHENJE: My supplementary question to the Minister is that he has said they want to construct more schools targeting rural areas so that children are near their schools. What is the Ministry’s position regarding the teachers because at the moment these learners have problems of traveling long distances, because teachers shun these rural areas due to poor conditions. What plans has the Government put in place so that these new schools are properly staffed with qualified teachers?
HON. PROF. MAVIMA: Thank you Hon. Member for that very important question. We have a teacher establishment of 122 000 and we have a shortage or rather a vacancy rate of 12 000. The matter really is between us as Ministry, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Commission. We currently have a general freeze because of the fiscal situation that prevails in the country which has not allowed us to recruit those teachers that we need in order to fill those vacant positions. I am assured in discussions with the PSC and the Ministry of Finance that as soon as the fiscal situation permits we will be able to recruit those teachers to fill those positions. Thank you.
HON. RAIDZA: My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Trade regarding the shortage of basic commodities. We understand the Government has amended Statutory Instrument 122 of
2017 as a temporary measure. What long term plans do they have as a Ministry?
THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE (HON. N. M.
NDLOVU): Thank you Hon. Member for the question. My Ministry has amended SI 122 of 2017 and this is a temporary amendment where we continue to monitor the availability of goods. To address the Hon.
Member’s question, the long term plan is that we continue to support the local producers with forex allocation and when we note that we are able to supply our local industry we will be able to review the amendments. I thank you.
HON. HAMAUSWA: My supplementary question relates to other bottlenecks, especially related to border controls. We acknowledge the amendment of the Statutory Instrument but there are other issues like when people …
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is your supplementary question please?
HON. HAMAUSWA: My supplementary question is, what is the Ministry doing to remove other bottlenecks, especially related to the importation of goods? For example when you are importing goods from outside, the Government says you only import four items duty free and we have other people who are being affected. What is the Government doing on that?
HON. N. M. NDLOVU: I wish again to thank the Hon. Member for the question. With regards to border control Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to get clarity from the Hon. Member. He raised an example which is not controlled by my Ministry in terms of the goods or quantities that you are allowed to bring in. I can only comment on what is under my purview, but from his question that is not under my Ministry. I thank you.
HON. MADHUKU: My question is directed to the Minister of Health. We understand that the cholera epidemic has been contained. What efforts are been made by the Ministry to ensure that this epidemic does not recur?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. This question was dealt with very extensively previously by the Hon. Minister of Health where he indicated to this august House that teams were established in all provinces, and in some cases in districts to deal with the matter.
HON. MADIWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service. What measures are you going to take to ensure efficiency in the Public Service on the issue of placement, especially of senior government officials with relevant skills for a particular job and those who are already in the service on a particular job but without the relevant skills.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Thank you Mr. Speaker
Sir. The Public Service Commission will be undergoing a review and the purpose of the review is to identify the right skills for the right jobs and also to provide adequate training for those who require training. At the same time, I would also like to point out that there will be performance management systems and also reward mechanisms. Thank you.
HON. SIKHALA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. There was a very critical policy pronouncement that was done by the President during the time when he started taking over the controlling of this country concerning issues of human rights. From that specific policy, he mentioned by name that the Government of Zimbabwe is going to make sure that they are going to find the whereabouts of Itai Dzamara. How far has the Government gone, it is now three years and eight months after the disappearance of Itai Dzamara. How far has the Government gone in finding the whereabouts of him as announced by the President?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURE HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Whilst the Hon. Member has asked a very important question, the question is very specific. The question the Hon. Member has asked is specific to Dzamara, a particular person. I would say that it is work in progress and can the Hon. Member put that in writing.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I think the Hon. Deputy Minister is right.
Can you put your question in writing so that it can be dealt with next week?
*HON. ZWIZWAI: Mr. Speaker Sir, the issue regarding Dzamara
has been discussed for quite a long time. The High Court ordered that we are supposed to be given a briefing on the disappearance of Itai Dzamara and what we need is a Ministerial Statement.
Mr. Speaker, you also made a ruling that Parliament is not a rally; we should not put on party regalia. I have noticed that Hon. Mutodi is putting on some party regalia; he is putting on some insignia written Mnangagwa. Will it also be fair for us to bring something written
Chamisa on our person? - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]-
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order!
*HON. MATAMBANADZO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question is directed to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing. What is the policy statement on vendors? There were vendors who were working at those places where they were supposed to be operating from. They listened to what the Government had instructed that they should move off the places where they were operating from as a way of fighting cholera. Right now, these people are still operating away from their centres and are now asking for Government to grant them the permission to return to their places of operation which were officially allocated to them since the cholera epidemic has been contained. Do you have a day which you are going to announce that people should move back to their former places of operation?
THE HON. SPEAKER: I had not made a ruling before the Hon. Minister answers. It is common cause that there was a public statement that there would be some periodic narrative on the question of Dzamara.
So the Hon. Minister can prepare a Ministerial Statement to update the House.
*THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON. J. MOYO): Thank
you Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon Member asked a pertinent question. What we know about cholera is that it will not be eradicated forever but we should make preparation for fighting it. One of the ways of fighting this is vending but we are saying that we cannot prohibit vending. All we are saying is asking local authorities to prepare specially selected areas for vending which will help in eradicating and resurfacing of cholera.
As we speak, most of the local authorities are working on new vending areas and some of them had even allocated some prohibited places for vendors to carry out their activities, hence the local authorities are busy on that exercise. As a Ministry, we are saying, which are the most likely places to have cholera? We identified some hot spots whereby should the rains come without adequate preparations there can be a cholera outbreak.
Currently, we have places like Buhera where there is a cholera outbreak because we have some people, for religious reasons who do not access medication. We are educating them on the best practices of preventing the contamination and spread of cholera.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON.
SPEAKER, in terms of Standing Order No. 64.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development has a Ministerial Statement to give. So I move that we suspend Questions with Notice and allow the Hon. Minister to proceed to give his Ministerial Statement. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order may I now call upon the
Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development to make the Ministerial Statement. Please, you can write down areas of clarification so that we do not waste time.
Motion put and agreed to.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
STATE OF THE ECONOMY
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I would like to give a very short statement on the state of the economy. I will give a detailed analysis when we have a retreat next week in Bulawayo with Hon. Members of Parliament as we discuss the Budget and also at the end of November there will be a more detailed analysis in my Budget Statement.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in terms of growth, the global economy is projected to grow at 3.7% for both 2018 and 2019 and this is robust growth that is mainly driven by what we call emerging markets. I mention this so as to put in context the growth projections for Zimbabwe to say that in terms of that prognosis, we are among the highest growing countries in Africa and around the world. The partial recovery in commodity prices globally has really driven the uptick in global growth and also the impact, especially in the United States of the cut in taxes has fueled growth in that economy. If we look at some of the drivers that pertain to Zimbabwe really in terms of broad drivers is China’s growth. China is projected to grow at about six and a half percent at least per annum and that growth in China has a strong relationship with the outlook for commodities given that Zimbabwe is a commodity producer. So it matters to us that the economy continues to perform well – it augers well for the outlook of commodities.
In that realm, India continues to grow strongly and that again is helping prop up commodity prices which augers well for our mining sector. Looking closer home in the region and in sub-Saharan Africa itself, we notice that the growth rate for sub-Saharan Africa is about 2.7
% but expect it to be higher next year to 3.8%. Again, you will see why
I mention this in the context of how Zimbabwe is doing. The oil price continues to move sideways, well above the $75.00 per barrel. This helps those countries that are oil producers but it does not help Zimbabwe at all because we are a net oil importer. So this is something for us to stay concerned about in terms of fuel prices. Neighbouring countries as we know, to the west of us, have already increased the price of petrol in the last few weeks in response to these strong oil prices. Again driven by the strong growth and demand from the so called, emerging markets.
Moving closer, as you can see I am slowly zeroing in onto
Zimbabwe and giving our own global context. Under the new
Government, there is a gradual restoration of business confidence in
Zimbabwe and truly Zimbabwe is open for business. In the first half of 2018, the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) received 165 applications worth $15.8 billion over and above the investment inquiries with various line ministries and other individual companies.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Government is pursing the various investment inquiries with the objective of increasing the share of external investment from US$1.8 billion anticipated in 2018 to US$2 billion that we anticipate next year in 2019.
Meanwhile, the economy is expected to surpass its initial budget growth projection of 4.5% to 6.3% in 2018, riding on strong performance in sectors such as agriculture which is showing growth of about 12.4%, the mining sector showing growth of about 26% and the construction sector showing growth of about 14%. I have with me Mr. Speaker Sir, in my written statement, a table on how all the various sectors are performing so that we know which ones are the levers that are really driving this economy and perhaps pointing to where we should apply our energies and policies to stimulate growth.
Growth in agriculture is premised on solid performance of cash crops such as tobacco, cotton, sugar cane and soya beans. The first half performance in minerals such as gold, coal and chrome also point to better prospects for 2018 compared to 2017.
The services sector such as transport, communication and distribution are also anticipated to make average contribution to GDP growth of 5%. Now, turning to inflation which really speaks to the domestic value of currency and purchasing power, Mr. Speaker Sir, the rising money supply occasioned by budget deficit financing coupled by foreign currency shortages has seen a surge in inflationary pressures during the first half of 2018. Annual inflation stood at 5.4% in September 2018, with signs of resurgence compared to the first six months where it was relatively stable. On the paper, I have a graph showing the trend in inflation, which is showing this upward trend Mr. Speaker Sir.
- The main drivers of inflation during this period have been parallel market exchange rates driven by foreign currency shortages, giving rise to speculative demand, as well as, induced demand from US dollars as a an asset. The eventual pass through effect of rising exchange rate premiums has been filtered into sudden price increases, particularly on basic goods and commodities. This was worsened by firming oil prices and the depreciation of the South African Rand against the United States Dollar. I have in my statement Mr. Speaker Sir, data and information on the state of public finances.
In terms of tax revenues, up to September, we have collected something to the tune of $3.8 billion, just to give a signal that we are doing well. As of yesterday, my team at ZIMRA confirmed that we have met our target for the year in terms of ZIMRA collections and chances are of course we will surpass the target for 2018 and hope to even do better in 2019.
- have to mention as well that companies have not been remitting what they have been collecting in terms of PAYE, VAT and so forth and we are owed a principal amount of $2.3 billion and then we add an interest of $1 billion, taking it to $3.3 billion. This will go a long way in covering the hole regarding the Reserve Bank window where we have been borrowing.
- Speaker Sir, with cumulative revenues of $3.824 billion and expenditures of $6.278 between January and September, the resultant budget deficit of $2.454 billion is unsustainable in light of the constrained capacity to close the gap. Financing of the deficit was through Treasury Bill issuances, which some Members of the House could be aware of. We are determined that going forward, the issuance and sale of Treasury Bills will be through an auction system as opposed to a direct placement system. An auction system will allow us and the players in the market to achieve a better price discovery and could save us a few percentage points in terms of interest that we ought to pay on those Treasury Bills. Also, as Treasury Bills mature Mr. Speaker Sir, we will make sure that we lengthen the maturity of the Treasury Bills so that we can grow what is called a ‘hill curve’ which is a very important instrument in the financial markets for the pricing of all assets in the market. Lengthening that hill curve by reissuing longer dated paper is the way to go but also it spreads the liability to Government over the years.
- have to say something about the Central Bank facility window which again will close as we go forward. I have got figures as to what it looks like month to month from January to August, which I will be able to share if so requested.
Financial Sector
- The money supply stock stood at US9.14 billion in June 2018, translating to a year on year growth of 40.81% from US$6.49 billion in June 2017. It is projected that money supply will grow by 38.2% in 2018 compared to an initial projection of 20.14% and this growth has been largely driven by net claims on Government.
Looking at the nature of domestic credit; the split between the portion going to the private sector and portion going to Government, the split is as follows: the credit to Government is 61.77% compared to obviously the residual which is 32.39% for the private sector. Clearly, the private sector is being crowded out, hence we are determined. I said earlier that we will make sure we reduce the budget deficit, rationalise the issuance of Treasury Bills to make sure that banks and individuals are not drawn to watch Treasury Bills because of the interests rates and because they are safe but also feel the need to take risk and lend to the private sector so that it can continue to create jobs and grow our exports.
External Sector
- Mr. Speaker Sir, exports of goods and services are projected to close the year at US$5 billion in 2018, largely driven by mineral and tobacco exports whilst overall, imports of goods and services are projected to be US$7.3 billion for the same period. Mr. Speaker Sir, actually as a country we have what we call a twin deficit problem, which is your balance of payments deficit as shown by the gap between exports and imports and also a fiscal deficit as I have explained before.
I would now want to mention two other issues Mr. Speaker pertaining to external engagement that given the size of external debt and the fact that we are in arrears. I have specific questions on that and I can give specific figures. We need to engage our external partners which are basically at two levels. The first level is what you call your preferred creditors, which is the World Bank and the African
Development Bank whom we owe about $1.8 billion. So, without clearing these arrears with these two institutions, we have difficulties in restoring our credit standing. We are determined as Treasury and Government that we clear these within the first 12 months. Of course, the challenge for us is to clear both at the same time.
Once we have done clearing these two institutions as a first phase, we will then switch to what we call the Paris Club. I have had extensive negotiations with members of the Paris Club one on one in Bali and I continue to meet the ambassadors locally who obviously represent the various countries. We owe the Paris Club members another $2.8 billion and we continue to engage them on this as part of our arrears claims.
This will restore Zimbabwe’s credit standing if we are successful. There has been debate as to whether we should follow the HIPC route, none HIPC route and so forth. It is not for us to choose the routes. This is something that is negotiated and almost dictated by the credit base. Quite clearly, we are open to whatever route gives us relief as a country and restores our credit standing.
Finally Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to say that the state of the economy, the budget principles and whatever we desire to do in the budget all stems from the transitional stabilisation programme, which is a programme that is designed to restore stability to the economy and create the base for us to move to that aspirational upper middle income country in 2030. External engagement, restoring the fiscal balance, dealing with the current account deficit issues, privatisation, improving environment of doing business, financing of agriculture et cetera, all those issues are dealt with in the TSP and I urge all Members of Parliament to familiarise with the document so that we can all work together and improve the lives of our Zimbabweans and I urge every Member of Parliament that it is now all hands on deck. Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): Thank
you Hon. Minister. May I now give Hon. Members time to ask pertinent questions that are relevant to the Ministerial Statement and also to raise areas that you need some further clarifications and no debate.
HON. BITI: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I have got a question to the Minister of Finance. You have indicated that you are going to move to a system where you auction Treasury Bills and my question is in light of the fact that there is clear evidence of increased revenue. You have indicated that ZIMRA has already met its target for year ending 2018. Why do you need to continue borrowing and why are you not pursuing fiscal consolidation? Why are you not abandoning Treasury Bills absolutely so that you live within your means because if your revenue is increasing, surely you do not need to borrow?
You also speak of a growth rate of above 6%. My question to is what is the component of the increase in revenue attributable to inflation, in this case hyper-inflation? All of us are going through shops and we are living hyper-inflation. Some Scholars for instance Prof. Steve Hanke are calculating our inflation to over 200% annualized. So, the growth you are projecting, what is the extent that is predicated on inflation?
On the debt question, you seem to suggest that you are going to find money to clear the arrears and my question is, what country is going to give you the almost US$2 billion that you would require to pay off the arrears to the World Bank? Finally, when the Minister came from Bali, he indicated that they were going to pursue HIPC but I find that a contradiction in view of the fact that you have rebased the economy to US$25 billion. Therefore, we are no longer low income country, which is the qualification for HIPC. You have to be a low income country. So, I find that a contradiction in that on one hand we are calling ourselves a middle income country but on the other hand we still see HIPC as an option because it is only available to low income countries. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. MLISWA: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker Sir, there was the issue of domestic resource mobilisation which was the anchor in terms of growing the economy. It was the mantra of the then Minister of Finance Hon. Chinamasa that we would be able to grow our economy through the domestic resources which are available. We even went on a pre-budget seminar to Bulawayo if Members of Parliament recall, but it does not talk about production from the domestic resources mobilisation in attending to the resuscitation of the economy. Economy can only be resuscitated through the resources of the country. The Minister does not talk about that. So, what other means has he got to be able to grow the economy? He is bent on taxation. Which country has ever sustained an economy through taxation?
The reason why the Minister has a bill from ZIA, an account of US$165 billion of applications but he does not talk about how much money has come in. These are applications and the reason why they are not coming in is the taxation system. We are sitting with over 30 or 40 taxation programmes in a country. When the investors get to that, they do not bring in the money. So, US$165 billion application means nothing if nothing has gone into action. We might as well forget about that. Why is it that those applications have not been approved?
The Minister again talks about the issue of cutting down on the
Executive. Mr. Speaker Sir, the Minister must understand that this Parliament has endured this for a very long time. Executive expenditure will be cut down and there is no timeframe. We cannot operate on an economy without a timeframe. It is impossible. The Minister must be able to tell us because we represent people and when we go back to the people, they want to know when the economy will take off. That can only happen when the Minister is clear in terms of articulating the timeframes. So, I would want to understand – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjectionsi.]- Hon. Members, you do not have the intellectual capacity that I have. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members.
Order Hon. Mliswa, order in the House.
HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: My point of order is that the Hon. Member has used...
Hon. Zwizwai having stood up talking.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Zwizwai,
taakuzotandanisana manje muno umu. Hon. Mliswa, I am quite surprised that you seem to be showing some disrespecting attitude towards your Chair.
HON. MLISWA: Why is Hon. Matangira standing up?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have recognised him because
he has raised a point of order. I am quite surprised Hon. Mliswa. That is so unparliamentary language. What is your point of order Hon.
Matangira?
HON. MATANGIRA: My point of order is that in this august
House, we should treat each other as Hon. Members because you cannot talk of members who have no mental capacity. – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] -
Hon. Matangira having continued to speak.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): Hon.
Matangira, go out.
Hon. Matangira left the House.
- [HON. MLISWA: Waitengesa kuna Grace, wakarohwa iwe and some inaudible interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa out – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
Hon. Mliswa having continued to insult Hon. Nguluvhe.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa out. Please
Sergeant-at-Arms escort Hon. Mliswa out.
Sergeant-at-Arms escorted Hon. Mliswa out of the House.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order in the House.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker I have a few points for
clarity. The first one is we are currently getting paid in RTGs – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – We are currently getting paid in RTGs; I just want to know when the Minister is going to address the disparity because prices have gone up and the shops are asking...
An Hon. Member having stood up.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Member why are you
standing up? Hon. Nduna can you please continue.
HON. NDUNA: When is the Minister going to address the disparity between the RTGs and the US dollars because we are currently getting paid in RTGs but the shops are asking for US dollars and there is a disparity that is the first one? Secondly, – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, can the Hon.
Member be heard in silence.
HON. NDUNA: Mr. Speaker Sir, the Minister spoke about the
40% in terms of growth in the construction sector. This is what has been said, what I need to know is the contractors that have been subcontracted by the Government get paid maybe in 10 – 15 or 30 days. How is the Minister going to secure the strength or the value of the monies that the contractors are owed? Yes, there is growth in terms of 40%, but as they are paid 30 days later, the value of their monies through RTGs will have been eroded.
The third one Mr. Speaker Sir; we saw the barrel of fuel go down globally from US$120 to US$40 in some year, but Zimbabwe did not get any benefit in that time. The price of fuel in Zimbabwe remained the same – [AN HON. MEMBER: E.D.] – is there going to be a downward review of the price of fuel in Zimbabwe when the global average or the global price goes down as you have alluded to US$75 per barrel currently? If it goes down to US$70 or US$60 per barrel according to global trends, are we going to see a downward review? If we are not going to see a downward review in Zimbabwe is there a reason why?
The last one is what earlier on the Minister alluded to the growth of our economy attributing it to the proliferation of the umushika-shika.
There are thousand vehicles that are being registered monthly by Central
Vehicle Registration (CVR) and those mushika-shika cost minimum
US$4 000 from Japan or ex South Africa. If you multiply that by US$4 000, this is US$4m going out of the country in terms of US dollars hard currency each month.
At some point as a Committee Chair of Transport, I put across a proposition that if you could bring in these companies, warehouse –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Nduna, may
you be reminded to ask questions and not to debate like I said earlier on.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, it is the last one. It was my proposition for revenue generation that we bring in those companies that are selling the mushika-shika at US$4 000 per unit and make sure that we warehouse those companies and hold those vehicles in bond and those vehicles get bought here in Zimbabwe; the same vehicles using that hard currency. We request that those that are receiving that US$4 just bank 10% of their hard currency into our financial sector and that is going to make sure that we grow our economy. Is the Minister amenable to such a proposition and if so how do you see that going into the issue of growing our economy in the future using the mushika mushikas.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Hon.
Speaker Sir. First of all, let me thank Hon. Biti for his questions. He wanted to know why we continue borrowing when in fact we have already met our revenue targets. Actually we have stopped borrowing, we have not issued Treasury Bills since I took over and also this is in the light of my desire to make sure that we do not over borrow and there is no over issuance of Treasury Bills and certainly we begin to curtail expenditure. It does not mean that we do not borrow in future. In fact what we would like to do at some point is to be able to test the auction system with a small Treasury Bill issuance at some time in the future. We need to find out if the system really works. We have a market it clears and the pricing is below the 10% interest rate that has been applied to Treasury Bills so far.
He also asked about the debt clearance issue that I did mention sometime back coming from Bali that we will pursue the Heavily
Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) route, I never said that. I said that the HIPC route is one of the options on the table, actually the reality is that the HIPC route, non HIPC route, quasi-HIPC route, adhoc route, all it means they are other ways to restructure debt without using the HIPC route. He is correct that HIPC route is reserved for poor countries, and given that we are rated a middle income country, we are not a poor country but it does not mean that we are not eligible for HIPC - like type restructuring. That is why we are keeping this option on the table.
He also asked about the impact of inflation and growth on revenue collection; what is its impact. Indeed, it has an impact. I can actually give you the exact figures offline or as a follow –up, I am happy to do that just to find out how that growth of 6% has impacted on revenue collection and how inflation equally impact has on revenue collection. It is true that…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Minister?
HON. BITI: On a point of order. My point of order Hon. Speaker is, with respect, the Minister has not answered my questions. So can I just restate them very quickly so that he can answer them? On the question of debt clearance, I said you have indicated in your statement this afternoon namuhla, that you are going to try and clear the arrears that Zimbabwe has at the World Bank and African Development Bank. I am saying given the quantum of that debt, and given the fragility of our own situation now, which country is prepared to lend us the money that Zimbabwe has to use to clear?
On the question of inflation, I said given the high rate of inflation which some people are putting at 158%, should you not revise your growth figures, because your growth figures are based on these inflation outcomes. Your increase in revenue is coming from inflation. People are paying more because of inflation, not because we are producing. So when you celebrate the growth in GDP, you are in fact celebrating the growth in inflation, not the growth in real output, that is my question.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank the Hon. Member for restating his questions with clarity, before, it was not clear to me. On the issue of debt clearance and which countries are going to help us, at the stage of clearing the FDB and World Bank balances, the issue is not about being HIPC or non- HIPC it is just about clearing that. As to which countries; of course we will negotiate with the various countries who are shareholders in those institutions and of course the Paris Club countries. We will negotiate with them, the G7, there are other members of European Union and in Europe who are willing to talk to us about this. We have had a conversation with them already, so we will continue to explore with them as to whether they can give us relief, but there are countries that we are speaking to.
I cannot be specific; the discussions have just started and I will be able to shed more light in future. On the issue of inflation, GDP growth is actually real GDP growth, net of inflation, it is not nominal GDP growth. I want to make that clear, it is real GDP growth which already takes care of inflation. As to whether inflation is being under measured, Stephen Hank at the Cato Institute in the United States that is not the case, there are many ways to measure inflation. It depends on the purpose. In most countries, the purpose of a specific methodology that we use is to be able to capture really the cost of typical basket for a household family and that requires that you use a weighted basket approach to measuring inflation. That is what most countries do and that is what we are doing in Zimbabwe.
So, when we say inflation is of the order of whatever, it is based on this basket of consumption approach. What other people do, they use all manner of high frequency data, leading indicator - sometimes they just focus on housing alone as an indicator and other measures to measure the velocity in terms of increase of prices. There are many ways to do it and the researcher that is mentioning Mr. Hank, he has a specific way of measuring inflation.
My views are this, I do not keep arguing with him on his methodology, methodologies differ but really it is about the message that inflation is an evil that we must always watch out for and deal with. For me this is the message not whether it is hyper or none-hyper inflation, but we have our methodology tried and tested. By the way Zimbabwe also subjects statistical measurement standards to those of the IMF, Afrixim Bank and World Bank. There is a whole group around statics that measures the way or rather monitors the way statistics are presented and we comply with best practice globally in terms of whatever variable we issue out from ZIMSTATS.
Let me come to the question from Hon. Mliswa, he said that in my statement I have not mentioned much about perhaps support for the productive sector; how to get the economy going and so forth. As I said, this was a short statement on the state of the economy. It was not a pronouncement on policy in terms of what I will do. I am reserving those for the budget. I do not want to start debating the policies here when I am as yet to announce, it was about the state of affairs - but looking at what needs to be done then, it is about really supporting the productive sector.
You may have seen snippets of it in terms of ideas, for instance in terms of a fund for retooling of industries a national venture fund for retooling the mining sector in addition to what we have already explained and other incentives for supporting value addition, whether it is in the diamond sector, supporting the re-opening of new mines and introducing a simpler fiscal regime for the mining sector. We have all those plans but it was not my intention today to explaining what those policies are rather than to explain perhaps the state of the economy.
On the Executive expenditure, timeframe and all that, the cost containing measures will be implemented during 2019, that is the timeframe for dealing with those expenditure control measures. I now move on to Hon. Nduna who asked several questions. On addressing the pricing in terms of RTGs prices and the disparity thereof between RTGs prices, I suspect against the benchmark, US Dollar prices. As Government we have a policy which is that we have a one to one convertibility between these types of multi-currencies within a multicurrency regime. That is the official policy.
We are not necessarily in control of what people do in the parallel market; how they exchange value out there, but we have a policy and want to guarantee that value – people have the memory of what happened in 2008/2009 where they lost value and we are concerned that we should work hard to preserve value for everyone. He erroneously mentioned that I said the growth rate for the construction sector is 40% but I think he corrected, it is 14% and he wanted to find out how again we are going to preserve value although the 30 day delay in terms of payment, but I guess this should apply to anyone who is subjected to this kind of pricing practices where there is disparity in RTGs and dollars pricing. As I said, really we are not in control of what happens when people trade their balances wherever they trade but we guarantee a one to one conversion. In fact, there is an instrument that pertains to this multicurrency pricing which confirms that there should be unitary pricing in this multicurrency regime.
The price of fuel, why it does not fluctuates downwards when the global oil price fluctuates downwards and so forth – look, every country has its policy in terms of fuel pricing. I know that without mentioning countries, there are trucks that keep coming into our country to buy our cheaper fuel and going on to retail it in their country for I guess a wholesome profitable amount, which suggests that perhaps our fuel is not as expensive as we think at least within the neighbourhood. Let me hasten to add that we are a landlocked country, so transport and other costs kick in when you transport fuel from the high seas, at least from Mozambique, Beira into Zimbabwe and that is bound to add some premium on the price of fuel. I think it is fair to say that within the region our fuel is not too expensive and it is within affordable limits. It could be that in future, of course we move to variable prices but you know what, imagine what will happen when the oil price goes back to a $100 per barrel. That would be really punitive to the population. Perhaps we should be careful about linking the price to the global oil price.
On the issue of mushikashika, just to correct Hon. Nduna, I was not saying that mushikashikas are contributing to the growth of the economy. I was saying that it is a leading indicator that there is vibrancy in the economy in terms of the cars that one sees on the road. I am just using that as one example. I do not want to say it is the example. I want to be clear about that but then he went on to say, perhaps even with this issue there is some opportunity where this vehicle economy could contribute to the broader economy. I welcome those ideas. There are some who have even suggested to me that we should start charging for import duties on cars in US$ but all those are ideas and certainly, we welcome those days especially just before I give my Budget Statement to this august House. Thank you.
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir, for
giving me this opportunity to seek some clarifications on the statement that the Hon. Minister has been pleased to give to this august House this afternoon. Firstly Mr. Speaker, I would like to get clarification from the Hon. Minister with regard to the transaction tax. In giving his justification for imposing that punitive tax, the Minister has given the impression that one of the motives is to try to broaden the tax base so as to incorporate the informal sector. I want to ask the Minister as to whether his assumption is that those who are in the informal sector are not using mobile money transfer because we find that civil servants for instance and all those people who are salaried actually get their money transferred into the bank and they have no choice when they want to move that money from their accounts to Ecocash; they are taxed the 2%. It becomes double jeopardy because they are taxed the first time. When you have got several accounts, if you want to move money from one account to the other for personal accounts – it is only the company accounts that have been given an exemption, but individual accounts have not been exempted. Again, that is punishing the individual. So, I want the Minister to clarify why he is doing that which is going to punish the people who actually have no choice but to use mobile money transfer because of the unavailability of cash.
The second clarification I would like to have from the Hon. Minister Mr. Speaker, is in relation to the contradictions on the exchange rate. The Hon. Minister when he was in London was quoted as having said it was obvious that the bond note and RTGs were not equivalent to the US$ and he did not say he was misquoted. Therefore, I would like the Minister to reconcile what he is reported to have said while in London and what he is telling us now that they are one is to one. We want an explanation.
Further Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like the Hon. Minister to explain to us how he intends to tackle the parallel exchange rate because there is nothing which he has said to give us an appreciation and understanding of how the Minister would like to tackle that scourge in our economy. More importantly Mr. Speaker Sir, issues have been raised about a cartel and about Queen B who are in control and have been given a monopoly, for instance on the importation of fuel. I want the Minister to explain to us what the rational is for having the Reserve Bank allocating foreign currency to players in the …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Member. What
you are now referring to is not actually from the Minister – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections].
HON. GONESE: No, but it is in relation to the issue of the exchange rate. It talks about the exchange rate Mr. Speaker – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members!
Order!
HON. GONESE: Mr. Speaker, with due respect, can I clarify. It is in relation to the issue of the parallel exchange rates which is very relevant Mr. Speaker and it is very pertinent. It is imperative for the Minister to explain to this august House and to the nation at large because those are matters of serious concern for Zimbabwe. We would like the Hon. Minister to explain to us what the Hon. Minister and the Executive are going to do about those issues relating to the monopoly and also to the allocation of foreign currency to the favoured few to the exclusion of the people who actually generate the foreign currency. We have got the exporters who are only given 30% of foreign currency earned.
Lastly Mr. Speaker, I would like the Hon. Minister to clarify whether it is not a tacit admission that the RTGs and US$ are not equivalent when the Hon. Minister has superintended over a process where you now – I know that the monetary policy came from the Governor of the Reserve Bank but the bottom line is that you now have two different sets of accounts. What is called an RTGs (FCA), to me is contradictory because FCA means foreign currency account and you are now calling it RTGs (FCA). Then we have what you call the nostril (FCA), to me it is nonsensical with due respect Mr. Speaker, to have two separate accounts designated differently with the nominal same value because if they were the same, there will be no need to –
[Time Limit]
HON. MKARATIGWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, my question to the
Hon. Minister is - when is the Transitional Stabilisation Programme going to be launched. I believe it has got all the answers to the problems that we are facing right now. So, the sooner it is implemented, the better.
HON. SARUWAKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question to
the Hon. Minister is relating to his efforts to raise money even from the international community. I would want to understand whether he is aware of the report from the European Union and the NDI report referring to our election as being unverifiable. The international institutions which release money are not happy about the legitimacy of the elections. So, the matter – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order! My first point to
the House was that you need to be asking questions that are pertinent and relevant to the Ministerial Statement.
HON. SARUWAKA: The issue is about mobilisation of resources
and arrears clearance. So, the Hon. Minister would need to go to these institutions and countries to seek support. How is he going to do it in light of the issue that there are legitimacy issues surrounding – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I thank the Hon.
Member for his questions. The first question he mentions pertains to the 2% electronic transactions tax in that perhaps those in business are not as impacted because they are not using mobile money. Everyone is impacted because it is about all electronic transactions and not mobile money transactions only. So, I would like to clarify that – that is why you find that the exemption is really cutting across different types of economic segments because we are aware that everyone is impacted by this kind of tax.
He mentioned that perhaps there maybe need to fine tune certain aspects where there are accumulative aspects of the tax in terms of impact. I am quite aware of this and as we go along, we will fine-tune it to make sure that it does not have cumulative and unnecessary impact on our consumers and everyone else. We are fully aware of this and we will fine tune as we go forward. It is normal for any policy to be unfine
-tuned Hon. Speaker.
Then he refers to a contradiction regarding some statements which were supposedly made elsewhere regarding the exchange rate and the 1:1 convertibility. The official position of Government and my official position is 1:1 convertibility but again we are aware that out there, there are different exchange rates, the so called parallel exchange rate that obtain and that is what really the comment was about, if he is referring to that comment that I made on foreign lands. I repeat; the official policy is 1:1 convertibility.
He then moves on to ask about whether we have an approach for dealing with the parallel exchange rate. For us, the first order of business was to deal with preservation of value and that means guarantee that 1:1 convertibility which I have already mentioned about. When it comes to the dealings in the parallel market which have transmitted into inflation, we have taken other measures because we are targeting the impact of this activity on inflation. So on that, we have engaged in terms of two approaches; one was based on moral suasion and that is why you find that as of yesterday the fertilizer and seed sector have reduced their prices. The prices were as high as $110 per 10kg and now they have come down to half that. So, that moral suasion is working and again it shows a spirit that the Government has in terms of discussion. We are continuing to engage with the private sector as we started on Monday and yesterday. I will also be meeting more members of the private sector later in the week.
The other approach to dealing with the impact of the parallel market activity is by lifting of import controls, Statutory Instrument 122 which will bring in goods that will supplement domestic activity; so we can increase supply, lower prices because we are worried about the inflationary impact of exchange rate movements in the parallel market.
On issues around the oil sector, cartel and so forth; clearly this was not in my statement and I am also not the best person. However, let me say this, I am aware that there are several players in the fuel market - Trafigura, IPG, Engen, Total. So, there is a multiplicity of players, I am not sure that there is one single player - there are certainly more players.
On the issue of separation of FCA accounts and so forth; this was really the first step for us in trying to deal with monetary sector reforms. If you look at the Monetary Policy Statement carefully, you find that there are several components in it. The first thing is the separation of the FCA accounts because we want to make sure that those who were hiding United States dollars under their mattresses perhaps for a good reason, they will be able to begin to trust the banking sector and start depositing their monies in the banking sector. As a strategy for strengthening the banking sector and building confidence in that Monetary Policy Statement, we reminded banks to make sure that they increase their capital base to 100 million by December 2020 as pronounced earlier.
We also make sure that we seek to enhance the operations of the Monetary Policy Committee to make sure that it can support monetary policy decisions. In order to deal with access liquidity in the market, we introduces a 5% reserve requirement. It literally remove 5% of the liquidity sloshing and sterilising it so that it does not contribute to extra demand and therefore push up prices and inflation.
So, there is a lot in that Monetary Policy Statement all designed to move us along the road of monetary sector reforms which I am sure we will reach in the fullness of time.
There is an Hon. Member who asked when we will launch the
Transitional Stabilisation Programme because it contains a lot in terms of answers to some of the questions that are being asked…
HON. DUBE: On a point of order! Hon. Speaker, I wanted you to note that the Hon. Member in white doek was sleeping with her mouth open – [Laughter.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Can
you resume your seat, Minister you may continue with your debate?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker. We have
already launched the TSP; I launched it just before I went to Bali, because this is an economic reform programme that I needed to present to the international community. So what we are continuing to do Hon. Speaker Sir and also to the Hon. Member is that, we will now be going on a road show internally and nationally to really launch and make sure that the TSP is understood and also to make sure that it is understood in our vernacular languages. It is explained to everyone as to what this is about and he is certainly correct that it contains a lot of the answers to the questions Hon. Members have been asking this afternoon. It is also the source document for the Budget that I will be presenting at the end of November.
Finally Mr. Speaker Sir, there is a question of whether I am aware of the European Union( EU) report regarding our elections and so forth, questions of legitimacy? Again, I must say that I am not the best person to answer that neither was it in my Statement. What I know is that the electoral process was further subjected to the judicial process after the appeal and on both occasions, the winner was confirmed the winner. Also to add onto that, the issues raised by our external partners, that is how I like to view them, are not things that are alien to Zimbabweans. These are, in my view, probably constructive ideas and views which I am certain will be taken into account as we continue to grow in our democratic endeavors. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order, I am well
informed that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development would want to table the Auditor-General’s report. May I give you the floor Hon. Minister? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Yapera, yapera.
HON. GONESE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir, I believe that we have not exhausted the Ministerial Statement. It is the right of
Hon. Members of this august House Mr. Speaker to seek clarification. We only had two rounds of questions and under normal circumstances, Mr. Speaker Sir, we have been in this august House for a long time.
When we have got an important matter such as the state of the economy, it is imperative that Hon. Members who are representatives of the people of this country, which people are not in this august House but are represented by the Hon. Members here present. That those Hon. Members here present be afforded a reasonable opportunity to really exhaust the issues which are before us. Then the Auditor- General’s report can be tabled at a later stage when we have really done justice to the issues that are bedeviling our nation. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order in the House
Hon. Members. I think the Hon. Minister was so clear when he delivered his Statement – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I am in the Chair and I am saying that the Hon. Minister was so clear that this is a mini-Statement – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order in the House!
The unfortunate thing is that when I give you the floor, you are delving into areas that are not pertinent to what the Hon. Minister is saying. You are taking a lot of time pushing across questions that are so immaterial. Yes, just two questions from you and no debate.
HON. CHIKWINYA: My first question is that the Hon. Minister
said that one of the strategies of reducing budget deficit was to go after the uncollected tax which is resident with the tax payers. He also then said that ZIMRA, as of yesterday, advised him that they had reached the target for the 2018 revenue collection. My question therefore is that:-
- Is the ZIMRA revenue target not too low to the extent that we are setting targets that are too low and are easily achievable when we are just around three quarters midway to the year and then we begin to celebrate?
- What measures is he putting in place to enforce revenue collection mechanisms to go after the tax that is resident with the tax payers out there?
- My second question is what value …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order that is your third
Question, I said two questions Hon. Member – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
HON. CHIKWINYA: But it is connected Mr. Speaker – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order, you may
proceed.
HON. CHIKWINYA: What value does the Government extract
by continuously denying the reality that the exchange rate is not 1:1?
HON. MATARANYIKA: I would like to ask a very specific question to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. Could the Hon. Minister explain to this House why we are not moving away from the bond note in farvour of the multi-currency specifically the United States Dollar and the Rand, considering that our people have warmed up to the use of plastic and mobile money use and also considering that the bond note is probably one of the causes of the parallel market problem? I thank you.
HON. MADZIMURE: What is the Hon. Minister going to do
regarding the civil servants who get their monies through money transfer? When they go to the shops, what is happening is that the prices have gone up by not less than 200% to the effect that a Government employee who earns $500.00 takes his salary to the same shop where he used to shop – he is going to be able to buy things worth just US$100.00 or even US$10.00?
The other question is the Hon. Minister informed the House that the applications for foreign direct investment (FDI) are around 165 and are equivalent to about $15 billion but he did not tell us the uptake?
What exactly has been invested in the market?
My final question is that we have been sponsoring agriculture through command farming yet we are still producing oil seeds. We produce soya beans that are enough to oil Zimbabwe for only two months. You go to wheat, we only produce wheat that is enough to feed Zimbabwe for three months – meaning we are continuously importing yet we are saying agriculture is going to grow by 12%. Can the Hon.
Minister please explain?
HON. KARENYI: I just want the Hon. Minister to explain what measures he is going to put in place pertaining the issue of purchasing of drugs because people are buying drugs in United States dollars?
I think the issue of chronic diseases is at a high rate and people want to buy drugs for hypertension, diabetes, asthma and other diseases.
So what is he going to do because there is an outcry out there and we cannot afford to buy drugs using forex?
*HON. MATAMBANADZO: My question is directed to the
Minister of Finance and Economic Development. What is Government policy regarding the issue that Government should not be controlled by the black market in setting up the rates? For instance, 50kg fertilizer was at $100 at the black market but Government has negotiated and the price has been set at $50. This means the Government is under the control of the black market.
We are now talking of $9 billion where we are talking of swipe and plastic money. The money would be taken to the banks and we now have a total of $9 billion. What is the Minister going to do to curtail this financial misuse regarding transfers and plastic money? The exchange rate on the black market is 900 bond notes to US$100. If you want US$100 you need to pay 900 bond notes. What are you going to do about that?
My last question is you printed bond notes worth $500 million for the country. When bond notes were introduced, we were given assurance that this money was going to be bonded by $200 million loan facility. Who bonded the other $300 million so that we have more money? Companies are now confused and that is why they are demanding US dollars.
HON. C. MOYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. The Hon. Minister
talked about bringing confidence. Surely, out there there is ecocash price, bond note price, RTGS, Rand and US dollar price. Is bond note working? Secondly, the Hon. Minister started with crowd funding for cholera and I think he has a perception that people have got money.
Does he know that people are poor? Thank you.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Let me again appreciate the Hon. Members for their wonderful questions. On the revenue target from ZIMRA on whether we have reached the target or we have set the target on too low in the first place, obviously the target was driven by the capacity that ZIMRA had when the target was set. Also this target is still below the expenditure expected. It does not mean that if it is on the target, it means that the deficit is closed. It means that it is within the capacity that is target that has been set. What I have done by introducing this other tax, literally what I have done is to move the target to make sure that we have more collection points and more inclusive taxes. I suspect when we measure the target as to whether ZIMRA has met their target at the end of the year, I will make sure that I do not include the 2% tax because that came well after they had set their target.
Regarding the value we are extracting from the one to one convertibility principle, we are not extracting value as Government. We are trying to make sure that the citizenry of Zimbabwe extract value. We are trying to protect their value, not our value. People have a nasty experience of the 2008 -2009 hyper inflation period so we are trying to make sure that value is protected.
On the question on why we are not moving away from the bond note, when we are going to demonetize, is it working and so forth, if we look at the size of balances between RTGS and the bond notes, quite clearly the bigger balances are with the RTGS. Also, we are maintaining that we have a road map in terms of currency reform. I explained earlier what we did in the Monetary Policy Statement. The first step was so that we have FCA accounts and I hope Hon. Members have opened their FCA accounts and will begin to trust the banking system – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - I am also hearing that there is an increase in the banking of bond notes as well. They are coming out of the mattresses and people are beginning to bank more of those. All this is welcome as we chat this road map for currency reform. It is a step in the right direction. In my view, it is not a big bang approach to currency reform.
On the civil servants who are receiving money transfers and they get to the shops and find that they cannot reach the same level of consumption basket, of course, I do feel a lot of sympathy for civil servants and any Zimbabwean especially those earning below $400 because they are below the poverty datum line. That is why we are taking these measures; a combination of moral suasion as well as increasing supply by lifting SI 122 in terms of using imports to try to help us push prices down. All of these are strategies where we are trying to make sure that the goods in the shops are in good supply and affordable.
Regarding the figure of how much investment has actually come in, I can come back to this House Hon. Speaker with the exact figure. What I was trying to signal with that statement I made was just interest that Zimbabwe has generated out there and the interest from investors to put their money here in Zimbabwe. Every day we are receiving delegations upon delegations of individual companies wanting to invest in Zimbabwe but of course the conversion ratio in terms of actual investment is another issue and I will be happy to furnish the House in the fullest of time as to what those figures are.
The Hon. Member also asked on importing wheat, soya beans and so forth. One of our illustrious companies is a company called Delta Corporation. It has never imported a single grain of barley for its sorghum beer. This is because Delta finances barley growers who then supply it with that ingredient for the manufacture of beer. This is an example of a corporate that is not dependant on imports. Again, I really urge all corporates and I hope Hon. Members can support me in that; all corporates that are linked to agriculture, I urge them to do the same. For instance, oil expressers should be supporting soya bean growers so that we reduce the amount of soya bean that we are importing. This is always supplementing what we will be extending through the banking
sector.
I have said that going forward, we will use more measures to crowd in the banks and the private sector in the financing of agriculture. For example, we will consider issuing guarantees, especially to state owned banks if they lend to agriculture. We are aware that for us to crowd in the banks, we need to fine tune and complete the exercise for our 99 year leases so that they become legal tender and project that property rights are being protected. Nevertheless, we will crowd the banks through schemes such as the guarantees going forward. I agree that we need to reduce imports and we need to do so quickly.
On the purchase of drugs in US dollars, I would really want to urge the drug companies and pharmacies to accept RTGS and bond notes. I really want to urge them because there are poor people who have no access to US dollars. I really want to urge them to support bond notes and RTGS. There are people in the rural areas who have no access to US dollars and that is why these bond notes are very useful. They also solve the issue of divisibility, which is a small change issue. That is what the bond coins also do.
It was asked why the Government is controlled by the black market. It is not. The problem is that the black market then tries to control prices which are hurting our people, so the Government is responding to the inflationary impact, the price impart of the parallel market on basic goods and commodities. That is the issue. We are not controlled by the parallel market at all.
On the bond notes, initially US$200 million was announced and it is now US$500 million. The difference - is covering that difference, we have got facilities that we have arranged that are covering this exposure on the issuance of bond notes. We have made a statement to that effect in the Monetary Policy Statement. On the issue of confidence again to bond notes, I have already answered this question and then finally, on the crowd funding, this is a very innovative approach to financing in
Africa. Do not underestimate the innovative capacity of our people. Mobile banking was invented in Africa. Zimbabwe has perfected mobile banking and it is way ahead of the rest of the world, if you ask me. Do not underestimate, especially the youth. Do not underestimate them in that they are smarter than most youths around the world.
So, the issue of crowd funding is a very good one because it is not compulsory. It is voluntary. It is just a mechanism to allow those who are willingly wanting to help those who are affected by cholera with their small monies, whether it is a dollar or two dollars, because we want them to be able to donate, and they are dying to donate. By the way, they have been donating. I am happy to give the nation a statement in future on how much we have raised so far. That crowd fund triggers something else which is the contributions from corporates immediately took off. The corporate realised that individuals are doing their bit by contributing a dollar and two dollars. They started contributing and that is a good thing.
It actually shows that for some of these emergencies, we can truly have PPPs where Government does its bit to deal with a scourge like this. Also individuals and corporate do the same thing and match Government. So, I am very proud of the crowd fund, and in fact, there are two countries in Europe who look at us and say that is interesting, we would like to copy that. Equally, with the electronic tax, there is a country which will remain unmentioned which said, this is a very interesting idea if you had time to design an inclusive tax system, progressive system. We would like to copy it. So now you have developed countries wanting to copy from a developing country such as
Zimbabwe, and that is commendable. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
Hon. Matambanadzo having asked about the response to his question
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members.
Your question Hon. Matambanadzo has been responded to when you had gone out. Hon. Minister, can you go ahead to table the Auditor
General’s Report?
TABLING OF REPORTS
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir for inviting me to table certain reports which I ought to table annually. In terms of Section 12 (i) of the Audit Office Act [Chapter 22:18], I lay upon the table reports of the Auditor General For the year ended December 31, 2017 being:
- Narrative report on Appropriation Accounts, Finance
Accounts, Revenue Statements and Fund Accounts.
- Narrative report on State Enterprises and Parastatals; and
- Narrative report on Local Authorities.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I also lay on the table the following reports. In terms of Section 309 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe read together with Section 11 (1) of the Audit Office Act [Chapter 22;18].
- Follow-up report on the implementation of recommendations in the 2016 report on Appropriation Accounts, Finance
Accounts, Revenue Statements and Fund Accounts; and
- Follow-up on the 2016 report on State Enterprises and
Parastatals. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE), the
House adjourned at Twenty One Minutes past Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 19th December, 2018
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
VERIFICATION OF BIO-DATA INFORMATION
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, I have to remind all Hon. Members to verify the details on their bio-data forms before the information is uploaded on the Parliament website. Public Relations
Officers will be stationed in the Members’ Bar, between 1400 hours and 1630 hours from today until Thursday, 20th December, 2018 for that exercise. The deadline for submitting correct information is Friday, 21st December, 2018.
Hon. T. Mliswa having been conversing with another Hon.
Member.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Mliswa and your colleague
there, this is very important, we need that data for posterity in the annals of this Parliament.
COLLECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAITS
THE HON. SPEAKER: Additionally, Hon. Members should
collect presidential portraits for their constituencies from the same Public Relation Officers.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I rise on a motion of privilege under Standing Order Number 68 (d) read together with Standing Order Number 69. My motion of privilege Hon. Speaker arises from the fact that yesterday the Head of State released for public consumption, the findings of the August 1 Violence Incident Report that happened in Harare. Therefore, since it was a Government duty and exercise, it is the role of Parliament under Section 119 (3) of the Constitution which I read as a quote, “for the purpose of sub-section (2) all institutions and agencies of the State and Government at every level are accountable to Parliament.” I therefore move, with the leave of the House, that the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs table the report known as the Motlanthe Report and its findings for debate in this Parliament. - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - it will be very amiss and in respect to the judgment of
Hon. Justice Chidyausiku in the case of Jonathan Moyo versus Austin
Zvoma in 2010, the Supreme Court sitting as a full bench said,
‘Parliament is the highest concentration of political leadership.’ Therefore the report in its snippets so far released by the President only on media, as we saw it, details that some of the issues to be addressed require political will. It is therefore incumbent upon this House, heavy housing political leadership across the political divide to be able to debate and give their input. Moreso importantly is that there are issues that talk to the alignment of electoral laws - [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, can you conclude.
HON. CHIKWINYA: There are issues that talk to the actions of
Parliament and therefore it is only incumbent that the Minister, being the interface between the Executive and Parliament, it is incumbent that the Minister being the interface between the Executive and Parliament brings that report for debate in this House. I thank you – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
An. Hon. Member having stood up to raise a point of order.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, order! Hon. Members, be familiar with Standing Orders. A point of privilege was raised and I have not yet ruled. Please revise your Standing Orders.
Hon. Chikwinya, I will ask the Hon. Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of Government business to respond accordingly.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Indeed the
report is in the public domain and it is within the rights of Parliament to discuss any document that is in the public domain, so we will consider it
– [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
An Hon. Member having stood up to raise a point of order.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. No point of order can be raised unless there is a debate that is going on now. I have said no point of order because there is no debate. No.
FIRST READING
TRIPARTITE NEGOTIATING FORUM BILL [H. B. 5, 2018]
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI) on behalf of THE
MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL
WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA) presented the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Bill [H. B. 5, 2018].
Bill read the first time.
Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I move that
Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 2 has been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
FINANCE BILL: BUDGET DEBATE
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion for leave to bring in a Finance Bill.
Question again proposed.
HON. CHOMBO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to add my voice to the debate on the 2018 Budget presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development on the 22nd of November, 2018 which is dubbed the austerity for prosperity.
The Budget is a well thought out Budget, given the state of the economy that we are trying to address, given the limited options that are available, the volatility of the economies that surround us and our historical background. For any meaningful development to take shape, we have to invest in our infrastructure.
The Hon. Minister of Finance went all out to identify eGovernment projects that are going to assist in the revival of the economy.
Hon. T. Mliswa having greeted Hon. M. Mliswa who was just entering the House.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. T. Mliswa, follow the protocol of
Parliament – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
HON. CHOMBO: Our economy is endowed with natural
resources which if well managed, the economy of Zimbabwe is going to take off very well. We need to computerise our systems and in that respect, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development identified e-Government projects that are going to be the bedrock of development and revival of the economy.
He has set aside $42,6 million to implement e-Government systems. These are going to assist to establish the national data centre; establish community information centres; maintain the Government systems and to that tune, he allocated $13 million to ZIMRA to improve the ASYCUDA system. – [AN HON. MEMBER: What is ASYCUDA -
iyoyo] – iyoyo. – [Laughter.] - It is an automated system.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Hon. Member, do not be sidetracked, address the Chair.
HON. CHOMBO: Thank you Mr. Speaker for the protection. As
I was saying, $13 million was allocated to ZIMRA to improve on the ASYCUDA system. ASYCUDA system is a system that has been set up to improve efficiency in tax collection and ease of doing business and it enables pre-clearance of goods and free movement of people at our ports. It also assists to plug in the leakages, thereby hinder some corruption. It also assists in the revenue collection and also increases our tourism.
He set up a budget of $1,7 million for the CADASTRAL system which is to address the mining problems and disputes that are happening in Zimbabwe. Mining contributes a big chunk to the GDP and the CADASTRAL system is going to address and register the titles and also the rights, and enhance on the security of tenure. It also assists in the registration of new licences. There has been a problem with the Ministry whereby most of the miners have these mines for speculative purposes and this CADASTRAL system is going to address the ‘use it or lose it’ policy. These policies are before the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development and as they are addressing the Bill that was returned by the President in the Eighth Parliament, they are going to address it using that CADASTRAL system.
There are many e-Government projects that were budgeted for in the 2019 budget. We have seen that there is a budget set aside for schools labs, which is about $2 million. There are e-Government flagship projects with another $2 million; there is voice over internet which was budgeted for $12 million and the ICT budget was allocated about $81 965 000.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. May I direct the tenure of the debate. The whole purpose of debating the budget is to assess the impact or intended impact or otherwise of the budgetary allocation where these allocations meet the intended goals or not. That should be the tenure of our debate and not repeating what the Minister allocated. – [AN HON. MEMBER: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker.] – Order, order, do I really need those accolades? Please proceed.
HON. CHOMBO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. As I said, the budget was well thought of looking at the environment that is surrounding the economy of Zimbabwe. However, in my conclusion, I implore that the Hon. Minister looks into computerising our Parliament. We yearn for the time when we can have a paperless Parliament. Our Parliament should be fully computerised so as to improve the efficiency and for us to realise the vision of being a world class Parliament. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. RAIDZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to add my voice to the 2019 budget that was presented to this august House by the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development. From the budget, I have discovered that it is pro-poor in many respects. Our budget is touching on a number of key issues that affect our people like that of infrastructure. Our budget has put up an amount of $2,6 billion to be invested in infrastructure and that represents 31% and also there will be a number of issues that will be impacted like roads, irrigation schemes where our people will be having enough food to eat.
It also impacted on the issue of devolution where they have a budget $310 million and 76% of that amount, which is $235 591 000 is going to the Rural District Councils. It was said depending on a number of variables we believe that these amounts that were distributed to the
Rural District Councils and to other councils will benefit our people.
If we also look at the issue of food security, we have seen that our budget has allocated over $900 million to agriculture to support the farmers and our 2019 budget also seeks to encourage the private players to support the Government efforts to secure a number of activities in the agricultural sector like the construction of dams, research and development, extension services and mechanisation of the agricultural industry.
Our 2019 budget also touches on the issue of sanitary wear by taking away the customs duty on sanitary pads, Mr. Speaker Sir. By so doing, the budget seeks to make the sanitary pads available to our women and girls. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Can you kindly lower your voices please?
*HON. CHIKUNI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to add my voice on the budget. I want to thank the Minister of Finance and Economic Development for bearing a burden when things were not okay. I want to thank him for taking up the chance by allocating money to the war veterans. The war veterans were living in poverty for a long time without their budget. If you get the chance, you can add more funds.
Finally, I want to thank you for the devolution. I want to thank you for giving out money to start the work of devolution. When the work has started on provinces it will then cascade to districts, villages and to cells. So work will be done. Thank you Mr. Speaker – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! Let us keep cool Hon.
Members. – [AN HON. MEMBER: She was giving a vote of thanks.] -
HON. P. DUBE: Mr. Speaker Sir, thank you for the opportunity.
I will go straight to my issue in terms of my observation of this budget.
I am informed by the budget to the effect that the National Prosecuting Authority has been allocated some money by the Minister which amounts to…
THE HON. SPEAKER: By the Hon. Minister.
HON. P. DUBE: Yes, my apologies - by the Hon. Minister which amounts to about $8 million against the budget for the counterpart in the same field in the form of the Judicial Service Commission which has been allocated about $44 million. The net effect of this in terms of the justice delivery system is that we have seriously undermined the foundations and fundamentals of the rule of law in Zimbabwe in the sense that we have subordinated financially one arm which is equally important to the other for the reason that cannot be practically justified.
There is no justification practically, on why the National Prosecuting Authority would be given this amount under the circumstances, especially taking into account what the Minister has been preaching about - the issues of corruption, the issues of the fears of the leakages and the custodians of that. The people who must be monitoring on behalf of Government in this Parliament is the National Prosecuting
Authority and they are expected to be prosecuting high level criminals –
[AN HON. MEMBER: So what is your suggestion?] -
The suggestion is simply that this is unacceptable and must be reviewed upward because this is not even consistent with the vision of the Minister himself and as if that is not enough, we have the Anti Corruption Commission. Again, it has been allocated an amount which I am seeing here as $6 million. These are the people that are supposed to be investigating corruption, looting and investigating every challenge that we have faced financially in this country. One ordinary suspect may be facing a charge of about $50 million and there is a risk if the whole institution is at a value of $6 million. I will take this as the value that you are giving to this Commission. If they are valued at $6 million and they are supposed to recover for you billions, what it means practically is that you are giving a serious temptation to this Commission never to function.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I will address you again on the important Commission which is the Human Rights Commission. Our history as a country makes it very important. We are a constitutional democracy and a Human Rights Commission is a very important stakeholder in terms of how we can fulfill the human rights agenda of this nation. With the amount that has been allocated to the Human Rights Commission which is $3 million, there is a risk that this Commission, when it was established was actually given an A grade which means there was a belief from the international human rights community that they were meeting the minimum requirements of what a human rights body must be made of, but what has happened with this budget is that by 2020 when the second rating is done, they are going to be condemned. The consequences of that and how they can only be downgraded, I am sure are known by the Minister.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Hon. Minister.
HON. P. DUBE: The Hon. Minister, Mr. Speaker Sir. The net effect of the downgrading actually goes a long way in even affecting the donor funding or partnership of the Human Rights Commission. The condition for the second grading is actually based on decentralisation where this Commission was given five or so years to have decentralised to every province for them to retain that A grade. Now that they have $3 million, it is not possible to even set up one office in another province.
What it simply means is that we have actually shot ourselves in the foot. In as much as we cry about sanctions and other things, we actually at times sanction ourselves by doing certain things that ordinarily directly attack us. So, I do not believe if we know the function of this Commission we would give them $3 million, if we know how they hold even the reputation of this country.
I will also proceed to the Gender Commission. The Gender Commission has been allocated $2 million. The danger of this is that, it confirms that this Government or this country is not committed at all to gender issues – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – This Commission is also supposed to decentralise, not only to every province but this one must go to every district and every ward because the gender issues are actually ward based. The danger of doing that is also that, we are confirming to the whole world that we do not care about gender issues because it is the budget that reflects our commitment to everything that we want – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Mr. Speaker Sir, I am happy that there has been an allocation to the Council of Chiefs of $5million. I believe this is very important, provided that this gives the independence required of these Chiefs’ Council because there is no secretariat in this institution and the risk is that if you make a paper trail, this money is ending at the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and not directly to the chiefs. What it means is that it subordinates the chiefs who, in terms of our Constitution, are an independent and apolitical body which must be able to serve everyone – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – The reason why they have not been able to serve everyone is because they are supposed to be reporting to District Administrators (D.As) and Provincial Administrators (P.As) because of the resources. So, Hon. Minister, on this particular aspect, my advice will be that; there be a quick issue in terms of allowing this Chiefs’ Council to have an independent secretariat and they run their resources so that – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – they are independent from the Minister. They must not be controlled by anyone. The only way they are controlled is through resources. I am sure that even if the chiefs were to come, they will confirm that they require that independence and integrity and reputation that their offices are bestowed with.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker Sir, it is my submission that we must reflect our constitutional values of a country that is committed to make our institutions function as they are supposed to and in the process, be able to resource well. So, the consequences of the budget in summary, to my observation, is that; it seriously undermines the constitutional foundations of this country as it fails to give adequate resources to those institutions that are supposed to assist Parliament and the Executive to properly function and to properly discharge of its mandate. So, these will be my remarks – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – [HON.
MLISWA: Haa charova, charova.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. That language Hon.
Mliswa is unparliamentary.
HON. MLISWA: I withdraw Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I was really astounded and flummoxed Mr. Speaker when Hon. Raidza described this budget as pro-poor. Mr. Speaker Sir, I do not know which budget he was referring to. With due respect Mr. Speaker Sir, I actually doubt on whether he has gone through the provisions of the budget for him to come to the conclusion that this budget is pro-poor. To the contrary, this budget is actually anti-poor and I will illustrate it as I go along in my debate.
However, before I do that, I would like to say that one of the challenges that we have with this particular budget is that, it does not have an ideological thrust. One does not understand from which ideological perspective the Hon. Minister and the Executive are coming from. You will find that the Hon. Minister, in terms of the budget, has talked of austerity for prosperity. It is quite clear from the sentiments expressed by the Hon. Minister and his principal that they have become disciples of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan who are neo-liberals. On the other hand Mr. Speaker Sir, you find that the regime appears to have an admiration of the Chinese mode. You cannot follow both the Chinese Model and the Thatcherism politics because they are two different things. So, it is very critical for this Executive to be very clear as to what their ideological perspective is.
In my respectful submission Mr. Speaker Sir, this budget shows the ideological bankruptcy of this Government – [HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear.] – Mr. Speaker Sir, you will find that when the Hon. Minister introduced the taxation measures, he showed his disdain for the law. If you recall in October, the Hon. Minister just woke up one morning and stated that he had introduced that 2% tax. There was no legal basis or legal foundation before we even go to the moral aspect of consultation. Let us talk of the legal foundation. With due respect to the Hon. Minister, this is something which is really elementary; I know that he is a Professor of Mathematical Finance, but it was just a matter of consulting my good friend the Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi to understand and appreciate what were the legalities surrounding the introduction of that intermediated tax. The Hon. Minister had to eat a humble pie later on because there was no regulation. He simply made an announcement that from the 1st of October, all electronic transactions were subject to a 2% tax. So, Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to urge the Minister, firstly to ensure that he consults from that legal perspective.
There are also other questionable measures which again show that the Hon. Minister has not done his home work. My colleague Hon. Biti already mentioned about the increase in the traffic fines from $30 to about $700. However, I will now go to the moral aspect Mr. Speaker. It was imperative and critical for the Hon. Minister to try to get a buy-in to find out what the sentiments of people in Business regarding that particular tax are. As it turns, that is very unpopular and it is across the political divide. I know that some of my colleagues seated on your right will not have the courage to actually say so in this august House. However, outside the confines of this Chamber, they have already expressed disquiet over that particular tax – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I know Hon. Chinotimba is in agreement with me on this one. He may not be able to say so in this august House but I certainly know that he is in agreement with me in this august House.
At the end of the day Mr. Speaker, it is important for any of these measures, before they are implemented, to have a broad consultation so that there is general acceptance. The second point before I go into the contents of the actual budget which I want to talk about which are key ingredients for any budget to succeed is the question of trust and the question of confidence. I will use this illustration - Hon. Gonese explains holding a US dollar note. - This is a piece of paper [AN HON. MEMBER: Nhai nhai.] – it is not even about the quality of the paper on which it is printed but it is about the confidence that people are told that this is a US dollar, even if you use cheap quality paper to print it they are very, very comfortable with it because they have got trust and confidence in it. On the other hand, Mr. Speaker Sir, when you look at - [AN HON. MEMBER: Ndipei ndikubatirei.] – at this which is called the bond note, it is not about the quality of paper, it might even have a better colour but the point is that people do not have confidence, they do not have trust in it – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
I want to say Mr. Speaker, because for us to go forward, it is very, very important that we move along with the populace so that people have got confidence in what we are saying and in what we are doing. It is like going to the rural areas and try to say to an old woman/man or villager that a donkey is the same as a cow and say to them that you can exchange the two, no one will believe you and accept it. It is evidence and so clear that the two are different and this is what the Hon. Minister wants to do to try to pretend that things which are not equal are equal.
However, Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon. Minister might have been given the benefit of the doubt at the time of his appointment. Before he came back to the country, he actually indicated at one point that ‘bad money chases away good money’ he said that the ‘bond note will have to go sooner rather than later’ and those were his words – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Furthermore Mr. Speaker Sir, when he was at Chatham House in London, the Hon. Minister was very, very clear that the market had spoken and that the bond note and the US dollar were not equal. When he went to Bali in Indonesia, he was now singing a different tune. The problem which we have Mr. Speaker is that people no longer have got the confidence in the Hon. Minister in the same way as people do not have confidence in the Executive because of their past pronouncements and their past inconsistencies and it looks like the Hon. Minister is following in those same footsteps – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
The third aspect Mr. Speaker Sir, which I want to focus on is the issue of insensitivity on the part of the Hon. Minister. When the Hon. Minister announced his budget, on the 22nd of November in the year of our Lord 2018, the Hon. Minister announced that with effect from the 23rd of November, people who had imported vehicles were to pay duty in foreign currency. On the 23rd November Hon. Speaker, it happened to be the following day after his announcement of the budget. My point is the insensitivity because you have people who had already – I know that the Hon. Minister in the budget mentioned exemptions of those who had already ordered the vehicles. I am going to talk about those people who had been saving and by the way it has got something to do with a budget, we are talking about prosperity, it is going to impoverish and that is my point. We are going to impoverish the generality of the people. I am talking about the budget being antipoor because the majority of the people who import vehicles from Japan are people who are in dire need of transport. If you travel alongside Samora Machel Avenue from 1700 hours, you will see multitudes and multitudes of people who will be looking for transport and some of them are spending up to 2 to 3 hours.
Even if we adjourn Parliament late like we did yesterday after 1900 hours, I actually drove alongside Samora Machel Avenue and they were hoards and hoards of people who were looking for transport. If you travel along the Chitungwiza Road, it is the same thing. So the majority of the people Mr. Speaker who are importing vehicles are importing a Toyota Vitz, Toyota Passo, Nissan March so that they can have a better than walking vehicle which they can use to go home. These are the people whom the Hon. Minister is now punishing. I know that when he was on interview on Star FM, the Hon. Minister and I am quoting from him ‘hatina kuvatuma kutenga mota idzodzo’, that was his response when he was being interviewed. That is the height of insensitivity, the height of cruelty because we are dealing with people here Mr. Speaker who want to move from point A to point B.
The bottom line Mr. Speaker is that the Executive has failed to invest in a public comfortable transport system. If you go to New York today, you will find that there are no cars especially in Manhattan, they are so many people in that city as a result of which parking space is very scarce, and it is actually more expensive in a year to park your vehicle than to actually buy a vehicle. As a result of that Mr. Speaker, you will find that in New York , the majority of them do not even bother buying cars, they travel on the subway but because it is very comfortable, all you have to do is to buy a map, if you want to go from that point to the other point and so on, you can then network and ensure that you get to your destination.
So people are buying cars not because they love them but they are buying cars because they are a necessity. My solution Mr. Speaker is very simple, if the Hon. Minister wants to reduce the number of cars which are being imported and brought into the country, all we have to do is to ensure that we invest in a very good and comfortable public transport system – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear]. If we do that Mr. Speaker, a lot of people do not even bother buying vehicles because they can travel comfortably – [HON. NDUNA: Chitaura kuti how do you do it?] – [AN HON. MEMBER: Ana Nduna, wakafoira maelections iwe.] – I want to say that in the foreword to the Budget Mr. Speaker, on page 3, the Hon. Minister captured sentiments which were expressed by the public generally. It was just referred to as three critical aspects but then the Hon. Minister does not deal with those aspects. The first one Mr.
Speaker is to decisively deal with fiscal indiscipline that is number one. It is very obvious Mr. Speaker and it is common cause that they will be a lot of fiscal delinquency on the part of the Government. Mr. Speaker Sir, I have already mentioned the issue of fiscal delinquency. The issue ofthe Budget deficit, I think it is on page 32 or 33 of the Budget – however, he has not come to Parliament in terms of Section 307 to seek confirmation. For us to be able to keep Government on its toes, we must have adequate allocation, adequate resources to this august Institution which is responsible for bringing the Executive to account where it is financially delinquent.
When we were in Bulawayo Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon. Minister gave the impression that he was moving in sync with those sentiments.
One would have expected that the modest Parliament Budget was going to be allocated in its entirety. When we look at what Parliament asked for, I think it was about $150 million and when we look at what was allocated to various Ministries, you would find that this is a pittance. One would have expected that Parliament, as one of the three Arms of the State, was going to be given adequate resources in order to carry out its functions. I am looking particularly at oversight, so that all the Committees are adequately resourced and all Hon. Members of Parliament are able to discharge their duties in the manner that they should, in terms of the Constitution but the Hon. Minister has not done
that.
Then we go to Vote No. 2 - when it comes to the Committee of Supply, but I am sure that the Hon. Minister has heard. I want to go back to the issue of fiscal indiscipline. Mr. Speaker Sir, in his conclusion, the Hon. Minister talks of some pain being experienced as there is no reform without pain. With due respect, Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon. Minister should ensure that the pain is felt by those who have caused the problem. We are dealing with people, some of whom have been in the Executive for the past thirty-eight years and still want to remain there. They still want to continue eating.
We had an incident of my colleague here, the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office. He was heard on social media bragging at his house where there were so many vehicles, 4 x 4s and so on. Hon. Minister Marapira was bragging that he was going to get another vehicle. Right now, we have heard reports that the new discovery – we have seen it out. We do not know where it came from but we had been given the impression that no new vehicles had been acquired. We have seen several Hon. Ministers driving not the box, fake discovery but the new discovery which is a brand new model. It means that there is some element of deception.
When it comes to the question of pay Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Minister talks of salary cuts and so on. The 5 percent salary cut is just a deception because we know that at their level, most of the remuneration is not in the form of the salary, it is in the terms of the packs in terms of the allowance, particularly the travel and subsistence when they go out of the country. They are always gallivanting around the country searching for mega deals which we will never see. At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker Sir, they are cushioned against the hardships which the ordinary persons are being asked to pay.
My proposal is that the Hon. Minister should be specific. He must tell us what they are going to do. He must be able, for instance, to say to his principal that it is not a manifestation of austerity when you hire a Swiss plane for $2 million or $3 million for every trip. At least the former President R. Mugabe would use Air Zimbabwe. Lastly, Mr.
Speaker, it only take a nation to prosperity, it can only takes a nation to impoverishment. I rest my case.
+HON. MABOYI: Mr. Speaker Sir for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution on this motion on the Budget. I have observed that most Ministries had asked for a certain amount to carry out their Budgets but fortunately, they were allocated less than what they had requested. As Members of Parliament, we are well aware of the meaning of the term Budget, it does not mean that you will get everything you will have asked for from the fiscus. I will take a good example on the way we run our homes. If you have an amount of $20 to spend, you do not expect your child or your husband whom you send for your errands to bring goods worth a thousand dollars because they can only purchase goods of the value of the amount you gave them.
The Minister has given us a Budget which is an outline of projects he wants to undertake. The Minister has crafted an excellent budget proposal. It is up to us as members of Parliament to support the implementation. I am advising my fellow members of Parliament that we should go to our constituencies and hold consultative meetings on the budget. The budget also spells out how the different ministries have been allocated funds. Let us look for ways as 270 members to solve this budget.
As an individual, I notice that Funds are not adequate and the best way forward is to carefully handle monies collected from parastals such as ZINARA which collects funds from tollgates. Let us fight and shun corruption. Let us proffer constructive criticism. The starting point as I stated is our constituencies. Minister, please fight corruption, nip it in the bud - exterminate it. When we were voted into power we knew that the country had financial problems so instead of being cry babies, let us look for ways of financing this budget.
Minister, I am proposing that that we work towards reviving parastatals such as the Cold Storage Commission so that we start exporting beef and earn the much needed elusive foreign currency. Let us revive irrigation schemes so that we embark on horticultural projects which earn the country precious forex.
We should go to our constituencies during the holiday and bring new ideas instead of being cry babies. Minister you presented the best budget. You need our support for it to succeed.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me
this opportunity to debate. I rise to add my voice to this Budget debate.
This Budget is claimed to be in United State dollar currency yet in fact it is in RTGS and bond notes, hence it is a third of what it is. The rebasing of the economy to $20.5 billion RTGS dollars is mischievous as this economy is around US$8.6 billion.
This Budget is not pro-poor but is meant to punish the poor people of this country who have been bearing the cost of mismanagement of this economy for the past 38 years. The introduction of the 2% tax is meant to punish the poor rather than the rich.
The Budget is unrealistic as it does not give the civil servants salary increment for 2019 when inflation is now around 180% and is projected to rise to 205%, given the economic management trajectory under this regime. The failure to pay bonuses in full to civil servants as per tradition is meant to push them in to poverty, considering the prevailing high inflation rates. Payment of duty in forex on cars and other selected goods is meant to punish the poor so that the rich-poor divide continues to grow. The fines that go up to $700 are meant to squeeze the poor, given that the average salary is below $400. Security services and soldiers are bitter in regard to their remuneration and conditions of service which is paid in bond and RTGs against the rise of prices. In my Constituency there is a barrack and I mingle with a lot of these people. I am afraid that if we pass this Budget in this format, it will be a recipe for disaster.
The maintenance of the RTGS rate to US dollar rate as 1:1 is meant to benefit the few which is the cartel. This cartel consists of people that access forex on parallel market. These are the people that in spite of getting forex at 1:1, they sell the goods at parallel market rates and this is seen in various industries.
Almost 5 billion of the $9.6 billion is domestic debt went to individual pockets that are politically connected and agriculture has been used as a conduit in the past and regrettably in the future as demonstrated by this Budget. The same crew that benefitted from farm mechanisation also benefitted loans from various banks and they did not pay back the loans. These were taken over by the fiscus through the Zimbabwe Asset Management Company (ZAMCO). The same crew also benefitted from command agriculture and presidential input but
have failed to pay back. The same people will also benefit from this Budget.
So far, more than 3.7 billion has been swallowed by these people from mechanisation, ZAMCO and command agriculture. The Minister should just let people look for their own funds to do farming business like some of us rather than continue pouring funds to these looters under the disguise of supporting agriculture.
Zimbabwe imports wheat and several agricultural products yet we are capable of feeding ourselves. We have people with huge pieces of land who each year are given public funds for agriculture yet the country continues to pump a lot of foreign currency to import that which we can grow. If we keep doing the same thing each year and expecting different results, then we are not wise as a Parliament.
The domestic debt which stands at more than $9 billion was borrowed in USD from pension funds and insurance companies and banks where the poor have contributed. The Minister proposes to reschedule domestic debt repayment and by so doing, he is putting into jeopardy the institutions that had loaned to Government, especially pension funds and consequently punish the poor. For as long as we continue with this, we will punish the pensioners who were punished during the dollarisation period or era. Most of this debt was used to pay politically connected people through ZAMCO, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) quasi fiscal activities and so on. The punishing of TB holders is in fact a punishment to the majority poor of this country.
The Minister proposes to direct that all monies retained under ministries be deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund to curb corrupt activities. While it is true that there are certain funds that were not being managed properly, I think there was need to ensure that only those funds are ordered to close rather than taking a blanket decision. The Auditor General reports can easily help in that regard. Some of the funds were created to cure the mischief of centralisation of funds and the bureaucratic nature of departments to receive the funds from Treasury. There is no doubt that some ministries and departments will suffer in the process because it is those ministries which have abused the funds and so, whose retention funds should be taken to Treasury and not those that have managed their retention funds well.
The Minister proposes to put a paltry $53 million to compensate some former white farmers and he acknowledges that the monies that are needed are huge. While I support the need for compensation, I have a problem in that the fiscus is being forced to pay, yet we have beneficiaries who got these farms including improvements. Why are the beneficiaries not being made to pay something, after all they have benefitted immensely.
HON. T. MLISWA: On a point of order. I think the Hon. Member, when you attack the land Reform programme, you attack a national programme which you also benefited from. Even your family has benefited from. I think it is important to understand that the land reform was born out of the liberation struggle of this country and as a result, it cannot be reversed, it is irreversible. In fact, the Hon. Member must apply for a farm from the provincial Minister of Mashonaland West so that he can also benefit from what it is. I thank you – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
HON. MUSHORIWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, Hon. Mliswa is missing the point. I am simply saying Zimbabweans, why should all people suffer and yet some people are continuously benefiting.
It is imperative, Mr. Speaker Sir, that if we are going to stop the mess that we are in, we need to change the direction that we are going through. We cannot continue doing the same thing and then expect a different result. Mr. Speaker Sir, the country is set up as it stands right now. Performance of a Government is judged by what people experience during the course of the day. If you ask the people of Dzivarasekwa whether things are improving, they will tell you that they are not.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): Order
please. May I remind Hon. Members, I am noting that Hon. Members were given the Blue Book and they decide to be general. Please, can you quote where you are getting that information so that the Minister can
also use your debate to improve the budget, not to generalise. Thank you.
HON. T. MLISWA: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker Sir. I think it is important for the Members of this august House to appreciate that the land reform was open to anyone to apply. That must be very clear because we do not want a situation where those who did not apply now try and criticise those who benefited. The land reform was open to anybody and it is still open to anyone. So, just like Zimbabwe is open for business, agriculture and land is also open – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] – You are allowed to apply.
HON. D. SIBANDA: You must send him out, Mr. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members.
HON. MADZIMURE: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to preface my debate, through you Mr. Speaker, by inviting the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development to my budget outcomes and expectations report back meeting in Kambuzuma on the second week of January. I would want the Minister to attend the meeting to explain the following issues that the he did not adequately respond to using the budget.
Mr. Speaker, on the matter of the monetary policy, the Hon.
Minister told this House that the United States dollar and the bond are 1:1. Mr. Speaker, this is not true and it will never be true. As a result, the budget that we are debating is actually a fake budget. Why I am saying so is that you go to even those stores that are listed on the Stock Exchange, you go and ask for the price of an item. The item has three to four different prices. It has a price for United States dollars, it has a price for bond notes, it has a price for bond coins, it has a price for ecocash and it has a price for swipe.
So, how this will affect and make the budget a fake document is as follows, Mr. Speaker. When we start drawing from the budget at the beginning of January, where you have allocated a vote in what is supposed to be in United States dollars; when you go out there to purchase cement, it will be priced at around 30 bond and United States dollars is $10. So effectively what it means is that the prices are times two what is in the Blue Book. So, like what Hon. Mushoriwa has said, three months down the line, the Minister will bring a supplementary budget.
The other thing is, what is going to happen to individuals pensions, those people who have been contributing their pensions from 2009. We were doing so in hard currency - United States dollars, but if I am to receive any pension today, it will be in RTGs, meaning that the price that I will meet when I go to buy the same provisions, the same basket that I used to fill with around US$30 will now cost me $90. It would have eroded the individual’s pension. So the Minister has to respond to that.
Mr. Speaker, the fact that the Minister started on a very bad note, he did a number of issues - [HON. MEMBERS: He is not listening to the debate.] – With due respect, I think this is why the Minister has a serious problem. The Hon. Minister does not listen. The Hon. Minister is still staying in his own world where he was before he came here and that is why he has a problem – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order please.
HON. NDUNA: On a point of order.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: May I make a ruling on that
one. Order please.
HON. NDUNA: He should be cut to size.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, may we
please reduce the noise. Most Hon. Members are repeating e what the Minister has already heard. Can you please bring new issues so that the Minister will listen to you – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
HON. CHIKWINYA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker. It has been raised that we need to consider this budget in its entire seriousness, but the Hon. Minister is affectionately under the armpits of Hon. Mliswa and not listening to the debate.
HON. T. MLISWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. There are two Hon. Mliswa’s here. Can the Hon. Member clarify which Hon. Mliswa he is referring to?
HON. CHIKWINYA: I meant that the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development is affectionately under the armpits of Hon.
Minister Mliswa
HON. MADZIMURE: Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of new issues that are coming up.
HON. T. MLISWA: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker Sir. I think it is important while it is on a lighter note, he must withdraw that statement. It is gender sensitive. On a more serious note, the Hon.
Minister is married. Hon. Mliswa is married and I think it is important. Whilst it is on a lighter note, he must withdraw that statement, it is gender sensitive. I mean that. On a more serious note Mr. Speaker
Sir…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa, respect the
Chair – [HON. T. MLISWA: On a more serious note Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon. Minister is married. Hon. Mliswa is married and I think it is very gender insensitive. He must withdraw that statement.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa, I will chase you
out – [HON. T. MLISWA: That is gender insensitive.] – Hon. Mliswa, please respect the Speaker’s Chair.
HON. MADZIMURE: Mr. Speaker, I was saying, the Hon. Minister started on a very bad note. Mr. Speaker Sir, within a month after his appointment, the Minister produced two crucial documents; there was a Vision 2030 where the Hon. Minister is promising this country that by that time, we will be an upper middle income society. After that, he also produced the Transformational Stabilisation Programme (TSP). The TSP contains around 380 pages, which means it is a thick document that should have been written over a long period of time, but it was written in less than a month. There was no consultation at all –
Hon. Mliswa having been shouting at the top of his voice
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order please. Hon. Temba
Mliswa, this is the last warning, I will chase you out, you are disturbing the House.
HON. MADZIMURE: Mr. Speaker, I was saying, whilst it is not bad for a Minister to be a ‘supersonic minister,’ who works with the speed of a supersonic, but whenever you produce a document that you need the nation to adopt, embrace and have a buy-in, you need to consult and the Minister did not do that. As a result Mr. Speaker, even if you ask the Hon. Members here present what they understand by TSP, very few Hon. Members can respond. Not only that, even though it might appear to be a repetition, the 2% that we are now charged whenever we are transacting – when the Minister introduced the 2%, it was said that, transactions of up to $10 were not going to be affected.
However, because of the pronouncements that happened just before that, the US$ and even the bond itself lost value to the extent that the $10 that we are now talking about is equivalent to about $3, meaning that there is no one who is not affected by the transaction. This is why people from this side are saying the budget was not pro-poor, actually it has hurt the poor the most. When we talk of the poor, we talk of my grandmother who is in the rural areas whom I can only send money through Ecocash and she is being charged as well.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the objective of the TSP according to the Hon.
Minister is to lay the foundation for attaining the Triple S, which the Hon. Minister would want to call the strong, sustainable and shared growth. However, when I go through it and tried to contrast it with what is in the Budget to say; are we going to achieve the Triple S, it will not be achieved using the vehicle that the Hon. Minister presented to this
House, which is the Budget. In the Hon. Minister’s introduction, he talked about the objectives and priorities from consultations which revolve around the following; the decisively dealing with the fiscal discipline through the use of austerity measures – Mr. Speaker, the biggest problem that we have in as far as this is concerned is that we are concentrating on the 20% which does not make a lot of sense.
Mr. Speaker, lastly, I would like to deal with the issue of Parliament. If you look at the Parliament Budget, it does not promote the constitutional democracy that we have. The Budget does not respect the other arm of Government. I can take an example where you talk of the researchers in our committees; you sometimes have one researcher serving two to three committees. You talk of the Committee Clerks serving two to three committees and when a Clerk goes on leave, we have a problem. When you look at the Budget, is it going to respond to the needs of this Parliament? The answer Mr. Speaker is no. Parliament is being left poorer in terms of capacitating Parliament to perform its duties.
On several occasions, Parliament has failed to secure accommodation for Members of Parliament purely because Parliament cannot pay on time. Parliament is constrained. Hon. Members of Parliament are expected to debate in this House after having adequately prepared but very few of them can do so because there is no staff to help Members of Parliament to prepare for their debates. So, it is important Mr. Speaker for the Hon. Minister to consider the Parliamentary Budget and make sure that the Legislature will not depend on the benevolence of the Executive.
Lastly, I do not see in the Budget where the Hon. Minister is going to stimulate the creation of employment. The Budget fails to formalise the informal. The only way we can create jobs is that, we formalise the economy and I tried to go through it and try to pick issues that can answer the issue of formalisation, there are no incentives to talk about to formalise the economy. As long as we have an economy that remains so informal, there is no way we are even going to measure some of the performances. It is very difficult to use the informal systems to measure any performance. So, the Hon. Minister must make sure that employment creation can only be sustained where there are formal structures and businesses to make sure that growth can actually be measured. I urge the Hon. Minister to make sure that at least he considers the number of the contributions that have come from this side. Lastly, if you aggregate what Hon. Dube said here in terms of the lukewarm response we are giving to commissions, it shows you that we are not serious and no one will ever take us seriously. So, there will not be takers to assist even our commissions in the performance of their duties.
I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. Speaker Sir, let
me begin by thanking Hon. Members for their contributions, questions and equally, the Chairpersons of various committees for their contributions and questions. I now would like to respond to the critical questions that were raised. The first one is around the size of the Budget allocations. I noticed that obviously no one is happy Mr. Speaker because you know what happened when we were in Bulawayo during the consultations with all the Hon. Members in this House, including the Senators in the Upper House. The bids came to a figure that is almost equal to the size of the economy, the whole economy. So, well over US$18 billion dollars worth of bids, it is quite obvious that no Ministry, no department is going to get what it asked for. By definition, you
cannot allocate more than the size of the economy. You can only allocate within the resource envelope that is the first point.
The second point is that I did urge members of this House and Senate that we must change the way we think about the budget. It is a piece of advice because that is how other countries have done it, which is move away from inputs which is how many dollars have been allocated to my department or Ministry. Move that to output and impact. It is very, very important then that way we can stretch every dollar that we receive and the role of us the Hon. Members is to make sure that every dollar is used properly in our constituencies so we get more impact for every dollar that we allocate and not focus so much on input.
Moving to the second issue Hon. Speaker, it is on the allocation to the provinces under devolution. I am very pleased that we were able on this budget to allocate US$310m to the provinces. I would like to draw the attention of members to the Blue Book, right at the back; we have done some proposals in terms of allocation of US$310m. I urge members of the House to look through that and then try to see how the allocations have been done. There is a formula that we have used, please check page 404 all the way down to 412, so we used a formula for allocation based on 3 indicators as I indicated in the budget, is based on population size. Secondly on a poverty index, we have got a poverty map of the whole of Zimbabwe, that is why this budget is pro-poor because it focuses on poverty – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
The third factor is an index that measures the quantum or percentage of unpaved roads because we are trying to steer the allocation of US$310 towards capital expenditure not consumption expenditure. We want to be clear about that. So, there are two levels of allocations Mr. Speaker. The allocation at the provincial level and at the local level is very clear, so you can check your province, check your constituency, you will see. I will pick one at random on page 411 to make the point. I will just choose Chiredzi RDC under Masvingo on page 411, you will see that, that allocation which is a capital grant for capital expenditure at US$5.7m, I am rounding off, that is the allocation for that and it is for capital expenditure. So, we are very clear, in terms of this proposal and I am pleased that we were able to make that allocation at this Budget and share with you how it ought to be distributed according to the formula driven by the three indices.
Let me proceed Mr. Speaker Sir. There is a question from the Chair of the Finance and Economic Development Committee, Hon. Mhona which is about the establishing a well resourced cancer hospital or introducing a cancer levy. I respond as follows Mr. Speaker Sir that the Government recognises the critical need to alleviate the plight of cancer patients. In this regard, a cancer unit has already been established and operationalised at Parirenyatwa Hospital and we spend amounts to the tune of US$10m in this regard. The 2019 budget provides for a US$3m in support for cancer programmes whilst other cancer units include a fully fledged cancer hospital will be established as resources become available.
There is a question about supporting teacher training in local languages especially for Kariba, Binga and Beitbridge among other places. Mr. Speaker, I respond to say that resources have been allocated under the teacher capacity development programme and that will really take care of teacher training in local languages as well. There is a question about the introduction of an education, equalisation fund to fund the rural education and development. Once again, the education Budget is actually the largest in terms of allocation. So we have really put a lot of resources towards this very important sector and some of the allocations for the US$310m for devolution, some of that certainly will go towards dealing with the education sector. Also, we are very clear about investing in infrastructure for the education sector particularly primary education. There is a document Mr. Speaker Sir, which is not a Parliamentary document in terms of it being required to be tabled here but I am very happy to share with all the Hon. Members here present and those in the Upper House and it is a detailed infrastructure investment plan for 2019, everything that we invest in infrastructure is in this book.
I will just turn to page 73 of this book to just show you what we are doing for the education sector. We are going to be investing US$32.7m in building new schools at primary and secondary level. I will just pick a region at random for instance in Mashonaland East we are going to spend US$650 000 on upgrading and construction of
Chitepo Secondary School, just one example. In Mashonaland East, US$1m to be spend on Wedza Primary, so I am just saying that it is very important to realise that we have a plan for this Ministry and we are doing quite a bit of work in making sure that all the capital development investment is done and we will improve the quality of education in the rural areas.
There is a question about ring-fencing the 2% tax to fund the provision of social services and social safety nets, that is exactly what we are going to do. The issue about the 2% tax is not about
Zimbabweans being unwilling to pay it, they have embraced it [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – The feeling that it has not been embraced is misleading and is false. Zimbabweans have embraced it, in fact each time I speak to ordinary Zimbabweans, they say Minister the issue is not the 2%, the issue is prices. Prices are high and that is the issue, fertiliser irikudhura, inhlanyelo iyadula that is the issue not the 2% tax. We have ring-fenced it and we will be making sure that the people of Zimbabwe feel this tax. So, what we are going to be doing Mr. Speaker Sir, out of the revenue from 2 percent tax, we will extract $310 million and use it to finance the devolution needs. We have taken money from the people; we are giving it back to the people, through the devolution exercise. The change out of 2 percent, the remainder will be used for funding education, health services and closing potholes so that people really feel where this money is going. We need more ambulances, so you will see us motivating for the purchase of more ambulances and supplying more schools desks to make sure that the infrastructure is upgraded. It is going to go to social services and to fund devolution.
The Committee is also concerned about the about the likely challenges arising from implementing the US dollar Budget, the devalued bond, the RTGS payment system which imply huge cost on programme implementation. The Committee therefore wonders how the Budget is going to account for revenue and expenditure where on part is in forex and the other is RTGS, one cannot discount the potential for illegalities and rent - seeking behaviour. Mr. Speaker Sir, in his Monetary Policy Statement, the Governor of the Reserve Bank has advised that the official rate for the US$ compared to RTGS and bond notes is one to one. This is the official position. We are aware of the various premiums Mr. Speaker Sir, that are applied by individuals out there in terms of the rate at which they trade. To be clear Mr. Speaker Sir, this other rate is what we call in economics a premium. We have a fixed exchange rate regime and what is happening is that there is a premium, which people use out there. Let us be clear, it is a premium absolutely, and this you will find in any economics textbook.
The ordinary Zimbabweans are acutely aware of what happened in 2008 and 2009 at the time of hyper inflation, where in trying to correct that issue, we had to remove zeros on the monies that were used then and introduced US$ and savings were lost. We are acutely aware as Government that we need to protect all savings and we need to protect the balance sheet of banks and companies. Therefore, it is important to maintain parity while we are aware that there are premiums being used all over the place.
The Budget deficit of $1.6 billion in 2019 from $2.8 billion from 2018 is ambitious, given the prevailing macroeconomic environment and tight fiscal position. The Budget deficit of $1.6 billion amounts to 5 percent of GDP. That is the target, we are determined as Government, as Treasury to make sure that we move from a double-digit level of the order of 11% plus right now in terms of 2018 budget deficit, down to 5 percent. We have interrogated every figure and I am confident that this figure, the $1.6 is achievable.
To achieve that, as I mentioned in this Budget and there is one Hon. Member who also emphasised that, although they thought they were speaking against me, but they were speaking for me, that we are very serious about fiscal discipline. The Budget is about austerity but for future prosperity, absolutely. The fiscal management involves revenue expansion which is what the two percent tax was all about. ZIMRA is going to chase up those who have not been remitting taxes to make sure that they remit.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we are as a Government, owed about $3.5 billion by entities and corporates that have not remitted taxes to ZIMRA. We are waiting to collect that money, we are doing everything we can to collect that money and that is one side, the two percent tax plus all the other collections we are doing. We are also making sure that we curtail expenditure, because we need to do both. First of all, His Excellency is leading from the front on this occasion making sure that all of us, starting with himself, we cut our salaries by 5 percent to make sure that we lead from the front, ensuring that there is prosperity all the way down to the CEOs of parastatals.
Allowances are lower than basic salaries. For the record, I repeat, allowances are lower than basic salaries. This is also the case in industry that official allowances are lower than basic salaries.
Therefore, it is incorrect and misleading to say in this House, people are getting more in allowance and other things than in basic salaries. It is not correct. We are making sure that we contain expenditure and we have expanded revenue. I am confident that the budget deficit pronounced is not only financeable but also achievable. I have already mentioned that this is one part of the twin deficit issue Mr. Speaker Sir. There is a fiscal deficit and there is a current account deficit which we have dealt with using one piece of policy which is the introduction of payment of duty in the currency in which the luxury good such as a car was procured. I will come to that in full.
The other question came from Hon. Mpofu who chairs the Portfolio Committee and Foreign Affairs and International Trade together with Hon. E. Ncube of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. The point was about the need for the Government to provide for clearance of arrears for Government programmes, in particular diplomatic missions, BEAM, utilities and service providers and salaries. I respond as follows Mr. Speaker Sir; with regards to arrears related to service providers, Treasury has ring fenced $78 million for liquidation of arrears to service providers whilst instituting measures to contain further accumulation of arrears. For arrears under foreign missions and BEAM, the Budget has allocated $45 million. I would like to inform the august House that I have already provided $30 million this month towards reduction of arrears to BEAM. The amount owing on the BEAM programme was $92 million and with that $30 million commitment and payment, the amount owing will drop to $62 million. Therefore, we are already taking action.
The next question from the two Hon. Members is that various
Portfolios raised concern on the inadequate provision of resources for Government programmes. I have already said that we are in a tight fiscal space, we are doing everything we can to manage the budget deficit down. No Government programme, department or Ministry got all that it desired, because the size of the bids was as big as big as the economy is clearly undoable. Therefore, I urge all Government departments and Ministries to focus on output and impact, rather than input. From Hon. J. Sithole and from the Portfolio Committee on
Primary and Secondary Education and Hon. Dinar, the Portfolio
Committee on Health and Child Care, the Hon. Members raised concern in respect of freezing of post in critical services. The freezing of posts is part of the wage bill management measures. However, consideration is given Committee on Health and Child Care. The Hon. Members raised concern in respect of freezing of posts in critical services. The freezing of posts is part of the wage bill management measures.
However, consideration is given to filling in of critical posts, particularly for the health and education sector. We are always accommodative in this regard because they are critical - but we want to make sure that there is proper management of the wage bill and we institute the right levels of austerity in this regard.
Hon. Dinar raised the question about the inadequate provision of funds for Lupane hospital construction. The provision of $10 million for the construction of Lupane hospital is in line with the agreed programme of works which takes into account the capacity of the contractor and the current supply constrains. It should be noted that $5 million in cash has already been provided towards this project in 2018 and the contractor is still to raise certificates against this amount.
Let me now turn to Hon. Biti who raised concerns regarding
Government’s proposal to hold bi-elections once every two years as this violates the provisions of both the Electoral Act and the Constitution. I respond as follows; I am aware of the constitutional provision and the Electoral Act. The proposal was made on the understanding that we will seek the amendment of the Act and the Constitution to incorporate the provision of the proposal. Again, this is a mere cost containment measure. It is not a desire to avert the Constitution but once again if so required, we can request these kinds of amendments to be made.
Hon. Biti also sought clarification on the figure for domestic debt in the Blue Book and the Budget Statement. I want to be clear that in my National Budget Statement on page 33, I indicated that the total debt stock is $17.28 billion at the end of September 2018. This comprises of external debt stock of $7.66 billion and domestic debt stock of $9.62 billion. On the other hand, in the 2019 proposed budget estimates which is the Blue Book, what is shown are public debt charges and repayments. This is debt service due in 2019 only. Total debt service estimates for 2019 which should show in the Blue Book amounts to $6.86 billion, of which external debt service including arrears should be $4.68 billion. The domestic debt service should be $2.18 billion. I am clarifying some of the errors that have been pointed out to make sure that it is clear.
Let me emphasise that the main difference in the figures provided in the National Budget statement and the Blue Book is that the former shows a total budget debt stock position, whereas the latter shows debt service projections for the 2019 fiscal Budget. One is a stock and the other is a floor. So should Hon. Members want us to be clear about the debt stock, please refer to my Budget Statement. For clarity on the debt stock, be it domestic or external, please refer to my Budget Statement and any corrections in the Blue Book will be made because clearly, there were errors.
I now hasten to add that as Government, we are aware of the importance of watching the level of debt that this country continues to incur and we want to make sure that we continuously improve our debt sustainability analysis and that is what we are doing, particularly...
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Minister. Hon.
Biti wants to raise a point of order.
HON. BITI: Hon. Speaker, my point of order relates to the figures of both domestic debt and external sovereign debt in the Blue
Book. The Blue Book is the total amalgamation of the two sets of debts. It is not as the Minister says – an indication of those payments that they intend to make in 2019.
If you go to page 403, you will see a figure of the total domestic debt $4 358 852 000. This figure should be accurate as at the time the Blue Book was printed, that is at the end of September 2018.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Biti please address the
Chair.
HON. BITI: If you go to page 393 – again, you will see a figure of a total foreign debt of $4 871 479 000 which is in contradiction to what is stated at page 33 of his statement where he acknowledged that the debt is about $17.9 billion. So there is a contradiction between the statement and the Blue Book.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: I do not think that the Hon. Member understood me well. I said that there are errors in the Blue Book –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, Hon.
Members! I have not recognised you Hon. Biti.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: The actual level of the stock of debt is $17.28 billion as of September 2018. I also said that the level of external debt is US$7.66 billion. The level of domestic debt is $9.62 billion and what I am explaining is that there is a difference between the stock of debt which is called the stock and then a floor. That is the difference that I was explaining.
I repeat, there is an error in the Blue Book and what I am explaining is the correct position in terms of the stock of debt book
– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Can the Minister be heard in silence Hon. Members.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to hasten to add that we continue to strengthen our debt sustainability analysis framework to make sure that both our domestic debt and foreign debt is kept within sustainable limits. What is critical is to make sure that the gap between the nominal interest rates and the gross rate of the economy is kept at the right levels where growth catches with the level of interest rates because that is how you accumulate debt.
The other way you try to deal with runaway debt is by making sure that you have a primary budget surplus. I am happy to report that in the month of October, we had a primary surplus of $29 million and therefore we are slowly shipping away at this huge debt level to make sure that it is contained and it does not run away.
On the external debt, we continue to be engaged and we are engaging our international partners to make sure that we are able to deal with our arrears with the African Development Bank and the World Bank, but also eventually to deal with the Paris Club debt with our bilateral partners and we are well on our way to making sure that we stick to our targets.
On the domestic debt Mr. Speaker Sir, again we are making sure that we lower the cost of servicing our debt domestically by lengthening or seeking to lengthen the duration of the debt that is due to mature in 2019 going forward.
There was a question from Hon. Hamauswa who raised concern on the provision of water to urban Harare City Council and other urban authorities. The critical importance of ensuring adequate water supply for both urban and rural communities has been considered under the 2019 Budget with an allocation of US$101 million to be directed towards water supply covering urban authorities including the City of Harare. As with most of other programmes, we would have provided more were it not for the fiscal constraints in our budget. We have also provided more resources within the allocation of US$310 million.
Let me turn to a question from Hon. Biti regarding currency reform. I would like to remind Hon. Biti that the equilibrium value of a currency, what is called the equilibrium exchange rate is determined by several factors. The first factor is the budget deficit. So, controlling the budget deficit is key. The second factor is money supply and money supply responds to the fiscal expenditure and if the budget deficit is rising that will cause money supply to rise. The third factor is the interest rates levels between the Zimbabwe economy and neighbouring economies such as South Africa. The fourth factor is inflation differentials across borders. The last factor has to do with the size of the current account.
I must say in this budget therefore, if you consider those to be fundamentals of a currency which they are, just by dealing with fiscal discipline and the current account deficit, we are making sure that we strengthen the fundamentals of our monetary sector. It is therefore not surprising Mr. Speaker Sir, that in the market in which some of the people operate, the so-called power market, those rates have stabilised. The premium has stabilised. The reason is because we have closed the step in the fiscus in making sure that money is not being – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – So, what you find …
HON. T. MLISWA: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. Is the Minister confirming that there is a parallel market because you are confirming there is a parallel market and yet you are telling us the US$ and bond are the same – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.].
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: When I started presenting, I did indicate that there is a premium to our fixed exchange rate of one to one. Naturally, this premium does cause inflation – [HON. T. MLISWA: You are making price distortions. Minister, you are the culprit for distortions.] – and therefore, to deal with it we need to make sure that we deal with the fundamentals for making sure that our monetary sector remains strong. That is what I was trying to explain which came out very clearly as I did – [HON. BITI: Hon. Speaker, the emperor is naked.] –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
From Hon. Mpofu who raised concern about the rehabilitation of diplomatic missions. …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order. Hon.
Chinotimba, what is your point of order?
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: My point of order is that we have been debating here on the budget, so – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, let us listen
to each other. There have been a lot of interjections but can we give the Hon. Minister time to respond to your questions please. No more interjections and points of order.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Hon. A. Mpofu from the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade raised concern on the rehabilitation of diplomatic missions’ properties. The budget has provided $5, 7 million for the construction and rehabilitation of diplomatic missions’ properties covering London, New York, Dodoma, Preston and Windsor. It should however be noted that availing these resources depends on us providing the foreign currency element that is required because these are foreign currency reliance – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – and we have to increase exports.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I might end up
sending somebody out right away.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Hon. Members raised concern over the timeous disbursement of resources. On this one Mr. Speaker Sir, I respond as follows; that you will see much improved speed in terms of disbursement of resources going forward. It is therefore not surprising that we were able to pay even something as unimportant to others as bonuses for civil servants in November timeously and this proves that we act timeously on our obligations Mr. Speaker.
A question was raised on the proposed allocation to Parliament in terms of the budget. I have already indicated that the allocation is really within the envelope that we can afford. It is not true that the allocation was not increased. It was increased. Mr. Speaker Sir, you recall that in 2018 the budget for Parliament was $80 million. In 2019, it is $101 million, therefore we have an increase of 25% - [AN HON. MEMBER: Against an inflation of 31%.] – We have to reduce that budget deficit from 11% to 5%; it is key and we have budgetary constraints naturally but nevertheless, we increased the Parliament budget by 25% Mr.
Speaker Sir.
Then a question from Hon. E. Ncube from the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Services as follows; the Government should work towards reducing inflation so as to preserve the values that were allocated. If inflation is not checked it will affect all the programmes as funds will become inadequate which will leave the poor and the other vulnerable groups the worst affected. Indeed, we are working very hard to make sure that we contain inflation.
As I have said, the act of reducing the budget deficit and reducing the printing of money and excess liquidity in the system or economy goes a long way to dealing with inflation. So, all the fiscal discipline measures that we are putting in place are designed to deal with inflation among other things. You can be sure that we are working hard on this and I disagree that inflation is of the order of the high figures that are being suggested around. That is not correct. Inflation for purposes of policy making should be based on a typical basket of goods that includes obviously food, fuel, et cetera. There must be a basket upon which inflation figures are calculated.
On inflation Mr. Speaker Sir, let me be clear. The monthly inflation figure for November is 9.2%. It dropped from 16.44% in October down to 9.2% – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – So on a monthly basis, inflation is falling and that is what I am accepting. I want to be clearer, the figure of 31% that is being used to make arguments is a technicality; it is index technicality because what you are doing is, you are comparing the level of index at the same time last year in November to the level of the index this year; from one year to the other year. That is exactly how you get to 31%. So at the end of the day you are moving from the index of a low base to the higher level of the index now but on a monthly basis inflation is falling. For the record Mr. Speaker, the
November figure is 9.2% – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
There was a question from Hon. Biti which says the budget should have a bigger say on investment, in gross capital formation and capital produce, however it focuses so much on recurrent expenditure and it becomes anti-development and this is indicative of macro-economic framework which is found on pages 35, 36 and 38 of the Budget Statement. The Budget proposed a recurrent expenditure of $6 billion out of $8.2 billion; capital expenditure of $2.1 billion and a budget deficit of $1.56 billion.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the budget allocation towards the development budget has significantly improved from the level of $485.9 million in 2018 to $1.1 billion – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – This amount will be complemented by development partners to the tune of $99 million. The off-budget support is $969 million and public entities also will inject additional resources of $390 million; therefore bring the entire capital expenditure budget to $2.6 billion. Hon. Members will also note that the $310 million inter-governmental fiscal transfers under devolution were also target provision of basic infrastructure at the local level - why, because one of the key indices for allocation of $310 million is the quality of infrastructure around transport infrastructure.
There is a question from Hon. Nduna, the Statutory Instrument should ring fence 10% of all minerals for all the minerals that are used by National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). Treasury will be facilitating typical discussions among the Ministries of Mines and Mining
Development, Transport and Infrastructure as well as the mining houses, just to agree on a way forward on this. We are happy to facilitate discussions or to initiate.
There is a question from Hon. Mguni that we should intensify the policies to recover money from externalisation so that those who banked the money outside the country come back with that money and bank in the nostro accounts. So, dealing with the illicit outflows, I respond that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is continuously working on this matter and I can confirm that some monies have already been recovered.
There is a question from Hon. Tsunga that the 2019 Budget is not dealing with unemployment. I submit that the budget is dealing with unemployment issues, using the tax rebate system, making sure that those who are importing raw materials for local manufacturing in the fertilizer sector, furniture and others, there is a whole list of incentives in the budget which go a long way to protecting jobs and creating new jobs. It is also not surprising that the data from NSSA is showing that employment levels have increased over the last few years.
There is a question raised by Hon. Mliswa from the Portfolio
Committee on Mines and Mining Development and this is to do with fiscal incentives for the establishment of a refinery; that we offer fiscal incentives to Zimplats to ensure setting up of a refinery for base metals and precious stones. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development together with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should come up with the financial implications of the fiscal incentives and the projected value of the refinery in order to evaluate the benefits of extending value addition and beneficiation to a private company. The envisaged incentives should be articulated also taking into account the existing incentives for platinum producers operating under the special mining lease regime where corporate tax is payable at a reduced rate of
15% against the general rate of 25%.
Mining companies are also entitled to an indefinite carry-over of losses. In view of the capital intensive nature of operations, mining houses also enjoy other incentives such as the duty free importation of capital equipment materials that are used in mining. The proposal to extend fiscal incentives of establishment of the base metal and precious stones refinery is noted. Treasury will consult with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development on the matter so as to assess the needs of investors. Furthermore, Treasury stands ready to engage investors wishing to establish the base metal and precious metal refinery on the fiscal concessions that they require in order to fulfill this objective.
There is another question that the new tax regime for the mining sector should not compromise returns that are due to the mining communities. This is noted and this is something that we always strive to ensure in our fiscal regime for the mining sector that communities within the mining areas are not prejudiced.
Then from Hon. Dinar of the Portfolio Committee on Health and
Child Care, there is a question around the intermediated monetary transfer tax and that the 2019 National Budget exempts claims settlement made by medical aid societies to medical service providers from being charged the 2% IMT tax. The Committee commends the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for this, but calls for exemption to be extended throughout the supply chain including the medical aid contributions. This will enhance the affordability of health care to the general populace.
I will respond as follows Mr. Speaker Sir. Treasury appreciates the importance of a healthy workforce in economic development, hence the crucial role of health insurance schemes. It will be ideal to exempt the IMTT tax on medical aid contributions made by the general public in order to encourage the uptake of medical insurance. However, given the amounts contributed by the majority of people, the IMTT would not have significant impact on medical aid contributions.
Furthermore, Treasury received a lot of requests for exemptions on the IMTT, which if it were granted would defeat the revenue raising goal of IMTT, and for netting in the informal sector but also the formal sector which has not been meeting its tax obligations as evidenced by the arrears of US$3.5 billion which I mentioned before.
I move on to the issue of the standard scale of fines. A third aspect of illegality Hon. Speaker pertains to the suggestion in the revenue measures by the Minister that the maximum police fines should be US$700.00. The Minister of Finance does not interfere. We have got separation of powers and the Executive does not interfere with the functions of magistrates and judges on sentencing people and determining the measures of punishment and hope the Minister can revisit this. This was the nature of the question Mr. Speaker Sir.
I respond as follows, that paragraph 4(a) of Section 280 of standard scale of fines and amendment thereof of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, states as follows; 4(a) “after consultation with the Minister responsible for Justice, the Minister responsible for Finance may not more frequently than once in every fortnight, by notice in a Statutory Instrument, amend the existing monetary amounts specified in the second column of the first schedule in the manner specified in subsection 4(b) to take into account the decline in the purchasing power of the Zimbabwe dollar in relation to the United States dollar”.
In view of the above, the review of the standard scale of fines was within the provisions of the law and mandate of the Ministers responsible for Justice and Finance, hence should not be interpreted as interference with the magistrates and judges on sentencing people and in determining the measures of punishment. It is also worth noting that as outlined in the Bill, the proposed review of the penalty regime has now been restricted to review of the monetary amounts without altering the levels of the various offences.
Let me move on to the payment of duty in foreign currency which was another question. It was said that asking members of public to pay duty in US$ when we are all earning local currency in the form of Bonds and RTGs is wrong. People do not appreciate and understand your tax regime. The requirement for payment of customs duty is based on the ability to pay principle. In order to import, an individual requires foreign currency. Therefore, the source of foreign currency to import can also be the source of foreign currency required to settle the duty component.
This brings out the element of ability to pay. It is also worth noting that this proposed measure is a demand management mechanism which is aimed at reducing the propensity to import using scarce foreign currency resources. I must add that Zimbabwe has about 1.7 million cars and in the last 12 months, we have had an increase of about 700 000 cars in one year alone. This is a huge increase and it is increasing the demand for fuel among other things, and it is quite clear that this is also putting pressure on the supply of foreign currency.
Let me now turn to the issue of the excise duty on fuel. It was noted that we have lived as Zimbabweans through a period of hyperinflation in 2007/2008. Therefore, the proposed duty which is being implemented already, the excise duty on fuel is wrong because it is inflationary. The proposed review is not expected to have a significant impact on the level of prices, since international oil prices had been declining, hence it provides leverage against inflationary pressures in the first place. The current pump price bears testimony to this fact with current retail prices lower than those that were obtaining prior to the increase in fuel excise. So, Mr. Speaker Sir, the excise duties have not increased fuel prices. On the contrary, fuel prices have been dropping.
As I conclude, we are importing more than a thousand vehicles per month at a cost of more than US$4 million. It was stated and I agree with this figure. It is my thinking therefore that we should have a geographical location which is called a special economic zone, bonded warehouse where we call in those that are selling to our unsuspecting innocent citizens and the mushikashikas and all the vehicles, the ex-japs and so forth. We request that space be given to them in Zimbabwe for them to deposit 10% of their takings which is US$4 million and we revitalise our foreign reserves. This was the contribution on the question and I am trying to read it verbatim.
I think this is doable and I ask therefore that this be done to all vehicles so that we avoid sparkling criminal abuse in Zimbabwe. All second hand vehicles should be registered at the ports of entry. So, this is about setting aside space for these vehicles to be imported and then accessed from that space. The idea was that this would enable us to make sure there is rationality in that sector and we can earn valuable foreign currency.
I respond as follows that the current legislation already allows for importation of new and pre-owned motor vehicles under bond. This implies that motor vehicles for resale can be imported into a bonded warehouse without payment of duty. The duty component will only be payable upon removal of the motor vehicle out of bond. Mr. Speaker Sir, this concludes the bulk of my responses to the questions raised. I am now trying to see from what was raised today so that I could pick out and respond to.
There was a comment from Hon. Maboyi and I appreciate her appreciation of this good and effective budget. She raised a very important issue on CSC that she would like to see progress in the resuscitation of this very important parastatal. I hasten to add that there is some progress already in terms of the privatisation of this entity through a concession, a BOT arrangement but she would like to see faster progress and I agree with her that we need progress so that we can improve job creation and make sure that the CSC can support the agricultural sector.
There was a question from Hon. Gonese on the 2% tax and I have dealt with that. The lack of ideology Thatcherite versus Chinese, this not about ideology I want to be clear that it is about budgeting. Whether we are in a Thatcherite regime or in a Chinese regime, we have to budget and the tenets are clear. You need to live within your means and that is what fiscal discipline means regardless of ideology. So, there is just a misconception about the application of ideology in this regard. It is not about ideology but living within your means – period.
On that the budget is being anti pro-poor, again this is incorrect. The budget is pro-poor and I have already indicated the use poverty indices for allocating the provisions to support decentralisation. The size of the allocation for the health sector and for the education sectors for both higher and also the primary and secondary bear testimony to the fact that the budget is pro-poor. I will continue to support the BEAM programme which bears testimony that it is pro-poor.
In this budget Mr. Speaker Sir, we also make sure that those earning below $350 are exempt from income tax and we raised this from $300 and that is pro-poor Mr. Speaker Sir.
There was an Hon. Member who raised a question that we should fight corruption. We are fighting corruption and we have said that it is one of the pillars of Vision 2030 and the TSP will continue to fight corruption and any form of rant seeking.
There is an Hon. Member who commended the allocation to war veterans and devolution of course. Again, I appreciate this as the war veterans are an important part of the history of this country and their contribution is noted to continue to support them and their families is vitally important for the social fabric and cohesion of this society.
On the SMEs sector not being well supported and that it is not being informalised, let me be clear. What we need to do with the SMEs and the formal sector is to support them with the infrastructure. In the Budget, we were very clear that infrastructure should be put in place and it is being put in place. It is not only just Government that is doing it but also the corporate sector is doing the same. Here I would like to note for example what Old Mutual is doing in complementing the efforts of Government to make sure that this sector is well supported. After all, it is supporting the bulk of the population.
Also in terms of tax and importation rebates, we have extended this in the Budget to include the SMEs sector. I should also note that the continued support through the establishment of the Empower Bank and the Youth Bank goes a long way in providing financial resources to the SME sector. I have argued, including in this Budget, that we are going to do more by establishing venture funds to support the SME sector so as to deal with the issue of collateral requirements when they seek loans from banks; rather we switch to equity investment or equity funding as opposed to debt financing for which collateral is almost always required
Mr. Speaker Sir.
From Hon. Dr. Labode on the issue of adhering to the Abuja 15% ratio in terms of allocation, we will strive to meet this objective over time through a multi-year budgeting approach. We cannot do it in one year – certainly not but again we are quite pleased with the amount that we have allocated to the health sector and it is one of the highest budget allocations which in fact is an improvement from the previous year. On the issue of drugs, we are doing everything we can to support NatPharm – which has been announced by the Minister of Health and Child Care how we are supporting NatPharm so that we can break the monopoly that is resulting in all these high prices on drugs being sold through means that I will not care to describe which are hurting our people. But, we are doing everything we can Hon. Labode to make sure that the health budget is supported.
Also, we thank our partners for coming to support us on the cholera issues around the health sector. In fact, just two days ago, we received a grant of $1 million from the African Development Bank which will be administered by the United Nations. So, we are pleased with this support but also we thank the corporate sector for its contributions towards fighting cholera and helping us build the required infrastructure to deal with cleanliness. After all, this pandemic is as a result of the absence of cleanliness. I also commend the President for initiating the day for cleaning the whole country and that will engender the spirit of cleanliness and hopefully reduce the probability of things like cholera occurring.
There were comments on that we should demonitise the bond note. I want to be clear that it costs money – US dollars to demonitise the bond note. There is a figure that we are aware of in terms of what it will cost, so, that figure will have to be sourced from elsewhere to demonitise it. Even if you want to replace it with the Rand, which is a suggestion that I had, it will cost you US dollars to change the bond note into the Rand. I want to be very clear about that. It is a costly exercise Mr. Speaker Sir and it would need to be budgeted for.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I thank you, I have covered the ground in terms of the input and the questions that were raised by Hon. Members. I take this opportunity to thank all the Hon. Members but also to thank those who appreciate the budget and finally to thank the various Committee
Chairpersons for their input comments and submissions. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
I therefore move Mr. Speaker that the motion be adopted.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill ordered to be brought in by the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development.
FIRST READING
FINANCE (NO. 3) BILL [H. B. 13, 2018]
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE) presented the Finance
(No. 3) Bill [H. B. 13, 2018].
Bill read the first time.
Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.
On the motion of the MINISTER OF FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE), the
House adjourned at Eighteen Minutes past Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 19th December, 2018
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
VERIFICATION OF BIO-DATA INFORMATION
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to inform the
House that all Hon. Senators are being reminded to verify the details on their bio-data forms before they are uploaded on the website. Public Relations Officers will be stationed in the Members Bar between 1400 hours and 1630 hours from today up to Thursday 20th December, 2018 for that exercise. The deadline for the correction of the information is Friday, 21st December, 2018.
COLLECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAITS
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I also wish to
inform the Senate that all Senators are being advised to collect the Presidential portraits for their Constituencies from Public Relations Officers during the same period.
CHANGES TO THEMATIC COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Furthermore, I wish to inform the Senate of changes to membership of Thematic Committees, whereby Hon. Sen. J. Chifamba has moved from the Thematic
Committee on SDGs to Thematic Committee on Gender and Development.
MOTION
SILTATION IN RIVERS AND DAMS
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: I move the motion standing in
my name that this House –
DEEPLY CONCERNED with the level of siltation which is
threatening the existence of most of our rivers and dams, with the water holding capacity of most of them having been reduced to 40 or 60 percent thereby threatening the lives of people, livestock and wild animals as they are being denied access to the precious commodity, water;
ALSO CONCERNED by the rise of incidents of human and wild
life conflict as animals stray into settlements surrounding National Parks in search of drinking water;
AWARE of the vast economic benefits of our water bodies through the support of agriculture, fishery and tourism activities;
WORRIED that current Government efforts to revive the agriculture sector through the Command Agriculture Strategy will not bear the expected results without harnessing water bodies for irrigation purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, calls for concerted efforts by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, to reclaim our rivers, dams and streams that have been affected by siltation over the years.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: I second.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: Thank you Madam President. It
is my fervent hope that the issue I am going to raise will, in one way or the other, be of importance to the development thrust that His
Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has time and time again emphasised through his ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ mantra.
Madam President, our country is at a critical stage as it forges ahead with its development agenda. We are at a stage where we all need to come together and contribute in whatever way and form towards the development of our country for the siltation in all our rivers and dams to be addressed seriously.
I will explain. This narrative is premised on the area I come from and the various initiatives that we have come up with as a community in order for us to improve the livelihoods of our people. I will also explain the challenges that have confronted us in the past and what we are doing as a community, as people to deal with them. We are a land locked country, we are, as a matter of record, the land between two rivers which are the Zambezi and the Limpopo. Despite these seemingly inhibiting factors, God has blessed us with a country that is immensely rich in agriculture with rich soils which are coupled by a conducive and a diligent work force. May be unbeknown to you many water bodies, dams, lakes, major rivers, beautiful scenery, a healthy wild life population to be proud of and a major tourist attraction are some of the critical aspects that make up our country. The point I want to raise here Madam President is the state of our rivers and dams. Twenty years before, we used to have all the rivers and dams full of water and catching fish at the door step.
Rich as we are in history of agriculture and nature, we have neglected our natural resources and in the process not making use of them. Our water bodies are so under utilised to an extent where some of our dams to mention a few, have reduced our limited holding capacity which ranges from 40 to 60 percent due to siltation. Others are completely full of mud and no water at all. The rivers and streams that flow into these dams have been equally affected by these high levels of siltation. In so much as we are making great strides in resuscitating our agricultural sector through Command Agriculture, unless we address the harnessing of our water bodies, we risk the loss of potential maximum yields as a result of insufficient water even by means of irrigation. The current situation has become very sad indeed and many of you Members from the rural areas will attest to this. Our livestock are dying due to lake of water and are affected by diseases relating to lack of water like red water to mention a few.
Some of the wild animals are migrating from their territorial zones to another due to dry rivers caused by siltation. Our people have to dig up to two meters in some cases to access water in silted rivers which used to flow freely and have to share this same water with our livestock because they do not have flowing water. Areas close to National Parks are experiencing a rise in attacks in wildlife as these wild animals move into village areas in search of water sources.
Madam President, what are we doing to our people who constitute the majority that allow us to sit in this House representing them? If you fail to address a basic human right to them - the availability of water in heavily silted rivers and dams countrywide. We have ignored them, yet they continue to be faithful to us in the ballot box.
Madam President, when we grew up, you could catch fish, crabs in most rivers and streams which provided a God-given natural nutrient but we have failed our people to even just maintain this free gift of nutrition. I implore this august House to consider the plight of our people, our natural environment and the uphill task we face in the future if we do not start to address the issue as a matter of urgency. I call upon ZINWA, the Ministry of Environment and Agritex to pull their sleeves up and address these issues or they are subject to be labeled dysfunctional units with our Government for failing to take the necessary actions within their mandates to address this problem.
I also urge SI 7 of 2007 to be fully implemented such that our communities are able to remove sand from nearby rivers and all capable approved companies with machines to work hand in hand with RDC’s without hard measures to obtain the real old time rivers and dams with water and fish as water is the gift from God and water is life. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: I would like to thank you
Madam President of this noble House by allowing me to second this very important motion on siltation by Hon. Chief Chundu. It is so disheartening, so worrisome, so fearful what the nation shall be in the near future. Can you imagine our beloved Zimbabwe one day to have dry rivers, no flora and fauna, no agricultural activities, no industry? Finally, it will add up to no survival of life for all living creatures, humans, birds of skies, crawling creatures, wild and domestic animals, fish and all reptiles.
Madam President, in Psalms 19:7-10 says, “the law of the Lord is perfect, it restores the soul and the commandments of the Lord are pure, they light up the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure.” It subsists forever and I pray that, may God give us wisdom and help us always to make the right choices of preserving the environment and rivers. As already alluded by my learned Chief Chundu here, our country is a landlocked nation, hence any mismanagement of our rivers and our environment will bear disastrous situation for our beloved country.
Madam President, it is my plea to the Government and every citizen at every level, to take measures to ensure that we help to observe that we must stop river bank cultivation and mineral exploitation in our rivers. On this point Madam President, we as traditional leaders and custodian of our land, flora and fauna, are so concerned that the Ministry of Mines in some cases allows some people, for example our friends the
Chinese to do their mining of gold in rivers. Madam President, Mazowe River will soon be a zoo river to our children. Other inland rivers are totally not flowing as they are filled with sand and mud. These miners use dangerous chemicals which are hazardous to humans, birds and animals and as a result, people are affected with cancer and other diseases. Our animals die and our economy which relies mostly on agriculture and tourism will also be affected. With no water, how can we jump start the agricultural sector? With no water, how will the tourists come to see in our dotted animal parks in this country when all the animals have perished because of the low availability of this precious mineral?
It is even disheartening to see people being offered residential stands near river banks in urban and rural councils. Villagers are following the same pattern as they now argue that the law given to them as rural people must not target them alone; they are not separate people from those in urban areas who are given residential stands near river banks.
The war is to be stopped as people are causing mayhem in those rivers, Madam President. Water pollution is causing water borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, bilharzias, et cetera. Deforestation and veld fires are rampant in all communities. The end result is that when the rains come, they cause soil erosion as the grass that acted as the carpet would have been burnt, debris, soil, dead wood will find their way into these rivers and will close the depths of the rivers filling water reservoirs with them. In Shona, Mtukudzi says, that the symptom of the headache is not what is important but its causes. I therefore, want to encourage our people to observe the laws of this country at every level and stop all the above mentioned activities that cause siltation in our rivers and dams.
Madam President, there is a serious promotion of poaching of our game because these animals are now forced to move from game parks in search of this precious mineral hence they are killed by poachers and we lose a lot of foreign currency that is so preciously needed by our country. So, if we are not careful as a nation and if we cast a blind eye to these activities that are causing siltation, our national herd also will decrease. Agriculture and livelihood will suffer.
Madam President, I challenge all rural and urban councils to assist in preserving our rivers from further siltation and to remove people from stream bank cultivation, sewage water from entering our rivers, minerals exploration and from allocating land to people in those areas.
Solutions – ZINWA and rural councils to lead in extracting river sand with the help of our community. Hanzi naMutukudzi kutemwa nemusoro handiro dambudziko but chakonzera kuti musoro uteme ndiro dambudziko racho. I therefore want to encourage our people Madam President, to observe the laws of this country at every level and stop all the above mentioned activities that cause siltation in our rivers and dams. There is a serious promotion of poaching of our game because these animals are forced to move from game parks in search of this precious mineral hence they are killed by poachers and we lose a lot of foreign currency that is so preciously needed by our country. So, if we are not careful as a nation and if we cast a blind eye to these activities that are causing siltation, our national herd will decrease, agriculture and livelihood will suffer.
Madam President, I challenge all Rural and Urban Councils to assist in preserving our rivers, from further siltation and to remove people from stream bank cultivations, sewage water from entering our rivers, miners from river banks, mineral explorations and from allocating land to people along the river banks.
Solutions – ZINWA and Rural Councils to lead in extracting river sand with the help of our communities from our rivers and dams. This sand can be sold to deserving people and can be used in the construction of weirs in those rivers so that we catch all the water from running down streams and can be used in irrigation activities, fishery projects and as drinking water for our animals.
In conclusion Madam President, Nyika isina tsika yakafa. Vakuru vedu vakati zvikoni zvikoni mimba haibve negosoro. Let us help preserve our inland waters. Water is life and all ministries should support the preservation of our rivers and environment. God loves Zimbabwe so, let us care for what was given to us. Let us not conflict ourselves. Hatidi bhasikiti ratizirai rinoti uku rinorukwa uku riri kurudunurwa. I thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. CHIEF GUNDU: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. SIPANI-HUNGWE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 20th December, 2018.
MOTION
UPGRADING OF TOURIST FACILITIES IN KARIBA
HON. SEN. GUMPO: I move the motion in my name that:
This House-
COGNISANT of the strategic role of tourism to the country’s economic development, both as a major foreign currency earner and a source of employment;
CONCERNED by the decline of Kariba Town as a tourist destination leading to high unemployment levels;
ALSO CONCERNED by delays in the construction of a new
airport in Kariba, which is critical for revival of the tourism industry in the town;
FURTHER CONCERNED by the decline in the wild animal
population which is a major tourist attraction to the resort town;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon the Government to-
- expeditiously provide financial resources for construction of a new airport in Kariba and upgrading of tourist facilities to international standards;
- control the movement of wild animals into Kariba Town and poaching activities; and
- designate Kariba Town a Special Economic Zone status in order to unlock its great economic potential.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: Tourism was a major foreign currency earner for Kariba and Zimbabwe at large but now tourism and fishing industries are facing major challenges in Kariba.
Madam President, Kariba is grossly underutilised as a tourism destination and a major fishing industry in Zimbabwe. In the past, Kariba used to earn very substantial foreign currency earnings for the country. The fishing industry was booming at one stage and all that has become a thing of the past. One of the reasons being that the two industries have not been given adequate attention that is required, to make them continue to play an important role in the support of the economy of the country.
The imposition of the economic sanctions over Zimbabwe in the early year 2000 resulted in the immediate decline in tourism in the area, driving the industry to a standstill. There was a very rapid decline in the tourist arrivals. The situation forced a good number of hotels, lodges and other facilities to close shop, thus rendering thousands of employees out of employment. The closure of the Kariba airport that followed made the already bad situation worse. Dialogue on the matter was initiated between government and stakeholders on these two industries but it did not succeed because of poor communication and funding.
There was no will from either side to tackle the issue head on, as a result the whole project to revive the economy of the town failed. The proposed airport development was initiated in 1993, feasibility studies were carried out, and costing was done and completed. However, this project later became a victim of the sanctions 10 years later because the project could not be started on time, hence nothing has been done on this project up to date.
The issue of the airport re-development is key in this matter of revival of tourism in Kariba. There is no way one can talk about reviving tourism in Kariba unless the matter of the airport is resolved. At one stage Kariba was above the Buffalo Range proposed airport redevelopment on the Government’s priority list, this position has since changed without giving reasons for the u-turn. How could Buffalo
Range be prioritised over Kariba? The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry need to explain this matter.
I am one of the residents of Kariba that worked and lived in Kariba for 56 years. I was once the Chairman and later Mayor of the town for 10 years. I have learnt a lot about Kariba and its people. I have observed the tourism and fishing industries from the onset and have seen all the ups and downs in these two industries over this period.
The animal population around Kariba is slowly but surely disappearing. These animals are the source of tourism and something needs to be done to arrest this decline sooner or later. The two industries fall under one ministry which is a very ideal position in that things can be done under one roof.
The stakeholders in Kariba industries as mentioned above are hopeful that the new Minister will spare some of her time to attend to the Kariba issues which can no longer be dealt with from a distance. Something needs to be done sooner or later. A round table meeting with the Hon. Minister and stakeholders might help to re-establish the dialogue that was meant to find a lasting solution on the reviving of the only two main industries in Kariba.
Madam President, the Kariba stakeholders need to be assisted not only for their own benefit but for the benefit of the country at large.
Kariba is one of those national assets that are slowly becoming defunct. The country cannot afford to lose the beautiful resort town which has one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. We must not forget that there is competition from the Zambian side in terms of tourism and fishing of which the competitor is likely to take advantage if nothing is done now. Zimbabwe was always ahead of the Zambian side and we cannot afford to be second. The stakeholders request the Hon Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry to help re-establish dialogue between stakeholders and Government.
Mahombekombe, which is the oldest township in the tourist town has shanty housing schemes which were built by an Italian company called the Impresit during the initial dam construction. They were built as temporary shelters to accommodate the short-term hired company workforce. A round table meeting with Hon. Minister and stakeholders might help on re-establishment of the dialogue that was meant to find a lasting solution on the reviving of the two only main industries in Kariba.
Madam President, the Kariba stakeholders need to be assisted not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of the country at large.
Kariba is one of those national assets that is slowly becoming defunct.
The country cannot afford to lose the beautiful resort town which has one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. We must not forget that there is competition from the Zambian side in terms of tourism and fishing, of which the competitor is likely to take advantage if nothing is done. Zimbabwe was always ahead of Zambian side and we cannot afford to be second. The stakeholders request Hon. Minister of Tourism and Environment to help the re-establishment of the dialogue between stakeholders and Government.
Mahombekombe, which is the oldest township in the tourist town has shanty housing schemes, constructions which were built by the
Italian company called the Impresit, during the initial dam construction. They were built as temporary shelters to accommodate the temporary work force of the company. They were supposed to be demolished immediately after the Kariba dam was complete. Sixty years later, the people are still living in these dilapidated temporary structures. To make it worse, the structures are located under the main power supply lines that carry the high voltage energy from the power station. A disaster could easily occur if one of the voltage lines break and fall over the inhabitants. The Ministries of Local Government, Energy and Power Development and Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry need to avoid this pending disaster. The said housing scheme is located in the tourist boat habour zones and such a situation paints a bad image of the country and the tourism industry in Kariba.
The Ministry of Energy and Power Development that owns the high voltage infrastructure needs to assure the residents that they are not being affected by radiation from the overhead transmission lines. The town’s master plan has been talked about for 20 years. The plan was supposed to redefine all the tourist locations in the area to enable the redesigning and re-development of all the facilities in the area, for the tourist destination to keep up with the world standard and make it more attractive and competitive.
Madam President, Kariba needs to be given a special economic zone status in order to unlock the great potential that it has. Victoria
Falls has been allowed to overshadow the potential of Kariba as a tourist destination, yet the two destinations should be complementary as it was in the past. Airlines from Victoria Falls should fly via Kariba. They are currently by-passing Kariba and this is exactly what has partly killed Kariba as a tourist destination. Victoria Falls and Kariba are already connected by the lake and the Zambezi River, thus forming one tourist region. Would it not make it more economically feasible to treat Victoria Falls and Kariba as one and give the two a one economic zone status? Madam President, Kariba used to receive 150 000 tourists annually in 1998. The numbers have declined drastically. I thank you Madam President.
*HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: Thank you Madam President. I
rise to support the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Gumpo. This is an important issue as has already been said. Kariba is a large water body; it is among the three biggest man-made lakes in Zimbabwe. A lot of visitors used to come to visit Kariba. They were coming to visit the lake and to conduct boating activities on the water. They were quite merry and that shows that Zimbabwe has its own tourist attractions.
If you want to see all the types of animals come to Kariba, they are there. People would fly into Zimbabwe merely to see animals. The animals would even go as far as the hotels where the visitors would have easy access to them. This area should be propped up and it should remain viable. It also has fisheries. If one wanted to think about fisheries, they are found in Kariba. It was renowned for having fisheries. Whenever one comes from Kariba, the first thing that people would ask for is if you have brought them some fish.
In Nyaminyami, a lot of professional game hunting was done. I am also a hunter and I used to go to that area. Professionals would come as far afield as England, Germany, Canada, France and other parts of the world to come and hunt. After they would have hunted in the Nyaminyami, they would come to Kariba, stay there and they would visit around the Kariba and see a lot of wild life. Besides its water body, there is also the mystic Nyaminyami fish. The elders in that area, when the Nyaminyami arises, tradition was observed. They would collect some drums and say their god has risen. They used to perform that practice or rituals. Kariba needs to be a zone, whether it is for those that are into the fisheries or those that are into the bodies or animals. It would be a good thing.
In conclusion, I would want to say that those that are into the
“kapenta” industry would also come and catch “matemba” and the “matemba” would be distributed throughout the country, as a result of that, it calls that Kariba should be protected. With those words, I thank you Madam President.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Madam President. I
also rise to add my voice to support the motion raised by Hon. Gumpo that is in line with the tourism in the Kariba area.
In the beginning, I would want to say when we talk of tourism, we should not just think of Kariba alone but we have a lot of tourist attraction areas. Kariba should be marketed or upheld so that it is restored to its past glory where people used to come and visit from abroad. Everything was in place; wild animals and kapenta fish were in place. I am one of those people who would, whenever someone spoke of coming from Kariba, ask if they had brought us some kapenta because the kapenta used to be very delicious. I do not know if the kapenta is still there or everything has been run down. This is an appeal that there should be a revival of Kariba as a tourist destination.
I also urge that we promote domestic tourism. You heard the previous speaker talking about tourists that came from abroad and other countries. Because of the state of affairs in this country, there are now very few arrivals for these destinations. If it were possible, we need to create awareness or educate our local people so that we promote domestic tourism so that they appreciate the nature that we have as a country and these rich resources. If we do not promote it on our own, we may face difficulties in that we will continually be cry babies and cast back our minds in nostalgia as to what prevailed at that time instead of us uplifting the area as the local people.
There is a place in Nyanga called Bridal Veil (it is in Chimanimani) where people would go and see the water which is reminiscent of an actual bride. A lot of people that would wed would also take photos to commemorate their marriages at that Bridal Veil. It also helps in bringing in foreign currency which we are very much in need of which is in short supply.
There is also the Zimbabwe Ruins which is one of those tourist attractions that was constructed by our forefathers. If it is properly promoted and tourism uplifted, we would have a lot of people visiting our areas of interest, natural resources as well as tourist attraction destination. If the relevant Ministry of Tourism could come up with campaigns to promote domestic tourism so that the local people can also visit these tourist attraction areas.
In so doing, they should charge reasonable amounts that are affordable by our people because if you go to some of these tourist attraction areas, the prices are exorbitant to the extent that our local populace cannot afford the foreign currency. As a result, the ordinary person in Zimbabwe is unable to pay. If this were to be corrected, our tourist resort areas would not be a monopoly of the foreign visitors but also local visitors would also learn to appreciate our own areas that are tourist resorts. There is a lot of stress in Harare – [Laughter] – so if we are taught about these tourist destinations, we would go as families and wind off as we see our animals and everything that is there.
There is lack of awareness. For one to acknowledge one’s grandmother, one needs to have been taught that this is your grandmother. If we are not concientised, our tourist figures will remain low. Let us strive to promote local tourism instead of it being dominated by foreign tourists. This will enhance our local tourism as well as the industry and people would be able to go there using our own currency. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Madam
President. I would want to thank Hon. Sen. Gumpo the mover and Hon. Sen. Tongogara the seconder of the motion. This topic on tourism is very important. There are a lot of countries the world over that are making a livelihood out of tourism. In Africa, such countries are Tunisia. Its economy is based on tourism. The same applies to Mauritius because it has a lot of islands and also those that have cities that are on the coastal areas such as Mombasa in Kenya. Tourism actually contributes significantly to the growth domestic product of a country and the economy itself.
I want to touch on the issue and maybe what I believe should be done in tourism is that in Kariba, there should be a lot of animals as has been stated in the motion and the animals should not be extinct. Tourism has so much been Eurocentric. What about our own word which is not tourism. It has remained foreign because a lot of people did not have discretionary incomes so that they are able to utilise safari operators. If
Kariba were to be improved or promoted, the safari operators in the area – the local community will do menial jobs. That is where I see that there is no proper promotion of tourism. The locals are poachers. They want to access meat and they can only access meat through poaching. It was once said by Chief Shana that we are called poachers. He said that in 1934, that these animals were ours and we used to keep them. We had laws where we could not kill willy nilly. In 1935, the law that carried
National Parks is what we still talk about. Our animals were driven by helicopters in broad day light, I witnessed this and they put a law which does not allow people to go into the national parks but before the advent of this 1935 exercise, the animals belonged to the local people. This law caused animals to be moved from the local people to those who own national parks. People are now prisoners; I freely say this because we are in the Second Republic.
We had our own independence in 1980 but alas! we still use a 1935 legislation. We also came up with a Minister who says people should not be eating meat, and we are actually strengthening the law that was put in 1935 and we are saying that the locals are bad. If we look the damage that is done annually by elephants - the Minister of Defence and Environment when she was in Tourism, was across the country when a woman came from Binga and said this particular child’s father was killed by an elephant. They only had three blankets and they took two blankets to bury the man but the people who are benefiting from the elephants are not the local people. The question is whose interest is tourism serving? Who is benefiting from these wild animals. If the benefit of tourism was going to the local people, I was going to be happy. The few that own Safari Companies live in America and they are getting all the profits.
Some tourists leave the money in America where they would have paid it. The visitor comes here and stays in the lodges for free without bringing any tangible currency because the currency would have been left behind in America. If we correct that anomaly, we will become well and good. When you go once to Kariba and if you repeatedly go there it becomes monotonous but they still continue going there. Why are locals not going there is the pertinent question; what are they going to see – the wild animals. If we are to ask here in this august House to find out how many have gone on holiday for the past 10 years, I will find no one. We might want to practice what we preach. On Friday, as we approach the holiday we are all going to our communal homes. Personally, I am going to my communal home; going to Kariba is another issue. We should not force our locals to go to Kariba when it is not part and parcel of their culture. If it is not in them – some people have money, they can afford this but we need to find reasons why it has no value for them to visit Kariba but instead go to visit their in-laws because it has better value.
I do not think much about it to go and boat cruise in Kariba there, yes I may do that but it is not in me at the moment. I find the majority of Hon. Members in here to be in the same situation with me. We only go to a boat cruise after a workshop and Whites come here because they do not have such attractions in their countries. They come here to visit our mountains, take pictures, enjoy themselves in the sun and they put them in their homes – animals and the like, that is what drives them because they do not have those in their countries and with their economy, I agree they can afford to do that. As Zimbabweans, even when our economy was at its best, how many of us would go there.
I used to see White people in Great Zimbabwe area where I come from and very few Blacks. Whites visit areas where there are things of interest to them. We also go to Dubai and China because it interests us but I am of the belief that we should not continuously look down upon our people; we scold our people that they are reluctant to go to Kariba, they have better things that they will be doing instead of going to such places to spend money. All those countries that developed in tourism did not make it through domestic tourism. Tourism comes in the form of foreign currency that is where the value is derived from. It brings us foreign currency. We do not have foreign currency, so what we should do is to promote foreign tourism and ensure that our environment is conducive to be visited by foreigners so that they can come here freely.
We used to have a lot of road blocks but we have done away with the majority of them. So we urge them to come, the police are no longer as troublesome as they used to be in the past so that things can work for the better in as far as corruption at road blocks is concerned. It is now good and we should encourage them to come from outside the country. Members of Parliament, I have not seen them in Great Zimbabwe coming to my communal home. I only see various Portfolio Committees at Great Zimbabwe, I have not seen individual Members coming to visit
Great Zimbabwe. With those few words Madam President, I thank you.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 20th December, 2018.
MOTION
CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS BY THE ZIMBABWE CRICKET
BOARD
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move the motion in my name that this
House –
CONCERNED with the allegations of corruption by the Zimbabwe Cricket Board whose affairs are currently managed by the Chairman of the Board.
COGNISANT of the need to restore the integrity and ensure good corporate governance and professionalism by the Board.
NOW THEREFORE, calls upon the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation to ensure-
- There are mechanisms in place to prevent abuse of the funds of the
Board by the Management; and
- Elections of officials to the Board are conducted in a transparent manner.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: I second.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you Mr. President. This debate is intended to create awareness and inform this august House of the true state of cricket in Zimbabwe and the urgent need for action to be taken. Mr. President, Zimbabwe is losing players on a regular basis and if action is not taken soon, it is likely that many of our country chevrons and other factor players will seek more attractive opportunities and leave the game in Zimbabwe forever, which some have already done. In order to understand the issues and problems that face cricket today, it is crucial that one simple undisputable fact is brought to the forefront of this debate. This fact is simple because cricket in Zimbabwe was a successful vibrant, crucial and financially sound entity that brought pride and honour to Zimbabwe as a nation prior to 2004. This cannot be argued. Our national team played the full test programme and around the world and had twice gone past the group stages at the World Cup finals into the super six stages.
Our young Zimbabwean men competed on the world stage and won series in Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand. Brian Lala, the West Indies Captain told a Press Conference in 2003 that Zimbabwe could no longer be considered Minnows in World Cricket and that any team in the world that played Zimbabwe would face fierce competition but alas not today. The state of cricket in the country was sound and vibrant. Our clubs were active and the game was thriving in schools and most importantly, the national controlling body, the Zimbabwe Cricket Union was in sound financial health. If we fast forward to 2018, the picture is completely different. Between 2004 and 2018, cricket in
Zimbabwe has been on a steady downward spiral.
Zimbabwe Cricket went from playing a full and active part in the Future Tours Programme of the ICC as a full member country, to hardly playing test cricket and indeed, suffering a self imposed exile from test cricket altogether. Even after its reintroduction to the test arena,
Zimbabwean has played a miniscule role in the world of test cricket.
Club Cricket in Zimbabwe is in a complete and utter mess. There is no doubt that the Chairman and Board of Zimbabwe Cricket will disagree. However, as of the 3rd December, no league cricket has been played at all in Mutare or Masvingo and only a couple of rounds have been played in Bulawayo and Harare. In a country where Cricket has for decades started its season in September, the current ZC administration has been unable to even start League Cricket in 3 out of 5 main provinces.
ZC has chosen to start League Cricket in Harare and Bulawayo in November. They claim this decision was made after consultation with their South African Consultant, Vince Van Der Bijl but in reality it is simply because ZC still does not have enough money to actually meet legitimate expenses involved in League Cricket. Zimbabwe Cricket has proudly advised the nation that it has resolved its financial crisis yet it cannot afford to pay for cricket balls to allow League Cricket to take place. In Bulawayo, it provides one cricket ball for two teams to play with, and it cannot afford to repair rotting facilities or pay groundsmen owed money from 2015. There is one simple and apparent reason for the decline in Zimbabwe Cricket. The fault for this decline lies squarely at the feet of the persons who have led the national organisation over the last 14 years. The horrendously poor administration lack of knowledge, financial mismanagement and very obvious lack of responsible governance is the root cause of the current state of the game in Zimbabwe.
The current issues facing Zimbabwe Cricket are many and complex. These need to be made public and the Chairman and Board of Zimbabwe Cricket need to be held accountable.
A debt currently amounting to over US$13 million, this is despite a bailout plan from the Zimbabwe Asset Management Company who effectively cut 30% of ZC’s debt. This bailout plan would not have been necessary if Zimbabwe Cricket had correctly used to funds supplied by the ICC in 2012 to retire the Met Bank overdraft. Instead of retiring the Met Bank overdraft, the funds were instead placed in another Met bank account allegedly benefitting the board that was led by Ozias Bvute. It should be noted that Mr. Ozias Bvute was the Managing Director of
Zimbabwe Cricket at this time as well as a director of Met Bank. The Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket at the time was Mr. Peter Chingoka who was also a Met Bank Director and the current ZC Chairman, Mr.
Tawengwa Mukuhlani was a ZC Board member at the time.
The ICC complained at the incorrect use of the funds supplied and eventually the original Met bank overdraft was retired, but only after Zimbabwe Cricket was prejudiced by over US$600 000.00. The financial mismanagement is astounding over the period 2004-2018. Zimbabwe Cricket could have easily moved the local liability offshore with the support of the ICC to access far lower and less punitive interest rates. Instead, it chose to remain indebted to local banks (mainly Met Bank). Please note that they allegedly chose to remain with Met Bank specifically to benefit the board members because a comparison with other banks would clearly show that Met Bank offered one of the highest interest rates on loans and much a lower rate on investment.
Mr. President Sir, due diligence was thrown out of the window because of the fact that board members of ZC were also board members of Met Bank. The issues of conflict of interest were not even considered when entering into a relationship. The facts are facts and it cannot be disputed that this was done to allow Met Bank and the aforementioned
ZC directors among others to farm interest. The prejudice to Zimbabwe Cricket over this period runs into many millions of dollars. Despite the loan facilities running into millions, ZC continued to receive funding from the ICC, yet no improvement in facilities or standards was seen. This key income from ICC disbursements and loans was mysteriously unable to meet ZC expenses which should have drastically dropped since the National Team was not playing very much international cricket. Prior to 2004, Zimbabwe Cricket was debt free and a success.
Deliberate Financial Mismanagement is the root cause of the decline in Zimbabwe Cricket and remains a major issue facing the game to this day. The inconvenient question that must be asked and answered by the board that is running cricket right now is that ZC is earning more now than it ever has in the past. With ICC disbursements, loans taken, and downsizing staff to levels far beneath 2004 - how is it possible that the organisation cannot pay bills that were easily met and managed by the Zimbabwe Cricket Union?
It is time that something was done about this. A second and equally glaring issue currently affecting cricket in Zimbabwe is the fact that the national organisation is largely devoid of any actual cricket expertise. Not a single board director has ever played First Class or international cricket. The management of the national body are also largely without cricket experience. This lack of knowledge and experience is apparent through the continued poor decision making that this body has become famous for. Further to this shortfall, the national organisation has deliberately and systematically forced anyone with experience in the game as either a player or administrator out of the game. With a proud history in the game, ZC should be full of individuals with massive experience who are respected by the International Community.
The list of persons who have been forced out of Zimbabwe Cricket is astounding and too long to list here. However, if anyone thinks of a past Zimbabwe hero on the cricket field, it is almost certain that he is not in any way currently involved with Zimbabwe Cricket. This lack of knowledge has caused major shortfalls in the administration of the game in Zimbabwe and tragically in the development of the game from grass roots to school level to Club and First Class level.
Mr. President Sir, the failure of Zimbabwe to qualify for the Cricket World Cup 2019 was not a failure by the National Team, but instead was the culmination of years of mismanagement and poor governance and the fault for this lies with the board at this moment in time.
The Chairman who is currently chairing the board at the moment has been there since 2015 up to now and has made ample opportunity to halt and have had ample opportunity to halt the decay. He is part of the reason why and for that reason cannot be part of the solution to the problems faced. Can a person who has been involved in and been part of the rot, decay and corruption that has dogged Zimbabwe Cricket since 2004 be considered as a viable leader to take ZC out of the hole that they themselves have dug.
The list of clubs that have folded or disappeared since his involvement is long. There is no doubt that ZC will point to their list of registered clubs as a sign that cricket is healthy. However, when one takes into account that most of these clubs have no home grounds and no access to practice facilities then the true picture of the Zimbabwe Cricket landscape comes into focus. When it is understood that such pillars of cricket as Old Georgians, Alexandra, Old Miltonians, Bulawayo Sports Club have not only disappeared from leagues around Zimbabwe but their facilities have decayed and rotted to the extent that they cannot be used, then an accurate picture will start to form. This is yet another shortfall of the current regime indicative of the fact that the board and management have absolutely no idea on how to manage the game in Zimbabwe. An even bigger indictment of the ZC system is the fact that of all the clubs registered in Zimbabwe, only a very few actually have access to any facility to practice at or call their home ground.
If the Hon. Senators can take a few seconds to imagine playing a sport at club level for a team that has no home ground, no access to any field or ground to practice on and only getting to actually play the game once a week, with poor quality balls, no umpires and very little kit, then perhaps they will begin to understand how low the game has sunk.
Many Members of this august House will have children at primary and secondary schools but most of these children will report that their schools do not play cricket. The obvious exception to this are private or trust schools where cricket has in fact survived and thrived. The reason for this is very obvious, ZC have very little to do with the private school cricket. If we examine school cricket, it very quickly becomes obvious that ZC has neglected cricket in this area as well. A huge number of schools have stopped playing the game while proud schools such as Milton and Victoria High no longer have fields to play or practice on. Zimbabwe cricket has failed to develop the game at any level.
Mr. President Sir, in summary the major issue which have faced Zimbabwe Cricket since 2004 and which still plague the national body are:-
- Severe financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency. Mismanagement is a misnomer as in many cases the misuse of funds has been deliberate and fore planned;
- A complete lack of effective planning and a failure to develop the game at grass roots, school or club level;
- An absence of any form of maintenance for national or club facilities (it required a bail out by the ICC to bring HSC, Queens and Kwekwe back to international standard;
A lack of cohesive club structures and no support system for schools or clubs;
- No experience in the game at a high level is present in the board;
- There has been little or no desire to improve Zimbabwe Cricket or grow the game but instead it is seen as a cash cow and chairmen (past and present) and board members are involved for personal enrichment rather than the good of the game or national pride.
All of the above issues combined make up a lethal cocktail which has led a vibrant national sport from a position of respect in World Cricket to the very brink of suspension from which the ICC and disgrace in World Cricket. This is due to the greed and incompetency of a few individuals.
Mr. President Sir, there are solutions to all the above problems:-
- The very first step is that there has to be the will and desire to expose these issues in order to resolve them and ensure they do not and cannot occur again in the future;
A commission of inquiry which should include a full and thorough forensic audit as well as an investigation into the conduct of Zimbabwe Cricket Board Members, chairmen and senior staff members should be established through the Sports and Recreation Commission but which should include ICC representation in order to ensure the World Cricket body is in involved in the process and transparency is maintained. The sport and organisation are not to blame but the individuals responsible should and must be brought to book. A number of past board members have expressed the desire to provide information and statements;
- There should be a full disclosure of the debt, who was borrowed what amounts, what was the money used for, how much is owed to the players, whether the situation of using ZC’s Board Members houses are collateral against loans borrowed by ZC, a clear assessment of the funds used from used from ICC against the ZC strategic plan and a clear road map on how to repay the debts;
The Sports and Recreation Commission should be directed by the Minister of Sport to engage all stakeholders in the sport of cricket with a view to rewriting the constitution of the Zimbabwean Cricket and all provincial cricket associations in order to create an inclusive constitution which caters for all stakeholders and ensure the rights of all stakeholders as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe. It is once again important to include the ICC in this process to ensure support and understanding on the part of the world body;
- A new board and chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket should be elected in accordance with the new constitution;
- The new board should consist of persons who have experience in cricket administration, ex first class or international players who are of reputable character and respected both locally and within international cricket circles;
- The new constitution should include provision for a players association;
The new board should work with the Minister of Sport and the Sport and Recreation Commission to create a sound and efficient model to grow the game of cricket within Zimbabwe which will encourage commercial corporate involvement. There should be a clear policy in the model on developing the game from grassroots level on player retention programmes and career advancement. Such a model should include strict guidelines for national sporting organisations which will govern and control financial management practices and ensure that contravention of such controls will result in criminal prosecution.
- The new Zimbabwe Cricket Board should seek to engage and interact with as many past players and administrators as possible in order to create a professional structure populated with experience and qualified personnel.
Mr. President, this debate is necessary and vital. As Zimbabwean lawmakers and leaders, we as Members of Parliament, elected by our constituents must challenge any entity or body that fails to deliver
excellence. We can through this debate ensure that the leaders of our sporting organisations understand their responsibility to the nation.
Bearing in mind that sport is both a business and a career, this debate is pertinent for the development of this country in all spheres of economic development such as the contribution of sport to the country’s GDP, creation of employment and having a healthy nation.
The question that must be asked of this House is – can an organisation surrounded by continuous allegations of corrupt activity, mismanagement and nepotism for a period of 14 years be allowed to continue along the same path without action being taken? I do not think so Hon. Members. I thank you.
I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 20th December, 2018.
MOTION
OUTBREAKS OF VELD FIRES
HON. SEN. GUMPO: I move the motion in my name that:
This House-
CONCERNED by the recurrence of outbreaks of veld fires with devastating effects on the environment such as deforestation, land degradation and siltation of rivers which in turn affects agricultural production and ultimately the economy;
ENCOURAGED by His Excellency, the President’s call for good environmental management practices in His Official Opening Speech of the Ninth Parliament;
WORRIED that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA)
and other responsible authorities of Government are failing to control the outbreak of veld fires;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon-
- the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture to intensify awareness campaigns on the effects of veld fires and ensure stringent penalties in relevant legislation against perpetrators; and
- inculcate the dangers of veld fires from primary education level with a broader view of fostering cultural change.
HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: I second.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: Madam President, the uncontrolled veld
fires are one of the threats to the country’s economy. If they are not eliminated, the indigenous forest will be greatly affected and degradation will rise. The soil will become barren, gulleys will emerge, siltation in rivers will increase, and the natural course of rivers will be diverted thus creating uncontrolled flows of water. Agriculture will be affected, poverty will emerge and the people will become poor in the long term because agriculture is the backbone of our country. Over 100 years ago, there was no problem of veld fires as we read in some of our history books, despite the fact that people at that time had little or no education. All that they had was strong cultural values and discipline. Why then are we, with all the education and resources failing to do what our fore fathers managed to do without resources and education? Where is our education to help in this major subject or shall we just carry on as we are and hope things will be better? Are our laws too lenient that everyone can afford to start veld fires at will, knowing that even if they are caught on the wrong side of the law they can easily get away with it.
It is a well known fact that Government is trying to do a lot on this subject through EMA and other Arms-of-Government but the impact of the government’s effort is not yet visible. When are we going to see the visible impact by EMA? It is also known that many companies are financing the growing of gum trees and other plantations to help mitigate deforestation and also produce wood for our tobacco industry. The menace of the veld fires is even threatening this noble cause.
Is there enough teaching in schools and communities about the dangers of uncontrolled veld fires? Does this need to be investigated deeper in order to come up with a permanent solution which will stop this danger once and for all? Does this matter need to be debated further in this august House? Can the Hon. Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry shed more light to this august House on this important matter? Time and time again the matter of veld fires and its dangers is covered in the national media. I come from an area in Matabeleland South that has been a victim of degradation caused by some of the mentioned issues. This is a resettlement that was carried out by the colonial government late in the 50s which had good agricultural land but has since been affected by degradation beyond recognition.
The President, in his speech at the opening of the 9th Parliament, put emphasis on good environmental practices that include, but not limited to good environmental management. The country will encounter challenges in resuscitating the economy and probably scare away potential investors if no effort is made to mitigate the problem of uncontrolled veld fires.
Most municipalities throughout the country are failing to cope with the environmental management issues that include the sewage disposal and water reticulation, mostly because of increased urbanisation that is bringing more numbers of people into cities and causing failures of these services. This is another major environmental issue which needs more urgent Government support. Investors regard the environmental issues as key when they decide to invest in a country. I thank you for allowing me to present this important motion.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to
Debate to resume: Thursday, 20th December 2018.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. CHIEF MATHUPULA: Mr. President Sir, thank
you for this opportunity once again for me to respond. First of all, I would like to congratulate the President, His Excellency Hon. E.D. Mnangagwa for having won the elections. I would like to also congratulate Zimbabweans for moving into the Second Republic and also allow me to congratulate the President of the Senate, Vice President and all Members of this august House for making it to this place.
The Speech read in our presence, Mr. President on 18th September, 2018 gave a positive direction to our country. Mr. President, firstly I would like to thank the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Hon.
E.D. Mnangagwa for showing leadership in the run up to the elections, by taking it upon himself to preach the message of peace, tolerance and a Zimbabwe that allows for everyone in every platform. Peace is the number one thing that we need as a country and the President led by example in preaching that word.
The 2018 elections were very peaceful countrywide and this I believe stems from his call which was echoed by traditional, church and political leaders countrywide, among other leaders. Peace and unity have always been the bedrock of our country Mr. President, passed down from our cultural forefathers which as Zimbabwe had in the early
80s a reputation of being one of the most peaceful countries in Southern Africa. Our people have always been peace loving and very accommodative.
Let us as leaders across the political, cultural and religious divide continue as our President has done to unite our people and call upon us to put away cultural, religious, tribal and any other divide that divides us as Zimbabweans and build our great country on the premise of unity and togetherness. The political polarization and tribal distinctions will not solve the many issues that we need to come together and solve as a country. Thus, let us come together and work towards building our country.
Mr. President Sir, the President Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa spoke about the liquidity challenge faced by the people of Zimbabwe. Rural Zimbabweans have been hard hit as they do not have the opportunity and privilege like most of us to use electronic money, ecocash services and the like. The rising price of commodities without the direct rise in income has been of great concern to everyone. Greedy individuals have taken advantage of this to make quick profits over the tears of the many. We thank the President for coming together with the Parliament and Ministries to try and address these issues. The S.I which was put into place has greatly assisted the majority of the people and we call upon us to put our heads together to solve many of these issues which are a problem to our people.
The President also touched on education. Our school children, especially those in rural areas walk long distances to schools. In Tsholotsho where I come from, the average distance between the secondary schools is around 40 kilometers which is a very big problem as children have to walk such long distances. In the end, nothing comes out in their results. Matabeleland North also is desperately in need of vocational training centres. Due to the state of our secondary schools, we are not feeding any students into the one university in the province. Also Mr. President Sir, it is of note that we have to note that our institutions of training, especially training of nurses and other training centres are now requiring such high entry requirements, which are not a reality for most of our children in the rural areas to feed into. Some are also saying they need one entry for students like nurses to come in, but these are not the realities that we face in rural Zimbabwe. Thus, we are not feeding into those centres of training. Only people who are coming from outside are now being trained.
The rains also Mr. President have become very unpredictable due to climate change. As a province we have great challenge and I am very happy that His Excellency, the Hon. President touched on this. As Matabeleland North, we have a shortage of dams and water bodies. The call by the President for irrigation facilities is very critical and we are very happy that it touched on this. Councils should be equipped with dam scoopers and drill rigs to ensure water security.
Our telecoms providers Mr. President should also ensure that we have 100% network coverage in rural Zimbabwe. The business that they make in other areas should service the other people in Zimbabwe as all Zimbabweans matter Mr. President. We thank the Government as well for the rural electrification programme and call upon Government to further capacitate it to all institutions of Government in rural Zimbabwe.
We thank also His Excellency Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa for the work that has been done at Lupane State University and call upon him to continue until the university is fully built and students are re-located from Bulawayo to where they should be at the university.
The Command agriculture programme Mr. President and the yearly inputs that come through the Presidential Input Scheme have greatly assisted our people who do not have the monies to purchase inputs as the rains come. So, we are thankful that the Government has continued its support for those rural people.
The Bulawayo – Tsholotsho road Mr. President is crying to be rehabilitated. Also the Bulawayo – Nkayi road is in a very bad state and we are thankful that he has touched on infrastructure building and these roads need to be looked into. Human wildlife conflict Mr. President needs to be looked into as it is a great problem to those living along the boundaries of the big parks that we have. The issues of compensation in cases of injury and death and when livestock is being killed by wildlife and also where wildlife is also taking away the little that the people are getting in their fields need to be looked into so that people can see that they are gaining from their livestock. As a people, we should also continue to assist Government in anti-poaching exercises and in the preservation of our wildlife heritage.
Before I close, I would like to say I am very happy that also the
Traditional Leaders Act, Customary Law and Local Courts Bill, Rural Councils Bill, Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Bill will be tabled in this august House. These bills will go together with the bill that is going to support devolution. As a people I say let us support devolution and see where and how working together can assist our communities.
Lastly, the figures in Africa show that we have a very youthful Africa and a very youthful Zimbabwe. I am also happy that the report from IPU where our Deputy President of the Chiefs Council, Hon. Sen. Chief Mtshane and others were present stated that youths need to play a vibrant part in leadership of this great country and many others. We are happy that as a youthful parliamentarian, I can remind the Parliament that we should open up spaces for youths to help in the building of our country.
Mr. President, we should take this opportunity for us as leaders to be reminded that the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our people are upon us as Parliamentarians to shun corruption and to foster the dignity of wealth by labour and hard work for the betterment of our people.
Lastly Mr. President, let me state that as we go into the festive season, we would like to say Season’s Greetings, a safe and a happy holiday to His Excellency, our President, a safe and a happy holiday to our President of Senate and also to our parliamentarians in the Upper and the Lower House. May we have a safe holiday and come back for the business of next year. I thank you Mr. President.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MIDLANDS PROVINCE
(HON. PROF. MAVIMA): Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 20th December, 2019.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MIDLANDS PROVINCE (HON. PROF. MAVIMA), the Senate
adjourned at Twelve Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 18th December, 2018
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p. m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF
SENATE
PROMOTION OF WORLD AIDS DAY THEME
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to inform Honourable Senators that the National AIDS Council (NAC) and its strategic partners are planning a public testing day for Parliamentarians, public personalities and public figures to promote the World Aids Day Theme “Know your status, my status, my health my life”. There will be availing of free health services for Parliamentarians and the public on this day, including HIV testing, TB testing, TB screening, cancer screening, diabetes testing, blood pressure checking, sugar testing services and other non-communicable diseases testing and screening services.
The objective of this event is for Parliamentarians to lead their Constituencies in accessing these services and demystify the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS.
The event will be held on the 19th of December, 2018 at Africa Unity Square from 1000 hours to 1600 hours, where the First Lady of Zimbabwe will be the guest of honour and will lead the public testing.
Honourable Members are kindly requested to attend.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADRESS
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. S. K MOYO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 19th December 2018.
MOTION
PROTECTION OF CATTLE AGAINST TICK-BORNE DISEASES
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call to control tick borne diseases affecting livestock in Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. SHUMBA: I would like to contribute on the motion which was moved by Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi on tick borne disease. Our cattle are dying because of these ticks and it is true that the number of beasts in Zimbabwe has decreased. There are many diseases caused by these ticks. The Hon. Senator talked about the January disease; most of our cattle have perished because of this January disease because there will be no chemicals in our dip tanks.
However, I am surprised that dips run out of chemicals. We have a lot of dip tanks in my constituency, Mwenezi; there are 119 dip tanks and 8 which are not functional. The area is very big, there are so many cattle in that area hence there is need for more dip tanks. In Mwenezi, we have a lot of cattle such that per household, there are a maximum of 200 beasts and a minimum of 50. So, each cattle has got a dip card which is subscribed for every month at a cost of $2. If one has 200 beasts, they have to pay a total of $400 and I am surprised that there is no dip tank chemical – where is that money going to? It is those funds that are supposed to purchase chemicals.
I inquired and found out that the funds are taken to the consolidated revenue. So, for the disbursement of these funds to the people; that is where the challenge is. I did my calculations and found out that there are many dip tanks. My constituency stretches from Mwenezi to Chivi. In Chivi, there are also 102 dip tanks. If all these beasts in my constituency were getting enough of their funding, chemicals for the dip tanks would always be available. The beasts in Chivi are 112 462 and in Mwenezi, there are 196 000 beasts. If the $2 per beast was being paid, all these beasts are paying $2 each, chemicals would be enough. An investigation should be carried out into this matter; if the monies are being collected and dip tanks being fully utilised, our cattle would not have died. Livestock are an asset for our people.
The Hon. Senator moved a very good motion, these funds should be used to buy chemicals so that the beasts do not die. May that issue be addressed? Recently I was just thinking to myself, now that the beasts have died, how then will Government be able to ensure that these people get their livestock through Command Agriculture and ensure the chemicals are found so that these beasts, which are our assets do not die?
I thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN CHIMBUDZI: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 19th December, 2018.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE 139TH ASSEMBLY OF THE INTER-
PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the 139th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, Switzerland.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 19th November, 2018.
MOTION
NATIONAL POLICY ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to formulate a comprehensive National Disability Policy and review the
Disabled Persons Act.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Mr President for the opportunity to debate on this motion which was moved by Hon. Sen. Timveos on matters to do with the disabled. She expressed that an act should be put in place so that their welfare should be aligned to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, because they are people just like us. I am happy to debate on the disabled because being disabled does not mean inability. They have many talents which should be recognised and looked into. They should have their own ministry which is within the Constitution so that they can be recognised as a people and the ministry should cater for their welfare.
I do not know whether some of you managed to watch television yesterday. I cried when I saw a child who was so intelligent but disabled. The child was playing the guitar and singing Sulumani’s song.
She said she was inspired by Sulumani and Jah Prayzah. Even today I woke up and switched on the television to see some able bodied people crying for assistance, yet this child who was in a wheel chair was raring to go and raised the Zimbabwe flag by showcasing her talent. The people were talking about their history. The other lady said my husband divorced me because the child was an albino. They are very important people Mr. President. The Government should value them and recognise them as a people like us.
In the Eighth Parliament, we had Hon. Sen. Mashavakure and Hon. Sen. Shiri here. When they would debate in English, you would see that these are learned people but these are disabled people Mr. President. These are people whose welfare should be looked into. We should ensure that the Constitution recognizes them as a people who can also uplift the country better than those who are able bodied. Mr. President, I stood up to say as a people, let us do things which are tangible and lead by example so that whatever we mention should be in accordance with the Constitution. The disabled should have their Act. I do not have much but I was touched by the talent of the young man. I thank you Mr.
President.
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MIDLANDS PROVINCE (HON.
SEN. MAVHIMA): Thank you Mr. President. I would like to add my few words and thoughts regarding this very important motion, which in my view is a motion which is way overdue considering the number of disabled people that we live with in this country. If I recall, somebody mentioned to me that the total number of disabled people in this country was in excess of one million. I do not have the exact number but to me, when you look at our population, that is a significant number of people that need to be attended to and have special consideration by
Government. For anything to have special consideration by
Government, there must be a very robust Act that is administered by the appropriate Ministry that addresses the concerns of the disabled people.
I have seen many Government buildings that fail to meet the basic standards of accommodating disabled people. There are no easy access ways for disabled people to enter buildings or to escape buildings should there be a fire or some other hazardous activities that might occur, yet we go on and build beautiful mansions and buildings and not consider the basic access required by the disabled people. When we talk about disabled people, we always think of “vanhu vakaremara” but disability comes in many forms. Some people are blind, mentally disabled and also require specialized treatment. If indeed as a nation we are to achieve a middle income economy by 2030, then we need to embrace everyone that is part of our population.
I do believe as the Hon. Member said just now, these contributions coming from disabled people into our economy in various forms, one way or the other, we should not look at them as people who are on the receiving end. These are people that have exceptional capability, exceptional intelligence as has been already alluded to. However, one of the important things that is required when we talk about formulating a policy on disabled persons, we must not formulate a policy for them; we must engage them completely and clearly understand the nature of the disabilities and clearly understand what the requirements are and their expectations. Only when we clearly understand their needs and their views we can have a policy drafted and send to the appropriate Ministry or departments for final review.
I must say that I have seen in the last two weeks in my office disabled people coming through to see me. You can tell that there is not proper organisation in terms of how they are structured. You will see that they are people who want to engage but fail to do so in the right authorities, let alone the ability just to get into my office. My office is on the first floor in Gweru and disabled persons came in, they wanted to see me and I had to send two of my aides to actually go down and lift the wheelchair whilst the person was seated and they were wheeled into the office. I found that to be medieval to say the least, to say these are people we consider to be citizens with full rights and benefits yet we cannot modify our buildings to accommodate them.
I think it is only when you encounter such inequality or unfairness that you begin to feel what if I were in that position, how would I feel or support the policies that are implemented by Government. Clearly, we have not paid enough attention, not only as Government but as a nation to this class of people that has various disabilities or maybe it is our own misunderstanding of the disabilities that we tend to think that they are not important or irrelevant in as far as our daily lives are concerned. I fully support this motion by Hon. Sen. Timveos and I hope that all Members of the Senate are of the same opinion because tomorrow who knows who could end up disabled and will be in that position. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. B. MPOFU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 19th December, 2018.
MOTION
DEVOLUTION OF POWER
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call for devolution.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 19th December, 2018.
MOTION
CASH SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call to solve the cash crisis in the country.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. ZIWIRA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 19th December, 2018.
MOTION
NATIONAL DRUG POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on National Drug
Policy and legislative framework to effectively regulate drug use.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHINAKE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 19th December, 2018.
MOTION
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS OF VENDING
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on finding solutions to challenges associated with vending.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. CHABUKA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 19th December, 2018.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. PROF. MAVIMA), the Senate
adjourned at Twenty One Minutes past Three o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 6th December, 2018
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
SWEARING IN OF A NEW MEMBER
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): Following the
conduct of a by-election held on 24 November, 2018, in Mutoko North National Assembly Constituency, Parliament of Zimbabwe received a communication from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on 29th
November, 2018, advising that Mr. Nyabote Rambidzai of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) was duly elected Member of the National Assembly for Mutoko North
Constituency with effect from 24 November, 2018 – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
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 in the form set out in the Third Schedule. Section 128 (2) states that the oath must be taken before the Clerk of Parliament – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
I, therefore, call upon the Clerk of Parliament to administer the
Oath of a Member of Parliament to Hon. Nyabote Rambidzai – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
NEW MEMBER SWORN
HON. NYABOTE RAMBIDZAI subscribed to the Oath of
Loyalty as required by the Law and took his seat – [HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear.] –
NON-ADVERSE REPORT RECEIVED FROM THE
PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that I have received a Non-Adverse Report from the Parliamentary Legal
Committee on the Companies and Other Entities Bill (H. B. 8,
2018).
TABLING OF STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN VICE PRESIDENT
MOHADI’S OFFICE (HON. MARAPIRA): Mr. Speaker Sir, Section
21 of the National Peace and Reconciliation
Act [Chapter 10:32] provides the Commission to make reconciliation regulations. The regulations shall only come into effect on the 30th day after the date which they are tabled in Parliament unless Parliament earlier on resolve to annul such regulations. I therefore lay upon the table the National Peace and Reconciliation Regulations 2018 [S.I. 90 of 2018].
Statutory Instrument 90 of 2018 referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee and Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, I move that notice of
presentation of the Bill be stood over until all the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. TONGOFA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
FINANCE BILL: BUDGET DEBATE
First Order read; Adjourned debate on motion for leave to bring in a Finance Bill.
Question again proposed.
HON. BITI: On a point of privilege Mr. Speaker. Hon. Speaker Sir, I am concerned and I raise this point once again. We have raised this point before, but I have to raise it in terms of Standing Order No. 68.
I am concerned that the Minister of Finance and Economic
Development has taken leave off the country during the week that Parliament is debating the country’s most important fiscal instrument – the budget. They are not even bothered to respect us by ensuring that officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development are actually in the House to listen to what we Hon. Members are saying. Hon. Speaker, this is disrespect, utter contempt and utter abuse of this august House. It is the first time in the history of the country Hon. Speaker, that a Minister of Finance and Economic Development takes leave of absence when the budget is being debated. It is not acceptable Hon. Speaker. It is not good enough and we as Parliament must reject that. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Biti.
We have taken note of your point of order but could I just shed light on some of the Hon. Members who are not aware that the Minister actually is in New York at the moment and he has sent his apologies. But, we do have in the House officers from the Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development who are taking notes.
HON. BITI: There are no officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. They are not there.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Members, I do
understand. It is just my hope that they have been delayed because of this rainfall. I believe that they are coming but, the position is that everything is being recorded in the Hansard. Thank you very much, I will keep note of your concern Hon. Member.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I stand before the House in an acting capacity representing the Chairperson of the Portfolio
Committee on Information, Publicity and Media Services Hon. P. D.
Sibanda.
1.0 Introduction
The 2019 National Budget is presented under the theme ‘Austerity for Prosperity’ and with the 2030 Vision of a Middle Income Economy. The budget constitutes an initial policy and financial instrument for implementing the Transitional Stabilization Programme by empowering the respective drivers of change and development. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting has an oversight role over the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting
Services. The Ministry’s mandate is to build a good image of the country, promote public communication and information dissemination. The Ministry has five key parastatals under its watch namely: New Ziana, Transmedia, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings, Zimbabwe Film and Television School for Southern Africa, Broadcasting Authority of
Zimbabwe.
1.1 The Ministry’s Key Result Areas
The Ministry’s key result areas are:
- Oversight of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services
- Policy Development for the Information and Broadcasting Services
- Development of Information Infrastructure
- Information dissemination
- Develop Rural Information Services and Platforms and
- Liaison function
1.2 Major achievements during the 2018 fiscal year
During the 2018 fiscal year the Ministry registered the following achievements:
- Embarked on the digitalisation project which is now 36.4% complete;
- Completed five outdoor viewing screens in Mbire, Bikita, Buhera,
Gokwe and Umguza;
- Produced 526 graduates in 2018 in film making and television production;
1.3 Policy Priorities for 2019-2021
The Ministry has the following Policy Priorities for 2019-2021:
- Expediting the finalisation of the Digital Terrestrial Project which entails migration from analogue television broadcasting to digital. On this regard when we went for the Pre Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, the Committee presented a budget bid of $100m. It is sad that we only got $38m towards that project.
- Align all media laws to the constitution. I am happy to report that the Committee and Ministry and all other media stakeholders beginning tomorrow, 7th December 2018 we are assembling here in Harare for a two day seminar where we are going through the provision of AIPPA and the Broadcasting Services Act with a view of aligning the same to the Constitution.
- Fully opening up airwaves by licensing more broadcasters, particularly in television and community radio stations;
- Following through the findings and recommendations of Information and Media panel of Inquiry (IMPI) report with a view to develop a media policy for the industry;
- Managing media information;
- Completion of five additional outdoor viewing screens;
- Creation of well-equipped content production centre for content generation to support the additional television channels which will become available following the digitalisation programme; and
- Managing public information.
2.0 The National Budget
The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services was allocated $45 192 000, an increase from the 2018 allocation of $26
901 000. The overall Ministry’s Vote is 0.43% of the total National
Budget. This is less than the previous year’s allocation which was 0.54
% of the budget. The Committee acknowledges the allocation by Treasury of $45 192 million of which $38 330 million was allocated for the digitalization project which is now way behind schedule. This is 91% of the budget allocation and the remaining 9% is for recurrent expenditure. This leaves the Ministry with less allocation for operations. Of the recurrent expenditure of $4.062 million, $2.262 million goes towards the salaries of both the parent ministry and grant aided institutions. It will be difficult for the Ministry to support the digitalization programme with such a small allocation for operations. The Ministry has unavoidable functions which need to be funded from the budget such as State occasions and national commemorations like Independence Day celebrations, Heroes and Defence Forces days, among others. However, within the issue of coverage it is a unanimous decision by the Committee that when it comes to political party coverage by ZBC, all political parties, moreso those represented in Parliament, must have equal coverage. These national programmes are commemorated nationwide and this makes it difficult to support them from a budget of $220 000.
2.1Vote Allocations for the Ministry for 2018
Economic Classification of the Vote
Table 1: Distribution of the Sub Vote
1. Administration and General | 2018 | 2019 | % change |
Current Expenditure | 2 676 000 | 3 937 735 | 47.2 |
Employment costs | 1 094 000 | 1 097 000 | 0.27 |
Goods and Services | 884 000 | 999 000 | 13 |
Maintenance | 321 000 | 332 735 | 3.7 |
Current transfers | 1 157 000 | 1 289 000 | 11.4 |
Programmes | 220 000 | 220 000 | No Change |
Capital Expenditure | |||
Acquisition of fixed capital assets | 400 000 | 800 000 | 100 |
Capital transfers | 22 825 000 | 40 330 000 | 76.7 |
26 901 000 | 45 192 000 | ||
Total | 68 |
From Table 1, allocation on employment costs will increase by 0.27% while current transfers will increase by 11.4%. Capital transfers will increase by 76.7%, with the bulk of the allocation going towards the digitalization programme. Expenditure on goods and services will increase by 13%, maintenance will increase by 3.7% while there will be no change on programmes. The overall allocation on recurrent expenditure increased by 47.2%. The overall sub-vote allocation increased by 68% which is a huge increase compared to the previous fiscal allocation. However, these allocations are going to be offset by the four tier pricing system that is currently obtaining in the country. The reference currency for the budget is the United States dollar. Capital transfers were allocated as follows:
Broadcasting of Zimbabwe | 38 330 000 |
New Ziana | 500 000 |
Transmedia | 1 000 000 |
Zimbabwe Film Training School | 500 000 |
- The allocation of $ 38 330 000 to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe is for the digitalization programme.
- The $ 500 000 allocated to New Ziana is for vehicles, plant and mobile equipment
- Transmedia was allocated $ 1 000 000 for transmission infrastructure
- Zimbabwe Film Training School was allocated $500 000 for vehicles, plant and mobile equipment
Vote 35: Zimbabwe Media Commission
Table 2: Allocations to the Zimbabwe Media Commission
2018 | 2019 | % change | ||
Current Expenditure | ||||
Employment costs | 593 000 | 296 000 | -100.3 | |
Goods and
Services |
522 000 | 1 326 000 | 154 | |
Maintenance | 78 000 | 128 000 | 64.1 | |
Capital Expenditure | ||||
Acquisition of fixed assets | 230 000 | 250 000 | 8.7 | |
Total | 1 423 000 | 2 000 000 | 40.5 | |
From Table 2, there was a significant increase of 40.5% of the overall budget allocation compared with the previous allocation. Expenditure on goods and services increased by 154%. There was a significant decrease of 100.3% on employment costs. The Vote allocation also saw an increase of 8.7% in capital expenditure where the expenditure items are construction works and the acquisition of vehicles, plant and mobile equipment.
3.0: Observations by the Committee
The Committee made the following observations;
3.1. The migration from analogue to digital broadcasting is behind schedule as the country failed meet the 17th June 2015 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) digitalization deadline. The programme is only 36.4% complete and current allocation of $ 38 330
000 is not sufficient to complete the programme
3.2 Disbursement of allocated funds is either delayed or the funds are not disbursed at all. Only USD $18 839 699.00 was released by
Treasury for the 2018 fiscal year. The release translated to 70% of the budget and fell far too short as they were supposed to have received 75% of the budget on pro-rata basis.
3.3 The Committee observed with concern Ministry’s inability to sponsor and host opinion drivers from foreign countries who are critical in positively marketing the country’s image to the outside world.
3.4 The Committee also observed that the Ministry has failed to call for a retreat for the media industry to map out key reforms in the information and media industry following the recommendations of the IMPI report of 2015, this would have assisted in policy formulation and the law-making process.
3.5 The Ministry’s vehicle fleet (95%) is grounded due to underfunding and this adversely affects the mobility of officials in the field thereby compromising their ability to disseminate information in rural areas.
3.6 The Ministry has a huge repairs budget because its fleet of 81 cars are past their sell by date. Some are 11 years old and have become a huge cost to the Ministry
3.7 The Committee observed that the Acts under the Ministry such as AIPPA still need to be aligned to the Constitution
3.8 The Committee also noted that the Ministry has some debts that date back as far as 2014 and this has negative implications on the operations of the ministry since these debts have to be serviced in the current budget allocation
3.9 The Committee noted that BAZ is still operating without a Board and the Zimbabwe Media Commission still has no commissioners appointed
3.10 The Committee observed that $200 000.00 allocated to the
Ministry for commemorations is inadequate.
4.0: Recommendations
In view of the above observations the Committee therefore recommends that:
4.1 The shortfall of $61.67 million of the Ministry’s bid of $100 million for the completion of the digitalization programme be availed. The Ministry was allocated $38.33 million which translates to 38% of the bid. The implementation of this programme is behind schedule and should be completed by 31 December 2019 as this is a priority goal for the Ministry.
4.2 Funds allocated to the Ministry should be disbursed timeously so that the Ministry can effectively execute its mandate. There is an outstanding amount of $6 million for the digitalization project that was not disbursed in the 2018 fiscal year, making it difficult for the Ministry to perform its duties.
4.3 The $53 000.00 that the Ministry had asked for should be availed for it to perform its functions efficiently and be able to sponsor and host opinion drivers from foreign countries. This is critical in marketing the country to the outside world.
4.4 .All Boards for parastatals under the Ministry should be constituted and the Zimbabwe Media Commissioners should be appointed by the first quarter of 2019 for purposes of good governance and accountability. The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Authority should also pay commercial rates to Transmedia for services provided.
4.5 The Acts administered by the Ministry should be aligned to the
Constitution by not later than the second quarter of 2019
4.6 The Ministry’s budget needs to be reviewed upwards by $7 500 000 to enable it to purchase new vehicles as the old fleet has become expensive to maintain. The Ministry needs $840 132.00 per year for the maintenance of their fleet of 81 vehicles which is a huge amount. The Ministry also needs vehicles for District and Provincial Information officers as they are the focal persons at these levels. They have to be visible at Government functions as they play a critical role in rebranding the country’s image.
4.7 Proposed expenditure rationalization measures such as timeous completion of projects of the Ministry to ensure that service delivery is enhanced by 31st December 2019.
4.8 The Ministry services other Government Departments from its budget. The Committee therefore recommends that the Ministry retains 1% share from the funds retained by these line Ministries. This will generate a further $3 869 280.00 for the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services and enable it to fully perform its mandate.
4.9 The Ministry be allocated a further $380 000.00 for the three commemorations they will host during the fiscal year> they will host the Independence, Heroes and Defence Forces galas. They were allocated $
220 000.00 only.
5.0 Conclusion
Economic actors need accurate and timely information to allocate resources efficiently. The media can provide information and a monitoring mechanism to the economic policy development process leading to more effective economic policies. It can also reduce political risk and increase good governance—conditions that are important for robust economic development. There is no doubt that the media improves the efficiency of the economy by providing actors more and better information with which to make decisions and improve stability. In this regard the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has a critical role to play in the dissemination of information; promotion of public communication and building the image of the country for economic prosperity. For the country to achieve its target of a middle class economy by 2030 there is need for a robust media industry that is underpinned by plurality. This has the potential create employment within the sector and contribute positively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For the Ministry to achieve these objectives and targets, there is need for adequate funding from Treasury. The Committee noted with concern that the funding provided by Treasury is inadequate for the Ministry to achieve its set objectives for the fiscal year, especially the digitalisation project that is already three years behind schedule.
Hon. Chinotimba and Hon. T. Khumalo having earlier been speaking to each other and Hon. Chinotimba having stood up to speak.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Chinotimba. May I express my greatest appreciation towards Hon. Khumalo and Hon. Chinotimba for having managed to bury their differences – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Thank you very much.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: Mr. Speaker Sir, we have 16 days of
activism against gender-based violence. So, we have demonstrated to you as Hon. Members that what happened between us yesterday should come to an end. Even if we may scold each other, we must bury our differences – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – This should happen even within your own homes. So, both of us wanted to show that gender-based violence between each other is not good… (Hon. Khumalo having stood besides Hon. Chinotimba) – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – if you exchange bitter words in your homes, within a period of
24 hours, you should bury your differences as we have done here –
(Hon. Chinotimba and Hon. Khumalo shook hands) – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you.
HON. MADIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to give a Post
Budget Analysis Report for the Portfolio Committee on Women’s
Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative
Development. This 2019 Post Budget Analysis report covers the
Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development as well as the Gender Commission.
The Ministry’s mandate is to promote women empowerment, gender equality and equity, community and cooperative development as well as promote small and medium enterprises development. Its service delivery areas are women empowerment, gender mainstreaming and community development and small and medium enterprise and cooperative development.
The Ministry’s 2019 total bid was $64 million. However, only $44 million of the required amount was allocated, leaving a total shortfall of
20 million. The Ministry’s budget is sub-divided into three main programmes; namely Policy and Administration, Women
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development and Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development.
Under Policy and Administration, a total bid of $27 million was submitted but only $12 million was allocated leaving a shortfall of $15 million. Under this programme, Provincial and District Administration has the largest shortfall of $12, followed by Finance and Administration with a shortfall of $1 million. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is important to note that this shortfall compromises the Ministry’s ability to reach out to early projects in the provinces, given that the Ministry is structured to grassroots level and it has never been financed to an extent of having the capacity to have even office accommodation for its officers in the various wards and villages.
Under Women Empowerment, Gender and Community
Development, a total bid of $22 million was submitted against an allocation of $17 million. This represents a variance of about $5 million. Under this programme, Women Empowerment has the largest shortfall of about $3 million, followed by Community Development and lastly Gender Mainstreaming. This raises the question whether the Ministry will be able now to do its coordination role for Gender Mainstreaming.
It is important to note that this is a unique Ministry which has to deal with people’s minds and it is managing redistributive policies. You can imagine with this budget whether the Ministry will be in a position to carry out the awareness programmes that are required in the various communities.
Under Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative
Development, the Ministry submitted a budget bid of $15 million and $14 million was allocated representing a 2.7% shortfall in budgetary allocations. This vote allocation is distributed between Small and Medium Enterprise Development and Cooperative Development.
Generally, the Ministry’s share in the total budget is on a positive trend with significant increase in the 2018 and 2019 budgets. This increasing trend reflects more and more prioritisation of Women’s Affairs by the Government in its budget processes and the Committee is happy about that development.
The Ministry’s 2019 vote allocation was $44 million representing a 140.6% increase from the 2018 allocation of $18 million. Of this allocation, 51% of the resources are directed towards capital expenditure while 23% is consumed in employment costs and the remainder is on the other hand on current expenditures. About 96% of the current expenditure allocation is on lending and equity participation while the remaining 4% is meant for the acquisition of fixed capital assets. Current transfers constitute 13% , goods and services 10% and maintenance 3%.
The Ministry’s budget distribution reflects Government’s thrust of realigning resources away from recurrent to capital expenditures.
Programme-wise, 39% of the 2019 budget allocation is towards Women Empowerment, Gender and Community Development, while 34% is towards Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development.
The remaining 27% is towards Policy and Administration.
On women’s bank, the establishment of the women’s bank is a clear indication of the growing importance of women’s issues in the country’s developmental agenda. This is welcome. The bank, which is currently below 5 months since its inception has opened a total of 365
755 women accounts across the country’s provinces and this is very welcome.
The women’s bank has been well received across the country’s provinces. This is in light of the magnitude of the accounts opened by women as well as many applications received which are overwhelming given that the bank is less than 5 months old.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s budget allocation was $2 million against a bid of 3.8 million, however the Zimbabwe Gender Commission does not have direct control of employment costs as these are disbursed by Treasury. The line item on research and knowledge management into issues related to gender justice has the greatest variance of -104%, followed by investigation of possible violation of rights (80%) . The huge variances on budgetary allocations will have a negative impact on the Commission’s ability to deliver its constitutional mandate.
Madam Speaker, given the allocation of $150 000 on capital assets, the Commission will be unable to procure any assets. The Committee therefore recommended that this allocation be reviewed upwards so as to enable the Commission to fully deliver its constitutional mandate in
- One of the Commission’s key mandates is to investigate the violation of human rights related to gender and this is to a day to day activity to execute this mandate which is an urgent mandate. The
Commission’s allocation was far below its bid. The Committee feels that this amount is grossly inadequate given the task at hand. We therefore as a Committee, recommend that this amount be urgently reviewed upwards so that all cases of human rights violation related to gender are investigated.
In terms of research and management, it has the greatest shortfall of about 104% after a bid of $200 000. The expenditure line item is key for the effective execution of the Commission’s mandate. We also recommend an upward review of the budget allocation for research and knowledge management. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. BITI: On a point of privilege to do with the budget again.
When the budget is published, it must be published - the Budget
Statement itself, the Blue book - the Departmental Financial Bill and the Appropriation Bill. The Appropriation Bill is the one with the actual amounts that are being allocated to Votes. When this budget was published by the Minister on 22nd November, 2018, he published the same with the Blue Book and the Departmental Financial Bill and not with the Appropriation Bill. The Appropriation Bill is so important because that is what he is asking from us to approve. In this case, he has said in his Budget Statement that he is going to seek a budget of $8.2 billion but when you look actually at the Blue Book, it is indicating another figure of $10 billion. So it is so important Madam Speaker, that we have the Appropriation Bill.
So, as a matter of privilege, I am requesting respectfully that you direct the Minister to publish and provide Hon. Members with the Appropriation Bill. Secondly, there is confusion; he has published two different contradictory Blue Books. He has got a duty to respect us by explaining to us which is the appropriate Blue Book because we are not prophets or marabouts or n’angas. What is the appropriate Blue Book, I ask for a ruling on those matters of privilege, with respect. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAVETERA): Thank
you Hon. Biti for your point of privilege but worth noting, may we kindly just have a look at the two books so that at least we can really see.
From which source are the two books?
HON. BITI: From the Papers’ Office.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Both from the Papers’ Office
and they are contradictory. May we kindly have the copies for them to be seen by the Clerk, I think it can help us so that at least we can have a record on that. Thank you.
Responding to your point of privilege Hon. Biti, the first thing is that the Minister is going to respond to why there is that variance between the two figures. So, he is going to come into the House and will explain on that.
On the Appropriation Bill, if you look at the Standing Rules and Orders, it is quite clear that he is still within the time. So, it will be availed after the Committee of Supply debates. Soon after that, that is when we will have the Appropriation Bill.
HON. BITI: With due respect Madam Speaker, that is not the procedure because we have to appropriate that which we know. So, now we do not know because we have a figure of $10 billion and another of
$8.2 billion. We are not Magaya or Makandiwa, we do not know.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Like what I have said, that can
only be after the debate of the Committee of Supply. So, I think after that debate that is when we will have the Appropriation Bill.
The Temporary Speaker having recognised Hon. Musikavanhu.
HON. MAVHUNGA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I believe Hon. Speaker, there are names that have been submitted to you, the order of priority for the presentations. May be you have not been furnished with those.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon Mavhunga, I
will respond to you shortly. May you continue Hon. Musikavanhu?
HON. MUSIKAVANHU: I am standing before the House as the Acting Chairman of Industry and Commerce Committee. I am here to present the Committee’s report on the 2019 budget allocation, which is Vote 7 with a total of $47 055 000.
By way of introduction Madam Speaker, this budget is coming in as the first budget under the new dispensation and paving way for implementation of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme which is a critical component of the road map of achieving Vision 2030. The 2019 Budget comes against the background of a sustained fiscal and current account deficit, (the twin evils), emanating mainly from fiscal indiscipline.
The resultant inflationary exchange rate challenges have brought with them untold suffering to the general population due to shortages of basic commodities as the production capacity of local industry has been compromised by the resultant de-industrialisation. While the need for austerity measures especially with respect to Government is very apparent, more-so is the need to accelerate the industrialisation drive if we are to turn around the economy and steer it towards the achievement of Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s mandate is to provide a conducive environment for sustainable industrial and commercial growth and development. Its main service delivery areas comprise industrialisation, trade development and promotion and consumer protection and quality assurance.
Initially, the Ministry was allocated a revised estimate of $21, 498,00 and by September 2018, $30, 956, 486 had been disbursed representing a 44% overrun. These overruns were mainly in Consumer Protection and Quality Assurance (237%), Policy and Administration (66%), whilst for Industrialisation, only 44% of the allocation was disbursed yet this is the core of the Ministry. That is of concern to your Committee Madam Speaker.
Achievements under the three Key Result Areas during the 2018 budget year are as follows:
1. Industrialisation
- Facilitated improvement in industrial capacity utilisation from 45.1% to 50%;
- Launch of the Pharmaceutical Strategy and Motor Industry
Development Policy were implemented;
- Development of value chains on packaging, agro-processing, fertilisers, fast moving consumer goods, textiles and clothing and beef to leather were also effected and
- Development of zero draft Zimbabwe National Industry
Policy for 2018 to 2021.
2. Trade Development and Promotion
- Securing of Foreign Direct Investment into manufacturing sector from 21 firms with potential investment of $158 million through the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA);
- Signing of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bilateral Agreement for the Victoria Falls one stop border post was also achieved;
- Development of the Zimbabwe South Africa road map for the negotiation of the implementation of the Beitbridge one-stop-border post also was undertaken;
- Negotiation of the Bilateral Investment Promotion and
Protection Agreement BIPPA with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Implementation of the SADC trade related facility and Regional
Integration Support Mechanism (RISM); and
Production of the National Export Strategy and Trade Policy.
Lastly, for 2018 Madam Speaker, under Consumer Protection and
Quality Assurance, there was an increase in Consignments Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) compliance rate from 32% to 94.
- Overview of the 2019 Budget.
- The Ministry was allocated US$47 055 000 which is a 119% change from the 2018 budget figure of US$21 498 000. The allocated figure greatly exceeds the ceiling of US$22 818 000 enunciated through a Treasury circular by more than 100%. While this is a welcome development, it is important to note that the allocated amount falls way short of the Ministry’s original bid of US$327 765 518.
- While the Ministry is happy with overall allocations to the Policy and Administration and Trade Development programmes, the main concern of the Committee is on the Industrialization Programme which had a bid of US$306.1 million but was allocated US$27.5 million (a mere 9%). The major items were US$102 million for industrial retooling/venture capital under the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and US$200 million earmarked for Special Economic Zones
Infrastructure. Unfortunately, only US$30 million was allocated to the IDC whilst allocations for Special Economic Zones seem to have been included in the blanket figure of US$41.8m given to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) under the office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) vote.
- The huge (91%) between the bid and allocation for industrialization was a huge concern to the Committee. The likelihood of the Ministry discharging on its industrialization mandate with the meager resources was highly unlikely. An Industrial Development Fund under the IDC would be critical for retooling and recapitalization while infrastructure in the form of industrial parks is key to the operationalisation of the special economic zones. These aspects are vital if we are to realise our import substitution and value additional endeavours which need to be underpinned by increased productivity and quality improvements in our manufacturing sector.
4. Post Budget Presentation Analysis Meeting Output
Your Committee duty held a post budget presentation analysis meeting with Ministry officials led by the Permanent Secretary on
Thursday 29th November 2018 and has a follow up meeting with the Minister of Industry and Commerce on Monday 3rd December for clarification on areas of concern. The following issues were observed:
4.1. In its meeting with the Ministry officials on the 29th of
November, your Committee raise its concerns on the huge variance (91%) between the bid and allocated amount for the industrialization programmes. Ministry officials advised your Committee that Zimbabwe Special Economic Zones Authority (ZIMSEZA) and ZIA were in the process of being moved to ZIDA which will be currently placed under the OPC. In this respect, part of the funding for industrialization could be in the US$41.8m allocated to ZIDA under the OPC vote. Asked on whether ZIDA would fall under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry officials could not give a satisfactory answer which led your Committee to seek clarity from the Minister given that industrialization lies at the heart of the turnaround efforts being pursued by the Government.
4.2. On the 3rd of December, 2018, your Committee held a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Commerce who then gave clarifications with regards to funding for industrialization and ZIDA. He said that in line with the private sector-led development thrust taken by the Government, in light of fiscal constraints, financing for the industrialization was going to come from the private sector through international lines of credit, with Government coming in where guarantees were needed. Government would restrict itself to coming up with policies and incentives that would create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
4.3. On the aspect of the Ministry under which ZIDA would fall, the Minister highlighted that it would be under the discretion of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is yet to exercise his prerogative.
4.4. While your Committee appreciated this policy trajectory, it underscored the need for due diligence to be exercised when it comes to partnering with the private sector to ensure that those identified would not turn out to be rogue elements who might derail efforts towards achieving vision 2030. In light of this, oversight by your Committee in these processes remains very critical to ensuring unity of purpose.
4.5. Your Committee also needs that some sub-votes received more than their bids, with the cumulative figure being in excess of US$7m, while others had a negative variances.
4.6. The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) highlighted that wheat producer prices have not yet been announced. Indications are that farmers want a producer price of US710 per metric tonne whilst millers would prefer a price of US$310 per metric tonne to maintain bread prices at the current levels. This definitely points to the need for a subsidy and the matter needs urgent attention as the festive season approaches.
4.7 Your Committee was also advised that the GMAZ is sitting on a US$100m legacy debt for rice, salt and wheat. In this regard, a long term funding mechanism is urgently needed to ensure that future supplies are not compromised, given that import substitution of the three products is difficult.
4.8. A submission from the Labour Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe (LEDRIZ) highlighted the need to clearly spell out the complementarities and overlaps that exist between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This will address inefficiencies arising from potential duplication of duties.
They also bemoaned the limited capacity of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe in handling consumer protection issues in the financial services sector, especially in insurance and pensions according to findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the Conversion of Insurance and Pension Values from Zimbabwe Dollars to United States Dollars.
- Summary of Recommendations Your Committee recommends that:
- There should be enough due diligence in the identification of private sector players who will participate in the industrialization process to ensure that their goals are not at variance with those of the TSP in the context of Vision 2030.
- The roles to be played by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and ZIDA be clearly defined to avoid duplication of duties and disharmony while promoting accountability and efficiency as we move to improve our ease of doing business.
- The Ministry to move funds from the sub-votes that received funds that exceed their bids to those that had negative variances to lessen abuse of funds and promote efficient utilization in line with the austerity of prosperity mantra.
- The producer price for wheat be announced to facilitate timely planning in the grain milling industry seeing that the festive season with its increased demand is upon us.
- Efforts be made to assist the grain milling industry in accessing long term financing to make care of their US$100m legacy debt which is likely to compromise future supplies of rice, wheat and salt. This matter needs urgent attention to avert to a looming crisis as suppliers refuse to release the products.
- There is need for rationalization of the operations of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to reduce overlaps while promoting complementarities.
- The capacity of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) is dealing with the consumer protection issues in the financial services sector needs to be enhanced.
6. Conclusion
Industrialisation lies at the heart of our vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030. It is through industrialization that we can effectively exploit the backward and forward linkages that primarily exist among the agricultural, mining and manufacturing sectors; thus, bringing to reality the structural transformation that this economy desperately needs. Government ought to diligently create a conducive environment for private sector-led industrialization through requisite policies, incentives and improvement in the ease of doing business. Critical to this, is ensuring that (1) the private sector objectives and actions are in tandem with Government policies and (2) public institutions mandated to drive these processes pull in one direction with minimum duplication of roles whilst maximizing on the existing complementarities. As a German proverb says, “Industry is the parent of fortune.”
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAVETERA):
According to Standing Order 117 (6) it says ‘when the report of
Committee of Supply has been adopted, the Minister must either immediately or upon a day to be appointed by him or her, bring up the necessary Bill or Bills to get to give effect to the report’. This is in response to Hon. Biti’s request. I thank you.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My
presentation is on Post Budget Analysis Report for the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. I am standing in for Hon. Mataranyika, the Chairperson of our Committee. The 2019 Post Budget Analysis Report covers the Ministry of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs and five independent commissions namely the
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Judicial Service Commission, the
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority. In this respect Madam Speaker, all the independent commissions submitted their reports except two commissions which were not able to have their reports, that is the Judicial Service Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. I was glad that the Deputy Minister was here, we were going to convey our displeasure but as a Committee, we are going to summon them to explain why they did not proffer reports on the post budget presentation.
Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has a mandate to administer and deliver justice as well as to provide the policy framework, operational support and analysis of justice issues. The access to justice is a critical component of our justice system which should be robust, equitable and impartial. The Ministry requires adequate financial support in order to fulfil its mandate. Madam Speaker, I will present an abridged report to the extent that I will not go into the challenges that the Ministry is facing because I believe those were covered during the pre-Budget Seminar. I will highlight the challenges that the Ministry is facing so that they will be juxtaposed against what was allocated by the Ministry of Finance so that we can make an analysis whether that amount will be sufficient to cover for the challenges that the Ministry is facing.
The challenges for the Ministry currently are inadequate funding which was worsened by delays in obtaining Treasury concurrence.
Secondly, there is inadequate staffing due to high turnover of skilled staff and the build up of arrears to employees. There is failure to comply with international obligations in relation to payment of subscriptions to various international bodies. There is an issue that was picked by the Committee that there is lack of cooperation from line Ministries in alignment of legislation to the Constitution. This is a challenge that our Committee faced that as the Ministry of Justice, it is having other Ministries whose Acts must be aligned to the Constitution. We got the report that they are not cooperating with the Ministry. Madam Speaker, the Ministry’s key result areas are justice delivery, incarceration and rehabilitation of offenders as well as improving public sector accountability and transparency.
The Ministry of Justice had bided for the sum of $235 754 000 and was allocated $77 million. Of the $77 million that was allocated, it is important to note that $57.5 million is going to operations and maintenance, including $12 million earmarked for political parties and
$20.3 million to be expended towards capital development. In addition Madam Speaker, the Ministry is expected to retain an amount of $19.3 million which is supposed to finalise completion of works at a number of institutions that are under the Ministry. One of them is Chinhoyi
Magistrates Court, Chiredzi, Murehwa and Lupane Magistrates courts. The $244 thousand is going towards supporting de-centralisation of legal aid services in Chipinge, Mutoko, Chiredzi, Kariba and Beitbridge districts to improve access to justice to all citizens.
There is an outstanding debt which was accrued during COPAC, the Constitution making process. The Ministry has obtained an assurance that it will be covered by the Treasury in the sum of $367 367 473.69. This is basically for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings and a company called Vixstrom which is owed $117 000 of that amount.
The recommendations of the Ministry of Justice are that there must be timeous release of the allocated funds. There was a challenge that as much as the amount is there on paper, it is not distributed in time for them to meet their requirements. They are requesting to have full access to retain the funds. The money that is channelled through the Ministry of Justice is forwarded to Treasury and the Treasury has to release that money back to the Ministry. The report that we got is that the money is not coming back timeously back to the Ministry. The recommendation is that that money that money which has been retained for the Ministry must be released timeously so that the Ministry’s operations are not crippled. Treasury should consider granting funds for pool vehicle purchases. We noted that they might have vehicles for other employees as terms of conditions of their employment but do not have pool vehicles which are used by all employees. They bided for $214 243 500.00 and they were allocated almost half of that amount totaling $134 549 000.00 which is a negative variance of 62%.
Capital expenditure was the most under funded with an allocation of $9 484 000.00, which is only a fraction of 15,17% of the bid of
$63 383 600.00. The expenditures mainly relate to the acquisition of new capital assets which are necessary to attract revenue mainly generating activities for the function and operations of ZPS.
On the policy recommendations for ZPS – we noted that ZPS has arrears of almost $16 million owed to CMED for hiring of vehicles and other utilities. So in our recommendations, we then indicated that at least Treasury must release about $2 million which should go towards the purchase of motor vehicles for ZPS because we noted that it is actually more expensive to hire vehicles than to purchase their own. One can imagine how many vehicles could have been bought with that amount of $16 million.
Treasury must provide 100% access to retained funds. The ZPS retain a certain amount of funds. They operate farms which are under their jurisdiction. These farms are productive and need support in terms of capacity utilisation. They request that whatever has been retained from those farms must be released timeously so that they are able to utilise the funds.
They have also submitted a request that they must be considered because ZPS has a number of farms. They have submitted a request that at least, can you allow them to have access to Government agricultural support programmes such as Command Agriculture and Presidential Input Support Scheme so that they will also be able to benefit from those schemes so that they capacitate their farms to the extent that they will fully utilise the farms. One other indication was that the farms are very productive but they do not have the necessary equipment. The other factor is that you need to capitalise those farms so that they can be put to maximum use.
I move on to the Judicial Service Commission. I indicated earlier on that they did not present their report but I will just highlight that their mandate is to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary, and effective and efficient administration of justice in
Zimbabwe. The Commission’s key result areas are upholding the Constitution of Zimbabwe, delivering criminal and civil justice in terms of the laws of Zimbabwe, and undertaking research and recommending judicial reforms.
As a Committee, we were unanimous that the conduct of the JSC of not giving us a report of how much they want or whether what they were given was sufficient will obviously compromise on their functions. This is one of the reasons I have indicated that we are going to summon them after the presentation to explain whether what they were given is enough or is not. If it is not enough then probably we will have issues with them because they were supposed to present their report. In terms of budget allocation, the Judicial Service Commission was allocated the sum of $27 638 000 but we are told that they have a retention of
$16 700 000.00. In total and at their disposal, they have something like $44 338 000.00.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission is a very critical Commission especially during our era in Zimbabwe. The ZHRC is the national human rights institution for Zimbabwe and implements its mandate in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe
Human Rights Commission Act Chapter 10:30 and the Administrative Justice Act Chapter 10.28. The Commission has a constitutional mandate to support and entrench human rights and democracy as well as advance administrative justice. Their key result areas basically for 2019 are that they want to involve human rights promotion, protection and enforcement.
Our vote analysis on this Commission – the Commission was allocated $3 359 000.00. Their bid was $7 197 000.00 which represents a negative variance of 53.33% but what is more worrying is that on capital expenditure, the ZHRC had requested an amount around $1 700 000 which was probably for buildings and other things but they were actually allocated $150 000.00. What it means therefore is that they are not able to embark on any capital projects at the moment.
The shortfall in the budget will affect the renewal of the Commission’s A’class. What we were told was that the ZHRC at its inception was actually given an A’ class certificate to the extent that we were ranked amongst the best human rights commissions in the world but that certificate was actually conditional upon decentralisation. In other words, the certificate was on the basis that we decentralise to all provinces and districts. Now that we have failed to capitalise this
Commission, it means we are no longer able to decentralise. If we are not able to decentralize, what it means is that the A’ class certification is going to be lost and if the A’ class certification is lost, what it means is that the Government is the only sponsor or partner to fund ZHRC.
Ordinarily, if the A’ class is maintained we were going to have sponsorship of up to 30% coming from partners but because of the A’ class being removed, which is most likely because of the capital deficit then it means Government alone is going to be funding the ZHRC.
Policy recommendations – Treasury is implored to timeously disburse the allocated financial resources to ensure the Commission is effective. Given the budgetary constraints, we were of the view that because of the amount that has been allocated it is rather safe for the Commission to look for Government offices to rent.
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission did not give us a report but we were made to understand that they were allocated a sum of $2 463 000.00. Their priority areas are national operationalisation of their areas. Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s mandate is to provide and supervise elections and to register voters, delimit constituencies, wards and electoral boundaries, conduct and supervise voter education, develop expertise in the use of technology in regards to electoral processes, promote functions between Government political parties and civil society during the election period and accredit observers of elections of referendum.
We were told that there is a new function that was not with ZEC that is to do with voter education and registration. This is going to strain them again in terms of their budget allocation. The challenge is that the Commission is actually ….
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. M. KHUMALO):
May the Hon. Member wind up please.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
An Hon. Member having noticed that the microphone was off.
*HON. SIKHALA: Mr. Speaker Sir, the machines are no longer functional.
HON. MAVHUNGA: I will wind up Mr. Speaker Sir but I was of the opinion that ZEC is a very critical component especially for legislators who are here and I will just highlight the two critical issues that they raised.
The first one is that they had requested an allocation for capital expenditure for $16 731 585 but they were only given $840 000. The problem that ZEC now has is that they do not have warehouses where they can stock their materials. They wanted to use this money to build their warehouses and now they do not have warehouses to stock their materials. This means that the security of election material is at stake if they do not have anywhere to stock.
The other problem is that they have what we call the Wide Area Network and the Local Area Network where they are putting connectivity between centres for ZEC. They are putting these on buildings which belong to other people. This is an expensive exercise. They have to remove that equipment if they are not given capacity to build.
Our recommendations to ZEC are that Treasury should consider that they give them a portion of the amount that they requested so that they can stagger that amount over a number of years so that they begin the process of acquiring their own buildings.
Treasury should also prepare for delimitations. We are advising that in 2023, there might not be delimitation because census is coming in 2022 and by the time the results of census are out, it would be too late for the delimitation exercise to be conducted. Nevertheless, we have been instructed to advise the House that the delimitation process should be put on the cards as it is coming very soon.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, mind you your
time is over.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Allow me to say the last sentence Hon. Speaker. The last recommendation was that there should be gender sensitive electoral processes and procedure. I thank you.
HON. TONGOFA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SIKHALA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 18th December, 2018.
On the motion of HON. TONGOFA, seconded by HON.
SIKHALA, the House adjourned at Eight Minutes to Four o’clock p.m.
until Tuesday, 18th December, 2018.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 5th December, 2018
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): I have
received some apologies from the following Ministers; Hon.
Matemadanda, Hon. J. Gumbo, Hon. Coventry, Hon. Ncube, Hon.
Mutsvangwa and Hon. Matuke.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. In terms of Standing Order Number 68 (d) which has to do with the notice that I need to give to the attention of the Speaker – we wrote a letter to the attention of the Speaker and the Clerk of Parliament. I am just putting it here so that it will be recorded in the Hansard. This has to do with death threats that were received by Hon. Members from my side.
These are Hon. Tabitha Khumalo, Hon. Amos Chibaya and myself –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order in the House Hon. Members –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon. Members.
Order in the House Hon. Members. Can you go ahead Hon.
Mutseyami?
HON. MUTSEYAMI: Thank you. An important item to take note is that the death threats that we received emanated from an official platform of the Parliament of Zimbabwe which texts messages to Members of Parliament. That is the platform which texted messages to us. I am sure the Speaker and the Clerk will have to check as to really what happened because this is a platform which is officially used by Parliament to communicate to parliamentarians with regards to parliamentary business. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear hear.] –
Hon. Chikwinya having stood up.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have not yet responded. Hon. Mutseyami, I take note of the fact that you said for the purpose of note for this Parliament. When you presented your letter to the Clerk yesterday, I believe there were some discussions that took place and you were informed that the platform that was used is a public platform, but I do understand and take note of what you have just said. Thank you.
HON. SIKHALA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I do not think Hon. Members should be concerned about those people who engage in verbal insults in the House because at the end of the day, we are going to be judged by the content and substance of what we contribute in this House – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear hear.] –
My point of order concerns this particular day. Today, it is a
Wednesday and in terms of the Standing Orders and Rules of this Parliament, we expect that Hon. Members of Parliament are given a platform for them to interact and interrogate the Executive in terms of issues that concerns our country. We are expecting our Ministers to be present. Today, we have got only the Leader of the House and a Minister of State who in terms of the Constitution cannot answer questions from Hon. Members of Parliament.
Why are Ministers not taking parliamentary business seriously? The Leader of the House cannot answer all the concerns of the Members of Parliament. Several times, Hon. Members of Parliament have raised this concern and it seems that Ministers are not taking parliamentary business seriously. Whom are we going to ask questions today because the front bench is empty? That is my point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Sikhala. Your point of order is highly noted – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order.
I have also received the following apologies from the following Ministers; Hon. J. Moyo, Hon. Muchinguri, Hon. Matema, Hon. Ndlovu and Hon. Chitando.
HON. GONESE: On a point of clarification Mr. Speaker, maybe the Minister can give a comprehensive response. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I have noted the apologies which you have read out and my concern is that in the past we have received some apologies.
However, as you will note from the list of apologies, it is not exhaustive. What it means in short is that there are Hon. Ministers who are not present and who have not sought leave of absence. In terms of the Standing Orders, it is contempt of Parliament.
What I would like to find out from the Chair, because it is this august House which can then invoke those rules whereby those
Ministers who are in contempt of Parliament in terms of our Standing Orders can then be brought to account. My worry is that in the past, the Chair has taken note of truancy and delinquency on the part of the Hon. Ministers concerned but nothing has actually been done to rectify it to ensure that they are brought to book and ensure that they do not continuously and habitually breach the rules and violate the provisions of Section 107 of our Constitution. So, this is the point which I need clarification from the Chair as to why we have not cracked the whip when this House has the power to do so.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Gonese but like I
rightly said in the first point of order that was raised by Hon. Sikhala, I actually said that I have taken note of that point of order and, maybe at the moment could I ask the Leader of the House to intervene.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I just want to respond to the Hon. Members and indicate that Ministers according to the Constitution are appointed by the
President and they serve at the pleasure of the President. The Hon. Members do not recognise the President - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - and I am surprised.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members, Order Hon.
Members!
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. We cannot continue in this House with hypocrites. You cannot on one hand say you do not recognise the President and you expect a Minister who has been appointed by the President to answer questions – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - I request Mr. Speaker Sir that from today until they issue a public apology to the President, no Minister is going to answer a question from this side of the House. I thank you. –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order in the House Hon. Members!
You are too noisy.
HON. SIKHALA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I
would like to say that the Leader of the House is a legal practitioner, he is a lawyer. Mr. Speaker Sir, he knows in terms of the law that there is a de jure and a de facto President. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members.
Members on my left, order.
HON. SIKHALA: Mr. Speaker Sir, the statement by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is not doing him any good - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - Because, he is confirming that there is a dispute over the issue of the presidency – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - In terms of the Constitution Mr. Speaker Sir, Ministers are public servants who are using taxpayers’ money which is the oversight of this House. So, we are entitled as long as they are drawing from the public purse to ask them questions in this House.
So, the Minister must stop politicking over very important national issues. What we want are Ministers who are getting paid through the public purse, for them to come here and answer the concerns of Zimbabweans through their Members of Parliament they elected into this House. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
*HON. MUSABAYANA: We are quite happy because of the
improvement in the issue of fuel. Most service stations now have fuel.
My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Energy and Power
Development - [HON. MEBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. My ruling is
that both sides have made their point. I must say that we have come here for Parliament business. Each one of us who is here has come for the business of Parliament. Today is question time, so we need to go ahead and ask questions.
*HON. MUSABAYANA: My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development. What measures have you put in place to ensure that there is sufficient fuel during the Christmas holidays? I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Let me thank Hon.
Musabayana for his question which is in line with the provision of fuel in Zimbabwe. As he has already mentioned, fuel is now going into the service stations and plans are underway to ensure that there are adequate supplies until after the Christmas period into the New Year. We expect that the fuel situation is going to improve and that the queues that you are seeing will disappear. The Minister of Energy and Power
Development, Hon. Dr. Gumbo is going to issue a Ministerial Statement as regards the fuel situation in the country. I thank you.
HON. MURAI: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir for giving me this opportunity to pose my question. In the absence of the Minister of Health and Child Care, I will direct my question to the Leader of the
House. Doctors are on strike at the country’s referral hospitals over the deterioration of the health system and poor remuneration. What measures are you putting in place because the situation is not looking good in our hospitals?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you very
much Mr. Speaker Sir. Like I said earlier on, I am unable to respond until the recognised authority – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
HON. GONESE: Mr. Speaker Sir, a question was posed to the
Hon. Minister and he has not answered the question posed by Hon.
Murai.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Gonese, I think you have heard
what the Leader of the House has said. You cannot force the Leader of the House to respond – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – Order Hon. Members. Sit down Hon. Members.
HON. T. KHUMALO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am back
again here on a point of privilege. Surely Mr. Speaker, I am shocked to the core, that we have Members of this Parliament who call us names. Hon. Chinotimba has just called me a hure, that is in Shona, in English - a prostitute. This must stop. I do not care who says what, this is wrong. It is not a crime for a woman to stand and debate or challenge a situation, whether my challenge is wrong or right, no one has a right to call me names. Hon. Chinotimba has no right to call me a bitch. I am not a bitch, I am an Hon. Member who was brought to this Parliament by Zimbabweans and as a woman I want to be respected – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - He must withdraw that statement. Mr. Speaker, He must withdraw because if he does not, I am taking him to court.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Chinotimba, I did not hear you
saying that statement, if you said that statement, can you please withdraw that statement.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I retaliated because of the words she said to me. She said ‘get away from here, you are a bitch.’ – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – If you say so, I withdraw – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I withdraw my statement.
HON. MURAI: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question was that the doctors are on strike, Hon. Minister Ziyambi over poor remuneration and the deterioration of service delivery. What measures are you putting in place and what plans do you have to rescue the situation?
HON. KASHIRI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. Before the Minister responds to the question, we have Members of the other side who are sitting on the wrong side. May they go back to their places? –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Please Chief Whip, ibasa renyu gadzirisai. Hon. Mutseyami, Hon. Mutseyami! Okay you can occupy the floor Hon. Minister.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir...
THE ACTING SPEAKER: You are in the House Hon. Sikhala!
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member and Hon. Members for accepting that we should proceed and they recognise the Government of the day. –[HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] -
An Hon. member having stood up to make a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: No, I cannot take that point of order now. Please go ahead.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you. In that regard, I think we are in the spirit of uniting our people and I am very happy to proceed to answer his question. Indeed, we have problems with the doctors. They have indicated that they are disgruntled with their conditions of service. The Minister of Health and Child Care to date has met the representatives of the doctors and they are negotiating so that we can come up with a solution to the crisis. As you know, we had challenges with foreign currency and we are trying to capacitate NatPharm so that we have sufficient drugs to ensure that our hospitals are well catered for. I thank you.
HON. G. K. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My
supplementary question to the Leader of the House is that...
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. My
point of order is that Hon. Sikhala is insulting people by saying stupid satan. If we have the unity of purpose, he should also withdraw just as I have done. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order in the House Hon. Members!
Hon. Sikhala, if you have uttered those words, please withdraw?
HON. SIKHALA: I never said those words but however Mr.
Speaker, if he wants me to withdraw that he is stupid, I withdraw. –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Please take your seats. Hon.
Sikhala, we respect you. The manner in which you responded to the Hon. Member is not right. You had initially withdrawn but please, withdraw the words that you are stupid. Please do so.
HON. SIKHALA: Mr. Speaker, Hon. Chinotimba has confirmed to me that he lied against me. I withdraw. – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, Order in the House!
HON. G. K. SITHOLE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My
supplementary question to the Leader of the House is that – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: May the Hon. Member be heard in
silence please?
HON. G. K. SITHOLE: My supplementary question is that since the doctors are on strike and we hear that nurses will be on strike as well as teachers, these are multifaceted economic problems which have resulted in political problems. I would want to know his position from the ruling party. What political solution do they have in place to ensure that these economic problems are solved? Thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I indeed alluded to
the issues pertaining to doctors but I will not speak about rumours. I indicated that concerning doctors, the Minister of Health and Child Care was engaging the representatives of doctors. I am not aware of any issues with other Government workers. However, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development brought a budget and he put in measures that we believe as we move forward, will cure some of our economic problems. I thank you.
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. My
supplementary question to the Leader of the House is whether he can give us some timeframe, some indication as to how long they expect to resolve this problem because you know that the generality of
Zimbabweans, the majority of the people are going through very serious challenges because of this strike. They are not getting attention and people are dying in our hospitals. It is important for the Hon. Minister to give us some guidance as to when we can expect to have a resolution of this problem which is very serious? Thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I
indicated that the Minister of Health and Child Care has engaged the representatives of the doctors and a negotiation process, I cannot give a timeline. Perhaps as we speak they have concluded the negotiations, I would not know. So, I am not in a position to give a timeline. Thank you.
HON. KASHIRI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is
directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. I would like to find out what policy they have in allocating rural police stations with police vehicles for duty work because most rural areas police stations do not have vehicles. They travel long distances to attend to cases.
HON. SIKHALA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. The same question the Hon. Member has asked was once asked by Hon. Chinotimba. He must re-visit the Hansard, it was comprehensively answered by the Minister of Home Affairs. If the Member of Parliament missed that, one same question cannot be asked in the same session over and over again.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you are informed to
refer to the Hansard for your answer.
HON. CHIKWINYA: My question is directed to the Deputy
Minister of Mines. Hon. Deputy Minister, we are currently going through the budgeting process with the Minister having presented his proposal on 22nd December, 2018. One of the pillars which anchored the budget is that we are negotiating with investors and we have rebased our economy and our GDP as per those investment proposals. Section
315 (2) (c) of the Constitution states that “an Act of Parliament must provide for the negotiation and performance of the following State contracts - (b) contracts of the construction and operation of infrastructure and facilities; and (c) concessions of mineral and other rights.”
With particular reference to Section (c), when are we going to have this Act of Parliament which provides for Parliament to have oversight over the negotiations of contracts which benefit our country?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA): Thank you Mr. Speaker
Sir. Hon. Minister Chitando is compiling a list of all agreements and concessions which were negotiated by His Excellency, and He will be bringing them to Parliament very soon for consideration. Thank you.
HON. CHIKWINYA: With all due respect to the Deputy
Minister. I think he missed the point. The question is - there must be an Act of Parliament that empowers Parliament to provide oversight over the concession of minerals and other rights. When is that Act of
Parliament in liaison with the Constitution going to be brought before Parliament so that, that Act will be within the confides of the law not the agreements?
HON. KAMBAMURA: Thank you Hon. Member for that
question. The principles of that Act have been sent to the Attorney
General. Once he is done, they will be brought here for consideration.
*HON. MATAMBANADZO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question is directed to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development. Minister, STEM was introduced by the Government, is it going to be reinstated? The people back in the constituencies are asking as to whether it is going to be reinstated so that those who will be doing well in sciences can have their education paid for by the STEM project through the Government auspices.
It was also said that students under the STEM project will have their university education paid for. Our constituents are concerned as to what is going to happen as regards those students who are on that project. Is it going to be reinstated because that was a good thing?
*THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir and I wish to thank the Hon. Member for the question. First of all, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These subjects are not going to be dropped. They were never dropped and they will not be dropped in future. Our Ministry oversees higher and tertiary education and it also looks at polytechnic colleges and universities. Scholarships that were being offered to ‘A’ Level students were discontinued in term 3in 2018. There was misuse of the funds in the name of STEM scholarships. Therefore, we have since stopped it.
The money was being misused; it was used to pay private institutions and because of that issue, we are saying that we continuously urge the studying of science, technology, engineering and mathematics using other means but not through giving scholarships to ‘A’ Level students. At university level, we have the intention of securing loans to give to students so that they can pursue their education. We will also secure loans on their behalf. Currently, we have secured a lot of money; $50 million was set aside by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and $10 million was set aside in South Africa.
The problem was that the banks were asking students for pay slips yet it is not every student who can produce the pay slip. We are urging the banks to change some of these requirements so that they can be user friendly to the students. So in brief I am saying that STEM was known as a project for students that are doing science at ‘A’ Level. STEM is a large project. As we speak right now, we are having projects under STEM that include the manufacturing of fertiliser and or using coal, it also involves the issue of extracting oil through coal, and it can be oil or fuel. It also talks about innovation hubs...
*AN HON. MEMBER: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER. What is your point of order?
*AN HON. MEMBER: It seems baba ava is now doing a
Ministerial Statement – [Laughter.] –
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Minister.
*AN HON. MEMBER: Hon. Minister is giving a Ministerial
Statement and not answering the question.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Point of order overruled.
*HON. PRO. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. The
issue of STEM is an ongoing issue but ‘A’ level scholarships are not for students doing ‘A’ level, we are in Higher and Tertiary Education and we do not have scholarship for A level students, so we stick to our mandate of tertiary institutions without misusing money or losing money. I thank you.
*HON. MADZIMURE: Thank you Mr. Speaker, when the
Minister was giving his response, he said when STEM was done, this was a way of abusing funds. Can he tell us what he is doing to ensure that the money that was misused is returned to Government and who took it? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Mr. Speaker, I thank the Hon. Member for that question. We did a forensic audit, I am answering in this fashion as a result of the findings of the forensic audit. There are some people who are appearing before the courts in connection with allegations of abusing funds. So, if the matter is before the courts I cannot comment because it is subjudice, I thank you.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Leader of the House. What is Government policy on the issue of enrolment for Form 1 students? I understand when schools are enrolling these children they are asking for 5 units and my understanding is not all of the students can get 5 units and parents are complaining that they want to know whether it is Government policy or not because they are having problems to enroll children to schools of their choice.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question which is very important and indeed what she is saying is what is obtaining within our schools. What the Government is doing is that we are coming up with an Education Bill and in that Bill we are going to insist that all those learners within a certain area must be given first preference. If they cannot get a position in that particular school that is near to their homes the school authorities must then issue a letter so that they can go outside their zone. Once we have finalised that Bill we hope that we will cure this problem whereby some learners are told we cannot take you because you have 10 or so points. We want learners to be accommodated near their homes.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank Hon. Speaker the Government
about 3 years ago came up with a tool and internet based tool of Form 1 enrolment. This tool enshrines that students indicate the schools where they intend to enroll. As of today Hon. Minister, the results showing on that tool that is the acceptance or rejection, the status is pending but enrolment is expected to begin today. What is the recourse for students, now that the status is pending no one has been accepted but enrolment is supposed to begin?
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I believe that is now a very specific question that deals with a tool and how many students have been accepted within that tool I would not be privy to what is happening as regards that specific platform. What I know is that generally we have had problems like what Hon. Karenyi alluded to which we hope that if we put some legislative measures to help our learners, it will solve the problem. As for that problem I think you can put it in writing so that the respective Minister can investigate whether the platform that they put in place is working according to their specifications or not. I thank you.
HON. KABOZO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for affording me
this opportunity to add my voice in this august House. My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. Artisanal miners, just like any other players in our economy contribute quite a lot to our economy, but are taken for granted. They are not recognised at all. Is there any Government policy measure in place to formalize their operations so that they become legal miners, not illegal miners as we are all accustomed to calling them? Mr. Speaker Sir, these artisanal miners are in dire need of Government support to produce more. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA): Thank you Mr. Speaker
Sir. As you are aware, the Mines and Mineral Act is being amended – [AN HON. MEMBER: He is not aware.] – very soon we will be going out with the parliamentary portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development to sort out issues that were raised by His Excellency.
After that, the Bill will be brought back to Parliament. In that amended Bill - that is where the small scale miners will be recognised. I think the Bill will be brought to Parliament very soon for consideration.
HON. MAYIHLOME: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question
is a follow up to the question on the answer proffered by the Minister of Mines. What compensatory plans does the Ministry have for those whose land gets affected by the activities of the small scale miners, particularly those who are not registered. What compensatory plans do you have in mind? I thank you.
HON. KAMBAMURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Mines
and Mineral Act say that the small scale miners whenever they are doing activities, should reclaim the land on which they are working on. So, it is a matter of policy implementation and follow up through our Ministry and EMA to see that the land they are working on is reclaimed.
HON. HAMAUSWA: My supplementary question is with regards to what has been happening in the 1990s where there were pilot projects to ensure that small scale miners operate without affecting the environment, especially those who were extracting gold on the riverbeds. Is that issue being considered in the new mining policy?
HON. KAMBAMURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. In the amended Act, it was suggested that the small-scale miners who are working on riverbeds should do so about 200m away from the riverbed. Like I have indicated, the Act will be brought back to Parliament for consideration and such issues will be ironed out. I thank you.
*HON. MATSUNGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question
is directed to the Leader of the House. I want to find out about the
Grade 7 students who could not collect their results because they were on the BEAM project and that they owe the institutions. What is
Government’s policy as regards such students? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir for such a good question. Government’s policy is that children’s education should not be disturbed. They should proceed with their studies. Those that were denied their results should simply write to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education or go there. They will give you assistance because it is not Government policy that results are withdrawn because money has not been paid, because they are on the
BEAM project. If you put it in writing, you will get a better response.
*HON. MUTSEYAMI: Thank you Hon. Minister for your response. My supplementary question is that this issue we are discussing has been taking place year in, year out. Would it not have been possible Hon. Minister, as the current state of affairs in the country and this is a nationwide problem where Grade 7 results are being withheld. As the Leader of the House, why do you not get in touch with the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education so that circulars are written to all schools in Zimbabwe that students should access their results instead of having this issue attended to piecemeal. I thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would want to thank the Hon. Member for his suggestion. It is acceptable; I will have a discussion with the relevant Minister of Primary and Secondary Education so that he addresses this problem to the Headmasters so that they desist from such a habit. I thank you.
*HON. HAMAUSWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, my supplementary
question is about the withholding of results. The universities are talking about the issue of registration fee. Other universities are separating between tuition fees and registration fee. The registration fee ensures that the child is recognised as a student at a university. Can the Minister fully explain how a student is said to not have been registered and is denied a chance to write the exams. What measures have they put in place to ensure that Government’s policy that children cannot be denied access to writing examinations? It could be Government policy but without implementation, nothing good will come out of that. We urge Government to practice what it preaches. I thank you.
*HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The first question that has been asked was in line with the primary school children. If you look into our Constitution, you will observe that a child is entitled to basic education provided by the State. In my response, I responded pertaining to the primary issue where the Minister of Primary and Secondary School is in charge and is not in the Chamber. I said in my response that results should be withheld but the supplementary has nothing to do with the two questions. This is a new question and it requires response from the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education to respond. I thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My name is Tendai Nyabani from Rushinga Constituency. My question is directed to the Leader of the House. A lot of Members are misusing the House’s time, what measures is Government going to put in place to ensure that Parliament upholds the dignity of the people – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order. Allow the Hon.
Member to be heard in silence.
*HON. NYABANI: A lot of time is wasted in this august House bickering. What measures is Government going to put in place so that we have an orderly Parliament.
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I thank the Hon. Member for the pertinent question that most of the time, a lot of tomfoolery takes place in this House or child’s play, especially by Members sitting on that side of the House. They are even found refusing to stand up for the President of this country. In the next breath, they ask that Ministers come here to answer questions, that is being childish. The question is with regards to Parliament Mr. Speaker Sir. As Administration of Parliament, they should sit down and come up ...
HON. CHIKWINYA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point or order Hon. Chikwinya?
HON. CHIKWINYA: For the Leader of the House to refer to
Hon. Members as zvehupwere is unparliamentary.
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I said that Hon. Members behave like children, I did not said they behave in a childish manner. Allow me to proceed Mr. Speaker Sir, that the Administration of Parliament indeed should come and review our Standing Rules and Orders to ensure that such Members are brought to book.
HON. MADZIMURE: I want to thank the Hon. Minister of Justice for climbing down from his previous stance that he was not going to answer questions and be a bit realistic. Hon. Minister, can you explain whether the Government is really serious in fighting corruption considering that we have had so many arrests of people who are charged with corruption but if you look at the conviction rate it is almost zero.
Can you explain to this House whether it is deliberate or the Government has no tools to fight corruption?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I understand the
question was asked last week and it was duly answered in my absence. In the same vein that Hon. Sikhala referred the other Hon. Member to the Hansard, I indulge him also Mr. Speaker Sir that he refers to the Hansard.
HON. MADZIMURE: Mr. Speaker, the question was asked to the
Minister of Home Affairs who referred the question to the Minister of Justice. If he reads his Hansard he must have gone through that or else he is hiding behind a finger.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I thought a precedent had been set but I do not mind to repeat. I want to thank the Hon.
Member for the question and it is a very important question. Indeed, the
Government is committed to fight corruption. We have cases that have gone before the courts. We have arrests but we do not seem to be having convictions. As the Executive, we have the Judiciary that is independent from the Executive and we expect that when cases are before the courts, they are done impartially and judgements are given that are fair. It is our hope that the concerns that are coming from the public, the Judiciary is going to take them into consideration ensuring that most of the cases that are pending are expedited. Where people are supposed to be convicted, they are convicted. I must add that we should not just convict for the sake of convicting. The Judiciary should look at the facts and convict according to the facts that are presented. Thank you.
HON. MADZIMURE: If I heard the Minister well, it seems the Minister is not confident in the Judiciary because he has squarely put the blame on the Judiciary that is not prosecuting. Mr. Speaker, the onus to prove the innocence of any individual accused of corruption rests squarely on the person. Minister, have you engaged the Judiciary to understand why there is no conviction or there is also corruption within the system?
HON. ZIYAMBI: The prosecution is responsible for bringing cases to courts. In other words, they decide whether to prosecute or not and nobody can interfere with that decision to prosecute. The Judiciary only deals with cases that are brought before them and my reference to cases were to cases that are before the courts but have not been completed. What I said is, we have a drive to ensure that we retrain and retool our magistrates and prosecutors so that they are capacitated to deal with corruption cases, but I added that we should be cautious in our fight against corruption to influence because we have this appetite to see convictions and we influence the Judiciary to make unnecessary convictions. Cases should be looked at according to the evidence that have been presented.
HON. GONESE: In your response Hon. Minister, you talked of capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority. My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister is whether the engagement or establishment of a Special Prosecution Unit located in the Office of the
President is an indication that there is lack of capacity in the NPA and if there is such lack of capacity, can the Hon. Minister tell us what they are doing to ensure that prosecution or prosecutorial functions are located in the organ or unit which is established in terms of the Constitution.
My other concern Mr. Speaker, is whether this has got any budgetary implications because the prosecutors who are engaged in the Special Prosecution Unit are coming from private practice and the assumption will be that they are being paid at a higher rate than that which is being paid to the prosecutors who are actually employed under the NPA. If the Hon. Minister can respond to those concerns.
HON. ZIYAMBI: I want to thank the Hon. Member for the
question. I want to state that the first part is not a Special Prosecution
Unit in the President’s Office. We have a special unit that deals with corruption cases in the President’s Office. What they do is to assist investigators in completing the dockets. Once the dockets are complete and handed over to the Prosecutor General, it is up to the Prosecutor General to engage any of them should he want. So, the unit is not about prosecution. Prosecution is entirely vested with the Prosecutor General.
The rationale was, we wanted to have a scenario where cases of corruption are investigated expeditiously and they are prosecuted. So, the President in his wisdom believed, stopped that; let us have a unit of experienced lawyers who have been prosecuted before to assist in completing the dockets but once the docket is complete, it is entirely up to the Prosecutor General either to give them authority to prosecute or to use the prosecutors that he has. If he decides to engage them then there are necessary procedures according to our laws that have to be followed when he is engaging them.
In terms of the second part of his question, it is also part of capacity building in that if we engage experienced lawyers who are in private practice who have prosecuted. When they are doing these investigations and completing the docket, they are also assisting our prosecutors in capacitating them to be able to deal with those cases. We also have applied to Treasury so that we can have more posts within the Prosecution Unit. Once we have improved our establishment and we have more prosecutors, we are engaging other countries so that we can have trainers coming into the country, sending some of our prosecutors so that they can also be trained in dealing with prosecution cases. I thank you.
HON. MADIWA: May I know the Government position in terms of making sure the national action plan for ending child marriages is implemented. The plan is in place but to my understanding, it has never been implemented. May I know the Government position in making sure that that plan is implemented?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Indeed, we are
going to have legislation pertaining to child marriages being brought into this august House for us to deliberate and we come up with a law that will cure the problem. I thank you.
HON. TOFFA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is, may the Minister please appraise us on the domestication of the SADC model law on the eradication of child marriages. Thank you HON. ZIYAMBI: My understanding is, it is a model law. It does not need domestication, but we need to incorporate it into our own laws. So, we are coming up with a Bill where we will incorporate most of those issues, which is exactly the answer I gave to say we are working on that and we are going to incorporate most of those issues.
HON. J. CHIDHAKWA: My question is directed to the Leader of Government business. What is Government policy on debt audit? This is necessitated by the fact that we now have internal debt which is huge compared to the external debt. So, it is important to have an audit so as to ascertain which debt is legitimate or illegitimate so that we do not burden the ordinary Zimbabweans with debt that they did not even benefit from.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I did not quite hear his question in that if we have a debt and it is an acknowledged debt, I am not sure what audit needs to be done on a debt that he has acknowledged.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: In other words, Leader of the House, you are asking the Hon. Member to raise his question again. Please can you come again and try to be very clear in your question.
HON. J. CHIDHAKWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, it is important to us in that the debt that we have is made up of what. That is what the Minister has to explain. We need to know which debt is legitimate or illegitimate.
HON. ZIYAMBI: This is not a policy question. I cannot be expected to know the exact figures of who we owe – we owe IMF so much, we owe so and so so much, I cannot. Perhaps if he can put that in writing and the Minister of Finance and Economic Development will be able to answer the question.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you are advised to… HON. SIKHALA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have not actually made a ruling on that one Hon. Sikhala.
HON. SIKHALA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I do not know why the
Minister is trying to be confused with a very straight forward question – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon. Member is asking a very simple question to the Minister, that the internal debt of our country is ballooning each and every passing day. The Government can only borrow with the authority of this House. So why is the Government continuing on a borrowing spree without seeking the authority and condonation of this House. This is a simple question that he is asking. Answer Hon. Minister.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am surprised that Hon. Sikhala has suddenly become the advocate of the Honourable and he is asking the question on his behalf. It is neither a supplementary question nor the original question. The original question was, he wanted the debt to be audited and I said I do not understand what he wants. He then went on to say that we need a breakdown of the debt to say so and so is owed so much and I said I am unable because it is not a policy question. What Hon. Sikhala is now bringing in is totally different from what the Hon. Member said. I thank you.
HON. CHOMBO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Hon. Leader of the House. What is Government policy on the provision of transport and housing for the Defence Forces.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for asking a very important question. The policy of Government is that our defence forces must be provided with accommodation, preferably within the barracks. However, we have been unable to provide accommodation for all of them because of the economic situation, but the ideal situation is that all of them must be provided with accommodation.
HON. N. NDLOVU: My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Welfare. Since he is not in the House, I will refer my question to the Leader of the House.
What is Government policy on dealing with the legacy debt?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I believe that is
very specific. Can the Hon. Member please put it in writing and specify the legacy debts she is referring to and I will gladly forward it because I do not know which legacy debt you are referring to. I can then ask for a comprehensive answer in that regard.
HON. N. NDLOVU: Supplementary.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I think the Leader of the House has been very clear when he said that is a specific question and I do not understand how a supplementary question can arise after the Minister has stated that it is a specific question and you need to put it in writing.
That is his request. I have made a ruling.
HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of privilege – section 69 as read together with 69 (d), we now have about three questions that have been thrashed but we believe that they are questions related to policy.
I raised a question about the issue of fees and students are being affected. The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education is here and the question was thrashed. I wonder what the Minister is doing because we need answers so that when we go to our constituencies, we are able to respond to the people who voted for us.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Alright, overruled.
+HON. MATHE: My question is directed to the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare. Since she is not present, I will direct the question to the Leader of the House.
In 2017 and 2018, we did not have sufficient rains in the whole of Zimbabwe. In other areas, they never harvested anything. They were severely affected by the drought. The country is aware of this. As I speak right now, the social welfare is giving maize to those that are in the old registers. These people on the registers are the ones which were seen to be vulnerable. What is going to happen to those that suffered from the effects of drought in 2017 and 2018 because the rains came late? The President has said no one is going to starve. What is
Government’s policy with regards to that issue?
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Every week on
Tuesday, the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare brings figures to indicate the manner in which food is being distributed, especially when we are in a drought situation.
There are different groups of people. Vulnerable people receive food in either situation. When everyone is affected, there are also some people who benefit. The Social Welfare Department must work with the local leadership such as councillors and village heads so that they can come up with a list of people that should benefit the food. Such arrangements have also spread to cities or towns because there are also vulnerable people in the cities and towns. The councillors are also going to be involved as well as the social welfare department so that they assist the most vulnerable groups.
If there are certain areas where vulnerable people are not receiving the assistance, the Ministry in question should look into the matter because it is Government policy that everyone should benefit if there is a drought.
+HON. MATHE: These old lists that were compiled long ago have names of the same people that are benefiting whilst the new ones are not. People are starving in our constituencies. We want this exercise to be re-undertaken because there is the element of the drought and people do not have sufficient food. We urge you to come up with a new list that involves all the people. I thank you.
*HON. ZIYAMBI: This issue now applies to a specific area. I explained the Government policy that if there is no drought, we give food to the vulnerable groups and when there is a drought, we open up to the people who are supposed to benefit from this exercise. If there are specific areas where old people that are on the old list of vulnerable people – it is now an issue that requires the Hon. Member to put it in writing, making specific reference to specific areas. If there are other Hon. Members that are in similar circumstances, they should also approach the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and ask for assistance or have the issue corrected.
Government accepts that we did not have good rains in 2017 and people are supposed to receive food aid in the areas they live. The Hon.
Member can put the concern in writing and the Department of Social Welfare can attend to it.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING
SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 64.
WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
HON. CHIKWINYA: Hon. Speaker, I realise that you identify
the Ministers who are present and then they respectfully answer so that we do not waste time.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Chikwinya, thank you very
much for your suggestion. It is noted and we are complying.
HON. GONESE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. Thank you
Mr. Speaker. Whilst I appreciate the point raised by my colleague,
obviously, it is good for expediency. However, there is an important aspect which I want to raise. The first aspect is that, if you look at these questions, they were deferred in previous weeks for instance; the questions relating to the Hon. Minister of Health and Child Welfare were deferred from the 21st of November.
Hon. Speaker, written questions are prepared well in advance and the Hon. Ministers have advance notice of questions which had been posed to them. They have Ministry officials and procedurally, what they are supposed to do is for their Ministry officials to prepare responses and through the Leader of the House, identify Hon. Ministers who are available who can then read the answers on their behalf. So, I would like to say that whilst for expediency we can skip those questions where the Hon. Ministers are not present, I think that as a housekeeping issue, they Chair should direct the Hon. Leader of the House who is conferring with his officials there that he must ensure that Hon. Ministers and Ministry officials ensure that responses are prepared and handed over to those Ministers who are available. This is done so that we do not have a situation where questions are continuously deferred. Sometimes the questions actually lose the purpose for which they were intended because some of them may end up being overtaken by events. That is my point Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Your point is noted Hon. Member.
We will inform the Leader of the House since he is not in at the moment.
TABLING OF THE CHIHAMBAKWE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
REPORT ON GUKURAHUNDI MASSACRES
- HON. SITHOLE asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs to state when the Chihambakwe Commission of
Inquiry Report on the Gukurahundi massacres will be tabled in Parliament.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMAENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you
Mr. Speaker Sir. Mr. Speaker Sir, this case is standing before the courts and as such, we will await the determination of the court as regard the outcome of this case. I thank you.
ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION ON UPCOMING
ELECTIONS
- HON. CHIDZIVA asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs what the Ministry is doing to ensure Zimbabwe Electoral Commission runs the upcoming by-elections and elections as stipulated in Section 239 (a) of the Constitution, considering the challenges which were lodged during the 2018 harmonised elections which ended up with the results being challenged.
TH MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker. Mr. Speaker Sir, I believe that this question was overtaken by events. The by-elections have since been conducted and they were conducted hassle free and it is now behind us. I thank you.
HON. CHIDZIVA: On a point of clarity Mr. Speaker. The
Minister has skipped ‘and elections’. It is by-elections and elections.
So, it is not only about by-elections Minister. Thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. We do not have
elections this year.
HON. CHIDZIVA: Madam Speaker Ma’am. I think the Minister
is not being serious on my question because my questions is saying, what is the Ministry doing to ensure that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) runs the upcoming by-elections and elections as stipulated in Section 239 (a) of the Constitution, considering the challenges which were lodged during the 2018 Harmonised Election which ended up with the results being challenged in courts. We do not want our future elections to be challenged again.
What are you doing to ensure that there is effectiveness on elections?
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is an independent Commission that gets its budget directly from Parliament. So, as we deliberate the budget, I believe that the Hon. Member will then have to watch out for the ZEC budget and ensure that all the essential things that they require to operate independently are catered for. I thank you.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: Madam Speaker, my supplementary
question to the Hon. Minister is to do with an issue to address laws that have to do so much with the election. Then, you prepare those laws and those Bills come from the office of our esteemed Hon. Minister here and
I am sure that the Minister is very much aware of how to respond to this. Because, I have heard him in other fora when he is talking to international communities – he says all these things which need to be addressed to have an election which will not be disputed. These are the questions that you are expected to respond to and you have the answers Hon. Minister, please Hon. esteemed Minister.
HON. KASHIRI: On a point of order. Madam Speaker Ma’am,
the Hon. Member of Parliament has just said the elections were disputed. That is not a fact. The Hon. Member needs to clarify - what does he mean by elections were…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAVETERA): There
is no point of order. May the Hon. Minister respond?
HON. ZIYAMBI: The question is referring to Section 239 (a) and it pertains to the functions of ZEC. Section 239 says “The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has the following functions; to prepare for and conduct and supervise elections” The elections that they do they list. My Ministry is not supposed to interfere with the business of running elections. The section so cited is referring to functions of ZEC.
The question is insinuating that the Ministry is supposed to do something to add the function of preparing, conducting and supervising. I put it to the Hon. Members that ZEC appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Budget is going to be debated here. We have a chance because their budget is not appropriated through the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs but directly to ZEC.
The moment that Hon. Members entertain ideas of me superintending over ZEC, I will be interfering with their independence. I believe that insofar as conducting by-elections that were done in November, we did not have any incidences. I responded accordingly to say that part of the question has been overtaken by events. We do not have any other election except by-elections this year. My other answer was we do not have elections.
As to the other functions of ZEC, they are supposed to prepare a budget of whatever they want and the law even says I cannot bring a law into this august House without ZEC having motivated or consulted them.
ZEC has to motivate whatever those laws are. The House and Hon
Members can also do that. In consultation with ZEC like Hon. Mutseyami has said, we are going to look at other areas that we need to improve within our laws.
HON. CHIKWINYA: My supplementary question emanates from the issue of by-elections. The Budget Statement proposes two options; the first option being that we have by-elections once annually or the second option being that the political party that would have lost that particular Member replaces without necessarily going to a by-election.
Hon. Minister, with regards to these measures suggested by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, what is the Ministry of Justice’s position?
HON. ZIYAMBI: I would like to thank the Hon. Member for his question and highlighting the proposition by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development which is not yet law. We might need to amend our electoral law if we are not to have any by-election according to the stipulated timeframes. That is up to the House. I thank you.
HON. GONESE: My point of clarification arises from the Hon.
Minister’s previous response in regard to the original question. In terms of the question which was asked, it related to both by-elections and elections. It is common cause that ZEC does not have a right of audience in this august House and when they prepare reports in respect of elections, they are tabled by the Minister of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs. Any issues which relate to the administration of ZEC Act are actually channeled through the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. I believe that in this regard where there have been issues relating to elections being challenged or concerns which have been expressed, the Hon. Minister is the rightful person who can then respond as to what position the Ministry is going to take because it is an interested party and the vehicle through which this august House communicates with ZEC. That is the reason why the Portfolio Committee which has got an oversight role is the one which also engages ZEC. So, there is this intricate web linking both the Ministry, the Portfolio Committee and ZEC.
I want to reiterate that the Commissioners do not have a right of audience in this august House. If we have any issues which we want to raise, we raise them through the Minister. I believe that the Minister should do justice to that part of the question which relates to future elections so that the last aspect whereby Hon. Chidziva wants to know what the Ministry is going to do to ensure that some of those challenges which were experienced in the last elections in 2018 do not arise in the future. I believe that he must respond.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member. I
think the Hon. Minister has rightfully explained his position as a
Ministry and for us to continue duplicating and continue saying that we need to be clarifying, we are actually going more than that. Let us continue for now and go to the next question.
IMPROVEMENT OF WORKING CONDITIONS FOR OFFICERS OF
THE NATIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITY
- HON DUBE asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs to state when working conditions for officers of the National Prosecuting Authority will be improved, including provision of decent offices?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Let me start by
underscoring that the improvement of working conditions of officers of the NPA is an ongoing exercise. In order to reduce the backlog of cases awaiting trial, the NPA has recruited 105 new prosecutors. Thirteen senior prosecutors have been promoted to higher and more challenging positions and this indeed has a motivating effect.
Further to that since the establishment of the NPA, the
Administration Department has been assisted by seconded staff.
Interviews for these administrative posts have been conducted and the members will assume duty in the near future. This will thus enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the NPA.
The NPA will also align the salaries of its officers with that of officers in the Judicial Service Commission. Currently, NPA officers are earning less than Judicial Service Commission officers; hence this alignment will bring them at par with the Judicial Service Commission officers.
Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, the justice sector is working towards the decentralisation of courts to areas where there are few or no courts in order to enhance access to justice in line with Sustainable Development Goal No. 16.
Resultantly, there is need for the establishment of offices in those areas. Therefore, in some areas, we are still overcrowded and sharing offices. It is therefore vital that new offices be constructed within the court complexes in order to ease the accommodation challenges. The
NPA Board is currently seized with the matter. I thank you.
The Temporary Speaker having deferred Questions Numbers 19 to
72
HON. CHIKWINYA: Madam Speaker, I stand guided by the
rules. The deferred questions are written that they have been deferred from the 21st of November. I have been attending Parliament and I have never skipped any session. My question has been deferred from the 25th of September. The Order Paper is not reflecting correctly on the deferment date. I propose that the deferment date be as stated on the day which the question was presented to Parliament so that at least people can see that this question has been on the Order Paper for too long.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Chikwinya,
but the response is that we usually defer questions when the Minister is not available. What usually happens is that if we do not get to that question on that particular day, which means it will only be deferred until it is said on the day. For example, today we have not reached question 93, which means that it will be deferred until today because we did not get to those questions.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Hon. Speaker, I still stand guided. The manner in which the questions are put on the Order Paper are that they are clustered according to the Ministry. So, you will find that the number varicates from one number to another. It is not in ascending order like if you have dealt with questions 1 to 69, it means that next time, question number 1 will be number 70. They are clustered according to the ministers. So, if the Minister of Home Affairs is going to have the first set, it means that every other question, even if question number 101 is falling under the Ministry of Home Affairs, it can actually become question number 2 because it will be within the Minister who will be on the first cluster.
What I am seeking Hon. Speaker is that the Order Paper must reflect the day on which my question was put on the Order Paper so that at least we can track that this question has now overstayed. It can only assist us Hon. Members to be able to track – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you very much for
noting that Hon. Chikwinya. I am sure the Clerk is going to take note of that so that at least the question will reflect the real day it started.
TRANSFORMERS AT MBAMBA AND CHEFUNYE BUSINESS
CENTRES
- HON. Z. SIBANDA asked the Minister of Energy and Power
Development when it plans to replace transformers at Mbamba and Chefunye Business Centres in Tsholotsho which have not been replaced for the past two years.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Thank you Madam Speaker.
I would like to thank the Hon. Member for asking that question. I would like to inform the House that ZETDC is currently having challenges replacing vandalised and faulty transformers with a current backlog of 1664. The rate of vandalism is over 560 annually, which is way above our current capacity to replace. ZESA Holdings manufacturing subsidiary, ZESA Enterprises (ZENT) is not able to meet the backlog.
ZENT is in the process of manufacturing 400 transformers which are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.
Madam Speaker, rural institutions and service centres require 230 transformers. These institutions, including Mbamba and Chefunye Business Centres in Tsholotsho are going to be prioritised in transformer replacement when ZENT transformers are delivered. Thank you.
HON. GABBUZA: Madam Speaker, my supplementary question
is, the question identifies this institution to have been off the grid for two years, but we get some other institutions whose transformers are damaged within a year and replaced within a few months. What criteria do they use, should they not prioritise in terms of ‘first to be damaged and first to be replaced?’
HON. MUDYIWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Thank you Hon. Member. As you have rightfully mentioned, the first transformer to be damaged should be the first one to be replaced, but if they have got any specific areas, then – [HON. CHIKWINYA: Imi hamuzvizivi here?] – I am responding to the question. If there are any specific places where such issues have been raised, I think you can raise the issues with our Ministry.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: Thank you madam Speaker. My
supplementary question to the Hon. Minister is to do with the transformers, bearing in mind that technology is moving. Do we not have the best art to manage these transformers, a tracking system which reports instantly the moment these people come to tamper with the transformer - looking at the level of the losses that we have from these disruptions that are done and mostly, it costs business, it costs money and takes lives even of people in hospitals?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Thank you Madam Speaker.
Yes, we have the technology that can pick up wherever the transformer has been damaged, but the rate of replacement is where our issue is. This is because we do not have enough replacement transformers as they are vandalised.
DIESEL FOR WHEAT FARMERS
- HON. CHOMBO asked the Minister of Energy and Power development to explain whether the Ministry is aware that wheat farmers are facing challenges in accessing diesel for wheat harvesting and if so, to state measures being taken to ensure that they access diesel and harvest wheat before the rainy season.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Madam Speaker, it is my
pleasure to advise the Hon. Member that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water Climate and Rural Resettlement is working closed with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development in identifying farmers with fuel storage facilities throughout the country. Once identified, fuel for farmers will be taken to these facilities from which farmers will pick their fuel. Since farmers on the Command Agriculture Programme are issued with coupons, they merely redeem these from the sites. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) was engaged and had no objection to the use of these storage sites for fuel distribution to other farmers.
It is important to note that farmers under the Command Agriculture Programme are set to benefit from a 20 million litres per week facility that has already been availed by the Government. The RBZ has been alerted of the arrangement and is waiting for the estimated fuel requirements of the farmers. The fuel will be released through Puma, which is handling the Command Agriculture Programme.
There are also a number of fuel supply facilities which have already been put in place by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to improve the fuel supply situation in the country. Some of these facilities are already operational whilst some are still work in progress. There is already an improvement in the fuel supply situation due to the implementation of various fuel supply facilities. I thank you.
HON. CHOMBO: Madam Speaker, of course I have heard of the contingency measures that you are putting in place but in Zvimba North in particular, where we have a lot of farmers, we have not heard of such a programme. As we speak, we have farmers who have not been able to harvest their wheat.
HON. MUDYIWA: Madam Speaker, I think those are isolated cases, if any, they should be brought up with our Ministry so that we pay attention to that.
INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS BY ZETDC
- HON. M. M. MPOFU asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to explain to the House why it is taking more than three (3)months for Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution
Company (ZETDC) to inspect schools, clinics and individuals’ buildings in Silobela after tubing to facilitate connection to the national electricity grid.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Madam Speaker, I would like
to inform the House that Silobela area is serviced by ZETDC Nkayi Customer Service Centre. The process of inspection after customers have completed tubing of their houses ordinarily takes less than a month as a standard. Customers in Silobela notify Nkayi Customer Service
Centre of the requirement to have their installation inspected for safety. I m reliably informed such inspections are being done within 30 days. Even when such inspections are done and fail, the re-inspections are also done within the stipulated time of a month.
If there are any installations awaiting inspections or re-inspections,
I urge the affected customers to approach Nkayi Customer Service Centre to check the status of their applications as there could be unforeseen exceptions.
HARMONISATION OF THE MINES AND MINERALS ACT
[CHAPTER 21: 05]
- HON. MAYIHLOME asked the Minister of Mines and
Mining Development to inform the House when the Mines and Minerals Act {Chapter 21:05] would be harmonised so that miners can seek approval from respective councils when pegging claims.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA): Thank you Madam
Speaker. The Mines and Minerals Act is being amended and I think it was once brought to Parliament before and His Excellency noted some points which he wanted them to be looked into. So we will be meeting the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development after next week to deliberate on some of those issues.
After that the Bill will be brought here to Parliament for consideration.
Thank you.
FORMALISATION OF ARTISANAL MINERS ACTIVITIES
- HON. MAYIHLOME asked the Minister of Mines and Mining Development what plans are in place to regularise the activities of artisanal miners to formalise the activities of artisanal miners so as to reduce adverse impact on other sectors of the economy particularly agriculture, the environment and the social order.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVLOPMENT (HON. KAMBAMURA) Thank you Madam
Speaker. The artisanal small scale miners are being recognised in the amended Mines and Minerals’ Act, which is yet to come here to Parliament for consideration.
HON. GABBUZA: On a point of order. Madam Speaker, just for procedural clarification, when written questions are submitted, should we not expect written answers because I realise the Minister is just answering like they are Oral Questions.
THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: What we usually do is when we do
not have the Hon. Member asking the question, then the Minister will submit the response - but if he is available, the questions can be responded to orally. May you check your Order Paper for today, page 271 so that we clarify that. If you note very well it is written Questions for Oral Answers. So, they are in two phases, 1. Questions without Notice and 2. Questions with Notice. So, if the person is not available, the Minister then hands over, but he/she can actually respond orally.
That is what the Order Paper says.
HON. KASHIRI: On a point of privilege, I just want to share with my Hon. Member – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order! May the Hon.
Member be heard in silence? Hon. Kashiri, is it a point of order or a point of privilege?
HON. KASHIRI: It is a point of privilege. My point of privilege is Hon. Gabbuza was asking the Minister of Mines and Mining Development that he should respond in writing and the Minister had indicated to Hon. Gabbuza that the Bill is coming to Parliament. His answers are the ones therein, so there is no need for him to write.
THE HON. TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Point of privilege
overruled. May we kindly proceed?
NETWORK COVERAGE IN MATOPO HILLS AREA
- HON. MAYIHLOME asked the Minister of Information
Communication and Courier Services to inform the House when the Matopo Hills area would receive cellular, radio and television network coverage?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND COURIER SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): I would like to thank the Hon.
Member for asking that question. It is within the mandate of the Ministry to ensure that all areas have network so that our people are not left behind in terms of information. To that effect the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), NetOne, Econet and Telecel are on the ground working hard to meet the demands of the people in as far as network coverage is concerned.
Umzingwane Constituency has about 60% of the Matopo Hills area. The area is mountainous and spacely populated, which makes it very expensive for individual operators to construct base stations. The
Regulator, POTRAZ is currently working on a programme under which MNOs construct shared base stations in identified unserved areas around the country under a Build Transfer Operate (BTO) arrangement. CAPEX incurred by operators will be credited to their Universal Serves Fund (USF) obligation and the sites will be handed over to the USF.
To mitigate the network problems being experienced in the said constituency, Econet Wireless was assigned two sites at Nswazi and Mapholisa areas. Preliminary work has already started. It is hoped that on completion, these base stations will ease network challenges in the constituency whilst work on the USF base station will be progressing.
As for the radio and television network, may you kindly refer the question to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. I thank you.
CONNECTION OF THE DENDERA NETWORK BOOSTER
- HON. M. M. MPOFU asked the Minister of Information
Communication Technology and Courier Services to explain why Dendera Network booster has not been connected to improve accessibility and connectivity to the Silobela community.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND COURIER
SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question which to me shows concern for the general populace.
In Silobela Constituency, there is one booster that was constructed under USF. The site is referred to as Donsa and is close to Dendera. My understanding is that the site referred to in this question as Dendera is the one that operators refer to as Donsa. On the issue of connectivity, the base stations was connected in August this year, 2018 but it is experiencing some technical challenges. As we speak right now, there is a technical team working to address the problems. I thank you.
MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT LEVY
- HON. MAYIHLOME asked the Minister of Higher and
Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development to explain:
- why the Ministry continues to overburden companies with a
Manpower Development Levy that is no longer relevant;
- give a breakdown by sector and province of the students or employees who benefited from the Manpower Development Fund and the collections made per year from 2015 to 2017.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank Hon. Mayihlome for asking the question. Mr. Speaker Sir, the levy is relevant as it is the source of the modernisation and industrialisation of Zimbabwe, through Education, Science and Technology Development. Our literacy rate is at 94%. However, our skills levels are at 38%. Our education has to produce goods and services, thus we are reconfiguring it from 3.0 to 5.0. ZIMDEF is therefore important to support the reconfiguration. A nation is a helpless being. A nation is a canoe, industry therefore is supposed to also contribute to its development. Industry does not fall from the sky, it comes from knowledge and skills.
ZIMDEF MANDATE
- The Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) was established by Section 23 of the Manpower Planning and Development Act, 1984 (now revised Manpower Planning
and Development Act, Chapter 28:02 of 1996) with a broad objective of financing the development of critical and highly skilled human resources in Zimbabwe.
- Currently the country is suffering from high deficiency of critical skills as shown in the recent National Critical Skills Audit where it is averaging 95% deficit in STEM fields.
- This deficit is negatively impacting industry which is the beneficiary of such skills. Critical skills development has been identified as one of the key pillars in achieving the country’s vision of being an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
- The long-term prosperity of our economy will require people who are not only highly skilled but who have the right skills which are appropriate to the fast changing economy.
- For our nation to attain the vision of an upper middle-income economy by 2030, there is need for a holistic skills
development plan which is at the present moment supported through ZIMDEF with the aim of empowering our workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to attain vision 2030 and beyond.
- Our country’s greatest asset is its people who are renowned for their hard work and unquenchable zeal for education. An organised system of skills development will enable Zimbabweans to have the opportunity to master new skills, contribute their full talents to our economy, and be rewarded
for it.
ZIMDEF KEY STAKEHOLDERS
- Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Development
- State Tertiary Institutions
- Employers
- ZIMDEF employees
ZIMDEF OVERAL FUNCTIONS
- Mobilising resources for human capital development [Sections 47 (3), 48 (2) and 54 (3) through the collection of 1% training levy from eligible employers.
- Development of skilled human capital in Zimbabwe [Section
47 (2)]
- Management and disbursement of resources as directed by the Trustee under the advice of NAMACO [Section 47(4).
- Funding infrastructural development to promote Human Capital Development [Section 48 (2) (h), (i) and (r)].
- Funding of research programmes in institutions of higher learning.
USES OF ZIMDEF FUNDS.
- Payment of allowances for apprentices
Payment of tuition, catering and accommodation fees for apprentices
- Payment of rebates for trade testing facilities, and for the release of employees for part time lecturing at Ministry’s training institutions
- Purchase of training equipment and consumables for all polytechnics and training colleges
- Development of infrastructure
- Payment of skilled worker expenses – these include upgrading training courses
- Payment of B-Tech allowances to B-Tech programmes
lecturers.
- Purchasing of textbooks for institutions
- Purchasing and funding of training incidentals which include awards and prizes.
Offering grants to non-governmental training institutions.
- Payment of industrial attachment allowances
- Payment of insurance cover for apprentices on attachment.
SOME PROJECTS FUNDED BY ZIMDEF
- Chinhoyi University of Technology Hotel
- Hotel St. Patricks’ (Bulawayo) refurbishment.
- Kwekwe Polytechnic engineering workshop ZIMDEF Masvingo Students hostels.
- Harare Polytechnic Library
- National University of Science and Technology DNA testing equipment
- Chinhoyi University of Technology Artificial Insemination
Project
- Lupane State University
Zimbabwe Defence University Innovation Hub
TRAINING OF SCIENCE TEACHERS
Three teacher training colleges namely Mkoba Teachers College, Joshua Mqabuko Teachers College have been identified and have since enrolled science teachers. The fund will finance the equipping of science laboratories at these institutions so as to enhance the training of these teachers.
ESTABLISHING AND EQUIPING INNOVATION HUBS AT
UNIVERSITIES
The Ministry is currently establishing innovation hubs at 6 state universities; 1 University of Zimbabwe. 2. Midlands State University. 3. Chinhoyi University of Technology. 4. Zimbabwe National Defence
University. 5. Harare Institute of Technology. 6. National University of Science and Technology. Midlands State University has since launched their innovation hub. Eight more innovation hubs at the remaining State
universities shall be established in the next budget cycle. The equipping of these innovation hubs shall be funded through ZIMDEF.
FINANCIAL PERFOMANCE
The fund’s finances are audited annually and the reports are published in the Auditors General’s annual report. We have also provided because if I read it, it might take an hour but I have put everything in writing on the breakdown by sector and province of the students and employees who benefited from the manpower development fund from 2015 to 2017, I have all the statistics here Hon. Speaker.
HON. MACHINGURA: Thank you Madam Speaker, what
impact have the funds had on our national GDP for the past two or 3 years, I thank you.
PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker and I wish to thank the Hon. Member for the question on GDP which actually needs very meticulous calculations. However, I want to say in general that I think most or all of the Hon. Members in here who have gone through higher and tertiary education in one way or another have benefited from ZIMDEF funds in terms of laboratories, benches but I cannot at this moment say exactly what figure or what percentage it is of the GDP but what I know for sure is that human resources development is of prime importance if this country has to move forward. Therefore, any GDP that you see in this country is due to its education. I thank you.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My
supplementary emanates from Section A of the question where the Minister and I want to agree with him that the manpower development levy is relevant. I locate my question on the basis that two weeks ago the Ministry advertised for 2 000 apprentices, direct Government apprentices, I want to thank him because that was a follow up from our pre-budget conversation in Bulawayo.
Now, my question is - what is then your policy with regard to making sure that pupils or young pupils in every district benefit? I take this question on the basis that other Government departments when recruiting have a direct policy of decentralising this recruitment policy.
The Speaker, when we were in Bulawayo actually mentioned this policy to the extent that the Army, ZRP and Prison Service have got this biased policy which makes sure that every district or pupils from every district benefit. So, whilst the Manpower Development Fund is going to be used, how are the particular districts going to benefit so that at least this fund is distributed all over the 63 districts
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, we are
quite aware of the need to spread our fund throughout the country without concentrating it on particular areas, districts or regions. To this end up, to 2000 or even 3000 apprentices that we are going to recruit by
January are going to be distributed by province because the provincial
Manpower Development offices are going to be taking the applications. So, they are not just distributed by adverts; they are per province. So we are going to take that into consideration. I think it is very important in the spirit of our spreading opportunity throughout the country that we take heed even of that question while we process. I thank you.
HON. TSUNGA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker. Of
course, I am encourageD by what the Hon. Minister has just said in regard to spreading the fund to cover virtually all parts of the country but my supplementary question relates to the discretional powers of the Minister in the application of ZIMDEF funds noting that previously we have seen the funds, used to develop a particular constituency. Can we be clear that the discretional powers that the Minister has in regard to application of those funds does not prejudice deserving students.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker and I thank
the Hon. Member for asking that question on discretion. I am really aware that discretion does not mean carelessness. I believe that when we are doing our job we have to do that diligently, honestly and make sure that we uphold the laws of this country. I am not going to comment about what previously happened for obvious reasons. What I can tell you is that we have been talking to MCOs in the past two weeks reassuring them that we are not going to abuse any funds.
I want to be on record for having said there was a line in the
ZIMDEF budget every year for years which was called Minister’s protocol which was costing something like between 100 and 250 thousand. Since we came into office, I made sure that that section was struck off and there is nothing which goes to the Minister’s protocol. In other words, what we are saying is zero tolerance to corruption in terms of the use of funds and our job is to develop our students, and to develop our students we have to do so in a very pointed way without trying to have self interest overcome national interest.
I can give you my word that is not going to happen, we are going to do our things honestly. If there is anything that you see amiss, I think that is the job of Parliament to oversee, tell us and we will comply.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
CONSTRUCTION OF A COURT IN CHIMANIMANI
- HON. SACCO asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs whether the Ministry has plans to construct a court in Chimanimani district to ensure that the course of justice is not compromised.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Let me start by
thanking the Hon. Member for posing such a pertinent question. Access to justice is every citizen’s constitutional right. This question comes at a relevant time when the justice sector is working towards a vision of achieving accessible world justice through providing an accessible, efficient and effective justice delivery.
Section 69 (3) of the Constitution provides that every person has the right of access to the courts or to some other tribunal or forum established by law for the resolution of any dispute. It is ideal for every district to get a court. The Judicial Service Commission is working towards decentralising of courts. This can be evidenced by the opening of Mutare and Masvingo High Courts and many magistrate courts around the country.
Chimanimani District has no permanent court, though we have established a circuit court which sits once a week. In our 2019 budget, we have no plans to construct a permanent court. However, let me assure you that as soon as funds are available, we are going to establish a new court in Chimanimani.
OWNERSHIP OF ROSKATE INVESTMENTS
- HON. MADZIMURE asked the Minister of Energy and
Power Development;
- to inform the House on the ownership or directorship of Roskate Investments t/a R and S Crane Hire which ZESA hires for carrying and drilling electricity pole holders;
- to explain why ZESA is failing to buy its own equipment.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): I would like to inform the
House that;
- ZESA has not engaged the said company for services, and;
- ZESA has so far procured 4 augers. Due to the volume of work,
ZETDC is in the process of acquiring 11 more units of this type.
I thank you.
ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS IN ZAKA WEST
CONSTITUENCY
- HON. MURAMBIWA asked the Minister of Energy and power Development to outline Government plants to accelerate the electrification of schools in Zaka West Constituency to facilitate the use of Information, Communication Technologies (ICTs) in learning processes.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Madam Speaker, I would like
to inform the House that while it is the Government’s responsibility to provide electricity to rural institutions through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), the available resources have not been enough to meet the expectations, hence creating a huge backlog.
Currently, REF has been implementing the Rural Electrification
Programme in consultation with Rural district Councils and their
Provincial Administrators in coming up with priority projects considering the project cost, equity distribution within the provinces, resource availability and most importantly, the socio-economic benefits of the project.
It must be noted Mr. Speaker Sir, that REF is in the processof finalizing the Rural Energy Master Plan (REMP) which will act as a guide in implementing the Rural Electrification Programme. REMP will consider factors such as resource availability, equitable distribution thereof and socio-economic factors.
Mr. Speaker Sir, once the REMP has been finalised the Electrification of rural institutions is expected to be accelerated with the schools in Zaka
West Constituency included. With specific focus on Zaka West
Constituency;
- The electrification grid network was extended in 2017 to all the institutions listed below. However, due to unavailability of meters in the country, the institutions could not be energized immediately. ZETDC is now in the process of installing meters and connecting the institutions. These are as follows:
- Magura Secondary School
- Zinguwo Primary School
© Nyakunhuwa Clinic
- Charingeno Primary School
- Mutonhori Secondary School
- Harava Primary School
- Harava Clinic
- Mudavanhu Primary School
- Veza Clinic, AREX & DDF
- Murembwa Primary School and
- Jinjika Secondary School
- Two institutions namely Njiva Clinic and Musenyereki B
Secondary School will be electrified in 2019.
- The remaining instituison will be electrified as from 2020 onwards. The pace of electrification will depend on the availability of financial resources for the rural electrification programme. The institutions are as follows:
- Mudzara School
- Mushaya Primary and Mushaya Clinic
- Musenyereki Secondary School
- Musenyereki Primary School
- Charuka Primary School
- Chipfuti Primary School
- Mujena Primary School and
- Njiva Primary School
ELECTRICITY TRANSFORMERS FOR SCHOOLS AND CLINIC IN
ZAKA WEST CONSTITUENCY
- HON. MURAMBIWA asked the Minister of Energy and power Development to state when electricity transformers at Zenguwo Clinic, Vhudzi Primary School, Dekeza Primary School and Dekeza Secondary School in Zaka West Constituency which developed faults three years ago will be replaced?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Madam Speaker, I would like
to urge the Hon. Member to refer to the response that I have already provided in Question 68.
AMOUNTS OWED TO ZETDC BY MINISTERS AND MPS
- HON. GONESE asked the Minister of Energy and Power
Development to state the amounts owed to the Zimbabwe Electricity
Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC) by Government
Ministers and Members of Parliament in unpaid electricity bills.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Madam Speaker, I would like
to inform the House that ZETDC cannot disclose the status of private accounts to third parties without the express consent of the account holders. The Ministry is however on record that ZETDC is owed large amounts of money by individuals, corporate, local authorities and Government departments.
ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS AND CLINICS IN
TSHOLOTSHO NORTH CONSTITUENCY
- HON. S. KHUMALO asked the Minister of Energy and
Power Development when the electrification of schools and clinics in Tsholotsho North Constituency will be completed after power lines were installs in 2012.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Madam Speaker, I would like
to inform the House that out of the 58 schools and clinics in Tsholotsho North Constituency, grid electricity lines were extended to 29 of the institutions between 2000 and 2018, while solar mini grid systems were installed at 9 of the institutions from 2010 to 2014. Grid extension works are in progress at 3 institutions and work is expected to be completed in 2019. Madam Speaker, the remaining 17 institution will be electrified between 2020 and 2030 as dictated by the Rural Electrification masterPlan and subject to availability of resources. Thank you.
RADIO AND TELEVISION SIGNALS IN MUZARABANI
- HON. ZHEMU asked the Minister of Information
Communication Technology and Courier Services to state the plans the Ministry has to ensure that Muzarabani receives radio and television signals?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND COURIER
SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): Thank you for asking the question Hon. Member. May you kindly refer the question to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. M.
Mutsvangwa.
CYBER ATTACKS ON GOVERNMENT ICT NETWORKS
- HON. CHIKUDO asked the Minister of Information
Communication Technology and Courier Services to provide statistics of Government departments and State Enterprises that are using a protective domain name system in view of high risk cyber-attacks on Government ICT networks and to state measures being taken to mitigate against such risks.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND COURIER
SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
What we do as a Ministry, we write to Ministries to buy the SSL Certificate for their websites and we write to them as well on issues to do with Cyber Threats, giving them direction on what to do to mitigate Cyber attacks. Our role as a Ministry is to monitor websites in liaison with G.I.S.P. on their maintenance. To the Ministries we communicate to them through their focal persons on what needs to be done on their sites, be it updating of information and the like. We do not have statistics now. We will gather the statics
BENEFITS TO COMMUNITIES FROM RESOURCES MINED
- HON. SACCO asked the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to inform the House what the Government is doing to ensure local communities benefit from resources being mined by mining companies from their communities?
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHITANDO): Investment creates jobs and
infrastructural development. In the mining sector Government encourages mining companies to employ locals in communities they operate in. particularly for those posts that do not require specialised skills. Government also encourages mining companies to develop infrastructure in communities they operate in through Corporate Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
Through these interventions, a number of mining companies have successfully implemented CSR projects that range from social infrastructure development to provision of livelihood opportunities to local communities. It is however, important to take note that size and quality of investment determines ability of mining company to invest in meaningful CSR projects.
CONSTRUCTION OF STUDENTS ACCOMODATION AT
TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
- HON. S. BANDA asked the Minister of Higher and Tertiary
Education, Science and Technology Development to explain
Government’s plans regarding the construction of students’ accommodation at tertiary institutions; and whether there are any plans to expand student accommodation at the University of Zimbabwe.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. PROF. MURWIRA): The Government has signed sixteen (16) Memoranda of Understanding for infrastructure development at institutions of higher and tertiary learning in Zimbabwe. These understandings are the student accommodation and other related facilities in the form of university cities. Development agreements have been signed for student accommodation at the following institutions; NUST (for 8064 beds), UCT (for 4068 beds), BUSE (for 5040 beds) and GZU (for 8000 beds). The Ministry has also secured 150 million for student accommodation from CBZ. Negotiations are in progress between CBZ and the institutions which include the three new universities.
Concerning expanding accommodation at the University of Zimbabwe, amongst the MOUs that were signed by the Ministry there are plans to build student accommodation at the institution. Negotiations are in progress between US and the investors for joint venture agreements on the expansion of student accommodation.
POLICY ON FUNDING SUPPORT TO STUDENTS PURSUING
TERTIARY EDUCATION
- HON. MLAMBO asked the Minister of Higher and Tertiary
Education, Science and Technology Development to explain Government policy on funding support to students pursing tertiary education.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Government has developed a policy on student loans. Financiers have been identified and engaged on the matter. The Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with FUNDI, a company incorporated under the laws of South Africa for student loan financing. The Ministry is also engaging other local and foreign financiers for student loan financing in an effort to provide conducive and enabling conditions for students at higher and tertiary institutions.
The only hurdle is that the interest rates offered by our local financing banks are too high. My ministry is in the process of engaging the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe on other conditions which are still too stringent for most students, for instance the type of security required in the form of pay slips which most guardians who are not formally employed cannot meet.
STATISTICS OF GRADUATING STUDENTS BY UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE EACH YEAR
- HON. CHIKUDO asked the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology to provide statistics of students by university or college and gender who are graduating each year over a period of the last 10 years and those that have been absorbed into formal employment.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I have
provided tables for the answer.
Please be advised that the Ministry has no tracer study to see the absorption of its graduates into formal employment. However, it is prudent to inform the House that our higher and tertiary education graduates are provided with technical, vocational, and professional skills for self-employment, decent work, employment creation and sustainable lifelong living. Our graduates are therefore artisans, technicians, technologists, scientists, teachers and other professionals with relevant skills to drive the modernisation and industrialisation agenda for the country. These graduates are employed in various sectors where they are contributing in making Zimbabwe a middle income economy by 2030.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Madam Speaker. May I refer you
to Question 51; I think the Hansard must correct my spelling there. It is Karenyi not Karenyu.
HON. KASHIRI: In the same vain Madam Speaker Maam, I would like the Hansard to correct the grammatical error on my question on 149.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Kashiri, may you kindly
go to Papers Office so that you can correct that.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND
TERTIARY EDUCATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA), the House adjourned
at Five Minutes past Six o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 4th December, 2018
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
SUBMISSION OF CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)
RETURNS
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): I wish to
inform the House that in terms of Article 14 of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Constitution as read together with Article 18 of the Accounting Officers’ manual, the Constituency Development Committees are required to submit their returns to Parliament on a quarterly basis. To date, only 62 out of 97 Members of Parliament who retained their seats have so far submitted or partially submitted their returns. Consequently, all returning Members of Parliament who have not submitted their returns will not access funding for 2018 until they comply with provisions of the CDF Constitution and the Accounting Officers’ Manual. The CDF allocation for 2018 is now ready for disbursement.
CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEES THE ACTING SPEAKER: I also wish to inform the House of the following changes to membership of Portfolio Committees:
Hon. Torerayi Moyo to serve on the Portfolio Committee on
Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. B. Seremwe to serve on the
Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and
Technology Development; Hon. S. Mandiwanzira to serve on Portfolio
Committees on Information Communication Technology and Courier Services and Information, Media and Broadcasting Services; Hon. P. Togarepi to move from Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance and Economic Development to the Public Accounts Committee; Hon.
Sansole to serve on the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce;
Hon. D. Sibanda to serve on the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Hon. Tsunga to serve on the Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology
Development.
VERIFICATION OF BIO-DATA INFORMATION
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I also have to inform the House that all Hon. Members who handed in their bio-data forms to the Public Relations Department are kindly requested to collect them so as to verify the details on the forms before they are uploaded on the website. Public Relations Officers will be stationed in the Members Bar between 1400 hours and 1630 hours from today up to Thursday, 6th December 2018.
The deadline for the correction of the information is Friday, 7th
December, 2018.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, I move that Notices of Motion
Numbers 1 and 2 be stood over pending the arrival of the Ministers.
HON. GONESE: I have an objection Hon. Speaker. We are all aware that on the 22nd of November 2018, there was a presentation of the Budget by the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development. He sought leave to bring in a Finance Bill to make a provision for the revenues and public funds of Zimbabwe.
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is my submission that this is a very important matter and I believe that the Hon. Minister of Finance should have given priority to this debate.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. The motion
that you are talking about is not the one that we want to debate.
HON. GONESE: It is because Hon. Togarepi’s motion is to stand over Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2. I am very clear Mr. Speaker Sir. The motion by the Hon. Government Chief Whip is to stand over Order of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2. Order of the Day, Number 1 relates to the motion for leave to bring in a Finance Bill. I am very clear on that.
I am objecting to standing over Order of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2. That is my point. We all know that on Tuesdays, apart from Government business taking precedence over all other matters, it is also imperative that when we have a motion for leave to bring in a Finance Bill – that is a matter of urgent importance and one would have expected your Hon. Minister to ask his principle. In the past, we have had a situation where Hon. Ministers who have got important Bills to present to this august House have been excused from Parliament.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Gonese, what you are talking
about is Notice of Presentation of Bill.
HON. GONESE: It is alright, I stand guided Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: The Hon. Member has actually
understood that the point he had raised is not relating to the presentation of Bills. So, we can now move to the first Order of the Day.
HON. CHIKWINYA: I rise on a point of privilege Mr. Speaker, in terms of Section 68 (d) and read together with Section 69. Hon.
Speaker, today is World Aids Day and the nation joins the international community in celebrating and commemorating the efforts which have been done by the World Health Organisation and our Government in trying to curb the disease.
As a practice Hon. Speaker, the Ministry of Health and Child Care would visit Parliament, conduct voluntary counseling and testing to Hon. Members of Parliament as role models of our society so that we destigmatise the disease within our community.
I would therefore urge you Hon. Speaker, to communicate with the Minister of Health and Child Care that he provides the same services so that we are seen as Parliament to be the leaders in destigmatising this disease. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much. That has been noted Hon. Chikwinya.
HON. SIKHALA: On a point of privilege Mr. Speaker Sir -
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- THE ACTING SPEAKER: It is noted.
HON. SIKHALA: Hon. Chinotimba, did you not hear the Speaker giving the ruling? On a point of privilege Mr. Speaker Sir. As we are seated here as Hon. Members of Parliament, the country is confronted with a crisis of gigantic proportion. The fuel crisis that is currently being experienced in our country Your Worship, is affecting ...
- [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Hon.
Chinotimba, order please. Can you approach the Chair Hon. Sikhala?
Yes, I gave you the floor Hon. Sikhala.
HON. SIKHALA: Mr. Speaker Sir...
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. - [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]- It is for his own benefit Mr. Speaker. His shirt is too small. He cannot stand here and parade his bosom. I ask Mr.
Speaker, that before he addresses you he takes care of the decorum of Parliament. He cannot come here and speak about the shortage of commodities with a big belly outside his shirt. –[HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Nduna, I will give you the floor after Hon. Sikhala. - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
HON. NDUNA: The horse will have bolted Mr. Speaker –[HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- He needs to sort out his shirt Mr.
Speaker.
HON. SIKHALA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. The point of privilege that I was raising is that, may the Minister of Energy and Power Development provide a statement to Members of Parliament tomorrow, on how he is going to mitigate the state of affairs vis-à-vis the fuel crisis that we are facing in this country. So, we request that tomorrow Wednesday, the 5th of December 2018 is the day when
Ministers come to this House. May the Minister of Energy and Power Development Hon. Jorum Gumbo bring a Ministerial Statement tomorrow to tell the country how we are going to mitigate over the fuel crisis that our people are facing. This is my submission Mr. Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon.
Member. Noted Hon. Members.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am guided accordingly. However, my point of privilege is based on Section 68 as read with Section 69 of the Standing Rules and Orders and it speaks to and about the decorum of Parliament. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is common cause that when we do come into Parliament, we are supposed to be cleared in a certain form which displays not half-heartedly, the manner in which we are supposed to conduct ourselves, both gender across the political divide.
However Mr. Speaker Sir, it is with a heavy heart that I stand here and speak to and about Hon. Sikhala who is dressed in half the shirt. -
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Speak to me Hon. Member.
HON. NDUNA: Mr. Speaker Sir, the reason why we are supposed
to come in a jacket and tie, is not to exhibit traits or to exhibit our bosoms. Being a Member of Parliament that has been in Parliament before, Hon. Sikhala needs no education on the decorum, behaviour and dress code of Parliament. It is unfortunate Mr. Speaker Sir and very regrettable that a Member of such a stature – next time do not allow him to debate if he is not properly dressed.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Member
– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Order in the House.
HON. GONESE: It is a different one altogether, if you can hear me out Hon. Speaker.
HON. GONESE: It is a different one altogether. If you can just hear me out Mr. Speaker Sir. I am rising on a matter of privilege and that is a right of privilege on behalf of all 87 Members of the National
Assembly representing the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance.
On the 22nd of November, 2018 an incident occurred in this august House whereby the Chair called on the police to eject Members of
Parliament from the Movement of Democratic Change - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]- I want to bring it to the attention of the Chair that yesterday - if you can allow me. Mr. Speaker Sir, I have not even articulated my point. A letter was written to the Speaker of the National Assembly yesterday the 3rd of December 2018 bringing to his attention the fact that the action by the Chair in calling on the police was in violation of the Standing Orders of this House. That is the point I am making Mr. Speaker Sir.
On the day in question. the purported conduct of the Hon. Members of this side of the House which led to the Hon. Speaker unprocedurally and illegally calling upon the police to eject Members from this august House was not based on any precedent, either in our jurisdiction or in jurisdictions with similar practices. In our neighbour, South Africa there was a similar incident and when the matter went to their courts, it was ruled that it was unprocedural and unconstitutional to call upon members of the police to come into the Chamber.
If you look at the Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act, Members of Parliament have got rights and privileges which they are entitled to exercise. In terms of Section 59 just like all Zimbabweans, Hon Members of Parliament have got freedom of expression. In terms of the Standing Orders, there is no specific rule which requires Hon.
Members to stand for anyone other than the Hon Speaker, when the Speaker walks with his procession.
The President of ZANU PF is not a Member of Parliament – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - There are specific occasions – let me just finish. I am still on a matter of privilege – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon Members. Order in the House, Hon. Members standing at the back. The letter that you are talking about was only written over the weekend and I am very well informed that the Hon. Speaker is well versed in the matter and he will be coming back to answer to that later. At the moment can you stay put?
HON. MUSABAYANA: Mr. Speaker Sir. I am rising on the point of privilege. The Hon. Member is referring to the Head of State as a President of ZANU PF. He has to withdraw that.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order in the House Hon. Members.
Order.
MOTION
FINANCE BILL: BUDGET DEBATE
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion for leave to be granted to bring in a Finance Bill.
Question again proposed.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to present a
Committee Report on the analysis of the 2019 National Budget. The
2019 National Budget themed “Austerity for Prosperity” was presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Mthuli Ncube on 22nd November, 2018. The Budget is influenced by the country’s long term goal of transforming the country into an Upper
Middle-Income society known as Vision 2030. To achieve this vision,
Government developed a short-term stabilisation strategy – the
Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) to run from October 2018 to
December 2020. The TSP’s immediate objective is macro and fiscal stabilisation and laying a solid foundation for attaining strong, sustainable and shared growth.
The budget presentation was in compliance with Section 305 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Section 28(1) of the Public Finance
Management Act [Chapter 22:19]. The Budget adheres to the PFMA, the Reserve Bank Act [Chapter 22:14] as well as the Public Debt
Management Act [Chapter 22:21] with regard to fiscal targets on level of budget deficit, Central Bank lending to Government and public debt. Moreover, an allocation of US$30m to Provincial and Local tiers of
Government is in compliance with Chapter 14 and Section 301(3) of the
Constitution which provides for allocation of “not less than give cent of the national revenues raised in any financial year to the provinces and local authorities as their share in that year”.
The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee sought and received stakeholder reactions on the 2019 Budget from the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Chamber of Mines (COM). Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development, Zimbabwe Council of Churches and the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC). The consultations were done against a backdrop of budget input obtained from public bearings done in compliance with Section 28(5) of the PFMA [Chapter 22:19].
Extent to which Committee Recommendation were
Incorporated into the Budget
The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee commends the Minister for incorporating some of the Committee recommendations into the 2019 Budget. These include;
- Revoking the retention authority for retention funds created in line with Section 18 of the PFMSso that all revenue is deposited in the consolidated revenue fund in line with Sec 302 of the Constitution-
(paragraph183);
- Commitment to review the Command Agriculture financing mechanism with a view of sharing the burden between Government and the private sector (Paragraph 278);
- Availing US$5.3 million to facilitate more surveys required for granting 99 year leases. There is however need to make these leases bankable assets, as recommended by the bankers or transferrable;
- Allocating $300 million towards rehabilitation of the BeitbridgeMasvingo which is expected to cost US$1.2 billion and to be funded from an Infrastructure Bond,(Paragraph 392-402);
- Allocating US$310 million to Provincial and local tiers in line with
Chapter 14 of the Constitution (Paragraph 661);
- Allocating US$686.9 million (inclusive of health levy) to ensure that the referral system is re-established in order to reduce bottlenecks being experienced at tertiary and central hospitals (Paragraph 483).
- Suspending duty and tax on sanitary wear for a period of 12 months beginning 1 December 2018 (Paragraph 837-838) and proposal to exempt imports of sanitary ware from Value Added Tax;
- Suspending Duty on Goods for use by Physically Challenged
Persons (Paragraphs 839-844);
- Efforts towards establishing a One Stop Investment Centre which has been on the cards for more than 10 years. There is acknowledgement
of cabinet approval of the establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), through amalgamation of investment agencies. Action is however needed beyond the usual rhetoric; and
- Restructuring AGRIBANK to revert back to its core functions of financing agriculture.
HON. CHIKWINYA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker. Thank you Hon. Speaker. We are debating the most important Government policy, which is the National Budget. The presenter of that Budget, who is the Minister, is not here. The Chief Whip of ZANU PF in this Parliament had indicated that the motion be stood over until the Minister arrives in Parliament in respect of the nation and the importance of the work before us. So, I see it as disrespectful of Parliament by either the Minister himself or the Government in its entirety for us to debate this motion in his absence. How is he going to respond? – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – How is he going to hear our input? So, I propose that we abide by the Chief Whip of ZANU PF‘s assertions that we stood over this motion until the Minister arrives. In fact we are aware that the Minister has resigned.
An Hon. Member having stood up to give a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have not given a response to the
point of order raised. Thank you. Hon. Chikwinya, please be informed that the Hon. Minister gave his apologies as he is away on Government business – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – His officers are present and taking notes of the debate that is going on. So, the debate will be presented in the Hansard.
Hon. P. D. Sibanda having stood up to give a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Please Hon. Sibanda we have come
here for Parliamentary business not points of order – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I have made a ruling.
Hon. Sibanda was asked to approach the Chair.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I will proceed
with my report.
1.1 The introduction of the Infrastructure Investment Plan as part of the budget documents is also commendable. The relevant Ministries must provide timely and relevant updates on the implementation of the projects as required by the PFMA (Section 32,33 and 34). Transparency in both procuring of the projects as well as consistent and timely feedback on project implementation will help to get the right service providers at the right cost and avoid costly project overruns. Parliament must take note of all the proposed projects and provide effective oversight of budget implementation
1.2 The Committee is however concerned that the Minister did not consider some very pertinent Committee recommendations including:
- Government re-applying for re-admission into the London Bullion
Market Association (LBMA) for selling Gold; ii. Including a Charter of Fiscal responsibilities on the budget pack presented by the Minister to Parliament, as per the Hon. Speakers
call;
iii. Establishing a well-resourced cancer hospital or introducing a cancer levy; iv. Supporting teacher training in local languages especially for Kariba,
Binga and Beitbridge among other places;
- Introducing an Education Equalisation Fund to fund rural education and development; vi. Ring-fencing revenue from the reconsidered 2% per dollar tax to fund the provision of social services and social safety nets; vii. Expeditious auctioning of Government property to ensure that it does not lose out from depreciation of assets.
2. ANALYSIS OF THE 2017 BUDGET
2.1 Credibility of projections in the Budget
2.1.1 The Committee observes that the 2019 overall growth projection of 3.1 % may be difficult to achieve, given the challenges the economy is facing such as foreign currency supply and allocation inefficiencies, exchange rate misalignment, inflationary pressures and reduced aggregate demand. The Committee is also of the view that the budget deficit of $1.6 billion in 2019 from US$2.8 billion in 2018 is ambitious given the prevailing macroeconomic environment and tight fiscal space.
2.1.2 Inflation is projected to close at 25.9% in 2018 from an initial budget target of 3.01%. In 2019, inflation is projected to close at 5% and to increase to 5.5% in 2020 and 5.8% in 2021. The Committee feels that these inflation projections are highly optimistic and will likely be missed, considering foreign currency shortages which are likely to push parallel market rates. Moreover, the increase in excise tax on fuel and payment of duty in forex for selected goods is also expected to push inflation up. Expected low rains will also have a bearing on the food inflation. That together with the high cost of agricultural inputs may dent the anticipated inflation targets.
2.2 Currency issues
2.2.1 The Committee is concerned with the insistence in the budget that the RTGS/Bond and US$ exchange rate is 1:1 in an economy where a three tier pricing system is evidently widespread and is affecting the already burdened members of the society. This situation has been strengthened by recent policy pronouncements related to differentiation of local currency and NOSTRO accounts.
[Time Limit]
HON. MUSHORIWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the
Hon. Member’s time be extended.
HON. CHIKWINYA: I second.
HON. MLISWA: On a point of order. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is quite worrying that it seems that the opposition and myself are appreciating the economics and there is silence in ZANU PF. I do not know if the Hon. Member is safe. –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]- I do not know if the Hon. Member is safe. They seem not to be appreciating the economics. Is he safe, why is there so much silence?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you. Hon. Member
please resume your debate.
HON. MHONA: The Pre-Budget Strategy Paper for 2019
correctly points the exchange rate misalignment and the existence of a parallel market with a premium of 70% for every US$ to the RTGS/Bond (Local currency) in June 2018. This misaligned exchange rate essentially means that the Government is subsidising consumers using surrendered forex from exporting firms. The inconsistencies arising from such a position is the contributing factor to the current confidence deficit.
2.2.2 The Committee is also concerned with the likely challenges arising from implementing a US$ budget with devalued Bond or RTGS payment systems which imply huge costs on programme implementation. The fallacy of a US$ budget against Bond notes medium of exchange is threatening the implementation of this budget and negates the impact of the proposed reforms as the allocated resources are inadequate to meet expenditure forecasts, in real terms. The committee therefore wonders how the budget is going to account for Revenue and Expenditure where one part is forex and the other RTGS/Bond. One cannot discount the potential for illegalities and rent seeking behaviour.
2.3 Budget Information
2.3.1 The committee Calls upon Treasury to work towards improving budget information. Total Revenue including retained revenue is given as US$ 6.5982 billion in the Budget Statement (page 37) whilst this is US$6.617 billion in the Bluebook (page 9).Total
Expenditure and Net Lending is shown as US$8. 164.3 billion in the Budget Statement (page 38) whilst in the Bluebook (page 9), it is given as U$8.172.3 billion. Thus, the budget deficit is US$1.566.1 billion according to the Budget Statement (page 38), but in the Bluebook (page 9), it is lower at US$1.555.3 billion leading to a net difference of about US$10.8 million. These problems of budget information inconsistencies were flagged out in the 2018 budget and have been repeated in the 2019 budget. Extra care is thus needed when preparing the budget to ensure consistency and credibility of the information presented.
2.4Parliament Allocation
2.4.1 Parliament was allocated $101 million constituting about 1,47% of the budget against a request of $163 million. The allocation to Parliament has been on an increasing trend, from $39.7 m in 2017, $80m in 2018 to $101m in 2019 (26% increase). While the Committee acknowledges the increment in Parliament funding, the following should be noted:
- CDF allocation of $16.8million, is inadequate as it translates to $80 000 per constituency and is 60% of the Budget requirement of $28m. It is however 60% above the $10,5m allocated in the 8th Parliament.
- $500 000 for 210 Constituency Information Centres ($2381 per constituency) is a pittance given the state of the CICs. The allocation is a meagre 2% of the requirement. Plans to reestablish constituency information centers that are meant to improve the effectiveness of members as per the strategic plan will not be possible with such a provision.
- Parliament Budget estimates for employment made provision for the filling in of all vacant posts. Treasury concurrence was
granted for 60 vacant posts and the remainder will be considered on a staggered arrangement. The allocated $2.3m falls short of the required $4.6 million.
- Vehicle loan scheme with rebates on duty was allocated $15.75 m out of the $21m request, which translate to $45,000 per member.
- A reasonable 90% budget allocation was made to Committees. Emphasis should be on timely release of funds to enable committees to discharge their constitutional mandate without interruptions. The budget allocation has an effect of reducing the 30 meetings, 5 filed visits per committee and 5 Public hearings by 10%.
- A reasonable 85% allocation was made for sessional expenses. The allocation has an effect of reducing the budgeted 90-day calendar by 15%. Parliament has an option to institute costs cutting measures to stay within the allocation. Goods and services are being inflated due to late payments of invoices.
- Treasury has continuously made provisions in the budget for the
Women Parliamentary Caucus. However, the budget allocations have not been met with the actual release of funds resulting in the committee relying on Development partners for their activities.
2.4.2 The Budget allocation to Parliament must be met with timely release of funds to ensure continued service delivery to Parliament. Some firms inflate their invoices due to delay in payments reducing the buying power of the budget. Parliament must invest in carrying out a mileage verification exercise and institute control on mileage and hotel accommodation to curtail leakages in these expenditure items.
2.4.3 As a custodian of constitutional democracy, Parliament needs adequate resources to carry out its mandate consistent with Section 325 (b) of the Constitution and there should be no negotiation in that regard. Moreover, the concept of separation of powers entails that funding of Parliament should be a separate process to the main budget and Parliament and as one of the three arms of the State must manage its own funds. In view of the above observations, the Committee urges the Hon. Minister to marginally adjust upwards the Parliament’s vote to enable the institution to effectively carry out its mandate as provided for in the Constitution.
2.5 Allocation to the Ministry of Finance and Economic
Developments and Institutions under it
2.5.1 The Committee is concerned with the inadequate allocations to ZIMRA and ZIMSTAT and calls on the Minister to revise these allocations upwards. The allocation to ZIMSTAT of $20.9 m will not facilitate timely production of socio-economic statistics including disaggregated GDP figures. ZIMSTAT requires a total funding from both Government and Donors of US$38.102 million.62 % of the total budget will go towards undertaking of surveys and censuses, 13% Employment costs and the balance of 25% is earmarked for Support Services. 17 % of the total budget will be for Capital expenditure.
2.5.2 On the other hand, ZIMRA has got a five-year Strategic Plan from 2019 to 2023 which aims to grow revenue collections to 25% of GDP from the current 20% to GDP. Operational costs should be within the standard cost of collection ratio of 3% which means for every dollar of revenue collected ZIMRA should spend no more than 3 cents. As such, if ZIMRA is supported through adequate funding, it will be able to surpass the 2019 revenue target of USD6.6 billion.
Item 2019 Budget Request (USD) Approved Budget(USD)
Staff Costs 142,056,070 94,680,000
Operational Costs 47,989,095 39,000,000 Capex 92,906,235 30,000,000m
3. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends the following:
3.1 Government must conscientiously implement the proposed expenditure rationalisation measures which, in essence, are not new and have been proposed over the years without implementation.
Enforcement of the proposed measures will ensure fiscal indiscipline through strict adherence to legal provisions related to the management of public finances including the Constitution, Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Audit Office Act, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, Public Debt Management Act and other laws. In that regard, all implementing units should timeously submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports to parliament to facilitate oversight of policy implementation.
3.2 Exporters (Mining, tobacco etc) should be exempted from payment of taxes in originating currency bearing in mind that they only retain between 50% and 55% of revenue in foreign exchange while the remainder is liquidated at 1:1. If the payment of tax in originating currency proposal is to be implemented across the board, there is then need for a corresponding upward adjustment of retention thresholds to capacitate these firms to absorb paying taxes in foreign exchange.
3.3 Government should allow royalty to be deductible as a tax expense in line with best practice taking into account that royalties are a direct and significant cost of production and the need to maintain the viability of the mining sector which has become the “goose that lay the golden egg”. This issue has been raised since 2014 and the Ministry of
Finance should clearly pronounce itself on this matter. According to
Earnest and Young study (2015), countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania have more than doubled their Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the mining sector after adopting low and stable mining royalty regimes.
3.4 Mining fees and charges should be aligned to those of major mining jurisdictions in SADC, North America and Australia. This again has been recommended over the years with no action on the ground. The Ministry should bear in mind that as a country, Zimbabwe competes for the same investors with these countries.
3.5 The setting up of the Mining Cadastre Information System must be finalised in 2019, given that the US$1.7 million has been prioritised. This is an important system which should increase transparency in the mining sector.
3.6 TheUS$59.6 million allocated in support of various social safety nets designed to reduce poverty and inequalities is insufficient given the outstanding debts for programmers like BEAM and past record with regards to levels of spending on Drought Mitigation, health assistance, flood victims, accident victims among others. The Committee therefore calls on the Ministry to increase funding to these social safety nets to at least $ 100 million and to ensure timely disbursements of the funds. This increase is also justified by the need to absorb the unintended consequences of the reforms and austerity measures.
3.7 Government must prioritise a payment plan towards obligations to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) so as to revive the tourism sector.
3.8 Government must prioritise Establishment of a Commodities Exchange for marketing of agricultural goods which has been on the cards since 2010. As such, Parliament should get quarterly reports on the matter. The Committee recommends building on efforts that have already been done in this regard including several study visits, registration of a private company Commodity Exchange In Zimbabwe (COMEZ) on 8 June 2010 which culminated in the release of seed capital of US$1million in 2013.
3.9 Government must finalise the incentive framework and other supportive job creation measures during the first quarter of 2019. In this regard, extensive and inclusive consultations should be undertaken. Reference can be made to the World Bank report (2015) which estimated local content policies which were backed with tax incentives in the food and beverages sector to have been responsible for attracting $5 billion into the local economy and created 38,000 jobs in Nigeria.
3.10 Government must engage competent financial advisors in order to get the best value from the proposed Public Enterprises Reform
Programme. Parliament must be engaged in all these processes.
3.11 Government must take an incremental budget approach to capital projects in the education system, and more resources must be allocated every year. Generally, there is need for timely disbursements of capital projects funds.
3.12 Government should strengthen its loan recovery mechanisms for Government facilities including the Command Agriculture programme instead of burdening taxpayers and increasing national debt. In the same vein, there is need to free such programmes of corruption through enhancing the roles of institutions and improvement on transparency and accountability.
3.13 There is need for extensive consultation before announcements of key policy proposals for stakeholder buy in. It was noted that the introduction of the IMTT without proper consultation and effective communication on how the tax proceeds are to be used led to an unanticipated response which saw an upswing in prices.
3.14 Retrenched Youth Officers should be given their perks on time to facilitate meaningful investments from the proceeds. There is also need for training of the officers so that they can be absorbed into other Government departments.
3.15 Dealing with Corruption and Indiscipline:-Dealing with corruption and indiscipline is an important step in cleaning up the image of the country and reducing the cost of business. If leakages haemorrhaging the national purse are not sealed, proposals for growing the national cake will not succeed. The adoption of smart technology is one step in the right direction. On the other hand, implementation of the Auditor General’s reports will go a long way in plugging resources leakages and improving efficiency in service delivery. In the same vein, the Committee comments the more than a doubled non-wage allocation to ZACC to US$5m and calls upon ZACC to use these resources responsibly and to discharge its duties as expected, without fear or favour.
4. CONCLUSION
4.1 The Committee commends the Minister for crafting a progressive budget which seeks to address the twin deficits that have for long militated against growth of the economy. Zimbabwe has never been short of good economic policies but the only set back has been the lack of implementation and policy inconsistencies. Implementation and unity of purpose are key to achieving the budget objectives.
4.2 The Committee therefore recommends the House to approve this budget, subject to incorporation of these and other recommendations from Parliament.
HON. TONGOFA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I represent the Committee on Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation. The ancient view that academics are the only doorway to prosperity has received great criticism in recent years. Evidence is abound that those who excel in sport and arts have achieved a greater standard of living than the proverbial bookworms. In addition, youths that involve themselves in sport, arts and recreation tend to enjoy better quality lives than those who are one-dimensional in pursuit of academic greatness. It has been established that these extra-curricular activities reduce absenteeism rates in schools as well as occupying youths, thus keeping them away from drug abuse and criminal activity. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy! Acquisition of skills through vocational and technical training, also increases the opportunities at the disposal of youths to eke out a living. Thus, it is incumbent upon all nations that seek to socially and economically empower their youths to take sport, arts and vocational training seriously as they will be sowing seeds for future improvements in livelihoods and development of the country. Vision 2030 cannot be achieved by solely focusing on academics. In addition, the African
Union came up with the theme for the year 2017 to “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through investments in Youth.” Youth are very important stakeholders in the achievement of the objectives of Agenda
- It is estimated that the population of those 30 years and below in Africa is over 60 percent. Thus, the realisation of the youth demographic dividend will only be realised if there is adequate investment in their economic, political and social agency.
The mandate of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is to ‘formulate and implement policies, strategies and programmes to promote the development and empowerment of youth and transformation of sports, arts and recreation of sectors into vibrant industries for employment creation. The Ministry is comprised of service delivery areas that include;
- Youth Development and Employment Creation.
- Skills Training and Youth Services.
- Sports and Recreation Promotion and Development.
- Arts and Culture Promotion and Development.
1.1 Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation Budget Analysis
The vote appropriation to the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation was $53,495,000 against a bid of $185,761,946; an underallocation of 71.2 percent. This is against a background of high youth unemployment estimated to be 15.3 percent of the 15 to 35 years agegroup. This age group is approximately 36 percent of the total population of Zimbabwe and should be accorded the priority they deserve in order to enjoy a better future of economic independence. On an annual basis, roughly 300,000 pupils undergo Ordinary Level examinations and less than 20 percent of these proceed for higher level academic training, that is Advanced Level and beyond. This means that, approximately 240,000 school levers enter the labour force via the unemployment route, and will highly likely get employment in the informal sector either as employees or entrepreneurs. If nothing is done to arrest this challenge, Zimbabwe will increasingly become more and more informalised, making the attainment of middle-income status by 2030 difficult. Table 1 shows the top 15 vote appropriations in the 2019 budget.
Table 1: Top 15 Vote Allocations for 2019
Vote Appropriations | |||
2019 | % of Budget | ||
1 | Education | 1,132,322,000.00 | 17.44% |
2 | Lands, Agric., Water | 989,298,000.00 | 15.23% |
3 | Health | 694,467,000.00 | 10.69% |
4 | Defence | 546,939,000.00 | 8.42% |
5 | Home Affairs | 517,822,000.00 | 7.97% |
6 | Transport | 399,182,000.00 | 6.15% |
7 | Higher Education | 380,842,000.00 | 5.86% |
8 | Public Service | 331,601,000.00 | 5.11% |
9 | Finance | 318,550,000.00 | 4.91% |
10 | Office of President and Cabinet | 294,700,000.00 | 4.54% |
11 | Local Govt | 179,886,000.00 | 2.77% |
12 | Justice | 155,608,000.00 | 2.40% |
13 | PoZ | 101,013,000.00 | 1.56% |
14 | Foreign Affairs | 56,090,000.00 | 0.86% |
15 | Youth, Sports, Arts & Recreation | 53,495,000.00 | 0.82% |
From Table 1, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is ranked 15th in the2019 budget, with a 0.82 percent share of the vote appropriations. With a youth population of about 36 percent, this allocation contradicts the youth empowerment mantra which is engendered in Vision 2030. The youth are the drivers of tomorrow’s economy and should get adequate attention now to foster future development. Table 2 shows the Economic Classification of the Budget Allocation.
Table 2: Bids Economic Classification of the Overall Budget
MINISTRY OF YOUTH, SPORTS, ARTS & RECREATION BUDGET | ||
2019 | % of Vote | |
CURRENT EXPENDITURE | 38,805,000.00 | 72.54% |
Employment Costs | 23,176,000.00 | 43.32% |
Goods and Services | 8,723,000.00 | 16.31% |
Maintenance | 1,895,000.00 | 3.54% |
Current Transfers | 5,011,000.00 | 9.37% |
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE | 14,690,000.00 | 27.46% |
Acquisition of Fixed Capital Assets | 14,490,000.00 | 27.09% |
Capital Transfers | 200,000.00 | 0.37% |
TOTAL | 53,495,000.00 | 100.00% |
The distribution of the budget is such that 72.54 percent has been appropriated to Current Expenditure whilst the balance (27.46%) is going towards Capital Expenditure. Under Current Expenditure,
Employment Costs take up the lions share whilst Current Transfers and
Maintenance have the smallest share. The $5 million for Current Transfers will be channeled towards the Arts Development Fund, Sports and Recreation Fund, Youth Development Fund, National Youth Service and the Zimbabwe Youth Council. As for Capital Expenditure, almost 99 percent is going towards Acquisition of Fixed Capital Assets and about 1 percent appropriated towards Capital Transfers (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and National Gallery of Zimbabwe at $100,000 each).
1.2 Implications of the Budget
Table 3 shows the allocations to the five programmes against the bids presented to Treasury.
Table 3: Bids and Appropriations for Programmes
PROGRAMME | BID | ALLOCATION | VARIANCE | % of Vote |
Policy and Administration | 37 254 845,00 | 15 793 000,00 | 57,61% | 29,52% |
Youth Dvt & Empl. Creation | 35 094 694,00 | 3 285 000,00 | 90,64% | 6,14% |
Vocational Training & Youth Svcs | 28 812 017,00 | 19 510 000,00 | 32,29% | 36,47% |
Sport & Recreation Promo. & Dvt | 70 910 526,00 | 10 084 000,00 | 85,78% | 18,85% |
Arts & Culture Promo. & Dvt | 13 689 864,00 | 4 823 000,00 | 64,77% | 9,02% |
Totals | 185 761 946,00 | 53 495 000,00 | 71,20% | 100,00% |
The distribution of the budgetary allocation to the Ministry shows that the bulk of the resources have been channeled towards Vocational Training (36.5%) and the least being allocated to Youth Development and Employment Creation (6.1%). This kind of allocation seems to suggest that great emphasis is placed on skills development but minimal effort when it comes to creating opportunities for the deployment of the acquired skills. Since our day-to-day lives are essentially culture, the allocation to Arts and Culture Promotion and Development (9 %) is very low given the employment potential it possesses.
1.2.1 Policy and Administration
The initial objectives of the Ministry under this Programme item included ward-based project monitoring and supervision; acquisition of 10 twin cabs, 73 single cabs (one per district), 2 500 motor bikes; internet connectivity in all provinces and districts; as well as conducting conferences and workshops (4 each). As such, a bid of $34,254,845 was placed but Treasury was only able to appropriate $15,793,000 (42.39%).
This means that the Ministry will;
- Struggle to implement ward-based monitoring and supervision.
- Fail to acquire necessary vehicles for decentralised monitoring and supervision.
- Be able to install internet facilities but only at provincial level.
- Only conduct two workshops and one conference.
As such, the monitoring and evaluation role of the Ministry will be seriously handicapped by the underfunding to the tune of 58.6 percent.
1.2.2 Youth Development and Employment Creation
Youth Development and Employment Creation is very crucial for national development. This age group can potentially be economically active for 30-50 years, assuming they live up to the age of 65. With such potential, this group of the population essentially holds the keys for future economic development of the country. This can only happen if there is a deliberate effort to capacitate the youth through equipping them with skills as well as ensuring that the economy can accommodate the skilled youths on the job market or as entrepreneurs. Currently, the nation faces a problem of high youth unemployment as well as underemployment. Some skilled youths are resorting to vending in order to sustain their livelihoods.
Youth Development and Employment Creation has two-subprogrammes, namely Youth Development and Employment Creation.
Some of their priority areas of deliverables include;
- Youth leadership development, integration, mainstreaming and participation.
- National Youth Policy review.
- Operationalisation of MOUs on Youth Exchange programmes.
- Research and Development (business ecosystems, value chain development, market research, quality checks).
- Youth Financial Inclusion (EmpowerBank).
- Establishment of Incubation and Industrial Hubs.
- Project monitoring and evaluation.
For Youth Development, a bid of $4,654,546 was met with an allocation of $717,000, giving a variance of 84.6 percent.
Correspondingly, Employment Creation was only allocated $2,568,000 from a bid of $30,440,148; a variance of 91.6 percent. If attempts by the Ministry to fight youth unemployment and underemployment are not given due consideration, then it means that youths can consider themselves to be a disempowered lot. The following reveals the implications of the budget to this programme item;
- The Ministry will be unable to print 100,000 copies of the revised Youth Policy Document. They will have to resort to alternative media (Ministry and parastatal websites, and radio programmes).
- Foreign travel to countries like China, Iran, Malawi, Namibia amd Zambia, under the Youth Exchange Programme will not be feasible.
- All 10 Youth Interact Centres will be renovated, get internet installation as well as offer life skills programmes. However, providing security for these facilities will prove to be a challenge.
- $500,000 was required for youth grants to growth and initiatives of clubs and associations affiliated to the Zimbabwe Youth Council
(ZYC), but nothing was allocated.
- ZYC sought $2,570,000 to host 3 sessions of the Junior Parliament at both national and provincial levels; decentralise activities to provincial levels as well as acquire motor vehicles to support operations. From the allocated $368,000, only 1 Junior Parliament session will be held at national level; decentralisation will not be feasible; and no new vehicles will be acquired.
- Only 5 out of 10 youth provincial expos will be held. This provides initial exposure of youths to the business ecosystem.
- 4 out of a target of 7 youths will attend the African Union Youth
Connect Summit.
- 6 out of a target of 10 Incubation Hubs will be established.
- Out of a target of 5 Industrial Hubs, zero will be established.
- No funding was availed for the recapitalisation of the
EmpowerBank.
This programme item of the Ministry was grossly underfunded with $3.285 million being allocated from a bid of $35 million. The underfunding to the tune of 91 percent will seriously affect the operations of the Ministry in empowering youth for the achievement of sustainable development. Vision 2030 is anchored on rapid industrialisation which can only be supported with a corresponding skills base to ensure that Zimbabwe will be part of the 4th Industrial
Revolution. Of note is zero funding for the proposed 5 Industrial Hubs is as good as erecting barriers to progress. Such hubs provide adventurous youths with the opportunity to innovate come up with new technologies which could see Zimbabwe embarking on an economic growth path similar to that of the Asian Tigers (South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In addition, zero funding for the recapitalisation of the EmpowerBank is in direct contradiction of the youth empowerment agenda. Properly funded, a project undertaken by a youth may develop, over time into a giant business whose tentacles may spread into the region if not the world over. Entrepreneurship is known to drive economic growth, and supporting this venture through industrial and incubation hubs must be given serious attention as is the case with
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
1.2.3 Vocational Training and Youth Services
Vocational Training Centres are meant to offer an alternative path to the labour market where one who cannot shoulder the demands of a fully fledged academic path may opt to acquire a skill which can sustain their economic being. To complement this, youth services seek to undertake youthful citizens’ orientation such that they become responsible citizens who will be assets to the nation. Zimbabwe can only go further as a nation if our youth can identify themselves with their roots such that they know that no one else will develop their country other than them. Successful attainment of orientation will likely sow seeds of altruism to the youth, thus fostering development as is the case with countries like South Korea and United States of America.
This programme consists of two sub-programmes, that is, Vocational Training and Youth Services. Some of the priority areas under this programme include:
- Vocational skills training for enterprise development.
- Youth orientation.
- Infrastructure Development and completion of ongoing PSIP projects.
- Modernisation of Vocational Training Centres (VTC).
- Curriculum development.
- Provision of start-up kits for graduates
Vocational Training and Youth Services received an allocation of $19,510,000 from a bid of $28,812,017, a variance of 32.3 percent. On the other hand, Youth Services was allocated $2,142,000 from a bid of $3,252,380, representing a variance of 34.1 percent. The following is a list of programme targets and compromise response to actual budget appropriation.
- Out of 9 VTCs that were supposed to be established, only 5 will be established.
- 30 centres out of 51 will be modernised and retooled.
- 10 PSIPs were partially funded out of a target of 15.
- 39 out of a targeted 58 centres will be able to maintain mobile equipment and infrastructure.
- 4 out of 10 mobile workshops will be acquired for ISOP programmes.
- 1,500 youths out of a target of 1,700 will be trained at NYS centres.
- 450 Youth Build Zimbabwe out of a 500 target.
- 5 youth training centres were set to be built and 3 renovated but none of this will take place.
While there seems to be some underfunding, more than 75 percent of individual targets will be achieved.
1.2.4 Sport and Recreation Promotion and Development
Sport and recreation play an important role in the development of a person as they promote social development, teamwork, coordination as well as strategy. In addition, these activities keep youths positively occupied resulting in a positive health dividend as opposed to unoccupied youths venturing into illicit substances and criminal activity.
Sport has been downplayed for a long time and yet it has the potential to significantly contribute to the economy. Studies have shown that globally vibrant sport has a positive contribution in the tourism sector
(hotels, restaurants, souvenirs); fitness and the media (fitness clubs and TV rights); and sports education (academies, sports scientist, sports health practitioners). In countries whose sports industry is thriving, sport is contributing an average of 2 percent to gross domestic product. For example, in South Africa sport is contributing approximately $4.5 billion to GDP. According to A. T. Kearney, the size of the global sports industry ranges from $480-$620 billion, this mainly from sports infrastructure development, licenced products, sporting goods and live sports events. Zimbabwe is far from tapping into this low hanging fruit.
The Sport and Recreation Promotion and Development Programme item has a mandate that includes the following;
- Construction and Resuscitation of Multipurpose Sport and
Recreation Facilities.
- Sport promotion (Community Sport, AUSC Games, Youth and
Paralympic Games.
- Sport Development (Schools and Colleges).
- Recreation Activities (Recreational parks, Indigenous Games, Festivals, Commemorations).
From a bid of $70,910,526, Treasury only allocated $10,084,000, a variance of 85.78 percent. This allocation was deemed to be inadequate to meet the ministerial goals as there will be partial fulfillment of the objectives. Table 4 shows some of the coping mechanisms in light of funding constraints from Treasury.
Table 4: Implications of the Budget for Sports and Recreation
Promotion and Development
Programme Targets as per bid | Revised Target in Line with Allocation |
Set up Community Sport and Recreation Club Systems in all the 1,963 wards. | To be done as planned.
|
Hold community sport and recreation festivals in all 73 districts. | 63 out of 73 festivals will be held. |
Training of trainer workshops in all the 1,963 wards. | Coverage in only 800 out of 1,963workshops. |
Holding National Youth Games and Paralympic Games from | Partially funded from district to |
ward to national level. | national competitions. |
Holding Danhiko Sports Day, Independence Cup, Heroes Cup, Festival for Older Persons. | Funded. |
AUSC Regional and International meetings | Funded. |
Women in Sport Festivals in all 1,963 wards and 10 provinces. | Funded. All festivals to take place. |
Funding of National Sports Teams, participating in All Africa Games, Implementing MOUs signed with respective countries. | Partial funding. |
Installation of bucket seats in 4 stadia and ramps for persons with a disability. | Not funded. |
Establish 10 multisport facilities (1 per province) plus construction of Tartan Track at the National Sports Academy hosted at BUSE | Funded. |
Table 4 shows that the goal of transforming sport from a past-time activity into a fully fledged full time occupation will remain a pipeline dream. While community based recreational facilities received $300,000 for the 1,963 wards, this translates to a meager $152 per wards. In addition, the $20 per ward allocated for talent identification via the sports-for-all initiative will make it difficult for Zimbabwe to unearth sporting greats such as Langton Tinago (boxing); Elliot Mujaji (athletics); Byron, Wayne and Cara Black (Tennis); Nick Price (Golf);
Kirsty Coventry (Swimming); Tatenda Taibu (Cricket).
Upgrading of sports facilities to meet international standards will increase the chance of hosting major tournaments as well as attracting lucrative sponsorship deals. The non-provision of funds to install bucket seats in four main stadia will negatively impact on football development in the country. Zimbabwe will be hosting the 2019 edition of men’s COSAFA Cup, not because of merit, but because of rotation! The availing of $2 million towards the development of a tartan track at the National Sports Academy (BUSE) comes as a welcome development. It is such initiatives that will kick start the process to one day have centres of excellence that could possibly unearth talents such as the great Usain Bolt. This is also augmented by the awarding of administrative rights of country clubs to the Sports and Recreation Commission. This move will ensure that these facilities are resuscitated such that the SRC can be able to spread sporting activities to the formally marginalised segments of our society.
As for recreational facilities in all provinces, $170,000 has been allocated which will be split equally between sport and recreation. This again was considered to be a very low allocation. A worrying development has been witnessed where land allocated for recreational facilities is now being converted for residential or commercial purposes. This is undesirable as youth are deprived of these facilities thus venturing into toxic and irresponsible practices. In addition, it was noted with concern the absence of sports facilities for people living with disability. This section of society must have their needs catered for as there is great potential to unearth talent for participation at paralympic games. In addition, their social needs are also catered for by provision of such sporting facilities.
1.2.5 Arts and Culture Promotion and Development
Under this programme, some of the key performance indicators include:
- Community Arts and Culture Programmes National Arts and Culture Festivals and Exhibitions
- Revitalising Community Arts and Culture Club Systems.
- State Occasions (National Heroes Burial and Heroes Commemorations).
Treasury was able to allocate $4.832 million from a bid of
$13,689,864, representing a variance of 64.77 percent. This allocation was considered to be inadequate for the Ministry to be able to fully achieve their set objectives under this programme item. Under this programme item, the Ministry will be able to meet part of some of the objectives and in other cases, it will completely fail. Table 5 summarises the implications of the allocation against set targets.
Table 5: Implications of the Budget for Arts and Culture Promotion and Development
Programme Target as per Bid | Revised Target in Line with Budgetary Allocation |
Indigenous Language Policy | Not funded |
Revitalising 730 community arts and culture clubs at 10 per district | Half the target (365) to be achieved at 5 community arts and culture clubs per district. |
Hosting 2 Arts and Culture Festivals and 1 exhibition per district | To be done as planned |
Strengthening antipiracy mechanisms in each of the 10 provincial capitals | Only 5 campaigns will be done in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo. |
Acquiring equipment for development and promotion of talent identification and nurturing. | Not funded. |
Refurbishment of 10 Creative Cultural Industry Spaces (1 | Only 2 out of 10 will be refurbished |
per province) | (Murehwa and Chitungwiza) |
Establishment of 6 Creative Cultural Centres (Beitbridge, Binga, Bulawayo, Chipinge, Gweru and Masvingo | Only 2 out of 6 will e established (Binga and Kanyemba) |
Acquisition of 200 personal computers (PCs) for creative Cultural Centres | 40 PCs to be acquired - Chitungwiza (20) and Murehwa (20). |
Acquisition of two stages and backline; 500kva generator; sound equipment; lighting equipment; and mixer for promotion of talent and nurturing. | Not funded. |
The underfunding of Arts and Culture would mean that the Ministry would not be able to meet half of its set objectives under this programme item. Since no funds were availed for acquisition of a public address system and a corresponding stage, the Ministry will have to meet their need via hiring. The cumulative cost of hiring such equipment might be enough to actually purchase such important equipment, which equipment might be hired out to augment income. In addition, the Indigenous Language Policy which was not funded, was aimed at promoting local languages such that Zimbabweans embrace cultural diversity that uniting the people. For as long as other languages are perceived to be less important, speakers of those languages will remain marginalised. Amendments of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Act and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Act as well as respective Statutory Instruments will be done.
2.0 CHALLENGES AND OBSERVATIONS
- The Committee noted with grave concern the gross underfunding to the Ministry in light of the critical importance it carries towards the current and future development of the country.
- The Committee also noted with concern lack of protective legislation within the Ministry relation to governance of bodies affiliated to it.
- It was noted that land meant for recreational facilities was being converted to residential and commercial use.
- The Committee noted absence of funding models in the Sports and Recreation Commission which can lessen funding burden on
fiscus.
- The hiring cost for the PA system and associated accessories was seen to be a worrisome state of affairs.
- The Committee noted with concern that the Copyrights Act was being administered from the Ministry of Justice and not the
Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
- The proposed Language Policy was seen to be very important in nation building, embracing of cultural diversity and above all,
UNITY.
- The Committee noted that the 3 percent tax on all Sports Betting
Houses meant for Sports Development, approved in the 2018
Budget, had not been remitted. In addition, State Lotteries and Gaming Act (Section 43), provides for remittance of funds meant for Sports Development and this has not been done.
- There was no clarity in the budget on money allocated for the Empower Bank but is currently housed with the Ministry of
Women’s Affairs.
- The Committee questioned the feasibility of the continued existence of the Empower Bank in light of high operational costs.
- There has been a decline in corporate sponsorship for Sport, Arts and Culture activities.
3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
After careful consideration on submissions by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, the Committee recommends the following;
- That funding to the Ministry must be increased.
- That protective legislation within the Ministry must be put in place for easier governance and operations of bodies affiliated to it.
- All land seizures from recreational facilities to residential and commercial use must stop.
- That funding models be put in place in the Sports and Recreation Commission.
- That cost benefit analysis should be done between hiring PA system and associated accessories and acquiring the equipment.
- That the Copyrights Act must be administered from the Ministry of
Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
- That funding towards the Language Policy should be reconsidered.
- That the 3 percent tax on all Sports Betting Houses meant for Sports Development, approved in the 2018 Budget; and the 5 percent tax from State Lotteries and Gaming meant for Sports Development be remitted without fail.
- There should be provision of sporting facilities for persons living with disabilities.
- Funding of national teams by other entities must be done through Treasury for accountability purposes.
- Corporate that sponsor Sport, Arts and Recreation activities must receive incentives such as tax rebates so that they continue to support the development of those activities.
HON. MPARIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am going to
present the report of the Public Accounts Committee on the budget analysis of the Auditor General’s Office, Vote No. 6, and allocation as
per 2019 Budget presented by the Minister of Finance.
Introduction
The Auditor-General is constitutionally mandated to audit the accounts, financial systems and financial management of all
Departments, Institutions and Agencies of Government, all Provincial and Metropolitan Councils and all Local Authorities. The audit scope ranges from value for money audits, forensic audits, regularity audits on
Appropriation Accounts, State Owned Enterprises & Parastatals, and Local Authorities. With such a huge scope, the Office should be adequately staffed and have adequate machinery and equipment such as vehicles and computers.
The Public Accounts Committee relies heavily on reports compiled by the Auditor-General, hence the need for the institution to be adequately funded. The risk based approach to audit exposes irregularities in the management of public resources and serves as a basis on which Parliament can effectively execute its oversight function. This augurs well with the nation’s thrust for transparency and accountability provided for in the country’s supreme law.
Budget Performance in 2018
The Auditor General’s Office was allocated $5,058,000 in the 2018 Budget. Of this amount, Treasury releases as at September 2018 amounted to $2.4 million and is expected to reach $3.2 million by the end of the year. Failure by Treasury to release the allocated amount resulted in the Auditor-General’s Office visiting only 317 of the 3 320 stations in 2018. The Auditor General submitted to the Committee that her office had been constrained to conduct audit tours for local authorities whose coverage was a mere 3% and for Parastatals at 50%, percentages that are not satisfactory. This therefore calls for serious consideration of the Auditor General’s budget in this 2019 financial year. Notwithstanding the inadequate funds received, the Committee commends the Office for compiling and presenting reports within the statutory requirements.
The Committee was also informed that renovations anticipated at Burroughs House had not been carried out resulting in poor office accommodation for officers. The other challenges faced by the Audit Office will be highlighted below as requirements for budget allocations in 2019.
2019 Budget Bid and Allocation
Expenditure Item | Budget Bid
2019 (424 staff) |
Allocated
Budget 2019 |
Justification of Bid |
Employment cost | $7,037,000 | $2,693,000 | • Retain qualified staff
• Recruitment of VFM audit staff |
Acquisition of fixed Assets | $1,527,000 | $1,070,000 | • Strengthen independence of the
Office • Large audit coverage |
Employment cost
The Audit Office submitted a bid of $17 964 000 to Treasury for the 2019 financial year. Treasury allocated $7 763 000 which translates to 43% of the requested amount. The bid was based on the ideal budget supported by staff complement of 704. The increased number of staff is consistent with the expanded mandate of the Office which now includes auditing of the local authorities. Given the number of local authorities which have to be audited, over and above Central Government and
Parastatals’ accounts, the Committee supports the request for Treasury to give concurrence for the recruitment of additional staff. Additional staff would also enable the Auditor General to dedicate some officers Value for Money (VFM) audits. Currently, there is no staff dedicated to conduct VFM audits.
The Committee observes that it may not be possible to meet the ideal head count of 704 in 2019. As an alternative to meeting this requirement, Treasury should consider recruitment of staff for the Audit Office over a three-year period extending to the year 2021. It is the
Committee’s considered view that Treasury should at least allow the Audit Office to meet the current establishment of 374 by filling in 61 vacant posts. In addition to that, Treasury should authorize and avail funds for another additional staff complement of 50 members who would be earmarked for the Value for Money audits. Value for money audits are critical in assessing the economy’s, efficiency and effectiveness in the utilization of resources allocated to public sector entities.
The Committee noted with greater concern that since the Audit Office Act became effective in 2011, a Board provided for in the Act has not been operationalized. This is not an ideal situation given the important role of any Board in giving policy direction among other oversight functions.
The Committee learnt that since 2011 when the Office attained the Parastatals status, the conditions of service have remained as they were when staff was under the Civil Service. As a result, the Office has lost staff in which a lot of investment had been done in training them. Staff retention has been a challenge due to very low remuneration packages. The Committee proposes that Treasury redoubles the remuneration package for a start then gradually moves towards the level of other
Parastatals.
Acquisition of fixed Capital Assets
Another area of concern to the Committee is the acquisition of vehicles required to undertake field tours. The Committee was informed that the current fleet is old and maintenance costs are high such that purchasing new vehicles is in fact a better option. The Audit Office was allocated $ 1 070 000 against its bid of $ 3 053 000. This implies that the Office will not be able to replace the old fleet during the 2019 financial year, thus negatively affecting the work of the Office. The Committee recommends that in the interim, an allocation of $1,527,000 towards acquisition of vehicles be made which is adequate to cater for staff establishment of the proposed 424.
Recommendations
Given the above-mentioned needs by the audit Office, the Committee recommends the following:
That Treasury allocates $17 964 000 to the Auditor
General’s Office as requested;
That Treasury gives concurrence to the recruitment of additional staff to enable the Office to reasonably cover audits for local authorities and to dedicate staff for VFM audits;
That the Board of Directors be appointed in the first quarter of
2019 and be facilitated to become operational; and
That Treasury releases allocated funds timeously to enable the
Office to perform its duties.
Conclusion
Transparency and accountability enhance the integrity of public governance by safeguarding Government against corruption, abuse of power and other forms of inappropriate behaviour. This in turn results in the economic, efficient and effective use of public resources. This also builds public confidence in the Government. To achieve this end, the Audit Office needs to be capacitated with adequate human, financial and material resources. With the right audit information provided timely, Parliament through the Public Accounts Committee will be able to perform its oversight function of examining the sums granted by Parliament to meet the public expenditure and such other accounts laid before Parliament.
1.0 HON. CHIKUKWA: Introduction
The mandate of the Ministry of Local Government, Public works and National Housing is to ensure that functional human settlements are promoted and sustained in all urban local authorities backstopped by sound local governance and provision of quality, well-maintained government infrastructure. In order to achieve this, there should be an alignment between government priorities, the national and international development plan and government policies. The trend since 2013 shows that there has been violation of constitutional obligations with regards to the Ministry vote and the Council of Chiefs vote, as the two must be treated separately. The Ministry has been underfunded as reflected by variances between the allocations and the actual disbursements in 2016 and 2017. Given that the Ministry plays a pivotal role in the achievement of Vision 2030, the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is need for sufficient funding which allow fulfillment of its mandate.
2.0 The Ministry Operations and Challenges
The Ministry operations revolve around 5 key result areas, that is, sound local governance; water, sewerage and sanitation; development and maintenance of the built environment, national housing delivery and devolution. The Ministry’s key achievements in 2018 amongst others include completion of two blocks of flats in Tafara with 30 units, implementation of programme based budgeting in 92 local authorities and demarcation of 16 rural service centres to facilitate issuance of title deeds. Going into 2019, spatial planning, local governance, national housing delivery, disaster risk management and construction, maintenance and management of public buildings continue to be the core of Ministry operations. However, this is coming against a background of the Ministry’s ever increasing debt; fluctuating prices which negatively impact tenders and completion of projects; non-release of funds by Treasury and revenue generation barriers as occupants of government houses fail to meet obligations due to low income.
Budget Allocations for 2018 and 2019
The 2019 budget provision for the Ministry is $490 million which is
297% increase from the 2018 budget allocation of $132 million.
However, this figure falls way below the Ministry’s bid which was upward of $1 billion. Furthermore, 63% of the $490 million comprises an allocation earmarked for devolution; leaving $180 million for other operations. The budget is linked to the Vision 2030, which is described as an “inclusive and collectively shared long-term national vision. However, except for education, the budget falls short of the international social development benchmarks. For instance, a budget allocation for agriculture is about 8 percent of the total budget against a developmental benchmark of 10 percent and healthcare allocation is below the 15 percent target. The following pie chart shows clearly the Ministry is underfunded as the public sector is not even amongst the top four national priorities based on the budget allocations:
The Ministry falls within the other category which constitutes 8% of the national budget whilst 92% of the national budget is allocated amongst agriculture, social sector, economic development and defence, home affairs and OPC. Hence, this will negatively impact on service delivery and compromise the Ministry’s functions.
3.0 Budget Analysis Meeting Observations
On the 27th of November 2018, your Committee held a meeting with Ministry officials and the following observations were made:
3.1 Your Committee observed that the budget allocation to the Ministry for 2019, even though there is an increment, is not sufficient enough to allow the Ministry to carry its mandate to accepted standard.
3.2 It was also noted that regularisation is a matter of urgent attention and the process should be authorised by the
Ministry as well as spearheaded by the local authorities. The officials however highlighted that regularisation entails a global responsibility and calls for all effort across varying stakeholders as addressing regularisation issues require an inclusive institutional set up.
3.3 Concerns were also raised on the planning of the Ministry regarding consultation of key stakeholders, specifically the council of chiefs, and presentation of matters as the terms used mislead the parliament/government and there is need
to address that. For instance, the budget speaks to appointment of chiefs instead of appointment of traditional leaders which is inclusive.
3.4 Your Committee also noted that the Ministry in cases of disaster management is at times bearing the burden of other line ministries and there is urgent need to make sure that each Ministry takes responsibility accordingly. The officials highlighted that the Government is under process of synchronisation of ministries.
3.5 Your Committee observed with great concern the omission of village heads and headman from the allocation for appointment of traditional leaders as it only speaks to chiefs’ appointment. Also questions were raised to the officials regarding the appointment of village heads and headsmen, whether it has been suspended or not? The
Ministry clearly expressed that appointed of village heads
and headsmen is on and should follow the Constitution and Traditional Leaders Act provisions.
3.6 The officials were asked to explain where the funding for the appointment of traditional leaders is. Related to this, great concern was raised regarding the remuneration of traditional leaders as their salaries are far beyond reflecting the economic changes. The officials highlighted that remuneration of traditional leaders is an issue under consideration.
3.7 The officials were asked question on handing over of settlements to local authorities as there is continuous denial of basic services and marginalisation of such locations. They responded that each settlement area must have a civic centre and this has been planned and in process of activation.
3.8 Your Committee also observed that the Civil Protection has been underfunded and almost ignored in the past to an extent of relying in some cases to interested parties/ stakeholders. However for 2019, the budget allocation is not enough but is welcome to hit the ground running going forward.
3.9 It was noted that the budget does not have the voice for the chiefs. Hence, as provided by the Constitution, there must be a separate vote for the Ministry and the Traditional Leaders Council. The Constitution since 2013, provides for a secretariat to administer Council of Chiefs but the budget does not speak to that. Your Committee explicitly expressed that there are no vehicles for the Ministry but for the Council of Chiefs’ secretariat and there is need for the budget to capacitate the operationalisation of the Council of Chiefs.
3.10 Your Committee also asked the officials concerning relationship between special planning and UDCORP, subscriptions, retaining of revenue for stadia and professional services. They outlined that UDCORP play a technical role to the Government. On subscriptions, the officials highlighted that they have approached the Treasury and the RBZ so that the Ministry will not fall back with international institutions.
5.0 Summary of Recommendations Your Committee recommends that:
5.1 The Government must revise the budgetary allocations to meet the developmental benchmarks as provided by the Constitution such as the 5% allocation to local authorities in accordance with Section 301:3.
5.2 The council of chiefs vote should receive separate estimates of revenue and expenditure as provided for in Section
305:3(d) of the Constitution.
5.3 The Government should promote interaction of ministries as this helps in addressing critical issues such as disaster management.
5.4 The Ministry should urgently review salaries of traditional leaders in consultation with the Council of Chiefs.
5.5 Ministry should continue hand over settlements to local authorities.
5.6 The Ministry should write a letter to the Treasury (Ministry of Finance) highlighting the technical challenges which affected the budget allocations to the Council of Chiefs.
5.7 The Government must align the budget to the Constitution regarding functionality of the Council of Chiefs.
5.8 There is need to settle the Ministry’s outstanding debt and improve revenue generation.
5.9 The Government must exercise tight price controls for the Ministry to sustain the budget and carry out its mandate successfully.
5.10 There is need to embrace PPPs and other forms of development financing in the face of Ministry budget shortfalls.
6.0 Conclusion
Your Committee remains seized with the continued trend of variances between allocations and actual disbursement to the Ministry as well as the violation of Section 305:3 (d) in regards with council of chief’s vote. As such, the Ministry of Finance should make the allocations in compliance with the Constitution. Furthermore, the alignment of budget to the Constitution needs to be expedited. However, the Ministry needs to hand-over settlements to local authorities and develop innovative ways to bridge the gap between budget allocations and the Ministry’s bid.
HON. GARWE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to submit the report on the Transport and Infrastructural Development Committee.
Introduction
The objective of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is to facilitate, provide and manage transport infrastructure networks, logistics and services efficiently for transport users.
Zimbabwe’s 2019 infrastructure investment plan places infrastructure development at the heart of achieving the objectives under the
Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP). Pursuant to being a middleincome country by 2030, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development should play a critical role by providing modern, affordable and reliable infrastructure which is useful for ease of doing business.
The Ministry bided for $361.470 million and the Treasury allocated $437.159 million, which is about 21% more than what they requested for.
Methodology
The Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural
Development, after the 2019 budget presentation by the Minister of
Finance, engaged the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in order to hear their views. The Committee sat to deliberate on the views received and came up with its own analysis of the 2019 budget after an intensive cross-examination of vote 11 of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Overview of the National Budget
Overall national budget (Consolidated Revenue Fund) is expected to change from US$7 billion in 2018 to US$10.3 billion in 2019, representing an increase of about 47%. The growth in budget was necessitated by the rebasing of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the previous 2009 base year to a new base year, 2012. Rebasing improves revenue generation capacity of the country. Of the total 2019 budget (Consolidated Revenue Fund), over 50% of the budget ($5.7 billion) will go towards recurrent expenditure while capital expenditure will constitute only 18%, which is still very low. Employment costs contribute the largest share of recurrent expenditure (over 49% of recurrent expenditure).
Transport and Infrastructural Development
The budget allocation for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development (Vote 11: Consolidated Revenue Fund) increased significantly from US$87.5 million in 2018 to US$399.182 million in 2019, representing an increase of 356%. The total allocation to the Ministry or its budget share has significantly increased by 300% from 1.3% in 2018 to 3.9% of the total budget in 2019.
The share of capital expenditure in the Ministry’s allocation increased by 10% from 86.5% in 2018 to 96.5% in 2019. Employment costs are expected to increase from $8.701 million in 2018 to $9.652 in 2019. The increase in employment costs is more pronounced in road infrastructure development where the demand for casual labour is likely to increase.
The Ministry’s major achievements in 2018 are listed in box 1 below.
Box 1: Major Achievements of the Ministry in 2018
- Completed temporary office complex, inspection workshop, civil works and hill start at VID Rusape.
- Completed temporary office complex, weighbridges and inspection workshop, civil works on access roads and holding bays at VID Beitbridge.
- Installed Electronic Passenger Personal Insurance Cover note on the computerised platform.
- Integrated CVR and ZINARA vehicle registration data.
- Completed construction of hill start at VID Belvedere.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development prioritises the following policies for 2019: o Road infrastructure and transportation
- Transport infrastructure development o Integrating governance and risk control o Enhancing revenue generation, efficiency and productivity.
Road dualisation, rehabilitation and upgrading has been prioritised and $372.919 million has been allocated for this in the 2019 budget.
The Beitbridge-Chirundu highway has remained a major concern to the
Government. Some prioritised parastatals and departments in the
Ministry include VID & CVR, CAAZ, NHS, NRZ, CMED and Air
Zimbabwe. NRZ, ZINARA and CAAZ will go under restructuring while National handling Services and RMS are to be considered under partial privatisation, joint ventures, partnerships or listings.
The Ministry’s four programmes are budgeted as follows in 2019:
Table 1: Ministry’s Budget Allocation by Programme
Programme | Consolidated Revenue Fund ($m) |
Policy and administration | 19.752 |
Road infrastructure and transportation | 372.919 |
Rail & Aviation Infrastructure Development | 10.154 |
A detailed description of Fiscal Road Development Programme and Road Fund Projects is presented in Annexures I and II of the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan. The Ministry reported that in addition to road infrastructure development, the 2019 National Budget has allocated funds for:
- Construction of inspection workshops in Bindura, Chitungwiza and
Harare and transport management Centre complex in Harare; o Lake navigation (construction of control tower, staff accommodation and offices, control vessel and weather station at
Tokwe Mukorsi, Binga and Victoria Falls); o Construction of a control tower at J. M. Nkomo Airport and expansion of R. G. M Airport; and o NRZ and Air Zimbabwe rehabilitation through IATA clearing house rejoining fees.
Ministry Submissions
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural development indicated that the 2019 National Budget allocation is sufficient for the
Ministry’s proposed 2019 activities. However, the officials pointed out that it is important to note that budget resources are transferred to the Ministry in the form of RTGS. Hence, it is important to understand the budget’s limitation in servicing external debt in the absence of adequate foreign currency.
Submissions from the Ministry officials indicated that a potential partner in rail infrastructure willing to invest US$400 million was identified and negotiations are under way. The Ministry is currently doing due diligence in evaluating the potential contract with the partner. Air Zimbabwe debt has continued to haunt the parastatal. Although the Government will take over Air Zimbabwe debt, the Ministry indicated that this will be just in principle since the Government requested the Ministry to provide a full plan to roll out the entity in order to avoid similar problems in the future.
Despite having funding resources, the establishment of a dry port
in Namibia has been hampered by lack of foreign currency to pay for services provided by foreign contractors. In addition to lack of foreign currency to fund foreign services, the Ministry indicated that employment freeze is negatively affecting its desire to achieve its targets. For instance, it was reported that the establishment of more inland waters navigation towers is hindered by understaffed departments in the Ministry.
The Ministry officials reported that most of the parastatals under their Ministry were not considered for privatisation, mergers or partnerships because of strategic and technical reasons. However, Air Zimbabwe is considered under privatisation in the 2019 Infrastructure Development Plan.
Committee Observations
The Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural
Development observed that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development generates significant Government revenue and hence the approved expenditure target for the Ministry was satisfactory. However, one observation was that although budget figures are in United States dollars, budget resources have been mostly transferred to ministries in the form of RTGS, making it difficult for the Ministry to fund projects that require external services or foreign currency.
The Committee noted that many roads and bridges in the country are in a poor state. Therefore, despite a limited fiscal space, there is need for the Ministry to intervene in all constituencies. The Committee observed the need for a balanced development where local people are allowed to determine what gets built as clearly articulated in the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan.
The Committee is concerned about the subdued response to development of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway and the rise in accident-related death. It was observed that previous proposals by Committee towards reducing road carnage such as establishing rehabilitation centres for victims of road accidents using a portion of the third party insurance have not been fruitful due to lack of convergence amongst stakeholders. Furthermore, there has been no progress in mounting speed monitoring cameras along highways.
The Committee observed that computerisation of VID and CVR has continued to receive less attention from the budget.
The Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural development applauded the Government for setting aside resources to construct a control tower and staff accommodation and offices at Tokwe-Mukorsi. However, the Committee recognises several inland waters requiring similar services such as Lake Chivero, Darwendale and other in land dams. In this regard, the Committee found it prudent for the Government to exempt the Ministry from an employment freeze in order to effectively provide the required services for inland waters.
One of the observations from the Committee was that very few parastatals and departments under the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural development were included under parastatal reforms. These are NRZ, ZINARA and CAAZ which will undergo restructuring while National Handling Services and RMS will be under privatisation, partnerships or mergers. The Committee noted that some parastatals such as Air Zimbabwe and NRZ require urgent attention from the budget. Rehabilitation of these parastatals must be prioritised.
The Committee noted the importance of implementation. The Committee observed that similar previously proposed solutions have not been utilised due to lack of implementation in the previous budgets. In addition to this, the Committee observed that there are no clear performance indicators for some of the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural Development’s programmes, for example roads infrastructure development and transportation. Clearly defined performance indicators assist Parliamentary Portfolio Committees to effectively monitor and evaluate performance of national budgets.
In this view, the Committee suggested recommendations based on how best can the approved resources be used by the Ministry.
Recommendations
- The Committee recommends the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to prioritise road infrastructure development in order to reduce road carnage and improve Government revenue. The following are the specific recommendations to the Ministry:
- Development of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway must be
prioritised; o While welcoming local resource mobilisation strategy for the development of the road, the Committee recommends the
Government to effectively supervise the project; o The Committee recommends a speed installation of sophisticated technological equipment along highways to monitor crimes committed by motorists; o The Committee recommends ring-fencing of remittances to Traffic Safety Council and insurance levies for all transport-related insurances. These resources should be used for traffic awareness (education) campaigns and fencing along all highways to reduce road carnages; o The Committee recommends an increase in road access fees paid by foreign motorists and a reduction of the said fees paid by
returning residents; o In view of increased permanent injuries resulting from fatal road accidents, the Committee recommends duty-free importation of all equipment used by disabled persons; o The transport system in Zimbabwe cannot continue to be dominated by combis and mushikashikas which have a significant contribution to road carnages. The Committee therefore recommends a reduction of duty for all buses from 45% to 5%. The Committee further recommends that imported second hand vehicles must not exceed 10 years; o Billboards are erected to attract the attention of motorists. Therefore, the Committee recommends that a share of revenue from billboards be directed towards road rehabilitation; o As part of their corporate social responsibility, mining houses must contribute towards the construction/rehabilitation of roads network around their places of operation; and also recommends that a portion of the third party insurance and all other road insurances be ring-fenced for the construction of accident victims’ rehabilitation centres.
- In relation to parastatals under the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural Development, the Committee recommends the following:
- the Committee recommends a vigorous pursuance of privatisation of Air Zimbabwe as recommended by Cabinet during the 8th
Parliament; o The Committee recommends an immediate liquidation of Air
Zimbabwe debt with IATA which is US$4.2 million; o The Committee recommends an immediate implementation of the refurbishment of RG Mugabe airport and this should include air control systems and the runway network; o The Committee recommends that NHS improve its efficiency to improve its revenue generation which also beneficial to Air
Zimbabwe; o The Committee proposes that the Government promulgates a
Statutory Instrument which empowers NRZ to be the sole
transporter of chrome ore (about 15 million tonnes) and other mineral ores to neighbouring countries. This innovation will improve revenue generation for NRZ which could be used to settle the parastatal’s debts; and o The Committee understands that NRZ has mineral claims in South Africa. The Committee recommends that NRZ through the respective ministries pursues the effective operationalisation of the mines. RMS is a perennial loss maker and a burden to NRZ. Hence, the Committee recommends that either NRZ looks for partners to turn the fortunes of RMS or close it completely.
- In terms of corporate governance, the Committee recommends the following:
- Rationalisation of similar services provided by Ministry departments and parastatals causing duplication of duties, for example, ZINARA and VID where one is responsible for invoicing and the other for collection; and
- The Committee recommends an immediate integration and computerisation of all transport management systems in the Ministry and parastatals in order to improve revenue generation and collection. A well-coordinated transport management network will also reduce corruption.
- In line with devolution and the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan, the Committee recommends the Ministry to embrace community ownership of every infrastructure project to be implemented in 2019. Communities need to be involved in these projects so that they take ownership and feel proud to drive the projects to success. For instance, when developing a road or constructing a bridge, communities must take a leading role in prioritising the road or bridge to be constructed first. General labourers and suppliers of ancillary services can be recruited from the community where the project is implemented. In other words, labour-based construction projects should be resuscitated for low-volume traffic roads.
- In terms of gender participation, the Committee recommends
that the Ministry implements the proposed projects with gender equality in mind.
- Providing safety to citizens is crucial. In this view, the Committee recommends an immediate construction of control towers in all large inland waters and the Ministry should employ staff with critical skills needed for the construction of control towers.
- In addition to budgetary resources provided for, the Committee recommends that Government considers engaging private sector through Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) and Build Operate Transfer (BOT) for large projects such as airports, trunk roads and NRZ. The Committee further recommends that the Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group and Transnet Consortium must be rigorously pursued to rehabilitate, upgrade rolling sock, signaling, tracking and ICT systems in NRZ.
- Finally, the Committee recommends that the Ministry generates clearly defined performance indicators during the implementation stage of all its projects and activities. Performance indicators will assist the Committee to execute its oversight role through monitoring and evaluation of the said milestones.
HON. GABUZZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am going to present a report or the Portfolio Committee of Energy and Power
Development.
1. Introduction
The Portfolio Committee of Energy and Power Development has an oversight responsibility over the Ministry of Energy and Power Development. The Ministry of Energy and Power Development is mandated to provide adequate and sustainable energy supply through formulating and implementing effective policies and regulatory frameworks. Post budget consultations conducted with the Ministry and its stakeholders showed that there was an increase in 2019 budget allocations to the Ministry of Energy and Power Development from the 2018 allocation.
1.1 Key Priority areas for the Ministry of Energy and Power
Development in 2019
Zimbabwe Government’s long term goal is to transform the country into an Upper Middle Income Society by 2030 (Vision 2030). This goal will be achieved through the implementation of the Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP). Energy sector has been identified as one of key enabler of achieving the goals set in the TSP and Vision 2030 and therefore the Ministry of Energy and Power Development plays a critical role in this development. The Ministry’s priorities over the period 2019 to 2021 all contribute to this. These priorities begin with balancing the Ministry budget, to control spending and to support the overall government budget. Some of the key priority areas for the Ministry of Energy and Power Development for 2019 as enshrined in TSP include the following:
- Expansion of Hwange Power Station;
- Rehabilitation of Kariba dam wall;
- Development of Deka Water Plumbing Station and Pipeline;
- Repowering of Bulawayo Thermal Power Station; and
- Development of Batoka Hydro Power Scheme;
The 2019 Budget largely mirrors the priorities outlined in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, particularly through the expenditures proposed towards power generation projects which consume the bulk of the expenditure under the energy sector. The budget is also reflective of the TSS in that the TSS outlines renewable energy (in the form of solar energy) as a priority but proposed the mobilisation of only $50 million which is targeted at rural communities and small rural businesses. In the same vein the 2019 budget indicates that the government will embark on projects for the development of solar mini grid systems in the country, at a cost of US$3.1 million.
1.2 Selected key budget measures with potential to affect the energy sector
- The fuel market is “distorted” and the country’s fuel has become relatively cheaper compared to prices obtaining in the region,
“creating an arbitrage opportunity for local consumers and transiting vehicles.”
- With effect from December 1, excise duty goes up by 7 cents per litre on diesel and paraffin and 6.5 cents on petrol.
- Power availability from existing power stations, currently ranges between 1000MW to 1600MW, against demand of 2 200MW,
necessitating power imports to cover the deficit.
- Zimbabwe’s installed generation capacity now stands at 2260MW, following the completion and commissioning of the Kariba South Expansion Project this year, which added 300MW to the national grid.
- During 2019, an amount of US$350 million will be disbursed under the China EXIM Bank loan towards the Hwange 7 and 8 Expansion Project loan, to be invested towards ongoing civil works and manufacture of electro-mechanical equipment for the project, among others. Government is expected to inject $88 million whilst Sino
Hydro will also inject $88 million.
- The Budget provision of US$1 million will support construction of 15 biogas digesters at a cost of US$0.4 million, whilst US$0.6 million will fund feasibility studies for Small Hydro Power Plants.
- Government will commence the roll out of solar mini grid systems in the country, at a cost of US$3.1 million.
1.3 Ministry of Energy and Power Development 2018 Budget Performance
While the Ministry may clamour for bigger allocations from Treasury, experience over the years has shown that Treasury does not have the capacity to meet such huge requests. Unlike in previous years,
Ministry of Energy and Power Development’s disbursements from
Treasury in 2018 exceeded the Ministry’s total budget allocation for the year. This was a result of additional money transferred to ZESA for equity participation. However, for the rest of other expenditure items, the Ministry’s actual expenditure was lower that the target expenditure for the year, implying that Treasury did not release all the funds as allocated in the 2018 budget. Figure 3 shows a comparison between approved budget allocations against budget releases from 2016 to 2018.
Figure 1: Comparison of Ministry of Energy and Power
Development’s budget allocations against budget releases (2016 to
2018)
- Analysis for the Ministry of Energy and Power
Development 2019 Budget
2.1. Overview of Ministry’s 2019 budget allocation The Ministry of Energy and Power Development was given an expenditure target of US$16.011 million from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Although the amount allocated represents a 20.18% increase from the 2018 nominal allocation of US$13.323, it remains low for a sector that has been identified as a key economic driver under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP). In addition, if the price changes are taken into account, the 2019 allocation represents a decrease in allocation.
2.1.1. Economic classification of the budget
Of the total allocation of US$16.011million, 78% (US$12.45 million) is for capital expenditure, 13% (US$2.079 million) is for current transfers and 9% (US$1.482 million) will go towards funding current expenditures for the Ministry. The current expenditure allocation will cover employment costs (56%), goods and services (25%), maintenance (10%) and programmes (9%) whilst capital expenditure allocation will finance the acquisition of fixed capital assets and equity and lending to
ZESA. Figure 2 shows the Ministry’s economic classification of the budget.
Figure 2: Ministry of Energy and Power Development 2019 Budget allocation
2.2. Implications of the 2019 Budget for the Ministry of
Energy and Power Development and the Energy Sector in
Zimbabwe
The Committee noted that although the Ministry’s budget allocation in nominal terms for 2019 is higher than its allocation in 2018. The price changes that have taken place in light of exchange rate distortions will negatively impact on the Ministry’s activities in 2019. The following are some of the implications of the 2019 budget allocation to the Ministry’s operations.
- Maintenance- The Ministry was allocated US$152 000 against a bid of US$212 000. The inadequate budget allocation for this expenditure item will greatly affect the Ministry’s operations such as supervision, monitoring and evaluation of projects under the ministry’s purview as the ministry. The situation will be worsened by the ageing fleet of vehicles which now require frequent repair and maintenance.
- Current transfers: The Ministry was allocated US$72 000 against a bid of US$136 200. The amount allocated for current transfers is inadequate considering that the Ministry has subscriptions arrears of $45 000 for 2018 to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Zimbabwe is also a member to the African Regional Cooperative
Agreement for Research , Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) where its 2016 subscriptions are also in arrears of US$7 200. Furthermore,
Zimbabwe has also membership to The International Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) where subscriptions of US$2 000 will be needed in 2019. The inadequate allocation will therefore entail that the debt obligations will remain outstanding and the country will likely lose some of the benefits from its membership in these international organisations.
- Acquisition of fixed assets - The Ministry was allocated US$100 000 for the acquisition of fixed assets. If this amount is released in full, it will go a long way in ensuring that the Ministry replaces old and broken office furniture. However the Ministry’s old and unreliable vehicles have not been taken into account. No funds have been allocated for new operational vehicles. The Ministry last got new vehicles in 2004 and currently relies on 3 cars donated by UNDP and another small car donated by ZIMRA. This will negatively affect the operations of the Ministry especially in the Provinces.
- Capital Transfers: Treasury allocated US$1.350 million towards
Ministry’s capital transfers to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Finealt Engineering. Of the $1 million allocated to REA, $400 000 will be for funding the institutional bio digesters, US$500 000 will go towards funding Small Hydro Power Plants Feasibility Studies and the balance of $100 000 will fund solar micro grid project which will also be financed REA internal resources. Finealt Engineering will get $300 000 which is meant for Nyakadecha
Jatropha Plantation project.
- Lending and equity: - The Ministry was allocated US$11 million for equity and lending to ZESA against a requirement of US$80 million. The $80 million was meant for financing Hwange 7 and 8 expansion projects. If Treasury had availed this amount it would have reduced the debt burden to ZESA as it would reduce funding from loans which attracts interest. In addition, the following ZESA requests were not provided for in the 2019 budget:
o Procurement and installation of transformers - $7.77 million o Procurement and installation of Remote Terminal Units
(RTUs)- $500 000 o Gweru –Beitbridge Fibre Project (Powertel)- $2.3 million
- Renewable Energy programmes- Estimated expenditure on programmes that promote renewable energy however remain unchanged and subdued. Under the Programmes Budget Line, Biogas technology and Small hydropower development were allocated $10,000 each in 2018 and the same amount in 2019. Whilst there is an overall increase of 92.8% in the total allocation under programmes there is need to pay more attention to the programmes targeting promotion of renewable energy.
3. Recommendations
The Committee on Energy and Power Development is of the view that the 2019 National Budget should have fully incorporated input from the Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development and other stakeholders in the energy sector. The Committee is of the view that there are some outstanding areas which if addressed, will unlock the full potential of the industry, deepen the inclusivity and maximise its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. In light of this, the Committee recommends the following measures which it feels will raise revenue in the sector and contribute to economic growth:
3.1. Capacitation of ZESA Enterprises (ZENT)
The Committee noted with concern that Treasury did not allocate funding to ZESA for the procurement of transformers which are critical for electricity distribution. Furthermore, no funding was proposed for lending to ZESA to support the manufacture of transformers by ZESA Enterprises. In light of serious foreign currency shortages currently prevailing in the country, the Committee recommends that government must consider capacitating ZENT so that it increases production of transformers and other related products to meet domestic demand as well as exporting to other countries. Research have shown that during the last 5 years, ZENT has exported transformers worth more than US$8 million to Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the past 3 years, ZENT has completed 8 high voltage (7 x 33/11kV and 1 x 132kV/11kV) substations with a total capacity of 320MVA valued at US$32 million. The company is venturing into manufacturing the modern 132kV monopole power line. Therefore the capacitation of ZENT will help in reducing foreign currency outflows through imports.
3.2. Review the Biodiesel Project
Consultations with Ministry of Energy and Power Development and Finealt Engineering Officials revealed that the over the years, Finealt Engineering has been engaging technical experts drawn from local universities who have been testing different varieties of jatropha plants with a view to establishing those suitable to individual regions of Zimbabwe. They also sought to establish exact varieties that give the best yield per hectare. Currently, they are taking the project to a higher level of commercialisation. From the analysis presented to the
Committee, it became clear that the project is facing viability challenges ranging from shortage of jatropha seeds which then result in high production costs of 97 cents per litre against an international average cost of between 43 cents and 54 cents per litre. In light of these challenges, the Committee recommends that the project proposal of this project be relooked at before the government commits itself in providing the firm with guarantee for a $12 million loan from IRENA which the firm is currently pursuing. The Committee is also of the view that the employment budget paid to Finealt Engineering should be linked to output. An alternative will be for the $12 million loan from IRENA to be redirected to fund solar energy projects in schools.
3.3. Allocate funds for the purchase of vehicles
Ministry of Energy and Power Development raised concern over the failure by Treasury to provide funding for the purchase of vehicles in the 2018 and 2019 budgets. This has negative impacts on the monitoring and evaluation activities by the Ministry of some projects under the
Ministry’s portfolio. The Committee on Energy and Power Development recommends that Treasury should make provision for the purchase of vehicles in the current budget or at least consider providing enough resources under the maintenance budget of the Ministry to ensure that in the medium term the ageing fleet is well maintained whilst resources for the purchase of new vehicles are being mobilized.
3.4. Government plays a leading role in paying its electricity costs to ZESA
The Committee noted that ZETDC is owed a large amount of money by its customers. This situation undermines the parastatal’s capacity to pay for emergency power supplies, undertake critical maintenance and develop new capacity for both generation and transmission infrastructure. It is saddening to note that Government has also contributed to the problems facing ZETDC by failing to pay its bills. The Committee therefore recommends that in 2019, Government takes a leadership role by paying up its electricity bills arrears. Finally, Government should allow ZESA to install prepaid meters to all electricity users irrespective of one’s status in the society. This will improve revenue collection by ZESA and instill discipline in the use of electricity.
Future projects should include funding for distribution infrastructure
The Committee noted with concern that in some cases electricity consumers are failing to benefit from the power expansion projects due to unavailability of prepaid meters and transmitters. In light of this, the Committee recommends that future national projects such as Batoka, Sino-Hydro should include the supply of prepaid and transmitters to ensure quick recovery of funds committed to the projects.
4. Conclusion
While the Committee of Energy and Power Development welcomes the budget allocation, the Committee strongly feels that the potential of the energy sector to optimize its contribution to the socioeconomic development of the country can be fully unlocked if Treasury plays its part. This can be done through the timeously releasing of funds and resolving a number of outstanding issues which the Committee has raised in this report. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. MAYIHLOME: Madam Speaker Ma’am, I rise to present
the budget analysis for the Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home
Affairs and Security Services. In coming up with this report, your
Committee heard oral evidence from the Ministry of Defence,
Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, War Veterans
Association on one hand as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs,
Zimbabwe Republic Police, Immigration Control, Registrar General’s Office, National Archives and National Museums and Monuments. I will go straight to the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Vote 4.
The Ministry did not fully achieve its targets in 2018 due to perennial funding challenges. The Army and Air Force are a creation of the constitution with a requirement to be adequately funded so that they meet the desired statutory and constitutional obligations. In 2019, the Ministry was allocated $546.939m but $476.1m is earmarked for employment costs, leaving a paltry balance of $70.9m to cover other inescapable expenditures. Specific allocations were as follows:
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)
The ZNA was allocated $395.64m inclusive of employment costs. However, salaries alone take $339.664m but were not adjusted for inflation. The amount is inadequate to ensure soldiers’ welfare considering that there are new recruits in addition to existing soldiers’ who need to be paid salaries and other allowances. The $55.98m balance after deducting employment costs caters for other expenditures is far short of the ZNA’s actual bid of $259.49m.
The following key expenditure items were grossly underfunded yet they are constitutional requirements:
- Rations: A total of $7.89m was allocated for rations against a requirement of $139.98m. This implies that on average a soldier will survive on $0.62 per day.
- Uniforms: A paltry $3.63m allocated for this item is far below the minimum requirement. Inadequately kitted soldiers will portray a bad image to the world regarding the dignity of Zimbabwe’s soldiers.
- Medical Services: Just $1.08m was allocated for medical services, meaning that each soldier and the dependents will be entitled to $2.50 per month as medical cover.
- Travel and Subsistence: Travel and subsistence (T&S) allowances were last paid in 2009 but will remain a liability to the government since they will be claimed by members on retirement.
- Training and Development: The $1m that was allocated is inadequate to meet the basic standards for training.
- Maintenance: $9.37m was allocated against an ideal requirement of $60.67m, and is grossly inadequate to improve gallery ranges, upgrade the ZNA buildings and facilities and maintain its technical equipment.
- Equipment: A total of $76.56m would be enough to cover all new acquisitions but only $12.94m was eventually allocated to purchase new assets such as computers, furniture, motor vehicles and fittings to replace the old ones.
- Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP): All the 26 new and existing high impact PSIP projects will remain work in progress since Treasury thinly spread the allocation across the projects. The demining exercise which missed three deadlines will definitely fail to be completed in time given that only $0.5m was allocated.
- Legacy Debt: There is still an outstanding domestic debt on utility bills amounting to $32m and foreign debt of $54m which has no provision in the proposed budget for 2019 financial year.
Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ)
- The AFZ was allocated $75.424m for 2019 but $42m is meant for employment costs, leaving a balance of $33.5m for other expenditure items. However, the amount earmarked for employment costs did not take into account the military salary scale approved by the Defence Forces Services
Commission and the Health Services Board.
- Rations: Rations for the AFZ soldiers remain grossly underfunded. If a daily rate of $5per soldier is used, the ideal requirement to cover rations would be $7.2m and yet they were only allocated just $3.555m to cater for all institutional provisions.
- Uniforms: Additional funding is also required to adequately provide uniforms and other kits since this is a constitutional obligation.
- Medical services: Treasury allocated just $2m to cater for medical supplies but this is not sufficient to adequately cover medical requirements for the VVIP wing at Manyame Base Hospital.
- Travel expenses: The AFZ requires $1.8m to cater for all foreign travel expenses but was allocated $0.2m which cannot cover all the foreign travel expenses such as allowances, travel tickets and
- Equipment: The AFZ require a supplementary budget for the procurement of military equipment. The $4.545m that was allocated for this expenditure item is too little to meet the procurement needs of the AFZ.
- Physical Infrastructure: Approximately $6m is needed for this sub vote. The $1.2m which Treasury allocated is 20% of the ideal requirement because maintenance of military equipment is very expensive.
[Time Limit]
HON. CHIDHAKWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I move that the Hon. Member’s time be extended.
HON. MAMOMBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
HON. MAYIHLOME: Thank you Madam Speaker.
- Office Furniture: Office furniture for all bases and Air Force headquarters is in a sorry state and as such, more funding is required for the procurement of furniture and equipment, motor vehicles, air ranks houses and new construction works.
The allocated $12.949m is not adequate.
- Aviation fuel: Aviation fuel, diesel and petrol as well as lubricants are critical requirements to keep the AFZ aloft, hence require adequate funding to the tune of $4m, but just $1.142m was allocated and is not enough to purchase these expensive items.
- Maintenance: Just like in the ZNA, the AFZ construction and maintenance works at various bases were allocated paltry amounts that would not result in a speedy progress towards their completion.
4. War Veterans
There is a proposed Bill that may see additional war veterans and war collaborators and ex-detainees being registered, yet no funds were set aside to cater for their welfare.
5. Recommendations
Against the background of the above observations, your
Committee recommends the following:
- Treasury should take over and ring-fence all the Ministry’s outstanding debts with a view to have them paid up so as to restore good relationship with suppliers.
- Institutional provisions should be adequately financed to guarantee discharge of statutory obligation by the Ministry. In particular, rations, medical services, uniforms, travel and subsistence allowances, training and accommodation necessary and critical requirements for ensuring sustained operations of the forces in discharging their mandate.
- PSIP projects require full funding to expedite their completion.
- Enough funds should be allocated and timeously released towards the acquisition of capital assets and maintenance works to ensure our Defence Forces are kept at combat capability levels that keep them operational and deployable whenever situations requiring sovereign defence arise.
- Treasury should prioritise the demining exercise which missed several deadlines.
- All salaries and allowances for the Army and Air Force personnel should be enough to cover their welfare as they carry out their mandate while war veterans allowances should be kept reasonable to ensure sustenance of their welfare.
- Treasury should fully support the Zimbabwe Defence Industries and David Whitehead to avoid foreign currency requirement on importation of consumables, raw material and rations.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS AND CULTURE- VOTE 18
($553 161 000)
- Global Overview and Analysis of the Ministry’s 2019 Budget
Treasury allocated $553.161m to the Ministry. Eighty percent (80%) of this amount ($428.098m) caters for employment costs. The balance of $125.063m only remains for operations. This amount is inadequate to fund the Ministry’s priority expenditure items for its departments. The Ministry is expected to raise funds amounting to $35.339m. However, these funds are deposited into the Consolidated
Revenue Fund and are unavailable for direct use by the departments.
7. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Budget Analysis
- Goods and Services: A total of $95.8m is required to cover rations and travel and subsistence allowances but Treasury allocated approximately $6.6m for these key expenditure items including T&S allowances which were last paid in 2009 forcing police to use their own resources or to beg from the public to execute their duties.
- Training: The $3.7m that was allocated for this item is surely not adequate to fund the relevant training programmes. This is important to improve the competences of police officers.
- Uniforms: The ZRP is a uniformed service hence police officers must be provided with a complete kit that includes uniforms and relevant tools of trade since this is a statutory requirement. The ideal allocation to meet this requirement would have been $4.5m.
- Communication and other equipment: Treasury allocated a paltry $2.8m for this item against an ideal requirement of $9.98m in light of the need for speed control gadgets, drones, National Control Centre, cameras, scanners and forensic equipment.
- Purchase of Vehicles: For increased mobility and visibility, 5 205 vehicles are required to meet the approved ZRP establishment of 7 000 vehicles for its operational units. The $11.3m that was allocated for this item is not enough.
- Equipment: The ZRP should be fully allocated its $5m to acquire forensic laboratory equipment, $58.6m to bankroll electronic traffic management system, $4.7m to establishing the uniformed Police Unit and $4.6m to acquire public order equipment.
g. PSIP projects
The police have 57 stations which were built using wooden modules, and they urgently need reconstruction using modern bricks. Similarly, all construction projects and maintenance works under the ZRP which had stalled for a long time are of high priority hence should be well funded to solve accommodation and office space challenges.
There are 27 000 members of the ZRP who do not have access to institutional accommodation.
8. Registrar General's Office
- The Registrar General has not yet received a paper used for the production of national certificates which it imported 2 years ago due to delayed release of foreign currency. This has led to a 6 months backlog of 170 000 passports.
- The Registrar General has a shortfall amounting to $3.3m required for computerisation.
9. National Archives
Funds are needed to start electronic management of documents for national archiving in an easily accessible manner but were not adequately catered for.
10. Immigration Control
The department needs to be fully computerised so as to be compatible for online visa applications and processing and admissions and to be compliant with other immigration requirements elsewhere in the world. There is also need to improve staff houses and offices at the border posts particularly at Kazungula.
11. Summary Analysis
Just like the ZNA and AFZ, the ZRP is a creation of the
Constitution. Most of the requirements of this institution are statutorily prescribed. Thus, the budget provision that fall below the minimum threshold affects the operational capability of the organisation. Equipping officers with basic tools and accessories is critical in discharge of their constitutional mandate. Failure to meet their subsistence and travel allowances compromises their performance and creates potential national security risks.
12. Recommendations of Budget Allocation for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage
- The ZRP should be fully funded so that it can be fully equipped with up-to-date and modest assets, facilities and equipment. Treasury should therefore come up with a supplementary budget to adequately cover high impact expenditure items that lead to improved efficiency and operational effectiveness of the Ministry. These expenditure items include:
- The computerisation and digitalisation of process in all departments, ii. Acquisition of capital assets such as patrol vehicles and helicopters, drones and balloons, scanners and minerals detectors.
iii. Procurement of furniture and equipment for the Forensic
Science laboratory, iv. Completing the construction, upgrading and maintenance of accommodation and office facilities in various stations throughout the country.
- Operationalising the Formed Police Unit Maintenance.
- Treasury should clear all the $24m outstanding debt for the
ZRP in time.
- The retention funds should be managed by the Ministry (not by Treasury) to guarantee access of the funds as and when needed.
- All institutional items should be fully funded.
- Treasury should adequately support income generating projects like farming to ensure self-sufficiency by the
Ministry and reduce continued dependence on Treasury.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MADIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 5th December, 2018
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the House revertc to Notice of presentation of Bill Number 2.
HON. MADIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
FIRST READING
FINANCE (NO. 2) BILL
THE MINISTER OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS, COMMUNITY,
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT (HON.
NYONI) on behalf of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE)
presented the Finance (No. 2) Bill [H. B. 9, 2018].
Bill read the first time.
Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. N.
NDLOVU, the House adjourned at Twenty Four minutes to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 4th December, 2018
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
SUBMISSION OF CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)
RETURNS
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): I wish to
inform the House that in terms of Article 14 of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Constitution as read together with Article 18 of the Accounting Officers’ manual, the Constituency Development Committees are required to submit their returns to Parliament on a quarterly basis. To date, only 62 out of 97 Members of Parliament who retained their seats have so far submitted or partially submitted their returns. Consequently, all returning Members of Parliament who have not submitted their returns will not access funding for 2018 until they comply with provisions of the CDF Constitution and the Accounting Officers’ Manual. The CDF allocation for 2018 is now ready for disbursement.
CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEES THE ACTING SPEAKER: I also wish to inform the House of the following changes to membership of Portfolio Committees:
Hon. Torerayi Moyo to serve on the Portfolio Committee on
Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. B. Seremwe to serve on the
Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and
Technology Development; Hon. S. Mandiwanzira to serve on Portfolio
Committees on Information Communication Technology and Courier Services and Information, Media and Broadcasting Services; Hon. P. Togarepi to move from Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance and Economic Development to the Public Accounts Committee; Hon.
Sansole to serve on the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce;
Hon. D. Sibanda to serve on the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Hon. Tsunga to serve on the Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology
Development.
VERIFICATION OF BIO-DATA INFORMATION
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I also have to inform the House that all Hon. Members who handed in their bio-data forms to the Public Relations Department are kindly requested to collect them so as to verify the details on the forms before they are uploaded on the website. Public Relations Officers will be stationed in the Members Bar between 1400 hours and 1630 hours from today up to Thursday, 6th December 2018.
The deadline for the correction of the information is Friday, 7th
December, 2018.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, I move that Notices of Motion
Numbers 1 and 2 be stood over pending the arrival of the Ministers.
HON. GONESE: I have an objection Hon. Speaker. We are all aware that on the 22nd of November 2018, there was a presentation of the Budget by the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development. He sought leave to bring in a Finance Bill to make a provision for the revenues and public funds of Zimbabwe.
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is my submission that this is a very important matter and I believe that the Hon. Minister of Finance should have given priority to this debate.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. The motion
that you are talking about is not the one that we want to debate.
HON. GONESE: It is because Hon. Togarepi’s motion is to stand over Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2. I am very clear Mr. Speaker Sir. The motion by the Hon. Government Chief Whip is to stand over Order of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2. Order of the Day, Number 1 relates to the motion for leave to bring in a Finance Bill. I am very clear on that.
I am objecting to standing over Order of the Day, Numbers 1 and 2. That is my point. We all know that on Tuesdays, apart from Government business taking precedence over all other matters, it is also imperative that when we have a motion for leave to bring in a Finance Bill – that is a matter of urgent importance and one would have expected your Hon. Minister to ask his principle. In the past, we have had a situation where Hon. Ministers who have got important Bills to present to this august House have been excused from Parliament.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Gonese, what you are talking
about is Notice of Presentation of Bill.
HON. GONESE: It is alright, I stand guided Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: The Hon. Member has actually
understood that the point he had raised is not relating to the presentation of Bills. So, we can now move to the first Order of the Day.
HON. CHIKWINYA: I rise on a point of privilege Mr. Speaker, in terms of Section 68 (d) and read together with Section 69. Hon.
Speaker, today is World Aids Day and the nation joins the international community in celebrating and commemorating the efforts which have been done by the World Health Organisation and our Government in trying to curb the disease.
As a practice Hon. Speaker, the Ministry of Health and Child Care would visit Parliament, conduct voluntary counseling and testing to Hon. Members of Parliament as role models of our society so that we destigmatise the disease within our community.
I would therefore urge you Hon. Speaker, to communicate with the Minister of Health and Child Care that he provides the same services so that we are seen as Parliament to be the leaders in destigmatising this disease. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much. That has been noted Hon. Chikwinya.
HON. SIKHALA: On a point of privilege Mr. Speaker Sir -
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- THE ACTING SPEAKER: It is noted.
HON. SIKHALA: Hon. Chinotimba, did you not hear the Speaker giving the ruling? On a point of privilege Mr. Speaker Sir. As we are seated here as Hon. Members of Parliament, the country is confronted with a crisis of gigantic proportion. The fuel crisis that is currently being experienced in our country Your Worship, is affecting ...
- [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Hon.
Chinotimba, order please. Can you approach the Chair Hon. Sikhala?
Yes, I gave you the floor Hon. Sikhala.
HON. SIKHALA: Mr. Speaker Sir...
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. - [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]- It is for his own benefit Mr. Speaker. His shirt is too small. He cannot stand here and parade his bosom. I ask Mr.
Speaker, that before he addresses you he takes care of the decorum of Parliament. He cannot come here and speak about the shortage of commodities with a big belly outside his shirt. –[HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Nduna, I will give you the floor after Hon. Sikhala. - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
HON. NDUNA: The horse will have bolted Mr. Speaker –[HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- He needs to sort out his shirt Mr.
Speaker.
HON. SIKHALA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. The point of privilege that I was raising is that, may the Minister of Energy and Power Development provide a statement to Members of Parliament tomorrow, on how he is going to mitigate the state of affairs vis-à-vis the fuel crisis that we are facing in this country. So, we request that tomorrow Wednesday, the 5th of December 2018 is the day when
Ministers come to this House. May the Minister of Energy and Power Development Hon. Jorum Gumbo bring a Ministerial Statement tomorrow to tell the country how we are going to mitigate over the fuel crisis that our people are facing. This is my submission Mr. Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon.
Member. Noted Hon. Members.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am guided accordingly. However, my point of privilege is based on Section 68 as read with Section 69 of the Standing Rules and Orders and it speaks to and about the decorum of Parliament. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is common cause that when we do come into Parliament, we are supposed to be cleared in a certain form which displays not half-heartedly, the manner in which we are supposed to conduct ourselves, both gender across the political divide.
However Mr. Speaker Sir, it is with a heavy heart that I stand here and speak to and about Hon. Sikhala who is dressed in half the shirt. -
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Speak to me Hon. Member.
HON. NDUNA: Mr. Speaker Sir, the reason why we are supposed
to come in a jacket and tie, is not to exhibit traits or to exhibit our bosoms. Being a Member of Parliament that has been in Parliament before, Hon. Sikhala needs no education on the decorum, behaviour and dress code of Parliament. It is unfortunate Mr. Speaker Sir and very regrettable that a Member of such a stature – next time do not allow him to debate if he is not properly dressed.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Member
– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Order in the House.
HON. GONESE: It is a different one altogether, if you can hear me out Hon. Speaker.
HON. GONESE: It is a different one altogether. If you can just hear me out Mr. Speaker Sir. I am rising on a matter of privilege and that is a right of privilege on behalf of all 87 Members of the National
Assembly representing the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance.
On the 22nd of November, 2018 an incident occurred in this august House whereby the Chair called on the police to eject Members of
Parliament from the Movement of Democratic Change - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]- I want to bring it to the attention of the Chair that yesterday - if you can allow me. Mr. Speaker Sir, I have not even articulated my point. A letter was written to the Speaker of the National Assembly yesterday the 3rd of December 2018 bringing to his attention the fact that the action by the Chair in calling on the police was in violation of the Standing Orders of this House. That is the point I am making Mr. Speaker Sir.
On the day in question. the purported conduct of the Hon. Members of this side of the House which led to the Hon. Speaker unprocedurally and illegally calling upon the police to eject Members from this august House was not based on any precedent, either in our jurisdiction or in jurisdictions with similar practices. In our neighbour, South Africa there was a similar incident and when the matter went to their courts, it was ruled that it was unprocedural and unconstitutional to call upon members of the police to come into the Chamber.
If you look at the Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act, Members of Parliament have got rights and privileges which they are entitled to exercise. In terms of Section 59 just like all Zimbabweans, Hon Members of Parliament have got freedom of expression. In terms of the Standing Orders, there is no specific rule which requires Hon.
Members to stand for anyone other than the Hon Speaker, when the Speaker walks with his procession.
The President of ZANU PF is not a Member of Parliament – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - There are specific occasions – let me just finish. I am still on a matter of privilege – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon Members. Order in the House, Hon. Members standing at the back. The letter that you are talking about was only written over the weekend and I am very well informed that the Hon. Speaker is well versed in the matter and he will be coming back to answer to that later. At the moment can you stay put?
HON. MUSABAYANA: Mr. Speaker Sir. I am rising on the point of privilege. The Hon. Member is referring to the Head of State as a President of ZANU PF. He has to withdraw that.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order in the House Hon. Members.
Order.
MOTION
FINANCE BILL: BUDGET DEBATE
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion for leave to be granted to bring in a Finance Bill.
Question again proposed.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to present a
Committee Report on the analysis of the 2019 National Budget. The
2019 National Budget themed “Austerity for Prosperity” was presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Mthuli Ncube on 22nd November, 2018. The Budget is influenced by the country’s long term goal of transforming the country into an Upper
Middle-Income society known as Vision 2030. To achieve this vision,
Government developed a short-term stabilisation strategy – the
Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) to run from October 2018 to
December 2020. The TSP’s immediate objective is macro and fiscal stabilisation and laying a solid foundation for attaining strong, sustainable and shared growth.
The budget presentation was in compliance with Section 305 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Section 28(1) of the Public Finance
Management Act [Chapter 22:19]. The Budget adheres to the PFMA, the Reserve Bank Act [Chapter 22:14] as well as the Public Debt
Management Act [Chapter 22:21] with regard to fiscal targets on level of budget deficit, Central Bank lending to Government and public debt. Moreover, an allocation of US$30m to Provincial and Local tiers of
Government is in compliance with Chapter 14 and Section 301(3) of the
Constitution which provides for allocation of “not less than give cent of the national revenues raised in any financial year to the provinces and local authorities as their share in that year”.
The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee sought and received stakeholder reactions on the 2019 Budget from the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Chamber of Mines (COM). Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development, Zimbabwe Council of Churches and the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC). The consultations were done against a backdrop of budget input obtained from public bearings done in compliance with Section 28(5) of the PFMA [Chapter 22:19].
Extent to which Committee Recommendation were
Incorporated into the Budget
The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee commends the Minister for incorporating some of the Committee recommendations into the 2019 Budget. These include;
- Revoking the retention authority for retention funds created in line with Section 18 of the PFMSso that all revenue is deposited in the consolidated revenue fund in line with Sec 302 of the Constitution-
(paragraph183);
- Commitment to review the Command Agriculture financing mechanism with a view of sharing the burden between Government and the private sector (Paragraph 278);
- Availing US$5.3 million to facilitate more surveys required for granting 99 year leases. There is however need to make these leases bankable assets, as recommended by the bankers or transferrable;
- Allocating $300 million towards rehabilitation of the BeitbridgeMasvingo which is expected to cost US$1.2 billion and to be funded from an Infrastructure Bond,(Paragraph 392-402);
- Allocating US$310 million to Provincial and local tiers in line with
Chapter 14 of the Constitution (Paragraph 661);
- Allocating US$686.9 million (inclusive of health levy) to ensure that the referral system is re-established in order to reduce bottlenecks being experienced at tertiary and central hospitals (Paragraph 483).
- Suspending duty and tax on sanitary wear for a period of 12 months beginning 1 December 2018 (Paragraph 837-838) and proposal to exempt imports of sanitary ware from Value Added Tax;
- Suspending Duty on Goods for use by Physically Challenged
Persons (Paragraphs 839-844);
- Efforts towards establishing a One Stop Investment Centre which has been on the cards for more than 10 years. There is acknowledgement
of cabinet approval of the establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), through amalgamation of investment agencies. Action is however needed beyond the usual rhetoric; and
- Restructuring AGRIBANK to revert back to its core functions of financing agriculture.
HON. CHIKWINYA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker. Thank you Hon. Speaker. We are debating the most important Government policy, which is the National Budget. The presenter of that Budget, who is the Minister, is not here. The Chief Whip of ZANU PF in this Parliament had indicated that the motion be stood over until the Minister arrives in Parliament in respect of the nation and the importance of the work before us. So, I see it as disrespectful of Parliament by either the Minister himself or the Government in its entirety for us to debate this motion in his absence. How is he going to respond? – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – How is he going to hear our input? So, I propose that we abide by the Chief Whip of ZANU PF‘s assertions that we stood over this motion until the Minister arrives. In fact we are aware that the Minister has resigned.
An Hon. Member having stood up to give a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have not given a response to the
point of order raised. Thank you. Hon. Chikwinya, please be informed that the Hon. Minister gave his apologies as he is away on Government business – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – His officers are present and taking notes of the debate that is going on. So, the debate will be presented in the Hansard.
Hon. P. D. Sibanda having stood up to give a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Please Hon. Sibanda we have come
here for Parliamentary business not points of order – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I have made a ruling.
Hon. Sibanda was asked to approach the Chair.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I will proceed
with my report.
1.1 The introduction of the Infrastructure Investment Plan as part of the budget documents is also commendable. The relevant Ministries must provide timely and relevant updates on the implementation of the projects as required by the PFMA (Section 32,33 and 34). Transparency in both procuring of the projects as well as consistent and timely feedback on project implementation will help to get the right service providers at the right cost and avoid costly project overruns. Parliament must take note of all the proposed projects and provide effective oversight of budget implementation
1.2 The Committee is however concerned that the Minister did not consider some very pertinent Committee recommendations including:
- Government re-applying for re-admission into the London Bullion
Market Association (LBMA) for selling Gold; ii. Including a Charter of Fiscal responsibilities on the budget pack presented by the Minister to Parliament, as per the Hon. Speakers
call;
iii. Establishing a well-resourced cancer hospital or introducing a cancer levy; iv. Supporting teacher training in local languages especially for Kariba,
Binga and Beitbridge among other places;
- Introducing an Education Equalisation Fund to fund rural education and development; vi. Ring-fencing revenue from the reconsidered 2% per dollar tax to fund the provision of social services and social safety nets; vii. Expeditious auctioning of Government property to ensure that it does not lose out from depreciation of assets.
2. ANALYSIS OF THE 2017 BUDGET
2.1 Credibility of projections in the Budget
2.1.1 The Committee observes that the 2019 overall growth projection of 3.1 % may be difficult to achieve, given the challenges the economy is facing such as foreign currency supply and allocation inefficiencies, exchange rate misalignment, inflationary pressures and reduced aggregate demand. The Committee is also of the view that the budget deficit of $1.6 billion in 2019 from US$2.8 billion in 2018 is ambitious given the prevailing macroeconomic environment and tight fiscal space.
2.1.2 Inflation is projected to close at 25.9% in 2018 from an initial budget target of 3.01%. In 2019, inflation is projected to close at 5% and to increase to 5.5% in 2020 and 5.8% in 2021. The Committee feels that these inflation projections are highly optimistic and will likely be missed, considering foreign currency shortages which are likely to push parallel market rates. Moreover, the increase in excise tax on fuel and payment of duty in forex for selected goods is also expected to push inflation up. Expected low rains will also have a bearing on the food inflation. That together with the high cost of agricultural inputs may dent the anticipated inflation targets.
2.2 Currency issues
2.2.1 The Committee is concerned with the insistence in the budget that the RTGS/Bond and US$ exchange rate is 1:1 in an economy where a three tier pricing system is evidently widespread and is affecting the already burdened members of the society. This situation has been strengthened by recent policy pronouncements related to differentiation of local currency and NOSTRO accounts.
[Time Limit]
HON. MUSHORIWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the
Hon. Member’s time be extended.
HON. CHIKWINYA: I second.
HON. MLISWA: On a point of order. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is quite worrying that it seems that the opposition and myself are appreciating the economics and there is silence in ZANU PF. I do not know if the Hon. Member is safe. –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]- I do not know if the Hon. Member is safe. They seem not to be appreciating the economics. Is he safe, why is there so much silence?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you. Hon. Member
please resume your debate.
HON. MHONA: The Pre-Budget Strategy Paper for 2019
correctly points the exchange rate misalignment and the existence of a parallel market with a premium of 70% for every US$ to the RTGS/Bond (Local currency) in June 2018. This misaligned exchange rate essentially means that the Government is subsidising consumers using surrendered forex from exporting firms. The inconsistencies arising from such a position is the contributing factor to the current confidence deficit.
2.2.2 The Committee is also concerned with the likely challenges arising from implementing a US$ budget with devalued Bond or RTGS payment systems which imply huge costs on programme implementation. The fallacy of a US$ budget against Bond notes medium of exchange is threatening the implementation of this budget and negates the impact of the proposed reforms as the allocated resources are inadequate to meet expenditure forecasts, in real terms. The committee therefore wonders how the budget is going to account for Revenue and Expenditure where one part is forex and the other RTGS/Bond. One cannot discount the potential for illegalities and rent seeking behaviour.
2.3 Budget Information
2.3.1 The committee Calls upon Treasury to work towards improving budget information. Total Revenue including retained revenue is given as US$ 6.5982 billion in the Budget Statement (page 37) whilst this is US$6.617 billion in the Bluebook (page 9).Total
Expenditure and Net Lending is shown as US$8. 164.3 billion in the Budget Statement (page 38) whilst in the Bluebook (page 9), it is given as U$8.172.3 billion. Thus, the budget deficit is US$1.566.1 billion according to the Budget Statement (page 38), but in the Bluebook (page 9), it is lower at US$1.555.3 billion leading to a net difference of about US$10.8 million. These problems of budget information inconsistencies were flagged out in the 2018 budget and have been repeated in the 2019 budget. Extra care is thus needed when preparing the budget to ensure consistency and credibility of the information presented.
2.4Parliament Allocation
2.4.1 Parliament was allocated $101 million constituting about 1,47% of the budget against a request of $163 million. The allocation to Parliament has been on an increasing trend, from $39.7 m in 2017, $80m in 2018 to $101m in 2019 (26% increase). While the Committee acknowledges the increment in Parliament funding, the following should be noted:
- CDF allocation of $16.8million, is inadequate as it translates to $80 000 per constituency and is 60% of the Budget requirement of $28m. It is however 60% above the $10,5m allocated in the 8th Parliament.
- $500 000 for 210 Constituency Information Centres ($2381 per constituency) is a pittance given the state of the CICs. The allocation is a meagre 2% of the requirement. Plans to reestablish constituency information centers that are meant to improve the effectiveness of members as per the strategic plan will not be possible with such a provision.
- Parliament Budget estimates for employment made provision for the filling in of all vacant posts. Treasury concurrence was
granted for 60 vacant posts and the remainder will be considered on a staggered arrangement. The allocated $2.3m falls short of the required $4.6 million.
- Vehicle loan scheme with rebates on duty was allocated $15.75 m out of the $21m request, which translate to $45,000 per member.
- A reasonable 90% budget allocation was made to Committees. Emphasis should be on timely release of funds to enable committees to discharge their constitutional mandate without interruptions. The budget allocation has an effect of reducing the 30 meetings, 5 filed visits per committee and 5 Public hearings by 10%.
- A reasonable 85% allocation was made for sessional expenses. The allocation has an effect of reducing the budgeted 90-day calendar by 15%. Parliament has an option to institute costs cutting measures to stay within the allocation. Goods and services are being inflated due to late payments of invoices.
- Treasury has continuously made provisions in the budget for the
Women Parliamentary Caucus. However, the budget allocations have not been met with the actual release of funds resulting in the committee relying on Development partners for their activities.
2.4.2 The Budget allocation to Parliament must be met with timely release of funds to ensure continued service delivery to Parliament. Some firms inflate their invoices due to delay in payments reducing the buying power of the budget. Parliament must invest in carrying out a mileage verification exercise and institute control on mileage and hotel accommodation to curtail leakages in these expenditure items.
2.4.3 As a custodian of constitutional democracy, Parliament needs adequate resources to carry out its mandate consistent with Section 325 (b) of the Constitution and there should be no negotiation in that regard. Moreover, the concept of separation of powers entails that funding of Parliament should be a separate process to the main budget and Parliament and as one of the three arms of the State must manage its own funds. In view of the above observations, the Committee urges the Hon. Minister to marginally adjust upwards the Parliament’s vote to enable the institution to effectively carry out its mandate as provided for in the Constitution.
2.5 Allocation to the Ministry of Finance and Economic
Developments and Institutions under it
2.5.1 The Committee is concerned with the inadequate allocations to ZIMRA and ZIMSTAT and calls on the Minister to revise these allocations upwards. The allocation to ZIMSTAT of $20.9 m will not facilitate timely production of socio-economic statistics including disaggregated GDP figures. ZIMSTAT requires a total funding from both Government and Donors of US$38.102 million.62 % of the total budget will go towards undertaking of surveys and censuses, 13% Employment costs and the balance of 25% is earmarked for Support Services. 17 % of the total budget will be for Capital expenditure.
2.5.2 On the other hand, ZIMRA has got a five-year Strategic Plan from 2019 to 2023 which aims to grow revenue collections to 25% of GDP from the current 20% to GDP. Operational costs should be within the standard cost of collection ratio of 3% which means for every dollar of revenue collected ZIMRA should spend no more than 3 cents. As such, if ZIMRA is supported through adequate funding, it will be able to surpass the 2019 revenue target of USD6.6 billion.
Item 2019 Budget Request (USD) Approved Budget(USD)
Staff Costs 142,056,070 94,680,000
Operational Costs 47,989,095 39,000,000 Capex 92,906,235 30,000,000m
3. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends the following:
3.1 Government must conscientiously implement the proposed expenditure rationalisation measures which, in essence, are not new and have been proposed over the years without implementation.
Enforcement of the proposed measures will ensure fiscal indiscipline through strict adherence to legal provisions related to the management of public finances including the Constitution, Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Audit Office Act, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, Public Debt Management Act and other laws. In that regard, all implementing units should timeously submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports to parliament to facilitate oversight of policy implementation.
3.2 Exporters (Mining, tobacco etc) should be exempted from payment of taxes in originating currency bearing in mind that they only retain between 50% and 55% of revenue in foreign exchange while the remainder is liquidated at 1:1. If the payment of tax in originating currency proposal is to be implemented across the board, there is then need for a corresponding upward adjustment of retention thresholds to capacitate these firms to absorb paying taxes in foreign exchange.
3.3 Government should allow royalty to be deductible as a tax expense in line with best practice taking into account that royalties are a direct and significant cost of production and the need to maintain the viability of the mining sector which has become the “goose that lay the golden egg”. This issue has been raised since 2014 and the Ministry of
Finance should clearly pronounce itself on this matter. According to
Earnest and Young study (2015), countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania have more than doubled their Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the mining sector after adopting low and stable mining royalty regimes.
3.4 Mining fees and charges should be aligned to those of major mining jurisdictions in SADC, North America and Australia. This again has been recommended over the years with no action on the ground. The Ministry should bear in mind that as a country, Zimbabwe competes for the same investors with these countries.
3.5 The setting up of the Mining Cadastre Information System must be finalised in 2019, given that the US$1.7 million has been prioritised. This is an important system which should increase transparency in the mining sector.
3.6 TheUS$59.6 million allocated in support of various social safety nets designed to reduce poverty and inequalities is insufficient given the outstanding debts for programmers like BEAM and past record with regards to levels of spending on Drought Mitigation, health assistance, flood victims, accident victims among others. The Committee therefore calls on the Ministry to increase funding to these social safety nets to at least $ 100 million and to ensure timely disbursements of the funds. This increase is also justified by the need to absorb the unintended consequences of the reforms and austerity measures.
3.7 Government must prioritise a payment plan towards obligations to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) so as to revive the tourism sector.
3.8 Government must prioritise Establishment of a Commodities Exchange for marketing of agricultural goods which has been on the cards since 2010. As such, Parliament should get quarterly reports on the matter. The Committee recommends building on efforts that have already been done in this regard including several study visits, registration of a private company Commodity Exchange In Zimbabwe (COMEZ) on 8 June 2010 which culminated in the release of seed capital of US$1million in 2013.
3.9 Government must finalise the incentive framework and other supportive job creation measures during the first quarter of 2019. In this regard, extensive and inclusive consultations should be undertaken. Reference can be made to the World Bank report (2015) which estimated local content policies which were backed with tax incentives in the food and beverages sector to have been responsible for attracting $5 billion into the local economy and created 38,000 jobs in Nigeria.
3.10 Government must engage competent financial advisors in order to get the best value from the proposed Public Enterprises Reform
Programme. Parliament must be engaged in all these processes.
3.11 Government must take an incremental budget approach to capital projects in the education system, and more resources must be allocated every year. Generally, there is need for timely disbursements of capital projects funds.
3.12 Government should strengthen its loan recovery mechanisms for Government facilities including the Command Agriculture programme instead of burdening taxpayers and increasing national debt. In the same vein, there is need to free such programmes of corruption through enhancing the roles of institutions and improvement on transparency and accountability.
3.13 There is need for extensive consultation before announcements of key policy proposals for stakeholder buy in. It was noted that the introduction of the IMTT without proper consultation and effective communication on how the tax proceeds are to be used led to an unanticipated response which saw an upswing in prices.
3.14 Retrenched Youth Officers should be given their perks on time to facilitate meaningful investments from the proceeds. There is also need for training of the officers so that they can be absorbed into other Government departments.
3.15 Dealing with Corruption and Indiscipline:-Dealing with corruption and indiscipline is an important step in cleaning up the image of the country and reducing the cost of business. If leakages haemorrhaging the national purse are not sealed, proposals for growing the national cake will not succeed. The adoption of smart technology is one step in the right direction. On the other hand, implementation of the Auditor General’s reports will go a long way in plugging resources leakages and improving efficiency in service delivery. In the same vein, the Committee comments the more than a doubled non-wage allocation to ZACC to US$5m and calls upon ZACC to use these resources responsibly and to discharge its duties as expected, without fear or favour.
4. CONCLUSION
4.1 The Committee commends the Minister for crafting a progressive budget which seeks to address the twin deficits that have for long militated against growth of the economy. Zimbabwe has never been short of good economic policies but the only set back has been the lack of implementation and policy inconsistencies. Implementation and unity of purpose are key to achieving the budget objectives.
4.2 The Committee therefore recommends the House to approve this budget, subject to incorporation of these and other recommendations from Parliament.
HON. TONGOFA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I represent the Committee on Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation. The ancient view that academics are the only doorway to prosperity has received great criticism in recent years. Evidence is abound that those who excel in sport and arts have achieved a greater standard of living than the proverbial bookworms. In addition, youths that involve themselves in sport, arts and recreation tend to enjoy better quality lives than those who are one-dimensional in pursuit of academic greatness. It has been established that these extra-curricular activities reduce absenteeism rates in schools as well as occupying youths, thus keeping them away from drug abuse and criminal activity. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy! Acquisition of skills through vocational and technical training, also increases the opportunities at the disposal of youths to eke out a living. Thus, it is incumbent upon all nations that seek to socially and economically empower their youths to take sport, arts and vocational training seriously as they will be sowing seeds for future improvements in livelihoods and development of the country. Vision 2030 cannot be achieved by solely focusing on academics. In addition, the African
Union came up with the theme for the year 2017 to “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through investments in Youth.” Youth are very important stakeholders in the achievement of the objectives of Agenda
- It is estimated that the population of those 30 years and below in Africa is over 60 percent. Thus, the realisation of the youth demographic dividend will only be realised if there is adequate investment in their economic, political and social agency.
The mandate of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is to ‘formulate and implement policies, strategies and programmes to promote the development and empowerment of youth and transformation of sports, arts and recreation of sectors into vibrant industries for employment creation. The Ministry is comprised of service delivery areas that include;
- Youth Development and Employment Creation.
- Skills Training and Youth Services.
- Sports and Recreation Promotion and Development.
- Arts and Culture Promotion and Development.
1.1 Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation Budget Analysis
The vote appropriation to the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation was $53,495,000 against a bid of $185,761,946; an underallocation of 71.2 percent. This is against a background of high youth unemployment estimated to be 15.3 percent of the 15 to 35 years agegroup. This age group is approximately 36 percent of the total population of Zimbabwe and should be accorded the priority they deserve in order to enjoy a better future of economic independence. On an annual basis, roughly 300,000 pupils undergo Ordinary Level examinations and less than 20 percent of these proceed for higher level academic training, that is Advanced Level and beyond. This means that, approximately 240,000 school levers enter the labour force via the unemployment route, and will highly likely get employment in the informal sector either as employees or entrepreneurs. If nothing is done to arrest this challenge, Zimbabwe will increasingly become more and more informalised, making the attainment of middle-income status by 2030 difficult. Table 1 shows the top 15 vote appropriations in the 2019 budget.
Table 1: Top 15 Vote Allocations for 2019
Vote Appropriations | |||
2019 | % of Budget | ||
1 | Education | 1,132,322,000.00 | 17.44% |
2 | Lands, Agric., Water | 989,298,000.00 | 15.23% |
3 | Health | 694,467,000.00 | 10.69% |
4 | Defence | 546,939,000.00 | 8.42% |
5 | Home Affairs | 517,822,000.00 | 7.97% |
6 | Transport | 399,182,000.00 | 6.15% |
7 | Higher Education | 380,842,000.00 | 5.86% |
8 | Public Service | 331,601,000.00 | 5.11% |
9 | Finance | 318,550,000.00 | 4.91% |
10 | Office of President and Cabinet | 294,700,000.00 | 4.54% |
11 | Local Govt | 179,886,000.00 | 2.77% |
12 | Justice | 155,608,000.00 | 2.40% |
13 | PoZ | 101,013,000.00 | 1.56% |
14 | Foreign Affairs | 56,090,000.00 | 0.86% |
15 | Youth, Sports, Arts & Recreation | 53,495,000.00 | 0.82% |
From Table 1, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is ranked 15th in the2019 budget, with a 0.82 percent share of the vote appropriations. With a youth population of about 36 percent, this allocation contradicts the youth empowerment mantra which is engendered in Vision 2030. The youth are the drivers of tomorrow’s economy and should get adequate attention now to foster future development. Table 2 shows the Economic Classification of the Budget Allocation.
Table 2: Bids Economic Classification of the Overall Budget
MINISTRY OF YOUTH, SPORTS, ARTS & RECREATION BUDGET | ||
2019 | % of Vote | |
CURRENT EXPENDITURE | 38,805,000.00 | 72.54% |
Employment Costs | 23,176,000.00 | 43.32% |
Goods and Services | 8,723,000.00 | 16.31% |
Maintenance | 1,895,000.00 | 3.54% |
Current Transfers | 5,011,000.00 | 9.37% |
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE | 14,690,000.00 | 27.46% |
Acquisition of Fixed Capital Assets | 14,490,000.00 | 27.09% |
Capital Transfers | 200,000.00 | 0.37% |
TOTAL | 53,495,000.00 | 100.00% |
The distribution of the budget is such that 72.54 percent has been appropriated to Current Expenditure whilst the balance (27.46%) is going towards Capital Expenditure. Under Current Expenditure,
Employment Costs take up the lions share whilst Current Transfers and
Maintenance have the smallest share. The $5 million for Current Transfers will be channeled towards the Arts Development Fund, Sports and Recreation Fund, Youth Development Fund, National Youth Service and the Zimbabwe Youth Council. As for Capital Expenditure, almost 99 percent is going towards Acquisition of Fixed Capital Assets and about 1 percent appropriated towards Capital Transfers (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and National Gallery of Zimbabwe at $100,000 each).
1.2 Implications of the Budget
Table 3 shows the allocations to the five programmes against the bids presented to Treasury.
Table 3: Bids and Appropriations for Programmes
PROGRAMME | BID | ALLOCATION | VARIANCE | % of Vote |
Policy and Administration | 37 254 845,00 | 15 793 000,00 | 57,61% | 29,52% |
Youth Dvt & Empl. Creation | 35 094 694,00 | 3 285 000,00 | 90,64% | 6,14% |
Vocational Training & Youth Svcs | 28 812 017,00 | 19 510 000,00 | 32,29% | 36,47% |
Sport & Recreation Promo. & Dvt | 70 910 526,00 | 10 084 000,00 | 85,78% | 18,85% |
Arts & Culture Promo. & Dvt | 13 689 864,00 | 4 823 000,00 | 64,77% | 9,02% |
Totals | 185 761 946,00 | 53 495 000,00 | 71,20% | 100,00% |
The distribution of the budgetary allocation to the Ministry shows that the bulk of the resources have been channeled towards Vocational Training (36.5%) and the least being allocated to Youth Development and Employment Creation (6.1%). This kind of allocation seems to suggest that great emphasis is placed on skills development but minimal effort when it comes to creating opportunities for the deployment of the acquired skills. Since our day-to-day lives are essentially culture, the allocation to Arts and Culture Promotion and Development (9 %) is very low given the employment potential it possesses.
1.2.1 Policy and Administration
The initial objectives of the Ministry under this Programme item included ward-based project monitoring and supervision; acquisition of 10 twin cabs, 73 single cabs (one per district), 2 500 motor bikes; internet connectivity in all provinces and districts; as well as conducting conferences and workshops (4 each). As such, a bid of $34,254,845 was placed but Treasury was only able to appropriate $15,793,000 (42.39%).
This means that the Ministry will;
- Struggle to implement ward-based monitoring and supervision.
- Fail to acquire necessary vehicles for decentralised monitoring and supervision.
- Be able to install internet facilities but only at provincial level.
- Only conduct two workshops and one conference.
As such, the monitoring and evaluation role of the Ministry will be seriously handicapped by the underfunding to the tune of 58.6 percent.
1.2.2 Youth Development and Employment Creation
Youth Development and Employment Creation is very crucial for national development. This age group can potentially be economically active for 30-50 years, assuming they live up to the age of 65. With such potential, this group of the population essentially holds the keys for future economic development of the country. This can only happen if there is a deliberate effort to capacitate the youth through equipping them with skills as well as ensuring that the economy can accommodate the skilled youths on the job market or as entrepreneurs. Currently, the nation faces a problem of high youth unemployment as well as underemployment. Some skilled youths are resorting to vending in order to sustain their livelihoods.
Youth Development and Employment Creation has two-subprogrammes, namely Youth Development and Employment Creation.
Some of their priority areas of deliverables include;
- Youth leadership development, integration, mainstreaming and participation.
- National Youth Policy review.
- Operationalisation of MOUs on Youth Exchange programmes.
- Research and Development (business ecosystems, value chain development, market research, quality checks).
- Youth Financial Inclusion (EmpowerBank).
- Establishment of Incubation and Industrial Hubs.
- Project monitoring and evaluation.
For Youth Development, a bid of $4,654,546 was met with an allocation of $717,000, giving a variance of 84.6 percent.
Correspondingly, Employment Creation was only allocated $2,568,000 from a bid of $30,440,148; a variance of 91.6 percent. If attempts by the Ministry to fight youth unemployment and underemployment are not given due consideration, then it means that youths can consider themselves to be a disempowered lot. The following reveals the implications of the budget to this programme item;
- The Ministry will be unable to print 100,000 copies of the revised Youth Policy Document. They will have to resort to alternative media (Ministry and parastatal websites, and radio programmes).
- Foreign travel to countries like China, Iran, Malawi, Namibia amd Zambia, under the Youth Exchange Programme will not be feasible.
- All 10 Youth Interact Centres will be renovated, get internet installation as well as offer life skills programmes. However, providing security for these facilities will prove to be a challenge.
- $500,000 was required for youth grants to growth and initiatives of clubs and associations affiliated to the Zimbabwe Youth Council
(ZYC), but nothing was allocated.
- ZYC sought $2,570,000 to host 3 sessions of the Junior Parliament at both national and provincial levels; decentralise activities to provincial levels as well as acquire motor vehicles to support operations. From the allocated $368,000, only 1 Junior Parliament session will be held at national level; decentralisation will not be feasible; and no new vehicles will be acquired.
- Only 5 out of 10 youth provincial expos will be held. This provides initial exposure of youths to the business ecosystem.
- 4 out of a target of 7 youths will attend the African Union Youth
Connect Summit.
- 6 out of a target of 10 Incubation Hubs will be established.
- Out of a target of 5 Industrial Hubs, zero will be established.
- No funding was availed for the recapitalisation of the
EmpowerBank.
This programme item of the Ministry was grossly underfunded with $3.285 million being allocated from a bid of $35 million. The underfunding to the tune of 91 percent will seriously affect the operations of the Ministry in empowering youth for the achievement of sustainable development. Vision 2030 is anchored on rapid industrialisation which can only be supported with a corresponding skills base to ensure that Zimbabwe will be part of the 4th Industrial
Revolution. Of note is zero funding for the proposed 5 Industrial Hubs is as good as erecting barriers to progress. Such hubs provide adventurous youths with the opportunity to innovate come up with new technologies which could see Zimbabwe embarking on an economic growth path similar to that of the Asian Tigers (South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In addition, zero funding for the recapitalisation of the EmpowerBank is in direct contradiction of the youth empowerment agenda. Properly funded, a project undertaken by a youth may develop, over time into a giant business whose tentacles may spread into the region if not the world over. Entrepreneurship is known to drive economic growth, and supporting this venture through industrial and incubation hubs must be given serious attention as is the case with
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
1.2.3 Vocational Training and Youth Services
Vocational Training Centres are meant to offer an alternative path to the labour market where one who cannot shoulder the demands of a fully fledged academic path may opt to acquire a skill which can sustain their economic being. To complement this, youth services seek to undertake youthful citizens’ orientation such that they become responsible citizens who will be assets to the nation. Zimbabwe can only go further as a nation if our youth can identify themselves with their roots such that they know that no one else will develop their country other than them. Successful attainment of orientation will likely sow seeds of altruism to the youth, thus fostering development as is the case with countries like South Korea and United States of America.
This programme consists of two sub-programmes, that is, Vocational Training and Youth Services. Some of the priority areas under this programme include:
- Vocational skills training for enterprise development.
- Youth orientation.
- Infrastructure Development and completion of ongoing PSIP projects.
- Modernisation of Vocational Training Centres (VTC).
- Curriculum development.
- Provision of start-up kits for graduates
Vocational Training and Youth Services received an allocation of $19,510,000 from a bid of $28,812,017, a variance of 32.3 percent. On the other hand, Youth Services was allocated $2,142,000 from a bid of $3,252,380, representing a variance of 34.1 percent. The following is a list of programme targets and compromise response to actual budget appropriation.
- Out of 9 VTCs that were supposed to be established, only 5 will be established.
- 30 centres out of 51 will be modernised and retooled.
- 10 PSIPs were partially funded out of a target of 15.
- 39 out of a targeted 58 centres will be able to maintain mobile equipment and infrastructure.
- 4 out of 10 mobile workshops will be acquired for ISOP programmes.
- 1,500 youths out of a target of 1,700 will be trained at NYS centres.
- 450 Youth Build Zimbabwe out of a 500 target.
- 5 youth training centres were set to be built and 3 renovated but none of this will take place.
While there seems to be some underfunding, more than 75 percent of individual targets will be achieved.
1.2.4 Sport and Recreation Promotion and Development
Sport and recreation play an important role in the development of a person as they promote social development, teamwork, coordination as well as strategy. In addition, these activities keep youths positively occupied resulting in a positive health dividend as opposed to unoccupied youths venturing into illicit substances and criminal activity.
Sport has been downplayed for a long time and yet it has the potential to significantly contribute to the economy. Studies have shown that globally vibrant sport has a positive contribution in the tourism sector
(hotels, restaurants, souvenirs); fitness and the media (fitness clubs and TV rights); and sports education (academies, sports scientist, sports health practitioners). In countries whose sports industry is thriving, sport is contributing an average of 2 percent to gross domestic product. For example, in South Africa sport is contributing approximately $4.5 billion to GDP. According to A. T. Kearney, the size of the global sports industry ranges from $480-$620 billion, this mainly from sports infrastructure development, licenced products, sporting goods and live sports events. Zimbabwe is far from tapping into this low hanging fruit.
The Sport and Recreation Promotion and Development Programme item has a mandate that includes the following;
- Construction and Resuscitation of Multipurpose Sport and
Recreation Facilities.
- Sport promotion (Community Sport, AUSC Games, Youth and
Paralympic Games.
- Sport Development (Schools and Colleges).
- Recreation Activities (Recreational parks, Indigenous Games, Festivals, Commemorations).
From a bid of $70,910,526, Treasury only allocated $10,084,000, a variance of 85.78 percent. This allocation was deemed to be inadequate to meet the ministerial goals as there will be partial fulfillment of the objectives. Table 4 shows some of the coping mechanisms in light of funding constraints from Treasury.
Table 4: Implications of the Budget for Sports and Recreation
Promotion and Development
Programme Targets as per bid | Revised Target in Line with Allocation |
Set up Community Sport and Recreation Club Systems in all the 1,963 wards. | To be done as planned.
|
Hold community sport and recreation festivals in all 73 districts. | 63 out of 73 festivals will be held. |
Training of trainer workshops in all the 1,963 wards. | Coverage in only 800 out of 1,963workshops. |
Holding National Youth Games and Paralympic Games from | Partially funded from district to |
ward to national level. | national competitions. |
Holding Danhiko Sports Day, Independence Cup, Heroes Cup, Festival for Older Persons. | Funded. |
AUSC Regional and International meetings | Funded. |
Women in Sport Festivals in all 1,963 wards and 10 provinces. | Funded. All festivals to take place. |
Funding of National Sports Teams, participating in All Africa Games, Implementing MOUs signed with respective countries. | Partial funding. |
Installation of bucket seats in 4 stadia and ramps for persons with a disability. | Not funded. |
Establish 10 multisport facilities (1 per province) plus construction of Tartan Track at the National Sports Academy hosted at BUSE | Funded. |
Table 4 shows that the goal of transforming sport from a past-time activity into a fully fledged full time occupation will remain a pipeline dream. While community based recreational facilities received $300,000 for the 1,963 wards, this translates to a meager $152 per wards. In addition, the $20 per ward allocated for talent identification via the sports-for-all initiative will make it difficult for Zimbabwe to unearth sporting greats such as Langton Tinago (boxing); Elliot Mujaji (athletics); Byron, Wayne and Cara Black (Tennis); Nick Price (Golf);
Kirsty Coventry (Swimming); Tatenda Taibu (Cricket).
Upgrading of sports facilities to meet international standards will increase the chance of hosting major tournaments as well as attracting lucrative sponsorship deals. The non-provision of funds to install bucket seats in four main stadia will negatively impact on football development in the country. Zimbabwe will be hosting the 2019 edition of men’s COSAFA Cup, not because of merit, but because of rotation! The availing of $2 million towards the development of a tartan track at the National Sports Academy (BUSE) comes as a welcome development. It is such initiatives that will kick start the process to one day have centres of excellence that could possibly unearth talents such as the great Usain Bolt. This is also augmented by the awarding of administrative rights of country clubs to the Sports and Recreation Commission. This move will ensure that these facilities are resuscitated such that the SRC can be able to spread sporting activities to the formally marginalised segments of our society.
As for recreational facilities in all provinces, $170,000 has been allocated which will be split equally between sport and recreation. This again was considered to be a very low allocation. A worrying development has been witnessed where land allocated for recreational facilities is now being converted for residential or commercial purposes. This is undesirable as youth are deprived of these facilities thus venturing into toxic and irresponsible practices. In addition, it was noted with concern the absence of sports facilities for people living with disability. This section of society must have their needs catered for as there is great potential to unearth talent for participation at paralympic games. In addition, their social needs are also catered for by provision of such sporting facilities.
1.2.5 Arts and Culture Promotion and Development
Under this programme, some of the key performance indicators include:
- Community Arts and Culture Programmes National Arts and Culture Festivals and Exhibitions
- Revitalising Community Arts and Culture Club Systems.
- State Occasions (National Heroes Burial and Heroes Commemorations).
Treasury was able to allocate $4.832 million from a bid of
$13,689,864, representing a variance of 64.77 percent. This allocation was considered to be inadequate for the Ministry to be able to fully achieve their set objectives under this programme item. Under this programme item, the Ministry will be able to meet part of some of the objectives and in other cases, it will completely fail. Table 5 summarises the implications of the allocation against set targets.
Table 5: Implications of the Budget for Arts and Culture Promotion and Development
Programme Target as per Bid | Revised Target in Line with Budgetary Allocation |
Indigenous Language Policy | Not funded |
Revitalising 730 community arts and culture clubs at 10 per district | Half the target (365) to be achieved at 5 community arts and culture clubs per district. |
Hosting 2 Arts and Culture Festivals and 1 exhibition per district | To be done as planned |
Strengthening antipiracy mechanisms in each of the 10 provincial capitals | Only 5 campaigns will be done in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo. |
Acquiring equipment for development and promotion of talent identification and nurturing. | Not funded. |
Refurbishment of 10 Creative Cultural Industry Spaces (1 | Only 2 out of 10 will be refurbished |
per province) | (Murehwa and Chitungwiza) |
Establishment of 6 Creative Cultural Centres (Beitbridge, Binga, Bulawayo, Chipinge, Gweru and Masvingo | Only 2 out of 6 will e established (Binga and Kanyemba) |
Acquisition of 200 personal computers (PCs) for creative Cultural Centres | 40 PCs to be acquired - Chitungwiza (20) and Murehwa (20). |
Acquisition of two stages and backline; 500kva generator; sound equipment; lighting equipment; and mixer for promotion of talent and nurturing. | Not funded. |
The underfunding of Arts and Culture would mean that the Ministry would not be able to meet half of its set objectives under this programme item. Since no funds were availed for acquisition of a public address system and a corresponding stage, the Ministry will have to meet their need via hiring. The cumulative cost of hiring such equipment might be enough to actually purchase such important equipment, which equipment might be hired out to augment income. In addition, the Indigenous Language Policy which was not funded, was aimed at promoting local languages such that Zimbabweans embrace cultural diversity that uniting the people. For as long as other languages are perceived to be less important, speakers of those languages will remain marginalised. Amendments of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Act and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Act as well as respective Statutory Instruments will be done.
2.0 CHALLENGES AND OBSERVATIONS
- The Committee noted with grave concern the gross underfunding to the Ministry in light of the critical importance it carries towards the current and future development of the country.
- The Committee also noted with concern lack of protective legislation within the Ministry relation to governance of bodies affiliated to it.
- It was noted that land meant for recreational facilities was being converted to residential and commercial use.
- The Committee noted absence of funding models in the Sports and Recreation Commission which can lessen funding burden on
fiscus.
- The hiring cost for the PA system and associated accessories was seen to be a worrisome state of affairs.
- The Committee noted with concern that the Copyrights Act was being administered from the Ministry of Justice and not the
Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
- The proposed Language Policy was seen to be very important in nation building, embracing of cultural diversity and above all,
UNITY.
- The Committee noted that the 3 percent tax on all Sports Betting
Houses meant for Sports Development, approved in the 2018
Budget, had not been remitted. In addition, State Lotteries and Gaming Act (Section 43), provides for remittance of funds meant for Sports Development and this has not been done.
- There was no clarity in the budget on money allocated for the Empower Bank but is currently housed with the Ministry of
Women’s Affairs.
- The Committee questioned the feasibility of the continued existence of the Empower Bank in light of high operational costs.
- There has been a decline in corporate sponsorship for Sport, Arts and Culture activities.
3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
After careful consideration on submissions by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, the Committee recommends the following;
- That funding to the Ministry must be increased.
- That protective legislation within the Ministry must be put in place for easier governance and operations of bodies affiliated to it.
- All land seizures from recreational facilities to residential and commercial use must stop.
- That funding models be put in place in the Sports and Recreation Commission.
- That cost benefit analysis should be done between hiring PA system and associated accessories and acquiring the equipment.
- That the Copyrights Act must be administered from the Ministry of
Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
- That funding towards the Language Policy should be reconsidered.
- That the 3 percent tax on all Sports Betting Houses meant for Sports Development, approved in the 2018 Budget; and the 5 percent tax from State Lotteries and Gaming meant for Sports Development be remitted without fail.
- There should be provision of sporting facilities for persons living with disabilities.
- Funding of national teams by other entities must be done through Treasury for accountability purposes.
- Corporate that sponsor Sport, Arts and Recreation activities must receive incentives such as tax rebates so that they continue to support the development of those activities.
HON. MPARIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am going to
present the report of the Public Accounts Committee on the budget analysis of the Auditor General’s Office, Vote No. 6, and allocation as
per 2019 Budget presented by the Minister of Finance.
Introduction
The Auditor-General is constitutionally mandated to audit the accounts, financial systems and financial management of all
Departments, Institutions and Agencies of Government, all Provincial and Metropolitan Councils and all Local Authorities. The audit scope ranges from value for money audits, forensic audits, regularity audits on
Appropriation Accounts, State Owned Enterprises & Parastatals, and Local Authorities. With such a huge scope, the Office should be adequately staffed and have adequate machinery and equipment such as vehicles and computers.
The Public Accounts Committee relies heavily on reports compiled by the Auditor-General, hence the need for the institution to be adequately funded. The risk based approach to audit exposes irregularities in the management of public resources and serves as a basis on which Parliament can effectively execute its oversight function. This augurs well with the nation’s thrust for transparency and accountability provided for in the country’s supreme law.
Budget Performance in 2018
The Auditor General’s Office was allocated $5,058,000 in the 2018 Budget. Of this amount, Treasury releases as at September 2018 amounted to $2.4 million and is expected to reach $3.2 million by the end of the year. Failure by Treasury to release the allocated amount resulted in the Auditor-General’s Office visiting only 317 of the 3 320 stations in 2018. The Auditor General submitted to the Committee that her office had been constrained to conduct audit tours for local authorities whose coverage was a mere 3% and for Parastatals at 50%, percentages that are not satisfactory. This therefore calls for serious consideration of the Auditor General’s budget in this 2019 financial year. Notwithstanding the inadequate funds received, the Committee commends the Office for compiling and presenting reports within the statutory requirements.
The Committee was also informed that renovations anticipated at Burroughs House had not been carried out resulting in poor office accommodation for officers. The other challenges faced by the Audit Office will be highlighted below as requirements for budget allocations in 2019.
2019 Budget Bid and Allocation
Expenditure Item | Budget Bid
2019 (424 staff) |
Allocated
Budget 2019 |
Justification of Bid |
Employment cost | $7,037,000 | $2,693,000 | • Retain qualified staff
• Recruitment of VFM audit staff |
Acquisition of fixed Assets | $1,527,000 | $1,070,000 | • Strengthen independence of the
Office • Large audit coverage |
Employment cost
The Audit Office submitted a bid of $17 964 000 to Treasury for the 2019 financial year. Treasury allocated $7 763 000 which translates to 43% of the requested amount. The bid was based on the ideal budget supported by staff complement of 704. The increased number of staff is consistent with the expanded mandate of the Office which now includes auditing of the local authorities. Given the number of local authorities which have to be audited, over and above Central Government and
Parastatals’ accounts, the Committee supports the request for Treasury to give concurrence for the recruitment of additional staff. Additional staff would also enable the Auditor General to dedicate some officers Value for Money (VFM) audits. Currently, there is no staff dedicated to conduct VFM audits.
The Committee observes that it may not be possible to meet the ideal head count of 704 in 2019. As an alternative to meeting this requirement, Treasury should consider recruitment of staff for the Audit Office over a three-year period extending to the year 2021. It is the
Committee’s considered view that Treasury should at least allow the Audit Office to meet the current establishment of 374 by filling in 61 vacant posts. In addition to that, Treasury should authorize and avail funds for another additional staff complement of 50 members who would be earmarked for the Value for Money audits. Value for money audits are critical in assessing the economy’s, efficiency and effectiveness in the utilization of resources allocated to public sector entities.
The Committee noted with greater concern that since the Audit Office Act became effective in 2011, a Board provided for in the Act has not been operationalized. This is not an ideal situation given the important role of any Board in giving policy direction among other oversight functions.
The Committee learnt that since 2011 when the Office attained the Parastatals status, the conditions of service have remained as they were when staff was under the Civil Service. As a result, the Office has lost staff in which a lot of investment had been done in training them. Staff retention has been a challenge due to very low remuneration packages. The Committee proposes that Treasury redoubles the remuneration package for a start then gradually moves towards the level of other
Parastatals.
Acquisition of fixed Capital Assets
Another area of concern to the Committee is the acquisition of vehicles required to undertake field tours. The Committee was informed that the current fleet is old and maintenance costs are high such that purchasing new vehicles is in fact a better option. The Audit Office was allocated $ 1 070 000 against its bid of $ 3 053 000. This implies that the Office will not be able to replace the old fleet during the 2019 financial year, thus negatively affecting the work of the Office. The Committee recommends that in the interim, an allocation of $1,527,000 towards acquisition of vehicles be made which is adequate to cater for staff establishment of the proposed 424.
Recommendations
Given the above-mentioned needs by the audit Office, the Committee recommends the following:
That Treasury allocates $17 964 000 to the Auditor
General’s Office as requested;
That Treasury gives concurrence to the recruitment of additional staff to enable the Office to reasonably cover audits for local authorities and to dedicate staff for VFM audits;
That the Board of Directors be appointed in the first quarter of
2019 and be facilitated to become operational; and
That Treasury releases allocated funds timeously to enable the
Office to perform its duties.
Conclusion
Transparency and accountability enhance the integrity of public governance by safeguarding Government against corruption, abuse of power and other forms of inappropriate behaviour. This in turn results in the economic, efficient and effective use of public resources. This also builds public confidence in the Government. To achieve this end, the Audit Office needs to be capacitated with adequate human, financial and material resources. With the right audit information provided timely, Parliament through the Public Accounts Committee will be able to perform its oversight function of examining the sums granted by Parliament to meet the public expenditure and such other accounts laid before Parliament.
1.0 HON. CHIKUKWA: Introduction
The mandate of the Ministry of Local Government, Public works and National Housing is to ensure that functional human settlements are promoted and sustained in all urban local authorities backstopped by sound local governance and provision of quality, well-maintained government infrastructure. In order to achieve this, there should be an alignment between government priorities, the national and international development plan and government policies. The trend since 2013 shows that there has been violation of constitutional obligations with regards to the Ministry vote and the Council of Chiefs vote, as the two must be treated separately. The Ministry has been underfunded as reflected by variances between the allocations and the actual disbursements in 2016 and 2017. Given that the Ministry plays a pivotal role in the achievement of Vision 2030, the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is need for sufficient funding which allow fulfillment of its mandate.
2.0 The Ministry Operations and Challenges
The Ministry operations revolve around 5 key result areas, that is, sound local governance; water, sewerage and sanitation; development and maintenance of the built environment, national housing delivery and devolution. The Ministry’s key achievements in 2018 amongst others include completion of two blocks of flats in Tafara with 30 units, implementation of programme based budgeting in 92 local authorities and demarcation of 16 rural service centres to facilitate issuance of title deeds. Going into 2019, spatial planning, local governance, national housing delivery, disaster risk management and construction, maintenance and management of public buildings continue to be the core of Ministry operations. However, this is coming against a background of the Ministry’s ever increasing debt; fluctuating prices which negatively impact tenders and completion of projects; non-release of funds by Treasury and revenue generation barriers as occupants of government houses fail to meet obligations due to low income.
Budget Allocations for 2018 and 2019
The 2019 budget provision for the Ministry is $490 million which is
297% increase from the 2018 budget allocation of $132 million.
However, this figure falls way below the Ministry’s bid which was upward of $1 billion. Furthermore, 63% of the $490 million comprises an allocation earmarked for devolution; leaving $180 million for other operations. The budget is linked to the Vision 2030, which is described as an “inclusive and collectively shared long-term national vision. However, except for education, the budget falls short of the international social development benchmarks. For instance, a budget allocation for agriculture is about 8 percent of the total budget against a developmental benchmark of 10 percent and healthcare allocation is below the 15 percent target. The following pie chart shows clearly the Ministry is underfunded as the public sector is not even amongst the top four national priorities based on the budget allocations:
The Ministry falls within the other category which constitutes 8% of the national budget whilst 92% of the national budget is allocated amongst agriculture, social sector, economic development and defence, home affairs and OPC. Hence, this will negatively impact on service delivery and compromise the Ministry’s functions.
3.0 Budget Analysis Meeting Observations
On the 27th of November 2018, your Committee held a meeting with Ministry officials and the following observations were made:
3.1 Your Committee observed that the budget allocation to the Ministry for 2019, even though there is an increment, is not sufficient enough to allow the Ministry to carry its mandate to accepted standard.
3.2 It was also noted that regularisation is a matter of urgent attention and the process should be authorised by the
Ministry as well as spearheaded by the local authorities. The officials however highlighted that regularisation entails a global responsibility and calls for all effort across varying stakeholders as addressing regularisation issues require an inclusive institutional set up.
3.3 Concerns were also raised on the planning of the Ministry regarding consultation of key stakeholders, specifically the council of chiefs, and presentation of matters as the terms used mislead the parliament/government and there is need
to address that. For instance, the budget speaks to appointment of chiefs instead of appointment of traditional leaders which is inclusive.
3.4 Your Committee also noted that the Ministry in cases of disaster management is at times bearing the burden of other line ministries and there is urgent need to make sure that each Ministry takes responsibility accordingly. The officials highlighted that the Government is under process of synchronisation of ministries.
3.5 Your Committee observed with great concern the omission of village heads and headman from the allocation for appointment of traditional leaders as it only speaks to chiefs’ appointment. Also questions were raised to the officials regarding the appointment of village heads and headsmen, whether it has been suspended or not? The
Ministry clearly expressed that appointed of village heads
and headsmen is on and should follow the Constitution and Traditional Leaders Act provisions.
3.6 The officials were asked to explain where the funding for the appointment of traditional leaders is. Related to this, great concern was raised regarding the remuneration of traditional leaders as their salaries are far beyond reflecting the economic changes. The officials highlighted that remuneration of traditional leaders is an issue under consideration.
3.7 The officials were asked question on handing over of settlements to local authorities as there is continuous denial of basic services and marginalisation of such locations. They responded that each settlement area must have a civic centre and this has been planned and in process of activation.
3.8 Your Committee also observed that the Civil Protection has been underfunded and almost ignored in the past to an extent of relying in some cases to interested parties/ stakeholders. However for 2019, the budget allocation is not enough but is welcome to hit the ground running going forward.
3.9 It was noted that the budget does not have the voice for the chiefs. Hence, as provided by the Constitution, there must be a separate vote for the Ministry and the Traditional Leaders Council. The Constitution since 2013, provides for a secretariat to administer Council of Chiefs but the budget does not speak to that. Your Committee explicitly expressed that there are no vehicles for the Ministry but for the Council of Chiefs’ secretariat and there is need for the budget to capacitate the operationalisation of the Council of Chiefs.
3.10 Your Committee also asked the officials concerning relationship between special planning and UDCORP, subscriptions, retaining of revenue for stadia and professional services. They outlined that UDCORP play a technical role to the Government. On subscriptions, the officials highlighted that they have approached the Treasury and the RBZ so that the Ministry will not fall back with international institutions.
5.0 Summary of Recommendations Your Committee recommends that:
5.1 The Government must revise the budgetary allocations to meet the developmental benchmarks as provided by the Constitution such as the 5% allocation to local authorities in accordance with Section 301:3.
5.2 The council of chiefs vote should receive separate estimates of revenue and expenditure as provided for in Section
305:3(d) of the Constitution.
5.3 The Government should promote interaction of ministries as this helps in addressing critical issues such as disaster management.
5.4 The Ministry should urgently review salaries of traditional leaders in consultation with the Council of Chiefs.
5.5 Ministry should continue hand over settlements to local authorities.
5.6 The Ministry should write a letter to the Treasury (Ministry of Finance) highlighting the technical challenges which affected the budget allocations to the Council of Chiefs.
5.7 The Government must align the budget to the Constitution regarding functionality of the Council of Chiefs.
5.8 There is need to settle the Ministry’s outstanding debt and improve revenue generation.
5.9 The Government must exercise tight price controls for the Ministry to sustain the budget and carry out its mandate successfully.
5.10 There is need to embrace PPPs and other forms of development financing in the face of Ministry budget shortfalls.
6.0 Conclusion
Your Committee remains seized with the continued trend of variances between allocations and actual disbursement to the Ministry as well as the violation of Section 305:3 (d) in regards with council of chief’s vote. As such, the Ministry of Finance should make the allocations in compliance with the Constitution. Furthermore, the alignment of budget to the Constitution needs to be expedited. However, the Ministry needs to hand-over settlements to local authorities and develop innovative ways to bridge the gap between budget allocations and the Ministry’s bid.
HON. GARWE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to submit the report on the Transport and Infrastructural Development Committee.
Introduction
The objective of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is to facilitate, provide and manage transport infrastructure networks, logistics and services efficiently for transport users.
Zimbabwe’s 2019 infrastructure investment plan places infrastructure development at the heart of achieving the objectives under the
Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP). Pursuant to being a middleincome country by 2030, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development should play a critical role by providing modern, affordable and reliable infrastructure which is useful for ease of doing business.
The Ministry bided for $361.470 million and the Treasury allocated $437.159 million, which is about 21% more than what they requested for.
Methodology
The Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural
Development, after the 2019 budget presentation by the Minister of
Finance, engaged the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in order to hear their views. The Committee sat to deliberate on the views received and came up with its own analysis of the 2019 budget after an intensive cross-examination of vote 11 of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Overview of the National Budget
Overall national budget (Consolidated Revenue Fund) is expected to change from US$7 billion in 2018 to US$10.3 billion in 2019, representing an increase of about 47%. The growth in budget was necessitated by the rebasing of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the previous 2009 base year to a new base year, 2012. Rebasing improves revenue generation capacity of the country. Of the total 2019 budget (Consolidated Revenue Fund), over 50% of the budget ($5.7 billion) will go towards recurrent expenditure while capital expenditure will constitute only 18%, which is still very low. Employment costs contribute the largest share of recurrent expenditure (over 49% of recurrent expenditure).
Transport and Infrastructural Development
The budget allocation for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development (Vote 11: Consolidated Revenue Fund) increased significantly from US$87.5 million in 2018 to US$399.182 million in 2019, representing an increase of 356%. The total allocation to the Ministry or its budget share has significantly increased by 300% from 1.3% in 2018 to 3.9% of the total budget in 2019.
The share of capital expenditure in the Ministry’s allocation increased by 10% from 86.5% in 2018 to 96.5% in 2019. Employment costs are expected to increase from $8.701 million in 2018 to $9.652 in 2019. The increase in employment costs is more pronounced in road infrastructure development where the demand for casual labour is likely to increase.
The Ministry’s major achievements in 2018 are listed in box 1 below.
Box 1: Major Achievements of the Ministry in 2018
- Completed temporary office complex, inspection workshop, civil works and hill start at VID Rusape.
- Completed temporary office complex, weighbridges and inspection workshop, civil works on access roads and holding bays at VID Beitbridge.
- Installed Electronic Passenger Personal Insurance Cover note on the computerised platform.
- Integrated CVR and ZINARA vehicle registration data.
- Completed construction of hill start at VID Belvedere.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development prioritises the following policies for 2019: o Road infrastructure and transportation
- Transport infrastructure development o Integrating governance and risk control o Enhancing revenue generation, efficiency and productivity.
Road dualisation, rehabilitation and upgrading has been prioritised and $372.919 million has been allocated for this in the 2019 budget.
The Beitbridge-Chirundu highway has remained a major concern to the
Government. Some prioritised parastatals and departments in the
Ministry include VID & CVR, CAAZ, NHS, NRZ, CMED and Air
Zimbabwe. NRZ, ZINARA and CAAZ will go under restructuring while National handling Services and RMS are to be considered under partial privatisation, joint ventures, partnerships or listings.
The Ministry’s four programmes are budgeted as follows in 2019:
Table 1: Ministry’s Budget Allocation by Programme
Programme | Consolidated Revenue Fund ($m) |
Policy and administration | 19.752 |
Road infrastructure and transportation | 372.919 |
Rail & Aviation Infrastructure Development | 10.154 |
A detailed description of Fiscal Road Development Programme and Road Fund Projects is presented in Annexures I and II of the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan. The Ministry reported that in addition to road infrastructure development, the 2019 National Budget has allocated funds for:
- Construction of inspection workshops in Bindura, Chitungwiza and
Harare and transport management Centre complex in Harare; o Lake navigation (construction of control tower, staff accommodation and offices, control vessel and weather station at
Tokwe Mukorsi, Binga and Victoria Falls); o Construction of a control tower at J. M. Nkomo Airport and expansion of R. G. M Airport; and o NRZ and Air Zimbabwe rehabilitation through IATA clearing house rejoining fees.
Ministry Submissions
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural development indicated that the 2019 National Budget allocation is sufficient for the
Ministry’s proposed 2019 activities. However, the officials pointed out that it is important to note that budget resources are transferred to the Ministry in the form of RTGS. Hence, it is important to understand the budget’s limitation in servicing external debt in the absence of adequate foreign currency.
Submissions from the Ministry officials indicated that a potential partner in rail infrastructure willing to invest US$400 million was identified and negotiations are under way. The Ministry is currently doing due diligence in evaluating the potential contract with the partner. Air Zimbabwe debt has continued to haunt the parastatal. Although the Government will take over Air Zimbabwe debt, the Ministry indicated that this will be just in principle since the Government requested the Ministry to provide a full plan to roll out the entity in order to avoid similar problems in the future.
Despite having funding resources, the establishment of a dry port
in Namibia has been hampered by lack of foreign currency to pay for services provided by foreign contractors. In addition to lack of foreign currency to fund foreign services, the Ministry indicated that employment freeze is negatively affecting its desire to achieve its targets. For instance, it was reported that the establishment of more inland waters navigation towers is hindered by understaffed departments in the Ministry.
The Ministry officials reported that most of the parastatals under their Ministry were not considered for privatisation, mergers or partnerships because of strategic and technical reasons. However, Air Zimbabwe is considered under privatisation in the 2019 Infrastructure Development Plan.
Committee Observations
The Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural
Development observed that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development generates significant Government revenue and hence the approved expenditure target for the Ministry was satisfactory. However, one observation was that although budget figures are in United States dollars, budget resources have been mostly transferred to ministries in the form of RTGS, making it difficult for the Ministry to fund projects that require external services or foreign currency.
The Committee noted that many roads and bridges in the country are in a poor state. Therefore, despite a limited fiscal space, there is need for the Ministry to intervene in all constituencies. The Committee observed the need for a balanced development where local people are allowed to determine what gets built as clearly articulated in the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan.
The Committee is concerned about the subdued response to development of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway and the rise in accident-related death. It was observed that previous proposals by Committee towards reducing road carnage such as establishing rehabilitation centres for victims of road accidents using a portion of the third party insurance have not been fruitful due to lack of convergence amongst stakeholders. Furthermore, there has been no progress in mounting speed monitoring cameras along highways.
The Committee observed that computerisation of VID and CVR has continued to receive less attention from the budget.
The Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural development applauded the Government for setting aside resources to construct a control tower and staff accommodation and offices at Tokwe-Mukorsi. However, the Committee recognises several inland waters requiring similar services such as Lake Chivero, Darwendale and other in land dams. In this regard, the Committee found it prudent for the Government to exempt the Ministry from an employment freeze in order to effectively provide the required services for inland waters.
One of the observations from the Committee was that very few parastatals and departments under the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural development were included under parastatal reforms. These are NRZ, ZINARA and CAAZ which will undergo restructuring while National Handling Services and RMS will be under privatisation, partnerships or mergers. The Committee noted that some parastatals such as Air Zimbabwe and NRZ require urgent attention from the budget. Rehabilitation of these parastatals must be prioritised.
The Committee noted the importance of implementation. The Committee observed that similar previously proposed solutions have not been utilised due to lack of implementation in the previous budgets. In addition to this, the Committee observed that there are no clear performance indicators for some of the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural Development’s programmes, for example roads infrastructure development and transportation. Clearly defined performance indicators assist Parliamentary Portfolio Committees to effectively monitor and evaluate performance of national budgets.
In this view, the Committee suggested recommendations based on how best can the approved resources be used by the Ministry.
Recommendations
- The Committee recommends the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to prioritise road infrastructure development in order to reduce road carnage and improve Government revenue. The following are the specific recommendations to the Ministry:
- Development of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway must be
prioritised; o While welcoming local resource mobilisation strategy for the development of the road, the Committee recommends the
Government to effectively supervise the project; o The Committee recommends a speed installation of sophisticated technological equipment along highways to monitor crimes committed by motorists; o The Committee recommends ring-fencing of remittances to Traffic Safety Council and insurance levies for all transport-related insurances. These resources should be used for traffic awareness (education) campaigns and fencing along all highways to reduce road carnages; o The Committee recommends an increase in road access fees paid by foreign motorists and a reduction of the said fees paid by
returning residents; o In view of increased permanent injuries resulting from fatal road accidents, the Committee recommends duty-free importation of all equipment used by disabled persons; o The transport system in Zimbabwe cannot continue to be dominated by combis and mushikashikas which have a significant contribution to road carnages. The Committee therefore recommends a reduction of duty for all buses from 45% to 5%. The Committee further recommends that imported second hand vehicles must not exceed 10 years; o Billboards are erected to attract the attention of motorists. Therefore, the Committee recommends that a share of revenue from billboards be directed towards road rehabilitation; o As part of their corporate social responsibility, mining houses must contribute towards the construction/rehabilitation of roads network around their places of operation; and also recommends that a portion of the third party insurance and all other road insurances be ring-fenced for the construction of accident victims’ rehabilitation centres.
- In relation to parastatals under the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructural Development, the Committee recommends the following:
- the Committee recommends a vigorous pursuance of privatisation of Air Zimbabwe as recommended by Cabinet during the 8th
Parliament; o The Committee recommends an immediate liquidation of Air
Zimbabwe debt with IATA which is US$4.2 million; o The Committee recommends an immediate implementation of the refurbishment of RG Mugabe airport and this should include air control systems and the runway network; o The Committee recommends that NHS improve its efficiency to improve its revenue generation which also beneficial to Air
Zimbabwe; o The Committee proposes that the Government promulgates a
Statutory Instrument which empowers NRZ to be the sole
transporter of chrome ore (about 15 million tonnes) and other mineral ores to neighbouring countries. This innovation will improve revenue generation for NRZ which could be used to settle the parastatal’s debts; and o The Committee understands that NRZ has mineral claims in South Africa. The Committee recommends that NRZ through the respective ministries pursues the effective operationalisation of the mines. RMS is a perennial loss maker and a burden to NRZ. Hence, the Committee recommends that either NRZ looks for partners to turn the fortunes of RMS or close it completely.
- In terms of corporate governance, the Committee recommends the following:
- Rationalisation of similar services provided by Ministry departments and parastatals causing duplication of duties, for example, ZINARA and VID where one is responsible for invoicing and the other for collection; and
- The Committee recommends an immediate integration and computerisation of all transport management systems in the Ministry and parastatals in order to improve revenue generation and collection. A well-coordinated transport management network will also reduce corruption.
- In line with devolution and the 2019 Infrastructure Investment Plan, the Committee recommends the Ministry to embrace community ownership of every infrastructure project to be implemented in 2019. Communities need to be involved in these projects so that they take ownership and feel proud to drive the projects to success. For instance, when developing a road or constructing a bridge, communities must take a leading role in prioritising the road or bridge to be constructed first. General labourers and suppliers of ancillary services can be recruited from the community where the project is implemented. In other words, labour-based construction projects should be resuscitated for low-volume traffic roads.
- In terms of gender participation, the Committee recommends
that the Ministry implements the proposed projects with gender equality in mind.
- Providing safety to citizens is crucial. In this view, the Committee recommends an immediate construction of control towers in all large inland waters and the Ministry should employ staff with critical skills needed for the construction of control towers.
- In addition to budgetary resources provided for, the Committee recommends that Government considers engaging private sector through Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) and Build Operate Transfer (BOT) for large projects such as airports, trunk roads and NRZ. The Committee further recommends that the Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group and Transnet Consortium must be rigorously pursued to rehabilitate, upgrade rolling sock, signaling, tracking and ICT systems in NRZ.
- Finally, the Committee recommends that the Ministry generates clearly defined performance indicators during the implementation stage of all its projects and activities. Performance indicators will assist the Committee to execute its oversight role through monitoring and evaluation of the said milestones.
HON. GABUZZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am going to present a report or the Portfolio Committee of Energy and Power
Development.
1. Introduction
The Portfolio Committee of Energy and Power Development has an oversight responsibility over the Ministry of Energy and Power Development. The Ministry of Energy and Power Development is mandated to provide adequate and sustainable energy supply through formulating and implementing effective policies and regulatory frameworks. Post budget consultations conducted with the Ministry and its stakeholders showed that there was an increase in 2019 budget allocations to the Ministry of Energy and Power Development from the 2018 allocation.
1.1 Key Priority areas for the Ministry of Energy and Power
Development in 2019
Zimbabwe Government’s long term goal is to transform the country into an Upper Middle Income Society by 2030 (Vision 2030). This goal will be achieved through the implementation of the Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP). Energy sector has been identified as one of key enabler of achieving the goals set in the TSP and Vision 2030 and therefore the Ministry of Energy and Power Development plays a critical role in this development. The Ministry’s priorities over the period 2019 to 2021 all contribute to this. These priorities begin with balancing the Ministry budget, to control spending and to support the overall government budget. Some of the key priority areas for the Ministry of Energy and Power Development for 2019 as enshrined in TSP include the following:
- Expansion of Hwange Power Station;
- Rehabilitation of Kariba dam wall;
- Development of Deka Water Plumbing Station and Pipeline;
- Repowering of Bulawayo Thermal Power Station; and
- Development of Batoka Hydro Power Scheme;
The 2019 Budget largely mirrors the priorities outlined in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, particularly through the expenditures proposed towards power generation projects which consume the bulk of the expenditure under the energy sector. The budget is also reflective of the TSS in that the TSS outlines renewable energy (in the form of solar energy) as a priority but proposed the mobilisation of only $50 million which is targeted at rural communities and small rural businesses. In the same vein the 2019 budget indicates that the government will embark on projects for the development of solar mini grid systems in the country, at a cost of US$3.1 million.
1.2 Selected key budget measures with potential to affect the energy sector
- The fuel market is “distorted” and the country’s fuel has become relatively cheaper compared to prices obtaining in the region,
“creating an arbitrage opportunity for local consumers and transiting vehicles.”
- With effect from December 1, excise duty goes up by 7 cents per litre on diesel and paraffin and 6.5 cents on petrol.
- Power availability from existing power stations, currently ranges between 1000MW to 1600MW, against demand of 2 200MW,
necessitating power imports to cover the deficit.
- Zimbabwe’s installed generation capacity now stands at 2260MW, following the completion and commissioning of the Kariba South Expansion Project this year, which added 300MW to the national grid.
- During 2019, an amount of US$350 million will be disbursed under the China EXIM Bank loan towards the Hwange 7 and 8 Expansion Project loan, to be invested towards ongoing civil works and manufacture of electro-mechanical equipment for the project, among others. Government is expected to inject $88 million whilst Sino
Hydro will also inject $88 million.
- The Budget provision of US$1 million will support construction of 15 biogas digesters at a cost of US$0.4 million, whilst US$0.6 million will fund feasibility studies for Small Hydro Power Plants.
- Government will commence the roll out of solar mini grid systems in the country, at a cost of US$3.1 million.
1.3 Ministry of Energy and Power Development 2018 Budget Performance
While the Ministry may clamour for bigger allocations from Treasury, experience over the years has shown that Treasury does not have the capacity to meet such huge requests. Unlike in previous years,
Ministry of Energy and Power Development’s disbursements from
Treasury in 2018 exceeded the Ministry’s total budget allocation for the year. This was a result of additional money transferred to ZESA for equity participation. However, for the rest of other expenditure items, the Ministry’s actual expenditure was lower that the target expenditure for the year, implying that Treasury did not release all the funds as allocated in the 2018 budget. Figure 3 shows a comparison between approved budget allocations against budget releases from 2016 to 2018.
Figure 1: Comparison of Ministry of Energy and Power
Development’s budget allocations against budget releases (2016 to
2018)
- Analysis for the Ministry of Energy and Power
Development 2019 Budget
2.1. Overview of Ministry’s 2019 budget allocation The Ministry of Energy and Power Development was given an expenditure target of US$16.011 million from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Although the amount allocated represents a 20.18% increase from the 2018 nominal allocation of US$13.323, it remains low for a sector that has been identified as a key economic driver under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP). In addition, if the price changes are taken into account, the 2019 allocation represents a decrease in allocation.
2.1.1. Economic classification of the budget
Of the total allocation of US$16.011million, 78% (US$12.45 million) is for capital expenditure, 13% (US$2.079 million) is for current transfers and 9% (US$1.482 million) will go towards funding current expenditures for the Ministry. The current expenditure allocation will cover employment costs (56%), goods and services (25%), maintenance (10%) and programmes (9%) whilst capital expenditure allocation will finance the acquisition of fixed capital assets and equity and lending to
ZESA. Figure 2 shows the Ministry’s economic classification of the budget.
Figure 2: Ministry of Energy and Power Development 2019 Budget allocation
2.2. Implications of the 2019 Budget for the Ministry of
Energy and Power Development and the Energy Sector in
Zimbabwe
The Committee noted that although the Ministry’s budget allocation in nominal terms for 2019 is higher than its allocation in 2018. The price changes that have taken place in light of exchange rate distortions will negatively impact on the Ministry’s activities in 2019. The following are some of the implications of the 2019 budget allocation to the Ministry’s operations.
- Maintenance- The Ministry was allocated US$152 000 against a bid of US$212 000. The inadequate budget allocation for this expenditure item will greatly affect the Ministry’s operations such as supervision, monitoring and evaluation of projects under the ministry’s purview as the ministry. The situation will be worsened by the ageing fleet of vehicles which now require frequent repair and maintenance.
- Current transfers: The Ministry was allocated US$72 000 against a bid of US$136 200. The amount allocated for current transfers is inadequate considering that the Ministry has subscriptions arrears of $45 000 for 2018 to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Zimbabwe is also a member to the African Regional Cooperative
Agreement for Research , Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) where its 2016 subscriptions are also in arrears of US$7 200. Furthermore,
Zimbabwe has also membership to The International Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) where subscriptions of US$2 000 will be needed in 2019. The inadequate allocation will therefore entail that the debt obligations will remain outstanding and the country will likely lose some of the benefits from its membership in these international organisations.
- Acquisition of fixed assets - The Ministry was allocated US$100 000 for the acquisition of fixed assets. If this amount is released in full, it will go a long way in ensuring that the Ministry replaces old and broken office furniture. However the Ministry’s old and unreliable vehicles have not been taken into account. No funds have been allocated for new operational vehicles. The Ministry last got new vehicles in 2004 and currently relies on 3 cars donated by UNDP and another small car donated by ZIMRA. This will negatively affect the operations of the Ministry especially in the Provinces.
- Capital Transfers: Treasury allocated US$1.350 million towards
Ministry’s capital transfers to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Finealt Engineering. Of the $1 million allocated to REA, $400 000 will be for funding the institutional bio digesters, US$500 000 will go towards funding Small Hydro Power Plants Feasibility Studies and the balance of $100 000 will fund solar micro grid project which will also be financed REA internal resources. Finealt Engineering will get $300 000 which is meant for Nyakadecha
Jatropha Plantation project.
- Lending and equity: - The Ministry was allocated US$11 million for equity and lending to ZESA against a requirement of US$80 million. The $80 million was meant for financing Hwange 7 and 8 expansion projects. If Treasury had availed this amount it would have reduced the debt burden to ZESA as it would reduce funding from loans which attracts interest. In addition, the following ZESA requests were not provided for in the 2019 budget:
o Procurement and installation of transformers - $7.77 million o Procurement and installation of Remote Terminal Units
(RTUs)- $500 000 o Gweru –Beitbridge Fibre Project (Powertel)- $2.3 million
- Renewable Energy programmes- Estimated expenditure on programmes that promote renewable energy however remain unchanged and subdued. Under the Programmes Budget Line, Biogas technology and Small hydropower development were allocated $10,000 each in 2018 and the same amount in 2019. Whilst there is an overall increase of 92.8% in the total allocation under programmes there is need to pay more attention to the programmes targeting promotion of renewable energy.
3. Recommendations
The Committee on Energy and Power Development is of the view that the 2019 National Budget should have fully incorporated input from the Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development and other stakeholders in the energy sector. The Committee is of the view that there are some outstanding areas which if addressed, will unlock the full potential of the industry, deepen the inclusivity and maximise its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. In light of this, the Committee recommends the following measures which it feels will raise revenue in the sector and contribute to economic growth:
3.1. Capacitation of ZESA Enterprises (ZENT)
The Committee noted with concern that Treasury did not allocate funding to ZESA for the procurement of transformers which are critical for electricity distribution. Furthermore, no funding was proposed for lending to ZESA to support the manufacture of transformers by ZESA Enterprises. In light of serious foreign currency shortages currently prevailing in the country, the Committee recommends that government must consider capacitating ZENT so that it increases production of transformers and other related products to meet domestic demand as well as exporting to other countries. Research have shown that during the last 5 years, ZENT has exported transformers worth more than US$8 million to Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the past 3 years, ZENT has completed 8 high voltage (7 x 33/11kV and 1 x 132kV/11kV) substations with a total capacity of 320MVA valued at US$32 million. The company is venturing into manufacturing the modern 132kV monopole power line. Therefore the capacitation of ZENT will help in reducing foreign currency outflows through imports.
3.2. Review the Biodiesel Project
Consultations with Ministry of Energy and Power Development and Finealt Engineering Officials revealed that the over the years, Finealt Engineering has been engaging technical experts drawn from local universities who have been testing different varieties of jatropha plants with a view to establishing those suitable to individual regions of Zimbabwe. They also sought to establish exact varieties that give the best yield per hectare. Currently, they are taking the project to a higher level of commercialisation. From the analysis presented to the
Committee, it became clear that the project is facing viability challenges ranging from shortage of jatropha seeds which then result in high production costs of 97 cents per litre against an international average cost of between 43 cents and 54 cents per litre. In light of these challenges, the Committee recommends that the project proposal of this project be relooked at before the government commits itself in providing the firm with guarantee for a $12 million loan from IRENA which the firm is currently pursuing. The Committee is also of the view that the employment budget paid to Finealt Engineering should be linked to output. An alternative will be for the $12 million loan from IRENA to be redirected to fund solar energy projects in schools.
3.3. Allocate funds for the purchase of vehicles
Ministry of Energy and Power Development raised concern over the failure by Treasury to provide funding for the purchase of vehicles in the 2018 and 2019 budgets. This has negative impacts on the monitoring and evaluation activities by the Ministry of some projects under the
Ministry’s portfolio. The Committee on Energy and Power Development recommends that Treasury should make provision for the purchase of vehicles in the current budget or at least consider providing enough resources under the maintenance budget of the Ministry to ensure that in the medium term the ageing fleet is well maintained whilst resources for the purchase of new vehicles are being mobilized.
3.4. Government plays a leading role in paying its electricity costs to ZESA
The Committee noted that ZETDC is owed a large amount of money by its customers. This situation undermines the parastatal’s capacity to pay for emergency power supplies, undertake critical maintenance and develop new capacity for both generation and transmission infrastructure. It is saddening to note that Government has also contributed to the problems facing ZETDC by failing to pay its bills. The Committee therefore recommends that in 2019, Government takes a leadership role by paying up its electricity bills arrears. Finally, Government should allow ZESA to install prepaid meters to all electricity users irrespective of one’s status in the society. This will improve revenue collection by ZESA and instill discipline in the use of electricity.
Future projects should include funding for distribution infrastructure
The Committee noted with concern that in some cases electricity consumers are failing to benefit from the power expansion projects due to unavailability of prepaid meters and transmitters. In light of this, the Committee recommends that future national projects such as Batoka, Sino-Hydro should include the supply of prepaid and transmitters to ensure quick recovery of funds committed to the projects.
4. Conclusion
While the Committee of Energy and Power Development welcomes the budget allocation, the Committee strongly feels that the potential of the energy sector to optimize its contribution to the socioeconomic development of the country can be fully unlocked if Treasury plays its part. This can be done through the timeously releasing of funds and resolving a number of outstanding issues which the Committee has raised in this report. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. MAYIHLOME: Madam Speaker Ma’am, I rise to present
the budget analysis for the Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home
Affairs and Security Services. In coming up with this report, your
Committee heard oral evidence from the Ministry of Defence,
Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, War Veterans
Association on one hand as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs,
Zimbabwe Republic Police, Immigration Control, Registrar General’s Office, National Archives and National Museums and Monuments. I will go straight to the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Vote 4.
The Ministry did not fully achieve its targets in 2018 due to perennial funding challenges. The Army and Air Force are a creation of the constitution with a requirement to be adequately funded so that they meet the desired statutory and constitutional obligations. In 2019, the Ministry was allocated $546.939m but $476.1m is earmarked for employment costs, leaving a paltry balance of $70.9m to cover other inescapable expenditures. Specific allocations were as follows:
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)
The ZNA was allocated $395.64m inclusive of employment costs. However, salaries alone take $339.664m but were not adjusted for inflation. The amount is inadequate to ensure soldiers’ welfare considering that there are new recruits in addition to existing soldiers’ who need to be paid salaries and other allowances. The $55.98m balance after deducting employment costs caters for other expenditures is far short of the ZNA’s actual bid of $259.49m.
The following key expenditure items were grossly underfunded yet they are constitutional requirements:
- Rations: A total of $7.89m was allocated for rations against a requirement of $139.98m. This implies that on average a soldier will survive on $0.62 per day.
- Uniforms: A paltry $3.63m allocated for this item is far below the minimum requirement. Inadequately kitted soldiers will portray a bad image to the world regarding the dignity of Zimbabwe’s soldiers.
- Medical Services: Just $1.08m was allocated for medical services, meaning that each soldier and the dependents will be entitled to $2.50 per month as medical cover.
- Travel and Subsistence: Travel and subsistence (T&S) allowances were last paid in 2009 but will remain a liability to the government since they will be claimed by members on retirement.
- Training and Development: The $1m that was allocated is inadequate to meet the basic standards for training.
- Maintenance: $9.37m was allocated against an ideal requirement of $60.67m, and is grossly inadequate to improve gallery ranges, upgrade the ZNA buildings and facilities and maintain its technical equipment.
- Equipment: A total of $76.56m would be enough to cover all new acquisitions but only $12.94m was eventually allocated to purchase new assets such as computers, furniture, motor vehicles and fittings to replace the old ones.
- Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP): All the 26 new and existing high impact PSIP projects will remain work in progress since Treasury thinly spread the allocation across the projects. The demining exercise which missed three deadlines will definitely fail to be completed in time given that only $0.5m was allocated.
- Legacy Debt: There is still an outstanding domestic debt on utility bills amounting to $32m and foreign debt of $54m which has no provision in the proposed budget for 2019 financial year.
Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ)
- The AFZ was allocated $75.424m for 2019 but $42m is meant for employment costs, leaving a balance of $33.5m for other expenditure items. However, the amount earmarked for employment costs did not take into account the military salary scale approved by the Defence Forces Services
Commission and the Health Services Board.
- Rations: Rations for the AFZ soldiers remain grossly underfunded. If a daily rate of $5per soldier is used, the ideal requirement to cover rations would be $7.2m and yet they were only allocated just $3.555m to cater for all institutional provisions.
- Uniforms: Additional funding is also required to adequately provide uniforms and other kits since this is a constitutional obligation.
- Medical services: Treasury allocated just $2m to cater for medical supplies but this is not sufficient to adequately cover medical requirements for the VVIP wing at Manyame Base Hospital.
- Travel expenses: The AFZ requires $1.8m to cater for all foreign travel expenses but was allocated $0.2m which cannot cover all the foreign travel expenses such as allowances, travel tickets and
- Equipment: The AFZ require a supplementary budget for the procurement of military equipment. The $4.545m that was allocated for this expenditure item is too little to meet the procurement needs of the AFZ.
- Physical Infrastructure: Approximately $6m is needed for this sub vote. The $1.2m which Treasury allocated is 20% of the ideal requirement because maintenance of military equipment is very expensive.
[Time Limit]
HON. CHIDHAKWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I move that the Hon. Member’s time be extended.
HON. MAMOMBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
HON. MAYIHLOME: Thank you Madam Speaker.
- Office Furniture: Office furniture for all bases and Air Force headquarters is in a sorry state and as such, more funding is required for the procurement of furniture and equipment, motor vehicles, air ranks houses and new construction works.
The allocated $12.949m is not adequate.
- Aviation fuel: Aviation fuel, diesel and petrol as well as lubricants are critical requirements to keep the AFZ aloft, hence require adequate funding to the tune of $4m, but just $1.142m was allocated and is not enough to purchase these expensive items.
- Maintenance: Just like in the ZNA, the AFZ construction and maintenance works at various bases were allocated paltry amounts that would not result in a speedy progress towards their completion.
4. War Veterans
There is a proposed Bill that may see additional war veterans and war collaborators and ex-detainees being registered, yet no funds were set aside to cater for their welfare.
5. Recommendations
Against the background of the above observations, your
Committee recommends the following:
- Treasury should take over and ring-fence all the Ministry’s outstanding debts with a view to have them paid up so as to restore good relationship with suppliers.
- Institutional provisions should be adequately financed to guarantee discharge of statutory obligation by the Ministry. In particular, rations, medical services, uniforms, travel and subsistence allowances, training and accommodation necessary and critical requirements for ensuring sustained operations of the forces in discharging their mandate.
- PSIP projects require full funding to expedite their completion.
- Enough funds should be allocated and timeously released towards the acquisition of capital assets and maintenance works to ensure our Defence Forces are kept at combat capability levels that keep them operational and deployable whenever situations requiring sovereign defence arise.
- Treasury should prioritise the demining exercise which missed several deadlines.
- All salaries and allowances for the Army and Air Force personnel should be enough to cover their welfare as they carry out their mandate while war veterans allowances should be kept reasonable to ensure sustenance of their welfare.
- Treasury should fully support the Zimbabwe Defence Industries and David Whitehead to avoid foreign currency requirement on importation of consumables, raw material and rations.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS AND CULTURE- VOTE 18
($553 161 000)
- Global Overview and Analysis of the Ministry’s 2019 Budget
Treasury allocated $553.161m to the Ministry. Eighty percent (80%) of this amount ($428.098m) caters for employment costs. The balance of $125.063m only remains for operations. This amount is inadequate to fund the Ministry’s priority expenditure items for its departments. The Ministry is expected to raise funds amounting to $35.339m. However, these funds are deposited into the Consolidated
Revenue Fund and are unavailable for direct use by the departments.
7. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Budget Analysis
- Goods and Services: A total of $95.8m is required to cover rations and travel and subsistence allowances but Treasury allocated approximately $6.6m for these key expenditure items including T&S allowances which were last paid in 2009 forcing police to use their own resources or to beg from the public to execute their duties.
- Training: The $3.7m that was allocated for this item is surely not adequate to fund the relevant training programmes. This is important to improve the competences of police officers.
- Uniforms: The ZRP is a uniformed service hence police officers must be provided with a complete kit that includes uniforms and relevant tools of trade since this is a statutory requirement. The ideal allocation to meet this requirement would have been $4.5m.
- Communication and other equipment: Treasury allocated a paltry $2.8m for this item against an ideal requirement of $9.98m in light of the need for speed control gadgets, drones, National Control Centre, cameras, scanners and forensic equipment.
- Purchase of Vehicles: For increased mobility and visibility, 5 205 vehicles are required to meet the approved ZRP establishment of 7 000 vehicles for its operational units. The $11.3m that was allocated for this item is not enough.
- Equipment: The ZRP should be fully allocated its $5m to acquire forensic laboratory equipment, $58.6m to bankroll electronic traffic management system, $4.7m to establishing the uniformed Police Unit and $4.6m to acquire public order equipment.
g. PSIP projects
The police have 57 stations which were built using wooden modules, and they urgently need reconstruction using modern bricks. Similarly, all construction projects and maintenance works under the ZRP which had stalled for a long time are of high priority hence should be well funded to solve accommodation and office space challenges.
There are 27 000 members of the ZRP who do not have access to institutional accommodation.
8. Registrar General's Office
- The Registrar General has not yet received a paper used for the production of national certificates which it imported 2 years ago due to delayed release of foreign currency. This has led to a 6 months backlog of 170 000 passports.
- The Registrar General has a shortfall amounting to $3.3m required for computerisation.
9. National Archives
Funds are needed to start electronic management of documents for national archiving in an easily accessible manner but were not adequately catered for.
10. Immigration Control
The department needs to be fully computerised so as to be compatible for online visa applications and processing and admissions and to be compliant with other immigration requirements elsewhere in the world. There is also need to improve staff houses and offices at the border posts particularly at Kazungula.
11. Summary Analysis
Just like the ZNA and AFZ, the ZRP is a creation of the
Constitution. Most of the requirements of this institution are statutorily prescribed. Thus, the budget provision that fall below the minimum threshold affects the operational capability of the organisation. Equipping officers with basic tools and accessories is critical in discharge of their constitutional mandate. Failure to meet their subsistence and travel allowances compromises their performance and creates potential national security risks.
12. Recommendations of Budget Allocation for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage
- The ZRP should be fully funded so that it can be fully equipped with up-to-date and modest assets, facilities and equipment. Treasury should therefore come up with a supplementary budget to adequately cover high impact expenditure items that lead to improved efficiency and operational effectiveness of the Ministry. These expenditure items include:
- The computerisation and digitalisation of process in all departments, ii. Acquisition of capital assets such as patrol vehicles and helicopters, drones and balloons, scanners and minerals detectors.
iii. Procurement of furniture and equipment for the Forensic
Science laboratory, iv. Completing the construction, upgrading and maintenance of accommodation and office facilities in various stations throughout the country.
- Operationalising the Formed Police Unit Maintenance.
- Treasury should clear all the $24m outstanding debt for the
ZRP in time.
- The retention funds should be managed by the Ministry (not by Treasury) to guarantee access of the funds as and when needed.
- All institutional items should be fully funded.
- Treasury should adequately support income generating projects like farming to ensure self-sufficiency by the
Ministry and reduce continued dependence on Treasury.
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MADIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 5th December, 2018
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that the House revertc to Notice of presentation of Bill Number 2.
HON. MADIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
FIRST READING
FINANCE (NO. 2) BILL
THE MINISTER OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS, COMMUNITY,
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT (HON.
NYONI) on behalf of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE)
presented the Finance (No. 2) Bill [H. B. 9, 2018].
Bill read the first time.
Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.
On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. N.
NDLOVU, the House adjourned at Twenty Four minutes to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 28th November, 2017
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
DEATH OF HON. ALDRIN MUSIIWA
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is with profound sorrow
that I have to inform the House of the death of Hon. Aldrin Musiiwa, Member of Parliament for Chakari Constituency on Friday, 17th November, 2017. I invite Hon. Members to rise and observe a minute of silence in respect of the late Member of Parliament.
All Hon. Members observed a minute of silence.
VACANCIES IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Chair would like to notify
this august House that on the 27th November, 2017 Parliament was notified by the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front
(ZANU PF) that the following Members;
Hon. Mandiitawepi Chimene | Makoni South Constituency |
Hon. Kudzanai Chipanga | Makoni West Constituency |
Hon. Prof Jonathan Moyo | Tsholotsho North Constituency |
Hon. Dr. Ignatius Chombo | Zvimba North Constituency |
Hon. Saviour Kasukuwere | Mt Darwin South Constituency |
have ceased to be members of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party and therefore no longer represent the interest of the party in Parliament. The notification was signed by Hon.
- Chinamasa in his capacity as the Secretary for Legal affairs of ZANU PF.
Section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides as follows; “a seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the Member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a Member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the Member has ceased to belong to it”.
Pursuant to the above, I do hereby inform this august House that vacancies have arisen in the following constituencies by the operation of the law;
- Makoni South Constituency
- Makoni West Constituency
- Tsholotsho North Constituency
- Zvimba North Constituency
- Darwin South Constituency
The necessary administrative measures will be taken to inform His
Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the existence of the vacancies in line with Section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act Chapter 213 as amended –
[HON. ZWIZWAI: Are you sure Zhuwao’s name is not there?] -
NON-ADVERSE REPORT RECEIVED FROM THE
PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to inform the House
that I have received a Non-Adverse Report from the Parliamentary Legal Committee on the Public Entities Corporate Governance Bill [H.B. 5, 2017].
HON. ADV. CHAMISA: On a point of clarification Madam
Speaker. I am very conscious of the fact that in terms of our Constitution if a vacancy arises it has to be filled but if regard be had to Section 158 (3) “Polling in by-elections to Parliament and local authorities must take place within ninety days after the vacancies occurred unless the vacancies occur within nine months before a general election is due to be held, in which event the vacancies may remain unfilled until the general election”. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. We
want to hear what is being said.
HON. ADV. CHAMISA: Madam Speaker, my point is just to seek a point of clarification because the use of the word may clearly indicates that there is an element discretion but I know that there has been a ruling in certain cases that even ‘may’ can be interpreted to mean ‘shall’ in certain circumstances. I do not know what is motivating your
Chair, in saying that the vacancies have to be filled. If we have due regard and consideration of the fact that we are supposed to have an election between the 22nd of July and the 22nd of August in terms of the law, how are we going to go about it? Do we really need to fill in these vacancies or they have to remain vacant so that we do not unnecessarily go into the coffers of the State and waste taxpayers’ resources? I do not want to interfere with the discretion of the political party, but just in terms of the law…
HON. SAMUKANGE: On a point of order Hon. Speaker –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Samukange, please take your seat. Order Hon. Members – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - Hon. Members, you are taking my duty. Thank you.
Attending to your point of clarification Hon. Chamisa. I think we all know that…
HON. SAMUKANGE: On a point of order Hon. Speaker. You must hear me.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Samukange, can I please
reply to this point of clarification – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Members, at times we have to behave. The role of Parliament in terms of the Constitution was just to clarify by the court.
It is to notify you as Members of Parliament what has happened. Now His Excellency the President and ZEC will then have to sit down and agree on what they will be doing, not Parliament. Thank you.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. RUNGANI: Madam Speaker Ma’am, I move that Orders of
the Day, Numbers 1 to 12 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
ON TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT ON
THE INQUIRY INTO THE TURNAROUND STRATEGY FOR THE
NATIONAL RAILWAYS OF ZIMBABWE
HON. NDUNA: I move the motion standing in my name that;
This House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio Committee on
Transport and Infrastructural Development on the Inquiry into the
Turnaround Strategy for the National Railways of Zimbabwe.
HON. MAONDERA: I second.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. This is the First Report on the Portfolio Committee on Transport on the turnaround strategy for the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
The National Railways of Zimbabwe is undoubtedly a key carrier, particularly in terms of the commercial and industrial bulk goods transportation in the country. However, it is a matter of public record that, like most parastatals, NRZ has become a liability…
HON. HOLDER: On a point of order Madam Speaker Ma’am.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order
Hon. Holder?
HON. HOLDER: Madam Speaker, my point of order is on
privileges and immunities. I wanted this House to take note that we have got our new President, His Excellency, E. D. Mnangagwa and we would like to congratulate him and the First Lady who is in the House today, we want to congratulate her – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I will begin
by the introduction.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is undoubtedly a key player particularly in terms of commercial and industrial bulk goods transportation in the country. However, it is a matter of public record that, like most parastatals, NRZ has become a liability and not the strategic asset that it should be to the country. To put the issue into perspective, out of a fleet size of 166 locomotives, only 60 locomotives are operational. These average between 33 and 50 years old, whereas a locomotive has a useful lifespan of at most 25 years. Employees are owed over USD 90 million in outstanding salaries while debts have ballooned to a staggering USD 176 million.
1.2 Despite this untenable prevailing situation, the Committee is convinced that NRZ still has the latent potential to be an important cash cow for the Government and people of Zimbabwe especially in these challenging times when domestic resource mobilisation has become the operative mantra. The Committee is firmly convinced that the revival of NRZ should be pursued with vigour and intent as it is key to the transportation sector, particularly the transportation of bulk commercial and industrial goods.
1.3 Given this background, the Committee saw it fit to invite the board and management of NRZ to enquire into their proposed turnaround strategy for this key institution. This is premised on the recognition that an efficient and profitable NRZ will contribute significantly to the fiscus and to the attainment of the accelerated economic growth trajectory envisaged in our economic blueprint- ZIM ASSET. This report presents the findings of that enquiry.
2.0 Submissions from the Board & Management- Current State of
NRZ
The Committee received input on the current state of NRZ from the board and management of NRZ. Their submissions highlighted the following:
- Out of a fleet size of 166 locomotives, only 60 patently unreliable locomotives are operational;
- The average age of the said locomotives is between 33 and 50 years whereas a locomotive has a useful lifespan of only 25 years;
- Out of a total of 7153 wagons, 3641 have been decommissioned for various defects, leaving only 3512 in service;
- Out of a fleet of 283 passenger coaches, only 108 are in use and these are in a deplorable state;
- Two hundred and fifty five kilometres of the 2760 kilometres of rail network are under speed restrictions to the extent that a train has to slow down to a speed of 10 kilometres per hour in these areas causing inordinate delays in transportation of commercial and industrial goods;
- The Centralised Train Control System (CTC) has been rendered dysfunctional due in part to vandalism. This entails that there is little control over trains from the given control position.
- Employees are owed over USD 90 million in unpaid salaries; and,
- The parastatal’s debt has since ballooned to USD 176 million
2.1 Projected Operational and Financial Performance
Given the afore-stated background, the NRZ Board &
Management submitted the following projections for 2017:
2.1.1 Freight Movement
In 2017, NRZ would transport freight tonnes amounting to USD 3.5 million, an improvement of about 30% from the $2.7 million realised in 2016. This positive difference was attributed to the long haul nature of some of the freight that was to be transported.
2.1.2 Passenger Movement
In terms of the passengers, NRZ was targeting to move 387
000 passengers against the 287 000 that were transported in 2016.
This would translate to a 34% improvement in passenger
transportation in 2017.
2.1.3 Revenue Generation
NRZ projected that the revenue to be generated from both freight and passengers against the anticipated increase would be USD 87 million. If achieved, this would be a 32% increase from the USD 66 million raised in 2016.
2.1.4 Transportation of Grain and Chrome Ore
NRZ had transported 372 000 metric tonnes of grain from the projected harvest of 700 000 metric tonnes in 2016. In 2017, they were targeting to transport 300 000 metric tonnes within the first six months of the year. However, the revenue generated from the transportation of grain was not provided at the time of the enquiry.
3.0 Key Strategies to Improve Operational and Financial
Performance
In order to attain the set targets for 2017, NRZ proposed the following strategies and interventions:
- Reduction of Salary to Revenue Ratio from the current 94% to
about 62% in 2017 on the back of cost- cutting measures and an improvement in revenue as highlighted above.
- Rebuilding Customer Confidence through Service Level Agreements between NRZ and its regular customers which outline commitments to service delivery.
- Flexibility in pricing tariffs which allows price adjustments as and when necessary to remain competitive.
- Lobbying the Government to expedite the enactment of legislation banning bulk goods transportation by road and thus ring- fencing
traffic to rail.
- Advocating for a waiver of duty on diesel for locomotives.
- Increasing Frequency of Cross Tripper Trains, that is, trains which do not stop and are manned by two sets of crews to expedite the movement of cargo.
- To alleviate the challenges associated with the moribund, antiquated and dilapidated fleet, NRZ proposed to engage the private sector to assist in terms of recapitalisation.
- Selling of Scrap Metal to raise the much- needed revenue. Scrap metal reportedly earned the organisation about USD 2.5 million in
2016.
- Sourcing funding for recapitalisation from the Government.
4.0 Committee’s Observations
- The Committee noted with dismay that a large part of NRZ management’s resuscitation strategy is premised on recapitalisation by Government. Given the well documented fiscal constraints that we are currently faced with, this appears highly unlikely in the immediate future. This ‘business as usual approach’ will not achieve the desired results of reviving the once thriving NRZ.
- While the reduction of the salary to revenue ratio is a long- overdue initiative, there does not seem to be any solution in sight in terms of raising the much- needed financing for the workers who are already owed over USD 90 million, let alone those who, by virtue of the cost- cutting measures, will join the long list of creditors.
- Public private-partnerships offer the most plausible and ideal strategy to get NRZ out of the doldrums. However, the debt overhang of USD 176 million exacerbated by the USD 90 million owed to employees are making it increasingly difficult for the entity to attract serious investors.
- Bureaucratic red tape between the organisation and the parent Ministry is inhibiting expeditious decision- making particularly with respect to price tariffs. This has rendered NRZ uncompetitive especially against road transport as the latter is able to make price adjustments instantaneously in line with market forces.
- The Committee observed that NRZ is not actively following up on the mineral claims held in South Africa which provide an alternative source of much- needed revenue for the entity. Given the challenges NRZ is facing, the lackadaisical attitude towards this critical resource is incomprehensible.
- While management foresees an improvement in passenger movement in 2017, there are no concomitant initiatives taken by the organisation to lure passengers to use rail transport instead of road transport. The Committee could not ascertain the basis of this confident projection given the stiff competition in the road
transport industry at the moment.
- The collapse of the Centralised Train Control System could have devastating fatalities on both cargo and passengers if it is not replaced as a matter of urgency.
5.0 Recommendations
- Government must take over or at the very least, guarantee the debt owed to employees if NRZ is to attract a serious private investor.
This should be done by 30 September, 2017
- The parent Ministry should expedite the enactment of legislation banning the transportation of chrome ore among other bulk goods using road transport and ring-fence traffic to rail. The area which has speed restrictions should expeditiously be attended to and all rail ballasts should be installed. This should be carried out by
October 2017.
- Procurement and decision-making procedures must be streamlined to reduce red tape and enable quick decision-making in this cutthroat industry. This needs to be done immediately after the tabling of this report.
- The Centralised Train Control System must be replaced as a matter of urgency to prevent loss of lives and/or cargo resulting from fatal accidents by September 2017.
- The board and management must actively pursue the mineral claims resident in South Africa as they could provide an important source of leverage in sourcing funding. Immediately, a committee should be set up by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to pursue this game-changer by December 2017.
- NRZ must develop an inventory of all its properties both within and outside the country and use some of the properties to liquidate their debts. This needs to be presented to Parliament by end of August 2017.
- Engineer Mukwada who is now substantive General Manager of NRZ should immediately cease sitting on BBR Board, a competitor in the rail industry as this is bound to compromise his service delivery at NRZ and also a poor corporate practice.
- NRZ must come up with a proper Industrial Relations policy to avert the breakdown of relations without the organisation staff by August 2017.
- Given that Cabinet has given its nod for engagement of PPP for NRZ, therefore NRZ should immediately make rigorous efforts to engage in PPP by December 2017.
- Government to immediately remove duty on fuel meant for NRZ Locomotives but to put stringent monitoring measures to avert and make sure there is no abuse by end of July 2017.
5.0 Conclusion
5.1 The National Railways of Zimbabwe remains a key strategic entity in domestic resource mobilisation, employment creation, national development and the revival of the Zimbabwean economy. Its resurrection should therefore be an imperative rather than an option. However, for this to happen, the board and management need to think outside the box and pursue alternative revenue generating initiatives as opposed to approaching the Government again and again with the proverbial begging bowl. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order. There is a Silver Jaguar ADI 9575 blocking other vehicles. Please may the owner go and remove it.
HON. MAONDERA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Committee on Transport and Infrastructure
Development for coming up with such a – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUY SPEAKER: Order. Hon. Members, I am
talking to the House, I am talking to you and you are busy having meetings. Are we together in this House? – [AN. HON. MEMBER: Inaudible interjections.] – No, no. I said, those who need to go and discuss, you can do it in the Lobby and even outside this House so that those who need to hear what is happening here can listen.
HON. MAONDERA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development for coming up with such an important report on the turnaround of the NRZ. I am glad that we have the former Minister of Transport in the august House who was charged with superintending on the NRZ. The NRZ is an asset of strategic importance to the nation. Over the years, it has not been performing well because of a plethora of reasons, chief among them being corruption. We have an array of parastatals in Zimbabwe which have not been performing because of corruption and the NRZ is one of them. It is our fervent hope as a Committee that this turnaround that is being proposed for National
Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is going to bear fruits – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Currently there is a deal between NRZ and DIDG to try and recapitalise NRZ so that it becomes a modern transporter. Before we operationalise the recapitalisation proposal, I think it is imperative that this august House be given an assurance that this plan is being done in a transparent manner because we got worried when – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MARUMAHOKO):
Order, order Hon. Member, if you are moving out, please do so quietly.
I am talking to you by the door, may you move out quietly.
HON. MAONDERA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir…
HON. MUDARIKWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir, for the smooth debate of this very important motion, we are now supposed to have the report in the pigeonholes but it is not there.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order that will be
looked into, you may proceed Hon. Member.
HON. MAONDERA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I was saying that the proposed DIDG deal with NRZ must be done in a transparent manner. We got worried at some point when we heard that in the previous Government of Mr. Mugabe, the former Cabinet was disagreeing on the deal although it was said that they later agreed. I hope when – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members.
Order please, do not blame me if I were to send you out. Very soon, someone will find himself or herself outside – [AN HON. MEMBER:
Send them to Chikurubi!] – May we maintain order, you may proceed Hon. Member.
HON. MAONDERA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, so we want
that deal to be handled in a transparent manner. It has been said in the past that some investors who wanted to come to Zimbabwe could not do so because they were frustrated by senior Government officials including ministers who would ask for kickbacks before they were allowed to invest. If we are serious about reviving NRZ and other parastatals we should not put bottlenecks to would be investors. The second President of Zimbabwe was very clear in his speech that corruption is going to be a thing of the past. I hope that if His
Excellency is going to walk the talk, these parastatals including NRZ are going to be revived because corruption has been a major factor that has been stalling development in these parastatals.
The other issue that I want to talk about is the issue of worker salaries at NRZ. Previously, there have been a lot of problems regarding employee issues like pensions, salaries and other salary arrears. I hope the new minister who is going to be appointed to head the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is going to take serious measures to resolve problems regarding workers salaries and other benefits that are owed. Workers are an important asset in any organisation and when they are disgruntled, whatever effort you may try to put or money you might try to get in terms of capital may not work if workers are disgruntled. So we hope that the new minister is going to take seriously the issue of employee welfare including their salaries, pensions and medical aid.
The other issue on NRZ is on management, previously when the late Rtd. Air Commodore Karakadzai passed away, there was an Acting General Manager for more than four years which is not healthy for any parastatal. I would like to applaud the former Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr. Gumbo for taking a bold initiative to try and ensure that in all the parastatals in his former ministry, those in acting capacity were appointed to substantive positions. There is no way you can expect someone to turnaround an organisation when they are in a prolonged acting capacity. So, I think, in future, we need to appoint people to substantive positions in all parastatals and Government Departments so that they are able to work with certainty.
The other important issue Mr. Speaker Sir, is the policy on bulk transportation. The world over, railways play an important role for bulk transportation but in Zimbabwe, there has not been a clear policy to compel bulk transportation of goods and raw materials. We hope this time if the policy is there, it is going to be more pronounced so that we do not damage our road infrastructure. Most of our roads have been damaged because we have been ferrying goods on roads. So this time, I hope it is going to be a policy position to compel transportation of bulky goods using railways so that we preserve our roads and at the same time helping NRZ – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
In conclusion, we need to ensure that all these turnaround plans or programmes that are being proposed bear fruits so that we do not see any parastatal going to Treasury for more funding. There is no way we can have a parastatal that has potential to raise revenue on its own going to Treasury seeking for more funding yet Treasury is saddled with other demanding needs like health and other social services. Once a turnaround plan has been implemented, it must bear fruits.
I would appeal to the incoming minister to ensure that whatever money is going to be invested in NRZ will bear fruits so that Zimbabweans will realise the benefits. We do not want a situation whereby we start crying again that NRZ has failed despite huge amounts being ploughed into that parastatal. So we need an assurance and we should put some safeguards to make sure that things move according to plan. I thank you.
HON. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I also rise to support the report on the turnaround of NRZ but perhaps before I proceed; let me congratulate, yes, she is still around. Let me in my own capacity congratulate the First Lady, Mrs. Mnangagwa – [AN HON. MEMBER:
It is Honourable!] – Makorokoto. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Yes, I take cognisance of your correction but in this capacity, as First Lady, I really wanted to address her as Mrs. Mnangagwa in her capacity as First Lady but I take cognisance of that, congratulations. Thank you.
I am extending this in my own capacity and on behalf of my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, coming back to my support to the turnaround of NRZ and its revival, I just want to raise something, which I think in my opinion, are very critical areas. The use of the railway road for transportation is the cheapest. It has got a chain reaction until to the end user of any goods that is transported along the railway line. So, in my own opinion, it is very critical that we ensure that National Railways of Zimbabwe is revived.
Yes, the seconder of the motion has mentioned the issue of destruction, wear and tear of our road infrastructure with regards to bulky transportation. I am one person who has always been raising the issue of truckers, the fuel trucks plying our highways – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Mr. Speaker, can I be protected please.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members!
HON. ZINDI: I am one person who has been raising the issue of bulky transportation, particularly the fuel truckers using our highways. One good example is the Mutare-Harare highway. It is hardly 12 months it has been repaired but already, it is pitted with potholes because of the number of fuel truckers that are plying that road. If at all the National Railways of Zimbabwe was as busy as it was before, we could be seeing less trucks which are using our main highways. As a result, it might sound like a repetition but this is emphasis because we want our National Railways of Zimbabwe to be revived. This has got an effect to the end user in terms of whatever product that is transported using the railway line.
Mr. Speaker, I do not think it was a mistake if you noticed it; when the colonialists, colonised Africa, they made sure there is road and railway line leading straight to the port of delivery or the port of receiving – that was not a mistake. If you notice, no matter how under developed an African country is that was colonized, there is a railway line and there is a reason for that. Straight to the sea as I have mentioned earlier on, that only shows the importance of how the railway movement is important.
So, therefore, we should not underestimate the benefit of ensuring that our National Railways of Zimbabwe is revived. It has got tremendous benefits. Therefore, we need to take this seriously and make sure that NRZ is revived.
The issue of bulky transportation, I need again, to repeat that and repetition is emphasis. I am saying so because we need a policy that will force the transporters like fuel, timber to be using the national railways once it has been revived and we then see less accidents again on our main roads. Right now, we are experiencing so many fatal accidents on our highways because of the number of the bulky transportation by the truckers hence it is causing these accidents but once we revive our National Railways of Zimbabwe, definitely we will then experience less accidents. Of course I am not saying it will minimise totally but it will be less than what we are experiencing at the moment.
Mr. Speaker, having mentioned that, I think those are critical areas which I thought I should raise in supporting this motion. I thank you.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you
for giving me this opportunity. My constituency actually represents what I would call the bedroom of workers in the National Railways of Zimbabwe, that is Rugare and Lokinver; they fall under my constituency.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order! Hon. Zhou, I
thought we were friends.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Mr. Speaker. I will repeat again that I represent the bedroom of workers, former and current workers for the National Railways of Zimbabwe. I know some are in Bulawayo but the main dormitory is in Harare. Now, when I listened to the report, I heard of a turnaround of the National Railways of Zimbabwe operations. I sincerely hope that it is not about a derailment of the NRZ.
Mr. Speaker, the people that I represent, 50% of them have retired, they are not receiving any pension although they are entitled to, and that was spent as capital by the management of the National Railways of Zimbabwe. They have no medical aid and their families are not benefiting. Home ownership that is supposed to have been carried out under the National Railways of Zimbabwe have been wishy washy such that most of them do not own the houses that they live in, they are still owned by the NRZ. Sometimes they are actually kicked out of these houses willy-nilly.
Mr. Speaker, the former Government vis a vis NRZ, I remember travelling to China twice with the late Cde Karakadzai – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members to my
left, I think you are taking it too far. If you feel you have a debate with your friend, can you just go and do it outside. They are official debates taking place here.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I was referring
to two trips that I undertook to China in the company of Cde
Karakadzai, we were in the same flight. He was endeavoring to try and find a partner to partner with National Railways of Zimbabwe so that there could be a turnaround; alas he died without achieving that objective.
Mr. Speaker, ever since that started, we have ZIM ASSET which actually referrers to the turnaround of the National Railways of Zimbabwe but ZIM ASSET has failed in four years to do anything about it. We only hear of plans but we have never been privileged by strategic plans that reveal that we intend to revive and develop NRZ.
The problem as mentioned by the seconder of the motion was management - the board. At one stage the board was even tribally appointed with the dismissal of the then board chairperson because he was coming from the wrong hand of the stick and it was mentioned in this Parliament. What is bedeviling the NRZ is the same problem that is bedeviling Air Zimbabwe.
Mr. Speaker, as a Nation, without transportation, we are doomed, it must be emphasised. The answer to the problems of the NRZ is privatisation not partnership. We should give away those things that we cannot control. Government is a poor businessman and we have to recognise that. We should allow the private sector to run some of these things instead of the Government hanging on to them like a baby hangs on to a doll.
Mr. Speaker, if we look on to the African region developments in terms of railways, in South Africa we now have not only surface railways but underground railway line system which is in Johannesburg as it were. The Chinese are now developing a fast train that is going to travel at over 600 kilometers an hour. In Zimbabwe, alas, even that one which travels at 5kms an hour – the railway system is gone. On your way to Kambuzuma, the amount of grass that has grown on the railway line, for a railway train that is still moving to Bulawayo is amazing. The grass is even taller than me – the Member of Parliament for that area. So when we talk about the turnaround, it should not be just plans to turnaround the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). We are not even cutting the grass. As a nation, it is a shame that we have to witness this.
In Morocco, they have just developed a fast train as well. Just a few months ago, they were testing the speed of that train in the Moroccan desert so that they can introduce the fast train. In Ethiopia, the Chinese are developing a fast train and this is in Africa. Here in Zimbabwe, we have not talked about infrastructure to develop an underground train. The only things that we have underground are electrical cables, Tel One and Econet cables but no railway line underground. It is high time that as a country with people who have gone to school and are educated, we to have development of infrastructure in terms of NRZ. It is not only a turnaround of those tall grasses that we see when we cross to Kambuzuma. It should be infrastructure development and also enabling us to absorb technological development in terms of railway development.
We used to have electrification of the railway line from Harare to Dabuka. Today, there is not even a single electrical cable along that railway system. It was stolen, so we are told. We do not know whether those who were stealing were part of management or ordinary civilians. We used to have a proud passenger train in this country. When we grew up, I remember I used to catch a passenger train from Chinhoyi. I would be in Mutare the following morning visiting my girlfriend at Mutare
Teachers’ College – [Laughter.] - I would leave on Friday, get into Harare by bus and catch a train to Mutare. I am talking of things that used to be, that even our children today are unable to enjoy. They do not know that there was first class in the NRZ, there was second class – pawaienda wakarara. There was also what they called the sleeper and there was ‘mbombera’. Even Mtukudzi sang about ‘ukakwira mumbombera’- today there is nothing chekukwira. Hapana. As a country, we need to look back and say where did we come from, where are we and where do we need to go? This is very serious.
The transportation of grain and fertilizer used to be done by the railway lines but today most of the areas where these trains used to move are potential accident sites because the train moves once in twelve months. When it comes, those drivers who transverse along that road are not even aware that there is a train coming. The road signs are not there to warn people about oncoming trains and so, serious accidents are occurring in these areas.
When one reads that the 94% of the income of NRZ as reported is going towards payment of salaries – payment of salaries for what?
Nothing is happening in that organisation. Why should people be paid? We will be surprised that the board is actually claiming sitting allowances and management is claiming salaries. However, there is no service that they are providing to the nation. Once in a while and not very often, you see a train moving and people are surprised in what direction they are going.
At the same time, there is no marketing of the services. I have heard from the presenters of the report that they are supposed to do this and that but there is no marketing of the services that they are able to provide. One wonders what is it that we are supposed to be doing to turnaround NRZ. Unless we turnaround our thinking starting from here in the Legislature, there will be no turnaround of the NRZ. There will be lip service turnaround and nothing will happen.
We need to see direct commitment by NRZ management. We need to see direct commitment by the board of NRZ. Their debt is $176 million - commitment of funds that are being accrued by very little operations that are going on. We need to have a turnaround of our mindset before we look at the turnaround of NRZ.
There is this reference to mineral claims in South Africa by the Chairperson of the Transport Committee that NRZ is supposed to benefit from. I thought he is Chairperson of the Transport Committee and not Chairperson of the Mining Committee because you talk about mineral claims going to fund the turnaround of NRZ that is misplaced. NRZ has nothing to do with minerals. Minerals belong to mining and therefore, if there are any claims in South Africa, we should sell them and the proceeds from the sale of these minerals or claims should then be used to fund infrastructural development.
To show how important railways are in this country, even the now His Excellency the President vaMnangagwa actually blew up the railway station and the railway lines to show that transport is a very essential service in a country. That time, as a strategy and as a guerilla, it was necessary to blow up the National Railways of Rhodesia but now it is high time to build the National Railways of Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. MANGAMI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. May I also begin by adding my voice on the list of those who debated before me, to congratulate His Excellency and the First Lady who is in here on the elevation of the position of the President of the country.
May I also thank the Committee on Transport for coming up with this report. It has given us an opportunity to identify some of the issues that are actually happening in the NRZ. The turning around of NRZ if ever it is going to be turned around, I think first of all, they should solve the problems relating to the workers. Of course, I have heard other Members saying that they are not doing anything but as long as they are supposed to be going to work, they need to be paid. They have been given half salaries for quite a long time.
I have a brother who has been working in the NRZ. I am privileged to have some issues that pertain to NRZ because I have stayed with him. I am actually advocating for finalisation of all the salaries that those employees have so that they are not demoralised in terms of carrying out their jobs.
Also on the issue of housing for NRZ, at one time in the 90s, they were actually asked to occupy all the houses which they were living in. Those people who were living in Sizinda, Tshabalala and all the locations where there were houses for NRZ got ownership. There were people who were living in camps like those in Westgate where NRZ also has got its houses. Those people were told that they would be given a certain amount of money to purchase their own houses but surprisingly, they were not given anything. Right now, they are being evicted instead of them being allocated houses as other members have had; they are actually being evicted. I also have a relative -Wiseman Ndiriishe who is being chased out of the house yet they are supposed to be given either the house or money. I think it is important that when we are turning around NRZ, we solve some of the problems that are on the ground so that people do not continue to be disadvantaged.
I also want to look at the issue of RailMed. RailMed right now is not doing very well. There are no drugs in RailMed for those employees who are getting half their salaries. The medical aid should be resourced so that the employees can access their medical aid.
I want to look at the last issue of the importance of NRZ in the country. Hon. Members who spoke before me have given an emphasis on the importance of having NRZ being resuscitated. When that is done, I think most of our services are going to be cheap especially the movement of bulk resources to areas of destination. By so doing, that can also turn around the economy. May I thank you once more Mr.
Speaker Sir, for according me this opportunity to debate on NRZ. I thank you.
HON. CROSS: I want to compliment Hon Dr. Gumbo this
afternoon for the manner in which he sorted out the railways in the past 12 months. I want to point out to Hon. Members that the Public
Accounts Committee interviewed the management of the railways some 12 months ago and at the time the General Manager was acting, we were extremely impressed both with the general management and with the financial management of the railways. I am glad that since he took over the post of Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, he has replaced the Board of Directors so that we now have a decent board running the railways. On top of that, I believe the management of the railways today is a good sound team. I think that is fundamental. Those are the foundations of any recovery programme. Have you got the right people in the right places? I also want to compliment the railways because they produced a clean audit account this year. We received their annual report for 2016 the other day and that also was on time.
Out of 105 parastatals, 54 are three years in arrears on their accounts. Some parastatals are four to five years arrears on accounts. It is extremely important that parastatals that are functioning have clean audit accounts and also up to date accounts. Otherwise you do not know what is going on. I am also pleased that the Minister was able to push through in the dying days of the previous Cabinet, the deal with the diaspora group in South Africa and Transnet. I want to say to Hon. Members today, that in my view this deal is a solid transaction which not only involves the diaspora resources we have around the world but also the key institution in the region which has the resources and the technical capacity to guide the recovery of the NRZ in Zimbabwe in effecting a partnership between the top railway organisation in Africa, the diaspora business community and the National railways of Zimbabwe.
I am not one of those who is advocating for the privatisation of parastatals. I spent 20 years managing parastatals and I believe that there is nothing wrong with parastatals provided they are treated as businesses and not as an enclave of political patronage and privilege. What Minister Gumbo has done at the NRZ has been a classic example of how to turn a failing institution around. What have we got to do? We have got to rehabilitate the railway network. We might think it is a massive job but it is not. Only ten percent of railway network requires serious work. The rest is in reasonable functioning condition.
We need to replace the train control system and we need to use modern digital technology to do so. We do not have to use lines down the railway lines – communication through copper wire. We can do it digitally. I think a new train control system can be implemented at relatively low cost. We need to restore the electric power system between Gweru and Harare. We need to rehabilitate our locomotives and wagons. All of that is not a huge task, the Minister knows it and I know it, that this is a job which we can do in a comparatively short period of time -12 months.
The real question is - how do we increase the volume of traffic on the railways because there is no point in rehabilitating the system if we do not generate the traffic? I know we have an economy which is not performing well but in 2016, 14 million tonnes of cargo were carried across Beitbridge Road Bridge. At Forbes Border Post the other day road traffic was held up for three or four days and the queue on the
Mozambique’s side was 28km long. Five million tonnes of cargo a year are travelling through Forbes Border Post. The bulk of that traffic should not be on road. It should be on rail. We have something like 700 trucks a day transiting Beitbridge. We have 500 trucks a day transiting Forbes.
Nearly all of that traffic should be on rail.
On top of that, we have got the question of regional fuel supplies. The countries of Congo, Zambia and Malawi require about four to five million tonnes of fuel a year. The logical port of entry is Beira. The logical system of moving that fuel is by rail and not by road. If you have a look at the fuel traffic between here and the Congo, it amounts to 2.2 million tonnes per annum. It travels from Beira to the Congo by road at 12c per tonne per kilometre. The railways can move that at 4c. That would be a massive saving in terms of costs for the countries of the interior.
In addition to that, Botswana could buy its fuel from Beira cheaper than it can buy it from South Africa but you cannot move it by road. You have to move it by rail. That is another 80 000 tonnes of cargo per month. Zambia consumes more fuel than we do. Zambia’s consumption is about 160 000 tonnes per month. That is a lot of fuel. It is another 2.5 million tonnes a year for Zambia. Zambia should be moving that stuff by rail from Beira or from Maputo. If we did that, if we started moving our coal supplies by rail, why does ZESA move 60 000 tonnes of coal a month from Hwange to their power stations by road? Answer that question. Why did they do it when in fact they can save two-thirds of the cost of transport by moving it by rail? And then, there is bulk food and fertilizer.
I have no doubt Mr. Speaker Sir, that we could put the railways back on its feet next year if we simply fixed a few things. All the ingredients are there. All we need now is a cooperative move across Government – all Ministries of Government must look at this and pay attention to what they can do to contribute. The Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Mines, everybody and I think if we work together mushandirapamwe,believe me we can put the railways back on its feet and we can make it the proud organisation it once was in the past. I thank you.
HON. MUDARIKWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to deal with areas that have not been touched by other Hon. Members. The railways is where it is today because it is mostly that there are unqualified managers who do not have experience. The banning of chrome exports, poor performance of Hwange and Zisco Steel, they lost almost 50% of their work in one year. That reduced the amount of goods they could move but the element of mismanagement is very common.
People are saying people must use rail, I phoned four different companies now, including our company, Harare-Beira, 28 tones by road costs up to US$1 150 and Harare-Beira, 28 tones by rail costs US$1 893. So, when you use road transport, you save US$743. There is no fool
who can leave the road and go to rail transport when there is US$743 at stake.
It is a situation of gross mismanagement. People were just covering up for their cost. The other time I went there, they were expanding the car park because they had imported big vehicles which could not fit under the car park. So, it was an expansion of the car park and not the railway line or infrastructure. I am one of the first few guys to drive the VX 200 Series and the moment I got there, everybody wanted to know and asked, ‘where did you buy it from.’ They were also buying the 4X4 – [Laughter.] – 200 Series costs US$186 000, this vehicle should be used by a company that is performing like mine – [Laughter.] – not a company that is making loss. You cannot have those luxury cars in such a situation. So, these are some of the things Members of different committees must look at when you visit some of the institutions.
The other thing is that our roads are being damaged by the so called heavy trucks and everything. However, the load does not fly onto our roads, it comes from roads in South Africa, Mozambique and so on.
Our roads have got very poor workmanship. If you look at the HarareMutare Road, when it is summer, the tar will be sticking but the moment you get to the Botswana side, there is nothing like that. So, there is an element of very poor workmanship. If it is the quality of our engineers, then the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe must be summoned to Parliament and we ask him why. Look at the quality of the road, there is this Harare-Nyamapanda Road, it was constructed in 1972, up to now, it is not as smooth as Plumtree-Mutare Road. So, let us look at the quality of the workmanship, how our roads are being constructed, who is constructing our roads? We have got engineers all over, but you will find that we then get Chinese, we get other foreigners who are even under-qualified. South Africans for example, who are very under-qualified and do not even know how to read English, who were speaking Africans on that road. So, it is a result of colonisation, we are not a colony of South Africa, but it has been turned to be like that.
Future roads agreements must take into account that our engineers – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – In Zimbabwe it is so interesting when we have got these agreements, you get Government officials, lawyers and the Office of the Attorney General involved everywhere. The moment we come to the operation, there is no Zimbabwe, they are all foreigners working. Why can we not have an agreement that also protects our engineers to be on the ground?
The other thing which we need to look at Mr. Speaker Sir is the procurement. Anywhere in the whole world, if you want to buy anything related to rail, it is India. For example, locomotive batteries, here they are 700% more than what they cost in India. There is a Belgian company that buys spare parts from America, sells them to the National Railways at a markup of 1000%. So, how do they make a profit?
Hon. Chimanikire and Hon. Nduna have highlighted critical issues, but as Parliament, we also need to look at how we get involved as
Parliament. All contracts have been signed, sealed and everything.
Those contracts must come here to Parliament for approval. We are always behind to say, this thing went wrong, we are not consulted in the process of contracting and when there is a problem, people then say go to Parliament.
The issue of scrap metal which has been mentioned, I do not agree to it because our wagons – I looked at them when they were being scraped in Seke Road where my offices are. They were up-to-date, the management were just looking for a place where they could make money so they chose the scrap metal dealers. How do you make $2.5 million in selling scrap, which scrap? In any business organisation, your total income on the services you provide is US$3.5 million, your total income on scrap metal is US$2.5 million, so you are no longer a railway line, you are a scrap metal dealer. If there is to be scrap metal to be sold, it must be sold by a different entity altogether.
In the Soviet Union, we were there, when they unbundled, there was a guy known as Yukos who was given free of charge, oil wells he was asked to take over. Abromavich was given all Government houses.
The other guy was given all companies that were involved in the manufacturing of arms. The first thing that happened, the following day, Government started receiving income, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), these guys started paying VAT. Now, Railways does not pay VAT or PAYE, so, Government has a disadvantage with all parastatals. They borrow US$400 million and they do not pay back and at the end of the year they come to Government to say, ‘we made a loss of US$400 million. The
Government says ‘thank you very much,’ they take the loan and put it as Government loan. When it is a Government loan, it means my grandmother in the rural areas is affected by that loan by somebody who made a loss knowing that they were making a loss.
We cannot allow parastatals for the sake of being parastatals. Our parastatals are no longer parastatals but they are now parasites, they are destroying the economy of this country. We must be very careful in whatever we do when we are dealing with these parastatals. The last thing also is that they mentioned the age of some of the locomotives, they are more than 55 years old. What it means is that, we are using an outdated technology – number one, the amount of fuel they use, per litre the distance is very small because the equipment is old, and it is outdated.
We must move with the times. There are no spare parts, they go to the workshop to try and manufacture the spare parts. In Mozambique at one time, CFN Mozambique, called Indians to bring everything fast. What we want in the railways is not only the railways, we need our farmers and miners and everybody else to have affordable transport, lower than the road, many industries are going to come up if we start looking at things at such things with a holistic approach. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order please. In reference to the concerns of Hon. Adv. Chamisa, our Constitution on Section 140 (3), the President may attend Parliament to answer questions on any issue as may be provided in the Standing Orders. You are correct but bear with the President with what he is going through now. He is busy trying to make up his Cabinet. It may be difficult for him but we will still liaise with him and see if he can spare his time.
HON. SANSOLE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The report is still not available in the pigeonholes but from the presentation by the Chairman, I would want to touch on some of the recommendations that have been made. I have found some positives in the recommendations and I have found some of them not to make any business sense. The issue of signals is vital because we have had accidents that have happened on the railways like the Dipamombe accident because of lack of signals and lives have been lost. So, we cannot operate a railway system without signals.
The second issue of the track maintenance – In the 1980s, there used to be a company called EC Learning that was doing mechanised track maintenance of the railways and it is not happening anymore. That is the reason why you have 206 km of rail under speed restrictions because you cannot have a rail line without carrying out any maintenance and expect the trains to run at normal speeds.
The third issue is to do with the salary arrears that are at $90 million. If you compare this with the projected revenue for 2017, the projected revenue is $87 million and you have outstanding salaries of $90 million plus. Therefore, it means that the projected revenue for this year is not sufficient to clear the outstanding salary arrears and that is not a sustainable position.
There is the issue of the proposed ban on transportation by road, I do not think this is a viable proposition. In my view, the railways must compete with the road transport and if they are cheap and efficient, people will go for railways. To ban the competition is not advisable, it is just the same as SI 64 that restricted importation of goods to protect local industry but that did not produce the desired results. I think I would go for the recommendation where they are talking about streamlining their prices; looking at their pricing system so that they run more competitively. It is better to provide an efficient service at an affordable price than to ban the competition. Therefore, I think railways should operate alongside transport operators so that people can choose between the two modes of transport.
HON. RUNGANI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MUDZURI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 29th November, 2017.
On the motion HON. RUNGANI, seconded by HON. ENG.
MUDZURI, the House adjourned at Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 22nd November, 2018
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
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have several announcements and I
would like to appeal to your photogenic memory, where not possible, please write down some of the important dates that will arise.
PRESENTATION OF PRESIDING OFFICERS TO HIS
EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to inform the House that following my election as Speaker of the National Assembly and Hon. T.
Gezi as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly on the 11th
September, 2018; in terms of Standing Order Number 11, we will present ourselves to His Excellency, the President E. D. Mnangagwa at the State House on Monday, 26th November, 2018 at 0900 hours. We will be accompanied by our proposers and seconders and some other Members who have already received invitations to the event.
PRESENTATION OF THE 2019 BUDGET STATEMENT
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that today, at 1445 hours, the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development will present the 2019 National Budget.
POST BUDGET SEMINAR
THE HON. SPEAKER: I also wish to inform the House that there will be a Post Budget Training Workshop for all Committee
Chairpersons tomorrow, Friday, 23rd November, 2018, at the Rainbow Towers Hotel starting at 0800hrs. The Chairpersons must attend in person, no substitution.
POST BUDGET SEMINAR
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to advise the House that all Members of Parliament are invited to a Post Budget Seminar to be held on Monday 26 November, 2018 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel starting at 0830hrs. Buses will leave Parliament at 0730 hrs. The Seminar will be followed by Post Budget Consultations by Portfolio Committee starting from Tuesday, 27th to Thursday, 30th November 2018. A sitting schedule will be circulated to all Members in their pigeon holes.
LETTERS OF ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL UNIVERSITIES
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to advise all Members who
require to be assisted with letters to facilitate their enrollment with local universities for their academic advancement to see Mr. Chingoma, the
Director Human Resources, in office number 406, fourth floor, Parliament Building.
INVITATION TO A LIGHTING CEREMONY
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to remind the House that all
Members are invited to a lighting ceremony in commemoration of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence on Monday, 26th November, 2018 at 1830hrs at Parliament Building along Nelson Mandela Avenue. The event is being organised by Parliament in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy and is held annually from 25 November to 10 December. Hon. Members are advised to wear a touch of orange for the occasion.
GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
THE HON. SPEAKER: I also wish to remind the House that
there will be a ground breaking and laying of the foundation stone ceremony for the new Parliament Building at site in Mt. Hampden on the 30th November, 2018 at 1000hrs. All Members are invited to attend.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am a Chairperson for the Assembly of Women for the MDC. I have decided to take courage to put to your attention that there is sexual harassment happening in this august House [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order!
HON. KARENYI: It took me courage to stand up as a woman. I represent women out there and my presence here is encouraging other women to stand up and fight for our space but I have realised that if I do not say this out, not most of the women can stand up and speak. I have received reports from my fellow colleagues that they are also receiving this same sexual harassment and I strongly feel that there is a difference between hackling and sexual harassment. The reason I decided to stand up and say it out is to encourage other women to stand and speak.
Mr. Speaker, the moves and utterances by some of the Members of Parliament and I am going to shame them, Hon. Tafanana Zhou and Hon. Paradza, on the body features of female Members of Parliament, to me it is sexual harassment. As female Members of Parliament, we take such moves as disrespectful, we are not sexual objects but we are Members of Parliament and we deserve respect.
Our male counterparts should treat us with respect because we are mothers and we Members of Parliament. We should feel free Mr.
Speaker to stand up and debate without being given or being labeled as we are not wives of such Members of Parliament. This sexual harassment continues each and every day when we step in this Parliament.
In conclusion, myself and Hon. J. Mamombe, we are receiving this sexual harassment from these two male Members of Parliament and this must come to a stop. Their behavior and utterances are violating the
Constitutional protection of women and it is unparliamentary. Since Parliamentary has the duty to represent women, we want respect and it is our Constitutional right to be here as Members of Parliament.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly feel that this must be investigated because it is happening and to myself and other Members of Parliament. We need respect. I understand and I know very well that you respect us and so, we also want them to respect us. I thank you Mr. Speaker – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order. There are two levels...
HON. KARENYI: Sorry Mr. Speaker, Hon. Paradza the junior not senior – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: This is a serious matter and I do not
invite debate but there are two levels of approach. The first level is that where the occurrence takes place the matter should be reported to the police – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – The second level is administrative, I will therefore study the matter and use our own systems to find out the truth of the matter and then act accordingly –
[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Business was suspended at Twenty Two Minutes to Three o’clock
p.m. and resumed at a Quarter to Three o’clock p.m. with His Excellency, the President in attendance.
MDC Hon Members having refused to stand in acknowledgement of the presence of His Excellency the President as he entered the Chamber, the Hon. Speaker ordered the Serjeant-at-Arms with the help of the Police to eject them from the House.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I would like to humbly receive the President, Head of State and Government and CommanderIn-Chief of the Defence Forces to this august House and I want to apologise for the delay, but I think it was necessary that where – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Hon. Members cannot respect the Head of State who is the head of everyone; – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – the whole international community has accepted that His Excellency the
President, Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa is the Head of State of Zimbabwe, – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – so, no other person, including Hon.
Members, can be allowed to have a different view all together.
Administratively, we shall take appropriate action to indicate that we are not amused – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
MOTION
FINANCE BILL: 2019 BUDGET STATEMENT
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Mr. Speaker Sir, in
terms of Standing Order Number 124 (1), I move that leave be granted to present a Statement of the Estimated Revenues and Expenditures of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the 2019 Financial Year and to make
Provisions for matters ancillary and incidental to this purpose.
Introduction
- Speaker Sir, I feelhonoured to present my maiden Budget
Statement to this August House.
- As we are all aware, Government, under the New Dispensationset out a long term goal of transforming the country into an Upper Middle Income Society – Vision 2030.
- To achieve this Vision, Government developed a short term stabilisation strategy – the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (October 2018 – December 2020), which is already under implementation.
- The Transitional Stabilisation Programme`s immediate objective is macro and fiscal stabilisation and laying a solid foundation for attaining the triple ‘S’ growth - strong, sustainable and shared.
- Such growth will be anchored on good governance and promotion of democratic principles, equitable access to means and outcomes of production, as well as modern infrastructure that supports day to day socio-economic activities.
- Further, strong, sustainable and shared growth will enable us to achieve efficient delivery of public services and the restoration of
Zimbabwe’s rightful place in the region and global economy.
- The 2019 Budget, therefore, constitutes an initial policy and financial instrument for implementing the Transitional Stabilisation Programme by powering the respective drivers for change and development.
- Specific interventions in the Budget were informed by various contributions received through stakeholder consultations, including through social media platforms.
- I am sincerely grateful for all the inputs that I received.
- Broadly, key objectives and priorities from consultations revolve around the following:
- Decisively dealing with fiscal indiscipline through use of austerity measures;
- Removal of pricing and policy distortions;
- Improving foreign currency generation and establishing efficient and optimal mechanisms for its allocation;
- Jobs creation, particularly for the youths, being the new entrants into the labour market;
- Promotion of productivity and export growth through incentives;
- Efficient public service delivery and not just input;
- Parastatals reforms and privatisation for a private sector led economy;
- International re-engagement, clearance of debt arrears and investment promotion;
- Investing in research and development;
- Empowerment of Provinces and Districts;
- Gender equity promotion;
- Promotion of good governance;
- Fighting corruption; and
- Turn Zimbabwe into the gateway for investment into Africa.
- In the same vein, stakeholders emphasised on the importance of coordinated, predictable and consistent policies, void of reversals, in
order to support forward planning and business confidence building on the part of the various economic agencies.
- These issues are at the core of a progressive economy and, precisely, the 2019 Budget seeks to address these challenges.
- However, in view of fiscal capacity limitations under the
Transitional Stabilisation Programme, the 2019 and subsequent Budgets, will have to make choices against high demands.
- Therefore, the 2019 Budget, primarily targets macro-economic and fiscal stabilisation and implementation of high impact projects and programmes, which lay a solid foundation for a private sector led growth. The desired triple ‘S’ growth should also maximise
productivity and jobs creation.
- Realising the above requires unity of purpose, high level of competencies, as well as commitment and full participation of all stakeholders during implementation of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme and the 2019 Budget.
- The Budget, therefore, will prioritise strengthening of institutional capacity in terms of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the TSP remains on track, attaining planned measurable results that are aligned to targets and objectives.
- I, therefore, appeal to all implementing agencies to apply themselves diligently for the success of this Budget and the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, as we move a step towards attaining an ‘Upper Middle Income Society by 2030’.
Policy Thrust
- The primary objective of the 2019 Budget is to stabilise the economy by targeting the ”twin deficits”of fiscal and current account, which have become major sources of overall economic vulnerabilities including inflation, sharp rise in indebtedness, accumulation of arrears and foreign currency shortages.
- Correspondingly, the 2019 Budget recognises the current constraints of limited fiscal space against high demands.Therefore, it initially focuses on quick-win flagship projects and programmes across key sectors of the economy, with a view of stimulating inclusive growth with jobs.
- Consequently, the 2019 Budget prioritises infrastructure rehabilitation and development which ordinarily supports our productive sectors besides other social-economic activities.
- Sustainable growth hinges on prudent exploitation of natural resources and hence, the Budget pays more attention to promotion of good practices in environmental management.
- In the same vein, the value addition and beneficiation strategy is being advanced in order to maximize benefits in terms of employment and incomes.
- Furthermore, the Budget seeks to improve confidence by removing various policy and price distortions, which penalise efficiency and promotes corrupt and rent seeking practices.
- Speaker Sir, measures on reducing expenditures and mobilising more resources through taxes,ordinarily entail foregoing certain benefits and opportunities, and therefore, sacrifice.
- However, the objective is to build the basis for a prosperous economy, in line with our Vision 2030. And precisely, this Budget under the theme ‘Austerity for Prosperity’ promises a better future by doing the right things henceforth.
- Speaker Sir, reference to austerity for a better future, reminds us of a quote from the 19th Century Philosopher, John Stuart Mill that, “I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them”.
- This should spur us towards realisation of Vision 2030.
State of the Economy and Outlook
- In contextualising the 2019 Budget, this Statement provides recent global economic developments and outlook which have a bearing on our economy.
Global Economy
- Global growth is projected at 3.9 % for both 2018 and 2019 from 3.8% in 2017, driven by both industrialised and emerging economies. The partial recovery in commodity prices should allow conditions in commodity exporters to gradually improve.
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
WorldOutput | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
AdvancedEconomies | 2.1 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 2.2 |
US | 2.6 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 2.7 |
EuroArea | 2.0 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 1.9 |
Japan | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.9 |
Emerging Market & DevelopingEconomies | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
China | 6.9 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.4 |
India | 7.6 | 7.1 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.5 |
Sub-SaharanAfrica | 3.4 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 3.4 | 3.8 |
Zimbabwe* | 1.7 | 0.6 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 3.1 |
Latin America & theCaribbean | 0.1 | -0.9 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 2.6 |
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, *Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and RBZ projections
Regional Economy
- Growth for Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to rise from 2.6% in 2017 to 3.4% in 2018 and 3.8% in 2019. Factors driving this growth are stronger global growth, higher commodity prices, and improved market access.
- Key issues in most economies remain external imbalances and fiscal mismatches. About 40% of low-income countries in the region are now saddled with unsustainable debts.
Domestic Economy
- Regarding the domestic economy, it is important to note that the transitory shock experienced as we entered the 3rd quarter of 2018, served to confirm the cumulative impact imbalances, particularly
the ”twin deficit” that had gone far too long without corrective
measures.
- This notwithstanding, the economy currently remains resilient, with performance exceeding expectations. Government policy initiatives will see solid growth of 4% in 2018, that way sustaining revenue and exports performance above targets.
- As a result, there is marked improvement in employment, with statistics from the National Social Security Authority showing a workforce of more than one million registered employees, as noted by His Excellency, the President in his weekly column.
- The re-engagement efforts are also raising investors' interest with more than US$15 billion worth of projects being negotiated.
GDP Rebasing
- The resilience of the economy has been buttressed by the results of the recently published GDP rebasing.
- Gross Domestic Product was rebased in line with international norms, as a result the economy is deemed to be 40% bigger.
- The 2018 nominal GDP is now US$24.6 billion, from a previous level of US$21 billion.
- Following rebasing, per capita GDP for 2017 rose from US$1 235 to US$1 508, and is being projected to reach US$1 642 by end of
2018, placing Zimbabwe in lower middle income status.
Economic Growth
- Since 2016, the country’s growth rate has been trending upwards.
- Capacity utilisation levels have been improving even under investments constraints due to limited access to international financing and financial dis-intermediation by local banks.
- Mr Speaker Sir, concern also remains on the quality of growth and its implications on inclusivity, jobs, and poverty levels.
- As Jack Kemp, an American Politician once remarked “economic growth doesn’t mean anything if it leaves people out”.
- Hence, the Transitional Stabilisation Programme’s thrust towards macro-economic stabilisation for the attainment of the triple S growth - Strong, Sustainable and Shared.
Public Finances
- Revenue collections for the nine months to September 2018 amounted to US$3.8 billion, against a target of US$3.4 billion, and by year end, collections of US$5.5 billion are anticipated.
- On the other hand, total expenditures during the same period stood at US$6.5 billion, against a target of US$4.1 billion.
- Accordingly, expenditure outturn to year end is estimated at US$8.2 billion against a budget of US$5.3 billion, implying an expenditure overrun of US$2.8 billion.
- The 2018 Budget Deficit is projected at US$2.86 billion (11.7 of
GDP), against a target of US$793 million.
- The month on month deficit developments, however, confirmed that for the month of September 2018, the deficit level narrowed sharply.
Hence, confirming that a balanced Budget position is achievable.
- The large cumulative deficit is on account of unbudgeted expenditures relating to employment costs, support to agriculture, as well as some capital expenditure and net lending items.
- The Budget deficit level has outstripped market sustainable levels, such that Government has increasingly relied on the overdraft facility with the Central Bank, which has spiked upwards.
- The following graph gives a comparison of Zimbabwe and other Low Income Countries (LICs) and sub-Sahara African Low Income
Countries (SSA LICs) in terms of the Primary Deficit.
General Government Primary Balance (% GDP)
The dotted lines represent the average of the fiscal indicator during the period 2000-15. Source: IMF – Fiscal Monitor,
October 2018
- Regrettably, for Zimbabwe, the overdraft window increased by US$1.11 billion for the period January to September 2018 and is projected to close the year at US$2.5 billion, which is well above the stipulated statutory limit.
- Government has been issuing Treasury bills and bonds for the financing of the budget deficit, capitalisation of public entities, payment for past Government Debt as well as funding Government programmes, including “Command Agriculture”.
- During the period January to August 2018 alone, Government issued Treasury bills and bonds worth US$2.5 billion.
- Resultantly, outstanding Government Securities stood at US$6.2 billion as at end August 2018.
- Mr Speaker Sir, the lesson to learn from careful analysis of the nature of the quasi fiscal expenditures over a decade reminds us of Peter Drucker, an American Management Consultant and renowned strategist who concluded that “nothing is less productive than to make more efficient what should not be done at all…..”
Inflation
- The upsurge in inflation is a phenomenon arising from fiscal imbalances through high growth in money supply, as reflected in the graph below.
Annual Inflation and M3 Growth
Source: Reserve Bank & ZIMSTAT
- Annual inflation gained 0.56 percentage points to reach 5.39% by
September 2018, from the August rate of 4.83%.
- Inflation figures for October 2018, released by Zimstat show that annual inflation has gained 15.46 percentage points to reach 20.85%. Month on month rate for October 2018 is at 16.44%, representing a 15.52 percentage points increase on the September level.
- The upsurge in annual inflation rate is mainly driven by food and non-food items such as transport services.
- The spike in prices of goods and services appears to have receded, confirming that the main price hikes were a spontaneous response to uncertainty and confidence issues.
- The measures taken by Government, which include moral suasion, temporary suspension of Statutory Instrument 122 of 2017 and efforts to direct foreign currency cover to essential areas, are also beginning to yield positive results.
- Mr Speaker Sir, monthly inflation will fall, going forward.
Public Debt
- Total public debt continues to grow driven by rising domestic debt.
- As at end of August 2018, public debt stood at US$17.69 billion, of which domestic debt accounted for 54% up from 49%, while external debt moved down from 51% to 46%.
Public Debt
As at December 2017 | As at August 2018 | Projection to December 2018 | |
TOTAL DEBT (US$ m) | 14, 641.7 | 17,685.8 | 18,076 |
% of GDP | 81.4 | 71.9 | 73.5 |
Domestic Debt (US$ m) | 7,133.6 | 9,544.2 | 9,571.1 |
External Debt (US$ m) | 7,508.1 | 8,141.6 | 8,505.9 |
Bilateral | 3,589.3 | 4,314.3 | |
Multilateral (IFIs) | 2,006.0 | 2,606.6 |
Source: Ministry of Finance & Economic Development
- By end of 2018, it is estimated that the public debt statutory limit of 70% is likely to be breached. This underpins the urgency for containing our fiscal deficit.
- The following graph gives a comparison of Zimbabwe and other Low Income Countries (LICs) and sub-Sahara African Low Income
Countries (SSA LICs) in terms of the Gross Public Debt.
General Government Gross Debt (% GDP)
Note: The dotted lines represent the average of the fiscal indicator during the period 2000-15. Source: IMF – Fiscal
Monitor, October 2018
The 2019 Macro-Fiscal Framework
- On account of changes to the GDP following rebasing, as well as the inflation profile, especially arising from the October spike, the growth rate projections for 2018 through to 2021 have been revised downwards from those in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme.
- Growth projection in 2019 is anticipated at about 3.1%, which is slightly lower than the 2018 expected growth of 4%, reflecting the impact of unfavourable weather on agriculture and macro-fiscal vulnerabilities from previous unsustainable fiscal and current account deficits.
- Fiscal consolidation measures beginning 2019 are, however, expected to give a strong rebound in growth to above 7% from 2020
– in keeping with the theme ‘Austerity for Prosperity’.
2019 Macro and Fiscal Framework
2018
Prj |
2019
Prj |
2020
Prj |
2021
Prj |
|
National Accounts | ||||
Nominal GDP at market prices (US$M) | 24582.2 | 31558.9 | 35961.1 | 42757.7 |
Real GDP Growth (%) | 4.0 | 3.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
Inflation (End Period) % | 25.9 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
Fiscal Account | ||||
Total Revenue Incl Retained Revenue | 5296.8 | 6598.2 | 7493.9 | 8562.7 |
Total Revenue (US$M) | 5296.8 | 6199.3 | 6944.6 | 8002.4 |
Total Revenue (% of GDP) | 21.5 | 19.6 | 19.3 | 18.7 |
Tax Revenue (US$M) | 5017.0 | 6037.1 | 6761.3 | 7815.5 |
Corporate Income Tax (US$M) | 754.0 | 783.8 | 885.7 | 903.4 |
Personal Income Tax (US$M) | 851.0 | 971.0 | 1097.2 | 1319.1 |
Other Direct Taxes (US$M) | 271.0 | 294.7 | 333.0 | 369.7 |
Customs Duties (US$M) | 438.0 | 484.7 | 527.7 | 588.3 |
Excise Duties (US$M) | 894.0 | 943.8 | 1066.5 | 1287.8 |
2018
Prj |
2019
Prj |
2020
Prj |
2021
Prj |
|
Value Added Tax (US$M) | 1501.0 | 1696.8 | 1817.4 | 1953.8 |
Other Indirect Taxes (US$M) | 308.0 | 862.3 | 1033.8 | 1393.4 |
Non-Tax Revenue (US$M) | 279.8 | 162.2 | 183.3 | 186.9 |
Total Expenditure Incl Retentions | 8161.4 | 8,164.3 | 8,977.8 | 9,822.5 |
Total Expenditure (US$M) | 8161.4 | 7765.3 | 8428.5 | 9262.2 |
Total Expenditure (% of GDP) | 33.2 | 24.6 | 23.4 | 21.7 |
Employment costs (US$M) | 3854.5 | 4050.1 | 4365.4 | 4674.0 |
Employment costs (% of GDP) | 15.7 | 12.8 | 12.1 | 10.9 |
Use of goods and services (US$M) | 869.0 | 1036.0 | 1010.1 | 1168.1 |
Interest (US$M) | ||||
Domestic (US$M) | 359.0 | 351.1 | 511.5 | 469.9 |
Foreign (US$M) | 316.0 | 322.2 | 470.5 | 430.2 |
Provincial Councils and Local Authorities (US$M) | - | 310.0 | 347.2 | 400.0 |
Capital Expenditure and net Lending (US$M) | 3087.9 | 2018.2 | 2194.3 | 2550.2 |
Capital Expenditure and net Lending (% of Total Expenditure) | 37.8 | 27.1 | 27.2 | 28.8 |
Overall balance (US$M) | -2,864.6 | -1,566.1 | -1,483.9 | -1,259.8 |
Overall balance (% of GDP) | -11.7 | -5.0 | -4.1 | -2.9 |
Financing (US$M) | 2865.4 | 1566.1 | 1483.9 | 1259.8 |
Domestic (US$M) | 2239.5 | 822.3 | 1059.5 | 931.2 |
Bank Financing (US$M) | 2537.0 | 417.1 | 623.1 | 59.0 |
Non-bank domestic financing (US$M) | -297.5 | 405.2 | 436.4 | 872.2 |
External (US$M) | -14.8 | -172.6 | -175.6 | -171.5 |
Financing to be arranged (US$M) | - | 916.4 | 600 | 500 |
Total Financing Requirement | 6,122.9 | 6,469.3 | 2,677.4 | 2,018.8 |
Source: Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
- With nominal GDP projected at US$31.6 billion in 2019, the economy can generate revenues amounting to US$6.6 billion for 2019, including retentions (US$400 million), taxes (US$6.037 billion), and non-tax (US$162 million).
- Expenditures are projected at US$8.2 billion, out of which capital expenditures are estimated at US$2.018 billion, leaving a balance of
US$6.1 billion for current expenditures.
- Consequently, a deficit of US$1.6 billion or 5% of GDP is projected, in line with a sustainable financing capacity of the domestic market.
Development Partners Support
- Development Partners continue to play a complementary role in supporting targeted projects and programmes in health, humanitarian care, agriculture, capacity building, governance, water supply & sanitation, education and basic social services.
- In 2019, a total of US$606.7 millionis expected,of which US$453.4 millionwill be from bilateral partners and US$153.3 million from multilateral partners.
The 2019 Budget Drivers for Transformation
- Speaker Sir, consistent with the Transitional Stabilisation
Programme, Government’s preoccupation is to stabilise the macroeconomy in the shortest possible period.
- Accordingly, the 2019 Budget seeks to positively contribute towards realisation of transformation and development. All stakeholders agree that the 2019 Budget ought to give focus and prominence to the drivers of this transformation which the country critically requires.
- In my capacity as Minister of Finance and Economic Development,
I subscribe to the call that I facilitate, with the support of the rest of Government, that the 2019 and future Budgets achieve distributive efficiency of scarce public resources towards strategic public service delivery, including promotion of production.
- It is now a fundamental principle that our Budget turns away from being input driven and focus more on output, results, and impact which invariably mean maximum service delivery and accountability.
- Mr Speaker Sir, in light of the foregoing, the 2019 Budget allocations pay maximum attention to the drivers of the transformation and development which are as follows:
- Macro-economic Stabilisation;
- Investment for jobs and inclusive growth;
- Food security and social protection;
- Infrastructure Development;
- Human capital development;
- Natural Resource Management;
- Institutions and governance;
- Voice and accountability;
- Globalisation;
- Privatization of parastatals; and Peace and security.
Macro-Economic Stabilisation
- Upper most on the agenda to restore confidence of citizens, industry, the financial sector, as well as investors is dealing with risks imposed by the twin deficits, namely the fiscal and current deficits.
- These have been at the core of money creation hence, resulting in inflationary pressures and currency instability.
Fiscal Objectives
- Containment of the fiscal deficit will allow the Budget to focus more resources towards infrastructure development programmes as opposed to consumptive spending, as well as cushioning vulnerable groups, especially as we implement austerity measures.
- Furthermore, reducing the Budget deficit and, therefore, limiting borrowing to sustainable levels, will allow channeling of more resources to the private sector and hence, supporting our overall strategy for a private sector led growth.
- In an effort to address the risk of a higher Budget deficit for 2018 and 2019, Government took decisive action to introduce the 2% intermediated money transfer tax, effective 13 October 2018.
- The cooperation by our citizenry on this measure is quite profound and well appreciated.
Fiscal Targets
- To achieve the fiscal objectives, and cconsistent with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, the 2019 Budget adheres to the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 22:19], the Reserve
Bank Act [Chapter 22:15], as well as the Public Debt Management Act [Chapter 22:21] with regard to fiscal targets on level of budget deficit, Central Bank lending to Government and Public Debt.
- The measures proposed above for restructuring financing and limiting commitments under the 2019 Budget, are targeted at attaining these fiscal objectives.
Budget Deficit Containment
- Government has henceforth embarked on a policy stance to gradually reduce the Budget deficit to single digit level, hence, targeting 5% of GDP for 2019 and 4.1% in 2020, and to 3% in 2021.
Treasury Bill Issuance Framework
- The continued issuance of Government securities has resulted in the flooding of Government securities into the market, posing risks to macro-economic stability as a result of money supply growth.
- In order to manage maturities of the current stock of Treasury bills, Treasury is exploring options for restructuring the Treasury bills to longer tenure in consultations with market players.
- Going forward, we are moving away from the practice ofincurring extra budgetary expenditure on the back of Treasury bill issuances.
- Treasury bill issuances will only be confined to the traditional role of mobilising resources to finance the budgeted financing gap, with such issuances triggered by a formal Note from the Accountant
General.
- Furthermore, Government has taken the position that there will be no further acquisitions of non-performing loans by Zimbabwe Asset Management Company (ZAMCO).
- The PFM Act is, therefore, being amended to penalise any Treasury bill issuances outside this framework.
Treasury Bill Auction System
- Consistent with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, Government will move away from the private placement to the auction based system of issuing Treasury bills and bonds in order to improve transparency, better price discovery, enhance confidence and allow market determined interest rates, thereby building up the yield curve.
- Government will also revive the issuance of bonds, through the development of a secondary bond market with effect from 2019, as well as explore the possibility of listing such bonds on the stock market.
Overdraft with the Central Bank
- All Reserve Bank quasi fiscal activities, which have ended up imposing extra budgetary commitments, hence worsening the financing gap, are being discontinued.
- Public expenditures will have to be confined to the Budgetary framework.
- Accordingly, Government is reducing recourse to Central Bank lending from the 20% of previous year’s revenues statutory limit, to a maximum of 5%confined for purposes of smoothening cash flow mismatches.
- The above is in conformity with good economic management and governance.
Expenditure Containment
- The 2019 Budget, consistent with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, places emphasis on living within our means by instilling fiscal discipline and rationalising expenditures in order to create additional financial capacity for funding developmental expenditures and enhancing delivery of public services.
- Accordingly, the following package of wage and non-wage expenditure rationalisation measures are now being implemented.
Salary Cut
- Mr Speaker Sir, it is critical that we reduce public spending on employment costs. As a first step, Government has decided that effective 1 January 2019, a 5% cut on basic salary, be effected for all senior positions from Principal Directors, Permanent Secretaries and their equivalents up to Deputy Ministers, Ministers and the
Presidium.
- This is also extended to basic salaries of those in designated posts in State Owned Enterprises (CEOs, Executive Directors and equivalent grades), including Constitutional Commissions and grant aided institutions.
- A standardisation/alignment exercise in remuneration including benefits for Constitutional Commissions, will also be undertaken to remove inequity and disparities.
13th Cheque
- With regard to the 13th Cheque payment, Government recognises that this is an integral component of the Remuneration Framework.
- Traditionally, payment of the 13th Cheque is computed as the sum of Basic Salary, Housing and Transport allowances. Previously, the Budget incurred expenditure of around US$174.6 million in bonus payment.
- Government appreciates the hard work its employees render in their various portfolios and services. For 2018 in particular, we close the year at a time when employees face a number of hardships.
- Accordingly, Government has taken the position that bonus be payable for 2018 with commitment that these payments be processed before year end.
- However, in light of the resolve to ensure that expenditure commitments do not further worsen challenges associated with deficit financing that have placed us in the prevailing difficult situation that we find ourselves in, the 13th Cheque is, henceforth, computed based on Basic Salary only (excluding housing and transport allowances).
Rationalisation of Foreign Service Missions
- Currently, Zimbabwe has diplomatic presence at 46 Embassies and Consulates, staffed by around 581 home based and locally recruited
staff.
- The above diplomatic presence is currently imposing annual budgetary support levels of around US$65 million, which is above available 2018 Budget capacity of US$50 million.
- Government has resolved to reduce the number of Foreign Missions, thereby optimising the utility value realised from the remaining missions as well as avoiding accumulation of arrears and embarrassing evictions of our diplomats.
Retirement of Youth Officers
- At its 38th Meeting of 5 December 2017, Cabinet re-affirmed its decision to terminate employment contracts of 3 188 Youth Officers as previously resolved.
- Drawing from the above Cabinet Resolutions and guidance of the Public Service Commission, Treasury proceeded to mobilise in the first instance, US$5.2 million in December 2017 towards three months’ Cash In-Lieu of Retirement Notices and in the second instance, US$17.7 million on 16 February 2018 towards the officers’ Pension benefits.
- Speaker Sir, the 2 917 Youth Officers who still remain on the payroll, are being retired and the posts removed from the establishment, by end of December 2018.
Public Service Retirements
- The 2019 National Budget is further operationalising the policy stance of retiring Government officials above the age of 65.
- Speaker Sir, the responsible departments are being directed to process and finalise all due retirements.
Payroll and Pension Administration
- Cabinet at its 38th Meeting of 5 December 2017, approved that the administration of the Public Service Payroll and Pension becomes a Treasury responsibility, with effect from 1 January 2018.
- Mr Speaker Sir, Section 6 of the Public Finance Management Act confers the Paymaster General function on Treasury, whilst Section 203 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Section 8 of the Public Service Act, confer the role of the Paymaster on the Public Service Commission.
- Government is reviewing the above position in order to come up with an arrangement that facilitates fiscal consolidation, given that employment costs account for the largest non-discretionary expenditures.
Biometric Register for Civil Servants in 2019
- Speaker, Sir, previous Civil Service Audits undertaken by Government in 2011 and 2015, respectively point to possible existence of ghost workers in the service, who are contributing to
the burgeoning public service wage bill which accounts for over
90% of total revenues.
- Clearly, this goes against the thrust of re-orienting Budget expenditures towards growth enhancing and poverty reducing developmental programmes and projects through rationalisation of the Public Service Wage Bill.
- Speaker Sir, to weed out these ghost workers, I propose to introduce a biometric registration of all civil servants, with effect from 1 January 2019.
- The registration process will be rigorous and will involve capturing data on Letter of Appointment, Academic and professional qualifications, National Identification Documents, Employment Code Numbers, and Biometric Data.
- Biometric data will involve capturing of one’s unique physical attributes such as fingerprints, DNA, iris and retina pattern, using
ICT.
- The above system will ensure that every person being paid by
Government for services rendered is properly accounted for.
Management of the Government Vehicle Fleet
- Government is improving the management system of the Government fleet as another avenue for improving efficiency and making savings.
- Speaker Sir, some Public Officers tend to use Government operational or pool vehicles after working hours, during weekends and on public holidays, which practice contributes to unsustainable build-up of outstanding payment arrears to service providers related to maintenance and fuel bills.
- Against this background, an austerity measure that leads to all Government pool/project vehicles being parked at the work stations or the nearest police station after designated working hours, during weekends and public holidays becomes inescapable.
- Similarly, all Government pool vehicles will be transferred and centrally managed through CMED Pvt. Ltd. Entities with capacity to maintain their fleet will be excluded from this directive.
Condition of Service Vehicles
- With regards to replacement of vehicles, adherence to the measures enunciated in the Transition Stabilisation Programme will be enforced.
- This framework will be cascaded to other categories of the Public Service such as Independent Commissions, Parliament, Judiciary and state entities
Utility Bills
- Line Ministries are now expected to institute further demand management measures for reducing utility bills by adopting cost effective delivery platforms which are ICT based.
- Heads of Ministries are better placed to identify most practical and effective cost containment measures under their portfolios.
- In support of expenditure containment measures, the Budget is also introducing measures on improving expenditure controls, fiscal transparency, and reporting. Revenue Retention Policy
- Speaker Sir, Section 302 of the Constitution provides that all fees, taxes, borrowings and other revenues of Government, whatever their source, should be remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
- Whereas Retention Funds have contributed significantly towards complementing Budget resources, the accountability arrangements have exhibited fundamental weaknesses which undermine efficient utilisation of public resources.
- In order to uphold the principle of transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public resources, Government Ministries and Departments will be required to remit all revenue collected into the
Consolidated Revenue Fund, with immediate effect.
- Outstanding balances should, thus, be deposited into the
Consolidated Revenue Fund by 23 November 2018.
- Treasury will, however, ring-fence such revenues in line with the current approved retention levels. Disbursement will, thus, be through the Public Funds Management System.
- Government will also undertake a comprehensive review of retention levels, with a view to remove or reduce revenue retentions which are no longer in line with current policy priorities.
Penalties under the Public Finance Management Act
- Speaker Sir, in the context of amending the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury will propose measures that enhance the enforcement of approved penalties for cases of non-compliance with requirements of the Act, to achieve improved accountability in the management of public resources.
Current Account Deficit
- The 2019 Budget also needs to address the “twin deficit” by implementing measures which contain the persistent and unsustainable current account deficit.
- The graph below depicts the persistent of the current account deficit, meaning that more foreign currency flows out of the country than receipts.
Current Account Performance (US$m): 2009 – 2017
- Our exports are largely uncompetitive due to cost and inefficient production. In addition, our reliance on primary commodity exports means less value compared to high value processed goods.
- The import bill has been dominated by a wide range of imports, some of which are not critical or strategic.
- Going forward, measures to address the current account deficit include the following:
- Supporting export oriented production e.g. horticulture;
- Strategically manage available foreign currency by prioritising import substitution production e.g. retooling and raw materials;
- Decisive action on revival of ZISCO Steel and Cold Storage Commission, local drug manufacturing etc. to boost exports while limiting on import demand;
- Value addition and beneficiation in mining and agriculture;
- Review import duty dispensation for some of the projects and programmes, e.g. National Project Status;
Monetary Policy Supportive Measures
- Addressing the current macro-economic vulnerabilities requires well-coordinated fiscal and monetary policies that reinforce each other in quest for macro-economic stabilisation.
- Accordingly, Treasury and the Central Bank will have to work more closely to ensure that this policy reinforcement is achieved.
- It is critical that monetary policy promotes sustainable money supply growth, in line with desired inflation levels. Instruments, such as savings bonds, which are already being utilised for mopping up excess liquidity will be appropriate for this purpose.
154.In this regard, the operationalisation of the Monetary Policy Committee remains urgent and needs to be implemented by the first quarter of 2019.
Multi-Currency System
- Speaker Sir, the multi-currency system remains in place, with the US dollar being the currency of reference, out of the currency basket.
- Government is mindful of the need for preservation of value, hence the move taken decisively implement measures, focusing on addressing the budget deficit, money supply growth, current account deficit and inflationary pressures.
- It is important to note that, apart from prudent fiscal and monetary policy measures, disciplined market conduct by all economic agents is also key in preservation of value.
Foreign Currency Allocation
- Going forward, there will be gradual movement towards a more efficient and optimal foreign currency allocation system. Indeed,
this Budget is consolidating the value preservation roadmap through macro-fiscal consolidation measures.
- In the interim, steps are being taken to establish a Foreign Currency Allocation Committee to promote efficient management of our foreign currency inflows.
Building Reserves
- Speaker Sir, the stability we have set to achieve over the immediate future will require that we build adequate foreign currency reserves, including gold reserves, that way providing anchor for preservation of exchange value.
Sovereign Wealth Fund
- In addition, the 2019 Budget will also dedicate resources towards operationalising Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is an instrument for building reserves for the country.
Investment for Jobs and Inclusive Growth
- Mr. Speaker Sir, investment is equally a key driver in the transformation and development of our country. Therefore, we desire to raise the levels of investment.
163.Mr. Speaker Sir, investment is critical not only for production of goods and services and infrastructure development, but also as a conduit for jobs creation, as well as skills and technological transfer.
- Further to our mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for business”, the measures we have kept sharpening for attracting, promoting and nurturing both local and foreign investment, are proving effective, as demonstrated by the value of projects negotiated standing at more than US$15 billion.
Tax for Jobs
- Government has opened up consultations with the private sector, with a view of identifying strategies for promoting job creation in the economy.
- For its part, Treasury stands ready to put in place a taxation regime targeting job creation, especially incentivising investors, corporates and entrepreneurs. Manufacturing
- The Manufacturing sector is a major source for job creation and foreign currency earnings. It also provides scope for diversification, that way cushioning the economy from various market risks.
Manufacturing Capacity Utilisation
Source: Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries
- Speaker Sir, while industrial capacity utilisation has averaged around 40%, the 2019 Budget proposes implementation of measures to address the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector, and help raise capacity utilisation further.
- It is imperative that we revive, transform, and grow the existing industry, that way, pushing up productive capacity utilisation. 170.Specific measures proposed through the Transitional Stabilisation
Programme and this Budget are as follows:
- Negotiation for affordable medium and long-term lines of credit;
- Promoting and strengthening value chains and linkages;
- Export promotion;
- Level playing field through removing distortions and promotion of competitiveness; and
- Establishment of a Venture Fund for retooling industry.
- Critically, this Budget lays the foundation for the resuscitation of our local industry, including ZISCO STEEL, and Cold Storage Company (CSC), largely through the much needed fiscal incentives and policy prescription.
- Speaker Sir, I propose an allocation of US$47.6 million for the
2019 financial year for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- In addition to macroeconomic consolidation, the TSP gives emphasis to investment and support to SMEs sector, which absorbs
a growing number of our people as entrepreneurs and workers.
Investment includes infrastructure for use by SMEs.
- This Budget seeks to contribute towards the establishment of
Venture Funds, targeting the game changing SMEs sectors. The Venture Funds will augment the role of the Empower bank and women’s bank.
- Speaker Sir, inclusive growth presupposes support towards establishment of companies and viable income generating projects, not only in cities and towns, but in our Districts and growth points.
Gender Mainstreaming
- The 2019 Budget will prioritise integration of gender across all sectors of the economy critical for achieving equitable, sustainable and inclusive social economic development.
- This is in line with Government’s commitment under the Gender Responsive Budgeting Strategy and the National Gender Policy. 178.Line Ministries are required to ensure that all developmental progress under their purview and the ecosystems thereof give equal opportunity to women as well as youths.
- I therefore, propose to allocate US$381 million for the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises
Development for the 2019 financial year.
Youth, Sport, Arts & Recreation
- Inclusivity is further going to be enhanced through refocusing ourselves to the area of sports, arts and recreation which is a strong tool for supporting our citizens whether youths, women and the elderly.
- Sport also benefits the country through the health dividend, as well as employment creation.
Youths Empowerment
- Youth empowerment initiatives are being prioritised under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, in recognition that young people must be an integral part of the mainstream economy.
183.As such, the 2019 Budget will support various youth empowerment interventions aimed at unlocking entrepreneurial value of youths as a strategy for employment creation and income generation.
- Of critical importance is the recognition that the emerging digital economy which cannot be ignored is a key sector for youth empowerment.
- Accordingly, the 2019 Budget proposes to an allocation of US$53.5 millionfor the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, prioritising infrastructure development, National teams, and operations of institutions under the Ministry.
Ease of Doing Business
- Speaker Sir, the 2019 Budget proposes speeding up of ease of doing business reforms, including the long awaited operationalisation of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development
Agency, ZIDA.
- I particularly urge line ministries and local authorities to take decisive measures to achieve ease of doing business in their respective areas.
188.I believe the respective Parliamentary Portfolio Committees also need to play their oversight role in order to ensure that, as a Nation, we do not pay leap service to the ease of doing business, as we are in competition for investment with other investment destinations.
- Madam Speaker, I want to put on record that Government stands ready to explore opportunities and measures for facilitating entrepreneurship as it is through entrepreneurship that we can realise our goal of increasing production as well as job creation, buttressing a private sector led economy.
Public Enterprise Reforms
- Government is going ahead to implement the long delayed parastatal reforms as these institutions ought to play a key role in transforming the economy, among the several drivers we need to embrace.
191.Madam Speaker, following consultations I place it on record that we are forging ahead with rolling out our parastatal reforms on a roll out template which categorises the entities under the following:
- State Owned Enterprises to be partially privatised through JVs and/or listing;
- State Owned Enterprises to be fully privatised; and
- State Owned Enterprises facing liquidation.
Parastatal Reform Roll Out
CATEGORY/ENTITY | TIMEFRAME in Months | |
Parastatals to be Partially Privatised through JVs and/or Listing | ||
1 | Tel-One, Net-One and Telecel | 12 |
2 | Petrotrade | 24 |
3 | ZIMPOST | 12 |
4 | POSB | 12 |
5 | 17 ZMDC Subsidiary Mines: Jena, Sabi, Elvington, Golden Kopje, Alaska
Mine, Mhangura, Sanyati, Kamativi, Lutope, Kapata, Sandawana, Lynx, Mumburume, Shabanie, Gaths Mine, Mbungu and Gwayi |
18 |
6 | Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) | 12 |
7 | Road Motor Services (RMS) | 24 |
State Owned Enterprises to be Privatised | ||
1 | Allied Insurance | 18 |
2 | Surface Investment | 18 |
3 | Zimbabwe Grain Bag | 18 |
4 | Ginhole Investments | 18 |
5 | Willowvale Mazda Motor Industry | 18 |
6 | Chemplex Corporation | 18 |
7 | Deven Engineering | 18 |
8 | G & W Minerals | 18 |
State owned enterprises facing liquidation | ||
1 | Chitungwiza Garment Factory | 12 |
2 | National Glass Industries | 12 |
3 | Motira | 12 |
4 | Zimglass | 12 |
5 | Kingstons (Pvt) Ltd | 12 |
192.The 2019 Budget proposes the privatisation of at least 5 public enterprises, namely Tel-One/Net-One/Telecel, ZIMPOST and POSB.
- The 2019 Budget assumes proceeds of at least US$350 million being raised from privatisation.
- Madam Speaker, Government will, however, refrain from taking over all or part of debts that these entities have accrued, as not all debt is risky to potential investors.
Agriculture & Food Security
- Madam Speaker, development and transformation of the country is, to a larger extent dependent on our capacity and ability to produce and attain food security.
- Furthermore, agriculture is a critical sector which sustains the rest of industry and contributes significantly to livelihoods, employment and export earnings for the country.
- Therefore, the 2019 Budget prioritises support through facilitation of partnership with financial institutions in credit financing to our farmers under government schemes and contract farming as well as support to vulnerable households.
- Furthermore, the Budget supports irrigation development, mechanisationand subsidy arrangements in grain marketing. The other specific measures are as follows:
- Roll out the revised 99 year lease to facilitate private sector financing to the rest of the farmers;
- Adopt measures that address low productivity in agriculture, including addressing land utilisation;
- Dealing with price distortions by benchmarking to import parity;
- Finalise setting up of a Commodities Exchange, hence opening up space to private sector players, thus shifting the burden from fiscus;
- Implement a robust loan recovery system to promote roll over of financing;
- Restructure the Grain Marketing Board and separate accounts between Strategic Grain Reserve and commercial activities, while safeguarding food security and price stability;
- Observance of the rule of law, property rights and BIPPAs;
- Promoting out grower schemes by the private sector; and
- “Crowding in” financial institutions.
- Madam Speaker, I propose an allocation of US$ 989.3 million to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural
Resettlement.
Compensation of Former White Farm Owners
- Government is committed to finalising the issue of compensation to former white farm owners who were affected by the Land Reform
Programme, in accordance with the country’s law and commitments under the various bilateral agreements and the Constitution.
- Government has put in place structures to determine the extent of
Government’s obligations. This work is on-going and will be finalised in the next few months.
- Cognisance is being given to the fact that the resources required to compensate and put closure to this important issue, are obviously beyond the capacity of the fiscus.
- In this regard, various mobilisation strategies and finance mechanisms are being explored in consultation with all stakeholders.
- In the interim, the 2019 Budget proposes to avail US$53 million towards payment of compensation to former white farm owners, whose disbursement will be targeted.
Infrastructure Development
- A key driver for economic transformation is infrastructure development. Accordingly, it is critical that more resources are reoriented towards infrastructure development programmes.
- Madam Speaker, to put it in Margaret Thatcher, former British
Prime Minister’s words, “you and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on infrastructure”.
- Therefore, the 2019 Budget seeks to address infrastructure gaps and give support to key enablers for transformation which are critical for reducing cost of doing business and supportive of industry and commerce.
- The target is to allocate 12.6% of the total budget to infrastructure development programmes (excluding agriculture), up from 10.2% of the previous year’s Budget.
- Drawing from the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, the following projects will be accorded high priority, with their execution being tracked by Cabinet under the 100 Day Programme cycle.
- Dualisation and upgrading of Harare-Beitbridge road - “A road is an economy”;
- Expansion of Hwange 7 & 8;
- Expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport;
- Upgrading and Modernisation of Beitbridge Boarder Post;
- Kunzvi Dam & Conveyancing Infrastructure;
- Gwayi Shangani Dam and Conveyancing Infrastructure; and
- Lupane Provincial Hospital.
- Madam Speaker, I propose to allocate the following resources under the 2019 Budget to the respective infrastructure Ministries of:
- Energy and Power Development, US$16 million,
- Transport and Infrastructural Development, US$399 million; and
- Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security, US$17.9 million.
- Focus is also being given to addressing existing and emerging infrastructure gaps, which have put the lives of the public at risk, particularly in the areas of water & sanitation (US$214.5 million) and road network rehabilitation(US$396.3 million).
- Government will employ deliberate thrust to leverage and crowd in private sector participation in the financing and implementation of the projects.
- Government has adopted PPP models for infrastructure development and other turnaround strategies for tertiary institutions
into self-sustaining centres of excellence, with potential to “export”
education.
- Key initiatives include the following:
- Setting up industrial parks;
- Establishment of innovation hubs and spin off industries;
- Incubation of science and technology based industries; and
- Promote research and development for modernisation and industrialisation.
- Madam Speaker, Treasury has prepared the 2019 Infrastructure
Investment Plan as part of the 2019 Budget documents package.
Devolution
- The 2019 National Budget seeks to operationalise support to provinces on the basis of Section 264 of the Constitution pertaining to provision of 5% of Government revenues to Provincial Councils.
- An estimated US$310 million in fiscal transfers is earmarked for support to Provincial Councils for 2019.
- As spelt out in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, decentralisation is a key strategy for fair and just governance.
- All provinces should be able to plan and implement their economic growth and development using their factor endowments, with central government contributing through the 5% allocation annually.
- For the 2019 Financial Year, and in order to distribute the amount among provinces, an interim formula will be used, which is simplistic and objective comprising the following components:-
- Population profile;
- Poverty profile; and
- Infrastructure quality and deficit.
- To operationalise Devolution, Government has already approved the principles of the Provincial Councils and Administration Amendment Bill, which spells out the mechanisms of decentralisation and devolution.
- Actual allocations for 2019 will require Cabinet approval at the beginning of the financial year, ensuring that the allocations target addressing pockets of marginalisation in Provinces and Districts.
- Madam Speaker, Government is cognisant of the urgent need to develop urban infrastructure, especially water & sanitation and roads.
- Therefore, Government will facilitate stronger partnership among relevant departments, respective local authorities and development partners in addressing infrastructure deficiency in urban areas.
- Treasury, is also embarking on a programme to enhance financial and accounting capacity of local authorities and the Provincial Councils, to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the public resources.
- The Devolution strategy also embraces initiatives to facilitate establishment of companies in various districts, in line with the thrust to enhance production in respective provinces, with the long established Growth Points being epicentres of this developmental
thrust.
- As per the undertaking in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, ZIMSTAT will be seized with production of socio economic statistics that will underpin assessment of the various Provinces’ and Local Authorities’ contribution to the overall GDP, including spatial GDP figures.
- Madam Speaker, I propose to allocate US$179.9 million to the
Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
- This allocation is over and above the US$310 million targeted under the fiscal transfer to Provincial Councils and Local Authorities, I indicated earlier.
Human Capital Development
- Madam Speaker, human capital developmentis at the centre of economic transformation. Rapid technical change, globalisation and economic liberalisation in recent years requires us to prioritise skills development on health care as a key strategy for economic competitiveness and growth.
- The focus should, therefore, extend beyond education career prospects to skills development, that way tackling inequality and promoting social mobility and growth.
Education
- Madam Speaker, education provision remains key in driving the economy’s future.
- The Education Sector Strategy Plan (2016-2020) which is in support of SDG goal 4 and the aspiration of the Paris Declaration on Education which targets allocation of20% of the National Budget inform the 2019 Budget proposed allocation of US$1.51 billion broken down as follows:
- Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, US$1.132 billion; and
- Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and
Technology Development, US$380.8 million.
- The priority areas under higher and tertiary education included the following:
- Provision for construction of student accommodation and faculty blocks at Marondera, Manicaland and Gwanda State
Universities;
- Embracing joint venture initiatives for provision of decent accommodation at other institutions of higher learning;
- Support towards disadvantaged students who are unable to access funding under the Student Loan Facility - ‘Edu Loan’;
- Provision for construction and equipping of laboratories at
Masvingo and Mkoba Teachers Colleges, as well as Joshua
Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic College;
- Support towards research and development; and
- Provision for addressing cadetship Programme arrears.
- Government will support the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education in raising additional sources from third parties for infrastructure development.
Health Care
- With regards to health care, the goal is to ensure that the four levels of care (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary) are supported with respect to infrastructure, equipment and health supplies. 238.Focus will also be on ensuring that the referral system is reestablished in order to reduce bottlenecks being experienced at tertiary and central hospitals.
- Support to the health sector will be complemented by the other interventions Government is making in roads, water and sanitation provision and food security, among others, which have a bearing on the health status of citizens.
- In general, Government is desirous to see the development of a medical tourism industry in the country.
- Madam Speaker, I propose an overall allocation of US$694.5 million to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Demographic Dividend
- Economic transformation the world over, now strategically puts ahead programmes geared towards embracing the youth in order to harness the demographic dividend arising from the educated, trained and qualified youth.
243.This is also getting credence from the upper hand, now associated with the digital economy, anchored by the ICTs. We draw pride and hope on the massive growth potential to be attained through the demographic dividend and digital economy.
- Madam Speaker, in essence, the vision 2030 aspiration stands to benefit more our youth of today.
Social Protection
- Madam Speaker, our reform programme necessitate that we give attention to social safety nets for vulnerable members of our society who end up being negatively affected as a result of implementation of austerity measures and other risks that they may encounter.
- The 2019 Budget gives cognisance to the need for Government to render redistributive justice by availing support to members of society deemed to be in need or deserving, consistent with John
Rawls, a Political Philosopher’s book titled, ‘Theory of Justice’, in particular the quote, “the expectations of those with sae abilities and aspirations should not be affected by their social class”. 247.Furthermore, I propose to allocate US$81.2 million for the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Services, inclusive of US$65.2 million towards provision of social safety nets.
Natural Resource Management
- In order to attain economic transformation, it is critical that we manage the exploitation of the country’s mineral and natural
resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner.
- Responsible ministries are expected to play guardian and oversight role to ensure that the country derives maximum benefit without compromising availability of the resources to future generations.
- Madam Speaker, the 2019 Budget proposes to prioritise allocation of resources, as well as implementation of appropriate measures under the respective sectors of mining, wild life management, tourism, as follows:
Mining
- For improved performance of the mining sector, the Transitional Stabilisation Programme and this Budget propose the following deliberate policies across the sector:
- Review surrender requirements to ensure continued production across all key minerals;
- Dealing with mining claims that are held for speculative purposes;
- Facilitating and incentivising exploration;
- Automated Mining Cadastre Information System;
- Resuscitate closed and opening of new mines with potential;
- Action and roll out plan for 22 assets under ZMDC;
- Efficient and competitive mining tax regime;
- Development of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners;
- Expedite transparent marketing of diamond stock pile under the
Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC); and
- Plugging leakages in the marketing of gold, including implementation of a robust monitoring framework.
Value Addition and Beneficiation
- The thrust is to add value and beneficiate more through processing and refining of minerals and link processed and refined minerals to the manufacturing sector in order to industrialise.
- In this regard, Government is finalising the Mineral Value Addition and Beneficiation Policy to improve domestic smelting and refining, to take advantage of the immediate scope for income and exports generation offered by minerals such as platinum, chrome, lithium, nickel, diamond, copper, gold and coal.
Surrender Requirements
- Madam Speaker, the Reserve Bank has responded to the foreign currency supply challenges that had hard hit mining operations by reviewing a downward review of the foreign currency surrender requirements thresholds for large scale gold miners to 45%, from the 70% which will see the miners retaining 55% of forex earned.
- Government will continue to monitor developments in the sector.
Mining Cadastre Information System
- Madam Speaker, under the 2018 Budget, an allocation of US$1.7 million was made towards the automation the Mining Cadastre
Information System in order to ensure implementation of this.
- The requisite foreign currency required will be prioritised.
Resuscitation of Closed Mines
- Madam Speaker, in 2019, it will be critical that closed mines such as
Shabanie,Mashaba Mines (SMM), Elvington gold mine, Chegutu,
Jena Gold Mine and other ZMDC mines are targeted for reopening.
- The resuscitation programme will involve own resources for some of the entities, while for others joint venture partnership arrangements will be pursued.
Mining Transparency
- In order to move along with international best practices on achieving transparency in management of natural resources,
Government would want to be a member of the Extractive
Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as soon as possible.
- Membership is critical in order for the country to benefit from strengthened public and corporate governance, promote understanding of natural resource management, and provide the data that guide reforms for greater transparency and accountability in the extractives sector.
- Madam Speaker, it is critical that we move along with other countries in this agenda, and hence I propose to allocate US$15.4 million to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
Environment and Tourism
Environment
- The thrust with regard to environmental management is to deal with, rampant deforestation, with an estimated loss of 100 000 – 320 000 hectares of forests per year, solid waste management confronting urban authorities throughout the country, destruction of wetlands and many other risks to our environment.
- The Budget, therefore, continues to capacitate the local authorities and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to manage pollution, waste and deforestation.
- Madam Speaker, the Forestry Commission will now de-centralise issuance of tree cutting permits, while EMA will work closely with traditional leaders to enforce the proper management of forests and pasturelands countrywide.
- With regards to proceeds from the Tobacco Levy, the decision is that this be shared equally between the TIMB and the Forestry
Commission, with effect from 1 January 2019.
- These are to be re-invested in afforestation programmes in the tobacco growing areas.
- Government will also revitalize the Environment Fund which can be used to contain water pollution and solid waste management. To avert outbreaks like cholera and typhoid in the future the Environment Fund will act as an early warning signal and assist local authorities and communities in disaster management.
Small Scale and Artisanal Miners Activities
- Unsustainable mining methods that are used by small scale and artisanal miners also causes damage to public infrastructure and in some cases violates rights of other land holders such as farmers.
- Without criminalising the small scale and artisanal miners, the 2019 Budget seeks to embrace interventions to reduce environmental, social and health impact that arise from artisanal and small scale mining operations.
- As such, the Mining Loan Fund as a key funding tool to primary and small scale producers, will embrace a component for a better and sustainable mining methods.
- In addition, Government is engaging Fidelity Printers to come up with a mechanism that compels recipients of other loans to rehabilitate the environment.
Tourism
- As the country transforms into an upper middle income economy as espoused in Vision 2030, the contribution of service sectors to GDP
will increase more than the traditional sectors, in line with global trends.
- According to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2018, the sector accounted for 10.4% of global GDP and 313 million jobs, or 9.9% of total employment in 2017.
- Some of the measures relevant for improved performance of the sector include the following:
- Review of the current fiscal incentive framework to derive maximum benefit from the sector;
- Prioritise payment plan towards obligations to the International Air
Transport Association (IATA);
- Conclusion of the Tourism Satellite Account in order to accurately account for tourism’s contribution to GDP;
- Improve air connectivity to all tourist destinations around the country;
- Removal of Visa requirements on key source markets;
- Enhanced destination branding and marketing; and
- Setting up of a Tourism Revolving Fund.
- In this regard, I propose to allocate US$38.1 million to the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
Wildlife Management
- Poaching and loss of habitat remain the greatest threat to the country’s wildlife resources. Government is, therefore, strengthening institutions related to the wildlife industry such as Zim Parks, to deal with rogue operators who continue to bring the industry into disrepute internationally.
- Individual farmers with low capacity for cropping especially in the southern regions can engage inwildfire ranching. These farmers will be assisted by Government to form joint ventures with private sector on wildlife projects.
Institutions and Governance
- Madam Speaker, Government is committed to promoting good governance based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, as well as accountability and transparency.
- Upholding good governance and democracy, as enshrined in our Constitution will facilitate our transformation to the desired upper middle income status.
- We need to agree that, the largely peaceful conduct of the 30 July harmonised elections owed a good seed for deepening our democracy.
- Accordingly, the alignment of the Public Order and Security Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to the Constitution, is work in progress, with responsible Ministry currently seized with the matter for deliberation through due process.
- Madam Speaker, I propose to allocate US$294.7 million in support of the Office of the President and Cabinet.
- I also propose to allocate US$155 million for the Ministry of
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
- Madam Speaker, for the 7 Constitutional Commissions, namely,
Human Rights, Judiciary Service, National Peace and Reconciliation, Anti-Corruption, Electoral, Gender, Land and Media, the proposed allocation amounts to US$38.5 million.
- I am also proposing to allocate resources towards, to cater for the
Judiciary Service Commission (US$27.6 million), Public Service
Commission(US$279.3 million), as well as the National Prosecuting Authority (US$8.1 million).
- For the Ministry of Information, Publicity and broadcasting services, I propose to allocate US$17.9 million.
- Furthermore, I propose to allocate US$330.5 million to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, of which US$70.5million is committed under the Unallocated Reserve.
Globalisation and Foreign Relations
- Madam Speaker, Government has consistently proclaimed its resolve to re-engage and integrate into the global village, hence, the interest to re-engage.
- This is out of the realisation that through international isolation, we have lost immensely as a Nation, particularly through deprivation of access to international capital markets, technology, trade, among others, resulting in low economic growth.
- In order to catch up globally, we have as His Excellency the President has repeatedly advocated to leap frog and double our efforts towards rapprochement and re-engagement through normalising the country’s relations with all countries including the West.
- We look forward to rejoining the Commonwealth and we have initiated this process.
- Most important is the ongoing re-orientation of our Diplomatic
Missions towards economic and trade diplomacy. The Budget
proposes rationalisation of some of the Missions in pursuit of this objective.
Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements
(BIPPAs)
- Government remains committed to protecting investments that fall under Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs), as it forges ahead on protection of property rights.
- Consequently, the two BIPPAs awaiting signature and twenty two BIPPAs under negotiation will go through both the approval and ratification processes in 2019.
Diaspora Engagement
- The diaspora present a significant opportunity for contributing to the development of the economy. This, however, requires a clear policy that serves interests of both diasporans and Government.
- The Diaspora Policy is in its implementation phase and an implementation matrix is in place which states clearly the responsibilities of the different line Ministries and agencies in order to support the diaspora and tap into the opportunities they present.
- Diaspora engagement programs are ongoing through scheduled external visits to ensure that the Diaspora’s needs and expectations are known and embraced in the country’s economic development agenda.
- Therefore, I propose to allocate US$56.1 million to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Peace and Security
- Of the key drivers for economic transformation in pursuit of our
Vision 2030, peace and security take centre stage.
- The economic challenges that have been with us over the past few years, have, without exaggeration, taken a toll on the state of our defence and law and order sectors.
- Madam Speaker, I propose that through the 2019 Budget, we extend support towards the Ministries of Defence & War Veterans Affairs and Home Affairs & Cultural Heritage in the following respects:
- Maintenance of existing equipment and facilities;
- Training and development;
- Re-equipment, refurbishment and upgrading of facilities;
- Research and development;
- Limited recruitment against natural attrition; War Veterans welfare as per the relevant Act; and
- Rations and medical supplies.
- In light of this, Treasury, therefore, allocates US$546.9 million for the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans.
- Similarly, a total of US$517.8 million is allocated for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
Voice and Accountability
- The 2019 Budget prioritises voice and accountability as embodied in our Legislature as a strong driver for economic transformation for strong, sustained and shared growth.
- In the course of implementation of reforms, Governments rely on oversight by its citizenry through their elected representatives.
- It is on account of the foregoing that I propose to allocate US$89.1 million under Parliament.
- I believe this allocation will strengthen the activities of Parliament as an institution and the individual Honourable Members.
- I particularly make provision for capitalising the Parliamentary Vehicle Loan Scheme under which all Members of Parliament will access loan financing vehicles to enhance their roles.
- I further commit funding of US$3.8 million under the 2019 Budget for enabling works for commencement of the construction of the new Parliament building which will be cited in Mount Hampden.
- For the Audit office, an allocation of US$6.9 million is proposed.
Revenue Measures and Incentives
- Madam Speaker, the revenue measures that I am proposing seek to consolidate gains realised by the productive sectors through extension of existing support facilities, increase productive capacity, exports and import substitution levels, provide relief to taxpayers, as well as enhance revenue through efficiency in tax administration.
- The proposals further seek to institute demand management measures, with a view to redirect use of the scarce foreign currency to productive industries.
Support to Industry
- In order to consolidate the gains realised by local industry, Government will renew facilities that have expired, subject to set conditions and, in some cases, expand the list of inputs and beneficiaries of Rebate Facilities as follows
Clothing Manufactures Rebate
Large Scale Manufacturers
- Include additional fabrics that are not locally produced, under the
Clothing Manufacturers Rebate, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
- In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme thrust of supporting sustainable micro, small and medium enterprises growth and development, I propose to avail a Ring-Fenced Manufacturer’s Rebate Facility, subject to meeting prescribed conditions, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Dairy Industry
- Domestic production of raw milk remains lower than the requirements of the local dairy industry, hence I propose to increase the ring-fenced milk powder requirements for 2019, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Baking Industry
- In order to reduce the cost of production, thereby minimizing price escalation, particularly on bread, which is a basic household commodity, I propose to introduce duty free importation of raw materials under a Manufacturers Rebate, with effect from 1 January
Agriculture Industry
Customs Duty on Fertilized Eggs
- In order to mitigate against potential shortage of poultry products as a result of the Avian Influenza and restore viability of the industry, I propose to ring-fence duty free importation of fertilized eggs for the year 2019, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Motor Industry
- In support of initiatives to improve the condition of cross border luxury buses, I propose to extend the ring-fenced suspension of duty on the outstanding quota of luxury buses by a further 1 year.
- Furthermore, in order to ease the transport challenges, I propose to ring-fence importation of 100 public service buses of a sitting capacity of at least 60 passengers at a reduced customs duty rate of
5%.
- These measures takes effect from 1 January 2019.
Wine Manufacturing Industry
- In order to supplement supply of locally produced raw wine, I propose to increase the excise duty free ring-fenced import quota from 90 000 litres to 175 000 litres for a period of 12 months beginning 1 January 2019.
Fertilizer Manufacturing Industry
324.In order to enhance competiveness of locally manufactured fertilizer, I propose to ring-fence duty free importation of raw materials, with effect from 1 January 2019, for a period of twelve months.
Customs Duty on Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil Fertilizer
- I, further, propose to ring-fence importation of 10 000 tons of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil fertilizer under suspension of duty for a period of twelve months beginning 1 January 2019, in order to reduce the cost of inputs into production.
Furniture Manufacturers
- Madam Speaker, the Furniture Manufacturers Rebate Facility support has attracted investment from the region, hence, I propose to include additional beneficiaries under the Facility.
- Furthermore, in view of the increase in the product range, I propose to include additional raw material, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
- Madam Speaker, in recognition of the significance of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, Government has already provided for a rebate of duty facility on essential raw materials imported for manufacture by the industry.
- The Facility has, thus, assisted in the promotion of linkages with the packaging, distribution and marketing industries, thereby boosting employment.
- The industry is in the process of registering new products, hence, I propose to expand the list of essential raw materials for manufacture under rebate of duty, with effect from 1 January 2019.
- Notwithstanding assistance availed to the industry, retail prices of pharmaceutical products, in particular, drugs for treatment of chronic ailments, have increased and are either quoted in United States Dollars, or four times the same amount, if payment is through electronic funds transfer or bond notes.
- The unscrupulous profiteering at the expense of patients who cannot afford is inhumane, catastrophic and deprives citizens of basic human rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
333.Government will, thus, continue to prioritise allocation of foreign currency for purchase of raw materials, in order to ensure availability of critical drugs.
- As a quid pro quo, pharmaceutical manufacturers shall be required to publish the Maximum Recommended Retail Price agreed among manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.
- Whilst this measure is intended to provide transparency in the pricing of essential drugs, it should, thus, not be misconstrued as price control.
- Government will, however, provide an oversight role, in order to ensure that the above conditions are adhered to.
Transparency and Accountability in Utilisation of Rebate Facilities
- Beneficiaries of the Rebate Facilities availed by Government will be required to present an annual report on the benefits achieved including but not limited to the following parameters:
- Incremental employment levels;
- Capacity utilisation levels;
- Value of new investment;
- Growth in output; and,
- Research and Development initiatives
- Failure to comply with the above will result in the immediate withdrawal of the Facility, and the rebated duty becomes due and payable.
Tourism Industry
Suspension of Customs Duty on Specified Buses: Tour Operators
- In order to assist Tour Operators capitalise their fleets, I propose to extend suspension of duty on 75 new buses of a carrying capacity of 8 to 55 passengers, including the driver.
- The Facility will be availed for a period of twelve months beginning
1 January 2019.
Revenue Enhancing Measures
Excise Duty on Cigarettes
341.The specific rate of excise duty does not relate to market developments, since the price of cigarettes has, in some cases, increased by about 30%.
- I, therefore, propose to review excise duty on cigarettes to US$25 per 1000 sticks, with effect from 1 December 2018.
Customs Duty on Motor Vehicles
- Honourable Members would be aware that Government has, over the years, implemented demand management measures with a view to redirect usage of the scarce foreign currency to productive industries. Such measures include adjustments to the customs duty regime and control of imported goods through the licensing system.
- Despite some success, Government has, during the course of 2017 and 2018, witnessed a surge in the importation of non-productive goods, particularly motor vehicles.
- In order to redirect use of scarce foreign currency to the productive sectors of the economy, I propose that customs duty on motor
vehicles be levied in foreign currency acceptable as legal tender, with effect from 23 November 2018.
- This measure will, however, not apply on imports of commercial motor vehicles and vehicles for use by the physically challenged.
- Furthermore, payment of customs duty in foreign currency will also apply on Selected Goods.
- This measure will also apply on all import VAT and Surtax.
Payment of Tax in the Currency of Trade
- Madam Speaker, notwithstanding that companies are appointed as agents that collect revenue on behalf of Government, some companies are not remitting VAT in the currency of trade, taking advantage of the arbitrage opportunities on the informal market.
- In order to contain such practices, I propose to compel companies that collect VAT in United States dollars or any other currency to remit VAT using the same mode of payment.
- This measure will apply on all other taxes.
Excise Duty on Fuel
352.Madam Speaker, current market developments have also distorted the fuel market. The country’s fuel has become relatively cheaper compared to prices obtaining in the region, creating an arbitrage opportunity for local consumers and transiting vehicles.
- This arbitrage opportunity has partly contributed to the increase in consumption of fuel products, with volumes for the period January to October 2018, amounting to US$1.29 billion.
- The increase in consumption is clearly unsustainable, considering that the available foreign currency reserves have to be shared among other critical priorities.
- I, therefore, propose to increase excise duty by 7 cents per litre on diesel and paraffin and 6.5 cents on petrol to reduce the arbitrage opportunities.
- This measure takes effect from 1 December 2018.
Tax Debts of Voluntarily Wound Up Companies
- While some taxpayers have been constrained by economic challenges, others have deliberately chosen to evade or defer payment of taxes. In some cases, taxpayers have voluntarily wound up companies and registered new establishments, in order to avoid settling the outstanding tax obligations.
- Company directors are, thus, deliberately violating their fiduciary responsibility, hence are contributing to the accumulation of unpaid tax obligations. Such actions constitute negligence, fraud and abuse of authority.
- I, therefore, propose that directors or shareholders of a company that wound up voluntarily in order to avoid payment of the taxes be jointly and severally liable for the tax liability.
Deemed Income Provision: Satellite Broadcasting Services
- Madam Speaker, technological advancements have enabled foreign companies, particularly satellite broadcasters and e-commerce platforms to provide local residents with services from offshore sources.
- The income earned is, however, not liable to tax since the activity generating the income is not from a source within Zimbabwe.
362.I, therefore, propose to deem income earned by such non-resident service providers to be from a source within the country and liable to tax.
Tax Relief Measures
Personal Income Tax
- In order to attract and retain skilled human capital and also cushion low income taxpayers against rising prices of basic goods, I propose to review the tax-free threshold from the current US$300 to US$350 and further widen the tax bands from US$351 to US$20,000, above which income is taxed at the highest marginal tax rate of 45%, down from 50%.
Intermediated Money Transfer Tax
- Madam Speaker, consultations made with stakeholders indicate the need to fine tune the transaction tax, with a view to ease the Cost of
Doing Business.
- In this regard, I propose to provide for further exemptions, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Export Tax on Un-Beneficiated Platinum
- Government introduced a 15% tax on the exportation of unbeneficiated platinum, with a view to compel mining companies to expeditiously transition towards beneficiation of the mineral.
- In view of the progress and commitments made by PGM producers towards beneficiation, I propose to postpone export tax to 1 January
Export Tax on Raw Hides
- In order to generate foreign currency from the prevailing global export market opportunities, thereby maximizing the value of excess raw hides, I propose to exempt from export tax, the sale of projected excess raw hides on a bi-annual basis, with effect from 1 January
2019.
Customs Duty on Sanitary Wear
- Madam Speaker, in order to cushion underprivileged women and girls in the interim, whilst the local supply of sanitary wear
improves, I propose to suspend customs duty for a period of 12 months beginning 1 December 2018.
- Furthermore, I propose to exempt imports of sanitary wear from
Value Added Tax.
Suspension of Duty on Goods for use by Physically Challenged
Persons
- In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) of 2008, which promotes decent and dignified lives for such persons to achieve their full potential, I propose to suspend customs duty on goods used by the physically challenged persons.
- Such goods include wheel chairs, talking calculators, mobility white canes and contact lenses.
- Government has already provided duty free importation of sunscreen lotions, hearing aids, brail computers and embossers and also VAT zero rated wheel chairs, literature products, braille computers, and braille watches, among others.
Value Added Tax on Statutory Medical Regulatory Authorities
- I propose to exempt Medical Statutory Bodies from the requirement to charge and remit Value Added Tax for the period 2009 to 30 November 2018.
- Medical Statutory Bodies would, however, be required to adhere with current legislative provisions, with effect from 1 December
Withholding Tax on Contracts
- In order to provide relief to schools that have accumulated tax arrears from failure to withhold tax, I propose to provide an exemption from withholding Tax on Contracts in retrospect for a period of six years ending 31 December 2017.
- I, further, propose to exempt the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe from the requirement to withhold 10% of amounts payable in cases where the recipient of interest accruing from Treasury Bills failed to produce a tax clearance certificate during the period 1 February
2009 to 30 November 2018.
Exemption of Non-Residents from Withholding Tax on Contracts
- I propose to exempt payments to non-residents individuals from the 10% withholding tax on contracts since non-resident persons are not compelled to file returns.
Road Accident Levy
- Madam Speaker, whereas the minimum requirement is that all motor vehicles should be covered under a Third Party Insurance, the benefits are, however, restricted to compensation of the third party’s vehicle, hence remain obscure with a relatively low claims ratio.
- Consequently, premiums have largely been retained for the benefit of insurance companies, hence an opportunity for Third Party Insurance to also contribute towards expenses for accident victims, thus, exists.
- I, therefore, propose to redirect 5% of Third Party Insurance Cover to an Accident Compensation Fund, with effect from 1 December
Standard Scale of Fines
- Madam Speaker, road traffic offenses are classified under levels 1 to 3 of the Standard Scale of Fines, with a maximum monetary value of US$30. The current fines, which should act as a deterrent to criminal behavior, have not assisted in reducing such malpractices, mainly due to the low monetary values.
- In order to promote road safety culture by adhering to road traffic regulations, I propose that any person who commits such offenses be liable to fines of levels 8 to 10, which attract a maximum fine of US$700 and imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, with effect from 1 January 2019. Legislative Amendments
Sequencing of VAT Payments
- In order to reduce the burden of perpetual interest charges on taxpayers, I propose to amend the order of liquidation of VAT debts so that priority is given towards settlement of the principal tax
liability followed by penalty and interest, with effect from 1 January
Transfer Pricing
- In order to promote compliance with the Transfer Pricing legislativerequirements, I propose to introduce the following measures:
- Amend legislation to provide for penalties, on a graduating scale, for failure to adhere to stipulated requirements;
- Require taxpayers to submit annual returns showing transactions entered between controlled and/or associated enterprises;
- Provide for Transfer Pricing Documentary Requirements, which will act as a guide to associated enterprises in the recording of transactions, in compliance with the Arm's Length Principle; and,
- Provide for Transfer Pricing Guidelines which will assist in the application and interpretation and simplification of transfer pricing legislation.
- These measures take effect from 1 January 2019.
Payment Basis for Value Added Tax
- Madam Speaker, the Value Added Tax legislation compels registered operators to account for tax on an invoice or payment basis.
- Registered operators that account for tax on an invoice basis are required to account for VAT accruing from both cash and credit sales after an invoice, which indicates time of supply, has been issued.
- In order to delay accounting for VAT on credit sales, some registered operators deliver goods or perform services without issuing an invoice, thereby circumventing the fact that a supply has been made.
- Registered operators, thus, deliver goods on the basis of delivery notes, thereby avoiding payment of output tax, notwithstanding that the same can be used to claim input tax.
- In order to facilitate accounting for VAT at the time of delivery of goods or services, I propose to amend the definition of time of supply to include the time goods or services are made available to the recipient.
Additional Routes for Electronic Cargo Tracking
- Honourable Members would be aware that Government implemented an electronic cargo tracking system that uses electronic seals and transmitters to monitor transit cargo, in order to mitigate the adverse effects of transit fraud.
- I, therefore, propose to gazette the additional routes, in order to facilitate movement of petroleum products.
Maximum Transit Period
- The Customs and Excise legislation provides that goods cleared for transit purposes should exit the country within 3 days from the date of entry for removal.
- Trucks carrying abnormal loads, however, are, in most cases, not able to transit within the given timeframes, due to low speed and other regulations that restrict the movement of trucks carrying abnormal loads during the night.
- I, therefore, propose to extend the transit timeline for trucks carrying abnormal loads from 3 to 5 days from date of arrival at the port of entry, with effect from 1 December 2018.
Penalty for Failure to Pre-clear Goods
- Notwithstanding the introduction of pre-clearance of commercial cargo transported by road with effect from 1 February 2018, commercial cargo transporters and agents have, however, not been complying, hence some ports of entry have faced serious traffic congestion.
- I, therefore, propose to levy a fine equivalent to level 12 of the Standard Scale of Fines on importers or agents that fail to pre-clear goods transported by road, with effect from 1 December 2018.
Power of Customs Officers to Inspect Residential Property
- I propose to amend legislation to authorise officers to access residential property for purposes of undertaking searches, where there is reasonable grounds to believe that a residential property is utilised for business purposes, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Tax Administration
Whistle Blower Facility
- Madam Speaker, Government in 2001 introduced the Whistle Blower Facility to enable informants to share information on such practices as tax avoidance and evasion by individuals and companies that compromised tax revenue collections.
- I propose to review the Whistle Blower Facility to provide, among other measures, clarity on the nature of information that informants must supply before being entitled to a reward.
Penalty Loading Model
- In order to promote transparency in the administration of penalties for non-compliance, I propose to publish a Penalty Loading Model which informs taxpayers on the level of penalties, with effect from 1
January 2019.
Permissible Deductions in Respect of Input Tax
- The VAT legislation compels VAT registered operators to obtain and retain any of the documentary proof listed on the schedule of appropriate documentation as confirmation that they are entitled to zero rate supplies of goods and services, in order to facilitate refund of VAT input tax.
- The discretion has created an opportunity whereby registered operators, particularly those in the export business, submit stamped Bills of Entry, and some of the documents listed as proof of export, despite overwhelming evidence that the goods were not exported.
- In order to minimise abuse of the VAT system, I propose to compel registered operators to obtain and retain all the documentary proof prescribed in the regulations as confirmation that they are entitled to zero rate their supplies.
Tax Administration Assessment Tool
- As part of the reform process, the International Monetary Fund, through the IMF Tax Administration Assessment Tool (TADAT) initiative, conducted an assessment of the Tax Administration system with a view to identify its strengths and weaknesses.
- In order to address the weaknesses unearthed by an assessment of the Tax Administration system through the IMF Tax Administration Assessment Tool (TADAT), thereby enhancing efficiency in tax administration, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority will be required to undertake the following initiatives:
- Enhance ZIMRA Information Technology Systems to ensure that information held in the taxpayer registration database is accurate, adequate and reliable;
- In order to ensure accuracy, reliability and traceability of taxpayers, by the first half of 2019, the ZIMRA systems should be linked to the National Registration Database, Company
Registration Database, Deeds Office, ZIMSTAT, National Social Security Authority, Investment Agency and ZIMDEF, among others;
- Put in place a Compliance Risk Management Framework to enable the detection of sectors of the economy with greatest risk of non-compliance, in order to ensure that commensurate tax administration effort is applied; and
- Carryout routine activities to identify unregistered tax payers; and,
- Develop a tax incentives monitoring and evaluation framework to facilitate the management of timed tax expenditures as well as to inform Cost Benefit Analysis of tax expenditures by
Treasury, on an annual basis, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Re-engagement and Debt Resolution
- A crucial meeting with co-operating partners and International
Financial Institutions was held on 10 October 2018 in Bali,
Indonesia, over the country’s debt and arrears strategy. A follow up meeting was held in Livingstone on 13 – 14 November 2018 in addition to bilateral meetings.
Arrears Clearance
- The debt and arrears clearance roadmap will entail clearing arrears to the African Development Bank (AfDB), US$680 million, the
World Bank (WB), more than US$1.4 billion and the European Investment Bank (EIB), US$308 million.
- Besides debt and arrears clearance, the international community expect to see Zimbabwe judiciously implement its Transitional Stabilisation Programme as well, in order to move on a path for sustainable and inclusive growth and development.
- To facilitate gravitating towards normalising relations with the IMF and indeed other International Financial Institutions, we are in discussions with the IMF about intensifying our re-engagement with them.
- Madam Speaker, Government would want the Nation to appreciate that re-engagement with the international financial institutions is key for unlocking of new developmental financing.
International Relations
- Government is stepping up outreach and engagement with the international community, with the objective of normalising and strengthening relations and taking the rightful place in the community of nations.
- The 2019 Budget is providing support to capacitate the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and international trade in this endeavour.
Aid Coordination Architecture
- As highlighted in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, Treasury is in the process of reviewing and realigning the aid coordination architecture in order to improve development cooperation effectiveness.
- Hence, going forward, development cooperation will be anchored upon four mutually supportive pillars:
- Zimbabwe Development Cooperation Policy;
- Development Cooperation Strategy and Procedures Manual;
- Joint Performance Assessment Framework; and
- Development Cooperation Management Information System.
Conclusion
- Madam Speaker, in conclusion, this Budget should mark a turning point towards realising the country’s Vision 2030, as austerity will
lead us to prosperity.
- To quote the Philosopher, Immanuel Kant, “We are not rich by what we possess, but by what we can do without”.
- I now commend the 2019 National Budget as detailed in the accompanying Budget Statement to this august House and lay on the table the Estimates of Expenditure (Blue Book). I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I move that the
debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 4th December, 2018.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI), the House adjourned at Twenty Eight Minutes to Six o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 4th December, 2018.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday 21st November, 2018
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
GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that there will be a Ground Breaking and laying of the Foundation Stone Ceremony for the New Parliament Building at the site in Mt Hampden on 30th
November, 2018 at 1000 hours. All Members are invited to attend.
LIGHTING CEREMONY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 16
DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
THE HON. SPEAKER: I also have to inform the House that all
Members of Parliament are invited to a Lighting Ceremony in
Commemoration of the 16 days of activism against Gender Based
Violence on Monday, 26th November, 2018 at 1830 hours, at Parliament Building along Nelson Mandela Avenue. The event is being organised by Parliament in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy and is held annually, from 25 November to 10 December.
An Hon. Member having presented a notice of motion
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! Did that motion come
through the office of the Speaker? May you approach the Chair? Hon. Members, all motions must come through my office. That motion, its content, is a matter that the administration of Parliament is seized with. The process that is being suggested of revamping the Standing Orders is in progress. So, how can you work at cross purposes with the administration of Parliament? That is not permissible.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: On a point of privilege according to Section 68. The price of goods is increasing and I have noticed that the origins of all these price hikes is emanating from Parliament. Parliament is selling the soft drink coca cola for a $1 and yet Delta did not increase anything. In the hotels also where Members of Parliament are staying, those same coca cola drinks are being sold at $4 yet again Delta did not increase the price of its products. I lay the blame squarely on the administration of Parliament especially those who are in the administration of welfare of Parliamentarians.
As Members of Parliament, we talk to the public and they are complaining of price hikes of these food stuffs. Again, here at our
Members’ Dining we are buying sadza for $3 and coca cola for $4. As Parliament, we are the perpetrators of the increase of these prices. I am begging you Mr. Speaker; let us protect the Members of Parliament. If the providers of canteen services at Parliament are not satisfied with the amount that they are getting and therefore feel they should increase prices so that the Members of Parliament suffer, do away with them. It is either that we provide our own food or we get alternative service providers. I thank.
*THE HON. SPEAKER: When we want to discuss issues of welfare of Members of Parliament we do that in the Speaker’s Office. Those issues are purely administrative; therefore if you have queries, come to the Speaker’s office and address all these issues under the Committee of Standing Rules and Orders. So Hon. Chinotimba, there is this Committee and they know how best to do with those issues.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I have
misdirected my query but it is a reflection of the public which is suffering from the astronomic rises of the prices of goods and services. I thank you
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Some of you are applauding Hon.
Chinotimba for his contribution. We need to read our Standing Rules and Orders because if you bring that as a motion, it would be rejected because that problem is affecting every Zimbabwean. The issue should be brought to the Welfare Committee and through the Speaker’s office.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
APOLOGIES FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have apologies from Hon. Minister of
Finance, Hon. Prof. Ncube, Hon. Karoro, Deputy Minister of
Agriculture, Lands Water and Climate Change, Hon. Shiri, Minister of
Agriculture Lands, Water and Climate Change, Hon. Coventry, Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Hon. S. B. Moyo and also Hon.
Mupfumira, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
The Hon. Speaker having recognised Hon. R. Mpofu sitting at the back called her to sit next to Hon. Nguluvhe on the first bench and stated that this is where she should sit the whole of the Ninth Parliament.
*HON. MUSABAYANA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question is directed to the Minister of Defence and War Veterans. What is Government policy regarding the war collaborators and ex-detainees who may have passed on that they be accorded a heroes burial?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND WAR VETERANS (HON. MATEMADANDA): I thank the Hon. Member
for the question. There is a Committee which sits to determine the level of heroes’ status of an individual who would have passed on. Let me emphasise that this Committee is not part of the Ministry of Defence and War Collaborators but when there has been a thorough inspection of an individual’s life and it shows that the individual worked hard during the war of liberation and participated in a recognised way, that person will be accorded a heroes status at a particular level. The people are vetted and then given the correct level status according to the category which is due to such an individual. We know we have not yet started working on that exercise. At times we may have an opinion that somebody has been accorded that status whereas others have not. This is done on an ad-hoc basis. I am saying this because people have been wondering as to where these people are vetted and hence accorded that particular heroes status.
Let me emphasise that this board does not belong to the Ministry of Defence and War Collaborators.
*HON. MUSABAYANA: My supplementary question is - when we have those individuals who would have passed on and are accorded heroes status, do we have any systems put in place to give a State assisted funeral for such individuals?
*HON. MATEMADANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. As I
stated before, the Committee responsible for vetting and according the heroes status is not part of the Ministry Defence and War Veterans. We may have to go and investigate so that we know who determines and what they have to look at. The Committee responsible for vetting is within the Ministry yet the Committee which then accords the heroes status is not within the Ministry. The war collaborators issue has not yet been discussed to ascertain their heroes status.
*HON. MACHINGURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I would like to
thank the Minister for the response. We want to look at the vetting of the war collaborators. This issue has being going on for quite a long time and we feel it must be concluded. War collaborators are dying without being recognised. Let us expedite the vetting and make a determination whilst the war collaborators are still living.
*HON. MATEMADANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The main
aim of the Ministry regarding the vetting of the war collaborators as far as the Minister is concerned could have been done long back. We all know that legally when fighters of the war of liberation were vetted, this did not only include these war fighters but it also included collaborators and other members who played non-combatant duties in the vetting of these people. Therefore, let us all work together so that we make a thorough notification and description of a person who should be given a heroes status and the category. As far as we are concerned, the vetting of the war collaborators should be expeditiously undertaken because we feel it has been an imbalance for quite a long time.
*HON. MATAMBANADZO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My
supplementary question to the Minister of Defence is – I understand that he said his office is not responsible for the vetting process of war collaborators but we know those collaborators are there. I am one of the war collaborators and we have identity cards which we were given. When there is a function, war collaborators are invited. They have been used all along in these occasions. Now because there are these privileges, they are now excluded.
We are now in the new dispensation yet we are still discriminating war collaborators; you are delaying this process so that we do not benefit. Why do you want to leave us out? What we know is that most of the collaborators are now dead; even war veterans, many of them are dead. Why are you delaying the process? I am asking you Minister, please explain - why are you are dilly-dallying on the issue of vetting these war collaborators. Whenever we talk about these war collaborators, people start apportioning blame yet during the tenure of the previous Minister they were friends. They were talking together about many issues but when things are bad, they apportion blame.
Please Minister, we need you to vet these war collaborators so that they can also benefit as these are true fighters of the liberation struggle. They contributed a lot and should equally get the benefit awarded to other freedom fighters.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Where is your question?
*HON. MATAMBANADZO: I asked my question, you do not
understand me. I will repeat myself. My question is - the war collaborators were given identity cards saying that they had been vetted but Minister, you are telling this august House that they are not yet vetted and are still to be vetted, what is going on?
*HON. MATEMADANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving
me the opportunity to respond to the Hon. Member’s question. I am so glad to hear that he is one of the war collaborators, this is why he was so emotional that he failed to express himself eloquently. Hon. Member, this issue has taken a long time for people to be vetted because whenever the issue is raised, emotions rise. I explained the rules and regulations regarding the vetting of these war collaborators. He went further and informed this august House that the war collaborators were vetted and given identity cards. We are not aware of that, so he should be in a position to inform us as to who vetted these collaborators because in the past the rules and regulations were not referring to war collaborators.
We know there were some corrupt activities which were going on where some of these people were clandestinely vetted but this did not come to us. As far as we are concerned, there is need to align laws on the benefits of the collaborators. War veterans know that they worked together with collaborators and shared the trenches. As far as I know, they will never fight because they are one and the same. The Minister is a war veteran and I, the Deputy Minister am also a war veteran. We need to sit down and talk about these issues so that we can chat a way forward for these war collaborators. I thank you.
+HON. R. MPOFU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is
directed to the Minister of Transport. Hon. Minister, there is a road which link Bulawayo and Maphisa, what is Government policy regarding the construction of that road? It has been on the planning side but has never been repaired and reconstructed. This road is used by tourists who visit Matopos Game Park. The road is very narrow and has a lot of caves, yet it is so busy. What is Government policy regarding such a busy road?
*THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND WAR VETERANS
(HON. MUCHINGURI-KASHIRI) on behalf of THE MINISTER
OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRACTURAL DEVELOPMENT
(HON. ENG. MATIZA): I understood the question but I cannot respond in Ndebele. The Hon. Member asked about the polict towards construction of the road from Bulawayo to Maphisa. I thank the Hon. Member for this question because the second Republic of Zimbabwe is scruitinising all those major roads and smaller roads which need to be rehabilitated and constructed. We are now looking at the capacity of Zimbabwe to construct its own roads in terms of human capital and financial resources. This shows that Zimbabwe has the capacity judging from its highly qualified working personnel locally and in the diaspora where they are exercising their knowledge.
We know that in its ambitious road map, the Beitbridge road has been divided into segments which will be awarded to different organisations so that they can construct this road. We believe that as Zimbabweans, we have the capacity to construct our own roads. I am glad that local banks have also come forward to finance the projects. We hope that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, will issue a statement tomorrow in that regard. I thank you.
HON. DZUMA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. In Zimbabwe, we have a huge number of mission hospitals funded either by the Catholic Church or the Western Community. Most of these hospitals are located in the rural areas and as Government we rely much on these hospitals. What is the policy of the Ministry in the event that these mission hospitals cease to operate? Are there any concrete measures to ensure that the health of the people is entirely secured?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Dzuma, that question was asked
last week. I do not know whether you were not here and the Hon. Minister answered it in-depth that there must be good relationship and support from Government of mission hospitals throughout the country.
So, read your Hansard Hon. Member.
HON. DZUMA. Noted Mr. Speaker Sir.
*HON. TEKESHE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is
directed to the Minister of SMEs and in her absence, the question goes to the Leader of the House...
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Tekeshe, you do not tell me that the
Minister is absent. It is not your duty, leave it to me the Speaker of the National Assembly. When you are elected Speaker in the next
Parliament, that is when you will be taking out these responses.
*HON. TEKESHE: We notice that in Zimbabwe people rely on vending because of the high unemployment rate. We realise that these vendors are running cat and mouse battles with the poloice throughout the day and even at night. –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]- Mr. Speaker, please protect me from my fellow Members who are verbally abusing me. We know that vending is a way of living and yet there is a cat and mouse game between them, the authorities and the Zimbabwe Republic Police. May you please craft a law to protect these vendors?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, again you are asked to
read the Hansard. The issue of vendors is in a motion that is being moved by Hon. Mutseyami. So, we cannot discuss that and we have to wait for the motion to be debated.
HON. E. MASUKU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is
directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
What is Government policy regarding the recruitment and deployment of teachers in rural schools to teach infant classes using the language that is not known to the infants, for example Tonga teacher teaching Ndebele or Ndebele teacher teaching Kalanga?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir, I want
to thank the Hon. Member for that question but, I am afraid I am not able to answer it right now. I would like to liaise with my counterparts, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education so that I can give an informed response to the Hon. Member’s question.
HON. S. S. KHUMALO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question goes to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water Climate and Rural Resettlement. My question is about policy of Government in relation to establishment of irrigation schemes in the rural districts of
Zimbabwe? Thank you Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Sorry Hon. Khumalo. The Hon. Minister
is not here. I am not sure if the Acting Leader can respond on irrigation policy for rural economies?
THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND WAR VETERANS
RESETTLEMENT (HON. MUCHINGURI-KASHIRI) on behalf of
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, AND WATER
CLIMATE AND RURAL (RTD. CHIEF AIR MARSHALL SHIRI):
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Let me thank the Hon. Member who has asked a very pertinent question regarding the policy on irrigation as it relates to developments within districts. It is Government policy that there should be a dam within each respective district within Zimbabwe. This is in recognition of the challenges of climate change. So, Government’s policy is that we need to mitigate so that we do not rely on the rainfall patterns where sometimes we get erratic rainfall. In that case, last year during a budget presentation, it was very clear and Government demonstrated that we now have this irrigation programme as a policy thrust and resources were set aside to make sure that every year in every district, 200 hectares are put under irrigation. I am hoping that with the new budget, it will find that accommodation and resources are going to be put in place specifically for that programme. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. S. S. KHUMALO: My supplementary is that Tsholotsho
rural district does not have a dam with the capacity to irrigate the size of land mentioned by the Hon. Minister of Defence and I want to know whether there are plans in place whether or not such a dam is going to be put in that district, Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, the Chair happens to
know that there is Gareya Dam in Tsholotsho and also that the Hon. Acting Leader of Government Business has indicated that the Budget should be addressing those issues in terms of improving irrigation systems in the rural areas. So your supplementary does not arise.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. When we opened business for the day, the benches on the opposite side were all empty because they had a meeting with their President yet they are being given privilege to pose questions before us. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, Hon. Chinotimba, that is not a point of order. Thank you. Honourable, your name again sorry?
HON. F. NCUBE: Francisca Ncube! – [HON. CHIKWINYA:
From Matabeleland North, yes!] – Yes.
+HON. F. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir,…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, Hon. Chikwinya can you
withdraw that statement?
HON. CHIKWINYA: I withdraw but she is from Matabeleland North.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you withdraw your statement?
HON. CHIKWINYA: I withdraw Mr. Speaker.
+HON. F. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce, is it Government policy to allow the public to purchase goods conditionally given a certain benchmark that if you do not buy for so much then you have to pay a certain level of price for the goods, particularly Mazowe drink and cooking oil?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Modi, the question is, is it
Government policy to allow the public to purchase goods conditionally given a certain benchmark if you do not buy for so much then you have to pay a certain level of price for the goods, particularly Mazowe drink?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND
COMMERCE (HON. MODI): Thank you very much Hon. Speaker
Sir. It is not allowed, it is illegal – that is called conditional buying. It is not allowed as customers should be able to buy freely whatever they want to buy – [AN HON. MEMBER: What are you doing about it?] - We have laws and you can report to the police if anybody is doing that.
– [HON MEMBERS: Mr. Speaker, supplementary!] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: The answer is straight forward that it is not Government policy – if there are such happenings, report to the police or to the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ). No need for supplementary.
HON. T. MOYO: My question is directed to the Minister of
Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development.
What policies have been put in place by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development to ameliorate the welfare of Zimbabwean students who are studying abroad particularly in South Africa, Algeria, China and so forth with regard to financing of their stipends? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Hon. Speaker. My ministry
does not superintend or is not yet superintending over scholarships for outside. So basically I cannot answer that question adequately. I thank you.
HON. P. ZHOU: My question is directed to the Minister of Home
Affairs, Hon. Deputy Minister Madiro. What is Government policy on protecting women from being harassed, abused and threatened to death by burning, for example the Khupe incident? – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, this is the second time Hon. Zhou you ask misdirected questions and this session you ask questions on policy not relative to some individual. I hope that you will not repeat it again.
HON. E. NCUBE: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development but in his absence, I will redirect it to the Leader of the House. What is Government’s policy with regards to re-fencing of all national highways in order to avoid road carnages which are caused by stray animals? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, this question was asked
previously and the Hon. Minister indicated that they will revamp the fencing of our highways. So we cannot be repeating those questions.
HON. MAGO: My question is directed to the Minister of
Transport and Infrastructural Development. *What is Government policy on cars that go to South Africa and when they drive back they are asked to pay road access fees?
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker and thank you Hon. Member for your question. The money that the Hon. Member is talking about - road access, is for crossing the Beitbridge border post. When you cross, you will be paying tollgate fees as others.
HON. SIWELA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Leader of the House. What is the Government policy on duty payment of a second hand vehicle involving a third party or a clearing agent?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I am not sure I got what she wanted to ask, but if I got it correctly, she is saying - what is the policy as regards an agent who is representing…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Leader of the House, we refer to
Hon. Members not by the pronoun she or he.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am not sure
what the Hon. Member is referring to. If I got it correctly, the Hon. Member wants to know the policy regarding an agent who is representing an individual. A clearing agent is given authority by an individual to represent him, so the policy on duty will remain the same that you have to pay duty for the vehicle that you are bringing in. What is happening is that somebody is representing you as opposed to you presenting yourself to the clearing agent. I thank you.
HON. SIWELA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. We are having a
challenge in Beitbridge. They are being denied access to clear the vehicle no matter whether they have an affidavit from the owner which authorizes the agent to clear the vehicle.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That becomes a very specific issue and
you are better advised that you put it under written questions with those specific details so that the responsible Minister can answer accordingly.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you. The agents are recognised by Government officials as alluded to by the Minister. Is there any statute that governs their conduct, especially with regards to the fees just the same as lawyers represent clients in a court of law and they are actually governed by certain statutory provisions?
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member. Indeed they are governed but I do not have the actual statutory instrument off head, but they are governed and they even have accounts with ZIMRA.
*HON. SEWERA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is
directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement but I think the Minister of Defence can help me since she was in that Ministry. In my constituency, Murewa West there are so many deep wells in schools and clinics but because of climate change, there is no water in the deep wells. I want to find out what the Government is doing about installing boreholes in those areas so that there will not be any problems of water in schools and clinics?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. The answer is we have the department of DDF that deals with those issues. If they are notified that there is a need in this particular area, they will go and ensure that water is availed. We also have ZINWA so if Hon. Members have requests, if they approach DDF and ZINWA, they will try as much as possible to assist. I thank you.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question
concerns the Government policy with regards to mitigating the effects of climate change. The Hon. Member highlighted that it is due to issues to do with climate change that the deep wells are now getting dry. What is the Government’s comprehensive policy towards ensuring that we have measures to protect the nation and the farmers against effects of climate change?
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. Within the policy of Government, we are moving towards supporting agriculture by ensuring that we have equipment that will allow us to irrigate most of our farms. So, we are going to have more boreholes and dams constructed. So the answer that I gave was to the effect that he was saying the wells are drying up and I said if there is an immediate need then Government will ensure that boreholes are drilled, but progressively as we move forward, we want to ensure that for us to be self-sufficient in terms of food security we need to have irrigated land as opposed to relying on the rain season. Thank you.
HON. MAMOMBE: My question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs and probably the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. My question is on the issue of corruption to say what is the Government policy pertaining to corruption. I am concerned in that most of the countries that we see there is a threat of peace and security in them, and this is caused by the corruption that we see in the countries. So, I want to know what the Government is doing to make sure that they deal with all the corrupt elements that we see in this country. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): I want to appreciate the
Hon. Member for a very important question. I think that question is important because of the impact of corruption to the national well-being. I want to state it categorically that corruption is a serious crime and though it is difficult to pin down corrupt elements, it is important that everyone who has evidence on corrupt elements report those to the police and action will be taken. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MADZIMURE: Hon. Minister, can you explain why we
have got a lot of arrests …
THE HON. SPEAKER: You address the Chair.
HON. MADZIMURE: Okay, thank you. Mr. Speaker Sir, can the Hon. Minister explain to this House why we have a lot of arrests but very little, if any, zero convictions?
HON. MADIRO: The question is very important. However, the question of conviction is a matter for another Ministry, it is not the responsibility of Home Affairs to convict the accused or suspects. I think that will be a matter for another Ministry. Thank you.
HON. MADZIMURE: Supplementary Mr. Speaker, I want
clarification from the Minister.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Clarification? – [HON. MADZIMURE:
Yes, to his last response.] – I think the Hon. Minister has answered very adequately. You need to redirect your question to the relevant Minister – [HON. MADAZIMURE: His officers do the investigations. So, it is them who are failing.] – No, prosecution and conviction does not with the Minister of Home Affairs.
HON. GARWE: My question is directed to the Minister of Energy and Power Development. Mr. Speaker, we are experiencing fuel queues in all the service stations in towns or cities. If the Minister could give us an update of what is going on with respect to fuel availability now that we are approaching the festive season.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): I would like to thank the
Hon. Member for the pertinent question. We have got enough fuel in the country at the moment in our reserves but the issue is about payment. Our tanks are full of fuel. To offload that fuel we have to make some payments and that is what is causing this temporary setback, but be assured that we have got enough fuel for the festive season even this farming season that is just commencing. That is the assurance that you can get from the Ministry of Energy. Thank you.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Hon. Gumbo, the substantive Minister of
Energy said they had found a supplier of fuel for the next 12 months. They struck a deal and surely, the Hon. Deputy Minister is correct to say that the fuel is in the country. So, why is the question of money arising when the Hon. Minister, Joram Gumbo said they had been advanced fuel for the next 12 months to the tune of a certain amount which was stated here in Parliament.
HON. MUDYIWA: I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. Yes, we have got a supplier who is supplying us fuel but I think these are just temporary setbacks. I also think that there are very few service stations where there are these queues and they are not as pronounced per se. However, we have got enough fuel in the country to see us through this festive season.
HON. SHIRICHENA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am excited my
Minister has just come in. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. What is the Government policy on upgrading the primary care nurses who were trained 13 years ago but are not allowed to upgrade themselves on health issues? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON.
- O. MOYO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am still panting, I have just walked in. The question from the Hon. Member is a very valid one. We have always said education must not stop at one level and that is what we are also saying for primary care nurses. Just a bit of a background; the primary care nurses normally came in as a result of not meeting the appropriate requirements that the registered general nurses require, which is less than two sittings. So, that is a cadre who normally has more than two sittings, three sittings and four sittings even. So, at the time when this was introduced as a course, it was very relevant for us to be able to cater for the district hospitals and that remains the main issue. You would find that there are primary care nurses who go on and improve themselves; they even re-sit the examination so that they get the subjects in either one sitting or in two sittings and then they get the chance to upgrade themselves to the registered general nurse status.
So, there is that requirement and that is the way it is because of the number of candidates who qualify to be able to train as registered general nurses. At the same time, as you all know, there are loads and loads of registered general nurses who are roaming the streets and we are trying to fight and make sure that they are all employed. So, it will bring in another burden if we were going to take the primary health care nurses immediately and try and push them towards the registered general nurse training. I thank you.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to recognise the presence in the
Speaker’s Gallery of students and teachers from Nyabata Secondary
School from Masvingo South Constituency. You are welcome! – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
HON. GABBUZA: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. The question is about the deployment of teachers in the rural areas. Traditionally, they were deployed from their district offices but now teachers are being deployed from a central point in Harare causing problems to those in the district not being taken up. What has necessitated the Ministry to centralise the deployment of teachers to Harare instead of their district offices where they are needed?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): The policy is
that we have to deploy teachers where they are needed, but your
question is very specific that they have centralised the administrative aspect of the deployment of teachers. So, perhaps if you can put it in writing so that they can respond adequately why it has been centralised.
HON. GABBUZA: The Hon. Minister responsible is back.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): May
you then repeat the question for the benefit of the Minister who was not in?
HON. GABBUZA: Traditionally, they were deployed from their
district offices but now teachers are being deployed from a central point in Harare causing a problem of those in the districts not being taken up. What has necessitated the Ministry to centralise the deployment of teachers to Harare instead of their district offices where they are needed?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): I am not aware that this
practice is going on but however, I shall enquire from the Public Service Commission and also from my colleague here, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, then I will give an informed answer. I thank you.
*HON. KARUMAZONDO: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My
question is directed to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing. What is Government policy with regards to hospitals homesteads and schools that would have been stricken by hailstorm? For instance, in my constituency Maramba-Pfungwe we had a hailstorm. I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON.
MHLANGA): Thank you Hon. Speaker and I also want to thank the Hon. Member for his question. I want to explain the departments that we have in our Ministry; the Civil Department which starts from the administrative districts from all the districts; we channel resources there but what is needed is that leadership should let us know so that we will be able to activate the civil protection. We have the resources as a
Ministry at the moment. I thank you.
+HON. S. K. MGUNI: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. What is Government policy regarding the construction of the infrastructure, especially regarding the payment of service providers of the contractors who will have constructed the particular road?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. ENG. MATIZA):
I am not sure whether I got the question right but I think it is about payment of contractors by local authorities, by the Department of Works, by DDF, there is a process that is done. They are paid after a certificate has been issued, and that certificate is honoured after a certain guided period. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE
TEMPORARY SPEAKER, in terms of Standing Order No. 64.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Questions Without Notice be extended by 15 minutes.
HON. MUSHORIWA: I second.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My question goes to the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. What is Government policy in terms of protecting property for small to medium entrepreneurs with regards to their infrastructures and their wares in view of the sprouting incidences of fire which has recently happened? Is there any policy to protect the property with regard to fire emergency?
THE MINISTER OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS, COMMUNITY,
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT (HON.
NYONI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for a very important question. The Government policy on protecting SME property is very clear. We teach our SMEs to do the protection themselves, by making sure they have insurance policies and make sure that the work space is clean and secure. However, it is very regrettable that the work space is crowded and all the fires that are taking place are really regrettable. Government is very concerned about it and we hope that whoever is doing it will really be sensitive enough not to cause so much pain to other people. I thank you.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. One of the key functions of the Ministry as alluded to in our Bulawayo Pre-budget workshop was that they monitor the performance of these small to medium entrepreneurs. Now, if you visit these locations they have mixed goods. You will find glue, clothes, furniture, things which are easily combustible in the event of a fire outbreak. What policy position or what tools are you giving to these players so that at least they are aware to separate such wares in terms of minimising fire in the event of a fire emergency?
HON. NYONI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Hon. Member’s
questions are very pertinent. It is indeed our responsibility to make sure that the SMEs are clustered so that they are grouped geographically. We group them according to their commodity and according to the sector. However, Mr. Speaker Sir, there is not enough space for us to do that and I think there is an ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Local Government who are responsible for issuing space before we do the clustering. I thank you.
HON. MATHE: My question is directed to the Leader of the House, what is Government policy regarding command livestock where women farmers are requested to produce stock cards which they do not have as they are registered under their husband’s name?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question, where she stipulates that the family has got a stock card registered in one of the spouses. The policy of Government is - we want to empower households and so; if we have a household where a card belongs to one spouse, it is the policy of Government to consider that household as one. Where a household is headed by a woman and there is no man, we do not have a policy of discriminating against women. We very much want them to participate in our programmes of Command Agriculture. I thank you.
HON. MATHE: Mr. Speaker Sir, some people have no husbands, no cattle, no stock card and nothing else but they want to start command livestock, what do they do?
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker and I want to thank the
Hon. Member. The question now is very specific to the effect that the Hon. Member is saying if you do not have a stock card you are not considered for command livestock. The policy is that we want to empower our people so that they can venture into livestock production but I would request the Hon. Member to put that question in writing and state where there are incidences of our people being denied to get into the programme of livestock production because they do not have stock cards so that we can request the relevant Ministry to correct it and ensure that they be considered. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I would request
the Hon. Member to put that question in writing where there are incidences of our people being denied to get into the programmes of livestock production because they do not have stock cards, so that we can request the relevant Ministry to correct and ensure that they be considered. I thank you.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to my learned brother, the Leader of Government Business. I want to refer him to Section 13 (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013, which provides that the State must ensure that local communities benefit from the resources in their areas. I want to find out what policy
Government has put in place to ensure that this provision of the Constitution is brought to life?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I would like to thank Hon. Sibanda for the question. I want to preface the answer by saying that the Hon. Minister of Local Government has been passionate about devolution and he has addressed these issues to say, if you go further, the Constitution actually speaks about the need to set aside a certain percentage for local authorities, particularly to ensure that those areas that are under developed are given resources.
As we bring forward in the House a Bill to deal with Provincial Councils, and cognisant that the Minister of Finance is also dealing with that issue; progressively, we will be addressing those issues to ensure that those disadvantaged communities where resources are, benefit from the resources that are there. I thank you.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I believe that the Hon. Minister, whilst he attempted to answer my question, I do not think that devolution on its own deals with that issue that I am speaking about. Let me give you an example of Victoria Falls that has got rainforest where almost everyone comes to see but all the monies go to Harare. Let us talk about Binga or Kariba which has got a lake where there is fishing that is taking place but permits for fishing are given to people from far away. Devolution on its own cannot deal with that.
This is an issue of policy of ensuring that local resources benefit local people, not devolution. What policy has Government put in place to ensure that local resources benefit local people? Thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I believe what I
have said is sufficient, if we bring forward that Bill and we do the measures that we are going to do, that issue will be addressed. I thank you.
HON. MUSANHI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is
directed to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Mutsvangwa. What is Government policy in terms of areas where there is no signal and services are not provided, if someone opts to subscribe on a DSTV, you insist on buying a licence.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Sorry Hon. Musanhi, that
question was asked last week.
HON. CHINYANGANYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My
question is directed to the Minister of Environment, Tourism and
Hospitality Industry. In the absence of the Minister, I will direct my question to the Leader of Government Business. What is Government policy concerning the reclamation of pits that would have been dug by artisanal miners because they are a danger to the people and animals in general? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question which is very important, where artisanal miners are digging pits everywhere and they are dangerous to both animals and human beings. The Government policy is that the Ministry of Environment has to ensure that the environment is preserved. It is the mandate of officers in that Ministry to ensure that they go round and ensure that where those pits are, they identify the relevant people who have been mining there. They should be brought to book to ensure that they do not cause that environmental harm. I thank you.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
DEATH AND INJURIES IN KWEKWE DISTRICT
- HON. CHIKWINYA asked the Minister of Home Affairs and
Cultural Heritage to provide statistics on:
- number of deaths and injuries recorded in Kwekwe
District involving the use of machetes and any other convictions made;
- to state whether there are plans to register machetes as weapons whose possession attract deterrent sentences.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Mr.
Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for asking the question. The use of machetes by some criminal elements in Kwekwe District has indeed claimed some lives whilst other people sustained some injuries. The specific statistics for deaths and injuries for the period extending from 1st January, 2017 to 12th November, 2018 are as follows:- a total of 14 people lost their lives as a result of machete attacks by some criminals and 101 people sustained various degrees of injury. A total of seven accused persons were arrested in connection with these heinous crimes. The cases are before the court of law and since the cases involve loss of lives, they normally take long to finalise.
The House may want to know some of the causes that contribute to this unnecessary loss of life. The use of machetes is normally associated with artisanal miners who clash over mining claims, transactional disputes, thefts of gold and clashes between members of different syndicates or cartels. This is also exacerbated by the militant attitude of the general populace who habitually abuse alcohol and drugs during mining escapades. Be that as it may, I wish to point out that the ZRP as an institution mandated to guarantee that law and order prevails all the time has since come up with the robust strategies to ensure that cases of machete attacks do not continue to occur in the districts. Some of these strategies include:-
- An increase in police visibility through patrols at mining hot spots,
- Issuance of prohibition orders,
- Banning the carrying of these weapons in terms of the POSA
Chapter 11.17,
- Engagement of the Ministry of Mines in resolving mining claim disputes. In some cases, there is double allocation of claims which worsen the situation,
- Involvement of community leaders and other stakeholders in creating awareness in the public of the need to conduct their business in a peaceful environment.
The second question is whether there are plans to register machetes as weapons whose possession attract deterrent sentences. I wish to point out that machetes by their nature are regarded as dangerous weapons, especially when used during the subsistence of a running prohibition order in terms of the Public Order and Security Act. The illegal use of these dangerous weapons during this period attracts deterrent sentences by our courts of law. May I highlight that it is within the purview of this august House to promulgate laws that permanently outlaw the possession of machetes to prevent loss of lives. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have received a special
request from the Hon. Minister of Defence regarding Question Number 26. She has got some special assignments that she would want to go and attend to. Can I go to Question Number 26? The Hon. Member is not in the House.
VEHICLE FOR ESIGODINI POLICE STATION
- HON. MAYIHLOME asked the Minister of Home Affairs
and Cultural Heritage to –
- Explain why Esigodini Police Station operates without a single vehicle; and
- State the measures that the Ministry has in place to redress the situation.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERIGATE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. With regards the transport situation at Esigodini Police Station. I wish to point out that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is a creature of Section 219 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which reposes the following functions:
- Detecting, investigating and preventing crimes,
- Preserving the internal security of Zimbabwe,
- Protecting and securing the lives and property of the people,
- Maintaining law and order,
- Upholding the Constitution of Zimbabwe and enforcing the law without fear or favour,
Resultantly, it is within this mandate that the Zimbabwe Republic Police, like any contemporary law enforcement agents, needs to be highly mobile in order to prevent crime through motorised patrols and also swiftly respond to scenes of crime. Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to advise the Hon. Member that Esigodini Police Station has one police vehicle registration number ZRP 093R, a Ford Ranger pick-up truck issued on 15 May, 2012. The vehicles broke down on the 17th of March, 2018 and has since been repaired. It has been back on the road since the 5th of October, 2018.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to point out that it is not ideal to have one vehicle at a station as challenges such as breakdowns; wear and tear among others necessitates the need for more than one vehicle to be allocated to a police station.
The Hon. Member asked the second question and the response is that the situation obtaining in the Zimbabwe Republic Police is quite worrisome as several stations, just like Esigodini Police Station, either have one vehicle or are operating without any vehicles at all. In some instances, one vehicle is being shared by more than three stations in a police district. Most of the police vehicles have outlived their lifespan, hence constantly breaking down. Further, besides the unavailability of spares due to limited funding, it has also become uneconomic to repair some of the vehicles.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish thus to advise the Hon. Member that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is currently seized with the matter of resourcing police stations and representations have been made with Government to address the transport situation in the Police station as this is affecting service delivery.
I am pleased to advise that Government is in the process of acquiring vehicles for the police and we are expecting delivery of the first batch of vehicles very soon. We further expect to allocate one vehicle for each station including Esigodini Police Station and obviously, the neediest stations will be prioritised in the distribution of the vehicles.
Mr. Speaker Sir, when distributing police vehicles, considerations take into account variables such as crime patterns, the size of policing areas, geographic location, among others. Given resource constraints, Government was unable to avail many vehicles hence, most police stations have one vehicle each. But like I said, the situation is set to improve soon once the vehicles being procured by Government are delivered. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. GABBUZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. How does a Minister comment on the fact that in a police station, the Officer Commanding is prioritised and you would find that at his house there are four or five vehicles parked and the police station has no vehicle? Why do they have this kind of prioritisation?
HON. MADIRO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I have outlined the
Government policy and if there are any situations as alluded by the Hon. Member, it will be our pleasure to get those details so that we will be able to attend to those situations. I thank you.
HON. MACHINGURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. What
temporary arrangements could be made in view of the scarcity of this important resource with regards to deaths of people at their homes whether it is suicide or otherwise. Some people are taking as long as four hours before they are transported to the nearest mortuary because there are no vehicles? Thank you.
HON. MADIRO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Hon.
Member’s question is very pertinent. It is not the wish of the Government through the police service to have people taking so long in being attended to in terms of crime scenes. Again, I want to underline that it is purely because of the scarce resources and the situation is going to improve with more resources being allocated to the police force. I thank you.
HON. J. CHIDAKWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to find out from the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. The police vehicles are not insured, they say that the insurance is with the driver. We tried to insure one in Marondera for Marondera Rural District Council, the CCC tried to insure that vehicle and failed. We were going to insure those vehicles under the police name but we were caught up in bureaucracy and the vehicle was not insured. Can you relax some of these conditions so that vehicles, at least, are insured in case of accidents? I thank you.
HON. MADIRO: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir, it is very much appreciated that the Hon. Member and community in various places in the country want to assist the police force – that is very much appreciated. However, the police vehicles are Government property and there are specific regulations that guide how such assistance can be accepted. Until those regulations are amended, we have to follow as they are at the moment.
It requires that whoever wants to assist will present an offer that and the accounting officer will respond and make sure that everything is within the Government system. I thank you.
REVIEW OF MONTHLY PENSION PAY-OUTS
- HON. CHIBAYA asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare when the Ministry will review the monthly pension payments?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir, the
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare remains committed to enhancing social security mechanisms, including for pensioners. It is noteworthy Mr. Speaker Sir that Hon. Members have asked about the pension reviews, especially in the current macroeconomic environment.
Mr. Speaker Sir, pension benefits are indexed to salaries of serving members. Whenever salaries and allowances for pensionable emoluments of serving members are reviewed, pensions are reviewed by the same percentage. The ratio of monthly pension to pensionable emoluments for serving members in the pensioner’s grade at retirement is maintained. For that reason, pensions are reviewed simultaneously with the review for serving members.
Mr. Speaker Sir, let me also emphasise that the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) recently carried out actuarial evaluations to ascertain the feasibility of pensions increase. I shall be updating this House in due course on my recommendations. Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry also remains committed to ensuring the well-being of our pensioners. Thank you.
BREAKDOWN OF THE ANNUAL TOTAL COST OF
DISTRIBUTING FOOD TO VULNERABLE GROUPS
- HON. MAYILOME asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to:
- Give a breakdown of the annual total cost of distributing food to vulnerable groups around the country;
- Explain whether the Ministry has ever considered issuing nontransferrable coupons or social security grants to vulnerable people and
- Explain whether it is not prudent to issue non-transferrable coupons to rural areas instead of distributing food physically.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir, my
Ministry received a total of $2 million from Treasury for grain distribution modalities during 2018. Out of the $2 million, the total amount disbursed so far is $1.880.000. Also note that there was $500.000 that my Ministry received in January 2018, which was for
December, 2017.
HON. MATARANYIKA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. KHUMALO): What is
your point of order?
HON. MATARANYIKA: I think the House does not have a quorum any more.
[Bells rung.]
[Quorum formed.]
HON. GABBUZA: I have a point of order because on Question 14, the Hon. Minister only answered part (a) but the questions are supposed to go up to part (c).
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir, the
Hon. Member is quite right; I did not answer the full question. On part (b), my Ministry administers the Older Persons Act (Chapter 17:11), which provides for old age pensions as of now. The Ministry gives administrative and per capita grants to old people who are in registered Old People’s Homes. The per capita is pegged at $15 per month per inmate while the administrative grant is a once off payment calculated based on the carrying capacity of each registered home multiplied by $15. Per capita grants are paid upon submission of grant claim forms from the Older People’s Homes.
On part (c), on whether it is not prudent to issue non-transferrable coupons to rural areas instead of distributing food physically, Mr.
Speaker Sir, my Ministry targets the most vulnerable of the society. This includes the elderly, the chronically ill, persons with disabilities, orphans, vulnerable children among others. As such, the challenge with issuing coupons to these groups in rural areas is that most of them are vulnerable, thus they own very little or have no resources at all to allow them to travel and redeem the non-transferrable coupons. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
TRANSPORTERS CHARGES
- HON. MAYIHLOME asked the Minister of Public Service,
Labour and Social Welfare to justify the logic by transporters to charge $1.50 per person per bag regardless of distance covered to distribution centres and explain the measures put in place to shorten the distance that the beneficiaries have to walk especially in Umzingwane.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir, with
regards to the distance that is supposed to be travelled by beneficiaries, it is my Ministry’s policy that no one should walk more than five kilometres to access both cash in kind or any kind of food distribution.
It is the prerogative of the District Committees to request for or establish more distribution points as a way of minimising distances that beneficiaries travel. I would like to emphasise that the charges of $1.50 per person per bag has not been sanctioned by the Ministry. Where there are monetary shortfalls, the District Drought Relief Committees have recommended that not more than a dollar should be paid for those who could afford. Thank you.
STANDARD TOLLGATE INFRASTRUCTURE IN TRIANGLE
- HON. MUSIKAVANHU asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to state when standard toll gate infrastructure will be put up at the tollgates in Triangle.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. ENG. MATIZA):
Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. The refurbishment of all non-standard tollgate infrastructures countrywide has been considered in the 2019 annual budget for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. For the current year 2018, only five tollgates were being considered in Gwanda, Mt Darwin, Chivhu and Masvingo areas. The five tollgates - Mupfurudzi,
Magamba, Lothan, Triangle and Collen Bawn are operational. Operational issues to be addressed include canopy lighting and extensions, power and permanent sanitation, signage, office partitions inclusive of strong rooms and concrete jersey barriers. Current challenges are that Magamba has no transformer located nearby for power. Mupfurudzi and Magamba have no readily available water source and expected completion of outstanding issues is first quarter of
- I thank you.
HON. MUSIKAVANHU: Whilst one appreciates that the
upgrading of these tollgates is within the budget, I would request that something be done with respect to the ablution facilities. It does not augur well for those tollgates to be relying on portable ablution facilities from Nyaradzo when we are saying Zimbabwe is open for business. HON. ENG. MATIZA: I would like to take note of the comments by the Hon. Member. We will address the issues.
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CHIMOYO-KAREZO BRIDGE AND
SURFACING OF THE MUZARABANI-CHADEREKA ROAD
- HON. SODA asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to outline the Ministry’s plan for the re – construction of the Chimoyo – Karezo bridge across Hoya River and the surfacing of the Muzarabani – Chadereka road.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. ENG. MATIZA):
Chimoyo-Karezo road falls under District Development Fund (DDF) which is within the Office of the President. Muzarabani-Chadereka road falls under Muzarabani Rural District Council (MRDC) which falls under the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing. Both DDF and Muzarabani Rural District Council are road authorities with their own annual budgets for road maintenance. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development through ZINARA will only avail funds for the projects once the relevant road authorities include the projects in their budgets and request for funding.
Thank you.
Questions With Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY
SPEAKER, in terms of Standing Order No.64.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
ALLOCATION OF VEHICLES TO RAFFINGORA ZRP
- HON. CHOMBO asked the Minister of Home Affairs and
Cultural Heritage when Raffingora Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Mashonaland West Province will be allocated motor vehicles to ease attending to crime scenes.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Mr. Speaker Sir, I
would like to thank the Hon. Member for asking the question. I wish to point out that the inadequacy of vehicles in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is indeed a cause for concern for my ministry and of course the Government. However, Government is seized with this matter and as soon as funds are available, the allocation of adequate transport fleet for the ZRP will be top most in my ministry’s priority list. I want to assure the Hon. Member that Raffingora Police Station will be considered for allocation of a motor vehicle as soon as vehicles for the organization are acquired. I thank you.
REVIEW OF PENSION PAY-OUTS
- HON. G. SITHOLE asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to state when pension payouts will be reviewed upwards in view of the high costs of living?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare remains committed to enhancing social security mechanisms, including for pensioners. It is noteworthy Mr. Speaker Sir that Hon. Members have asked about the pension reviews, especially in the current macroeconomic environment.
Mr. Speaker Sir, pension benefits are indexed to salaries of serving members. Whenever salaries and allowances of pensionable emoluments of serving members are reviewed, pensions are reviewed by the same percentage. The ration on monthly pension to pensionable emoluments for members serving in the pensioner’s grade at retirement is maintained. For that reason, pensions are reviewed simultaneously with the review for serving members. This means that the next pension review will coincide with the next review of serving members’ entitlements.
Mr. Speaker Sir, let me also emphasize that the National Social
Security Authority (NSSA), recently carried out an actuarial evaluation to ascertain the feasibility of a pension increase. The ministry remains committed to ensuring the well-being of our pensioners.
DISBURSEMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE GRANTS TO CHILDREN
OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
- HON. B. DUBE asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to inform the House as to when the ministry would begin disbursing social welfare grants for children of people with disabilities in order to cater for their school fees?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): The Ministry of Public
Service, Labour and Social Welfare under the Department of Disabled Persons Affairs administers the Disabled Persons Act (Chapter 17.01) and the Social Welfare Assistance Act (Chapter 17:06) meant to cater for the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups respectively. Persons with disabilities in institutions registered under the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Act (Chapter 17.05) are assisted by the Government through the disbursement of grants as follows; Administration grants
Administrative grants are once off payments made to nonGovernmental organizations (NGOs) offering services to persons with disabilities to assist in their daily administrative operations. The grants are paid out on a yearly basis. As at 30th September, 2018 a total of $61 215.00 was disbursed to 35 organisations.
Per capita
Government also supports persons with disabilities in institutions with per capita grants to cater for the upkeep of inmates in the institution. The institution is paid $15.00 per inmate per month. As at 30th September, 2018 a total of $30 502.00 was paid to 11 institutions.
Allow me to say that strides have been made to ensure that vulnerable children fully enjoy their right to education through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) which is a social intervention programme that was established as a social safety net that would ensure access to education for vulnerable children. There is 10% provision of
BEAM funds that is set aside officially to cater for school fees for children with disabilities. In addition, the Department pays vocational training fees for students with disabilities in various training centers. To date, a total of $179 773 128.00 has been paid to 128 students. I thank you.
ACCESS TO BASIC SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE OLD AGED
- HON. G. K. SITHOLE asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare on measures being taken to ensure that the old age access basic social services free of charge.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): The Ministry of Public
Service, Labour and Social Welfare facilitates access to health, food, income, education and burial services to vulnerable groups who include the elderly and their dependants. The Ministry has put in place policies and programmes to ensure that vulnerable people can access services without contributing anything. Currently, the Ministry is implementing the following policies and programmes targeting vulnerable groups:
- Assisted Medical Treatment Order (AMTO) to facilitate access to health and treatment at Government referral and selected mission hospitals;
- Free food under the Food Drought Mitigation Programme;
- Social cash transfers under the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer
Programme (HSCT) and Public Assistance Monthly Maintenance Allowances to provide income to ultra poor households who are mainly headed by the elderly;
- Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) for educational assistance to vulnerable children, some of whom are taken care by the elderly;
- Pauper burial services for those who are destitute and have no relatives to bury them;
- Institutional care for those unfortunate elderly who have no shelter.
COMPENSATION TO PENSIONERS
- HON. MADZIMURE asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare when the people who lost their pensions due to the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009 will be compensated.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): The Commission of
Inquiry into the conversion of insurance and pension values from the Zimbabwe dollar to the United States dollar recommended that pensioners and insured persons should be compensated for the lost values based on an appropriate conversion rate. However, the report did not state the appropriate rate to be applied on compensating the affected persons. The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) was then assigned to come up with appropriate conversion rate and are still working on it. Affected people will be compensated as soon as the appropriate conversion rate is stipulated.
Short term benefits (once off payments) beneficiaries who received
$25 retirement and $10 survivors’ grants respectively are currently being compensated based on Statutory Instrument 60 of 2011. Statutory Instrument 60 of 2011 stipulates US$150 as insurable earnings for all Zimbabwe dollar contributions, a figure that was not available in 2009 at cross over to multi-currency. In that respect, the payouts are being adjusted based on one’s actual contribution period. These beneficiaries are currently receiving their adjusted payouts from NSSA.
PROTECTION OF PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS
- HON. MADZIMURE asked the Minister of Public Service,
Labour and Social Welfare to explain measures being taken by Government to protect pension contributions being eroded by inflation because of uncertainty surrounding bond notes.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir,
NSSA’s policy is to invest more in real assets, which preserve value. These include properties, listed and unlisted equities. Of late, NSSA has been allowed to invest offshore in United States dollars of which it has invested $20 million with Afreximbank.
Its money market investments are restricted to short term to cover immediate needs, which include pension payouts and administration expenses. Real assets at $1.1 billion constitute 69% of NSSA’s total investments. $243 million (16%) of NSSA’s assets are in Treasury bills, which earn an average interest rate of 6.25% with maturities ranging from 3 to 10 years. NSSA’s total investment assets amount to $1.6 billion.
SOCIAL PROTECTION BENEFITS FOR THE ELDERLY
- HON. C. MOYO asked the Minister of Public Service,
Labour and Social Welfare to explain Government policy regarding social protection benefits for the elderly.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): My Ministry has the
mandate to provide social protection to the vulnerable groups including the elderly. While there have been calls for universal pensions for the elderly, currently a number of social protection programmes that are being implemented by the Ministry are means tested, implying that potential beneficiaries must undergo income and aged based assessments before they are enrolled to receive assistance. For the elderly, the
Ministry is guided by provisions under the Older Persons Act Chapter
17:11 which was gazetted in 2017 as well as the Social Welfare Assistance Act (1988). Social protection for the elderly and other vulnerable groups is thus treated as a right enshrined in the Constitution of the country.
The elderly who would have contributed to NSSA in terms of the NSSA Act Chapter 17:04 are entitled to retirement benefits when they get to retirement age. The fund provides members with pension payouts on attaining the stipulated retirement age.
55 years - early retirement
60 years - normal retirement
65 years - late retirement
PAYMENT OF 2017/2018 BEAM ALLOCATION
- HON. CHOMBO asked the Minister of Public Service,
Labour and Social Welfare to state:
- when the 2017/2018 BEAM allocation will be paid considering
that the 2015/2016 allocation was paid on 5th October 2018; and
- whether there are plans to review the BEAM allocation per school per term.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): BEAM has been
receiving limited allocations from the Treasury and disbursements were erratic for the past four years. In this regard, BEAM is still paying in arrears. The 2017/2018 BEAM arrears will be paid upon release of more funds from the Treasury.
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has plans to review the BEAM allocation per school per term. However, this will only be achieved upon reviewing upwards BEAM budget allocation from the Treasury.
DISABLED PEOPLE ALLOWANCES
- HON MUGIDHO asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to explain why the allowances to people with disability were stopped and when payments will resume.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): These allowances have
not stopped. However, the Ministry has adopted the harmonised cash transfer system which will see beneficiaries receiving these allowances by way of cash transfer. Further, in those districts where the harmonised cash transfer system has not yet been upgraded, beneficiaries will receive these allowances in cash.
Beneficiaries have however experienced delays and intermittent payments due to a system upgrade with the banks.
LOANS AND BEAM SUPPORT FOR THE DISABLED
- HON MUGIDHO asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to advise whether the Ministry could facilitate access to loans and BEAM support by persons with disability.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Persons with disabilities can access loans and BEAM support. My Ministry has a facility for loan applications meant for empowering persons with disabilities. The revolving fund can pay a maximum of $1 000.00 for a project upon application. This year, the Ministry has allocated to beneficiaries of this facility and so far at least $7 000.00 of the revolving fund has been allocated to eligible applicants.
Furthermore, children with disabilities are eligible for BEAM. All special schools have candidates under BEAM. In the past, a certain percentage of the BEAM allocation was set aside for persons with disabilities. However, Government has since reviewed this criterion since it meant that some persons with disabilities may be left out if the percentage allocated to them has been exhausted. As such, the eligibility criterion is that any vulnerable child will benefit, children with disabilities included.
STATUS OF SALARY ARREARS FOR NRZ WORKERS
- B. DUBE asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to update the House on the current status of salary arrears of workers at NRZ and when the salary arrears will be settled.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): From our investigation and engagement with the parties at NRZ (management and workers), a number of challenges were noted to be contributing to the failure by the
NRZ to meet its obligations and these include;
- obsolete machinery which also causes danger to employees, ii. low production, iii. lack of recapitalisation and working capital, and iv. competition from transport, haulage trucks, etc.
Mr. Speaker, as a Ministry, we have established that NRZ has instituted a number of measures to improve its viability and also its competitiveness. There is hope therefore that these measures will enable the parastatal to meet its obligations. It is our understanding that NRZ has reduced its staff through retrenchments in an effort to reduce the wage burden and thereby improve viability. Accordingly, at present the number of employees is now in excess of 4 500 nationwide. The parastatal has also made efforts to meet current salary obligations. In that regard, NRZ is paying between 80% and 90% of the monthly salaries. As a Government, we expect them to do better than this. We have also established that salary arrears at NRZ are lagging behind by 16 months. The Ministry facilitated negotiations in that regard at the National Employment Council through a meeting held on 23 September, 2018. The idea was for parties to agree on a payment plan that is mutually acceptable to the parties. However, there was a deadlock and the employees resorted to the courts.
The Ministry will continue to engage the parties to find a mutually agreed roadmap on the payment of salary arrears. The Ministry has urged NRZ to open communication lines and within the auspices of the NEC, parties will be engaged to enter into a payment plan so as to clear the arrears.
The Ministry would want to advise that it is in the best interest of business, labour and Government that all stakeholders play their role by negotiating in good faith and adhering to their collective bargaining agreements. Parts should utilise social dialogue and increase information sharing so that employers are adequately and correctly informed. Mr. Speaker Sir, as a Ministry, we will continue engaging NRZ with a view to:
- open up lines of communication with employees so that confidence and trust are created between the parties.
- to enter into a payment plan with employees so as to clear backlog in outstanding salaries.
TABLING OF THE 2017/18 ZIMVAC REPORT
- HON. MPARIWA asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to inform the House when the 2017/2018 Zimbabwe
Vulnerability Assessment (ZimVAC) Report will be tabled in
Parliament.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Hon. Member, please
be advised that my Ministry was advised by the office of the Chief
Secretary to the President and Cabinet in a correspondence dated 9th July
2018, that the Rural Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee
Report was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Food Security and Nutrition and the full Cabinet. My Ministry was therefore given authority basing on the report to engage with the donor community so as to ensure that assistance to vulnerable households can be availed with the urgency it required.
The House will be informed on when the ZimVAC Report will be tabled in Parliament after my Ministry engages the Cabinet Committee on Food Security and Nutrition.
WORST AFFECTED AREAS IN TERMS OF FOOD DEFICIT
- HON. MPARIWA asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to state the worst affected areas by district and province in terms of food deficit and access to clean water and measures being taken to alleviate these challenges.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Hon. Member, please
note that according to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment
Committee (ZimVAC), rural food insecurity in Zimbabwe for the
2018/19 consumption year is worse when compared to the previous year. In addition, kindly note that between October and December 2018, the food insecurity prevalence rate is expected to be 20% and during the peak hunger period between January and March 2019, 28% of the rural population (approximately 2.4 million people) will need food assistance. This has increased from 11% that was recorded last season. The worst affected provinces with the highest food insecurity levels are Matabeleland North (36), Masvingo (34%) and Matabeleland South (30%).
Hardest hit districts during the peak hunger period between
January - March 2019.
Rank | District | ZimVAC
Proportion of households% Oct-Dec 2018 |
Food insecure households
Jan - Mar 2018 |
Grain
required/month (mt) |
Total grain requirement for Jan-Mar 2019 |
1 | Mudzi | 57 | 18,988 | 949.40 | 2,848.20 |
2 | Buhera | 55 | 33,808 | 1,690.40 | 5,071.20 |
3 | Binga | 50 | 17,387 | 869.35 | 2,608.05 |
4 | Umguza | 48 | 10,762 | 538.10 | 1,614.30 |
5 | Gokwe North | 47 | 28,241 | 1,412.05 | 4,236.15 |
6 | Rushinga | 46 | 8,515 | 425.75 | 1,277.25 |
7 | Bikita | 44 | 17,859 | 892.95 | 2,678.85 |
8 | Tsholotsho | 43 | 12,375 | 618.75 | 1,856.25 |
9 | Mangwe | 43 | 7,118 | 355.90 | 1,067.70 |
10 | UMP | 42 | 11,824 | 509.20 | 1,773.60 |
11 | Bulilima | 42 | 9,509 | 475.45 | 1,426.35 |
12 | Nkayi | 39 | 10,641 | 532.05 | 1,596.15 |
13 | Masvingo | 38 | 20,066 | 1,003.30 | 3,009.90 |
14 | Chiredzi | 38 | 26,197 | 1,309.85 | 3,929.55 |
15 | Mwenezi | 37 | 15,447 | 772.35 | 2,317.05 |
16 | Mutoko | 36 | 13,151 | 657.55 | 1,972.65 |
17 | Kariba | 36 | 3,723 | 186.15 | 558.45 |
18 | Lupane | 34 | 8,514 | 425.70 | 1,277.10 |
19 | Mutare | 32 | 20,970 | 1,048.50 | 3,145.50 |
20 | Nyanga | 32 | 10,160 | 508.00 | 1,524.00 |
21 | Zaka | 30 | 13,598 | 679.90 | 2,039.70 |
22 | Mvuma | 30 | 6,026 | 301.30 | 903.90 |
23 | Gutu | 28 | 14,216 | 710.80 | 2,132.40 |
24 | Beitbridge | 28 | 5,606 | 280.30 | 840.90 |
25 | Zvishavane | 28 | 5,076 | 253.80 | 761.40 |
Source: Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
My Ministry will commence re-targeting of illegible food insecure households basing on the results of the ZimVAC Report of 2018 and food distribution will follow thereafter. May the House be informed that each household will get a 50kg bag of grain each month. My Ministry also works with development partners which compliment Government
efforts.
With regards to provision of clean water, may I refer the House to the responsible Ministry?
DOMESTICATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON
THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
- HON. MPARIWA asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to explain the delays in the domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and to state when a Bill will be brought before Parliament.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. NZENZA): Mr. Speaker Sir,
Zimbabwe is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which the country ratified on 23 September, 2013. The process of domestication commenced with the review of the current legislation that govern issues pertaining to Persons with Disabilities. In this regard, Government has taken steps to amend the Disabled Persons Act (Chapter 17:01) to incorporated provisions of the UNCRPD.
In 2017, the principles to amend the Disabled Persons Act and domesticate the UNCRPD were submitted and approved by Cabinet.
Subsequently, my Ministry instructed the Attorney General’s office to draft the Bill. Ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections however,
Parliament dissolved as such with the reconvening of the 9th
Parliamentary Session, the principles now require and await approval by Cabinet. Upon approval of the principles by Cabinet, my Ministry will ensure that relevant stakeholders are informed and will expedite the submission of a draft Bill in Parliament.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
WHEREABOUTS OF ITAI DZAMARA
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir. An oral question was asked and request was put forward for the Minister of Home Affairs to make a Ministerial Statement on the whereabouts of Itai Dzamara and what the Ministry is doing to find him.
The response is, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has been investigating the disappearance of Itai Dzamara since the 9th March 2015. Justice David Mangota issued an Order, HC 2211/15 on 13th March, 2015 directing the Zimbabwe Republic Police to submit fortnightly reports on the progress of investigations to the Registrar of the High Court. These updates are still being sent to the High Court of Zimbabwe by Police General Headquarters (Legal Services
Department), through the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office and to date, 93 updates have been forwarded.
My Ministry is aware that during on-going investigations, some individuals and civic organisations have proffered various allegations which have been investigated by police and sister organisations but no leads have been established. The Zimbabwe Republic Police, through the Press and Public Relations Department, has appealed for information that may lead to the location of Itai Dzamara through press statements broadcast on all the print and electronic media houses in the country. A reward of US$10 000 which has been offered by the police to anyone who supplies information which may lead to the arrest of the suspects involved in the alleged disappearance of Dzamara or to his location still stands. Police are still conducting investigations. Thank you Mr.
Speaker Sir.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. ENG. MATIZA),
the House adjourned at Eleven Minutes to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 20th November, 2018
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
VERIFICATION OF BIO-DATA INFORMATION
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, I have the following
announcements. I wish to advise all Hon. Members who submitted their bio-data forms to the Public Relations Department to kindly visit the
Public Relations Officers who will be stationed at the Members’ Bar, from 1400 hours to 1630 hours during sitting days and verify the information before they are uploaded on the Parliament website.
PETITIONS RECEIVED
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House of the following petitions which were received by Parliament pursuant to
Section 149 of the Constitution and Standing Rules and Orders No. 186.
- On the 19th of October 2018, Parliament of Zimbabwe received a petition from Mr. Jacob Sithole, requesting Parliament to ensure that the engagement of non-public service social workers holding officers authorities is in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 125 of 2013.
The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
- On the 31st October, 2018, Parliament of Zimbabwe received a
petition from the residents of Harare West Constituency, requesting Parliament to investigate corrupt land deals, order the demolition of illegal structures and ensure the compensation of the owners of structures on wetlands by those who perpetrated such developments in those areas.
The petition has been deemed inadmissible and the petitioners have been advised accordingly.
- Furthermore, on the 1st of November, 2018, Parliament of Zimbabwe received a petition from Mr. Samukeliso Khumalo, beseeching Parliament to ensure that the Municipality of Gwanda provides clean portable water and sewer reticulation facilities to Wards 5 in Gwanda.
The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
- On 14th November, 2018, Parliament received a petition from Mr. Marko Shoko of Chiredzi beseeching Parliament to ensure protection of the fundamental rights of children enshrined in the Constitution and the International Human Rights Instruments, to investigate the causes of rampant child prostitution in Chiredzi and to find out from the Executive the mitigatory measures being taken in that regard.
The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
- On the 14th November, 2018, Parliament received a petition from Mr. Marko Shoko of Chiredzi, beseeching Parliament to protect the Constitutionally guaranteed right to water for the Chiredzi residents and to investigate the provision of water and sanitation by Chiredzi Town Council as estimate charges being billed for the service are not commensurate with the service rendered.
The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
First Order read: Adjourn debate on motion in reply to the Presidential speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. CHIDHAKWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir, for affording
me this opportunity. Firstly, I want to congratulate our President His
Excellency President Mnangagwa for winning resoundingly on the 30th July, 2018 elections. These elections were free, fair, transparent and were conducted in a peaceful manner. We would like to thank our President for guiding us through this exciting time.
Mr. Speaker Sir, these elections witnessed a record number of political parties which participated and a record number of presidential candidates who participated in those elections. We had a high voter turnover for the people who participated in the elections. I would like to thank the President His Excellency for the whole process which was conducted in peace, and we hope our country is now a mature democracy and we will keep getting better.
I would like to thank the people of Svosve in Marondera East where I come from; the people of Svosve who are also the pioneers of the Land Reform Programme. They voted for me to become their representative in Parliament and for His Excellency, the President. I am so grateful for that. Mr. Speaker Sir, when I got into this House for the first time, I was really intimidated - but as for now, I am well acquainted with the proceedings here, I am ready to contribute and I stand my ground here.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in line with His Excellency’s speech and mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business, indeed my constituency in Marondera East is also open for business. We are ready to devote 85% of our energies and time to development and only 15% to politics. The elections are over and it is now time to work. It is a shame for those people who still want to keep the country in an election mode when the election has been done and dusted – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - Such people have got nothing to offer to Zimbabwe. What we need now is unity and to move on and rebuild our great country which we all love.
There is no time for bickering here.
My constituency, Marondera is agro-based – I would like to thank His Excellency, the President for the Presidential Input Scheme. All our people benefited. I would also like to thank him for the Command
Agriculture. In my constituency there is a Mr. Kuda Kudenga who had
200 hectares of maize and achieved a large number of tonnes per hectare which is very commendable. As I am speaking right now, Marondera Grain Marketing Board Depot is full to capacity; we are now turning maize to Murehwa depot. Wheat follows suit and we are actually referring wheat grown in my constituency to Macheke. This goes on to prove that if our people are empowered and well funded, we can produce and retain the bread basket status of our country.
Mr. Speaker Sir, my constituency is also a hub of horticulture. Our tomatoes from Ward 21 are very popular at Mbare Musika and also with supermarket chains. We are very encouraged that we have got many packing houses that are now in my constituency which are exporting produce outside the country, earning the much needed foreign currency. We are also very encouraged that the former Mitchel and Mitchel called nhimbe is now being capitalised and plans to resume operations are at an advanced stage. When full producton start the company is going to employ 2 500 people and 500 out growers. It is a very positive development.
Mashonaland East’s last season produced 52 million kilogrammes of tobacco, most of it coming from my constituency. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is high time we have auction floors in Marondera. This will help decongest the auction floors in Harare and that auction floor can also tap from Manicaland and we expect economic growth in Marondera.
In line with the President’s vision of educating people, we are in the process right now of opening new schools…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Chidhakwa, please do not be too
close to the mike.
HON. CHIDAKWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. It is my first
time here, please forgive me – I can only get better. We are on a drive to open new schools in my constituency and as I am speaking right now, we are busy building a school called Chisare, we have finished off the building blocks at Dhirihori and Nyakurwi which were left by the former Member of Parliament. We are very grateful that we are getting help from the Two Brigade and we are truly thankful to General Mhondo and staff and Prison Services and General Zimondi for the help they are giving to our communities in Marondera East Constituency.
My constituency is very blessed. We have two universities being constructed – Marondera University. The Marondera University is actually tying up lose ends on a funding of $50 million dollars to build student accommodation on a B.O.T basis. In five years’ time, the University is hoping to have 6 000 students, that is a game changer in my constituency. It means that these students need to be fed and that will create a ready market for horticulture oriented people and they will benefit. In addition there is now boom for a service centre called Masomera where there will be need for housing and other services. We are very grateful to Marondera Rural District Council which is running around to peg and develop stands at Masomera. So, things are really happening in my constituency.
We also have another university called the Southern Africa Methodist University which is being built at Waddilove. We are told that negotiations with the partners are nearing completion and they are hoping to start operations soon. This is going to create employment opportunities for the people in my constituency and we are truly grateful. With this new Marondera University, there is now a need to upgrade the road from Marondera to Chiduku which passes through the university. We are very grateful to the Ministry of Transport who have already send a technical team to access the road and are very willing to help us on this road to Masomera which is going to be a game changer in my constituency as it will improve trade, movement of university students.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we are in line with the development thrust of our President, we are building clinics in my constituency. To date, we have opened Acardia clinic and we will soon be opening Crossborn Clinic in Ward 1. We are very grateful to ZESA who have managed to provide us with some transformers to help us electrify these clinics. We are very happy in Marondera East Constituency as the road from Cross to Marondera is going to be widened and work will commence soon. A technical team will be on the ground on the 24th and we hope that work will commence. In that vein, we are very happy and we want to thank the Minister of Transport, Hon. Biggie Matiza for helping us and we are truly grateful.
This road will also provide employment for youths in my constituency. With the help of Marondera Rural District Council and ZINARA, we are tarring our service centre Masomera in anticipation of the growth which is going to happen after the University of Marondera has been completed. So, we are upgrading the road network at the service and as I have said, things are happening in my constituency despite all the problems; despite the sanctions, we are soldiering on and we will not give up – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Mr. Speaker Sir, we are very grateful to REA, they have managed to electrify some schools in my constituencies which are Helm Primary and Secondary, Mutukwa, Nyakurwi and Bopoma. As what Is in the
Bible when God created the earth, it said ‘Let there be light’, there is now light at these schools, thanks to REA and to the President and our visionary leader Hon. President Mnangagwa – [HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear.] –
Mr. Speaker Sir, in line with the mantra of our President that Zimbabwe is open for business, Marondera East is also open for business. We have got two church groups that have expressed interest in building a dental clinic at Dhirihori and another American church which wants to build a preschool in my constituency at Mandonga. With these developments, we are very excited and Marondera East Constituency will never be the same again. Marondera East Constituency is open for business.
Finally, Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank our Chief Gahadza, VaSvosve for the help he is giving us to develop our constituency. He helps in mobilising the bricks from the locals and supports us in our vision to develop Marondera East Constituency. We also like to thank our war veterans who have worked hard time immemorial giving us advice and we are very grateful. I would like to commit myself to the debates in Parliament. I am no longer sensitive to the bullying in this House but am now a strong man – [ Laughter.] – I am now a strong man, the probation period is over and I would like to announce my arrival in this ward, Hon. Chidakwa from.... – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Hon. Chidakwa from the land of Svosve people, the pioneers of the land reform; I am here to stay. Mr. Speaker Sir, I thank you very much –
[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
+HON. OPHAR. NCUBE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I feel very much honoured to be making my contribution on the motion raised on the Address by the State President, Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa. What really pleases me is that in 30th July in 2018, we held our elections and His
Excellency won resoundingly. In one of his visits, the President came to Bulawayo and as a man of vision; he said he wanted Bulawayo to be the industrial giant it was. We also have some big investors who want to come and invest in Bulawayo. What really pleases and entice them to come to Bulawayo is the language of unity; the language of business, Zimbabwe is open for business. His Excellency is really a gift to the people of Zimbabwe. Our President, Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa is a man who is always preaching peace and development in the country of Zimbabwe.
I am very grateful to the Lord for adorning our President; he gave him a good life companion, the First Lady Hon. A. Mnangagwa who is a philanthropist and person who really cares about the people of a country whose husband is leading. We have seen that because of the way she has been moving up and down especially on health care towards mothers and children’s welfare. The greatest deed which she pioneered was free maternity for pregnant women. She is also fighting a very big war for the relief of people suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer and also other problems which are to do with maternity and nursing mothers.
We are grateful to the First Lady for what she had done.
The President also worked hard and said we need to have trains which should really be starting to ferry people and goods in Bulawayo. The passenger fees for boarding transport has since been reduced. We now have these trains which are very cheap and we have trains leaving Bulawayo to Crowdry Park and to Mganwini which is a great relief to the people of Bulawayo. We will follow our leader Hon. E. D.
Mnangagwa and be with him. Wherever he goes, we will be with him. We did not have a vision in the past that we would have representatives but we now have people who are representing Bulawayo at high levels. We are saying we are dedicated to work hard in support of the visionary, the son of the soil, E.D Mnangagwa. We have also realised that there are corruption activities which are happening in some schools and this is especially in regards to the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM). It is being abused and learners who are benefiting are those with parents who are well to do; those who can afford yet we thought this BEAM was meant to be for the poor who cannot afford school fees. We would like the Government to have a thorough inspection on the abuse which is happening on this social vehicle on school fees, BEAM.
I thank you.
HON. RAIDZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to contribute to the motion raised by Hon. Kwaramba and seconded by Hon.
Musabayana. Firstly, I would like to congratulate His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and First Secretary of our mighty party ZANU PF, Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – for winning the 2018 Presidential elections resoundingly, makorokoto, amhlope.
Secondly, I would like to congratulate you Mr. Speaker Sir and Madam Speaker on your elections to be Presiding Officers of this House for the Ninith Parliament. Thirdly, I want to congratulate the fellow legislators on winning their respective constituencies. Lastly, I want to salute and respect all the inhabitants of Mberengwa East for voting me resoundingly – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Mr. Speaker Sir, His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe is a visionary, a great man of our time, he is a man of his word, he is a servant of the people of Zimbabwe as he believes and practices servant leadership. He is a man of peace who preaches love, peace and unity in all his addresses and he is a champion of democracy – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – He delivered the State of the Nation
Address (SONA) in this august House on 18th September, 2018. This SONA was based on five pillars, namely effective governance, service delivery, economic advancement, social progression and infrastructure development.
The expected outcomes of the SONA are more transparent Zimbabweans, a high performance and citizen centered culture of service delivery, significant reduction of poverty levels, a reputable and competitive business environment and a spirit of entrepreneurship and enterprise development. The attainment of prosperity may sound overly ambitious to some who do not believe that something good will come out of Zimbabwe by Zimbabweans – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
However, when we speak of prosperity we are not speaking of opulence or excess but we are talking of achieving Vision 2030 with a per capita income of $3 500. Mr. Speaker Sir, however, SONA does not pretend to be the universal panacea which will resolve the numerous causes of poverty in our country. We need to harness all our efforts as citizens towards supporting His Excellency’s efforts to make Zimbabwe work again. It is possible in our time to see the goodness of God in the land of the living.
On corruption, our President equates corruption to cancer as it has the capability of destroying the nation as it did in many other nations if it remains unabated President vedu vanosemeswa necorruption. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – It is possible to have corruption free Zimbabwe as there is a political will to tame this scourge. In his words during the Inauguration Speech and repeated again in his SONA, our
President said “no person or entity will be allowed to steal, loot or pocket that which belongs to the people of Zimbabweans”.
Our President cherishes hard work in both private and public institutions. On engagement and re-engagement, our President as a hardworking President, we have seen him taking drastic actions to engage and re-engage the international world which has been isolating our country at the instigation of some of our fellow Zimbabweans. The international world has been responding very well to the re-engagement efforts of our President as we have been witnessing high profile visits to our country by various Government officials and private investors seeking areas of corporation. These engagements saw those advocating for sanctions left with an egg on their face. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Our President knows that the country cannot achieve anything in isolation. Zimbabwe will be a member of the Commonwealth very soon through our President’s efforts. Many bilateral agreements and MOUs will be re-visited and implemented where necessary for the benefit of the Zimbabwean populace.
On agriculture, as agriculture is the key to growth of Zimbabwean economy, we have seen the Government under His Excellency the President introducing a number of support programmes to the farmers, like Command Fishing, Command Farming and Command Cattle and at the same time mechanising the sector. In Mberengwa East where I come from, most of our farmers have since received their inputs well ahead of the rain season. The Command Agriculture has helped a lot of families to have sufficiency in their families. GMB has also improved the payment timeframe to the farmers who would have supplied their farm produce. Irrigation schemes in my constituency are equipped to add value to food security in our country.
On mining, it is a key component on the growth of our economy and our President seeks for opportunities as to mechanise the sector especially the artisanal miners, the ones that we used to call makorokoza. The Government also seeks to broaden the minerals so as to attract more investors in the mining sector. As a country, we need to take advantage of the abundance of lithium and coal so as to produce green energy.
In Mberengwa East Constituency, we are excited with the vision of our President to open ZISCO Steel. As we are having abundance of iron ore, the Government also seeks to broaden the minerals as to attract more investors in the mining sector. As a country, we need to take advantage of the abundance of lithium and coal so as to produce green energy. In Mberengwa East Constituency, we are excited with the vision of our President to open Zisco Steel as we are having abundance of iron ore deposits in our constituency.
On infrastructure, the works on modernisation of roads, railways, airports and other related infrastructure does not need to be emphasised. The evidence is there for all of us to see that since November 2017, there has been a great improvement and a number of breaking ceremonies have been conducted. It is prudent to note that His Excellency, our
President does not officiate at the project that is not yet started. In Mberengwa East, we have witnessed major roads rehabilitation between November 2017 and now.
On women and youth empowerment, our President takes issues of empowering women and youth seriously as witnessed on the opening of the two banks for the women and youth with favourable conditions to this sector as compared to conventional banks. We are busy tapping in these initiatives to make sure that we can put food on our tables and contribute to the country’s economy. –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] The Government focuses on entrepreneurial youth start ups with these innovative funding mechanisms such as venture capital and collateral frame ending.
We are grateful to His Excellency on prioritising these areas for empowerment. The fruits of his hard work will be seen as many women and youth will be able to fend for their families. Crying alone and doing nothing will not help the cause of the women and youth. Stand up and be counted. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] On fiscal measures, our President also touched on fiscal measures and he said his Government will continue to consolidate the fiscal position in order to safeguard fiscal sovereignty and build up buffers for counter cyclical policies during periods of economic down turns or global recessions.
As to achieve a target on reducing the debt to GDP ratio, the Government will introduce a range of expenditure revenue and structural reform measures. The President furthermore promised to be strict on expenditure control and prioritisation as witnessed on his leaner Cabinet.
On the issue of State Owned Enterprises which sits on valuable assets which in many instances represent dead capital, the President said this year, they will investigate how to better leverage these assets as to reduce the burden on the national budget. They will be expected to improve their performance and deal with issues of red-handed and bureaucratic tendencies. They will be expected to deliver on their mandates and be accountable.
The President touched on the issue of Zimbabwe is open for business. Our Government is taking steps to realise its new goal of being open for business. This will be supported by the amendments on the enabling pieces of legislation like the Companies and other Business
Entities Bill, Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Bill, Citizenship and Immigration Act, to mention but a few. These amendments will enable greater domestic investments and foreign direct investment inflows. Our country has enormous potential given its generous endowment of natural resources, an existing stock of public infrastructure and comparatively well skilled human resources.
In my conclusion, I will read Isaiah 9, verse 1. The Bible says “But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish in earlier times he treated the land of Zebulum and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on, he shall make it glorious”. May God richly bless Zimbabwe, our President and all its inhabitants? I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
*HON. CHITURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I will start by thanking Hon. Kwaramba and her seconder, Hon. Musabayana for introducing this motion. I will also want to congratulate you Mr. Speaker
Sir, for being re-elected into your position of Speaker of the National
Assembly. I am so grateful to the President of this country the Hon. E.
- Mnangagwa who won resoundingly. I am also grateful to the women folk in Manicaland Constituency for returning me to this position.
I will now dwell on the speech delivered by His Excellency, when opening the First Session of the Ninth Parliament. He told us that we were voted into this august House by the constituents because they had faith in us because they knew that we would come and do business instead of making empty noises. The President talked about the maintenance and the construction of roads in the country. I am grateful for the distance they have done in constructing these roads. I am pleading with the Government that they should create a fund which is called an accident fund which is aimed at assisting people who are badly affected by the accident, especially those who are involved in the accident and are injured.
Some of them die due to injuries because they lack the necessary health care and because they do not have money. The President put some emphasis on tourism. As soon as you get to Christimas Pass you will know that you are in a tourist land. We are appealing to Government to construct a modern airport which can take wide body aircrafts so that if you have early tourists who will come from abroad, instead of landing in Harare and come by other planes, they should land directly from Europe to our place.
We also have some programmes which can be used to attract these tourists such as the Hot Springs and the Bridal Falls. If you want to go and see some of the wonders of Zimbabwe, please visit these areas and you will know that definitely, Zimbabwe is a tourist country. We also have some of these attractions in Chimanimani, but the key to everything is the construction of an airport.
His Excellency took into account that Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy and what we need are boreholes especially in schools where these learners are being taught how to take agriculture. There is a school such as Tsanzaguru, they had a very good, thriving vegetable garden. Unfortunately, this went to waste due to lack of water and we implore the Government to introduce irrigation schemes in most of these areas. These should include Buhera, as it is one of the driest areas in climatic conditions, hence the call for the resuscitation of boreholes and dams.
In these days in which we are currently living, we can no longer rely on drought power but now need traction power. So people should have tractors that are distributed throughout the constituency for easy access by the electorate and uphold the saying, Zimbabwe is an agrobased country. The President also introduced the command agriculture programme and in the process, every Zimbabwean citizen received a fair package of agricultural inputs regardless of their political affiliation.
This is a non-partisan programme and is for every Zimbabwean.
Let me continue to talk about transport and roads. There is a road that needs to be taken care of from Headlands to Mayo as only a straight stretch of this road was tarred and has since been neglected. We also have the road to Hwedza which passes through Chiware; may we please construct a bridge on this road because children have problems in trying to cross this river during the rainy season. Looking at the bridge at Odzi, going towards the diamond mining area, this bridge must be constructed as it is essential for the progress of diamond mining. I also implore Government to further improve tourism attraction by working in these hot-springs areas by constructing better roads and maintaining them. I thank you.
HON. MADIWA: Thank you Madam Speaker, ma’am. Let me
thank you for giving me this opportunity to join my colleagues in this august House to congratulate Mr. Speaker on his appointment as our Speaker. It is delightful to see him back in his rightful place. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate you Madam Speaker as Deputy Speaker of the House and all returning and new Hon. Members in this august House.
I am honoured to stand before the House as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mutasa North Constituency, that most beautiful constituency in the most beautiful province of Manicaland in this, our most beautiful country. At the heart of our community is the Eastern Highlands tea plantation, a very prosperious tea plantation.
Let me thank the people of Mutasa North for choosing me to represent them in Parliament. It is my hope whilst in this House to promote constructive solutions based on equity and social justice for the great problems that challenge us today.
*HON. MAKONYA: On a point of order Madam Speaker, the
Hon. Member forgot to congratulate His Excellency the President. –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order, she will
congratulate him. Hon. Member, you may proceed.
HON. MADIWA: In so doing, I share my perspective as a woman, as a member of a farming family, as one who was fortunate to have educational opportunities and as one now privileged to represent one of the finest electorates of Mutasa North Constituency. My greatest wish is that at the end of my time in this House, I shall have contributed towards making Zimbabwe a better country.
Madam Speaker ma’am, I am proud to be a Zimbabwean and I am also proud to be a member of this House. To those who ask as to why I am here? I say it is because I want to rekindle the sense of adventure and pioneering the spirit of our forbearers, those courageous men and women who came to this new place carrying little more than their hopes and determination to build a better life.
Let me thank Hon. Kwaramba and Hon. Musabayana for moving
and seconding the motion in reply to the Presidential Speech. As a representative of all the people in Mutasa North Constituency and also on my own behalf, I want to congratulate His Excellency, the President Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa for his overwhelming success in the Presidential elections.
When I analyse the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by His Excellency, it seems to me that a very good working basis has been established and I trust that nothing will happen during my term of office that will disturb the harmony of the relations so created. I would like to warn Hon. Members, however, that women are never satisfied unless they have their own way. It happened in this case that the woman’s way is the right way. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
I salute His Excellency for championing peaceful, free, fair and democratic harmonised elections. May the Almighty bless our President – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hea]. Our elections are an important mechanism in democratic and peaceful processes. Their purpose is to provide citizens with an opportunity to freely choose their political leaders and allocate power peacefully. The President preached peace from the very day he got into office which motivated me as a woman to also get into politics. With this kind of peaceful environment, definitely Zimbabwe will see more women engaging in politics through a democratic process. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
Madam Speaker ma’am, my constituency extends from the eastern boarder of Zimbabwe into Mozambique. The valley is formed as part of the Eastern Highlands mountain range. Any visitor into Mutare North Constituency will always emerge a proud Zimbabwean citizen equipped with new knowledge on how rich our nation is.
A visit to Mutasa North Constituency will leave one with a life time experience as you find yourself negotiating sharp curves, up-hills and down-hills as you mingle through the interlocking spurs, inselbergs, escarpments and pedestals that characterise the area. In the course of executing this amazing process, you simultaneously enjoy the delightful view of superb scenery of the spectacular terrain and fresh environment.
Madam Speaker ma’am, His Excellency in his State of the Nation Address emphasised that agriculture remains a key sector in the resuscitation and growth of our economy and the restructured Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement will have an accelerated, more coordinated and composite approach to the modernisation and mechanisation of our agricultural sector.
Agriculture is an anchor of rural economic development. For example, banana production in my constituency has given the valley a different landscape than it was six years ago. Farmers are flush, businesses are thriving, youths are earning money from agriculture and schools are bustling. The future looks bright for this rural area of Zimbabwe, a shining example of the power of agriculture in breaking the cycle of poverty and food insecurity.
A drive through the eastern highlands tea estates will give anyone a refreshing mind of how best Zimbabwe can resuscitate the lost legacy of the agrarian economy which we commanded for centuries in this country. My constituency has the capacity and the potential to do so now with no impediments at all.
It is quite prudent that Government should do all its best to empower the residents of Mutasa North constituency in Honde Valley by deploying more horticulturists to assist the small subsistence farming practices in the area and upgrade it to commercial productions. This area has full potential to intensify its operations and establish full scale productions which match the pre-existing commercial farming models which was dominated by the white minority commercial farmers in the past. This is a feasible agricultural strategy, bearing in mind that the soils here are extremely fertile and there is unlimited free-flow of water which can be harnessed for large scale irrigation without need for contemplating the construction of dams.
I visualize a real transformation if Government considers possible commercialisation of the agricultural production in this area. This would in reality create another revenue base by ensuring that all the products are grown commercially to satisfy export quality standards for an international market.
Madam Speaker, considering that Honde Valley is the home of most fruits being enjoyed by the people of Zimbabwe, I salute His Excellency when he emphasises on scaling up the value addition and beneficiation drive to ensure Zimbabwe enters the regional, continental and global value chains. Farmers in my constituency are looking forward to this kind of intervention in terms of value addition of their bananas, mangoes, avocado pears, pine apples, et cetera.
Madam Speaker, value addition is not economically exploited in Africa, making it difficult for the continent to grow. The continent needs to invest in industrialization to create jobs, as well as increase the foreign exchange. My constituency has the potential to become a hub of fruit canning industries. I am looking forward to Government to invest in creating industries, building up skills and technologies aimed at producing high-quality products for export, as well as, local use in my constituency. By industrialization, the nations are also able to address the challenges of jobs, thus creating income for their people.
Madam Speaker, my constituency has lost lives of farmers through serious accidents when they come to sell their produce at Mbare Musika or Sakubva in Mutare. If you go to Mbare now, most of the people selling bananas there are from my constituency who are selling their produce at a giveaway price. Establishing a fruit value addition factory in Honde Valley would be ideal for my constituency [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Another most captivating aspect in my constituency is the potential to generate power, which aims at ensuring that the Eastern Highlands Estate receives adequate electricity to promote the continuous production of tea and the excess power is put to the national grid. Government and private players are challenged to use this as a benchmark to come up with similar projects to sustain the national power needs. Certainly, if such small projects are established in almost every community with the right landscape, we will surely end the electricity shortages which are bedeviling us at this point in time. In my opinion, my constituency is a model place which can be enhanced to enrich our people and alleviate poverty in a big way if sufficient attention is paid to this area.
Madam Speaker, the President emphasised that SMEs, women and youths have an important role to play in the modernization, growth and subsequent industrialization of our national economy. The President noted the importance of these in increased job creation, innovation, environmental stability and more inclusive growth.
Madam Speaker, equality was seen as an issue that came from the industrialized West, peace from the Eastern Bloc and development as a key issue that concerned developing world women. Throughout history, the central role of women in society has ensured the stability, progress and long term development of nations and I am glad our visionary President in his SONA took note of that.
Globally, women comprise 43 percent of the world’s agriculture labour force, rising to 70 percent in some countries. For instance, across Africa, 80 percent of the agricultural production comes from small farmers, most of whom are rural women. It is widely accepted that agriculture can be the engine of growth and poverty reduction in developing nations. Women, notably mothers, play the largest role in decision making about family meal planning and diet. Women self report more often their initiative in preserving child health and nutrition as they are the primary caretakers of children and elders in every country of the world – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – International studies demonstrate that when the economy and political organisation of a society change, women take the lead in helping the family adjusts to new realities and challenges.
Despite positive developments in our country and the existence of official Government policies to achieve 50/50 gender representation in all Government positions, challenges to women is they remain marginalised and underrepresented across all sectors. Marginalization of women in economic development and in social and political spaces is still prevalent. Women’s land ownership (right to land) constitutes a critical factor in social status and leads to improvements in their welfare, productivity, equality and empowerment.
Madam Speaker, the SME sector has widely been accepted as the engine of economic growth and poverty eradication in the world. I salute the President for giving importance to the SMEs. My constituency has a high potential of exports by SMEs for it is home to all fruits in the country and basketry that is done in my constituency.
Globally, there is an agreement that SMEs hold the key to economic growth based on the fast growth of enterprises and the role of SMEs in generation of employment. The role of the youths is simply to renew, refresh and maintain the current status of our society, including leadership, innovations and skills. Youths are expected to advance the current technology, education, politics and peace of the country.
The development and modernization of our roads, railways, airports, energy and ICT infrastructure needs to be accelerated. This must however be in sync with our domestic realities as well as on-going quest by SADC and Africa as a whole for enhanced connectivity and integrated infrastructure.
Madam Speaker, I welcome the focus, prioritization and investment in the President’s Speech in regard to devolution which is the statutory delegation of powers from the Central Government of a sovereign state to a sub national level, such as regional or local. It is a form of administrative decentralisation. Devolved territories have the power to make legislation relevant to the area. Madam Speaker, the process of decentralisation distributes power to territories that want more authority over their own affairs. The most famous example of devolution is in the United Kingdom where Scotland, Wales and Northen Ireland exercise authority over their own lands, but remain part of the U.K.
Madam Speaker, most women in Zimbabwe are subjected to various forms of gender based discrimination and remain marginalised in many spheres, including enjoyment of economic rights. In spite of their active roles in the economic sector, they own or control less of the land, capital or other assets and earn low income.
His Excellency highlighted major bills to be worked on which includes; the Child Justice Bill and the Marriages Bill, which seeks to provide a child justice system and to outlaw child marriages, respectively and the Mandatory Sentencing for Rape and Sexual Abuse
Bill.
GBV is a pervasive phenomenon deep rooted in gender inequalities. It poses serious negative effects on the survivors, their families and communities at large. The commitment by His Excellency to address this is great testimony of a visionary leader who loves his nation.
In conclusion Madam Speaker, I highly support the Zimbabwe open for business mantra, especially when I look at my constituency. My constituency is eagerly waiting for the much awaited Katiyo border post which will facilitate export of my constituency produce, especially tea through the Katiyo border post to Beira. I thank you.
HON. S. BANDA: I have a point of order.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. S. BANDA: Madam Speaker, my point of order is according to Standing Order Number 103. It says that a motion should not be on the Order Paper for more than 21 sitting days. My question is, how long has this motion been on the Order Paper? Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAVETERA): Hon.
Member, the motion must be debated for 35 hours and this one has only been debated for nine hours.
HON. S. BANDA: Just for clarification. So I think there are two Standing Orders that are contradicting, because if you check 103 it says more than 21 sitting days.
HON. MURAMBIWA: I would like to thank you for affording me this opportunity to make my contribution on the motion on the Presidential Speech which was raised by Hon. Kwaramba, seconded by Hon. Musabayane.
It is such a great honour to address this august House as a newly elected Member of Parliament for Zaka West Constituency. I take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for winning the elections resoundingly and the elections were free, fair and credible. So I say makorokoto, congratulations, amhlope. I also congratulate our Vice Presidents, Dr. Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi for their ascension to these positions of high office. I congratulate all members on their election to this honourable place and would like to acknowledge the members who came before me.
I would like to sincerely thank my community for the great honour they have afforded me to serve them. I take pride in that status but feel humbled by the responsibility that it brings. The hardworking spirit that is in me resonates within my electorate and has made them to trust in my leadership. The electorate in my constituency is of peasant farmers and a good number are small scale entrepreneurs. There is again a group of school leavers who are unemployed. With humble sincerity Madam Speaker, I pray that what little I, their servant may contribute to this debate and this House, may have some substance and food for thought which may culminate and consolidate assured progress for my electorate.
Madam Speaker, a lot of work needs to be done in order to supply water in villages in my constituency. My electorate are in dire need for clean water. Many villagers travel great distances just to fetch water. People in ward 27 and 29 rely on river water from Muchavhutwi river and the same scenario pertains to ward 24, especially village 6 which relies on water from Rupiri river. It was my people’s hope that ZINWA reduces its costs and conditions of accessing water such that my electorate, through irrigation schemes, can increase food production and security, thereby creating employment.
Agricultural projects such as vegetable gardens have reduced malnutrition and encouraged entrepreneurial farming. In many instances, the projects have not only provided communities with food but have produced extra income. I would like to make reference to His
Excellency’s first address to Parliament that agriculture remains a key sector in the resuscitation and growth of our economy. It is therefore incumbent upon me and my constituency to support the enterprise. I therefore suggest timeous enactment of policies aligned to agriculture to encourage the smooth progression of proposed programmes and projects.
School leavers in my constituency Madam Speaker need to be empowered. Unemployment in rural areas can be tackled by identifying and empowering entrepreneurs whose small emerging enterprises can be an effective means for job creation. These youths have to go through effective skills training programmes for rural development. I have observed that these school leavers are oblivious to Government facilitated programmes. Information of Government facilitated programmes and projects evade them and they remain in the dark and continue languishing in poverty. I have, however, observed that this is not only happening in my constituency but nationwide. It is going to be my sole duty to make sure these disadvantaged youths are aware and fully educated on opportunities that are availed by Government.
Madam Speaker, as I said earlier that a good number of my electorate are small scale business entrepreneurs. As a result, Veza Township is slowly developing and if given support it will soon graduate into a growth point. With this growing hype of business activity at Veza, it is with great need that I call the Government to set up Registry Offices at Veza Township. My electorate is travelling for distances more than 35 kilometres to get to Zaka registry offices. Again to boost these developing business enterprises it is imperative that ZESA reduces its terms of costs and an obnoxious bureaucracy to make it easier for an individual to connect to the national grid. Over and above this, Council levies are quite inhibiting and this is a hindrance to business growth.
As a matter of urgency Madam Speaker, roads and bridges in my constituency are in a derelict state and are a hazard to motorists. To note, is a bridge at Chenyu, the bridge is very low and needs to be uplifted. During the rain season when the river is in flood, people spent weeks and weeks failing to cross the river to get to school. As such, I call upon the responsible authority to take note of this.
Madam Speaker, most of the schools both primary and secondary in Zaka West Constituency have no electricity. As such, I call upon Government to take urgent action to electrify those schools since ICT takes centre stage in the implementation of the new curriculum.
In conclusion, it is my hope that all of you will work with me to bring to reality the dreams of the people of Zaka West Constituency. I thank you.
HON. S. S. KHUMALO: Thank you Madam Speaker for
affording me the opportunity to address this august House. I rise to support the speech by Hon. Kwaramba seconded by Hon. Musabayana.
I would like to start by congratulating His Excellency, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for winning the Presidential Elections that were held on 30th July, 2018. His Excellency is the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. These elections were conducted in a peaceful, free, and fair manner. They were a democratic election. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you Madam Speaker and the Hon. Speaker of this House for your election to lead this august House. May I also take this opportunity to thank the people of Zimbabwe for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the plebiscite that the President won and the people of Tsholotsho North for voting for me to represent them in this House –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
Madam Speaker, in his State of the Nation Address, the President assured the nation that the thrust of his Government was to prioritise economic development as a strategic response to challenges that face our economy. In that economic development, it will seek to leap frog our country’s economy to the status of a middle income economy by 2030. This objective is achievable if only all Zimbabweans from all walks of life unite and impart their energy to hard work for the betterment of the livelihoods of our society and nation. Let those amongst us who are bent on politics of misleading propaganda about unfounded machinations of malpractices of undemocratic nature in our political playing field teach themselves patriotism so they see the damage to our future resulting from such malice.
It does not only distract our energies from focusing on building our country for the future but also our standing as a nation in the family of nations of today’s world.
Madam Speaker, the President emphasised the need to develop and mordenise our road infrastructure countrywide. I beg that the relevant
Ministry of roads and infrastructure rehabilitates, widens and surface the
Bulawayo-Nyamandlovhu-Tsholotsho Road which has been awaiting such development since we gained our independence. My constituency lies in the arid region five and therefore, it is hard hit by lack of water. Our main source of water is the borehole at a depth of plus/minus 120 metres owing to low underground water table. We need improved means of drawing water from boreholes in the form of pumps so as to increase capacity from the boreholes to meet increased demand from within the community that have continued to grow without a matching increase in the number of boreholes provided in the area.
Our community relies solely on borehole water because there is no flowing river or other means like dams. As such, the President’s speech alluding that there must be water harvesting in the country can only be possible in my constituency by improving the holding of our small dams, ponds and weirs. Our only small two dams, Gariya and Cijima badly need reconstruction as the dam walls that they have were breached by water owing to long periods of lack of maintenance since the dams walls are marred which are easy to breach by overgrowth and are weakened easily if that overgrowth is not cleared.
The construction of the Gwayi-Umguza Dam would improve water holding capacity in the constituency. This dam would facilitate the establishment or development of at least 200 hectares of irrigatable land in the district as envisaged by the President in his State of Nation Address. Also, the various ponds and weirs that lie across the constituency need scooping, widening and deepening to increase their water holding capacity. These ponds and weirs are a vital source of water as they cover most villages in the constituency.
Lastly, I would like to applaud our President for his vision and desire to see improvement on education and health infrastructure across the country – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Tsholotsho District Hospital needs a functioning sewage system to make it meet the desired standards of the health system. The current situation where the sewage reticulation is dysfunctional makes the hospital a health hazard to its patients, and indeed the Tsholotsho growth point. This hospital is situated in Tsholotsho South and it is not in Tsholotsho North. I am talking like this because it is our district hospital and services both in
Tsholotsho North and South, without functioning system is really bad.
The Rural Electrification Agency has over the years laid power lines in my constituency and these power lines are connecting mostly secondary schools and clinics in the constituency but they are yet to have power connected to the schools and clinics because I am informed it is due to lack of transformers. I would want to urge the relevant Ministry perhaps to phase than to wait for the whole electrification programme in the constituency so that we can at least see some progress in that area.
Madam Speaker, I would want to conclude by saying Tsholotsho
North Constituency is home of a lot of game because it borders the Hwange National Park and therefore in the constituency, we have a wide range of incidents of animal/people conflict. The animals/people conflict is mainly due to those animals that come harvesting the crops of the community before harvesting time. Tsholotsho North has got a perennial lack of adequate food for households in the area because of the menace of animals. I therefore, would call upon the relevant Ministry perhaps to refence the national park boundary with that of the community since it was once refenced and that refencing did deny the elephants free access to the communities. At least that was a form of barrier that assisted our people from the menace of the game.
HON. S. BANDA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAVETERA): What
is your point of order?
HON. S. BANDA: Madam Speaker, they are a good number of 4 to 5 Hon. Members who are sleeping in the House – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you for your point of
order though it does not relate to what Hon. Khumalo was saying. I think it is also good for us to respect this House and not to sleep. When we feel that we need to sleep like what the Speaker said, we can as well go out and then we just make sure that at least we drink something for us not to feel sleepy.
HON. S. S. KHUMALO: Madam Speaker, as I was saying that
we need a refence of the area bordering the park and the community in Tsholotsho North so that we do not have the conflict of animals and the community. I want to once again thank you Madam Speaker and say that concludes my brief. May God bless our President and God bless Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to add my
voice to congratulating His Excellency on the speech he presented in Parliament, moved by Hon. Kwaramba and seconded by Hon. Musabayana. I also want to congratulate you on your appointment into the Speakers’ bench and also by extension, congratulate Hon. Adv. J. Mudenda on his second term for being appointed Speaker of the
National Assembly. I would like to congratulate Hon. Khumalo and the
Deputy Speaker Hon. Gezi and Hon. Mutomba and the rest of the
Speaker’s bench. Going forward, I want to congratulate the Hon. Members of Parliament that found their way to the National Assembly, the 210 of them plus the 60 proportional representation, I want to congratulate them across the political divide – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Madam Speaker, having said that, I also want to congratulate the people of Chegutu West Constituency for deposing their faith in yours truly myself for the very second term. I want to thank them wholeheartedly. I want to also carry on and say politics is a game of numbers and it is often said that if you cannot beat them join them. We come here and we are not a hung Parliament, we are under the leadership of a visionary man, luminary and a champion, His Excellency Cde E. D. Mnangagwa and we have the mandate of the people to lead vociferously and effectively this nation with a two thirds majority –
[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Madam Speaker, it is not lost on us to change laws for the good order and governance of the people of Zimbabwe. I am alive to a piece of legislation or a part of the Constitution which can do well if changed for the nation. This piece of the Constitution speaks to and about the proportional representation in this House in particular the women. It was enacted into the Constitution in 2013 and was going to run for two terms up to 2023. It is my fervent view and hope that whilst ZANU PF has got two-thirds majority, aware that ZANU PF is gender sensitive, aware that ZANU PF is also mandated with aligning itself to the sustainable development goals; that the Hon. Members in this House are going to see it also in their hearts to change the Constitution so that the issue of proportional representation can continue ad infinitum. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – In so doing, we can have this gender parity both in word and in deeds. I shudder to think what would happen if we go on to 2023 and we stop having proportional representation in this House. I have always said and I will continue to say, what men can do women can do better. We need these women, we need that Hon.
Member except now if she believes she is no longer fit for this House. Hon. Watson is fit for this House and we want to continue to have her in this House and we can only have her if the Constitution so allows
Madam Speaker Maam.
HON. WATSON: On a point of order. I would like to correct the Hon. Member, I am no longer a proportional representation, I now have a constituency.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MAVETERA): Hon.
Nduna, Hon. Watson has rightfully said that she now has a Constituency. So, may you kindly correct that?
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I am guided
accordingly and I am corrected. I am sorry for not having recognised that she has grown from being proportional representation, now she has a Constituency. Madam Speaker Maam, be that as it may, we have 60 women in this Parliament and it is my clarion call that let us protect these women. We need them in the next Parliament after 2023, let us change the Constitution to read that these women continue after 2023. Let us use the majority that ZANU PF has got in order to change the laws for the good, order and governance of these proportional women.
That was my introduction.
I want now to speak to and about the issues of Chegutu West Constituency immediately because we have ubiquitous amount of minerals….
HON. TEKESHE: On a point of order, Hon. Nduna is debating
the Presidential Speech for the second time.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you very much for your
point of order but I am being informed that it is his first time to debate the Presidential Speech.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you for your protection Madam Speaker. I
do not know what it is that I send as shivers into the spine of the Opposition so much that they would not want me to vociferously debate even if I am supporting them. I do not know what it is that sends chills into their spines.
Chegutu West Constiteuncy…
HON. MADZIMURE: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
Hon. Nduna is actually contesting your ruling. If there is anyone whom we would enjoy to listen is him because when you write down what he will be saying, no single sentence will be complete.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Point of order overruled.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you for your protection Madam Speaker. I met Hon. Madzimure in Nuroc Arter in Indonesia one time and he promised me that he was going to come back to Parliament and I congratulate him for coming back.
Madam Speaker, Chegutu West lies in the Great Dyke and in
Chegutu West Constituency in Mashonaland West Province is where the Great Dyke is. It has got the largest width of 11 km and therein lies ubiquitous amount of mineral wealth, in particular in Chegutu West there are more than 40 gold mines in such a small little area. Why do I speak like this, it is because this is one of the areas where the Chegutu Administration District resides and is the advent of the Community
Share Ownership Trust. Zimplats is one of those companies that lies in
Chegutu Administration District and it has a Community Share Ownership Trust that speaks to Chegutu, Zvimba, Mhondoro-Ngezi Community Share Ownership Trust.
Madam Speaker, I am asking that during the launch of this Community Share Ownership Trust in 2010, $10 million seed money was injected by Zimplats into the Community Share Ownership Trust in order to kick start some developments economically and all in that Community Share Ownership Trust. What this money was meant to do was just supposed to kick start the activities and economic development in this Community Share Ownership Trust. This money was not supposed to be a grand and was not expected back.
My point exactly is this, by December, 2018, the lawyers and the Trust Executives of this Community Share Ownership Trust would have put together documentation in order that they quantify the amount in terms of resources and monetary value of those shares, that is the 10% that is attributed to the community; the 15% to the workers et cetera. The quantification is about to be completed by December, 2018. My clarion call therefore is may this money and remittances to the Community Share Ownership Trust be given to the Trust and to the people that it belongs to in retrospect. If it is thought that the 10% shares they are worth US$10 million, this money should be applied in retrospect from 2010 when the Trust was formulated. I say this because it is these companies in particular where platinum and diamond is concerned where His Excellency said these two minerals are going to be State controlled and all other minerals are going to be de-regularised.
Platinum is where the Community Share Ownership Trust is derived from by Zimplats. I ask therefore that from 2010 when this promulgation was put in place up to date, they have been enjoying fruits, revenue and profits from the extraction of this Zimbabwe a God given natural resource. Therefore let us empower our people by applying in retrospect the resources or the quantity of the monies so quantified by the lawyers and the Trust Executives. This is going to do our communities and our people a lot of good.
Madam Speaker Maam, there are two people so far in this nation that won the 2018 elections twice in the same year. It is His Excellency, the President, Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa, who first annihilated Mr. Chamisa in July 30, and he contested and Mr. Chamisa was annihilated again in the Electoral Court. It happened the same way for ‘Yours Truly’ in that I again annihilated one Konjana Machoka in the Electoral Court.
His Excellency the President has said the elections are behind us...
HON. TEKESHE: On a point of order Madam Speaker. We are not allowed to discuss about Members who will not be in Parliament. He is not a Member of Parliament and so, he is not able to defend himself. We are not allowed to say anything about anybody who is outside because he cannot defend himself. Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you so much for your
point of order Hon. Member. Hon. Nduna, you are not supposed and you are not allowed to speak of any Members that are not in this august House.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you so much Madam Speaker. I will stop
talking about the Opposition, but I will continue to glorify His Excellency, the President Hon. E. D. Mnangagwa. Vakarova Opposition kuseri nekuseri sengoma yeZion.
HON. TEKESHE: On a point of order Madam Speaker...
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have said that he is not
supposed to say it. So, may you kindly continue Hon. Nduna.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the
President had said the elections are behind us and he now wants to put the issue of economics in front of every development agenda.
HON. TEKESHE: On a point of order Madam Speaker. He must withdraw his statement. –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I have ruled
and I have said may he refrain from saying that. May you kindly continue Hon. Nduna.
HON. TEKESHE: But he said something and whatever he said
must be withdrawn. He said it and he must take it back.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have ruled, thank you so much.
HON. NDUNA: Madam Speaker, Chegutu West Constituency is
also a cotton country and it is endowed with a lot of farmers that engage their agricultural business in cotton. Government has taken over the
COTTCO debt of US$68 million. It has given in the 2018 season and 2017 season more than US$40 million worth of free presidential cotton inputs. What it means is that the Government has given to the cotton sector for inputs and debt US$130 million going upwards. What I call upon is immediately for David Whitehead which is under judiciary management, and which is a beneficiary and value adding chain to this cotton that has been given input by His Excellency and Presidential support scheme, that it be removed from judiciary management because the judiciary manager Madam Speaker, is no longer one supported at law.
The Insolvency Act is now there and he has been given US$2 million by ZAMCO in order to resuscitate David Whitehead, but could not produce bank balances and bank statements to satisfy the creditors.
He should immediately be removed from his place as judiciary manager. I also ask that by the strength of this debate, I be given the opportunity to present to this House the objections of Chegutu residents that they have raised against Chegutu Town Council.
On the strength of this debate, I request that the Minister of Local Government sends the Town Clerk of Chegutu packing in that there have not been any satisfactory financial statements and books that have been produced in order to satisfy the residents of Chegutu so that they can have both clean, portable and drinking water, so that they can have an effective and efficient water and sewer reticulation system. I ask Madam Speaker because the letter is long that I present to Hansard and because it is on soft copy so that it is on record in the Hansard and the people of Chegutu West can see that I have submitted their concerns up.
The letter is as follows:
5 November 2018
Town Clerk
Municipality of Chegutu
P.O. Box 34
Chegutu
Dear Mr. A. Mandigo.
RE: LODGE OF OBJECTION FOR THE CHEGUTU MUNICIPALITY BUDGET PROPOSAL 2019.
As a group of residents, we have noted with urgency to act to serve our own welfare. The 2019 budget does not reflect the following information:
- Anticipated revenue based on activities in Chegutu Town which generate revenue for the Municipality such as, service charges, rentals, lease agreements, tax collections and welfare facilities.
- It does not also contain how much you are expecting from the Government or any other donors.
- Your inscribed activities are not costed and do not have time frames of council projects. It lacks continuation from the previous 2017-2018 budget. Generally, the budget lacks consistency which
is not acceptable by the Public Finance and Management Act Cap.
22.19
- There is missing information in your budget on income and expenditure. You should have highlighted your budgeted revenue vis-a-vis actual revenue, budgeted expenditure vis-a-vis actual expenditure, source of supplementary budget if there was any.
- Your proposed upward review of water charges for example, industrial and commercial from $1.00/m3to $1.80/m3, residential low density from $0.80/m3up to 10m,3 thereafter, $1.20/m3, medium density from $0.80/m3up to10m3 thereafter, $1.00m3 same as high density rising from $0.50m3 and in business operating licenses the 10% increment is not justifiable, tariffs for rates and service charges is baseless for it lacks the vital information as to what it seeks to address.
- Over the period of years, the council has failed to provide basic service delivery to rate payers, and as a result the rate payers have resolved not to pay for service that is not rendered. This is evidenced by perennial sewage streams in high density suburbs
such as ward 4, 6, 8 and 11. Most business centers in the high density suburbs do not have proper sanitation, poor road networks and as of residential, we have some areas which have sporadic supplies of water and sadly it never oozes out of our taps. This is a sign of total failure to provide basic services by the Municipality of Chegutu.
In view of the above cited facts as rate payers, through your good and most respectable office, we register our objection to the proposed upward review of water charges, business operating licence, tariffs for rates and service charges as enshrined in your 2019 budget.
We therefore take this opportunity to register our counter proposal of 50% offset in all outstanding service charges arrears on service being owed to the council by the rate payers. This gesture will encourage rate payers to zero their arrears with the Municipality.
- In your summary for budget performance 2017, you mentioned a success of Central Business District (CBD) roads rehabilitation yet presently in 2018 the same CBD roads are being rehabilitated again. To us as rate payers, this is gross incompetence on the
council management and the issue deserves to be investigated with the seriousness it deserves.
- The council is operating with incompetent financial audit system which is lagging two years behind according to your summary of 2018 budget performance which you cited as an achievement.
- As rate payers, we have noted with great concern that the council is presenting blanketed and misleading budget information which cannot enhance public interest. In our view, the council is trying to manipulate rate payers and Government Ministry into endorsing a substandard and incomplete budget.
The new dispensation gears towards a stronger culture implementation. We the undersigned do hereby object and reject your 2019 budget proposal until you furnish the public with all the required figures and information, for this budget document is a trust building tool and exhibition of transparency between Council and rate payers.
[Time Limit]
HON. KWARAMBA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. CHIKUKWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 21st November, 2018.
On the motion of HON. MGUNI, seconded by HON. KWARAMBA, the House adjourned at thirteen Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 14th November, 2018
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p. m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE SWEARING IN OF A NEW MEMBER
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Section 128 (1) of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that before a Member takes his or her seat in Parliament, the Member must take the oath of a Member of Parliament in the form set out in the Third Schedule. 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 to Hon. Sen. Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu.
NEW MEMBER SWORN
HON. SEN. SIKHANYISIWE MPOFU subscribed to the Oath
of Loyalty as required by the law and took her seat – [HON.
SENATORS: Hear, hear.]-
MOTION
NATIONAL POLICY ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to formulate a comprehensive National Disability Policy and review the
Disabled Persons Act.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHIFAMBA: Thank you Madam President. I rise
to support the motion by Hon. Sen. Timveos concerning the disabled people. Those people are often forgotten that they need assistance especially when we look at buildings. This morning, we were here attending the Women’s Caucus and one of us who is disabled struggled to be recognised regardless of the fact that she was raising her hand, she ended up standing up. We want this to be recognised, there is need to have a cordless microphone. I think I also saw the lady yesterday being assisted to get to the microphone. These people should be assisted as a matter of urgency.
We attended a Committee on HIV and AIDS. The youngsters who were coming to the Committee were not able to go up to fifth floor to make their contributions. We also had some people who were visually impaired who wanted to read in Braille but unfortunately they could not be helped. Madam President, as Parliament, there is need to have Parliament staff to interpret for people who are using sign language; visually impaired people can be assisted because when these people listen to these stories which are produced by ZTV, ZTV does not explain everything in detail so there is need for the visually impaired people to be assisted so that they can grasp the concept of what will be debated.
Madam President, we have also noticed that even for ablution facilities, disabled people find it difficult to use these facilities because they will be dirty. Some of the disabled people will be crawling and they end up contracting diseases. I am of the opinion that people with disability understand problems faced by disabled people and these people should be put into positions of decision making because they live with it. Also, when we grow old, we have problems of old age and it is difficult to use stairs but as for Parliament, I am grateful because we have the elevators but some buildings are not easily accessible to people living with disability. We should understand these people and assist them at all cost.
Madam President, I am calling for help for these people living with disabilities. They need tools to assist them in their day to day lives, for example the Braille, the Sign Language because they understand what we are saying but they cannot make any contributions.
*HON. SEN. TIMIRE: Thank you Madam President. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Timveos for bringing a motion about UNCRPD that we domesticate this Convention. When we look at disability, what I know is that usually when we talk of disability people think of the physical appearance of an individual but that is not disability.
What makes me feel to be disabled is the environment in which I am operating. Am I able to carry out all the work that I want to do because the environment is conducive? If I can do that, it means I am able to carry out all the things which I want but if the environment disallows me to do that it means we have no policy on disability. All the organisations and the people who are working on their programmes should include the needs of the people with disabilities. We are talking of equal opportunities but how can we have equal opportunities when we do not have any policy regarding disability. That means if we are to talk this language we say this is derogatory.
If we look at the education sector in Zimbabwe, we are saying there is inclusive education but when we go on the ground, is it realistic that we have inclusive education. We know Government is trying its best to have this inclusive education policy but the problem is, we do not have the infrastructure which caters for all people with disability. Like the toilets, they are not easily accessible to people with disability. Some of the teachers do not have equal accessibility with able bodied people.
What we then see is due to lack of these facilities; the people living with disability are then institutionalised and taken to Jairos Jiri or Emerald Hills. Because of the expenses incurred in the transportation of disabled people, parents end up giving up on the disabled child because they feel the cost is too high for them. When we are talking of inclusive education we need to create facilities and environments which are conducive for people with disability.
Let me now turn to employment. Why do employers find it difficult to employ somebody with disability? The main reason is, they do not have the facilities which can be accessed easily by the people with disability but when we talk of this inclusive policy it encourages removal of all the barriers so that people with disabilities can access all the facilities they want because the UNCRPD needs to be domesticated. Whosoever will be planning a programme will have to include people with disability because they will have a disability component in them. When they notice that they will not hesitate to employ people with disability because they will have them in their policies. We are saying in our sustainable development goals, leave no one behind. If we do not have a policy, it means these people are going to suffer. Regarding gender, we have that policy and even the animals have their own rights. That is why we are saying that Government should now concentrate on these people with disability.
We also know that they talk about the health of the people with disability. I wish we could conceptualise the problem faced by somebody who cannot communicate. Yes, there are people who are being taught sign language but it is not enough. This pregnant woman is in labour. She wants to communicate with the nurse but they do not understand each other. There is no communication and as a result, the mother or child may die resulting in infant maternal mortality. At times a pregnancy is compromised because instead of communicating with the nurse there is a third person who is called to come and interpret for the nurse.
Every day we are communicating and everybody is saying something including those people who are in the other House, the National Assembly. They need to know what we are talking about because some of the people who voted for us include those who hear and the deaf people. When they see me communicate by just opening my mouth they will think that I am saying something which is derogatory to them but if we put systems in place they will understand that we are standing in for them because we will be interpreting for them at home. They will even prepare to vote for us again so that come the year 2023, they will definitely vote for us.
A person with disability needs to live independently and not be carried by anybody. I have a child who comes with me to Parliament and at times you have to send somebody somewhere. You have to live independently and this should spread to all people with disability. They should be independent and not rely on other people. You feel dignified when you are doing things on your own. Even when you own something, if you have sweated and worked for it, you feel proud, care and you are jealousy of it because it is yours. I also feel the same when I have done something and accolades are showered upon me because I would have done something positive. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. MALULEKE: Thank you Madam President for
giving me this opportunity to make my contribution on this motion on disability which was introduced by Hon. Sen. Timveos. In our African culture, particularly Shona, we say ‘mock the disabled when you are dead’ because we are here in this House and we feel we are whole but we have some disability in one way or the other. For example, I am putting on spectacles; it means I have a disability. Some of us have chronic illnesses and we have to live on continuous medication and that again, is a form of disability.
In the previous Parliament, I was in the Committee of Human Rights and our Chairman took us on an outreach programme where we visited institutions for people living with disabilities. I was touched when we visited Jairos Jiri Mashonaland Branch in Southerton. There were a lot of youngsters who were disabled. When they saw us they were so happy and really welcomed us. They really touched me because the disability was in many forms. What I saw there was very difficult for me but of great importance to me were the products of their own creation. They did a lot of gardening, sewing and all those other projects they were engaged in.
They also showed us their wheelchairs of which some of them had broken down and some are alright. They told us that when manufacturing some of their products there are some people who come to purchase them so that they earn a living.
We are all aware of the accident that happened in Rusape where so many people perished and some of them have been maimed. All those who were injured are going to live with disabilities and they will need our assistance. So it is important that we work as a team with the responsible Ministry to carry out all the progressive programmes for people living with disabilities. This should include their places of residence or their occupation. In that accident there was an infant who was left orphaned because both parents perished. I am urging fellow Members of Parliament that we work for the good of the people who elected us.
In one of these fact finding missions we went to one of the schools and saw one of the youngsters operating a computer using his mouth and yet I am able bodied but cannot operate a computer. However, I am somebody of jovial mood so I asked my fellow Members to make contributions of any form to these youngsters whom we had seen. Despite their disabilities they were able to do something which would be of benefit to their future and they can live an independent life.
This motion which regarding supporting those living with disability involves everybody. I am aged; long time ago our parents were afraid of children born with disabilities, especially those with albinism. However, most of the people living with disability live longer than able bodied people. In our family we have an aunt who is disabled and she is the only one left in her household. Let us support these people living with disability.
In the past, the Parliament did not take into account election of people living with disability until the coming in of the new Constitution. People with disabilities should be elected into positions and committees such as SDA’s and P.T.A’s, even in councils. We have people living with disabilities in our wards and constituencies. I am calling for Ministers to come and listen to these debates so that they can formulate policies which are of benefit to the nation. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. HUNGWE: Thank you very much Madam
President. First of all, I would like to congratulate you for being elevated to the position of President of Senate, as well as the additional position. I would also like to thank the Hon. Member who introduced this motion. The motion is very important; it cuts across religious, tribal and any other divisions which may want to divide us. It has no race, colour or creed. Living with disability is a very emotional issue. Now that this matter has been introduced in this House, I made my contribution yesterday saying this is a House of high esteem which has Members who are elderly, because of the 40 years and above qualification for senators. Therefore, as Members of this august House let us be practical, let us go to the constituencies where we come from and make a thorough inspection of people living with disability so that they get assistance.
Are you are aware Hon. Senators that we have children who were born with disabilities but are being hidden out of the glare of the public, they are locked up in houses and even dug in pits so that they are not seen. I was a Member of Parliament for Dzivarasekwa where I ended up forming a group of inspectors who would move around Dzivarasekwa looking for children with disabilities. We have Hon. Sen. Khupe who is living with disability and is in this august House, which is a good precedence. However, there are some unfortunate people living with disabilities being treated like dogs, especially when being given food; it is thrown at them because some people do not want to be associated with them. They are segregated.
I was happy to hear the Hon. Senator talking about a fact finding mission where they saw some people living with disability being independent. In the group which I have earlier on alluded to; I started by making food contribution but they told me that they do not want to be spoon fed. They said instead of me giving them fish, I should provide lessons on how to fish. I also asked them what I could offer them as a Member of Parliament and they suggested that I should help them in getting land for farming. When I looked at the people in that constituency, some of them had no hands, some had no legs and some were crippled. However, despite that they are very successful in their farming venture; I also noticed that they had dug up a well for fetching water for their gardening projects. I was mesmerized and asked them how they had dug the wells of water; I ended up sourcing for a water pump so that they could be assisted. I am making this contribution to show fellow Members and the Government that we need to put our heads together and empower these people living with disability. They do not want to depend on alms. They do not want to be dependant, they want to be independent. So, when they are empowered they can live on their own and even make contribution to the benefit of the State.
As far as I am concerned if the fiscus permits, these people living with disabilities should have a full Ministry which is specially looking at their welfare, because at the moment they are included in the Ministry of Social Welfare where they are bunched together with widows and orphans who are not disabled. As a result, the people with disability are disadvantaged in accessing services because the widows and orphans are quick to access the services and get all the cream of the assistance. That is why I have established a project for them and it going on well. They even told me that they have received assistance of 50kg and I am calling for a Ministry which is going to take care of their needs and they will make their contributions and be heard.
When we talk of disability in Zimbabwe, we are talking of millions of people hence I am calling for this House to make a thorough research and we can easily achieve this ambition. I know we have a listening President who can assist if you come up with proper ideas for assisting people living with disability. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. G. SHOKO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
The debate to resume: Thursday, 15th November, 2018.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
HON. SEN. S. K. MOYO: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 15th November, 2018.
MOTION
DEVOLUTION OF POWER
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call for devolution.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Madam President for giving me
this opportunity to add my voice on this motion. Before I go any further, I would like to thank my Party President, Nelson Chamisa and people from Matabeleland South who chose me to represent them in Parliament. I would like also to thank Hon. Sen. Mwonzora for bringing the motion on devolution to Parliament.
Devolution is the only way that can bring empowerment in our country. If we allow devolution of power, especially in Matabeleland South we can have electricity, enough boreholes and tapped water in rural areas. The issue on devolution is a question we have been asking but the response is – I am looking at Mangwe District where I come from. Mangwe District is a very small district but it has many riches. We have cattle ranching, goat ranching and many other projects.
I feel much pain when I talk about the issue on devolution; there are so many minerals and mines but because the laws of this country are applicable to certain areas, it therefore makes it difficult for me to even mention the laws. The regulations that are there in mining, you will realise that most people lose their homes, cattle and right now we do not even have enough area for farming, even grazing land for our cattle.
What is more painful is that it is not the people from that area who do that, but people who come from different areas and Government allows them to do their mining activities. During election times they would say that people can do whatever they want because they would want to be voted by those people. For example, we have a mine called New Generation which is at Ngwizi growth point; it is a very painful thing that happened there.
The homesteads that are there are about 30 metres from the mine. There is gold yes, but so many homesteads were destroyed. You would also realise that many houses have cracks due to the mining activities that are taking place. All this is happening with approval from Government. This mine was also officially opened by the Minister and some of the Hon. Members who are in this august House were present.
What pains me a lot is that the gold that is being mined there, we do not even know where it is sold. There is nothing that remains for the benefit of the community. This has even caused soil erosion on our land and our roads are destroyed. There is too much movement of vehicles.
In Mangwe District, we have two border posts and so much income is earned out of those border posts. To my surprise is that, that area does not have proper roads. I have heard some people saying wrong things that Mangwe Road is tarred, that is not true because I come from that area and I stay there. Mr. President Sir, some of the things are an embarrassment, a road that is 180km from Plumtree border post to Mphoengs Border Post; the first time they tried to put tar on that road was 1985 and today I am being called a grandmother and that road is still not constructed.
This embarrassment does not affect me only, like I said that it is a rich area, I have seen even Government officials coming to that area using earoplanes, which is a sign that they cannot even use the same roads because the roads are impassable. Mr. President Sir, Mangwe falls under region 5, there is nothing on farming that you can get out of it unless if you use irrigation. Unfortunately, that irrigation was taken and given through command agriculture. If only devolution can work, those who are getting outputs from command agriculture should try and sell to the people from that region. Let us not starve each other whilst others are able to get something to eat. Mangwe District has a big hospital and I remember at a certain point it accommodated people coming from Botswana, for example TB patients. One painful thing is that people end up losing their lives whilst they are trying to reach Plumtree hospital and an ambulance will fail to get to the hospital in time. In the end, people lose their lives.
Again the mortuaries are not working because electricity is never available. Mr. President Sir, we have been given a title that the Kalanga people are not educated. Yes, it is true. How are they going to learn when schools are so far apart? The students have to walk very long distances and how are they expected to learn when there is no electricity. Most of the times, the education that is being given now is through use of electronic gadgets and most of the schools that are there are so dilapidated.
Mr. President Sir, I want to end by saying we really want devolution so that we are able to do things on our own, especially in Mangwe District. We will be able to take care of the orphans especially those that lose their parents whilst they are outside the country. For example, I know in Mangwe we have people who die out of the country whilst trying to get employment. I think Mangwe district has the highest rate. We request for devolution of power so that we are able to construct our own roads, improve our schools, check the necessities of the hospitals and also be able to get vehicles for the police. If someone commits suicide in the morning and then you try to get in touch with the police, you will be told that we do not have a vehicle to attend to the scene and at the end of the day, the body will go bad.
If we get devolution, we will be able to assist even the police who are in our area as Mangwe District. We are asking for devolution because in Mangwe District, we have people who are unfortunate and need help like the disabled so that we do not have to travel to Harare every time. Mr. President Sir, devolution is very important especially in Matabeleland South because they are so many people who lost their parents during the time of Gukurahundi or people who lost their documents during the time of Murambatsvina. Most of the times they are told that you can only go and get your identity cards or any form of identification in Harare and at the end of the day I end up testifying that I know that the person was born in that area. Some of the people get to a stage of passing on without even having any identification documents.
All this is because all the things are supposed to be done in Harare.
Most of the time people do not have enough money to travel all the way to Harare to come and get their documents. As I conclude, I want to emphasise on the issue that the Government should try to improve. We have been singing about the issue of devolution, some of us have even got to a stage of cramming it. We have been singing this song on the issue of devolution and it is my wish that we implement this and stop talking about it every time.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAI: Thank you Mr. President for
according me this opportunity. Firstly, I want to thank my President Mr.
Chamisa and the people of Mashonaland East who voted me resoundingly. This is not the first time but they once nominated me for this devolution although it did not work, that is why I stood up to contribute on it. This issue of devolution is a thing which is in our
Constitution. This idea of cascading power from top to bottom is in our Constitution. I want to speak on behalf of Mashonaland East and other parts which are lagging behind in terms of devolution.
Firstly, Mr. President, there are very few of us in the rural areas who understand the issue of devolution because people were not educated on what devolution is because their leaders do not want them to know. What is at stake here is when power has been handed down to the district and provinces where we are, the people’s eyes will be opened and they will know where power is being abused. When talking on this devolution, I want conclude by saying the chiefs who are down there whom I am seeing that they are not getting a fair share when it comes to devolution, if the Government that was there when we made the
Constitution in 2013, if they were interested, they would have effected that so that our chiefs would have power. We have them here in
Parliament and they are representing the people where they come from. The previous Government did not want chiefs to work in their respective areas. I say so because they cannot be chiefs who only represent people and yet they do not have anything to do with minerals in their areas.
I am very happy when I see them being given vehicles, but I am not happy when they are left out in terms of devolution. This is because they can be given cars so that they keep quiet. It can be a way of bribing them, yet they are supposed to get things in their areas which are in the hands of other people. Let the chiefs in our country do their dues because there is no one who is addjudicated by the chief. It is very rare these days and we do not get that. So, what is the use of chiefs? We want chiefs to preside over issues as they used to do. If they fail, they will take it over to the courts of the country.
Mr. President, we have a lot of places in Mashonaland East where we have a lot of minerals. I would have been happy to say this when the Hon. President of the Senate was here because she knows the area. We have an area in Mutoko where black granite is found. If you go to Mutoko, you will be hurt if you are like me. There were mountains which I used to know, but they are no more there. Black granite was mined but if you look at the life that the people in Mutoko lead, it is very painful.
If you look at their structures, the buildings that they have, it is a sad story. Stones are carried day and night and people are relocated because granite has to be mined in that area. If you look at the road that is being used to ferry those stones, it is in a dilapidated state and those are the stones that are damaging the road to Nyamapanda. When those stones fall down and destroy bridges, it takes about a year or two, people circumventing those areas because it will not be accessible, but the Government will be there.
If these stones would form and the responsibility is given to people in Mashonaland East to manage, I do not think that those people would want to use damaged bridges. We have a lot of gold in Mashonaland
East but it does not help the people there. They always get food from Government and in the end, they vote because they have no choice. We want devolution in Mashonaland East and we want it in the whole country because we agreed that there should be devolution in our Constitution.
If you fail to give chance to the people who were chosen by the people to represent them in the provincial council, this becomes a fake Government because it should not be repeated if they were people who were afraid that they will be apprehended as thieves stealing from this country. We are saying there is a new Government and this should be sorted. Mr. President, I do not want to waste time, I want to thank you for according me this opportunity.
*HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: Thank you Mr. President for
giving me this opportunity to make my contribution. I want to make my contribution on this motion on devolution. I am saying as we are gathered here as Hon. Members of the Senate, we belong to the nation and not partisan Senators. I want us to discuss this motion on devolution as a non-partisan issue because the issue of devolution was raised by the public during the Constitution making process and people suggested that we should have devolution. This was not introduced by a specific party but by the people.
We know that there is a section in the Constitution which talks about devolution. In our last elections, we were not able to let the people who had been elected to get into these provincial councils to be implemented. The wishes of the people from these areas were not able to be fulfilled and the reasons given were non-performance, nonestablishment of this devolution project, was economic problems. We get into this new term and we now have a new dispensation. We know that devolution is still in existence. Now that we are through with the elections, let us now implement devolution.
We elected the local authorities, the councillors and there was competition and people were elected. All they are waiting for is to take part in devolution. They all said they wanted devolution and it will be a lie to say we only have one party which is calling for devolution, but all the parties and everybody is interested in this devolution. Government is taking into account that this devolution should be implemented. It was not a way of hoodwinking people on this idea, but clearly, the ordinary people of Zimbabwe suggested that we need devolution. This happened during the constitutional making process.
The process was led by Hon. Mwonzora and Hon. Mangwana who were leading the teams which were doing fact finding. Last week we were in Bulawayo working on pre-budget programmes. In the Budget, that is where we make plans for the implementation of this devolution. We have the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and he needs to set aside some funds for the implementation of this devolution programme. People started what they wanted. As Members of Parliament, we also put our input in this programme. We are saying, devolution is national, is for the Government and is not partisan. It belongs to everybody; it is in the Constitution.
I know our seniors are working out ways of removing all the loopholes which were in place. In the past, we had Rural District
Councils and each council worked independently on its programmes. As of now, most of these councils are now work in progress on development. As a nation, we said the councils were working on their small areas but these now need to build their provincial councils, which is going to lead to the development of each province and benefit from its own resources. This is everybody’s baby. Everyone wants to see this being implemented.
One of our functions is representation and the people we are representing are looking forward to the establishment of this devolution
– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order,
order. You were applauding when other Hon. Members were debating.
Why are you now heckling the Hon. Member who is debating?
*HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: There is need for development. What we know is that we have these chiefs who have their chiefdoms where they have their jurisdiction with no interference. These chiefs have added powers given to them and we are saying in this devolution there will be progress – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Other Hon.
Members were not heckled, they debated freely. We should have a culture of tolerance. It is his opinion; let him debate.
*HON. SEN. CHIRONGOMA: Thank you Mr. President for
protecting me from these hecklers and I will continue emphasising that as Hon. Senators, we should talk with one voice. We are one and the same and we need to work with one voice so that we have progress. We all love devolution. It should be implemented sooner than later.
The chiefs were given cars because they are people who are working in these areas. They are ruling their areas and they need to be mobile. When they are given this, there is no party politics in giving out these cars but it is appreciating the services that they are offering in their areas. When we introduce devolution, there is going to be progress. To wind up my speech, when we talk of devolution, whether we like it or not, sooner than later it is going to be implemented. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. FEMAI: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity. Firstly Mr. President, I would want to thank the former speaker for admitting that they are quiet but they want it. I want to thank you so much. Secondly, I was in the Seventh Parliament when the
Constitution was made. I was lucky because I was chairing a Thematic
Committee which asked people in Mashonaland East what they wanted. What made me realise that this is of God is, each place that we went to with our personnel, we did not ask people to ask for devolution but we would just ask and all the people would raise their hands and said they wanted devolution. What also surprised me is that there were other teams that were working in Matabeleland, Manicaland and Masvingo and when we would meet in the evening giving our reports, we would find that we would give the same report on devolution. This shows that it was a universal thing.
Let me say that God created people in his own image. He is the same God who gave them languages and a culture as well as he was making his own devolution. When he finished creating this, he came back and blessed some with stones, diamonds, gold, mopane worms and other various things. To show that God was involved in this, each and every part of the country has its own chief. Some do not understand when the Bible says that chiefs are chosen by God. It is not talking about the Government; it is the chiefs who are in the Bible. Chiefs were chosen by God and were given their areas and the wealth in that area.
They are quiet but they are aware of it.
Long time ago Mr. President, they used to say that in Mhangura you would find chrome and others would have different things. They would make axes. Chiefs would send their subordinates to go and engage in barter trade. Those animals in Hwange were sent by God and in Mhangura they would take their axes to the people in Hwange and exchange them with meat, i.e. barter trade and the chief would be happy.
These chiefs you see here are aware of it.
Nowadays, we do not know what is troubling our economy to the extent of economic meltdown because we are taking things from certain areas to Chinhoyi and build a hospital or a university with minerals from
Manicaland. You will be working against God’s will since he is the one who placed those minerals there. In the Bible, Adam was also mischievous when he ate the fruit and was reprimanded by God because God does not want that. In the Bible, you read about the Israelites who were given rich land that was full of milk and honey and no one took that land from them up to now - they are still on that land.
So, why is it that our minerals are taken to other areas from Manicaland? In Manicaland, our minerals are diamonds but we do not have good roads in the area where diamonds are being mined. The only mineral that leaves that area is diamond and if you see dust on the roads, it is from the trucks that will be transporting diamonds. They are mining billions of diamonds but they cannot construct the roads there.
My proposal is that if only the Government, from my own understanding that chiefs are chosen by God, could just come in place. When they come, they should tax those areas where diamonds are polished so that they are polished properly to enhance value addition. In the end, the chiefs, headmen and even the Government should be involved but the owner of those diamonds should know that when these minerals have been sold we want to construct roads, buy fertilizer, et cetera because if you do not come from that area it is very difficult. Those of us who come from Chimanimani in the lowveld, we do not use fertiliser but you will find loads of fertilisers being transported there. We do not use fertiliser because of the weather but if you approach the chief of that area, they will tell you that we do not use fertiliser or manure and this is how we do it. We want cattle and tractors instead to till our land – that is devolution. – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
I want to thank all the Hon. Senators who are clapping in this House because they are all happy about devolution. I heard one speaker saying that we are a mature House. So if you are not happy about devolution, are you mature? You are not mature because this devolution should not be internally only but you should show that devolution is the way. This is the reason why Hon. Mwonzora deemed it fit to table this motion. When I referred to God as the one who blesses people and allows rain to fall on the ground, you will find that rain falls indiscriminately in all areas. The rain is the money that is coming from the Government; it is now coming from the Government raining everywhere. The taxes that have been collected by Government are now being given to people – not to take the diamond, but the taxes will now go to the people so that they decide on how to use them. The Government should be aware of the fact that no one should go against those whom God has anointed.
I thank the mover of the motion on devolution. If it were possible, I think that is what we should do right now. Should we fail to implement devolution in the Ninth Parliament then we would have gone against God’s will because the people who were created by God have spoken. With these few words, Mr. President, I rest my case.
*HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: Thank you Mr. President for
according me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion which was tabled by Hon. Sen. Shoko and the seconder.
Let me say that devolution is very good and as Hon. Members, we are the Government because Government is the people. There is no Government without the people – it is us who make devolution to be there because we have welcomed it already. There are laws that have to be followed on how the provincial councils operate. Like here in the Senate, we have thematic committees and the National Assembly has portfolio committees – there is a difference. It gives us direction on how to operate.
I like two things that were pointed out by the mover of the motion. He said that there was need to urgently bring in a Bill. He knew that in order for devolution to work, we need to table a Bill in this House so that we decide in this Parliament. Then we would know how our provincial councils should work because if we do not get the Bill from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, devolution will not be lawful. It is our desire as this House, through the Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing that we push the Minister of Local Government, Hon. July Moyo to say where is the Bill. We are waiting for the Bill. We want the Provincial Councils to start working. If it comes, then the Minister should have something written down on how he wants the Provincial Councils to work. All the things will be in the memorandum. That is where the mandate of the Provincial Councils will be. If there are things that we want to add or subtract, we will be looking at that Bill. If there is nothing that we remove and we let the Bill pass, it means the Provincials Councils will now be working lawfully.
The same applies to the Chiefs. The Chiefs have got their Act called the Traditional Leaders Act which outlines how they should work. If you go to the Constitution, the Chiefs have their own rules that they are supposed to follow. All those are supposed to be brought together. The Traditional Leaders Act should be aligned to the Constitution so that our Chiefs work legally and not use a lot of laws. What is important is to have laws that guide the work of a person. No one is against devolution. Even in this House we are called to order. So, all work is guided by a certain law.
I love what our Speaker always says. He always says that it is us who should push the work of the Ministers. Whatever we want, we should ask and chase the Ministers up as Senators but if we become weak, everything will be weak because we will not be doing our job. Do we really understand our responsibility as Senators that the law is needed here and as Senators where do we come in? We should ask the Minister of Local Government about the Bill. This Bill is delaying the implementation of Provincial Councils so that we have growth in the rural areas.
He also talked about providing a budget. Do we have a budget and do we now know it. We just came from the pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, when we go into our Committees we should look at the budget to see if the Provincial Councils are catered for. The budget is very important because it is the one that drives the work. It will be our work in Committees. I am so happy that Hon. Sen. Shoko said that there should be a budgetary implement in that it was written professionally but at the moment we do not have the budget.
So, how do you expect the Provincial Councils to work without money? Even Parliament of Zimbabwe does not have money. How can we carry out our work effectively if Parliament does not have money? Those are the things which we should look at. For us to have teeth Parliament should have money so that we can face the Ministers and push for Bills to come into this House and give them deadlines so that our Provincial Councils can work. If Parliament does not have money the whole system does not work because Parliament is very important.
Thank you Mr. President.
+HON. SEN. MATHUTHU: I want to be grateful for the motion that was brought to this House on devolution. As I speak Mr. President, if only all of us in this House as Members of the Senate were there when the President officially opened the First Session of the Ninth Parliament. All of us will be talking the same language on the issue to do with devolution. The President tabled it very clearly and promised the whole nation that this Ninth Parliament would see that devolution would be done. The President of the country said that.
Mr. President, when we talk about devolution of power we are not talking about devolution of power to look at the things that are happening locally. For example, we are looking even at the people like has been said by other members, the issue to do with Provincial Councils. Our request is that even those who are going to be leaders in Provincial Councils will agree that they have been selected by the people. Those who are going to lead our different cities should be people who are elected by the people not people selected by a certain individual.
This issue to do with devolution of power has been spoken about by all the Members of this House which is a sign that we are talking the same language. The President of the country indicated that this Ninth Parliament will work on the issue of devolution of power. I believe that by end of next year everything that is supposed to be done concerning devolution of power will be done. One member contributed on the issue of the budget. I am hoping that we will see even in the budget the issue of devolution. I believe we are here to represent different people and therefore, by June next year all of us will be happy that devolution of power will be there for the President even promised that.
My request Mr. President Sir is that when we are talking about issues that concern the people that we are representing let us not look at our political parties. For example, let us not say that this motion was brought by whom according to our political parties. When we are in this House we are the Government of the country regardless of political affiliation. The truth is that we are here as the Government. If only all the Members of the Senate could conduct themselves as the Government not to say I have been sent by ZANU PF or MDC.
What I am seeing here Mr. President is that yes, I am new in this
House but everyone is looking at their political party that they represent. Certain things that are discussed are to build the nation. For example, if I bring a motion, people will not contribute to it because it is coming from Mathuthu who represents a certain party. I am therefore asking Hon. Senators to support every motion that is building the nation. I do not think if the issue of devolution comes, it will be a problem, for His Excellency is even waiting to put a signature. Let us do all the procedures that are important until we get to the end. I request that the hopes and the wishes of the people we are representing be fulfilled.
Thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 15th November, 2018.
MOTION
CASH SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
Fourth Order read: adjourned debate on motion on the call to solve the cash crisis in the country.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Mr. President for giving
me this opportunity to make my contribution on a motion raised by Hon. Shoko. I know many Hon. Senators have debated on this motion. I am grateful to Hon. Shoko and the seconder, Hon. Sen. Timveos for raising this motion. Mr. President, as Members of this august House, we need to look at the problem which is facing the nation at the moment and we need to look for ways of solving this problem. In our Shona culture, when such kind of a catastrophe happens - for example, if a member of the family has committed murder, culturally we look for ways of making peace between families.
Our country is in a dismal state because everybody is suffering from the cash crises. We are in a situation where we have bond notes and coins; we have reached a point of selling our own currency in our own country. As Members of Parliament and Ministers, we discussed this at the Pre-Budget Seminar, we need to put our heads together and look for ways of solving this cash crisis. I have never heard of a country which sells its own currency. Zimbabwe has become a shameless country; it is now being looked down upon by other countries because one has to go to nearby countries like South Africa to buy foodstuffs and other necessities. However, when you want to go to those nearby countries, you struggle in order to get foreign currency.
Mr. President and all the people involved, tell us who is responsible for this cash crisis and where is the money coming from so that it can be shared to everyone. As Members of Parliament and Government we have had people who are responsible for leakages of foreign currency. His Excellency has declared that Zimbabwe is open for business but can we get investors when they know we have a cash crisis; obviously they know they would not get returns on their investment. I am calling for Hon. Senators that we put our heads together and apprehend the people who are illegally accessing foreign currency. There are people in this country who have suitcases full of cash in the streets instead of money being in the banks. Zimbabwe is one of the countries which has the most qualified security agencies, so why not arrest these cash barons? We need to be sincere when we are talking the arrest of these criminals dealing in foreign currency. When they are arrested, they should be incarcerated with hard labour and for a long time because they have contributed to the misery and suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans. We are no longer accessing our money in the banks. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this
opportunity. I want to add my voice on the issue of cash shortages. I will not mention where we are going to get the money from but my request is, let us speak the same language in realising that we are all parents and Hon. Members, the issue of cash shortages has created so many problems, especially in our homes. All of us here have school drop outs because of cash shortages. When you have a child who is not doing anything, the boys will get into robbery and the girls will engage into prostitution. A girl child will opt to get into prostitution so that they can at least get a $1, after that the girl can get pregnant without a responsible father, some of the girls will try to abort, as a result they will die.
This is very painful, for example, if they die whilst outside the country, it will be again a burden to the parents. In my constituency, there are about five gold panners who died underground while engaged in illegal gold panning. We also have people who are illegally crossing the borders to go and look for money but they end up dying. As a result we have so many bodies that are lying at the borders. The situation should be that we have foreigners who die in Zimbabwe going back to their countries, not the other way round. So, it is my wish that the issue of cash shortages should be looked into so that Zimbabwe can be a country that has a better view. Some of us have lost our husbands simply because of the issue of cash shortages. We can look at it as a trivial issue but Hon. Members, most of us are now old. Our children’s homes are being destroyed. What I know is when a home does not have enough money, most of the times there is no happiness. The issue of finance is bringing too many disputes in our homes. For example, if you look at combi conductors when they fail to reach the target for the day as required by the owner of the combi, some of them can fail to handle the pressure and they will commit suicide.
Even if we look at the issue of corruption, most of it starts may be from 2%, our money is being deducted from banks and ecocash transactions. Some people opt to stay in jail instead of facing all these challenges where what you worked for is taken away from you without your consent. Some of them fear that they cannot manage to face the economic situation in this country. You will realise that if someone is released from jail today, they will quickly commit another crime so that they can go back to jail. This is how bad the cash shortage has led people to do. If we continue not taking this issue seriously, we can even have one of us here committing suicide because of the cash shortages. I thank you.
HON. SEN. G. SHOKO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 15th November, 2018.
MOTION
NATIONAL DRUG POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE
FRAMEWORK
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on National Drug
Policy and legislative framework to effectively regulate drug use Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. ZIWIRA: Thank you Mr. President. The month of December is almost upon us and you will realise that most of our children, especially the street kids will be celebrating the month of December taking drugs. When you walk up the streets, you will notice that a man who is driving a Mercedes Benz will be entertaining street kids. A street kid cannot go into a pharmacy and buy drugs. We may take this issue of drugs as a trivial issue but it is very serious. For example, in Makokoba Constituency, there are two men who are mentally ill because of drug abuse.
When you go to Engutsheni, they sell those drugs for the mentally disturbed people to young children. Those who are getting into the country with drugs, how are they getting into the country with those drugs? I have got another question that how did they learn to mix different medications so that it can be a drug which can make them drunk? It is my wish and my plea that the police should carry out their duties seriously and uproot these people who bring drugs into this country.
The month of December is a very dangerous month especially to our kids; most of them kill each other during this month. For example, if you have ever exhibited in Bulawayo during Trade Fair, you will realise that kids will be in different groups, most of them will be doing things to do with drugs. This is a very important issue. If we do a research on how many people have died due to drugs we will notice that at tender ages, some of them commit suicide and others are killing their grandmothers or elderly people. How can we assist, especially the elderly people who are guardians to the kids who are now into drugs? Life is a very important thing to everyone. Hon. Members, it is my request for us to check where our kids get these drugs. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MOEKETSI: Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank you for according me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Timveos and her seconder for moving this motion on drugs. Mr. President, I would like to know whether these drugs are found in this country or they are being imported because we now have a challenge on this issue. As Hon. Senators, let us put our heads together; people are dying because of things that are coming from other countries and we do not even know their origin. This is because we do not have a drug policy. Right now there is no medication in hospitals to treat different ailments but dangerous drugs are flooding our country. Those who get drugs to alleviate pain get them from the streets. There are people moving around with bags full of drugs, so those who get access to these drugs are those who have money.
The challenge is now in the rural areas because most of them cannot access those drugs. I think we should put our heads together to ensure that things that come in our country are legally being imported through our borders. Even in this House, there are people who are making a living out of that.
Mr. President, the situation in our country is that we are endowed with all the wealth and we cannot afford to have drug shortages. Zimbabwe is very wealthy that the Chinese have left their countries to come to Zimbabwe whilst the owners are living in dire poverty. Mr. President, I think we should put our heads together. The challenge that we have is that if you want to go to the traditional healers, they also want cash they do not have swiping machines. If you want to visit Prophet Magaya, he also wants cash for one on one amounting to
US$800. Our country is rich as it is but it does not have money.
Mr. President, in this august Senate, I heard one speaker saying even in this august Senate we are the ones who should make things available in this country. People are dying, if you visit hospitals right now, you are only given paracetamol, the person who is being given paracetamol is a person suffering from cancer and these people do not have money to buy drugs. Tomorrow another one goes again at Parirenyatwa and they are given paracetamol morning, afternoon and evening. This Senate, through the wisdom of God, must put our history together so that we represent the people that made us come here because this is not child’s play. Mr. President, the challenge that we are facing is that when we are contributing an important issue like this, some people are negative and some are enemies when we are debating issues to do with the nation. I think we should remove these sad faces because our people are dying. There are no drugs in the country and people are dying of illegal drugs because drug dealers found out that in Zimbabwe you can just enter, there are no rules and regulations. I do not have money to fly out of the country, it is only those who have money who can go out and seek medical attention. Even those who are tiling the land, how can they go to China where there is medication, they cannot because they have no money?
The other day, I heard someone asking for help to go to India to be operated as if this country has no doctors and hospitals. There are professionals in this country but we must look at people who are stealing the money. If you go to the border you are shoved the other side so that you give way to them as if we are not people, we are people. I plead with you Mr. President, Senators, when a motion has been raised, we should help each other because it will help us to raise the standard of living in this country and to be non-partisan. I think the today we are in good spirit and it should continue like this.
+HON. SEN. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President, there is a
specific word that we use in Ndebele to refer to drugs, it means that if you take it, it will cause drowsiness and you sleep; I am referring to a tablet that will cause you to be drowsy. If you go to a pharmacy looking for medication, you will be told to pay in United States dollars. We cannot talk of US dollars whilst we are in Zimbabwe for we do not have that kind of currency. If you search our bags you will find that each one of us is on medication and this is one thing that we must accept that as a
nation, we are going through a crisis. There are certain medicines that we cannot afford to buy using foreign currency.
You cannot get medication using bond notes. What will then be the next option? You will opt for an injection which will be equally expensive. For example, Prophet Magaya mixed different tablets and claimed that those tables can cure HIV and AIDS, this is one person that must be arrested because he is one of the people who is causing corruption. Coming to the companies that manufacture drugs, they go the bank and get US dollars and they manufacture the drugs and they sell them outside the country and as people of Zimbabwe we remain stranded. For example, there are hospitals that are supposed to treat cancer. If you go there, you will be told there are no doctors, medication or even the paracetamol that we have been referring to is no longer there. The only medication that you can get is traditional medicine.
Why people are opting for traditional medication is because of shortage of drugs in hospitals and pharmacies. My next question would be what is that we can do as a country to get medication? We know that there are people who are so corrupt who have been stealing the money and up to now, they are still stealing money from the country even if we are at such a stranded point where we do not have medication. I thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHINAKE: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution on drugs. We know these drugs are now a problem and we wonder how these drugs are imported because in Zimbabwe, we do not have anybody who is manufacturing these drugs. What worries me is why these dangerous drugs are available when we have lots of security personnel in our borders that could apprehend all these people who are bringing drugs but nobody has been arrested for these drugs. We are destroying the future of our children because our children are now relying on these drugs. When they have taken these drugs, they become so stupefied that they do not think of progress and we are saying these children have no future. The main reason why our children are now relying on these drugs is because there is a high rate of unemployment and the economy is down. Some of these children are so learned that they have degrees, diplomas and other certificates for progress, but because they cannot get jobs or be employed somewhere, they end up relying on these drugs.
We have our children who are very learned and all they do is to wake up early in the morning and indulge in these drugs. Long back, these drugs were not available in this country. The security was so vociferous that they would arrest anybody who would come with these drugs in this country, but we have relaxed some of these rules. The reason why I am talking about these dangerous drugs is that as adults, we should be going on retirement and these youngsters should come into the jobs, but we have this problem which we are facing whereby we cannot go on retirement because we are seeing that there is no one to take over the button stick.
The long run effect of this is that the country will die a natural death because we the adults will die and youngsters are already dying. We need to put our heads together and be united in fighting this drug abuse. I am not looking down upon our policemen, but we find them at the road-blocks and yet on the drugs they are not there. Even our soldiers are many in their camps, but in the fight against dangerous drugs, they are not there. We are calling upon many arms of Government to work together in unison in fighting the importation of these dangerous drugs. Thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 15th November, 2018.
MOTION
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS OF VENDING
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on finding solutions to challenges associated with vending.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. MWONZORA: Thank you Mr. President for giving
me this opportunity to make my contribution on this motion. Hon. Sen. Chabuka, I am grateful for the motion which you brought into this House regarding the unfair treatment given to vendors. We are all aware that in this country there is a high rate of unemployment and this unemployment was created by a lot of things. Some of these things include the programme which was introduced by Government in the 1990s where Government introduced ESAP. This led to a lot of retrenchments where many people lost their jobs. These are the people who have no jobs and cannot be employed.
The second aspect which brought in unemployment was when we reclaimed our land from the whites. The whites were employing a lot of people in their farms and the new farmer is not able to employ the number that is equal than that which used to be employed by the Europeans in their farms. The third reason for this high unemployment is that we had a country which was led by the former President Hon. R. G. Mugabe, who was at war with almost all the countries of the world like Britain, New Zealand and Canada. He would fight them off especially if they did not agree with his policies. He would side them, and yet these people whom he was looking down upon were people who had invested in this country. When they felt humiliated, they moved out leading to the high unemployment rate.
This is the reason why we have this rate of unemployment. You fight your benefactor when you still need assistance from that benefactor. This led to the migration of these investors. As we speak, Mozambique is one of the countries which benefited from the way we kicked out these entrepreneurs. Countries like Botswana and Lesotho are really benefitting because of the policies which they also have which are very progressive. I believe that when we do not agree on certain political policies; let us not fight our economy in this war because when we include the economy, we are destroying ourselves.
We also realised that our children who have graduated from the universities, colleges and high schools such as Form 4, Form 6 or even diplomas are not employed. When these learners go through their education and graduate, they are not employed because there are no jobs. They end up doing menial jobs such as looking after cattle or selling juice cards in the streets. Some of these people who are doing menial jobs are graduates and some have diplomas. Even these vendors are educated and prefer doing these menial jobs because they do not want to indulge in robberies or killing people for money. They are people who want to eke out an honest living. They are selling these things in the streets so that they can live a decent life.
Surprisingly, these vendors are the people who are being assaulted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. We come to an extent whereby if the police feel that they cannot contain the situation, they ask for reinforcement from the army. We are fighting our own children and our own graduates. The other reason why we are in this problem is that during the campaign period, we told people lies where we promised people that we are going to create 2.2 million jobs if we were elected into power. The people of Zimbabwe are now looking forward to these 2.2 million jobs so that they are employed. What is surprising them is that none of these jobs had been created.
I am calling upon the Government - vendors exist because of the problem created by them. It is not fair that the Government which knows that it created this problem goes and beat up these vendors. May you please explain to me where this policy of beating up people came from? – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - At times, these policemen are seen beating up old ladies who are in their 60s and 70s because they are vendors. Even when you do not agree with them politically, you are beaten up.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order,
order. Senator Mwonzora, we are debating the motion about vending, not political quarrels.
*HON. SEN. MWONZORA: Thank you Mr. President. The
reason why I may seem to be talking about politics is that these vendors who are in the streets are being beaten up by the security forces. I am saying this is a very bad habit of beating up people because you have disagreed. Zimbabwe is a country and we should respect everybody regardless of their financial status. Hence, I am against the beating up of these vendors.
We have also realised that these vendors, after being beaten up, are arrested and incarcerated. The third punishment which they receive is, all the goods which they will be selling are confiscated by the police. I do not think these confiscated products are going to be disposed of but actually they will feed these people who will have beaten them up. It means the poor will remain poor because they are assaulted and have their goods and products confiscated. Their vending stalls are also destroyed.
What really boggles my mind is, these vending sites are taken up by well to do people who take and use them. What we know is that the origins of vending was to support widows, orphans and the poor so that they sell these products like second hand clothes, vegetables, fruits and juice cards. However, I have realised that the senior officials in
Government, especially their wives are the people who get the stalls.
The poor have been driven out of Mbare musika. If we look at the Copa Cabana market, the place was now called Graceland because the wife of a senior Government official was running that place. Wives of these officials are now taking over these flea markets. When they see that the poor people are now constructing their market stalls, they destroy them. What really hurt me is that the stalls of the politically powerful people were not destroyed – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
In order for us to bring development into the country, we need to create friendship with investors who will come into this country and open up mines and factories. That way, they will create jobs and we develop, but these foreign investors can only come when we are living in peace; when we do not fight political opponents. People who are politically inclined and powerful do not believe in that; they fight off their enermies. As people of Zimbabwe, we should know that we have the right of association and freedom of consciousness. If you love your political party, which is ZANU PF, you are free to support it and if you want to support MDC, it is your choice. You should follow the party you want. Foreign investors will then come and invest in this country.
It is really quite a shame that we are being looked down upon by the people of Mozambique. When you go out and try and buy with our bond notes, they will tell you in their language, Zimbabwe dollar ‘nada.’ In other words, they are saying the Zimbabwe dollar is useless. We are calling upon the Government to work and resuscitate the economy of this country. We can only do that after fighting corruption and cruelty – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - Instead of money being used in starting factories and creating businesses, these people were getting foreign currency from the Reserve Bank and selling it in the streets.
We were told that in this country there was an individual who was nicknamed Queen Bee. We were told that Queen Bee is the one who is allocated all the foreign currency given by the Government and there was nothing done by the Government. Everybody is now asking as to why the country is so poor. When we talk of this young man Lumumba, was he employed by Government? Where does this Lumumba guy belong? We need to know so that when this man is talking, we know whether it is factual because he is leaking a lot of secrets and has shown us where this hemorrhaging of foreign currency is coming from. We are all patriotic Zimbabweans. We want development in Zimbabwe. We want a peaceful and progressive Zimbabwe. We want our children and grand children to inherit a developed and progressive Zimbabwe but we will never develop our country if we are fighting amongst ourselves.
Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity to add my voice on this very important topic, the issue of vending. It is very sad and unfortunate that almost 40 years after independence, we can call all the power of the State to fight the citizenry which is trying to eke a living. I am a little bit disappointed as Members of this august House if we do not address issues as they are.
My background on medicine, if you do not make the right diagnosis, the person will die. We have to make the correct diagnosis if we are to correct this issue of the so-called vending, which to me is actually derogatory. I do not expect to use it to describe fellow citizens who are trying to eke a living out of mistakes which we have made.
I think really I would probably add to say, there are two things which have created vending. If we do not correct them, we are in trouble; we will never correct this problem. The first one is bad politics and the second one is bad policies. If we do not address them, it is not the time for us to be partisan but we have to be nationalistic in outlook and really know that we are here to represent Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is the only country which we call our home – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – I do not want to labour and take much of your time, but like I said, it is bad politics and bad policies. The bad politics, I think we have seen it all. We cannot be in the Guinness Book of Records for people who are fighting and killing amongst each other and not focusing on development. Who will develop the industry when you devote most of your time to fighting and taking useless political directions that are not nationalistic in outlook? – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
So, I think that the new dispensation is sounding some good vibes but we want to see whether or not it is going to be practical on the ground – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – that we should live as one, as Zimbabweans and peace and peace and peace. I think those were the exact words by the Head of State, but unfortunately we do not seem to be practicing what we are saying, meaning that we are going to perpetuate the issue of vendors. Vending is actually due to unemployment and who is responsible for creating employment? It is the State that has to create an enabling environment so that whoever wants to invest can do so. Like was alluded to by an Hon. Senator that mari haidi pane noise inenge hangaiwa – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – So we have to make sure that we behave.
All of us here have relatives and children who are holders of PhDs yet they now spend 10 years without employment. They are now at the twilight of 40 years old, imagine even if things are going to change, who is going to employ that person as a trainee? Who can train a 40 or 51 year old person? This means that we have actually condemned these people for good, if we are not careful and keep going round, we will perpetuate the problem and there will be nothing to call our Zimbabwe.
So I think we need to practice good politics. We spoke about poor foreign relations, where you heard baba venyika who is unfortunately a beggar going on to shout and almost even threaten people who are supposed to come and help him. Who will do that? No one, so this is bad politics.
Now let us go onto policies, like currently I would say that we need to make sure that we put good policies on the ground. We need to know definitions of who is called an investor and who is not. I think that this is one of the problems that we face as a country right now. We have seen criminals – I would say criminals, coming through our airport and being hosted by the Government as potential investors. Three days to three months down the line, they are found engaging in money laundering and smuggling activities – are they investors? – [HON.
SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – They are not investors.
We are also allowing people to come and sell and not create industries. If you look at our all weather friends, the Chinese, what investment have they brought into the country besides selling toys et cetera and crowding our locals with those things that can be done by people who do not have capital. Yet we take State resources to host those people as investors for political reasons, we cannot do that – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – I think that we need to address issues as they are, hanzi ukatya kusvina mota uchiteta, mota redu rinorwadza and riripanzvimbo isina kunaka. Tinofanira kushinga and face reality.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order, order Senator,
please use one language, if you want to speak in Shona, by all means do so, but if you want to speak in English, by all means speak in English. The reason is that our interpreters and Hansard Reporters will have difficulty in producing a correct record of what you are saying.
HON. SEN. MAVETERA: Thank you Mr. President, it was
supposed to be in quotes. So as a nation, to really make vending topical, we would be very happy if it was about employment creation but calling the police and where you think you are threatened - you call the soldiers to drive away people who are trying to eke a living is very unfortunate. It is actually a betrayal of the people of Zimbabwe. I do not believe that is what we fought for and that is not what we cherish as a nation - it will not take us anywhere. When you have a Government that is sitting and planning to say that we have to chase people out of the city what does that mean? – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – Is that going to create employment for our children?
It is not, and unfortunately they are off target, they do not know what is happening. So we need to make sure that we do correct things first if we are to correct this issue of vending. Vending is a national cancer that has been brought. We call it heterogenic, in other words, you are the ones who created it. It was created by leadership – bad policies and bad politics – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – that has impoverished and dehumanized the citizenry of this country. I do not believe that is the mandate that we give leaders when we vote for you – to make us suffer, dehumanized and given some derogatory terms when you are trying to eke a living when us, as Government, are supposed to be creating that conducive environment.
So, I hope as an arm of Government, we put pressure for people to know what needs to be done. The issue is not about creating or chasing people out of town. The issue is about providing employment for those people. Do you think that a PhD holder would want to sell airtime juice cards? So let us really interrogate ourselves as leadership and as people and ask ourselves if we are doing the right thing.
The last issue is on corruption - this was in the public domain. We have people whom we entrust with our resources to create projects that are meant to benefit the county but you get someone who is given $5 million constructing a tuck shop that is supposed to be generating solar energy to power the nation. The person is still roaming around yet we have lost millions of dollars, if those millions were channeled towards creating projects or hubs for the youths who are loitering around would we have problems? We would not be having problems but now,
‘vanototi zvavharana. We cannot allow that as a people – [HON.
SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
So Mr. President Sir, I think that we can go round and round but the correct diagnosis to our issue is wrong politics and wrong policies. We have to address that and if it is a cancer then we are saying we are doomed as a nation. I thank you. – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. SEN. CHIEF NHEMA: Thank you Mr. President. I want
to add three points regarding this motion. My point of view is that we are not saying people should not be involved in vending but the issue is where are these people vending from? Where are they setting up their flea markets and vending sites. We are saying to the Minister and the Government, when these people are relocated to those new places have the new sites been serviced, because when we talk of selling we talk of servicing land. Can we take the Senate to go and hold meetings in the
CBD? I am saying no because the atmosphere is not conducive.
We are also talking about investors who we want to attract into this country, especially if they get a picture of the congestion that was caused by the vendors who were filling up the streets, spilling onto the pavements. We are not fighting vendors but these vendors should be selling at the correct designated places. Even when we are relocating them, we are saying the places should be serviced with enough ablution facilities just as we are doing now. We are at a conducive place to enable our debates to take place and we need to have the Bills and policies that regulate where these vendors can operate from which are properly serviced and located. Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHINAKE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 15th November, 2018.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR
MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE (HON. SEN.
MAVHUNGA), the House adjourned at Three Minutes past Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 13th November, 2018
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
INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE ZIMBABWE WOMEN’S
PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to
remind all female Members of Parliament that the inaugural meeting of the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (ZWPC) has been scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, 14th November, 2018 at 0830 hours in the Senate Chamber. You are kindly requested to be punctual.
INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE JOINT BUSINESS OF THE
HOUSES COMMITTEE
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I also wish
to inform the Senate that the Inaugural Meeting of the Joint Business of the Houses Committee will be convened on Thursday, 15 November, 2018 at 0900 hours in the Senate Chamber.
INVITATION TO CATHOLIC MASS
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to
inform the House that there will be a Catholic Mass tomorrow, Wednesday, 14th November and that all Catholic and Non Catholic Members are invited to attend.
INVITATION TO SPORTING ACTIVITIES MEETING
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I wish to
inform the House that all Senators interested in sporting activities are invited to a meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 14th November, 2018 at
1200 hours, in the National Assembly Chamber.
NON ADVERSE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE
PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have to
inform the Senate that I have received Non-Adverse Reports from the Parliamentary Legal Committee on all Statutory Instruments published in the Government Gazette during the months of June, July and September, 2018.
I have also received a Non-Adverse report from the Parliamentary
Legal Committee on all Statutory Instruments published in the Government Gazette during the months of August, 2018, except Statutory Instruments Numbers, 148, 149 and 163.
MOTION
NATIONAL POLICY ON PERSONS LIVING WITH
DISABILITY
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move the motion standing in my name
that this House-
COGNISANT that Zimbabwe enacted the Disabled Persons Act
[Chapter 17:01] in 1992;
ALSO COGNISANT that Zimbabwe ratified the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and enacted
Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act in 2013;
CONCERNED that no efforts have been made to domesticate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and also to align the Disabled Persons Act [Chapter 17:01] to the Constitution of Zimbabwe leading to a piece-meal approach to disability issues;
ALSO CONCERNED by the absence of a comprehensive National Disability Policy in Zimbabwe, resulting in the continuous marginalisation of people with disability in national development issues;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon Government to urgently
formulate a comprehensive National Disability Policy and review the Disabled Persons Act [Chapter 17:01] in line with provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: I second.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank Mr. President for affording me
this opportunity to debate such a very important motion. I also want to thank the PWDs that were meant to come and listen to the motion. They have not arrived yet.
Mr. President, the National Disability Policy must be crafted in such a way that it is clear that ‘disability issues are human rights issues’. The policy must clearly accord PWDs the following rights and that the Government of Zimbabwe must allocate financial and material resources in each budget and calendar year to enable and ensure that PWDs enjoy such rights without any limitations and hindrance.
Equality and non-discrimination;
Mr. President, the Government must recognise that all persons are equal before and under the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
-It should also prohibit all discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantee to persons with disabilities equal and effective legal protection against discrimination on all grounds.
Women with disabilities;
-The Government must recognise that women and girls with
disabilities are subject to multiple discriminations, and in this regard should take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Children with disabilities;
-The Government must take all necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment by children with disabilities of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children.
In all action, concerning children with disability, the best interest of the child shall be a primary consideration. The Government is the major parent of all children, even those without disabilities.
Accessibility;
-Mr. President, accessibility of buildings, roads, transportation and other indoor and outdoor facilities, including schools, housing, medical facilities and workplaces, these should be accessible to all. Reference is made on the Disability Act of 1992.
Right to life;
-Government must reaffirm that every human being has the inherent right to life and shall take all necessary measures to ensure its effective enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.
Equal recognition before the law;
Government of Zimbabwe must reaffirm that persons with disabilities have the right to recognition everywhere as persons before the law.
-Government of Zimbabwe must ensure that all measures that relate to the exercise of legal capacity provide for appropriate and effective safeguards to prevent abuse in accordance with international human rights law.
Access to justice;
-The Government must ensure effective access to justice for persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.
-In order to help and ensure effective access to justice for persons with disabilities, Government must promote appropriate training for those working in the field of administration of justice, including police and prison staff service.
Living independently and being included in the communities;
Persons with disabilities have the opportunity to choose their place of residence and where and with whom they live on an equal basis with others and are not obliged to live in a particular living arrangement and not to be institutionalised.
Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information – Government must ensure resources are mandatorily availed in a deliberate effort to facilitate the use of sign languages, Braille, augmentative and alternative communication of their choice by persons with disabilities in official interactions.
Government of Zimbabwe must get into partnership with private entities that provide services to the general public, including through the Internet to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities, including recognising and promoting the use of sign languages.
Respect for privacy; Government of Zimbabwe must protect the privacy of personal, health and rehabilitation information of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.
Respect for home and the family – Government shall ensure the right of all persons with disabilities who are of marriageable age to marry and to found a family on the basis of free and full consent of the intending spouses is recognised.
Article 24 – Education; Government of Zimbabwe shall recognise the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realising this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, Government of Zimbabwe shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and lifelong learning directed to persons with disabilities.
Health – Government of Zimbabwe shall recognise that persons with disabilities have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability. The Government should provide persons with disabilities with the same range, quality and standard of free or affordable healthcare and programmes as provided to other persons, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health and population-based public health programmes.
There should also be accessibility of health resources, including admission, diagnostic, medicinal and rehabilitation are accorded free of charge.
Work and employment – Mr. President, employ persons with disabilities in the public sector and promote the acquisition by persons with disabilities of work experience in the open labour market.
Adequate standard of living and social protection should be provided for under the social schemes under the Department of Social Welfare and National Social Security Authority.
Participation in political and public life; a peaceful environment must be provided to ensure that persons with disabilities engage in political participation, free of their choice, including forming their own political parties and/or movements.
Alignment of the Disabled Persons Act of 1992 to the national Constitution – the Disabled Persons Act of 1992 is an outdated policy. It simply needs repealing. The Disabled Persons Act of 1992 needs to be replaced by a Persons with Disabilities Act, which Act must be aligned to the provisions or articles in the UNCRPD, while the national
Constitution of Zimbabwe’s section 83 must be amended so that it becomes explicit of what the Government of Zimbabwe must mandatorily accord persons with disabilities. For clarity, I hereby quote subsection (b) of section 84 of the national Constitution that says ‘explicit’ ‘An Act of Parliament must confer on veterans of the liberation struggle the entitlements due to them’.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Domestication – Zimbabwe having ratified the UNCRPD in September 2013, it remains a wonder why the Government has not domesticated the convention, as for now the UNCRPD remains a reference point. That is why we are impressing upon the Government to urgently domesticate the convention. This will enable the crafting of policies and enactment of laws that will advance human rights for persons with disabilities.
Rights based approach to disability – it is time Government constantly engages with organisations for persons with disabilities and those from the law fraternity to enable them to appreciate ‘disability as a human rights approach in an effort to run away from the social model of disability’.
Hon. Senators, let us debate this motion positively because all of us live with people with disability and we need to fight in their corner so that this treaty (the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disability) is actually domesticated. I thank you Mr. President.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you
Sen. Timveos. May I remind Hon. Members that there have been some complains about members not getting Order Papers in time. Parliament staff has actually put your Order Papers earlier on in your pigeon holes. So, you may collect the Order Papers from your pigeon holes and from now onwards this will be the modus operandi.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: Thank you Mr. President. This issue that we are talking about is an issue that affects every one of us in this House and outside the House; therefore it affects the citizenry as a whole. We are seeing a trend where the Government is dragging its feet to implement a convention that they signed. A convention on the rights of persons with disability was ratified in 2013 by the Seventh Parliament and up to date, no law has been domesticated. This ratification of the UN Convention has not been domesticated. What I mean by domestication is that it becomes part of the laws of the country. Unfortunately, this has not been done and its five years now. Look, I do not want to repeat the words of our Hon. Speaker of saying the issue of inertia takes precedence in all the things that we do. We believe that things should have been done and we would not be debating this issue in this House Mr. President.
The issue of incorporation into our laws is very important for any treaty or any convention that we sign out in this country. If that convention is not domesticated then it will not affect our people. We need our people who are disabled not to be discriminated. They should be put on the same level as we are. The example that I can give you is that if we domesticate this law we will then find that the people that are disabled are going to get equal treatment. A very simple equal treatment that I can tell you about is; you still find a building that is not accessible to the disabled people yet that is a very simple issue. So, domestication of the convention will help us to put disabled people on equal footing with us who are still saying we are able to climb steps or do whatever. It is very important Mr. President, that we domesticate this convention.
Mr. President, there is an Act that was passed in 1992. That Act, if you check it properly and questions have been raised in this House, it says there should be a Director for Disabled Persons in the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. This has not been implemented. The disabled persons and some of our Hon. Members here have asked why that is not being implemented. So, Mr. President, that is very important for the Government or Executive to put into practice what is in that Act.
Mr. President, there is also another issue of the National Disability Board. In February 2012, a National Disability Board was appointed and that board existed until February 2017. From that time Mr. President, no board has been appointed to deal with the issues of the disabled persons in this country which I think is very unfortunate. We do not believe that should continue as it is, the Minister who is responsible for that must take precautionary measures.
Mr. President, we were discussing the issue of budget last week and we believe that when the budget allocations are made, the Ministry must have adequate resources in the department that deals with disabilities. At least there would be an amelioration of a situation where we are talking about the other issues that are not in place. We know that the issues that we are talking about; the Minister might say these issues involve costs, but if you look at the period when the convention was signed, 5 years ago, certainly we should have done something. Thank you.
HON. SEN. KHUPE: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to express my gratitude to Hon. Sen. Timveos for raising this hot issue among disabled people, a very important section of the community of
Zimbabwe. I will not go into detail trying to explain a number of things because I will be repeating what the Hon. Senator had actually given us. I totally agree with her sentiments as a representative of the disabled with a mandate of the disabled community, I think if I had authority and if there was a grant award of disability inclusion, Hon. Sen. Timveos would be the first recipient.
I would want to correct Hon. Sen. Shoko that the disability body was actually appointed. The then Hon. Minister Kagonye had put that in place, only the lack of funding is missing. Since July, we have never met; the last time we met is immediately after the board had complained to His Excellency, E. D. Mnangagwa when we met him on the 31st July, 2018. The then Minister and Hon. President of Senate raised the issue and said we have got a board which is not sitting because Treasury is not releasing funds. His Excellency quickly pledged to give us the money the following week.
So, whilst we have a listening President, on the contrary, we have un listening Ministers who are given the job. A good example, with due respect to the Minister is that two weeks ago during the Question and Answer time, the Minister declared that the Draft Disability Policy will be there in 10 days time but up to now there has never been consultations, the draft is not there. So, I am trying to highlight how disabilities are taken as insignificant issues.
Hon. Senators, if all of us could be singing from the same hymn book and same tune, disability issues would have been dealt with long back. The real predicament affecting disability and development is the Constitution. I agree that we need to do these disability policies but you cannot strengthen the shadow of a tree when the tree itself is bent. You need to strengthen the tree; it is the one which causes the shadow where you can enjoy and sit but as long as the Constitution has got some challenges, I think what we will be doing is piecemeal.
I am not saying we should not amend the Disabilities Act, we can do that as a temporary measure but the overall; we need to overhaul the Constitution so that it looks at disability with a straight, inclusive manner. The present one looks at disability like how a cock looks, it is shaky, and it is not straight. So, with these few words, I just wanted to say, I am happy Senator Timveos and I will also report it to my constituents that in the Senate there are also people who also support us.
I also wish that all of us could support us in this regard. Thank you. HON. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKONI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to adjourn: Tomorrow, Wednesday, 14th November, 2018.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential speech.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. HUNGWE: Thank you Mr. President. I stand to make my contribution on this motion regarding the speech given by His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa. I will start by congratulating him because the Lord made it possible for the people of Zimbabwe to elect him as the leader of Zimbabwe. The people of Zimbabwe had confidence in him and they voted for him overwhelmingly and the people knew that he was a true Zimbabwean, there is no doubt about that. I will repeat that he is Hon. Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa; congratulations for wining overwhelmingly.
I will extend my congratulatory messages to the President of the Senate, Hon. Mabel Memory Chinomona and also the Deputy President of the Senate, Rtd. General Nyambuya because of winning these positions; being elected to be the Presiding Officers in this Senate. This is the House which has mature and elderly people who are well organised.
I further congratulate Hon. Jacob Francis Mudenda for being elected the Speaker of the National Assembly and I also congratulate his Deputy Hon. Tsitsi Gezi. It shows that in the Ninth Parliament, the people responsible for electing leaders were organised and focused.
Let me now turn to the speech which was given by His
Excellency, an intelligent man, a man of integrity and a man of his word.
Hon. President is a man who worked hard, tirelessly and made sacrifices for this country. He was incarcerated as a very young man because of his political beliefs, which were aimed at freeing the country from the colonial clutches to the people of Zimbabwe; the Black people and because God had a mission for him, he had been sentenced to death for the crimes he committed as young as he was, but there were extenuating circumstances which led the same death sentence to be commuted to a jail sentence.
When the President opened the First Session of the Ninth
Parliament, he talked of many issues of which I will only pick a few. He knew that he was addressing Parliament and he was setting a target for the making of laws because it is the responsibility of Parliament to make laws, because he has a legal background. My hope and trust is that this august House is going to work hard and follow the parameters and guidelines given by His Excellency, especially when we look at the Constitution. Hon. Mnangagwa was one of the forefront runners in crafting this new Constitution; hence he knows the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of this Constitution. He is now saying every Zimbabwean should follow and implement the Constitution.
In his speech he talked about mining. We are all aware that Zimbabwe is endowed with a lot of minerals. Even when we had those illegal sanctions imposed upon us, Zimbabwe was not destroyed because it is endowed with riches, especially minerals which we were given by the Lord, who gave Zimbabwe the blessings, the gift of land and minerals. We have some among us who are involved in mining. We were using a derogatory term, calling them makorokoza but the President has said we should appreciate the work which is being done by these small scale miners and this will lead to the growth of this country. The President said the best term when referring to these small scale miners is artisanal miners because when we are saying makorokoza, we are saying they are illegal miners; they are people who are working against the law but we realise that these artisanal miners are making a lot of contribution to the wealth of the country.
We also understand that these artisanal miners have made a bigger contribution than established miners in the supply of gold. What we know is if these artisanal miners are given enough and relevant support, the country will definitely grow its wealth. What is very pleasing about these artisanal miners is that there is no gender discrimination. We find both male and female in that field of mining.
Going to the issue of small scale business people (SMEs), the country of Zimbabwe was at the verge of collapsing economically but we want to thank the small to medium enterprises because they were able to uphold the economy of the country and lead to the substance of lives because of their dedication. The President also recognised this venture and established a Small to Medium Enterprises Ministry. When we look at places where they are operating from, in areas like Siyaso and Mupedzanhamo, in Bulawayo you will find them at eRenkini, Egodini, they are there. Even in Nkulumane they are doing those small businesses.
These people need to have a fund which is set aside for them so that they can grow and not remain as small scale enterprises. They may even become big enterprises which we see today. When colonialists came into this country, they also started small but they were forcing our forefathers to work in their fields and business ventures and they have now grown big. If we support those small scale enterprises and artisanal miners, they will grow into big business ventures.
I would like to thank the City Council of Harare for the stance they have boldly taken by removing the illegal vendors from the streets of
Harare. Now the City of Harare will soon regain its sunshine city status. We want to work towards that. We have some people who have negative thoughts, who were saying the Government removed these illegal vendors and cannot be proud of a clean city when people have been driven into poverty but we do not realise that these vendors were operating from places which lacked sanitary and ablution facilities and they had to mess wherever they were. Therefore, it was good to remove them.
What we now want is to have these vendors relocated to special designated places and it is up to us as individuals to follow these vendors and create business for them where they have been located because we want to retain the sunshine city status of Harare. I did say that our President is a war veteran. In his speech, he talked about the welfare of war veterans and collaborators. The Deputy President of the Senate is also a war veteran; we have war veterans and collaborators in this House. All these people worked hard towards the liberation of Zimbabwe and it is imperative that we create a welfare fund and a conducive atmosphere for these people who fought for the liberation of this country. I know that immediately after the war, these people worked so hard for the liberation of the country. We were not given proper gratuities; some are paupers and some are beggars. Even when there was land redistribution, some of these people were overlooked. We need to revisit the welfare of the war veterans, the collaborators and the ex-detainees which the President emphasised on.
He again talked about corruption, corruption is a cancer, corruption is destructive, corruption is a demon which has to be destroyed, we have to nip it in the bud and uproot it. There are some people who when you want service from their organizations, they will then say please give me money so that I may give you my services. In this august Senate, let us call for punitive sentences for people who are convicted of corruption; for instance long term incarceration will be an ideal sentence for such people.
I will conclude my contribution because there are a lot of things which were mentioned by His Excellency. The issue I am talking about is something which really troubles me: I am not very comfortable with that. I know muno mune varume vakuru nevakadzi vakuru. I know some of you, you are going to be angry because I have raised this issue, if I provoke you, please forgive me. I must say it for the good of the nation.
*THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: We do not
have elderly women and elderly men but we have Hon. Senators in this
Senate.
*HON. SEN. HUNGWE: The issue I want to raise is that this Senate has mature people. Amongst us there are very few who are below the age of 50 and this means we are the elderly. Where I come from, when we talk of the elderly - we call them vasharukwa. These are the people who give guidance and advise the youths. The President presented his speech as an elder and he was giving us his vision through his address when he was opening the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.
During his speech for this Session, he laid out the ground work of the laws which we are going to promulgate. Some of us boycotted the opening speech delivery and I am saying as Zimbabweans, that does not help us by moving out and boycotting a speech by His Excellency because it is our responsibility that we construct and we build this country. Like in a soccer game, a team has strikers, defenders and goal keepers, they are one. As it is now, we are working as one; we are working towards the welfare of Zimbabwe. We are working for the progress and development of our country. As members of the Senate which is made up of senior citizens, let us work for the development of our country. I have said in a nutshell, let me be courageous enough to give piece of advice to my fellow parliamentarians in this august Senate, we are one and we are patriotic Zimbabweans.
*HON. SEN. ZIVIRA: Thank you Hon. President. I will talk about the removal of vendors from the streets of Harare...
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I think you
want to debate on the motion of vendors. Can you make up your mind?
*HON. SEN. ZIVIRA: Yes.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you
Hon. Senator. You can do that later.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 14th November, 2018.
MOTION
DEVOLUTION OF POWER
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call for devolution.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President. I am also grateful to Hon. Sen. Mwanzora for introducing this motion on devolution in this Senate. I will not repeat what was said by other Hon.
Senators because a lot of Senators made contributions on this motion, so I will not bore this Senate by repeating what they said. All we are calling for is that we have to follow what the Constitution says and we did agree and we adopted this Constitution because we had wide consultation with the people in 2013. The public gave input as to the Constitution which they wanted. Amongst the lots of things they wanted was that there has to be a system of Government and what they said was that the wealth of each of these provinces should be used by the people of that particular area where that natural resource is found. The Hon. Member who spoke before me advised that in the last session, he had moved this motion in the Eighth Parliament, but the motion was not adopted by the House.
I am glad this motion on devolution has been reintroduced and I realised that Hon. Members of this august House saw that this is an important motion. Devolution is important and devolution is progress. I am very happy because when I was watching news on ZTV, devolution is a very wide topic and involves a lot of aspects of life because I noticed that when people were making contributions and talking, some of them were not aware of the depth of the issue of devolution.
There is a man called Mr. Nyabadza who is the leader of ARDA. The man was so emotional and emphatic. He was saying ARDA is responsible in that area for growing wheat. That wheat is harvested and it is ferried to Harare where it is processed and value added. When that wheat comes to where it is grown in the ARDA Estates, it does not come back as wheat but it will be a finished product. That is why we are
saying in each of the provinces where we have these natural resources, and natural products, the people of that particular area should benefit.
When we add value, there should be benefits to those people in that area.
Let me look at Binga. Binga is a very big fishery area and has a lot of fish from the Zambezi and Kariba Dam. I did my research and found that the people who register on fisheries, such as cooperatives or companies apply for permits. In order for them to have their application submitted, they apply in Harare. I was told that the application fees for a fishing permit is US$3 000.00 and the application is sent to the
Department of Parks and Wildlife. When we peg the application fee at US$3 000.00; I only noticed that there were only two people of Binga who had applied for permission to do fishing.
If they have increased, I am not sure that it would have happened after my research. So, you can imagine that only two people from Binga being the only people who are going to do the fishing in such an area. I am not calling for segregation and say other people should not come and benefit because we are all Zimbabweans. Let us have a quota system whereby we give preference to the people of Binga because when you charge such an amount, where will the people of Binga get such an amount of money?
If we could implement devolution, we will say the people who come from those areas where we have those natural resources can easily access their natural resources because they should be benefitting from them. They should derive their livelihood because that is where they get money for food, education and health. Therefore, they should have easy access to the natural resources of their country. Mr. President, I am emphasising that this House should call for the implementation of devolution. This should have been done long back and I am saying it is not too late. I am making this contribution after other Hon. Members have made their contribution.
I grew up in Bulawayo and during the time when I was growing up, I remember seeing some houses being constructed for the public. I asked myself why people were constructing houses. The Municipality and the Government; I am talking of Bulawayo because this is the place I know better. I realised that the City of Bulawayo would start by constructing beer halls. Whenever there is a place where they wanted to construct houses for the public, they would start by constructing a beer hall and people would go to those areas and drink beer. Beer was not very expensive and people benefited from them.
Let me explain what I am saying. When money has been taken or has been accumulated from the beer sales, after the Council has done all and have paid for all the expenditures, the profit would be used for constructing houses. They would build complete houses with all the necessary rooms, roofs, electricity and water including the bulbs. When you get into that house, you are given the keys to a complete house. The Council would also construct clinics in that area. They also construct schools and recreational centres. You hear a resident saying they now have houses, schools, recreational facilities and people will be very happy.
There were a few cases of thuggery because people were benefiting. We noticed that Government became greedy of the money which was accumulated by these local authorities and Government started saying they need to be paid a certain levy, a certain percentage. When you look at the percentage given, it means they were taking on the surplus which was used in creating recreational facilities and houses for the people of Bulawayo. What is now happening is that the Council no longer constructs houses and the country cannot implement its projects.
The Council was constructing houses and started by constructing what we called shell houses, an incomplete building with no windows and doors. You are then given the house so that you complete the houses as an individual because constructing a finished house was becoming a burden for the Council. In the long run, the Council ended up allocating people stands so that an individual owner would construct that house on his own using his own expenses. This is because of greediness that was displayed by Government in levying these local authorities instead of letting them develop their areas of jurisdiction. These Councils should be empowered through devolution so that they lead to the development of these areas.
Government introduced a system which was difficult to be implemented by the people and I am saying if they have devolution, these provincial councils would be developing their own places. What is obtaining now is that we have people who approach councils, obtain land and promise to service the land. People are even offered stands in wetlands. These wetlands are not well drained and there are problems, the reason being that there is no money. We feel this should be handled by the State and start by servicing those areas before houses are constructed.
When we started seeing those areas, they were clean; we had clean air but now there are pungent smells all over the places. They had efficient sewer systems but now, we have ablution blocks and burst sewer pipes and this is leading to diseases such as cholera. What I am saying is, Government should implement devolution. The Government should also look at what has really happened after they had levied these local authorities. What developmental projects have they carried out?
Local authorities were constructing schools, clinics and houses and we are saying through devolution, these local authorities would start doing developmental projects. Government is the mother and father of these cities and should be giving resources to these local authorities.
Some of us were not aware of what devolution means and we are hoping through these debates and discussions, people will realise that if they have their own natural resources in their jurisdictions, they will lead to development because they will guard those resources jealously. These cities are going to develop because people will be planning on what is good for them and they have all those plans for development.
With those few words, I support the motion. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 14th November, 2018.
MOTION
CASH SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call to solve the cash crisis in the country.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHIFAMBA: Thank you Mr. President. I want to add my voice on this motion which was raised by Hon. Shoko concerning cash crisis. For sure, if you can say life is easy yet there is no cash, it is very difficult. Even today I am given US$2000, it is only on paper, it is not there in the banks. We are having challenges when we get into shops because they are charging in rands and US dollars. Now, we do not know how many currencies we are using in Zimbabwe. On paper, they say that we are using bond note which is one to one with the US dollar but for you to get US$100, you have to part with 335 bond notes. We have a cash crisis. Some schools are even charging in US dollars; nothing is easy in Zimbabwe. You find a product costing $200 and you are told it is US$200. We are told US dollar is one to one with the bond note but it is not a true reflection of what is happening. I think this should be investigated.
Those who are in charge of our finances should get into shops and see how we are being charged. If I get into a shop and I am charged in US dollar when I have the bond note, it is a night mare. They should get into these shops and see the currency that they are using so that it becomes easy for us. In this House, we say US dollar and bond note are at par which is not a true reflection of what is happening out there; we have a cash crisis. The Ministers responsible should go into the shops because we now have two tier pricing. Do we have rands in this country? Where do I get the rand when I am in possession of the bond note? For me to get the rands, I should have more bond notes. It is not easy as we might think.
In our pigeon holes, we found that we had money which was written in US dollars. I went to my bank and said the information which I have is that my money is in US dollars but they said the bond note will never be equal to the US dollar. Investigations should be made so that those who are charging in US dollars or rands are brought to book. You can find a product marked 12 000 bond notes but in US dollars, it is about $2000 or $3000 and in rands it is about R5000. We are perplexed as a nation. You should tell us the real currency that we are using so that when you get into the shops that is what you find. If it is bond note, it should be bond note. If we are using US dollars in our shops, we should also be paid in US dollars because as a worker, I am being paid in bond notes but the shops are demanding US dollars and it does not tally. I want to thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. SHOKO: Thank you Mr. President. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 12th November, 2018.
MOTION
NATIONAL DRUG POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE
FRAMEWORK
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on National Drug
Policy and legislative framework to effectively regulate drug use.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 12th November, 2018.
MOTION
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS OF VENDING
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on finding solutions to challenges associated with vending.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me
this opportunity to contribute on the motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen.
Chabuka.
When Hon. Sen. Chabuka was talking of vending, she was referring to the vendors on the streets who are being traumatised and terrorised by authorities. I will delve into the reasons why there is vending, i.e. the origins of vending and why so many people engage in vending. We have to look at the reasons why these people are increasing in the streets and if only Zimbabwe had a high rate of employment versus the high rate of unemployment that has led to vending. We will have few people who will be engaging in vending should more jobs be created and industry revived as nobody loves vending but undertake it through frustration.
When I was growing up, we had companies like the mines that were producing and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) was a hive of activity. Even before independence, we had gainfully employed people and no vendors being traumatised and terrorised like now. Mr. President, why is it that we continue to come to this august House to talk about these vendors yet we are supposed to be crafting laws that will lead to the reduction of vendors in the streets. When the vendors go to the streets, they are doing so in order to eke out a living for the welfare of their families. They want food on the table, there are no jobs for the fathers and we have noticed that in most cases, the men shun vending as most of these vendors are women who will care for the upkeep of the families.
What disturbs me is the fact that these people are indulging in vending due to lack of employment in the country. They suffer at the hands of armed uniformed forces yet they are trying to eke out an honest living. As we are in this august House, the Senate, with such people of our stature, we should be focusing at the causes of vending rather than concentrating on the vendors who are already in the streets instead of looking at the reason why they in the streets. We have a situation, when you get to a burning house, you do not start by looking at who started the fire but you start by relieving and rescuing the victims in the house who may be burnt to death by the fire. When you have rescued everybody and property, you then start investigations as to the reasons of how the fire started. Let us not concentrate on the symptoms but let us look at the causes.
As the august Senate, let us craft laws that will lead to the opening up of business and create room for employment then we will have few people indulging in vending. No one will engage in vending especially after coming from work and are tired, all they will want is to rest but people indulge in vending because there are no jobs and are poor. Hon. Members, let me categorically state that today we may be blaming vendors but tomorrow, due to the prevailing economic situation we could be part and parcel of those people who are currently engaged in vending.
Currently, the country is experiencing cash flow problems. In
Harare, we now have people whom we call, ‘street kids’. They sleep on the shop verandas, pavements and streets. We can eradicate that scourge by raising the economy of the country to what it was before independence in 1980. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. ZIVIRA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to talk about the vendors. I am also grateful to Hon.
Sen. Chabuka for tabling this motion.
I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of the police and soldiers because they are responsible for engaging in running battles with these vendors. We are aware that local authorities had given these vendors areas from which to operate from. Local authorities were even levying these vendors and it was a peaceful exercise as councils were also benefitting from the vending sites. Then the police and soldiers went on to destroy the vending stalls from where the licensed vendors were operating from yet the current Government in the Ninth Parliament promised people that there is going to be ease of doing business and welfare programmes for the people. All I am noticing is that the living conditions are getting worse and worse by the day.
Some of the people who are indulging in vending come from rural areas due to the high rate of migration from rural to urban and very few people here. You get surprised if you are told that most of the people are in the rural areas, yet people have migrated to rural areas to urban areas and they do that because that is where they can eke out a living. I am pleading with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe National Army that they should desist from fighting these vendors who are trying to eke out a living, because the economic situation in the country is very difficult. So, please have mercy on them.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do not adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 14th November, 2018.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA seconded by HON. SEN. MOHADI, the Senate adjourned at Seven Minutes to Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 15th November, 2018
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p. m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have to inform the House that I have received the apologies from the following Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
- W. Chitando – The Minister of Mines and Mining
Development;
- P. Kambamura –The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining
Development;
- Y. Simbanegavi – The Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport,
Arts and Culture;
- J. Mhlanga – The Deputy Minister of Local Government,
Public Works and National Housing;
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development. We heard from the report that was given by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport. I represent Midlands and I stay in Zvishavane. Madam President, from Zvishavane to Mataga, there is no road that was constructed. May I know from the Deputy Minister where this information is coming from? When are you going to take Mberengwa seriously because since 1980, there are no roads that were constructed? People are suffering, we do not have roads, and we do not want to hear about these false reports.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Thank you Madam President. On the issue of the source of the report, I am not quite sure what the Hon. Sen. is expecting from me. What I understood is that the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee made the report. The substance of the question itself requires that I contact our Provincial Roads Engineer which I will do today. Unfortunately, I will not be available next week but I will make arrangements to have an appropriate response given to the Hon. Member at the earliest opportunity.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. It is in connection with the accidents that are always happening at the bridge in Siyachilaba, Binga. When are you going to fix that bridge because so many people have lost their lives on that bridge and accidents are happening there day after day?
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I just want to remind
you Hon. Member that you address the Chair, not direct to the Minister and also remind Members of the Senate that we have to ask policy questions please.
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Thank
you Madam President for that important question that was asked by the Hon. Member. I am so sorry that there are so many accidents that have occurred on that bridge. I am not well vexed with the bridge but I will ask my engineering team and then I will give an answer specific to that bridge.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The Minister said he is
going to consult with his engineers related to that particular area but what I think will help you so that the Minister does not forget is to put question in written form so that the question remains on the Order Paper. It forces him to go and research.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: My question is directed to the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The question was supposed to go to the Minister of Labour. Madam President, the Labour Act says that maternity leave should be granted for a period of 98 days on full pay to a female employee who has served for at least one year. The Minister of Labour had said Government policy allows women to get pregnant as soon as they starting working. Can the Minister help by telling us the position at law?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I want to thank
the Hon. Member for the question and I am glad she quoted what the law states and the law is the Government position. The Government does not control when and how people get pregnant but it puts in a legislative framework that speaks to what is supposed to happen should a woman fall pregnant, which is exactly what she described. I thank you.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I do not know whether the Labour Act no
longer works because I have it with me here. Unless this Act is aligned to the Constitution, maybe that will help us so that the nation knows the correct position. May I read the Labour Act Madam President?
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: What I am seeing here
is that maybe you did not understand each other on what the question is asking. This is what I think. Can you bring up the question again?
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I had asked the Minister of Labour about maternity leave. She responded by saying that the Government policy allows women to get pregnant as soon as they start working but the
Labour Act says maternity leave shall be granted in terms for a period of 98 days on full pay to a female employee who has served for at least one year. Thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam President. Let me repeat what I said. Firstly, the Government of Zimbabwe does not have a policy of stopping people from getting pregnant. You can be employed today and you fall pregnant tomorrow. It is your human right to do that. Secondly, the Government then regulates to say that should you fall pregnant what should prevail in terms of maternity leave, which is exactly what the Hon. Member has indicated. That is the law to say that after one year of employment you are entitled to 98 days and you get that but should you fall pregnant a day after being employed, you do not enjoy the benefits of going on maternity leave on full pay for 98 days. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. SHOKO: My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Welfare, in his absence to the Leader of Government Business. I want clarity on the issue of drugs that are channeled out. We ended up with Aguma. We want this House to be enlightened on the issue of Aguma, where it is now, how it all started and ended because we heard that there were papers which were processed in India. We want clarity as Hon. Members so that we know and we can go to our respect others on the position of Aguma, whether it was processed in India and the position now.
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I want to thank
you Madam President on the Aguma issue. I am not answering in line with Aguma because he wants to know the position. What I want to say is that on the issue of Aguma the Government policy is that if people come up with drugs that they think may work they should take them to the Medicines Control Department and produce the paperwork. Clinical trials are done to see whether the drug really works and if they see that it works then a licence will be given. What happened when Aguma was introduced is that due process was not followed. So, our Health Department asked them to follow procedure because some people were now refusing to take ARVs because of Aguma. It was now feared that people were now having resistant strain when in fact the HIV had been managed well. If you put your question in writing, the Minister of Health will come and articulate it well because it is now specific. I want to thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. FEMAI: Thank you Madam President. My question
is directed to the Minister of Energy. I want to ask about Government policy when it comes to the transformers which are malfunctioning and are not being replaced. Before this new dispensation, when a transformer broke down, the community would come together and make contributions to ZESA for a new transformer. However, these days the transformers are burnt and nothing happens. So, I would like to know whether the community should contribute or maybe the Government policy in place does not permit them to do so.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Thank you Madam President.
I would also like to thank Hon. Sen. Femai for such a pertinent question which is very relevant in line with transformers. Firstly, transformers are mounted by ZESA and they are installed by ZETDC. ZESA enterprise is a company that makes the transformers which they give to ZETDC free of charge. If a transformer is malfunctioning, there is no law which says that the community should look into that, it is the responsibility of ZETDC to replace the transformer for free. If people were contributing in that area it was not a Government policy, because electricity is a right to everyone - so if there is a malfunctioning, it is the responsibility of ZESA to replace. However, because of financial restraints, probably they might fail to replace the transformers.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: My question is directed to
the Minister of Agriculture. What is Government’s policy on the ‘99” year leases for beneficiaries of the Land Reform, especially the A1?
What is the policy on agricultural inputs deliveries to farmers, reference to the delays of those inputs being delivered, especially those in irrigation schemes?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, WATER, CLIMATE AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON.
KARORO): Thank you Madam President. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for that good question. However, on the first question, I would kindly suggest that the Hon. Member puts it in writing because there is a lot still happening to the “99” year lease policy. So, I think it would be proper if I can get it in writing so that I can go and consult widely.
On the second question regarding inputs, the position is that, yes we have experienced some delays, but the position right now is that inputs distribution is a programme that is currently underway. If you go to the districts, the programme is in full swing; we apologise as a
Ministry for the delays in the distribution of the inputs.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. During the budget presentation, we complained that most of the medication that we are getting in the pharmacies is now being sold in United States Dollars. You had promised that the situation would change but nothing has changed so far.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI) on behalf of THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE: I would like to thank
the Hon. Member for the question and indeed the Minister of Health and Child Care has spoken about the availability of drugs in Bulawayo at the pre-budget seminar. The Government intends to capacitate our own local company NATPHAM to have drugs so that they can be distributed. So, we are in the process of ensuring that NATPHAM gets foreign currency so that they can import directly from some manufacturers and one of them is India. This way, the situation of drug supply in the country will be stabilised.
We have realised that if we concentrate on giving foreign currency to private players, some of them are diverting the foreign currency and we did not have a mechanism to monitor how the foreign currency usage was going on.
However, the Minister of Health and Child Care has just walked in and I will request him to add on from there.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon.
Ziyambi. For the benefit of the House, all the Senators might need to know what is happening about the drugs. So, I will give Hon. Sen. Phuti a chance to repeat her question.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Madam President for the
opportunity that you have given me once again. I want to ask Hon. Minister of Health that during the Pre-Budget Seminar you said that the rate for United States Dollar (US$) and bond note were the same but we now realise it is not the same. You indicated that most pharmacies were selling drugs using US$ and you promised that that issue will be looked into. It is now a week after we came back from the Pre-Budget seminar, what is it that the Government is doing so that they can follow up on the people who are demanding payment in US$?
*THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON.
- O. MOYO): Thank you Madam President. This issue of selling drugs in US$, it is an issue which is also troubling us as a Ministry, because we were thinking that all the pharmacies should sell their drugs with the currency which is readily available. The money which is out of supply is US$, so it does not help that the currency that is not available is the one that they are asking people to pay. Moreover, for that foreign currency to be found, it is very difficult. Our relatives in the rural areas cannot afford those drugs because they cannot get hold of the US$.
We are encouraging as the Ministry of Health that all the pharmacies should understand so that they accept the bond notes, RTGs, medical aid cards as well as swipe, that is what we are encouraging them. As of now, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) does not have enough US$ but we are also pleading with them that from the few US$ that they have, they should watch closely those whom they give the money – whether they are using that money for drugs or they divert it for other uses.
What we are seized with at the moment is that - Cabinet has set up a Committee which will investigate on how foreign currency is being used. If it is for drugs, it should be channeled towards that; if it is for retail, pharmacies that have been given money should use it accordingly. If they are given US$100, they should account for that amount. If it is a wholesaler which has been given, they should also be accountable as well as manufacturers.
I would also like you to know that we want to move on to manufacture our own drugs here in Zimbabwe. From the allocation we are going to get, we will buy raw materials to give CAPS and Datlabs for them to manufacture drugs; they will account for the money that they will be given. After they manufacture, we will send those drugs to National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm). NatPharm does not have enough drugs in their warehouses as of now. We told NatPharm that we want to do a re-stocking exercise. We want to fill their warehouse with drugs.
The first step we have taken is we talked with people in India; by the way, about 80% of our drugs come from India. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India and this morning I was with the Indian Ambassador and he was telling me about the arrangement between our NatPharm company and an equivalent NatPharm in India, so that we can get drugs from companies in India without paying deposits.
If our NatPharm just goes on its own without the backing of Indian companies, they will be required to pay deposits and it will take about four months before we get any drugs. If we engage the Indian Government to link us with their equivalent NatPharm there, it will be easy because they will not be requested to pay deposits. Secondly, the drugs as we were promised by the Vice President of India, he said he was going to give us about 100 tonnes of drugs and we are still waiting for them.
We have also engaged the World Health Organisation (WHO), they helped us during the cholera outbreak. They gave us drugs worth $3 million, now they are also helping us. They are in their meetings because we told them that it is now an emergency in Zimbabwe. Yesterday I was with the Head of WHO in Zimbabwe and he sends a message to their Headquarters in Congo. We have also engaged their Director General who is in Geneva, I met him when I went for a meeting and he has understood that and they also want to help us. Their hearts are pure when it comes to helping Zimbabwe.
There are also other plans that we have, our RBZ Governor, Mangudya is also trying his best, each time he gets some foreign currency, he channels it towards our direction. The most important thing is that we are pleading with the owners of the pharmacies that they should charge their drugs with the money that is available. Also the wholesalers, that they should not charge pharmacy retailers using currency that is not available. Otherwise all of us are fighting so that everything goes well and drugs are at our disposal at affordable prices. Thank you Madam President.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Madam President. I would like
to thank the Minister for the explanation that he gave but he did not answer the question directly. My question is, whilst we are waiting for India and others who are willing to explain, are the pharmacies doing a legal thing selling medication in US dollars? Whilst we are waiting for things to stabilise, how are the pharmacies supposed to be selling their medication?
*THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON.
- O. MOYO): Thank you Madam President, the question from the Senator is very pertinent and very good giving us plans on how we can move on. We are all aware of what is happening and we are also fighting this it. As a Ministry, we have engaged the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance. I think you saw what happened on the fuel crisis, some garages had their licences revoked. We also contemplate doing the same but we have to be wise on that and we do want pharmacies to complain that we have revoked their licences because of US dollars. On the other hand we are saying US dollar is another currency which we can use to trade in Zimbabwe. We have engaged the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Finance on the way forward.
*HON. SEN. MAVETERA: I think the issue at the moment, is we have got – if it is true which we believe; Government has given money to pharmaceuticals to get medication and that medication is already on the market and it is being sold in US dollars and that is tax payers’ money and people are not accessing that medication. So as much as we appreciate those other arrangements to alleviate this problem, we want to know what is being done right now to make sure people access medication and they do not die because we have tax payers’ money that has been used. We want to know, they have got the statistics of who got the money and all the pharmacies who are selling in US dollars. Even if they got that money, it is translated to bond coins where it is multiplied by four, which is actually profiteering at the expense of the lives of the citizens when they are using tax payers’ money. So, what is the immediate solution? We want this Senate to be appraised by the Hon. Minister. It thank you Madam President.
HON. DR. O. MOYO: Thank you Madam President, I think I said
it in Shona, now I will repeat it in English for the benefit of the Hon. Senator. Basically, my answer is going to be the same in that yes, we are against those who are selling in US dollars. Secondly, they are also claiming they are using US dollars to replenish the stocks but however, we have said that that does not make any difference. The action that we are going to take, we have to await conclusion of decisions that are being made, discussions that are being made between my Ministry, Ministry of Justice and the Minister of Finance to ensure that we do not continue to make people suffer and make people pay in foreign currency. Definitely, because of that shortage of foreign currency, we do encourage the pharmacies to sell in local currency which is more easily available. That is actually what the position is. The Hon. Senator has indicated that he wants to know exactly what it is that we are doing with regards to replenishments and securing the foreign currency and ensuring that there is transparency in the utilisation of that foreign currency. We definitely are setting up a Committee. The Committee would be able to value the purchases and ensure that those purchases, when they come, are the correct purchases as per the initial request and that they match the initial request of foreign currency which would have been requested by the various retailers. I also want to emphasise that we are encouraging the wholesalers to sell to the retailers at the appropriate cost so that we are able to normalise the whole situation. Generally Madam President; there is a serious shortage of foreign currency for us to be able to fill up our warehouses at the shortest possible time. So, it will be some time before we replenish and are back to normal. I thank you.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The way I heard the
Hon. Senator; he said there are pharmacies which were allocated foreign currency to buy the medication which they have in their stocks but now they are selling in foreign currency. They are known and you have the list of those pharmacies, what are you going to do because even if you say you can sell in bond or in whatever currency, they are charging so much, they are making so much profit. What are you going to do with them because that allocation which they were given is tax payers’ money, this is what is being said – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. DR. O. MOYO: Thank you Madam President. I thought I
had answered but I will answer directly.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Directly on that one.
HON. DR. O. MOYO: Yes, directly on that one. Those who were
allocated funds in US dollars and they are now selling their product in US dollars; this is what we have said in the past, we have actually confronted some retail pharmacies and we shall continue to do. In fact, now we have an investigative team which will be going out to check once we have given an allocation to a particular pharmacy, a retailer, we now expect them to be selling in the local currency or the currency. That is easily available. That is actually easier to monitor because we know that we have given some US$100, the product they have in their shops is US$100, they should be selling them in the local currency that we are doing and we are sending out an investigative team who are going to be looking at that. Next week, after we have had our meeting and also having briefed Cabinet, I am sure they will be some more thorough and more rigorous approaches which shall be taken. It is just that at this stage, I cannot say too much until I also get clearance. We want a situation where we will be able to control and monitor all those who are selling after they have been given the foreign currency. We are going to be doing that.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: My supplementary question to the
Minister of Health is that we have heard that they have engaged the Ministry of Justice; we want to find out the timeframe so that we know and we will make a follow up.
*THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I do not think I will
take that question because if the Ministry of Justice is involved we cannot discuss it in here because that will hint on the culprits that we are talking about it. Let us just ask policy questions.
*HON. SEN. ZIVIRA: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. There are people who are killing, kidnapping and stealing people, but the police are not doing their job because no investigations are going on for those culprits to be brought to book. The police are busy with chasing vendors instead of making those investigations. What happens if someone wants to be kidnapped and they run to the police and no one takes hid of their cry?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Madam
President. I want to thank you Hon. Senator for your question which is very pertinent. Kidnapping is a serious crime but crime is crime, whether it is big or small. The police are supposed to investigate any crimes. If the Hon. Senator has evidence that there are crimes that were committed and were not investigated, it is good that it should be brought before the police that this case was not investigated whilst we have the proof.
Thank you.
+HON. SEN. P. NDHLOVU: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Minister of Defence and War Veterans.
Madam President, some people went to war and these people were given 50 kgs during the era when the former President was leading the country. They ate, consumed the food and it was finished. They were promised to be given more of that and they also promised to take our children to school. I have realised that that can take four to five years without those children going to school.
The money that we are being given as compensation every month is US$200.00. My question is, they still have some outstanding payments that they have not paid us, which they have been saying they will pay us. What are you going to do to the Hon. Members and all the war veterans whom you owe? This is because the US$200.00 that you are giving to the war veterans is not even able to buy medication. What are you going to do for the welfare of the war veterans? I thank you.
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND WAR
VETERANS (HON. MATEMADANDA): Thank you Hon. Senator. I am happy for the way you are talking is a sign that you are a war veteran. It is true that the war veterans are not getting that much and it is something that is not equivalent to the job that they did. We spoke about this issue when the former President was there. They used to indicate that there was not enough and it is still the same thing they are saying. The question that you asked is what is it that we are going to do? Are we going to be singing the same song that there is not enough money so that the welfare of the veterans can be improved?
I am happy that even the other side of the House which is the opposition seems to be showing interest in this. I am not the Minister of War Veterans only, but I am also the Minister of Defence and War
Veterans. When they talk about the issues to do with money for the Ministry of Defence, I will request that both sides of the House should support knowing that the other money is supposed to be allocated to the war veterans.
An Hon. Member having passed between the Chair and the Hon.
Member speaking.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Member.
HON. MATEMADANDA: You also asked that there are
outstanding payments that you were supposed to get. That is true and that money is there. When we were being addressed, they indicated that there is some money that we were supposed to be given, but we have not been allocated that money. Our desire is that we can get that money and we give it to the people who are supposed to benefit out of it. You also indicated as to what we are going to do because people think that we were given so much money as war veterans, but when we equate it to the US dollar, it is about US$5 000.00. This was a way of saying the war veterans can at least have a start to shape their lives.
As war veterans, we also want to benefit from the mainstream economy of the country. For example, war veterans, war collaborators and detainees can also have a say in the economy of the country. You realise that we have been doing public hearings with people from the Reserve Bank whereby they have said they are going to sponsor projects and programmes for war veterans. Our request is that if the money is allocated to the war veterans and when the war veterans receive it, they should be capacitated to start business. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. P. NDHLOVU: Thank you Madam President. If
you are going to give us that money and you say you want to monitor what we have been doing, what I will say is, that is equivalent to nothing and when you allocate us for example, US$20 000.00 and you are saying you want to monitor it, what if you give us that money and I want to build my child a house. My request is, when you give us that money you should not monitor what we are doing with that money. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND WAR
VETERANS (HON. MATEMADANDA): I again want to thank the Hon. Senator but this time, let me speak in English. What was supposed to be done when we came from the war during the period of demobilisation, there was supposed to be a programme that was supposed to be conducted, a programme of demobilisation, rehabilitation and recession. That would include capacitation of the demobilised comrades. Unfortunately, what happened is that when we came from the assembly points, a person was given maybe $300 and told to go to a home that he or she had left ten years ago.
After maybe 11 to 15 years, that person is given $50 000 without skills. It is his or her money but that money should be able to help that person to grow financially. This time around, we are looking for support from banks and all other institutions that can help. We cannot go about and say, give us money so that we give people for the purpose of squandering it the way they like. We are fighting an economic war here. War veterans and everyone should be responsible. We are saying, we want that money if it is there to be given to the war veterans. If it is not there, let us as a nation find that money so that we empower the comrades. At the same time, they must themselves be capacitated on how they can accrue more money.
+The Hon. Member is indicating that they want to use the money the way they want. I will give an example that even at home when you are given too much sadza, the instruction would be you can eat and do not waste; if there are left overs, keep them. It is a way of teaching someone to be responsible. We are doing this for ourselves.
*What we are entitled to should keep on coming but what we are being given should contribute to the mainstream. We do not want people to see as if when comrades are given money, they misuse it. We want people to take us seriously. We want the money that we were promised by Former President R. G. Mugabe to come; we are waiting
for it.
+HON. SEN. PHUTHI: I thank you Madam President for the time that you have given me. Hon. Minister, my question is, the issue of aid should be given priority. For example, in rural areas families of war veterans are not getting enough. My request is that the Government should take this issue and craft policies that make the children of war veterans benefit from that.
HON. MATEMADANDA: Thank you Madam President. I
would also want to thank the Hon. Senator but I am not sure whether that is a question or a word of advice. She talks about policies and I do not know which policies. Are they funeral policies, educational policies or what? I will just answer in the bush because it is not clear.
*THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: It is unfortunate that I do not understand the language very well. So, I just agreed that you give the answer.
*HON. MATEMADANDA: She said that war veterans are dying and we should come up with policies. It is not Government policy to tell people how they are supposed to be buried.
*HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: What the Hon. Member is saying is that you are a war veteran, you have a family and one day you will die but your children will remain in poverty. So, you should come up with policies that will cater for your children that even if you are no more, your family would not have challenges. Do you have a policy like that because there are dependants of war veterans who are living in poverty in the rural areas?
HON. MATEMADANDA: We have a policy on education for
the children of the veterans of the liberation struggle but it is not enough.
When we try to push it up, we are told there is not enough money. What I would want is to ask the Hon. Members to support again the budget that will be allocated to the Ministry. If I heard her well, she said men can die living their wives. So, I do not know whether death is discriminatory against women - [Laughter] – We should plan as a nation so that we come up with good policies. We should take it seriously. It does not matter how they plan because some think that if a child of a war veteran is living in poverty, it means that the parents do not plan. What should happen is that we should have money so that these war veterans live well. They are getting $200 and after the 2% tax, it means there is nothing. As a nation, we should ensure that they get enough to sustain themselves. Thank you.
HON. SEN. CHABUKA: My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce but he is not in and as I can see, the Leader of the House is also not in – he has left. So, is there anyone who can answer my question on industry and commerce, if not I can ask my question next week.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon.
Senator, I think quite a number of ministers were called – they received messages of a Cabinet meeting that just started now. So reserve your question for next week. Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu please.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. Are there plans in terms of accidents that are happening on our roads so that they are cleansed by churches and chiefs especially those blind spots? I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Thank
you Madam President but before I respond to the question, I want to pay my condolences as the Deputy Minister, my Minister and the
Government on the Rusape accident. There are things that we are doing in terms of helping the victims of these accidents.
I heard as if the Hon. Senator is asking whether or not there is anything that we do as Government to cleanse the accident areas? It is very true, as a Government, we visited the Rusape accident scene but there is nothing that is in place when it comes to cleansing – there is nothing in place. We leave that to the interested parties, they can go ahead if there is anything that they can do to help the nation but as Government, we do not go there and pray or cleanse the area. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: So if there are people who can
do the cleansing, will they get funding from the Ministry?
*HON. CHASI: There is no funding set aside by the Government to cater for that. We think that as the people of Zimbabwe, those who want to do that can make their own arrangements. We do not have a budget set aside for that.
* THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Minister, are you
even considering it?
*HON. CHASI: No, we are not.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIDAWU: My supplementary question
is, is the Hon. Minister aware that the challenge that we have is of unlicenced drivers and most of them bought their licences? Some of them, especially kombi drivers, you give way to them and this usually happens to those of us who stay in Harare. Is the Ministry doing anything to rectify the situation?
*HON. CHASI: Thank you Madam President, this issue of accidents requires all Zimbabweans to put our heads together. As Government, we realise that people who use public transport are being treated like slaves when boarding buses and kombis. So we are investigating starting from when a commuter reaches a bus station, there are what we call ‘hwindi’, the touts. We want to look at the fines that are in place whether or not they are in line with the crime that a person will have committed. For example, going through red robots is equivalent to a death sentence but if we fine someone $20.00, it is like we are considering the crime as petty. Supposing there is an accident, there is no medical bill that costs $20.00 or even damages worth $20.00 – so that is the process that we are working on. We are also looking at all those people who are breaking road traffic regulations, especially in Harare. It is frightening as even company executives are now driving on the wrong side of the road. It is prevalent in the nation; so we want to see whether or not we can use modern technology like the cameras and gadgets that if a person was erroneously given a driver’s licence, the cars would be tracked for exceeding speed limits.
The accident that happened in Rusape should be an eye opener to all Zimbabweans so that we look at this closely. We are now looking at how licences are issued and those who drive public service vehicles should be 25years old and above. Currently, most kombi drivers are under age. So I think we should reconsider this and as Government, we have decided in Cabinet that we should come up with a Road Traffic
Fund. When I came here, I was coming from a meeting that started at 0700hrs to look at the modalities pertaining to this fund. We should look at the current licensing system that involves ZIMRA and all the
Government departments that have anything to do with vehicles. It will help us to identify incompetent drivers – the whole chain from boarding to disembarking and even to accidents. We want to see how we can assist the accident victims. I thank you. – [HON. SEN. CHIEF
MAKUMBE: Supplementary Madam President!] –
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: That will be the last
supplementary question because Question Time Without Notice has expired. Can I give the Hon. Sen. who has not yet spoken to ask the supplementary to?
*HON. SEN. CHIEF MAKUMBE: Thank you Madam
President, I want to ask the Minister in line with accidents. We realise that the major cause of accidents is the competition between the transporters who ferry people from small towns to big towns. Is there a law that regulates the size of a vehicle? For example, from Harare to Mutare, there are small commuter buses and big buses and all these accidents happen because there will be competition between the transporters. Is there any law to regulate the size of the mode of transport ferrying peopleas kombis and buses are fighting for the same market? There are also small private cars that belong to people who do not pay revenue and most of the time they are busy chasing after people. So, what does the law say on regulating the size of transportation from city to city?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): If a
person has been granted a licence as a transport operator, they are given a route to ply. Kombis and buses are allowed but the question is how people are viewing it. Are the owners of the vehicles businessmen and women or they are people who do not have people at heart, because they give their drivers targets, especially kombi drivers. We once heard that they are supposed to remit $100 a day. That is why they do many trips and speed up. Once they are given licences, they are supposed to operate but what we should really investigate is whether the drivers are plying their routes and following their timetables.
The increase in the number of deaths or injuries is also as a result that only the driver and the passenger in front wear seatbelts while the rest of the passengers do not have belts. If a car is speeding and there is an impact, all the people inside the vehicle will be thrown outside for quite some distance. So, we should look at those issues. If we say everyone should wear a seatbelt, it means there will not be any standing passengers. We have room to work and come up with laws. We should look at enforcement as well-that the police should prosecute people. If people are supposed to be incarcerated, that should be done. In short, I think that is how we are working when looking at accidents on the roads.
*THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Some may want to
know how long it will take, because we are now going for the festive season and there are many accidents that may occur. How long will it take?
*HON. CHASI: Thank you Madam President. I cannot give an answer on that right now, to say by Christmas it would have been done. What I can say is that by Christmas we would not have done anything because if there are laws that need to be changed, the Bills have to go to Cabinet and come to the National Assembly and then here as well. My plea to you is that in our families we should talk about accidents on the roads and pray for people who will be travelling. If you look at the accident that happened in Rusape, there was an unbroken line and the road is good, but someone just went off the road. So, now it requires more than we can provide. If the Bill comes here I think we should speed it up.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 62.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
DUALISATION OF THE BEITBRIDGE-HARARE-CHIRUNDU
ROAD
- HON. SEN. MOHADI asked the Deputy Minister of Transport
and Infrastructural Development to state when the dualisation of the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu road would commence and whether funding for the project has been secured in view of the inordinate delays on the same.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): I am
happy to report that Government has commenced work on the
Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu road. In particular, we have started off at Beatrice and Chivhu which we consider to be parts of the road that are particularly dangerous.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I thought you have a
prepared answer Hon. Minister – [HON. CHASI: No, I do not.] – I think you are supposed to have an officer who works on this Order Paper so that every time you come with prepared answers by that officer manning that desk – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] -
HON. CHASI: I am speaking in a collective sense Madam
President to say that the Ministry has delegated a particular individual with a report, but it is not yet available.
EXPANSION OF THE CHIRUNDU-MASVINGO-BEITBRIDGE
HIGHWAY
- HON. SHOKO asked the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development when the expansion of the ChirunduMasvingo-Beitbridge Highway will resume.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Question
Number 6 Madam President is really Question Number 4 recast in a different sense. I have indicated that we have commenced work on that road.
MOTION
NATIONAL POLICY ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY
First order read: Adjourned debate on the need to formulate a comprehensive national disability policy and to review the Disabled Persons Act.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 20th November, 2018
MOTION
DEVOLUTION OF POWER
Second order read: adjourned debate on motion on the call for devolution.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 20th November, 2018.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA seconded by HON.
SEN. MOHADI, the Senate adjourned Six minutes past Four o’clock
p.m. until Tuesday, 20th November, 2018.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 15th November, 2018
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p. m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have to inform the House that I have received the apologies from the following Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
- W. Chitando – The Minister of Mines and Mining
Development;
- P. Kambamura –The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining
Development;
- Y. Simbanegavi – The Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport,
Arts and Culture;
- J. Mhlanga – The Deputy Minister of Local Government,
Public Works and National Housing;
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development. We heard from the report that was given by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport. I represent Midlands and I stay in Zvishavane. Madam President, from Zvishavane to Mataga, there is no road that was constructed. May I know from the Deputy Minister where this information is coming from? When are you going to take Mberengwa seriously because since 1980, there are no roads that were constructed? People are suffering, we do not have roads, and we do not want to hear about these false reports.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Thank you Madam President. On the issue of the source of the report, I am not quite sure what the Hon. Sen. is expecting from me. What I understood is that the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee made the report. The substance of the question itself requires that I contact our Provincial Roads Engineer which I will do today. Unfortunately, I will not be available next week but I will make arrangements to have an appropriate response given to the Hon. Member at the earliest opportunity.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. It is in connection with the accidents that are always happening at the bridge in Siyachilaba, Binga. When are you going to fix that bridge because so many people have lost their lives on that bridge and accidents are happening there day after day?
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I just want to remind
you Hon. Member that you address the Chair, not direct to the Minister and also remind Members of the Senate that we have to ask policy questions please.
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Thank
you Madam President for that important question that was asked by the Hon. Member. I am so sorry that there are so many accidents that have occurred on that bridge. I am not well vexed with the bridge but I will ask my engineering team and then I will give an answer specific to that bridge.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The Minister said he is
going to consult with his engineers related to that particular area but what I think will help you so that the Minister does not forget is to put question in written form so that the question remains on the Order Paper. It forces him to go and research.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: My question is directed to the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The question was supposed to go to the Minister of Labour. Madam President, the Labour Act says that maternity leave should be granted for a period of 98 days on full pay to a female employee who has served for at least one year. The Minister of Labour had said Government policy allows women to get pregnant as soon as they starting working. Can the Minister help by telling us the position at law?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I want to thank
the Hon. Member for the question and I am glad she quoted what the law states and the law is the Government position. The Government does not control when and how people get pregnant but it puts in a legislative framework that speaks to what is supposed to happen should a woman fall pregnant, which is exactly what she described. I thank you.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I do not know whether the Labour Act no
longer works because I have it with me here. Unless this Act is aligned to the Constitution, maybe that will help us so that the nation knows the correct position. May I read the Labour Act Madam President?
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: What I am seeing here
is that maybe you did not understand each other on what the question is asking. This is what I think. Can you bring up the question again?
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I had asked the Minister of Labour about maternity leave. She responded by saying that the Government policy allows women to get pregnant as soon as they start working but the
Labour Act says maternity leave shall be granted in terms for a period of 98 days on full pay to a female employee who has served for at least one year. Thank you.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam President. Let me repeat what I said. Firstly, the Government of Zimbabwe does not have a policy of stopping people from getting pregnant. You can be employed today and you fall pregnant tomorrow. It is your human right to do that. Secondly, the Government then regulates to say that should you fall pregnant what should prevail in terms of maternity leave, which is exactly what the Hon. Member has indicated. That is the law to say that after one year of employment you are entitled to 98 days and you get that but should you fall pregnant a day after being employed, you do not enjoy the benefits of going on maternity leave on full pay for 98 days. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. SHOKO: My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Welfare, in his absence to the Leader of Government Business. I want clarity on the issue of drugs that are channeled out. We ended up with Aguma. We want this House to be enlightened on the issue of Aguma, where it is now, how it all started and ended because we heard that there were papers which were processed in India. We want clarity as Hon. Members so that we know and we can go to our respect others on the position of Aguma, whether it was processed in India and the position now.
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): I want to thank
you Madam President on the Aguma issue. I am not answering in line with Aguma because he wants to know the position. What I want to say is that on the issue of Aguma the Government policy is that if people come up with drugs that they think may work they should take them to the Medicines Control Department and produce the paperwork. Clinical trials are done to see whether the drug really works and if they see that it works then a licence will be given. What happened when Aguma was introduced is that due process was not followed. So, our Health Department asked them to follow procedure because some people were now refusing to take ARVs because of Aguma. It was now feared that people were now having resistant strain when in fact the HIV had been managed well. If you put your question in writing, the Minister of Health will come and articulate it well because it is now specific. I want to thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. FEMAI: Thank you Madam President. My question
is directed to the Minister of Energy. I want to ask about Government policy when it comes to the transformers which are malfunctioning and are not being replaced. Before this new dispensation, when a transformer broke down, the community would come together and make contributions to ZESA for a new transformer. However, these days the transformers are burnt and nothing happens. So, I would like to know whether the community should contribute or maybe the Government policy in place does not permit them to do so.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Thank you Madam President.
I would also like to thank Hon. Sen. Femai for such a pertinent question which is very relevant in line with transformers. Firstly, transformers are mounted by ZESA and they are installed by ZETDC. ZESA enterprise is a company that makes the transformers which they give to ZETDC free of charge. If a transformer is malfunctioning, there is no law which says that the community should look into that, it is the responsibility of ZETDC to replace the transformer for free. If people were contributing in that area it was not a Government policy, because electricity is a right to everyone - so if there is a malfunctioning, it is the responsibility of ZESA to replace. However, because of financial restraints, probably they might fail to replace the transformers.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: My question is directed to
the Minister of Agriculture. What is Government’s policy on the ‘99” year leases for beneficiaries of the Land Reform, especially the A1?
What is the policy on agricultural inputs deliveries to farmers, reference to the delays of those inputs being delivered, especially those in irrigation schemes?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, WATER, CLIMATE AND RURAL RESETTLEMENT (HON.
KARORO): Thank you Madam President. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for that good question. However, on the first question, I would kindly suggest that the Hon. Member puts it in writing because there is a lot still happening to the “99” year lease policy. So, I think it would be proper if I can get it in writing so that I can go and consult widely.
On the second question regarding inputs, the position is that, yes we have experienced some delays, but the position right now is that inputs distribution is a programme that is currently underway. If you go to the districts, the programme is in full swing; we apologise as a
Ministry for the delays in the distribution of the inputs.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. During the budget presentation, we complained that most of the medication that we are getting in the pharmacies is now being sold in United States Dollars. You had promised that the situation would change but nothing has changed so far.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI) on behalf of THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE: I would like to thank
the Hon. Member for the question and indeed the Minister of Health and Child Care has spoken about the availability of drugs in Bulawayo at the pre-budget seminar. The Government intends to capacitate our own local company NATPHAM to have drugs so that they can be distributed. So, we are in the process of ensuring that NATPHAM gets foreign currency so that they can import directly from some manufacturers and one of them is India. This way, the situation of drug supply in the country will be stabilised.
We have realised that if we concentrate on giving foreign currency to private players, some of them are diverting the foreign currency and we did not have a mechanism to monitor how the foreign currency usage was going on.
However, the Minister of Health and Child Care has just walked in and I will request him to add on from there.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon.
Ziyambi. For the benefit of the House, all the Senators might need to know what is happening about the drugs. So, I will give Hon. Sen. Phuti a chance to repeat her question.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Madam President for the
opportunity that you have given me once again. I want to ask Hon. Minister of Health that during the Pre-Budget Seminar you said that the rate for United States Dollar (US$) and bond note were the same but we now realise it is not the same. You indicated that most pharmacies were selling drugs using US$ and you promised that that issue will be looked into. It is now a week after we came back from the Pre-Budget seminar, what is it that the Government is doing so that they can follow up on the people who are demanding payment in US$?
*THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON.
- O. MOYO): Thank you Madam President. This issue of selling drugs in US$, it is an issue which is also troubling us as a Ministry, because we were thinking that all the pharmacies should sell their drugs with the currency which is readily available. The money which is out of supply is US$, so it does not help that the currency that is not available is the one that they are asking people to pay. Moreover, for that foreign currency to be found, it is very difficult. Our relatives in the rural areas cannot afford those drugs because they cannot get hold of the US$.
We are encouraging as the Ministry of Health that all the pharmacies should understand so that they accept the bond notes, RTGs, medical aid cards as well as swipe, that is what we are encouraging them. As of now, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) does not have enough US$ but we are also pleading with them that from the few US$ that they have, they should watch closely those whom they give the money – whether they are using that money for drugs or they divert it for other uses.
What we are seized with at the moment is that - Cabinet has set up a Committee which will investigate on how foreign currency is being used. If it is for drugs, it should be channeled towards that; if it is for retail, pharmacies that have been given money should use it accordingly. If they are given US$100, they should account for that amount. If it is a wholesaler which has been given, they should also be accountable as well as manufacturers.
I would also like you to know that we want to move on to manufacture our own drugs here in Zimbabwe. From the allocation we are going to get, we will buy raw materials to give CAPS and Datlabs for them to manufacture drugs; they will account for the money that they will be given. After they manufacture, we will send those drugs to National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm). NatPharm does not have enough drugs in their warehouses as of now. We told NatPharm that we want to do a re-stocking exercise. We want to fill their warehouse with drugs.
The first step we have taken is we talked with people in India; by the way, about 80% of our drugs come from India. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India and this morning I was with the Indian Ambassador and he was telling me about the arrangement between our NatPharm company and an equivalent NatPharm in India, so that we can get drugs from companies in India without paying deposits.
If our NatPharm just goes on its own without the backing of Indian companies, they will be required to pay deposits and it will take about four months before we get any drugs. If we engage the Indian Government to link us with their equivalent NatPharm there, it will be easy because they will not be requested to pay deposits. Secondly, the drugs as we were promised by the Vice President of India, he said he was going to give us about 100 tonnes of drugs and we are still waiting for them.
We have also engaged the World Health Organisation (WHO), they helped us during the cholera outbreak. They gave us drugs worth $3 million, now they are also helping us. They are in their meetings because we told them that it is now an emergency in Zimbabwe. Yesterday I was with the Head of WHO in Zimbabwe and he sends a message to their Headquarters in Congo. We have also engaged their Director General who is in Geneva, I met him when I went for a meeting and he has understood that and they also want to help us. Their hearts are pure when it comes to helping Zimbabwe.
There are also other plans that we have, our RBZ Governor, Mangudya is also trying his best, each time he gets some foreign currency, he channels it towards our direction. The most important thing is that we are pleading with the owners of the pharmacies that they should charge their drugs with the money that is available. Also the wholesalers, that they should not charge pharmacy retailers using currency that is not available. Otherwise all of us are fighting so that everything goes well and drugs are at our disposal at affordable prices. Thank you Madam President.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Madam President. I would like
to thank the Minister for the explanation that he gave but he did not answer the question directly. My question is, whilst we are waiting for India and others who are willing to explain, are the pharmacies doing a legal thing selling medication in US dollars? Whilst we are waiting for things to stabilise, how are the pharmacies supposed to be selling their medication?
*THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON.
- O. MOYO): Thank you Madam President, the question from the Senator is very pertinent and very good giving us plans on how we can move on. We are all aware of what is happening and we are also fighting this it. As a Ministry, we have engaged the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance. I think you saw what happened on the fuel crisis, some garages had their licences revoked. We also contemplate doing the same but we have to be wise on that and we do want pharmacies to complain that we have revoked their licences because of US dollars. On the other hand we are saying US dollar is another currency which we can use to trade in Zimbabwe. We have engaged the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Finance on the way forward.
*HON. SEN. MAVETERA: I think the issue at the moment, is we have got – if it is true which we believe; Government has given money to pharmaceuticals to get medication and that medication is already on the market and it is being sold in US dollars and that is tax payers’ money and people are not accessing that medication. So as much as we appreciate those other arrangements to alleviate this problem, we want to know what is being done right now to make sure people access medication and they do not die because we have tax payers’ money that has been used. We want to know, they have got the statistics of who got the money and all the pharmacies who are selling in US dollars. Even if they got that money, it is translated to bond coins where it is multiplied by four, which is actually profiteering at the expense of the lives of the citizens when they are using tax payers’ money. So, what is the immediate solution? We want this Senate to be appraised by the Hon. Minister. It thank you Madam President.
HON. DR. O. MOYO: Thank you Madam President, I think I said
it in Shona, now I will repeat it in English for the benefit of the Hon. Senator. Basically, my answer is going to be the same in that yes, we are against those who are selling in US dollars. Secondly, they are also claiming they are using US dollars to replenish the stocks but however, we have said that that does not make any difference. The action that we are going to take, we have to await conclusion of decisions that are being made, discussions that are being made between my Ministry, Ministry of Justice and the Minister of Finance to ensure that we do not continue to make people suffer and make people pay in foreign currency. Definitely, because of that shortage of foreign currency, we do encourage the pharmacies to sell in local currency which is more easily available. That is actually what the position is. The Hon. Senator has indicated that he wants to know exactly what it is that we are doing with regards to replenishments and securing the foreign currency and ensuring that there is transparency in the utilisation of that foreign currency. We definitely are setting up a Committee. The Committee would be able to value the purchases and ensure that those purchases, when they come, are the correct purchases as per the initial request and that they match the initial request of foreign currency which would have been requested by the various retailers. I also want to emphasise that we are encouraging the wholesalers to sell to the retailers at the appropriate cost so that we are able to normalise the whole situation. Generally Madam President; there is a serious shortage of foreign currency for us to be able to fill up our warehouses at the shortest possible time. So, it will be some time before we replenish and are back to normal. I thank you.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The way I heard the
Hon. Senator; he said there are pharmacies which were allocated foreign currency to buy the medication which they have in their stocks but now they are selling in foreign currency. They are known and you have the list of those pharmacies, what are you going to do because even if you say you can sell in bond or in whatever currency, they are charging so much, they are making so much profit. What are you going to do with them because that allocation which they were given is tax payers’ money, this is what is being said – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. DR. O. MOYO: Thank you Madam President. I thought I
had answered but I will answer directly.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Directly on that one.
HON. DR. O. MOYO: Yes, directly on that one. Those who were
allocated funds in US dollars and they are now selling their product in US dollars; this is what we have said in the past, we have actually confronted some retail pharmacies and we shall continue to do. In fact, now we have an investigative team which will be going out to check once we have given an allocation to a particular pharmacy, a retailer, we now expect them to be selling in the local currency or the currency. That is easily available. That is actually easier to monitor because we know that we have given some US$100, the product they have in their shops is US$100, they should be selling them in the local currency that we are doing and we are sending out an investigative team who are going to be looking at that. Next week, after we have had our meeting and also having briefed Cabinet, I am sure they will be some more thorough and more rigorous approaches which shall be taken. It is just that at this stage, I cannot say too much until I also get clearance. We want a situation where we will be able to control and monitor all those who are selling after they have been given the foreign currency. We are going to be doing that.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: My supplementary question to the
Minister of Health is that we have heard that they have engaged the Ministry of Justice; we want to find out the timeframe so that we know and we will make a follow up.
*THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I do not think I will
take that question because if the Ministry of Justice is involved we cannot discuss it in here because that will hint on the culprits that we are talking about it. Let us just ask policy questions.
*HON. SEN. ZIVIRA: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. There are people who are killing, kidnapping and stealing people, but the police are not doing their job because no investigations are going on for those culprits to be brought to book. The police are busy with chasing vendors instead of making those investigations. What happens if someone wants to be kidnapped and they run to the police and no one takes hid of their cry?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. MADIRO): Thank you Madam
President. I want to thank you Hon. Senator for your question which is very pertinent. Kidnapping is a serious crime but crime is crime, whether it is big or small. The police are supposed to investigate any crimes. If the Hon. Senator has evidence that there are crimes that were committed and were not investigated, it is good that it should be brought before the police that this case was not investigated whilst we have the proof.
Thank you.
+HON. SEN. P. NDHLOVU: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Minister of Defence and War Veterans.
Madam President, some people went to war and these people were given 50 kgs during the era when the former President was leading the country. They ate, consumed the food and it was finished. They were promised to be given more of that and they also promised to take our children to school. I have realised that that can take four to five years without those children going to school.
The money that we are being given as compensation every month is US$200.00. My question is, they still have some outstanding payments that they have not paid us, which they have been saying they will pay us. What are you going to do to the Hon. Members and all the war veterans whom you owe? This is because the US$200.00 that you are giving to the war veterans is not even able to buy medication. What are you going to do for the welfare of the war veterans? I thank you.
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND WAR
VETERANS (HON. MATEMADANDA): Thank you Hon. Senator. I am happy for the way you are talking is a sign that you are a war veteran. It is true that the war veterans are not getting that much and it is something that is not equivalent to the job that they did. We spoke about this issue when the former President was there. They used to indicate that there was not enough and it is still the same thing they are saying. The question that you asked is what is it that we are going to do? Are we going to be singing the same song that there is not enough money so that the welfare of the veterans can be improved?
I am happy that even the other side of the House which is the opposition seems to be showing interest in this. I am not the Minister of War Veterans only, but I am also the Minister of Defence and War
Veterans. When they talk about the issues to do with money for the Ministry of Defence, I will request that both sides of the House should support knowing that the other money is supposed to be allocated to the war veterans.
An Hon. Member having passed between the Chair and the Hon.
Member speaking.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Member.
HON. MATEMADANDA: You also asked that there are
outstanding payments that you were supposed to get. That is true and that money is there. When we were being addressed, they indicated that there is some money that we were supposed to be given, but we have not been allocated that money. Our desire is that we can get that money and we give it to the people who are supposed to benefit out of it. You also indicated as to what we are going to do because people think that we were given so much money as war veterans, but when we equate it to the US dollar, it is about US$5 000.00. This was a way of saying the war veterans can at least have a start to shape their lives.
As war veterans, we also want to benefit from the mainstream economy of the country. For example, war veterans, war collaborators and detainees can also have a say in the economy of the country. You realise that we have been doing public hearings with people from the Reserve Bank whereby they have said they are going to sponsor projects and programmes for war veterans. Our request is that if the money is allocated to the war veterans and when the war veterans receive it, they should be capacitated to start business. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. P. NDHLOVU: Thank you Madam President. If
you are going to give us that money and you say you want to monitor what we have been doing, what I will say is, that is equivalent to nothing and when you allocate us for example, US$20 000.00 and you are saying you want to monitor it, what if you give us that money and I want to build my child a house. My request is, when you give us that money you should not monitor what we are doing with that money. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND WAR
VETERANS (HON. MATEMADANDA): I again want to thank the Hon. Senator but this time, let me speak in English. What was supposed to be done when we came from the war during the period of demobilisation, there was supposed to be a programme that was supposed to be conducted, a programme of demobilisation, rehabilitation and recession. That would include capacitation of the demobilised comrades. Unfortunately, what happened is that when we came from the assembly points, a person was given maybe $300 and told to go to a home that he or she had left ten years ago.
After maybe 11 to 15 years, that person is given $50 000 without skills. It is his or her money but that money should be able to help that person to grow financially. This time around, we are looking for support from banks and all other institutions that can help. We cannot go about and say, give us money so that we give people for the purpose of squandering it the way they like. We are fighting an economic war here. War veterans and everyone should be responsible. We are saying, we want that money if it is there to be given to the war veterans. If it is not there, let us as a nation find that money so that we empower the comrades. At the same time, they must themselves be capacitated on how they can accrue more money.
+The Hon. Member is indicating that they want to use the money the way they want. I will give an example that even at home when you are given too much sadza, the instruction would be you can eat and do not waste; if there are left overs, keep them. It is a way of teaching someone to be responsible. We are doing this for ourselves.
*What we are entitled to should keep on coming but what we are being given should contribute to the mainstream. We do not want people to see as if when comrades are given money, they misuse it. We want people to take us seriously. We want the money that we were promised by Former President R. G. Mugabe to come; we are waiting
for it.
+HON. SEN. PHUTHI: I thank you Madam President for the time that you have given me. Hon. Minister, my question is, the issue of aid should be given priority. For example, in rural areas families of war veterans are not getting enough. My request is that the Government should take this issue and craft policies that make the children of war veterans benefit from that.
HON. MATEMADANDA: Thank you Madam President. I
would also want to thank the Hon. Senator but I am not sure whether that is a question or a word of advice. She talks about policies and I do not know which policies. Are they funeral policies, educational policies or what? I will just answer in the bush because it is not clear.
*THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: It is unfortunate that I do not understand the language very well. So, I just agreed that you give the answer.
*HON. MATEMADANDA: She said that war veterans are dying and we should come up with policies. It is not Government policy to tell people how they are supposed to be buried.
*HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: What the Hon. Member is saying is that you are a war veteran, you have a family and one day you will die but your children will remain in poverty. So, you should come up with policies that will cater for your children that even if you are no more, your family would not have challenges. Do you have a policy like that because there are dependants of war veterans who are living in poverty in the rural areas?
HON. MATEMADANDA: We have a policy on education for
the children of the veterans of the liberation struggle but it is not enough.
When we try to push it up, we are told there is not enough money. What I would want is to ask the Hon. Members to support again the budget that will be allocated to the Ministry. If I heard her well, she said men can die living their wives. So, I do not know whether death is discriminatory against women - [Laughter] – We should plan as a nation so that we come up with good policies. We should take it seriously. It does not matter how they plan because some think that if a child of a war veteran is living in poverty, it means that the parents do not plan. What should happen is that we should have money so that these war veterans live well. They are getting $200 and after the 2% tax, it means there is nothing. As a nation, we should ensure that they get enough to sustain themselves. Thank you.
HON. SEN. CHABUKA: My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce but he is not in and as I can see, the Leader of the House is also not in – he has left. So, is there anyone who can answer my question on industry and commerce, if not I can ask my question next week.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon.
Senator, I think quite a number of ministers were called – they received messages of a Cabinet meeting that just started now. So reserve your question for next week. Hon. Sen. Chief Chundu please.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. Are there plans in terms of accidents that are happening on our roads so that they are cleansed by churches and chiefs especially those blind spots? I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Thank
you Madam President but before I respond to the question, I want to pay my condolences as the Deputy Minister, my Minister and the
Government on the Rusape accident. There are things that we are doing in terms of helping the victims of these accidents.
I heard as if the Hon. Senator is asking whether or not there is anything that we do as Government to cleanse the accident areas? It is very true, as a Government, we visited the Rusape accident scene but there is nothing that is in place when it comes to cleansing – there is nothing in place. We leave that to the interested parties, they can go ahead if there is anything that they can do to help the nation but as Government, we do not go there and pray or cleanse the area. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHUNDU: So if there are people who can
do the cleansing, will they get funding from the Ministry?
*HON. CHASI: There is no funding set aside by the Government to cater for that. We think that as the people of Zimbabwe, those who want to do that can make their own arrangements. We do not have a budget set aside for that.
* THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Minister, are you
even considering it?
*HON. CHASI: No, we are not.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIDAWU: My supplementary question
is, is the Hon. Minister aware that the challenge that we have is of unlicenced drivers and most of them bought their licences? Some of them, especially kombi drivers, you give way to them and this usually happens to those of us who stay in Harare. Is the Ministry doing anything to rectify the situation?
*HON. CHASI: Thank you Madam President, this issue of accidents requires all Zimbabweans to put our heads together. As Government, we realise that people who use public transport are being treated like slaves when boarding buses and kombis. So we are investigating starting from when a commuter reaches a bus station, there are what we call ‘hwindi’, the touts. We want to look at the fines that are in place whether or not they are in line with the crime that a person will have committed. For example, going through red robots is equivalent to a death sentence but if we fine someone $20.00, it is like we are considering the crime as petty. Supposing there is an accident, there is no medical bill that costs $20.00 or even damages worth $20.00 – so that is the process that we are working on. We are also looking at all those people who are breaking road traffic regulations, especially in Harare. It is frightening as even company executives are now driving on the wrong side of the road. It is prevalent in the nation; so we want to see whether or not we can use modern technology like the cameras and gadgets that if a person was erroneously given a driver’s licence, the cars would be tracked for exceeding speed limits.
The accident that happened in Rusape should be an eye opener to all Zimbabweans so that we look at this closely. We are now looking at how licences are issued and those who drive public service vehicles should be 25years old and above. Currently, most kombi drivers are under age. So I think we should reconsider this and as Government, we have decided in Cabinet that we should come up with a Road Traffic
Fund. When I came here, I was coming from a meeting that started at 0700hrs to look at the modalities pertaining to this fund. We should look at the current licensing system that involves ZIMRA and all the
Government departments that have anything to do with vehicles. It will help us to identify incompetent drivers – the whole chain from boarding to disembarking and even to accidents. We want to see how we can assist the accident victims. I thank you. – [HON. SEN. CHIEF
MAKUMBE: Supplementary Madam President!] –
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: That will be the last
supplementary question because Question Time Without Notice has expired. Can I give the Hon. Sen. who has not yet spoken to ask the supplementary to?
*HON. SEN. CHIEF MAKUMBE: Thank you Madam
President, I want to ask the Minister in line with accidents. We realise that the major cause of accidents is the competition between the transporters who ferry people from small towns to big towns. Is there a law that regulates the size of a vehicle? For example, from Harare to Mutare, there are small commuter buses and big buses and all these accidents happen because there will be competition between the transporters. Is there any law to regulate the size of the mode of transport ferrying peopleas kombis and buses are fighting for the same market? There are also small private cars that belong to people who do not pay revenue and most of the time they are busy chasing after people. So, what does the law say on regulating the size of transportation from city to city?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): If a
person has been granted a licence as a transport operator, they are given a route to ply. Kombis and buses are allowed but the question is how people are viewing it. Are the owners of the vehicles businessmen and women or they are people who do not have people at heart, because they give their drivers targets, especially kombi drivers. We once heard that they are supposed to remit $100 a day. That is why they do many trips and speed up. Once they are given licences, they are supposed to operate but what we should really investigate is whether the drivers are plying their routes and following their timetables.
The increase in the number of deaths or injuries is also as a result that only the driver and the passenger in front wear seatbelts while the rest of the passengers do not have belts. If a car is speeding and there is an impact, all the people inside the vehicle will be thrown outside for quite some distance. So, we should look at those issues. If we say everyone should wear a seatbelt, it means there will not be any standing passengers. We have room to work and come up with laws. We should look at enforcement as well-that the police should prosecute people. If people are supposed to be incarcerated, that should be done. In short, I think that is how we are working when looking at accidents on the roads.
*THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Some may want to
know how long it will take, because we are now going for the festive season and there are many accidents that may occur. How long will it take?
*HON. CHASI: Thank you Madam President. I cannot give an answer on that right now, to say by Christmas it would have been done. What I can say is that by Christmas we would not have done anything because if there are laws that need to be changed, the Bills have to go to Cabinet and come to the National Assembly and then here as well. My plea to you is that in our families we should talk about accidents on the roads and pray for people who will be travelling. If you look at the accident that happened in Rusape, there was an unbroken line and the road is good, but someone just went off the road. So, now it requires more than we can provide. If the Bill comes here I think we should speed it up.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 62.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
DUALISATION OF THE BEITBRIDGE-HARARE-CHIRUNDU
ROAD
- HON. SEN. MOHADI asked the Deputy Minister of Transport
and Infrastructural Development to state when the dualisation of the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu road would commence and whether funding for the project has been secured in view of the inordinate delays on the same.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): I am
happy to report that Government has commenced work on the
Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu road. In particular, we have started off at Beatrice and Chivhu which we consider to be parts of the road that are particularly dangerous.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I thought you have a
prepared answer Hon. Minister – [HON. CHASI: No, I do not.] – I think you are supposed to have an officer who works on this Order Paper so that every time you come with prepared answers by that officer manning that desk – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] -
HON. CHASI: I am speaking in a collective sense Madam
President to say that the Ministry has delegated a particular individual with a report, but it is not yet available.
EXPANSION OF THE CHIRUNDU-MASVINGO-BEITBRIDGE
HIGHWAY
- HON. SHOKO asked the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development when the expansion of the ChirunduMasvingo-Beitbridge Highway will resume.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHASI): Question
Number 6 Madam President is really Question Number 4 recast in a different sense. I have indicated that we have commenced work on that road.
MOTION
NATIONAL POLICY ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY
First order read: Adjourned debate on the need to formulate a comprehensive national disability policy and to review the Disabled Persons Act.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 20th November, 2018
MOTION
DEVOLUTION OF POWER
Second order read: adjourned debate on motion on the call for devolution.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MWONZORA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 20th November, 2018.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA seconded by HON.
SEN. MOHADI, the Senate adjourned Six minutes past Four o’clock
p.m. until Tuesday, 20th November, 2018.