PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 9th April, 2024
The Senate met at Half–past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE (HON. SEN. MUNZVERENGWI): I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 6 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND
RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the Year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate for giving me the opportunity. I want to add my voice on the debate on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, which motion was brought to this House by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The Peace and Reconciliation Commission is a very important organisation in our country…
Proceedings in the Senate were disrupted by malfunctioning of the recording system.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I was saying the Peace and Reconciliation Commission is an important organisation in our country as its mandate is to promote peace and solve disputes so that people can live peacefully. No organisation or country can develop without peace. The peace we are witnessing here in Zimbabwe enables our country to develop because there is no fighting and conflict. We can do our work peacefully. Conflict causes loss of life and also damage to property like what is happening in Gaza Palestine region where children, women, disabled and other vulnerable people are being killed indiscriminately because of conflict.
To avoid conflict, organisations like the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission should play an important role and make sure communities remain peaceful by solving any conflicts or disagreements. There are political, land, economic, ethnic and religious domestic conflicts among others which normally arise in many situations where people will have disagreements. We need this organisation, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to come in and assist in solving those conflicts. In Zimbabwe, political conflicts emerge, especially during or after elections when one party fails to concede defeat. It is important for political parties to be tolerant and accept the people’s will and avoid conflicts which end up in violence like what happened in 2018. As a country, we need to avoid such situations by just accepting that one has won over you.
We have violence which erupts, especially where people are not able to accept that whenever there is a race, there must be a winner. It is not always that when you compete you both win. One will win while the other one will lose. So, one has got to accept that. This must be avoided by all means as life and property will be lost due to violence. The NPRC noted that they received about 105 new complaints in 2023 alone and have a backlog of about 33 complaints, bringing the total complaints to 138. They say 47% of these complaints are of a political nature, which were purported to have been committed during the elections as earlier alluded to. This is from the report of the ZNRC. The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission did a wonderful job and solved most of these conflicts. The Commission also set up a conflict early warning and early warning response system to promote the strengthening of internal capacitation of people to solve their differences.
I had a chance to observe the recently held 2024 elections in Russia. I witnessed great tolerance by political parties and the citizens of Russia. The process was so peaceful and no violence was recorded during my stay in Russia. The presidential losers congratulated the winner President Putin and they shook hands, which is what we also want to happen in our country Zimbabwe. This will avoid conflict amongst our people. Our 2023 general elections were very peaceful, thanks to our visionary leader Cde Dr. E D Mnangagwa who preached peace at all his meetings. Some parties like ZANU-PF heeded the President’s call to shun violence and campaigned peacefully and won resoundingly as people were happy with the leadership style which was being exhibited by its leader Cde E.D Mnangagwa and his followers.
Drugs are also a cause for conflict in homes, work-places, public and private places. People do not work, but engage in fighting because of drugs. Drugs also end up causing diseases such as Cancer. Our youths do not also work if they take these drugs. This means production will also be affected because of the drugs that the youths are taking. So I suggest that stiffer penalties be imposed on those selling drugs, just like what is happening to those who steal cattle. If one steals one beast, he is given a nine year jail term. That should also apply to drugs. If one is found selling drugs especially to the youths, the penalty should be very harsh so as to deter people from selling drugs. Drugs also cause domestic violence. Normally when one has taken drugs and goes home to find that the wife has not yet cooked anything, the husband will start beating her up. So, drugs cause domestic violence and we do not want to continue having such conflicts in our country. I urge families to solve their problems amicably and stop taking drugs because they are harmful and influence some people to engage in violent activities.
The NPRC partnered with schools, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, traditional leaders, the Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse among others, to curb the problem so that figures do not result in multiplication of avoidable conflicts. It is one of the strategies which was used by the NPRC because these drugs are now also being taken in schools as well as in prisons. So, they have to target those places and ensure that they reduce the use of drugs in schools and prisons. Traditional leaders also play a pivotal role in fighting drugs. They were engaged by the NPRC.
The Commission was given $11billion in the 2023 budget by Treasury which was not adequate to cover all the resources needed as some personnel left the Commission for greener pastures citing low remuneration. As Parliament, we need to support the budgetary issues for the NPRC so that the Finance Ministry can increase what they give to the Commission to enable them to do their work properly so that there is no high staff turnover. There is a lot of work which was done by the Commission during the 2023 period. As Parliament, we need to support them so that they try to ensure that the country maintains the peace it has and we can continue to see development taking place in our country. Peace begins with me, peace begins with you and peace begins with all of us, said mdala wethu, the late liberation icon father Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. Joshua Nkomo. So, I think everyone in here should make sure there is peace in the country. Do not incite your supporters to cause violence to ensure the country remains peaceful. Thank you for the time you have given me Mr. President.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Thank you Mr. President Sir. Mr. President, a very good afternoon. I appreciate the recognition and also want to add on to what the previous speaker said but will digress a little bit. National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, it has to be truth. There was an omission in the Constitution of truth but it is a debate for another day. My point, Mr. President, this country needs healing. This country needs nationhood building. There is no development without peace. There is no development we may see in our generation when our communities are still experiencing violence, not physical violence that the previous speaker has alluded to, but silent violence in communities.
There has not been a closure to those who were victims of the yester-year politics, victims of the politics of exclusion. They are still yearning for peace. Today, these communities in their spaces, commemorate and celebrate the existence of their families in whichever way they do it. They erect the tombstones as families, as societies but overnight, we have some agents who will really remove them through a sense and form of violence by bombs. There are still cracks of Gukurahundi in their graves. Their placards are being removed, not by a form of peace but a form of violence. Violence is still moving and it is still there in the region where I come from.
Mr. President, I rise to say, this Honourable House should make sure that the initiative that is being spearheaded by the Head of State, His Excellency, through the traditional chiefs, must be supported. It must be supported by every Zimbabwean. We cannot have a situation where some elements, agents or sections of people in this country come and ululate for His Excellency during the day yet during the night they go and undo what the President does for this country. We want to build, not a country but a nation and a nation cannot be built but a section of few citizens of this country. It can only be built by us all. There is no minority group. There is no bigger group. There are no Whites, Coloureds, Tongas, Ndebeles or Zezurus, we are all Zimbabweans and we abide by the National Flag. We abide by that symbol which is there, which should make us Zimbabweans.
I rise with a heavy heart, Mr. President, that you make sure to allow the people of Zimbabwe in their spheres, to grieve in their way. When they grieve in their way, they should be protected. Security forces should make sure that when this thing happens, when people of Zimbabwe congregate, meet and commemorate their loved ones who lost their lives fighting for this country, they should be protected in their way. It does not matter that the Government should really - as long as the programme is not run by the Government, then they should not be protected by the security agents.
They should make sure that these people are protected and protect those who have died. We cannot have grenades in the graves of the people who are dead Mr. President Sir, and we are talking about peace. There is no peace in the region of Matabeleland. People are still yearning for that peace. I rise and say, let us buttress Vision 2030. Let us buttress the vision that His Excellency, through the traditional chiefs, has; we want the closure of Gukurahundi in Matabeleland. I will be one of those who would stand and support that vision. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity to add my voice on the issue of peace and reconciliation in the country. I believe that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission…
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Wunganayi. We are debating the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation for 2023. You may proceed.
*HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: Thank you Mr. President. I was getting there. I wanted to thank the Minister, who is the mover of the motion of truth and reconciliation …
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Wunganayi, you keep going astray. It is not a motion; it is a report.
*HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Mr. President. I want to add my voice on the report which was presented in this House by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The report speaks about peace and reconciliation in the country and other countries, like what they were doing when they sit down and discuss this issue. Firstly, Mr. President, I would want to begin from the issue of the liberation struggle. There was liberation struggle because we wanted to find a better way for peace and reconciliation and live in harmony and have equal treatment. There is no one who is supposed to be superior than the other. This forced us to go to war as Zimbabweans, even you the Hon. President of the Senate, you went to war. You fought tirelessly to make sure that there is peace in the country. The war was fought and people had to sit down and talk to find each other and moved on. That is what we need in Zimbabwe so that we cannot have a person who mistreats other people or take them for granted or take them to a certain group so that they feel uncomfortable and this will end up causing a lot of problems.
Mr. President, we have seen a lot of conflicts in different countries. In 1994, there was war conflict between the Tutsis and the Hutus. In South Africa, there was war and in DRC, there was war again, but all these countries today formed peace and reconciliation organisations which encourage peace and harmony and we emulate that because it brings peace. Mr. President, although there are other organisations which are not in support of this, there is peace in those countries. I am happy that the previous speaker said that peace begins with me, peace begins with you and peace begins with all of us.
Mr. President, we need to educate each other on this report. If you are speaking about the issue of peace and reconciliation, it is an issue which everyone needs to grasp well with truth, without lies or without fear. We can only talk about peace and reconciliation if there was conflict before. We have faced a lot of problems in the country and we think that these things must not be repeated again. I want to touch on what the previous speaker has said when he spoke about the issue of Gukurahundi in Matebeleland. The issue must be addressed so that it will not continuously come up. That is the meaning of peace and reconciliation. If we have come from conferences where we have learnt different things and come up with a report, let us come into this august House and execute what we would have discussed.
Mr. President, in 2008, there was an issue of politics, like what others are saying that when there is an election, there must be a winner and also there must be others who congratulate the winner. That did not happen because issues were raised later. As time went on, people started saying this one is the one who won…..
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order, I have been liberal and allowed people to stray a bit here and there, but I think it is now getting out of hand. Clerk, do you have a copy of the report, the one we are discussing. We are discussing the report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the Year 2023 presented in this House in terms of Section 253 and 323 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Listen carefully, I am not stifling debate on anything which you want. You can go to the Journals Office, file for a motion which you want to present to this House, be it on Gukurahundi or anything and then we discuss it. Now, if I allow Members to stray from the report and discuss particular incidences which happened in 1980, 2008, 1957, you can even go back to 1886 or 1893; we will be regressing in terms of the orders of this House. I hope you have read this report Hon. Members. That is what we are debating. If you want to debate anything else, please go to Mr. Daniel’s Office, file a motion and we come and debate here. It is getting out of hand. Senator Wunganayi, if you want to debate on this motion you can continue, but if you have nothing else to say you may sit down.
*HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much Mr. President. Thank you for affording me this opportunity to add my voice on the report on National Peace and Reconciliation. The National Peace and Reconciliation is a very important Commission. It was established in 2013 when we wrote the New Constitution. Mr. President, the statistics given in the report that there is violence and conflict in this country, how they presented and who can address these issues of conflicts in the country. Most of the conflicts amounting to 105 come from politics, 49 cases come from how we live in the country and how are we going to lead each other. Some of the conflicts in the country are Gender-based Violence.
I am pleased Mr. President that on issues of Gender-Based Violence, all of us agree that from all walks of life, we must fight Gender-Based Violence so that there is peace and harmony in the communities. That same thing must apply to the whole country, that is what our country needs. If we say that there is something bad which is being done by someone, let us help that person so that he or she can be able to perceive things the way others perceive the issue. We agree as all Hon. Members in this House that we must fight Gender-Based Violence so that our country can develop economically. What is called a country is a summation of all the different households and that is what we call a population of a country.
We also agree that we must fight gender-based violence so that there is peace and harmony in households. That same thing must apply to the whole country. This is what our country Zimbabwe needs. If we see that there is something bad that is being done by someone, let us help that person so that he or she can be able to perceive things the way others perceive it.
We agree as Hon. Senators in this Senate to fight gender-based violence so that our country can move forward and we can develop economically. We also agree that there is conflict between humans and wildlife. All of us agree that wild animals are eating people’s crops and harming people. We must find a better solution to solve this wild-life and human conflict. There is one area where we do not agree with each other, that is, where others are trying to hide conflicts that are involved in politics. As a country, we cannot move forward if we are not addressing this issue. If there is conflict in terms of politics, we must not look at who caused the conflict, but let us address the issue as it is. Is there conflict or not? We must not argue on something that is bad.
People must agree that there must be peace in the country. We must condone violence during election time as what happened in 2008 elections whereby people’s hands were cut. Liberation war collaborators like Cde. Tongogara, even the President himself fought for the liberation of this country and we must not force each other to comply with what we think is the best but as a country, we must work for the betterment of the country.
If we analyse the report, we can see that 23 percent of the 49 cases are coming from Masvingo and the issues of addressing violence must be addressed extensively in Masvingo Province. Levels of violence must go down like what is being done in Bulawayo and other provinces. People from Masvingo must desist from violence. They must stop beating each other because that is what is written in this report.
Mr. President, I am not addressing people individually, I come from Masvingo but I am rebuking the people of Masvingo to desist from violence. The politics of the province has something to do with the leaders of the area. If the place is headed by a violent somebody, most people will be killed. If an area is headed by someone who is peaceful, people stay peaceful. Even the Bible says that if an area is headed by evil people, the area is going to experience violence.
The area of Masvingo is being headed by an evil person. People from Mashonaland East are the second…
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: On a point of order Mr. President of Senate.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: What is your point of order?
*HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Mr. President, the Hon. Senator said that Masvingo is being headed by evil people. We have many people who come from Masvingo but he is putting everybody in one basket. I do not agree because there are many good people who come from Masvingo, the Hon. Senator must withdraw his statement. We have Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira who has been elected to head Pan African Parliament and that shows that he is a good person; he comes from Masvingo. May the Hon. Member withdraw his statement.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: He is not out of context, he is debating on the report and he has quoted the statistics, so he is making that statement in the context of the fact that the highest number of cases were in a particular region. He is not white-washing all the people who come from Masvingo, but those people who committed acts of violence.
*HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Hon. President of Senate. Mashonaland East has got a percentage of 17%, but I am also encouraging them that if you are electing or choosing leaders, you must choose people who are not violent so that the country is not headed by violent people. We must move forward as a country.
Here I am talking about conflict which has to do with politics, that is why I have mentioned something about politics. Bishops of churches who are involved in violence must desist from that. I cannot mention the chiefs because they are not allowed to be involved in politics. The other conflict is on land; that is what we fought for during the liberation struggle and that is where conflict is emanating from. I am also encouraging the chiefs because they are the custodians of land in this country.
If they are looking at issues of land, they must make sure that there is fairness when presenting the issues and to make sure that everyone equally benefits. This is another way of finding ways to reduce conflict in the country so that when the National Peace and Reconciliation writes their 2024 report, they will mention that conflict of land has been reduced. That is what we are advocating for, that there must be peace and tranquility in the country. Where there is no peace, there is no development, even at household level. If rains come and you begin to argue which crop to plant, the rain season will end whilst you are still arguing on which crop to plant. Hence that is why we want peace in the country, even in our different provinces because devolution and development come when there is peace in the country. I thank you Hon. President for affording me this opportunity to add my voice. I also want to thank the Commissioners of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission who did not hide anything but they included everything in the report. It depends on how we see it, but they tried their level best by giving us some picture, and even the statistics to make sure that we understand where we stand as a country. Their solo motive was to make sure that there is peace in the country, I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE (HON. SEN. MUNZVERENGWI): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 10th April, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 8 to 14 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until the Order of the Day Number 15 has been disposed of.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PROGRAMMES TO CURB DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY THE YOUTHS
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on drug and substance abuse by youths.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. CHAPFUDZA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to debate on the motion which was brought by Hon. Sen. Dube on drug and substance abuse by the youth. I would also like to thank those who debated before me on this motion. The issue of drug and substance abuse is a big issue which is affecting not only the youth, but all of us as Zimbabweans. The youth are coming from families and whenever a family is being affected, the youth inside that family is affected. That will also lead to the village, community, society and the country at large. Zimbabwe is being affected.
We want strong youths who are so determined to build Zimbabwe, but if they are weakened by drug and substance abuse, it means we are having a weaker Zimbabwe. All sectors of Zimbabwe, be it health or defence, are built by the youths. If the youths are affected by the drugs and substance abuse, it means we will not have a strong defence. All sectors are affected if the youths are affected. It is a serious issue that we should discuss and look into how we can prevent drug and substance abuse by the youths.
For our society to move forward, it depends on the youths. If the youths are weak, we usually have a weak country. It is not only starting from the youths, they are getting these drugs from adults. There are people who are in search of money and living through dirty means, bringing drugs in our country, thereby destroying our own youths. Drug and substance abuse is a real issue. If you go to jail, they will testify that a lot of the people there are jailed because of the issue of drugs and substance abuse. Even if you go to the cemetery, many young people are dying because of this issue. It is a testimony that young people are dying more than adults because they are abusing drugs. In our hospitals and rehabilitation centres, you find the youths who are sick because of abusing drugs and substances.
We are recording school dropouts and academic difficulties due to mental health. These are issues which are being caused by drug and substance abuse. It is up to us now that we stand up and fight against this issue. The transmission of HIV is sometimes caused by the injection of the substances into the body through syringes which are not sterilised. This means that the transmission of HIV among the youths is on a high rate.
There is increase in theft and robberies and this is caused by these youths when they do drug and substance abuse to support this kind of life style which needs money. These youths are not working, so they will resort to crimes and robberies. We should work so that we stop drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe. We should also look into the issue of accidents. Let us give an example, when a youth is driving a car under the influence of drugs and substances, this will cause unnecessary accidents.
Some of the laws that we enact as a country have an effect on the future of our country. When we were growing up, our parents used to beat us. Right now, there is a law which prevents the beating of children. You find a child in grade four taking drugs and you cannot take that person to jail. What are you going to do? The teacher is also afraid of this kid. We are destroying our own country through some of the laws that we are putting into effect. Let us not adopt foreign cultures. We have got our own culture and we grew up knowing that if you spare a rod, you spoil the child. Nowadays it is no longer like that. The children have their own rights in the Constitution.
It is my advice that whenever we are making these laws, we should also check our culture whether it permits these kinds of laws. These youths, when they are growing up, they are now emulating or looking at foreign artists as their role models. These foreign artists might be into drugs. When you look forward to your role model, you just take whatever the role model is doing thinking that it is the right way. I resonate with the song that was sung by Jah Prayzah when he was talking about, kuchiva rumwe rudzi hurema. We should be proud of ourselves as Zimbabweans. We should stand our ground so that we can carry our culture to the next generation.
If you look backwards, what we used to do and what we are now doing nowadays is completely different. We are diverting from our culture and norms. We should go back to the drawing board and try to influence laws that support our culture. As part of a solution, our borders are too porous and Government should look into it and support programmes to secure our borders. Most of these drugs are not manufactured in Zimbabwe. They are coming from outside and I believe Government has a role to play in combating drug and substance abuse so that they do not get into our country.
It is a wise idea that there should be some rollout of test kits so that we test each and every one to see whether they are using drugs or not. I have seen that in sports. You cannot be a football player if you are not tested of drugs and substance abuse. I think it will be fine for our country so that we also test kids everywhere in schools and companies and everywhere, to test people for drug and substance abuse. Drug and substance abuse affect everyone. It might be you or me. All of us are affected. It happens that you are driving at night, then you have a tyre puncture and you have to stop. Then when you stop, these youths who are under the influence of drugs will come and attack you. So, it is good that we prevent drug and substance abuse. Let all the perpetrators who are selling drugs be jailed. I would also want to support the point raised by Hon. Sen Mavenyengwa on stiffer penalties to those found selling drugs to our youths. These years we have a lot of suicide cases committed under the influence of drugs and substance abuse. There are premature deaths among people aged 17 to 20 years. Yesteryear, we had no records of such young people. We knew that death only visited the elderly. It was a scary thing to witness a funeral when we were growing up because it was not a frequent occurrence.
As part of a solution to this issue, I talked of enacting laws that resonate with our culture. I thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN CHIEF CHIKWAKA: What I do not know is whether I have debated before on this debate.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Please carry on, you did not debate on this motion.
*HON. SEN CHIEF CHIKWAKA: Thank you. I just want to add a few words on the motion raised by Hon. Dube. It is…
An Hon. Member having passed between the Chair and the Hon. Member debating.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Senator. Please go back. You do not pass in front of an Hon. Member who is debating and the Chair. I thought you were inducted. Use the other entrance.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: Thank you Hon. President. This is an issue that is troubling us. We all know that in our culture we say there is no garden without weeds, and what these trouble-makers forget is that they are causing trouble for our children. Our children have taken a bad decision of publicising drugs. Long back, people used to think drugs were only used by the poor people but now we know that even those in high profile families are also using drugs. So, when we die, who do we leave our inheritance to? If we were to be raised from the dead, we would be pained to see our children using drugs. Children of today even challenge their parents who gave birth to them. We see our children misbehaving and we wonder where it is coming from but then it is coming from us, the adults. Just as alluded to by one of the Hon. Members who debated before me, we are enacting laws which tend to backfire, like laws that say children must not be beaten or rebuked. As a country, where are we going?
Mr. President, we did a survey when we went abroad. We asked the children where they were getting the drugs and the reason why they were taking drugs because we wanted to see how best we could address the issue. There is an English saying that says, ‘it takes a thief to catch a thief’. So, we had to talk to the children. They mentioned that the elders from high profile families are the perpetrators who use children to distribute drugs. If you analyse this issue, you can see that the drugs are being produced for a ready market. Long back, the children in the rural areas became the target as they we not going to school due to lack of school fees. So, they were introduced to drugs. These same children will grow into being parents and you will see them fathering children everywhere and not being responsible for the children. They will not marry as they will not have any jobs or the responsibility to settle down and care for their families. If they are going to try to be responsible, they then get into the project of buying and selling drugs. In English we then say we produced idiots because these children’s minds only think of drugs and substance abuse. They cannot be employed because they do not have O’ levels. At the end of the day, they just indulge in drugs which are very affordable to them. Mutoriro can be bought for ZAR10, ZAR5 $1 or 50 cents. When they take these drugs, all they do is sleep or they become violent. Sometimes they kill their parents. We do have a lot of incidences, especially in the areas where we come from. I will give an example of a person who harmed his wife and child. That person took rat poison after a conflict on the issue of land. The father wanted to sell land and the child refused that it was their inheritance. Then the father closed the door and attacked his wife. The wife had two deep cuts and the child was harmed. The elder son managed to escape. If you trace back, you would find that the person had spent the whole day taking mutoriro. I do not know what our laws say because tumbwa and mutoriro are being sold in the beerhalls and bars. Even those who are selling them are also taking in the drugs. If you try to negotiate with them, they cannot listen to you because they would have already been intoxicated. Even if you try to rebuke your child, the law says you cannot rebuke or beat your child. What type of right is that when the Bible encourages parents to rebuke their children from following evil ways?
We are trying to mould our children to be inheritors of the country and of our future, but right now we are suffering trying to build our country for the sake of the future. However, those who are supposed to inherit the country in the future are not doing anything because they are taking in drugs. Right now, this country will end up being inherited by other people who are busy manufacturing drugs and selling locally. Mr. President, as chiefs we are worried and we are imploring the Government to work towards elimination of drug and substance abuse.
It is my wish Mr. President that the laws which we are making in this country must be beneficial to us as a country today and tomorrow and even for our inheritors. The issue of drug and substance abuse which was raised by Hon. Dube…
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: She is Hon. Senator.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: Thank you Mr. President Sir. The issue of drug and substance abuse which was brought by Hon. Sen. Dube is a pertinent issue. We must look at the issue and make sure we address it and not to just work without any results. Let us be united and work as a country and make new laws that benefit our country so that our country is protected and our children are protected from drug and substance abuse. The perpetrators who are supplying these drugs to other people’s children must desist from that because those same issues are going to affect their children. Thank you Mr. President.
*THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Sen. Chief Chikwaka. The Hon. Member who wanted to go out, you may leave because you will not be able to leave when another Hon. Member is debating.
HON. SEN. S. NDEBELE: Thank you Mr. President Sir. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank the mover of this motion who raised concerns that we all know are a challenge, especially to our children. Thank you for such a good motion which helps us in moulding the future of our children. Most of the Members who spoke before me have raised important points. I will however, add my voice on what has not been hinted by the previous speakers.
The issue to do with drug abuse; you realise that most of the children who have access to the drugs and substance, we need to find out where it is coming from. Who is the source of these drugs that are being sold? We need to deal with the source that brings the drugs into the country and also the parent of the alleged child who is coming home late whilst in possession of drugs. Parents can attest to it that their children are into drugs. These are the other parents that we need to deal with. They need to come up in the open and seek assistance so that these children can get help.
Unfortunately, most of the times especially leaders, you will realise that as parents, you would have seen that your child is going astray and your neighbours will only see when the child is now addicted to the drugs. If only we can come up with a law that will then arrest even the parents who are staying with children who are so addicted to drugs and not taking steps towards that. Most of the times, when we try to investigate or when the law enforcement agents are trying to investigate, you realise that as parents, we stand and defend our children that they are not drug addicts.
Most of the times as parents, we protect our children whilst they are doing wrong things. There is need as Hon. Members, to arrest such acts by admitting when your child is going astray. When your child is now addicted into drugs and they commit murder, the first thing the parent does is to try and get funds so that the child who would have committed the crime escapes the country.
Sometimes it is sad Mr. President Sir, that as parents we can invest in the production of drugs and use escape clauses to say they are being used for traditional use. Even our old aged who are taking tobacco and most of them will be drugs, they would hide behind the finger and say it is usual tobacco when they are drugs. Also, what contributes to drug abuse is the money that we give to our children as pocket money, these monies are used to buy drugs and we need to be aware of that. My emphasis Mr. President Sir, would be that all those who are selling drugs should be arrested. Sometimes as Government or as leaders, we have women who go through gender-based violence. What is it that we do to someone who is a victim of gender-based violence whilst the perpetrator has done that due to drug abuse? What are we saying to our children who are exposed to parents who are into drugs? Sometimes you see parents who are under influence of drugs and they stay with their children. What are we saying to children who are exposed to such? The example I want to give - I am not sure whether I will be off topic, for example we have a boychild in my area – that family is being headed by a mother. When the mother is under the influence of drugs, there are so many things that the boy does. Sometimes that boy will go to his girlfriend’s place, and when the girlfriend is not there, he will actually ask to be intimate with the grandmother. Mr. President, because of fear, the grandmother will have to agree to be intimate with the boy. It is so sad that after all that act, the young man will then ask the grandmother to pay him because he considers the act as a noble cause. Unfortunately, the grandmother had to pay using chickens and that grandmother had to tell the leaders of the community. Unfortunately, after the use of drugs, the boy had to admit and confessed to the leaders of the community about his actions. The grandmother who was raped by this boy remains with emotional and psychological challenges. I therefore plead with us as leaders or NGOs, to engage our traditional leaders and do an awareness campaign. I believe that is where the problem is and if this can be done village by village and we involve our traditional leaders.
Let me go back to the issue of parents who stand and fight for their children and deny that their children are drug addicts when it is known that indeed their children are drug addicts. If there is a way Mr. President, I think this will assist us in a long way, working together with the law enforcers. We need parents to be involved. We need traditional leaders to be involved as well, especially those who are the source of the drugs. I thank you Mr. President Sir.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express my feelings, views, ideas on this very important subject. We are talking about the future of this country. Every one of us in this august House is a father, mother, grandmother and is a grandfather. No one was born from a tree. We have these family units, institutions that have made us who we are today. If today a ten-year old or seven-year old can be affected by this animal which is drug, steroids, cocaine, where is our future? If a ten-year old child today can walk into a supermarket, bar and is allowed, and he walks about and he buys that drug – Mr. President a ten-year old child! This is the future; this is where our future lies.
Mr. President, we know who these people are. The drug syndicate is not for a small person, it is not for a mere person walking in Nkayi, Tsholotsho and Dotito. These are big persons, we know them, we know who they are but we cannot sit in this august House and allow these people to make money at the expense of the future of our country, at the expense of our children. You may sit there, wherever you are today and hope that because your child is not affected, you are not bothered but you will not be there tomorrow. This thing is growing Mr. President. In developed countries like in Asia, when you are found in possession of a drug, that is a life sentence. Look at how they have developed their countries, why can we not learn from these countries that have developed because they discovered that drugs would destroy economies. Who is going to respect us today in this august House because drugs are addictive? They are silent killers.
Mr. President, not only that but allow me to say drugs breach the fundamental rights and freedoms of our children. The right to life is breached, the right to personal liberty is breached, the right to women dignity is breached, the right to health care is breached, all this is enshrined in this Constitution of Zimbabwe that was endorsed by His Excellency, that was endorsed by all of us today. Should we therefore allow this Parliament to sit and see its tenure coming to an end without resolving this important issue. Today, if you are a cattle rustler, you know that if the authorities of this land catch up with you; you know your sentence will be nine years and above, it is prescribed. We are the legislative arm, why not create a law for these animal thieves, for this syndicate that if one is found with a drug, it is 20 years sentence in prison? Can we not really mitigate? Yes, we have seen stock theft being reduced by that kind of legislation.
There has been a solemn reduction in stock theft through the chiefs and communities because they know that if you are found, you will go for nine years, there is no question about it. We are the legislative arm; can we not do that in order to mitigate these issues that I have raised?
Mr. President of Senate, we cannot isolate the issue of drug abuse from the economy. There is a thin line, our youths are yawning in the streets. I may be out of order, but if you can allow me to express myself and drive the point Mr. President. I want to bring the issue of drug abuse in a way that as a nation, we may think of everything, but we need change of culture. As a nation and as people, we need to change. When I grew up, I only read about cocaine, I never witnessed it and saw it. I never saw it and I do not think I will be able to see it in my life time, but my son knows what cocaine is. Yesteryear, Mr. President of Senate, when we were walking on the streets, you would see a hearse coming. When I was in my teenage when you saw a hearse, there are two things you would do. It is either you would run away or you would stand still. This is what we were told, you would stand still until the hearse passes.
That was the culture we were taught. This cannot be given to the traditional chiefs; it cannot be their responsibility. It is our responsibility because a traditional chief has got his own family. I have got my own family so it is the culture or the mindset that we need to change for us to address some of these issues that we are experiencing today.
Mr. President of Senate, it is a very contentious debate. There are some of us here who are smokers who believe that smoking is part of their wellbeing. There are some of us here who speak through to their ancestors through fodya and it works out for them and that is a drug which is different from that which I am talking about today. This country represents the past, this Parliament represents today; this Parliament represents the present and future. So, it is our responsibility as we represent the present and the future to make sure that drugs are out of our streets to make sure that this country cannot live as long as we have illegal drugs. This country will never prosper as long as drugs are available in the streets.
We need a political will, His Excellency the President has the power, he has the mandate which he was given in the past last elections to carry this nation forward. He was given the mandate by the people of this country to lead this country. He has that mandate to make sure that drugs are removed from our streets. That the chains of drugs are broken for him to advance his Vision 2030, he cannot see Vision 2030 as long as drugs are still there in our streets.
There is no question of legitimacy as I stand here, elections are gone, let us concentrate on bread and butter issues and these are the fundamental issues that I am talking about. I thank you very much.
+HON. SEN. DUBE: Thank you Mr. President of Senate for giving me this opportunity to thank the Hon. Senate for supporting my motion on drugs and substance abuse. I am grateful for there is no parent even as Hon. Senators that encounter challenges at home because of drug and substance abuse. What I am grateful for Hon. President of Senate, is the support that this Hon. Senate gave to this motion where as parents, we were indicating that our children have become wild because of drug and substance abuse. As such, they no longer respect parents. We all have a duty as parents because our country is going into doldrums because these children are the future of this country.
Presidents are going to come from these youngsters and Hon. Members will come from these youngsters. Therefore, I am grateful for the support you gave to this motion. Government should ensure that we know that, His Excellency our President, Dr. E. Mnangagwa has tried to put in place a Commission that will look into drug and substance abuse. My plea to this Commission is that they need to increase rehabilitation centres. In my previous debate in this House, I indicated that centres that used to cater for those who were affected by COVID-19 need to be used as rehabilitation centres.
We continue to pray to God that every other parent needs to look into what they are doing, especially to those cartels that are bringing these drugs into the country.
In this motion, I was looking into the responsible Ministry coming through to hear contributions from Hon. Members. Despite all this Mr. President, I need to indicate that may this motion be adopted because Senators really supported this motion. Even today, we had other Senators that felt that they really needed to continue airing out their views regarding this motion.
We do not need to look much to Government alone because Government is me and you. We need to work hard and ensure that our children behave and respect wherever they are. They need to engage in sports and other developmental activities so that they do not partake in drug and substance abuse. It is not our duty for us to come here and say Government should be doing this and that, we also need to engage in ensuring that drug and substance abuse gets to an end. I move that the motion be adopted
Motion that;
APPALLED by the unabated drug and substance abuse by youths nationwide;
GRAVELY CONCERNED that the situation is spiralling out of control as the youths spend most of their time idle and consequently end up taking drugs as a pastime;
WORRIED that such substance and drug abuse has extremely devastating and far reaching consequences on our youths and the future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon the Government to;
a) Come up with programmes to curb drug and substance abuse by youths through self-help projects that ensure youths are fully occupied most of their time thereby keeping them away from drugs. b) Establish rehabilitation centres nationwide to assist youths who are addicted to drugs to the extent of treating substance and drug abuse as an integral part of their lives;
c) Legislate for much stiffer penalties than before on individuals who are the sources of supply for those substances and drugs which give rise to incidents of this unwanted scourge of drugs in the country leading to this conundrum.
d) Send to jail all repeat offenders without any option of fines at all and
e) Take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement agents bring to an abrupt halt, incidents of drug and substance abuse as a matter of urgency, put and agreed to.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE (HON. SEN. MUNZVERENGWI): I move that we revert to Order of the Day, Number 8 on today’s Order Paper.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION ON THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 harmonised elections.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice in this august House on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Report of 2023. It is without doubt that this report provides a comprehensive overview of the electoral process in our country, highlighting both achievements and challenges encountered during the electoral cycle.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe on Section 67, enshrines the principles of democracy, including the right to free and fair elections. It is our duty as representatives of the people to ensure that the electoral process upholds these principles and is conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner. Furthermore, the NDS1 outlines Government’s vision for the country including goals related to governance and democracy. The ZEC Report should be considered within the context of these developmental objectives and any recommendations should align with the broader goals of NDS1.
Of particular importance are the recommendations in the ZEC Report which offer concrete steps to improve the electoral process. These recommendations must not be overlooked as they have the potential to enhance the integrity and credibility of our elections. Of particular concern is the issue of voter registration which has been identified as a significant challenge in the report. The low voter registration numbers especially among the youth and marginalised communities, raise questions about the inclusivity and representativeness of our electoral system. It is imperative that we address these issues to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Furthermore, the report contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving the electoral process in Zimbabwe. These recommendations range from enhancing voter education and awareness campaigns to improving the accessibility of polling stations for persons with disabilities. It is crucial that we carefully consider these recommendations and take concrete steps to implement them in order to strengthen our electoral system and uphold the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded.
The recommendations from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Report of 2023 offer several advantages, including:
- Enhanced credibility; implementing the recommendations can enhance the credibility of the electoral process, leading to greater public trust in the outcomes of elections.
- Increased inclusivity; the recommendations aim to increase inclusivity in the electoral process particularly among marginalised groups. This can lead to a more representative government that reflects the diversity of the Zimbabwean population.
- Improved transparency; implementing the recommendations can improve the transparency of the electoral process, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and scrutinize each step of the process.
- Stronger democratic Institutions; by addressing key issues identified in the report, such as voter registration challenges and electoral malpractices, the recommendations can contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Zimbabwe.
- International recognition; implementing the recommendations can enhance Zimbabwe’s reputation internationally, demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
- Conflict prevention; a fair and transparent electoral process, facilitated by the recommendations can help prevent electoral disputes and conflicts, contributing to overall peace and stability in the country.
- Citizen empowerment; by improving voter education and awareness, the recommendations can empower citizens to participate more actively in the democratic process, leading to a more engaged and informed electorate.
- Modernisation of electoral processes: Some recommendations may involve the adoption of modern technology and practices in the electoral process, leading to more efficient and effective elections.
In summation, let us work together to ensure that our electoral process is fair, transparent and in line with the aspirations of the Zimbabwean people. Overally, implementing the recommendations from the ZEC report of 2023 can bring about significant positive changes to the electoral process in Zimbabwe leading to a more credible, inclusive and transparent democracy. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE (HON. MUNZVERENGWI): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 10th April, 2024.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF CENTRES FOR STREET KIDS
AND PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE FAMILY
INTEGRATION
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that this House;
RECOGNISING Government's commitment to vision 2030 of 'leaving no one and no place behind';
ACKNOWLEDGING Government's endeavours and initiatives to provide children’s shelter for street children;
CONCERNED about the increasing number of children opting to live in the streets;
DISTURBED that these children are exposed to extreme health hazards, crime and abuse;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon; a) The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to avail more resources to the Department of Social Welfare to enable rehabilitation centres that will accommodate children living in the streets in recruitment of more social workers; b) The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Development to invest in programs that improve the livelihood vulnerable families and reduce poverty at the household level; and c) The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to promote family integration in all its programmes.
HON. SEN. RUNGANI: I second.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Mr. President, I stand before you today to speak about the seemingly invisible children of Zimbabwe – the street kids. While there are no recent and accurate statistics on the number of children on the streets, it is glaring evidence that their numbers are increasing at an exponential rate, especially in the streets of Harare Central Business District. Extreme poverty, parental child abuse, remarriages and maltreatment tend to drive children out of their homes to seek solace in the streets. However, immediate causes range from abuse (sexual or physical), death, abandonment by guardian or parent including family breakdown. Researchers found out that 90% of children end up on the streets due to abuse from a step-parent. Some step-mothers refuse to nurture the children of their husbands’ former marriage, thereby depriving them not only of parental love, but of basic necessities such as food, clothing, education etc. Also, when a woman decides to remarry, usually the children from the previous marriage suffer as they are not easily accepted into the new setup. So in order to survive, these street children often beg and scavenge. Many die due to disease and accidents associated with poor sanitary conditions and moldy food. To survive, a child needs to join a gang. The gangs however, have established “bases” where they sleep and hang out. Many gangs hide out behind supermarkets in the alleyways where the rubbish bins are easily accessible and where food is thrown out. They wait for the moment each day when rotten food or food which has outlived its shelf life is thrown out and then they pick through it, putting anything edible into dirty cardboard boxes for them to share afterwards. Food is a priority, but drugs are often even higher up the priority list. Studies have revealed that street children have now moved from abusing glue as a substance to the use of emerging hard-core substances such as crystal meth known locally as mutoriro, broncleer, musombodia, codeine, high alcohol liquors such as blue diamond and cane-spirit. Drug dealers and syndicate leaders are now employing street children to sell drugs and substances, thereby increasing the vulnerability of street children to abusing substances.
According to a World Health Organisation and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime publication, illicit drug use among adolescents is associated with mental illness, violence and unsafe sexual behaviour as well as increased risks of STIs including HIV/AIDS. Sexually transmitted diseases are rampant amongst those in the streets. Usually, there are a handful of girls in each gang and they are passed around between the boys. Many become pregnant whilst they are still minors. There is a lot of abuse where older boys are forcing younger boys into sex. The shame and embarrassment mean that it is often only when diseases are at an advanced stage that they have the courage to ask for help.
I was deeply hurt when I read an article in ‘The Herald’ about a serial street kids’ killer who had been in the streets of Harare killing and eating the remains of their victims. These are the degrees of violence they face in their daily lives. Section 81 of the Constitution recognises the rights of children including their rights to access healthcare, education, nutrition, and shelter. They also have the right to be protected from economic and sexual exploitation. The Presidential mantra echoes the same sentiments of leaving no one and no place behind which is also embodied in Vision 2030. On the contrary, their daily lives are fraught with security, social, economic and health challenges. They are exposed to violence, exploitation, trafficking, poverty, neglect, and abuse.
We can borrow a leaf from Rwanda which was affected by the 1994 Genocide, which left 85 000 child-headed households, 34% woman-headed households, including 21% headed by widows. Delinquency, hunger and extreme poverty was prevalent among the young children for whom the street had replaced the family. Almost all those street children were born in troubled families (divorces, repudiation, death of one or both parents, abandonment of the father, absence of the legitimate father, polygamy, et cetera). The development of Rwanda National Policy for Family Promotion was meant to set up appropriate legislation and institutions for the protection of the family, especially the child and the mother to ensure that the family flourishes.
Rwanda lays such great emphasis on the family because it is considered as an essential element for safeguarding social order, maintaining social cohesion and for reconciling an individual with the society. It is within the family that a child is conceived, born, educated and given to the community for the good of the society. It is also within the family that the first interpersonal relationships are tied and exchanged, comparison and identification of opportunities are obtained. It is therefore pertinent to develop policies designed to strengthen and safeguard the family as an institution, and enhance the quality of family relationships.
Allow me to recognise the sterling work being done by Her Excellency, the First Lady, Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, in fighting the street kids’ pandemic through her philanthropic works carried out by the Angel of Hope Foundation which she founded. In addition, the Government has been implementing various social protection programmes like BEAM and Food Deficit Mitigation programme aimed at assisting vulnerable families and potentially prevent children from ending up on the streets.
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare also runs rehabilitation centres for street children, offering shelter, food, education and skills training. However, due to capacity limitations and resource constraints, the centres fail to absorb the growing numbers of the children on the streets. Also, in some instances, these children trickle back to the streets, their usual source of livelihood, because the homes lack a family-oriented support structure. Being reunited with their families should always be the first priority and sometimes it just needs a social worker to accompany them back to their rural homes and sit down with the relatives. Sometimes the reason for running away from home is delinquency. Having a social worker to help them approach those they have wronged and ask for forgiveness often opens the way for a new start. However, where there has been abuse at home, reunification can be a lot more complicated and dangerous for the child. Sadly, some families are too disintegrated or abusive to be a safe option, hence the need for rehabilitation centres. Where poverty has been the cause of a child coming to the street, there is need to look at how to support the family so that the same poverty trap does not just repeat itself.
Mr. President in this regard, this House now calls upon
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, to avail more resources to the Department of Social Welfare to enable them to expand their rehabilitation centres for street children and employing more social workers targeted, especially for street kids and their various social programs to limit the number of children flowing back into the streets.
The Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development to invest in programmes that tackle poverty at the household level, targeting women and vulnerable families.
The Ministry of Public Service should integrate family promotion in all its programmes targeting parents and communities, be they developmental or humanitarian. I thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. RUNGANI: Thank you Mr. President. I rise to second the motion moved by Hon. Sen. Tongogara about children living in the streets. They are increasing in numbers in urban areas as well as growth points and in rural areas where we do not expect to find them, but now you find them there. As a country, we realise that young children shift from their rural areas and come into urban areas where there is no accommodation, without clothes and blankets. We do not even know what they eat or whether they bath or not. It is painful, but if you look closely, you realise that even for some children, it is out of mischief but most of the causes have to do with the surrounding environment. Sometimes parents separate, sometimes they die or the father marries another woman but they fail to get along although initially they may persevere, but in the end they run away to stay in unpalatable places.
Mr. President, as mothers, it pains our hearts to see children living in such areas. This also leads to drug and substance abuse because of the environment they have to live in. They are even stealing, sometimes they snatch from people who are just walking on the streets be it food, they snatch and run away. I think as a country, we realised that sometime ago there were rounded up and taken for rehabilitation, but because they are so used to the environment they stay in after being rehabilitated and sent back home, sometimes we fail to take care of them.
Mr. President, on streets kids, we spoil them by giving them money. I once travelled to another country where it was stated that if we see you giving money to any person or beggar on the street, you will be arrested. I think we should adopt such laws so that we safeguard and protect them. Those who are into social welfare who take in such children, but do not have proper facilities need to be empowered so that they go to school and rehabilitated so that they forget about begging and living on the streets and all the habits they have acquired.
Mr. President, it does not end there, sometimes they end up behaving like parents and they beget children on the streets. It is a very sad scenario when we talk about children living on the streets. They abuse drugs and substances; sometimes we have seen them using glues. I heard one speaker saying they become numb. It is because of the use of these glues. Sometimes our children learn it, be it in school and how the children on the streets behave and what they use. Our children also end up copying that. Our ages never really saw this phenomenon of children living on the streets. Even if our parents may have separated, people would persevere and keep on staying at their homes.
Mr. President, in the past, children were so persevering, but these days children rush into the streets. Sometimes it is not because they do not have anywhere to live or they do not have homes. It is because they adopt new habits or cultures, but if we adopt proper culture and we give them proper environment in a family setup, they will stay with the family and stay there. I expect that as Government and Social Welfare we should look into the issue of children living on the streets. We need to construct infrastructure and take them away from streets to ensure that they stay on better places.
Mr. President, it is a very sad scenario that we live in good houses and we eat good food, yet children on the streets will be starving and living under such harsh conditions. It shows that as a country, we are not considerate to the plight of such children. We may think that it is only happening in Harare, but it is also happening even in growth points, they leave their rural homes. Sometimes they shift from one district or province to another, especially where they believe they will not meet their relatives easily. I think we should debate deeply about this phenomenon. We need to take them away from the streets and put in place facilities where they should stay. We do not only see street kids on the streets, sometimes people that live in Epworth come to behave like street children living in the streets in town. So, I hereby request the Hon. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to come up with a plan and ensure that children living on the streets move away from such living environments and we take good care of them. Some of the children live with their parents but as mothers, it means we are so cruel, sometimes we live with step fathers who chase away a child after marrying a woman with their own children and this makes the child to go into the streets.
Power outage.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Sorry for the interruption, Hon. Senator do you still want to continue?
*HON. SEN. RUNGANI: Hon. President of Senate, yes, let me just wind up my debate. As a country, we need to unite and map a way forward to ensure that we resolve this problem. Let us construct homes so that we limit or curb the influx of people or children living in the streets. With these few words, I thank you Hon. President of Senate.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Mr. President of Senate, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. RUNGANI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 10th April, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. MOHADI, the Senate adjourned at Five Minutes to Five o’clock. p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 9th April, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I indicated that I wanted to raise a point of privilege.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Please proceed.
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of privilege after some perennial challenges that are facing Members of Parliament each time they come to the House. There is a challenge in terms of accommodation. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- Members get very desperate to a point where some sleep in cars and others are disturbed by the approach of some of the hotels. When Hon. Members go to hotels, they are told in an unfriendly way that we are not taking Members of Parliament, and they say they want to be allowed to deal with their customers, which is very disturbing. The honour and the respect that Hon. Members of Parliament must be accorded, they are not getting any.
My issue is, we are sitting this week and we know if we are going to sit next week, those responsible in Parliament Administration, why do they not engage service providers? I am raising it here because I have engaged Parliament Administration not once but many times, but we are assured and it is only this week that we are going to be sitting and many of our Members were desperate.
Some got accommodation around 3.00 a.m. If the staff have challenges, why do they not inform the Hon. Speaker early enough that we are supposed to sit next week, but hotels are not accepting our people because of non-payment? We know that there could be challenges in terms of funding the stay, but they are not the source of money. If they are told that the money is not there, why do they not tell the Speaker that we cannot sit because next week we do not have enough resources than to have people so desperate?
So, my request is that, through your office, we convene a meeting. I do not know whether this is the correct thing to do, but where you give us how we have to deal with this thing because it is perennial. Every week Hon. Members are faced with this challenge of accommodation. It may not be Parliament Administration’s problem, it may be because of funding from Ministry of Finance, but they should know this thing upfront.
Some of the hotels end up sending Hon. Members away like at Pandhari. It is a dilapidated hotel and it is like people left that hotel 10 years ago. Hon. Members of Parliament go there because the hotel is flexible and nobody is using that hotel at all. So, I am requesting you Mr. Speaker Sir, that a permanent solution is found to protect the dignity of Members of Parliament. I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! If I understand your English properly, you say perennial, I have been perennially in this office and you are raising it here, in this House. The two Chairpersons - the Chief Whips, that is the Government Chief Whip and the Opposition, are both Chairpersons of the welfare of the Hon. Members of Parliament. What has stopped you from engaging me?
Hon. Member, Government Chief Whip, you have sent me WhatsApp messages even when I am in Honolulu seeking my guidance. I have given that guidance accordingly and accordingly, you responded gratefully. I am here, unless you have temporal lapses that I am the head of this Parliament. Last time when there was an issue, I recall that the Government Chief Whip approached me and the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion was not around. I approached the Head of State and Government, His Excellency Dr. Mnangagwa. He immediately called the Permanent Secretary Mr. Guvamatanga and asked, is there no budget for Parliament? He said yes and he asked, so why are you not paying hotels? Your Excellency, it will be done immediately because the situation of that particular week had become desperate and I had been informed. I do not want to hear the same story again and I am saying, my office, including my WhatsApp, is open… - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible Interjections.] – Now, without nailing you Government Chief Whip, last night you sent me a message concerning the interviews that we conducted last Thursday, gave me an opinion and I replied immediately. You acknowledged my reply, but there was no mention about this issue… - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible Interjections.] – If there are any issues, let us face them together under my leadership.
Now, may I know the update? Are Hon. Members now booked in hotels? - [HON. MEMBERS: No! Fuel!] – Do not mix up issues.
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker, as an update, I want to acknowledge that I should have told you. When I spoke to you last night, the situation had improved a bit, but there are still some Hon. Members who have not been housed properly. I really take your advice and will definitely talk wherever there is need. I have always done so, but this was overwhelming, very much overwhelming because Rainbow Hotel, for some reason, was not taking up, Crown Plaza told us they would take 20 and some hotels even refused, but I take your advice Mr. Speaker. I will definitely advise you in future. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you, let us coordinate better. I hear some whispering voices that are a bit loud on my left and on my right concerning coupons… - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Now, may I again be appraised Hon. Togarepi?
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, like I said earlier, it is still the same that either the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is supposed to fund the fuel coupon service providers. They tell us that the fuel coupons were not paid for and the service provider was not ready to release the coupons for the period that Hon. Members are raising…
THE HON. SPEAKER: How long is that? – [HON. MEMBERS: Three weeks!] –
HON. TOGAREPI: It is two weeks - [HON. MEMBERS: No, it is three weeks!] – I am not aware of the other week, but if it is three weeks, it could be that other Hon. Members got coupons and others did not because I also collect from the same pool and I got them.
THE HON. SPEAKER: In the past two weeks?
HON. TOGAREPI: Yes, but they did not get anything this last week, some had to stay in Harare with relatives. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you very much for that information. Again, honestly two weeks, two weeks muchitambura? - [HON. MEMBERS: Yes!] – Ini ndiripo? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Mina ngikhona? [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I think you have a problem, you have a problem. In Ndebele we say, umntwana ongakhaliyo ufela embelekweni, mwana asingacheme anofira mumbereko, but do not wait until you are about to die. Let us handle these issues spontaneously as they arise so that we can find some solution accordingly - [HON. MEMBERS: Salary! salary!] – I have taken those two, the rest of welfare, I wait to be advised by your two Chief Whips and the Committee on Welfare. Thank you.
I have a request from Hon. Gwangwaba on a point of national importance.
^HON. GWANGWABA: Good afternoon. I have stood to talk about a problem along the Zambezi River. The Zambians are coming into the Zambezi River and are now killing our relatives along that river. Right now, as I am talking, in the Negandini area of Nyaminyami, there is someone called Robert Mpofu who was killed by the Zambian poachers, and up to now, we have not yet retrieved his body.
I am appealing to the parks rangers and also the army to intervene.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you. However, this question concerns the Zambezi Valley, so it should be a written question so that the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife can properly respond. I suggest that you write to the Clerk of Parliament so that next week during the Question and Answer Session, the Minister will respond. I thank you.
HON. MATEWU: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise on a point of national interest. Mr. Speaker Sir, on the 5th of April 2024, that is last Friday, the Reserve Bank Governor, Dr. John Mushayavanhu issued the Monetary Policy Statement in terms of the Reserve Bank Act, [Chapter 22;15] which was followed by the Presidential Powers and Temporary Measures, [S.I. 60 of 2024].
Mr. Speaker Sir, we expect the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to come to this House and explain to us how the new currency is going to work. We owe it to the people, whether we are also going to amend the Finance Act which we voted for in December of 2023 because if the new currency is going to work, the common denominator must be confident. We must be confident that it will work, the people of this country, the region, and the international community must be confident in the new currency.
However, confidence will only come if the Government is confident in our currency. Hence, we need to know if the Finance Act which put everything in USD terms with respect to government services, I am talking about passport fees, fuel and every service that the Government offers, must then follow suit and be accessible in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) otherwise this will remain a damn spat and it will not work.
So, Mr. Speaker, we expect the Minister of Finance to come to this House and amend the Finance Act to ensure that we can now pay for anything in Central Government using ZiG, otherwise we are wasting our time. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Your request is accepted and will ask the Hon. Minister to present a ministerial statement to explain so that after his explanation, as representatives of the people, you will be able then to go back and explain equally, in equal measure, to the people you represent.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker Sir. Hon. Speaker Sir, my point of national importance is that we have an International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances which is on the 30th of August, 2024. Zimbabwe has neither signed nor acceded to the Convention. This Convention applies to the victims who would have died as a result of the disaster, like Cyclone Idai, it applies as well to enforced disappearances like we have situations we had, of people like Itai Dzamara, Manyama, and many others who passed on then.
So, Mr. Speaker Sir, my appeal, through your office, is to find means as to how we can come up with the motivation for our Government to accede to this Convention since I believe it is an important Convention which applies as well to us as a country. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: We will engage the relevant Minister and find out the modalities on how to handle your request.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 7 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until Order Number 8 has been disposed of.
HON. KARIKOGA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND
RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. DR. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you for this important opportunity Mr. Speaker, to contribute my views on this important report.
The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission is one of the most important Commissions in the country. Important because it addresses issues that are critical and fundamental to development, Vision 2030 and the attainment of an upper middle-class income society by 2030. Peace and reconciliation, conflict prevention and conflict resolution are all prerequisites to sustainable development and success. You only have to look at Israel and Gaza in the State of Palestine for a more graphic representation of the absence of peace and reconciliation.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Commission for a clear report on activities which I must admit had also educated me on how broad the mandate and scope is, from political conflict to early marriages and teen pregnancies, drug and substance abuse, agriculture and mining conflict to human wildlife conflict as well as sources of conflict that afflict communities resulting in the absence of peace. Indeed, the report demonstrates peace begins with me, peace begins with you and peace begins with all of us.
Mr. Speaker, the Commission established in terms of Section 232 of the Constitution, has its report demonstrating its commitment to conflict prevention and social cohesion through programmes and activities that were rolled out to all the 10 provinces, cascading to local levels, the villages and schools, creating ownership for peace and reconciliation through local participation and proffering of solutions for cohesion and reconciliation.
I applaud the Commission for the extent of coverage given limited resources and delayed budget disbursement. Out of the 105 new complaints received in 2023 and added to the 2022 backlog to make it 138, the Commission was able to conclude by way of investigation and resolution on all these cases ensuring peace and reconciliation as the basis for development.
Of concern and for attention is the fact that 47% were political conflicts. 27% were Masvingo Province followed by Mashonaland East Province. The political parties and political leaders need to be accountable and very supportive of the Commission’s pursuit for peace through resolution of past, present and future conflicts. Mr. Speaker Sir, the Commission’s strategic plan for 2023 is comprehensive and focuses on specific but broad issues, all seeking to achieve its vision of a peaceful Zimbabwe for all generations.
With a lot of activities focusing on political conflict because of elections, the Commission successfully campaigned through various media advertising platforms, peace caravan vehicles across provinces and indeed, peace prevailed before, during and after elections. That was a job well done. The Commission was very visible during the period reported on and their message was present and visible, achieving the intended results.
Mr. Speaker Sir, again I applaud the Commission for structuring itself to be able to go beyond the obvious sources and causes of conflict. The villages, households and local communities all participated as a foundation of national peace and development. The Commission is applauded for programmes and initiatives on Gender-Based Violence, teen pregnancies and child marriages, drug and substance abuse, farming and mining conflict and human and wildlife conflict among others. These were brought to the fore, how they are potential sources of conflict and if left unchecked, can be serious conflict situations affecting national peace.
In the same vein, let me acknowledge and commend the Commission for complying with section 9 of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission on gender equality in its organisational structure. I think that is why they have been able to cover so much, taking preventative actions and mediating or conciliating disputes for peace. The setting up of child protection units and anti-stock theft communities among others, with the participation of local leadership is a sustainable way of ensuring long term peace and reconciliation.
The Commission adopted an effective strategy which is that local communities under their local traditional and political leadership, are best positioned to deal with conflicts applying indigenous knowledge and ways of investigating and dealing with conflict.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the establishment of peace champions and ambassadors for anti-drug abuse, drug awareness campaigns and gender focal persons in schools and communities indeed is applauded. It is a sustainable way of dealing with the scourge, and is to be applied to the other challenges to address addiction, antisocial behaviour and violence which undermine peace. It also addresses sexual violence and child marriages among others.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the report clearly outlines the major socio-economic challenges impacting on peace and reconciliation, key among them marginalisation of some communities, poor road infrastructure, poor communication networks, management of natural resources and non-harmonisation of some pieces of legislation. An example here is the Mines and Minerals Act of 1961, on how it deals with agriculture priorities and mining priorities.
Mr. Speaker Sir, allow me at this juncture, to thank His Excellency the President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for recognising the top performance by NPRC and giving them a top performance award. I congratulate NPRC for such a performance. It has proved beyond doubt that all Commissions led by women are doing excellently well.
In conclusion Mr. Speaker Sir, I urge Government to adopt and actualise the Commission’s recommendations for continued improvements and sustainable peace. There are recommendations on specific areas, from drug and substance abuse to human and wild life conflict and mining by makorokozas. Addressing all these potential sources of conflict provides basis for sustainable economic growth in line with vision 2030.
Let me end Mr. Speaker Sir, by saying peace begins with me, peace begins with you and peace begins with all of us. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Hon. Member going outside, can you come and see me now.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice on this very important report that was tabled by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. I will begin by quoting one of our great late Vice President Ubaba John Landa Nkomo, who coined the adage to say ‘peace begins with me, peace begins with you and peace begins with all of us’. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - That is a sort of visionary leadership that creates the atmosphere that we require as a country to prosper.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we have seen the conflict zones of our world, how devastating and how painful people live under those kinds of conditions. I remember one great nation in Africa here, Libya, which was well led by one great leader, the late Col. Gaddafi, what a peaceful country. Everything was going well for them until conflict started. I remember at one point, the Libyans were actually, if you wanted to go and study outside their country, the Government was providing for you everything. Their buildings were all quite okay but when conflict was brought by the people that love to bring conflicts in most parts of the world, now they are living in abject poverty. It is so scary.
I will want to commend our Government, our President, His Excellency Hon. Dambudzo Mnangagwa. I want to commend all the stakeholders of Government, including you Mr. Speaker Sir, as the head of this institution. I am glad today you put it so well that umntwana ongakhaliyo ufela embelekweni. The peace that we enjoy as Zimbabwe is the kind of peace that can only prosper us as a nation. It is so important therefore, to safeguard that peace at whatever cost. This Commission that was put, has actually done so. We have just come out of our own elections in 2023. I am sure everybody here will definitely agree with me that our elections were so free and fair, all because of the peaceful environment that we enjoy as a country. That is the kind of peace we need to all safeguard here, despite our ideologies or our standing in society.
If we look at this Commission, they have actually tried to guard and prevent more than curing. This is exactly what we ought to advocate for as Members of Parliament here as we go out to our constituencies. We should never find ourselves in a situation where we now want to put off the fire. We must always make sure that the fire does not start in the beginning. This now talks to us understanding that we are supposed to be one here. I have always on many occasions, stood up and say there is no Shona, no Ndebele, no Venda, no Tonga or Kalanga. We are all one creation by God and the moment we understand that, we are going to live together harmoniously. The moment we try and want to separate each other, the moment we try to say this one comes from there and this one comes from there, this is where conflict will begin. This is where we will never progress as a nation.
I was saying to somebody, in most cases, the only person who knows exactly who you are is your mother. I will get up and say I am a Tshuma, but do I really know that I am a Tshuma? What if my mother took a turn - and this I say more particularly to people that want to be tribal all the time. You will hear somebody saying, I am Shona, ndiri mushona chaiye and I have said to somebody - what if your mother took a turn and met a Khumalo guy and you are Khumalo and you are hating your own people? So, we should never hate each other because of things that we have no control over. It is very important as Members of Parliament to actually spread the word of love. If you cut a Shona speaking person, it is red blood, so is a Ndebele person, so is a Venda, so is even a Tonga. Why are we then now trying to separate each other over things that really do not matter?
I even say to other people, are you aware that once upon a time, everybody spoke the same language? The only mistake that they tried to do was to build a tower over Babylon to go into the heavens. God now said no, these people are now trying to come into my bedroom, and he separated them. That is how people started speaking different languages so that they could not understand each other in order for them to try and do their project of trying to build going up. So, we were once one people, talking the same language. So, it is very imperative for people to understand that peace will only begin when you realise that there is no Shona, there is no Ndebele, there is no Kalanga, we are all one.
I want us as a House to understand that there are some institutions that also want to bring havoc in our societies. Those institutions must be dealt with and be dead expeditiously. For example, I was appalled to see the way the City Council authorities, here in Harare and even in Bulawayo, the city council police, how they treat vendors. They will go out there, beat them up and loot their stuff. Now, can you imagine one day, if those people will stand up and say enough is enough, what is going to happen? There is going to be a conflict and we are going to lose lives. People are going to be injured because of somebody who does not want to be responsible enough to know and be cautious enough to say if this person is doing something wrong, there are good ways of dealing with such a situation than being inhuman in the manner that we have seen these Harare Municipality Police, the Bulawayo Municipality Police, conduct their business.
So, it is very important to have all these institutions probably re-oriented and let them know how to carry out their duties, even the police themselves. For example, if you go to a soccer match between Highlanders and Dynamos, most of the violence emanates from the police themselves. They become trigger-happy and they shoot teargases all over, then what is next is stampede and people are injured, some even lose their lives. It is important for our national institutions to also adhere to good governance, the one that you always pray for when you open Parliament here. It is very important that people always think about those things and do things in a dignified way. We are human beings, we should be dignified. It is even like people who issue us with coupons here in Parliament, you actually go there as Hon. Members of Parliament, we are now like sort of fighting over there to simply get coupons, whereby a system can be devised…
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. I have read and understood the National Peace and Reconciliation Report. The Hon. Member has not spoken to what the report says so far. Everything that he has spoken about is the coupons, the games and everything which has nothing to do with the National Peace and Reconciliation Report. With due respect, Mr. Speaker, I humbly request that the Hon. Member debate the National Peace and Reconciliation Report. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I hope you have read the report carefully. One of its recommendations is that peace be maintained in Zimbabwe. The Hon. Member is trying to say, how does peace escape us? It is because of unnecessary conflict. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - Hon. Tshuma, please proceed.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. It is always refreshing to have a Speaker like you, who is very open-minded - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]–
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, I do not know a Speaker who is like me.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. Thank you for enlightening the Hon. Member so that he opens up his mind to understand that when we speak about conflict, we do not need to have it happen. We need to actually proffer solutions that can prevent it from happening in the first place. That is exactly what I was trying to come up with. That is why I was giving all these examples, even the issue of coupons, I was talking about it as a cause for conflict because we cannot be going there to stampede for something that must be given to us in an honourable manner. These are the things that should be addressed in any given situation.
As I was saying, it is very important therefore, for us to look into these things deeply. Right now, go into even the churches which are supposed to be religious and exemplary in terms of peace and harmoniously living together, there is so much fighting in there. I do not know what Government can do, but we ought to look at that sector. I was amazed to see a video of brethren in a church throwing fists at each other instead of throwing holy fire and good words coming to bless each other but instead, they were fighting.
These are the kind of things that if not corrected, will then grow and cause society not to be able to live harmoniously. I did not write anything Mr. Speaker. I am saying this from my own head because I am talking of things which are practical and things that are happening, which I think the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission should be looking into as they have ably done. When I began my debate, I said they are more preventative than trying to stop something that has already started occurring.
So, I want to conclude by saying let us all be grateful for a peaceful nation like ours and let us preserve that peace by all means. We might be different in our ideology. I could be from a certain party and you are from another party, but the Zimbabwe that we have is one. If you go outside of this country, you become a foreigner and you will be treated as such. It does not matter whether you have got a degree or whatever. In a Shona adage they say, mwana waMambo muranda kumwe.
Therefore, it is important to definitely try by all means whether you go to church and ask God to cast away the demon of trying to sell out your own country. If you are a traditionalist, go to your Mudzimu and ask them to definitely make sure that from today onwards, you actually say to yourself, I will never sell out my country. Do not sell your land, your country and do not demonise it either.
There are squabbles all over the world. America has bad things that happen every day as well as Britain, China and other countries, but they do not go out there and start talking about it in public. They sort it out themselves just like you said to our Government Chief Whip that he must come to your office and that you are open all the time. They must learn the same thing. Our fellow Zimbabweans must learn the same things that if there is a problem, the President has been open about this when he said I am open for business and my door is open anytime.
Let us come together, let us talk about issues and there is no need to fight. We are all one and maybe one day if you behave like this, we will stop having people on the left hand and people on the right hand and we will all sit together because you will have seen the kind of mentality that we have. At the moment, at times it is difficult to mix because we might end up having bad apples mixing with good apples and then whatever happens, the basket ends up being rotten. All I can say Mr. Speaker is peace begins with you, peace begins with me and peace begins all of us. I so submit.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Before I call for further debate, is Hon. Surrender Kapoikilu around and Hon. J. Tshuma around? If so, I want to see them as soon as I vacate the chair.
Some Hon. Members from the left side having said it is now their turn to debate.
THE HON. SPEAKER: There is no list here. I have four eyes and there is no list here under item Order No. 3. Sorry.
+HON. M. NDLOVU: Thank you Hon. Speaker for this opportunity. I will add my voice from what I read from the NPRC Report. The first thing that I would want to dwell on the NPRC Report is that it was given a lifespan of ten years. The Commission existed from 2013 to August 2023. What made them to fail to work perfectly is that the lifespan had elapsed. Reading this report, I found out that when they tried to rectify the conflicts of 2008, they were told that their lifespan had expired, which meant that they failed to work perfectly.
When reading the NPRC works dwelling on the past, the present and the future which is upcoming, peace is a prerequisite to everyone and it is within everyone. Peace is like food that we consume. If you do not have food, you do not have peace, you are disturbed and without peace, you are disturbed. A country without peace does not develop. A country without peace does not advance in anything because there would be nothing happening because people will always be at each other’s throat fighting.
In this report, I found out that there is an issue that concerns us a lot. Where we are here, we are said to be on the East and what I can say is it is on the West in Matebeleland. This issue of early childhood marriages or children that are forced into intimate relationships
before they reach age of maturity. This is one thing that the NPRC was supposed to look into but because they do not have enough arresting powers, it is now being said their time for existence has elapsed.
Like I said, NPRC focuses on what happened in the past, present and future. There are issues that happened in the past that still need the NPRC’s attention, issues that happened in 1980 to 1983 of the Gukurahundi that still need to be attended to, people are still surviving with such issues to date. This is happening because no one is willing to address these issues. It is like a wound that is within someone and no one is willing to treat it.
I can refer up to 1987, but all that I am making reference to is from the report, it is not coming from my head. We had our inter-party dialogue in 2008 that gave birth to the Kariba Draft; in 2009 the Constitution gave birth to the Government of National Unity (GNU). This is all the NPRC would look into and fix a lot of issues since we have unity. We have seen instances of grievances that need to be addressed. If possible, I am appealing through you Madam Speaker, that the NPRC Commission be revived, but we need the NPRC’s report to be in existence.
We request for everyone to be united, even from the churches through to traditional leaders. We want representatives from all religious sectors because if we take views from only one party, we will not achieve our purpose of having reconciliation because it will be one-sided.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Madam Speaker for allowing me the opportunity to debate on this report, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Report.
Madam Speaker, let me acknowledge that the Commission has managed to abide by the provisions of the Constitution as well as the provisions of the legislation, which is the National Reconciliation Act of 2018 in respect of submitting their report and I think it is commendable. We need to understand, Madam Speaker, the genesis of this Commission for this is a very important Commission as alluded to by my fellow Hon. Members who debated before me. Zimbabwe has had a history that we are not proud of and it resulted in several conflicts leading to thousands of our people perishing because of the differences that we have had.
After 1980, we have had two cases that resulted in the setting up of this Commission and you know that before the setting up of this Commission, the Inclusive Government had a tripartite Ministry of National Healing and Reconciliation then led by the former Vice President, the late Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, Hon. Sekai Holland and the late Hon. Gibson Sibanda. They came up with foundation by which the 2013 Constitution was birthed and also the setting up of this Commission.
In our earlier years of Independence Madam Speaker, we lost thousands of people during what we call Gukurahundi in the early 80s. I know that the late President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe acknowledged that it was a moment of madness though to date, the scars of that Gukurahundi are not yet healed. I say this because during that time I was doing my Grade One - I know that many of the Hon. Members were yet to be born, but without closure and mechanism to make sure that there is reconciliation and peace building, it becomes a problem for this nation to move forward.
Then fast forward Madam Speaker, you will also recall that during the 2008 elections, we went through a period where we also lost a lot of lives due to political differences. This is the reason why when we set up the Inclusive Government, when we did the Global Political Agreement in 2008, the first thing that we did was to make sure that we have this Commission. Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, it took us five years after the 2013 Constitution, to have the legislation being enacted, which Parliament passed in 2018.
Now, when we want to look at the performance of this Commission, had the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission performed its duties according to the dictates of the legislation, had the NPRC carried its mandate to the satisfaction of the ordinary and general members of Zimbabwe and citizens of Zimbabwe at large, I want to state Madam Speaker, that if you go through the NPRC Act, and I want to start with one of the core fundamental duties and mandates of the Commission, it is conflict management.
It is clearly spelt out in Clause 252 (C) of the NPS which states that NPRC must provide national reconciliation and truth telling. There is no healing without a mechanism where we are open to each other on what has actually happened. We know in 1994 there was a genocide in Rwanda. One of the things that they did in Rwanda was to set that mechanism to have the perpetrators and the victims together so that the truth could be told. We know South Africa also did that. Our Commission Madam Speaker, has not done that. It has not done sufficient work towards the truth telling and reconciliation matrix so that we can move forward. I know there is an adage that says, time heals but the truth of the matter is that time does not heal. What heals is an honest and truthful process that takes into account the grievances and injuries of people.
The other issue that the NPRC is supposed to do is conflict prevention. This is also clearly spelt out that the NPRC should have a mechanism to have early warning mechanisms so that they avoid conflict. One of the things that you will realise from this report
is that when you look at it, it talks about the 2023 Elections. You will realise that there were quite several political conflicts but the NPRC, I want to submit that it did not take a proactive role. I note from their report that they talk about the peace caravans, and what they did to try to talk about peace during the elections.
However, one would have expected more from this Commission in that we needed to see a chapter or two or three paragraphs where we understand the discussions in terms of what the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission should have done in terms of the political players that were participating in the elections. We wanted to see that being brought in and the mechanism to see the various Sub-Committees that were set up in terms of making sure that we will prevent conflict.
If you check, Madam Speaker, you will then realise that most of the cases that are set by the Commission create a problem in terms of resolving some of these matters. We have been told that there were several cases, we know that Masvingo topped the list with 27 and Mashonaland East with 22, but what we do not see from this report is what then happened. Was there prosecution, discussion, national healing? The reason is because the National Peace Reconciliation Commission’s job is not just to give us statistics without telling us what then happened and how the Commission then sat with the various protagonists in terms of making sure that we will not have similar problems.
The other aspect which I wanted to mention; if you look at this report, it is interesting. It says that in other provinces, the cases were so many, but then there is an interesting aspect. In Bulawayo Province, there were zero cases reported to the National Peace Reconciliation Commission. There are two issues, either the people in Bulawayo are so peaceful and they are leaving in harmony or it is because the National Peace, Reconciliation Commission did not have its tentacles across all the parts of Zimbabwe. Technically, I do not believe that it is possible, if NPRC was covering the entire nation, that it could fail to have cases being reported, even just to have one or two cases being reported to it. I think there is some anomaly in those figures and something needs to be looked into.
Madam Speaker, the report briefly talks about the financial aspect in respect to the things that the NPRC has done. One of the things that I would have loved to see in this report, just like we want to see company reports where you put your financial report and we also have an auditor’s report pertaining to the usage of the funds because this is one of the things that is fundamental. We want our Chapter 12 Commissions to operate above board. Part of the reason why we need this to happen is that we have also discovered that one of the key drivers of conflict in this country is the usage of public resources. It is crucial that Chapter 12 Commissions like the National Peace Reconciliation Commission should lead by example. Once they have done that, they would have set a template for all other entities to do.
Lastly Madam Speaker, I also note that there is something that is missing from this report. The Commission groaningly talks about their engagement, cooperation with the police and other State institutions, but for some strange reason, I think it skipped the writers of this report, we know that we have had cases where the citizens of this country have had matters that they have had conflicts with State agencies, police and generally, one would have expected that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Report should encompass everything so that we know the state of the nation at a particular time. The question of leaving some of these conflicts not reported creates a problem. I believe that inasmuch as we want to thank them for abiding by the Constitution and by the NPRC Act of bringing the report, we are appealing that in their future reports, we hope that they will improve in terms of the content and make sure that they include all aspects of conflict resolution. I believe conflict is not good for the country and I agree with the late Vice President’s motto which was that ‘peace begins with me, peace begins with you and peace begins with all of us’. Indeed, when we have peace, we will be in a position to live harmoniously, but also prosper as a nation.
However, peace cannot only just happen, it is the manner we speak, it is the manner we do our business. Even when we are here in Parliament, it does not necessarily mean whenever we have political differences, I think we should agree to disagree on certain matters, but then agree that we are all Zimbabweans and we all have a right to live in this country. This is our Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is our country that God gave us. I thank you.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you for this opportunity to add my voice to the debate that is on the table which is the report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
There are things that I feel I should speak about before I forget them. If peace is going to be a permanent feature in our communities and the country at large, individual Zimbabweans must be at peace with themselves first. The definition of being at peace with yourself before we go deeper into the report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission is to come to independence and national programmes and I am inviting everyone in this House to come to Murambinda, Buhera and throng the national celebrations of independence. That is being at peace with yourself. If you do not come to national fundamental processes or programmes like the national heroes and national independence, it means you are not at peace with yourself and you are a potential threat to peace yourself because you do not know who you are.
I expect after this report that the Tenth Parliament is going to witness probably a major strategic shift from ambiguities into strategic clarity as far as observing national programmes is concerned. I have said this because the coming together of a nation is hinged on observing such programmes. There is no way we can expect to come together and find ourselves in the same thinking cap if we cannot unite on small matters that we must all have total appreciation that indeed this country was fought for and when it was fought for, we need to meet together to celebrate those that gave service to the nation and helped us to be an independent nation with right to self determination and total sovereignty like any other nation. If we cannot be at peace with ourselves around those programmes, we cannot be at peace with each other even as political formations.
I must say as I go deeper into the report, Madam Speaker, the first thing that I probably want to confront peacefully, the key word there is ‘peacefully’, the issues that have been raised by colleagues from the opposite bench regarding the serious national question of Gukurahundi. Others say nothing is being done. Let me bring to your attention in this House…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mugwadi, when debating, you must not respond to what other Hon. Members have said. You can refer, but you must not respond.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Madam Speaker. May I take this opportunity to appear to refer on the issue in question. You know Madam Speaker, I want to give you a situation that once happened. There are people that have loved so much to talk about this issue as if they know anything about it but in reality, they end up exposing themselves because they literally have no knowledge about how this issue unfolded and how this issue is being addressed.
I am very thankful to the Second Republic Madam Speaker, and His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s Government. When I grew up, the question of Gukurahundi was not an issue that could be talked about. The word itself could not be said freely but now people are able to raise it at any forum because Government, especially the Second Republic has opened up on the need to allow people, both the people in the communities and societies that were affected, to talk about it freely and express themselves and that is happening under the progamme which is happening in the southern provinces which were by and large affected by that. So, for anyone to say…
HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. HAMAUSWA: Madam Speaker, I appeal to you to direct the Hon. Member who is debating to focus on the debate. The report is so fundamental to the nation of Zimbabwe. It will help this House if we really focus on what is contained in the report. It will help us and we will also be thankful to the Hon. Member. Thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sure he is also focusing on the report.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Madam Speaker, there is nowhere in the report where it is written about Gukurahundi. The report largely speaks about other issues.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: He is referring. Hon. Mugwadi, please may you proceed.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you very much Madam Speaker. I reiterate that it is important to be at peace with ourselves.
HON. SAGANDIRA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, if you have some issues, I will also give you time to debate. You will also contribute to the debate.
HON. SAGANDIRA.: I have a point of order Madam Speaker. Thank you Madam Speaker. The fundamental…
HON. NYABANI: On a point of order Madam Speaker – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Nyabani, please may you take your seat.
HON. SAGANDIRA: Madam Speaker, the fundamental freedoms of human beings are enshrined in Section 58 of the Constitution which talks about the freedom of association and freedom of disassociation. The Hon. Member who was debating was talking about some Hon. Members who should be attending to functions such as Independence and others, but there is freedom of association and freedom of disassociation. I thank you Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, I understand every patriotic Member must attend national programmes. If you are patriotic, Independence is a national programme – [AN HON. MEMBER: On a point of order Madam Speaker.] – I am ruling Hon. Member and you cannot raise a point of order over my ruling. Thank you.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I was about to give reference to an event which was organised by a certain trust one of the days to discuss about this issue of Gukurahundi and there was a 22 year old young man who was invited before a panel of a group of some foreigners, particularly from the Western nations, to give his alleged experiences during this era. The young man cried before the cameras and then even went further to say he lost his biological mother and father in the process.
So being a very good listener unlike others, I asked a very pertinent question – ‘young man, you are only 22 years, you say your biological mother and father died during those circumstances. If you are 22, it means you were born in 2001, because that was last year. So how do you come to this meeting as a supposed primary source of evidence about Gukurahundi to say your biological mother and father died during that era when it appears you had not yet even been conceived when that happened because you were only born after 2000?’
Why am I raising this issue Madam Speaker…
HON. G. HLATYWAYO: Point of order Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we are debating the NPRC report. The Hon. Member is telling us stories. We do not want to hear stories. Can he debate the report –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]–
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you are out of order.
HON. MUGWADI: Madam Speaker, I would like to raise a point of privilege.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mugwadi, please may you proceed.
HON. MUGWADI: With your indulgence Madam Speaker, I am sure there are issues between me and Hon. Gladys Hlatywayo,but they are very personal; they are very good because they are social between the two of us. I am sure she wants to hear my voice, otherwise good afternoon Hon. Gladys Hlatywayo. May I proceed.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You can go and discuss outside later.
HON. G. HLATYWAYO: Point of order Madam Speaker.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Point of order Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Members of Parliament, please I will not allow you to disrupt the smooth running of this House.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Madam Speaker I am not disrupting. Can you allow me to air what I want to say?
THE HON. DEPTUY SPEAKER: You are disrupting Hon. Member. Please take your seat. Please may we behave like Hon. Members and like adults.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I just wanted to say there are fundamental national programmes happening in Matabeleland and other certain provinces to address that and everyone is aware, the chiefs are aware. They are participating. The victims are aware, they are participating. There is a whole programme of Government that is happening there. It might be that you do not like the approach, you are entitled to that. You may not want the person leading it, you are entitled to your own opinion. Some even were trying to lobby chiefs from this House not to participate. The chiefs there were divided, but that does not stop a programme from happening and it is happening. As Hon. Members, remember, we have a national audience in this House, we can seek to pretend as if there is nothing that is happening, but we may differ with the process that is happening. You are allowed to differ, that is being at peace again with yourself.
May I go to the question of elections? The National Peace and Reconciliation (NPR) report is very clear and categorical, in terms of describing the period before the elections, during and after the elections. The catch phrase is that everything between those three fundamental periods was very peaceful. As Zimbabweans, if we are at peace with ourselves in this House, we must start by clapping our hands for our own selves as a nation because we behaved peacefully, chose our leaders peacefully and being in this House, all of us were peacefully chosen, including some of those who appear to be very much disappointed with the peaceful process that even made them to become Hon. Members of this House.
We do not lose anything for acknowledging the reality on the ground that indeed we are a peaceful nation. Madam Speaker, if you characterise the Zimbabwean situation in comparison with what is happening in countries neighbouring us and some distant, you will appreciate that otherwise in Africa as a whole, there are no peace-loving people that can be comparable to the people of Zimbabwe. In stead of starting to query our identity, we are a peaceful people and that is the permanent identity that has been bequeathed to us by our forefathers. Instead of celebrating that identity, someone who is looking into my eye right now wants to present this country as a nation in a catch 22 situation; as a nation that is violent. I do not know whether there are rewards for presenting our nation in the text of notoriety before international platforms.
We are peaceful and we had a peaceful election. Probably, if we compare, we know all what happened in 2018 in the elections preceding the previous. We had peaceful campaigns before the elections. We had a peaceful voting process on the day of the elections, but soon after the elections, there was an attempt to torch flames in this country and everyone knows what was attempted on 1st August, 2018. There was an attempt on this country, trying to use an electoral process that was peaceful by its own standards to try to ensure that there was violence in Zimbabwe, instability and a disturbance of peace. However, I am so happy that the majority of the people of Zimbabwe rejected those agents and provocateurs and we were peaceful; peace managed to reign. If we compare it by the elections of 2023, we never heard any of those instances. That shows that indeed, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, the consummation and its works speak for themselves. We must indeed acknowledge that this was an institution, very relevant and very viable to the extent that even as its term of office expires, in 2023, we must as Members of Parliament, probably lobby for the extension of its term of office because the nature of human society is such that conflict is inevitable. Conflict of one way or the other, like what Hon. Tshuma was talking about. In fact, it appears to me that those quiring those speaking, have not read the report. The report itself is even very clear on some of the issues that it ventilated in society. Some of them involving the dams that he was talking about. The human and wildlife conflict, the conflicts between societies borders, boundary disputes within villages. Those things are referred to in this report. So, I do not think that the House should be bothered by the laziness of others, in terms of reading reports as they come fully in order to be able to debate adequately.
I must speak to the observer missions because the report refers to them, I think on page five. It spoke to the observer mission of course albeit and brief. I do not know whether the Commission was fearful of pointing fingers at certain observers. What I have seen is that, now that we are a matured democracy, there is no doubt about that, we are a mature democracy. We are further maturing like wine, but we have serious threats to our peaceful core-existence as a people. I want to say here as Parliamentarians, we can differ in this House. Some are for and for others it is for the optics, but the truth of the matter is that outside there, we identify ourselves as true Zimbabweans, brothers and sisters with each other.
Now, here is the danger that comes, there are some of us who are very receptive to outsiders and views of outsiders. Of course, they say he is a fool he who does not take advice from others, but I would like to say, it is a thousand times foolish, he who takes every advice about your nation from everyone that comes from every angle. The observers that came to observe our elections are not Zimbabweans and they will never be Zimbabweans because after a certain number of days, they will take to the airport and board the aeroplanes and leave. However, at the end of the day, we are left together as Zimbabweans to heal with each other, to deal with our circumstances and issues.
Now, here is what was attempted in 2023 General Elections, some observers had an agenda. The agenda not such that you will be in power, especially those who are very feverish and engaged in so much all sorts of friends and experts to get into State House. They do not want to take you to State House per se, they do not even envision because they know probably that you do not have the capacity to be there, but they want to torch flames because there is a message they want to send about Zimbabwe. When they present Zimbabwe as a violent nation, investors do not come and invest here, they go to the neighbouring countries…
HON. NDEBELE: On a point of order, Hon. Speaker. Standing Order Number 85, clarifies that a Member must not shout whilst deliberating. He is shouting at us.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mugwadi, on Standing Order Number 85 (a), a Member, while in the House, must not converse in a loud voice. So, you must not be debating in a very loud voice.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for reminding me of my duty to find peace with myself. I agree very well. I was talking about observer missions. I was saying these observer missions, some of the conclusions they made are not informed by realities on the ground, but they are aimed at trying to make you and me the opposed and us, lock heads and start fighting. When we start fighting, they do not stay to see how the violence goes on, they leave. They go back to their countries and start laughing. They will be laughing, particularly at those they would have instigated to start violence.
I am so happy that in 2023, we did not have anything of that sort and I know that the temptation might have been there for my colleagues from the opposite bench, but I am sure this time the Holy Spirit worked very well and we should work to resist that temptation even in future. The report of the NPRC also spoke about the awareness campaigns that were taken by the Commission through the radio, social media, national television and newspapers. I must say, in fact before I proceed, Madam Speaker, I am sure you are aware that I am a very good timekeeper and I calculate every minute that was taken from by needless interruptions. Those minutes remain mine.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mugwadi, you are left with five minutes.
HON. MUGWADI: I was saying the Commission’s report
is very clear and talks about activities that were taken by the Commission to work with churches, the media and traditional authorities to educate them and in some instances, resolve disputes between and among them.
I am so happy particularly with the decision to work with the media. For those who have cared to understand our community, the media is not regulated responsibly and it can take even flames and become a threat to peace and security in this country, peaceful co-existence in particular. The headlines that we make speak about ourselves as a society. There are some headlines like programmes that are started by others that ‘there will be a shut-down in Harare and that if we do not remove someone peacefully, we will remove them violently’.
In some instances, with the elections or without the elections, we will achieve a certain political end. Those things have got a potential to disrupt our peaceful co-existence. I am sure the NPRC needs to look into this issue to understand and also begin to monitor the language that politicians speak, whether that language is sensitive enough to respect the need for peaceful co-existence or not. There should be certain punishments levied on politicians who are insightful.
Some of the politicians could be suffering from mental inadequacies and they end up threatening peace during elections, during campaigns or unleashing young people or other members of the society. That should not happen. I am so happy that the NPRC was able to engage even political leaders around communities in order to familiarise them with the need to have peaceful non-violent elections.
As I conclude, there is a question of being at peace with our own culture. When we are talking about peace, we are not talking about the absence of violence, that is not what peace is all about. That is why I started with the concept of being at peace with yourself as an individual. There is need for our society to be at peace with its own culture and I am so happy that on page 38, the NPRC refers to it that there is a growing trend which is becoming a threat to our own culture and peace as a society.
The culture and trend of adopting, grabbing and trying to impose certain practices, some of them referred to in the report like drug abuse, we did not have a culture of drug dealing in our society. It is an imported phenomenon, just as much as we do not have a culture or tradition of homosexuality. I am sure and so sadly, that there are those who worship it and there are those who have vouched the police and some of them in this House. I do not want to name them but they know themselves but the NPRC sticks to that. That is the only way we can be able to let peace reign when we are at peace with our own culture, even not cutting down trees, not to indulge into homosexuality. Thank you so much Madam Speaker for the time.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, let me draw your attention to the ruling which I made on Rule No. 85 (a). “A member, while in the House, must not converse in a loud voice,” it is not referring to an Hon. Member who is debating, but it is referring to Hon. Members whilst you are sitting there, you must not be talking in loud voices. Please, may you all be guided accordingly. Thank you.
HON. GUMEDE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise today to address a matter of paramount importance to the stability and prosperity of our nation. The NPRC, as custodians of the people’s interest, it is our solemn duty to ensure that this vital institution operates effectively, transparently and in accordance with legislative frameworks set forth in our Constitution and established under Section 251 of our Constitution, the NPRC best way to responsibility of fostering national healing, peace building and reconciliation.
It is the linchpin upon which the public of our society’s unity is. However, as we gather here today, we cannot ignore the critical short-comings that have hindered the NPRC’s duty in fulfilling its mandate. On the strategic alignment with national goals, the NPRC alliance with Zimbabwe’s Development blueprints including the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030, it also underscores its commitment to contribute in the country’s overall problem by focusing on things such as conflict prevention and reconciliation. The NPRC demonstrates its recognition of peace as a crucial catalyst for development.
It also noted its comprehensive approach to conflict resolution using a multifaceted approach to conflict management, encompassing complaints handling, research, victims support and gender sensitive initiatives. It also reflects a deeper understanding of a complex nature of conflicts in Zimbabwe by addressing issues such as political conflicts, early child marriages and of human-wildlife conflicts. The NPRC demonstrates its commitment to promoting peace at various levels of society.
I note again, its proactive measures to prevent conflicts during electoral periods including voter education and engagement with political parties. It has more potential if it works in earnest with multi-stakeholder infrastructures for peace to create an enabling environment for peaceful elections as well as contributing to the stability and democratic processes in Zimbabwe. Empowerment through the NPRC holds emphasis on dialogue, mediation and capacity building initiatives, underscoring its commitment to empower communities, to resolve conflicts peacefully by training peace structures, gender focal persons and internal mediators.
The NPRC does invest in building sustainable peace building capacities at both local and national levels. On evidence-based policy recommendation, the report research efforts and subsequent policy recommendations demonstrates more of its commitment to evidence-based decision making in conflict resolution and peace building. We see that it is commissioning research projects on social cohesion and artisanal mining meaning, it generates valuable insights that can inform targeted interventions and policy reforms to address underlying causes of conflicts.
The report also speaks to resource mobilisation and operational efficiency in that, despite facing challenges such as staff attrition and inadequate resources, it has resilience in delivering its mandate effectively. A budget support amounting to $11.2 billion, the NPRC prioritises service delivery while investing in staff wellness and capacity building initiatives to maintain a motivated workforce.
Finally, collaborative partnerships for peace with stakeholders such as the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and Africa University underscores recognition of the importance of collective action in promoting peace and reconciliation. In leveraging expertise and resources from diverse partners, the NPRC strengthens its impact and reach in advancing its peace-building agenda.
Overally, the NPRC’s executive summary reflects a comprehensive and proactive approach to promoting peace, reconciliation and justice in Zimbabwe by addressing a wide range of conflict related issues and leveraging strategic partnerships. It demonstrates its commitment to fostering sustainable peace and development in the country and with the NPRC’s shortcomings, there seems to be a result of being prevented from meeting the constitutional mandate. It looks like it has not enjoyed much support from the Executive and faced numerous funding and operational challenges as a result.
Its composition also contributed to its lack of independence and effectiveness. It failed to tackle the Gukurahundi subject and to establish a way forward that creates peace. If it takes a Jomic style mechanism, for example, it will have political strength to confront politically motivated violence. We need a stronger NPRC and for it to be strong, it needs the right people as Commissioners, adequate budgets, a streamlined and concise mandate. The NPRC should have clear and narrower responsibilities. Its current functions remain too wide and too broad. Parliament must also play a more proactive role to protect bodies such as the NPRC from external interference. Party activists, for example, must not be Commissioners. The NPRC’s lifespan should be extended with restructuring and re-organisation so that it is more independent, effective and efficient. I thank you.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker for this opportunity to add my voice to the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission debate. Allow me to reiterate Madam Speaker, what one of the Hon. Members said earlier, Hon. Mugwadi on the importance of attending national events like Independence Day. It is not just an event, but an important marker of peace, and an indicator of achieving peace in our sovereign country. So, it goes without saying that an elected legislator should attend such an important event that celebrates peace and independence in this country. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –A lot has been debated and I will do my best not to be redundant and repetitious. Peace is very important in any nation and is a prerequisite for continuous economic development in any country.
First of all, I am glad that the Commission reported on its financials timely to demonstrate its use of public resources which was above board according to the Auditor-General and also according to the Commission’s Act, the report was submitted on time, which is recommendable. I am also happy that the Commission engaged all its stakeholders across the board, showing that they do not operate on an island. It also shows good corporate governance.
Let me also state that when it comes to receiving and resolving complaints, the Commission did a splendid job – if you look at the report, over 138 complaints were received and 104 of those complaints were resolved, which is over 75% of resolved conflicts. This speaks to the efficiency of the commission, hence let me applaud the NPRC Commissioners and staff for such a splendid job.
On awareness campaigns, I am happy to read that the Commission outdid itself. They over achieved when it comes to doing these awareness campaigns which is part of their programming. If you look at their targets, the Commission had targeted to do 40 campaigns, but if you look at the report, they did 66 campaigns. Again, this speaks to the attitude and spirit of the NPRC Commissioners and staff, which I also think is commendable.
Let me focus on rehabilitation programs and report on drug and substance abuse amongst youths, if you look at the prevention of conflicts. The report explicitly states that the uptake of drugs and substances resulted in invalid behaviour. I am glad that the House debated on drug and substance abuse and that relevant ministries should take a look at this aspect of the report and consider the recommendations.
I am happy to read that when the Commission was conducting its campaigns in schools and communities, they also took time to take notes and recommendations from students and members of the public, some of the recommendations are noteworthy. For example, some of the students suggested that in order to curb drug and substance abuse, NPRC should encourage other line ministries or law enforcement to do the following: the need for boarder checks to stop the illegal inflow of drugs and toxic substances; training of school heads and teachers in psycho-social support, counselling and therapy skills in order to assist learners; partner with Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for training sessions and awareness campaigns, especially exhibiting samples of commonly abused drugs; establish peace champions or ambassadors for anti-drug abuse and hold drug awareness campaigns in schools. I think these suggestions are very good and the relevant authorities should consider them.
In conclusion, I also encourage the Commission to visit other countries where they can look at best international practices where they can best enhance their programming in the lifespan of their Commission. Especially visiting countries like Rwanda, for example, where peace and reconciliation was done at the highest possible level.
So, in conclusion, I think the report is splendid. The Commission is doing its job and should be commended for that. I thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thought I should also add my voice to this NPRC report which I found to be very informative and which was done on time.
The Commission respected the requirements of the Act, NPRC Act [Chapter 10:32] and they reported on time, which is very important and must be applauded for. I want to say as the oversight entity, Parliament must feel respected and the people of Zimbabwe respected when a Commission sticks to the expectations of the law.
Madam Speaker, I also observed in this report that they talked about their theme which was the prevention of conflict. It was a very critical and proactive approach and you could see this in many of their activities during the period of the report. They did a lot of awareness campaigns to ensure that communities live in harmony. They went around educating many communities as a way of preventing conflict and that was very crucial.
I also observed that the Commission also has an area where they deal with research; researching about conflict and sources of conflict. I thought deeply about it looking at the issues that you see on social media, newspapers, and various forums where people talk about conflict. Sometimes some of the said conflicts may not be conflicts per se but in Zimbabwe, we have a tendency where we have a group of our citizens or nationals who survive on creating stories either for sympathy, to make money from donors or just to create an environment where when you look at it, you would think there will be no Zimbabwe the next day.
However, with research, NPRC can also research whether these are not stories created just to cause disharmony among the people of Zimbabwe. Where there is evidence that conflict is being perpetrated by either a group of people or a specific part of our population, it should be taken proactively to ensure that we prevent conflict.
I also want to applaud the Commission for its inclusive approach. I saw they engaged churches, chiefs, and many groups in our society; the effort was to find ways of preventing conflict. I hope in the future, NPRC will come to this House and also find a way of creating harmony. Madam Speaker, you may have noticed that when we started this Tenth Session of Parliament, there was acrimony and words that were being thrown across the divide. Therefore, I think we also need NPRC here to manage some of the petty misunderstandings. They start petty like that and end up creating conflict that can even disturb the harmony of our nation.
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission also hinged their effort on our NDS 1 to say ‘with peace, development follows suit’. So, the effort by the Commission will bring peace and once we have peace, an atmosphere conducive to economic development will then be created.
I want to say the Commission is serious about its mandate, the attitude that we see in the Commission must be respected and I encourage Parliament and the Government, to allocate enough resources for this important Commission so that they do their work and continue to create an atmosphere of harmony among our people so that we develop our country. Future generations to be on a foundation where our people are united. This different categorisation where people either say you are this type of tribe, church, political party, and all these other things, need to be dealt with very early before we develop into a situation that we may not be able to deal with in the future.
Madam Speaker, you would find that the NPRC had challenges. One of the challenges was polarisation, like I have already said, I think they may also want to come to Parliament or they may also want to continue working on removing polarisation. We have a culture that has been developing for a long time, from 2000 upwards where our people believe that if they have different political persuasions, they become enemies, they declare enmity that they do not want to interact with anybody, they call each other names - that is polarisation. Even if something is done, that is very good for the country, but because I am from a different position, I just have to oppose it. There should come a time as a people that what is good; we stand together and say this is good for our nation and encourage the good things to proceed. Where something is wrong, we then stand together again and blame what is wrong and promote what is good. Therefore, it is very critical to observe such things. NPRC observed that this polarisation is the source of much of the discontent or the conflicts that we face.
The other issue was related to the inadequacy of resources. We all agreed and I got my other fellow Members debating here, appreciating the good work of the NPRC. If we appreciate that they are doing a good job, why are we underfunding them? We must fund them adequately so that they continue to unite our people and it is good for the image of our country. The other issue that I saw in the report was about them not being sure about their future because the law appeared to say they were supposed to live for a period and then disband. It looks like while they are doing this good job, they are also asking themselves are we going to be there tomorrow. I want to encourage Government and Parliament to really ensure that they give this Commission certainty so that they know that they will continue to work in that space encouraging our people to be united.
They are losing workers to attrition, people going for greener pastures. As we lose those who are capable, who have passion to work in this Commission, it means we are losing on people who can achieve the objectives of the Commission. I think it is again upon Parliament and Government to ensure that they have adequate resources to employ technical people. They could be legal people, they could be people who are professionals in counselling, all those people they want in their day to day activities. They must be there and their expertise maintained in the Commission. If we allow them or we leave them to lose such critical workers, it means we may not then get what we saw in this report. What we have seen them doing when they are coming to our communities to ensure that we live in harmony as a people.
Madam Speaker, I would really want to say as Government, as Parliament we need to give them enough support and continue to give them enough space to then do their work for the good of all of us. I am happy that the President has always said let us live in harmony as a people and I am happy that in this House, all Hon. Members who were debating also encouraged the same, taking cue from what the President has always been saying. It means peace is critical to everybody. We want to go home and sleep, not imagine that somebody would disturb my peace. I want to come to Parliament, work and represent the people of Zimbabwe peacefully knowing that the peace that I want as a person is also given to the next person and we are all in harmony. That alone will give you even time or the interest even to research on issues that we debate here.
So many of these areas that are challenging our people, they talked about the child abuse that we see, we see issues that they discussed in their reports around drug abuse, all those areas can only be dealt with, followed either by Parliament or by Government if we are working together. Anything that disturbs peace stops us from concentrating on issues that are important for the survival of our nation. So all the issues that are worrying us, we must also ask ourselves as individuals that as I am worried about conflict, how many of these areas where conflict is found, am I also involved?
I hope in their researches, Madam Speaker, the NPRC will also investigate lies because rumours can be created about an individual. Lies can be created and the whole world then believes. We are actually in a very difficult state as a country, but when you see Hon. Members here appear to be throwing words across the divide, you think they hate each other. I will tell you and if the NPRC were going to come here, I would tell them these people are lying because I see them hand in hand happy everywhere. They only want to come here, make a lot of noise. Maybe because of cameras they want to be seen like they have problems.
I have seen Hon. Members from the opposite side and Hon. Members from my side pretend to be shouting. I do not know who they want out there to see that they can shout at each other, but I see you in hotels very close, sharing closely and when you come here you pretend to be enemies. So, it is my hope that as Parliamentarians, let us be a good example. The good relationship - I see you in each other’s cars talking, sharing the same table, joking every time. If we can take that home and help the Commission on its work to unite the people of Zimbabwe, you will become complete representatives of the people of Zimbabwe than pretending.
I am telling everybody from this side and that side, do not pretend. I think some are paid to be seen on camera making noise or insulting each other. We want to have a harmonious country, a country full of happiness. We need to respect each other. When I see an Hon. Member, when I see a person from any other political party, he is a Zimbabwean first before he becomes that other person on that side of politics. We should live together, friendly, with the same hope for our country so that we move forward.
Madam Speaker, it is my hope that after this debate on this Commission’s report, when we go out there, maybe with your recommendation or your ruling Madam Speaker, we can travel together to communities with maybe the leadership of NPRC so that we go and tell them that when we come here, when my other Hon. Member is not there when I say they are bad, I would be lying. Do not listen to me. We are all the same. That will be very good because as politicians, we must learn from our leadership.
I can speak on behalf of my President. Whenever you complain or raise negative things about others, he has always says to me, when you think that he is doing that which is bad, what have you done in return which is good so that that person is converted to then follow you because you are doing good? If you insult and I also insult, where do we end with a polarised environment that is not good for the development of our country.
I just stood up to debate after realising that there were Hon. Members who really wanted to flex their muscles, but the issue of this report was to show us the environment that we are living in, the challenges that we are facing. What we can do as a people to ensure that we live as one, harmoniously and peacefully. That is a critical prerequisite for the development of this important nation.
So Madam Speaker, I hope you will take my word and request the NPRC to come and ensure, if you were going to allow me, that we may dissolve this divide and have people sitting among each other because the mentality of just sitting on the other side, you will just see yourself as different, but we are all Zimbabweans. Let us be united and be peaceful for the development of this beautiful country and I would be very happy to see that we are united, we develop our country which is the only country that we have. If I say negative about you, if I say anything negative about our country, the suffering that comes does not affect you alone or me alone. We all suffer for using our mouths for the wrong things. I want to encourage all the people of Zimbabwe who are going to read this report to respect each other and live in peace and develop this country. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Togarepi. For the first time, I have seen unanimous agreement on a debate. That is highly commendable. Also, we will take note of your recommendations.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Madam Speaker. May I also take this opportunity to add my voice on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). I am happy that we are debating this as a nation and also trying to mend ways to make sure that we also bring development in Zimbabwe. One of the roles of the NPRC is to ensure peaceful resolutions of disputes, post conflict healing and justice and conflict prevention. May I also go to the issue of community engagement, which is also highlighted in the report. The report highlights the extent of community engagement that took place during the peace and reconciliation tour. The Commission highlighted instances where they worked closely with the local people and also the community also managed to add their voices on the issue of the report. They were also trying to promote inclusivity and ownership of reconciliation processes at the grassroots level.
As part of the Commission’s community engagements’ observations that were reported, some of the issues which were mentioned include the issue of drug and substance abuse, the issue of child marriages, and shortage of medical facilities in some of the hospitals in the rural areas. Conflicts that are arising from these issues were highlighted in the report. However, the report does not address on how these issues can be addressed. What actions were taken to prevent or minimise these issues because of importance are the issues of child marriages. The report mentioned the arrests of drug barons but does not offer a solution or actions that have been taken to help the drug users. The report mentioned on pages 29 and 31 the interventions to curb the excessive use of drugs, but does not highlight on the issue of recommendations on what will also happen.
The report did not mention the issue of those children, especially the young girls on the issue of their safety. Another issue that was raised in this report is child marriages and how communities are not reporting some of these issues. The report did not also mention how we can also educate the community on the issue of child marriages. The report also highlighted, which was one of the things I am also touched with, the issue of the benefits from the donations that are brought by donors to help these young mothers to an extent that these young mothers would see as if it is a benefit, may be have these kinds of child marriages.
The assertions from the report show that these children are not protected in these communities as the parents also benefits from these child marriages. As such, it has been observed that the Commission does not address or give recommendations on how these issues of marrying off young girls is being handled and what is being done to ensure these cases are reported and these girls are also assisted.
On human rights violations and transitional practice, given the focus on reconciliation, the report brought to the attention of the Commission’s observation of post-election environment. Referring to Sections 14 to 16 on the report on 2.2.2, the report states that the environment was peaceful and political players moved freely and campaigned for their candidates. What the report does not bring to light is the loss of life and human right violations that was also witnessed during these elections.
May I also mention that the report was also given an opportunity maybe to highlight these kinds of human rights violations. The opposition parties were also being attacked, people being killed during rallies. I can mention of Mboneli Ncube…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Karenyi, I have with me the report and I would like to request you to stick to what was written in the report. Thank you.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thought maybe I was now trying to say they mentioned the issue of the human rights but they left out some of these issues. As you have guided me, I will not mention names and I will only concentrate on the issue of the report of the NPRC. The human rights violations that were not documented in this report do not speak on the efforts to ensure justice of these victims, in line with the constitutional provision, promoting transitional justice and measures.
On monitoring and evaluation, an argument might touch on the Commission’s monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, emphasising on how they align with the Constitution on the constitutional obligation to assess the impact of their interventions, track progress and ensure accountability in achieving reconciliation goals. Part of the missions’ mandate as highlighted on page 1, is compliance handling and investigations. The report mentioned some of the complaints that were raised on how these were handled by the Commission.
On page 7 of the report on 2.1.4, it speaks on the Commission’s engagement with the stakeholders as required by the Constitution, highlighting on this report and it speaks on pages 31 to 34 about the socio-economic challenges. The Commission’s key findings as reported also highlighted that there are part of the countries where there is marginalisation of the minority groups, especially in Kariba. They mention poor road infrastructure and how this is also affecting school children as noted in Chief Matibe’s area where some students have to travel long distances to schools. Lack of resources such as Wifi to help these children as required by the new curriculum, there is no conducive learning environment in some of these satellite schools. All these observations were made, but that is not in the report. What is not in their report are recommendations to the responsible ministries.
The Commission does not speak on how the ministries are expected to resolve these issues. There is also no transparency on how these areas are being assisted to help these children to make sure that we also increase their educational facilities. The report does not disclose if the responsible ministries are aware of these conditions and if anything is being done to help to improve people’s living, especially in those minority areas and minority groups.
HON. J. TSHUMA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order Hon. Tshuma?
HON. J. TSHUMA: My point of order is that the Hon. Member should be directed to stick to the report that we are talking about. It looks like she wants to put in new issues that I think she must actually move a motion about that. If she wants to bring issues that she discovered, it is still okay and it is good, but let it be done through her bringing a separate motion. Today, let us debate the report that is before us.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Karenyi, please proceed.
HON. KARENYI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I will go to the issue of recommendation. On drug and substance abuse, I recommend that the education and awareness must be done to the youth and also that the Government must also have programmes like cash transfers to make sure that we help these young girls and boys so that they also have something to do in order to keep them busy. I also propose that as Government, we must make sure that we create jobs so that we allow these children to look after themselves.
On early child marriages, I propose that the Government must also engage on programmes to make sure that they provide safe houses, especially for the young girls and to make sure that these young girls are also having an opportunity to go back to school and have some education on reproductive health. On the issue of human rights and transitional justice, I propose that we make sure that the police would also arrest these perpetrators and investigate thoroughly that those perpetrators are brought to book.
On marginalisation, the Government must provide a budget to build schools in Kariba especially in Chief Matibe’s area so that we also help our children to have good education. On elections, I propose that we must have electoral reforms so that we also have the following:
- A clean voter roll so that we do not go to the issue of conflict especially when we go for the elections.
- I propose for equal coverage on the issue of media to have equal access to media so that every party is given an opportunity that will also reduce the issue of conflict.
- I propose that we must have electoral reforms like having some reforms on the issue of assisted voters, to have even a cut off to say like someone who is going to be assisted must be like someone who has got a disability or someone who is older rather than to have command voting,
- I propose that we must have clear mechanisms to address electoral disputes,
- I propose that we must have an electoral code of conduct to make sure that we avoid political violence, especially during our election because at the moment, ZEC says they have no powers to investigate. So we must also give them power to make sure they also investigate this kind of violence.
- I propose a multi-party liaison Committee that must be very effective because if you allow parties to meet, they can also share ideas that will also reduce the issue of conflict. They should be instituted throughout the electoral cycle, and not to just have them during the elections.
On our reconciliation Madam Speaker, I propose that the Government must have programmes of national healing. I remember from 2010 to 2013, there was JOMIC, which was also promoting peace and I remember very well that parties were working hand in hand and it also helped during those elections. The Commission must also engage all victims of political violence and to compensate the victims to allow the healing.
Finally, I propose that on traditional leaders, we must have our clear policy so that our traditional leaders must not be used by political players. Thank you.
HON. TOGAREPI: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. M. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 10th April, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Thank you Madam Speaker, I move that all other Orders of the Day, be stood over until Order of the Day Number 11 has been disposed of.
HON. M. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 147th ASSEMBLY
OF THE IPU AND RELATED MEETINGS HELD IN ANGOLA
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation to the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Related Meetings.
Question again proposed.
HON. TOBAIWA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker for letting me add my voice to this debate on the report that was tabled in this august House by Hon. Karikoga. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Dr. Tulia Ackson from Tanzania for her new role as the President of the IPU. As Zimbabwe, we wish her the best and fruitful term.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, I would like to also congratulate Advocate Mudenda for the recognition of a wonderful job he did as a member of the IPU Executive Committee and the certificate he was awarded in that regard. Now, that your term expired last year, my hope is that you will now use the experience that you gained together with your international experience, to lead by example here back home and usher a new democratic way of doing things that will see Parliament becoming an institution that the public has faith in and also represent the welfare of Members of Parliament and their privileges.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the IPU adopted the Luanda Declaration on Parliamentary Action to peace and justice, strong institutions at their disposal, which requires that with all avenues at their disposal, Parliament should promote human rights, transparency and accountability. It is in this regard that as Parliament of Zimbabwe, we are challenged. We need to lead in the reforms that will guarantee the respect of all human rights starting with ourselves. This august House should be a reflection of our efforts.
Madam Speaker, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women and its optional protocol handbook was launched. I hope it will go a long way in changing how we conduct business and effort towards the elimination of all forms of discrimination and abuse of women to be realised in that regard. I hope that it will also mean that this Parliament will also have a better way to deal with women during conflicts.
Madam Speaker, I also want to touch on the youth participation in the National Parliament in 2023 which was launched and will pave way for the youth in Parliament. I hope this will also encourage others in the House, not to fear the presence of the young people in the lower House. We all know we do not want such progress defeating such endeavors that saw a number of youthful Members of Parliament after the August 2023 elections, and that was progress in the right direction. Madam Speaker, I urge that we move with speed in enhancing public engagement and encourage the IPU. We need to quickly work around establishing Constituency Information Centres.
As I conclude, I remain grateful to the Parliament of Zimbabwe as a member of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU).
HON. KARIKOGA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. As the mover of the motion, I want to thank Hon. Tobaiwa for her contribution in the debate of this report.
I move that the motion be adopted.
Motion that this House takes note of the Report of the delegation to the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Related Meetings held from 23rd to 27th October, 2023 in Luanda Angola, put and agreed to.
On the motion of HON. KAMBUZUMA, seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA, the House adjourned at Six Minutes to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 4th April, 2024
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
PETITION RECEIVED FROM TATSIGIRWA MUSIMWA
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): I have to inform the House that Parliament received a petition from Tatsigirwa Musimwa, requesting Parliament to call for a referendum and amend the Constitution and the Electoral Law in order to abolish partisan politics in Zimbabwe. The petition was deemed inadmissible and the petitioner was advised accordingly.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 7 be stood over until all the other Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. J. SITHOLE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. KANUPULA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Allow me to first congratulate the Peace and Reconciliation Commission for having produced audited financial statements which have met the procedures set by the Auditor-General. Secondly, I acknowledge the role the Commission is playing in bringing peace and attempting to deal with legislation that is conflicting and resolving land related conflicts. The report shows that political conflicts are still high in the country constituting 47%. Understandably, this was a time when both Parliamentary and Presidential elections were happening. Capacitating POLAD will go a long way in ensuring and fostering co-existence and all-inclusive politics.
On land related conflicts handled by the Commission, it is evident that still in Manicaland and Mashonaland East, land issues remain. It is a fact that the land reform, land acquisitions, still have some issues pending especially in peri-urban Harare, peri urban Mashonaland East and Gimboki in Manicaland. Availing equal opportunities to the youths will assist greatly in resolving these conflicts involving illegal parceling of land and violent clashes on farms among many other issues.
In conclusion, I acknowledge the need to ensure that the land laws and the mining laws are harmonised to ensure that the ambiguity sometimes presented by some sections are resolved. A miner cannot just come and peg on any farm because he or she has a permit from the Ministry of Mines. Agriculture is equally important. But before issuing some permits, the Ministry of Lands must be consulted and the farmer must be heard. Mr. Speaker Sir, I am convinced in the Second Republic that Zimbabwe is on the right path to reduce political violence, and together we can. I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank you for according me this opportunity to debate. I want to thank the Commission. When first it was installed, we thought it was political, but the Commission is looking at various things. Firstly, I want to thank the Government for the Budget allocation for it to be able to do its work. It is very important in the lives of the people of Zimbabwe so that we unite. If we look at the issues that they are tackling, those of boundaries in different areas, I think in the times that we are living, the Commission is going to be busy. The Commission is visiting rural areas, setting up Committees which are uniting people when they face challenges.
When it comes to politics, the issues that were reported are very few, which means that our things are moving smoothly. What the Commission is doing is that during awareness times, people should be educated on how to vote after registering, and that people should vote for their party of choice freely. They also go further to ensure that a winner wins fairly. In other countries, people fight after elections because they would say the elections have been rigged. It is different in our case in this country. Those who cannot make it, is because they did not campaign well. For example, the 2023 elections, people who were not satisfied about the results were very few. Our courts were seized with few cases because there was awareness…
HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: Mr. Speaker Sir, it is common cause that when a report is presented and people are asked to debate it, they debate contents of that report. What the Hon. Member is reporting is not in the report at all. The report does not discuss elections, who won, who complained or whether there were any misgivings around the elections. It simply discusses peace and reconciliation and their efforts. The Member must stand guided. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, I think if you say, must discuss peace and reconciliation, I think the elements that he is talking about contribute to peace. Hon. Member you can proceed.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for protecting me. I was saying, at first when the Commission was put in place, we thought that it was only political, but after reading and seeing its works, we see that it touches on a number of issues including political issues. What I am talking about is also included in the report. I encourage all of us to read the report. If the Commission continues in this trajectory, I think it should be given a lot of money because such Commissions face challenges that if they run out of funds, those countries which are against our unity will influence to separate people because of their tribes of Hutus or Tutsis.
Here in Zimbabwe, I think the Commission should be given enough funds because the colonisers, if we give them a chance, they can use such Commissions to separate us if they give them money. I want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe because this Commission is independent, and many of their reports on political violence are very few. If you look at areas like Masvingo, they are mainly looking on areas of drug abuse.
This Commission should also educate Committees that they have set up in different areas that people should be able to resolve their conflicts without the interference of outsiders. The Commission is not only talking about tribalism or racism, but is also referring to families if they are at loggerheads. I thank you.
HON. G. K. HLATYWAYO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for allowing me this opportunity to contribute to this very important discussion that is before the House. Mr. Speaker Sir, allow me to register my utmost disappointment with the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission’s Report presented before this Honourable House for the reasons that I will submit. I pose it that the NPRC was the least effective of the Chapter 12 institutions supporting democracy, and yet perhaps the most important and relevant, given the ubiquitous nature of violence and conflict in our country.
First, the foreword by the Acting Chairperson makes reference to a peaceful election, and does not acknowledge what political scientists have termed, ‘the harvest of fear’, where known perpetrators for violence were intimidating citizens making reference to past electoral violence. The report also conveniently misses the role of shadowy security organisations such as FAZ that intimidated …
HON. MUTOKONYI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MUTOKONYI: Mr. Speaker Sir, the Hon. Member poses that there is ubiquitous violence in Zimbabwe. I do not think that is the fact. There is no violence, there is no ubiquitous violence in Zimbabwe. So the Hon. Member should speak facts and not assumptions. Thank you [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order. Hon. Member, let the Hon. Member be heard in silence. When your turn to debate comes, then you can tell us the correct position.
HON. G. HLATYWAYO: Thank you for the protection Mr. Speaker Sir. The report also conveniently misses the role of shadow security organisations such as FAZ that intimidated citizens …
HON. MUGWADI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it will be a serious attempt to undermine the credibility of this House if we allow the Hon. Member to proceed, to disassociate herself with the truth. In fact, choosing to have an adversarial relationship with the truth by saying that this country has a shadow security organisation. The security organs of this country are defined properly in the statutes and the Constitution of this republic. We do not have shadow security organisations. If I were allowed to go further Mr. Speaker, without taking her, I am a Member of FAZ myself which is an affiliate but I am not a shadow security organ.
Mr. Speaker, I reiterate, I am a free and voluntary member of an organisation called FAZ – [AN HON. MEMBER: Mr. Speaker, that is not a point of order.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, can you put on your mic, I did not get the last words that you said.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Mr. Speaker for allowing me to reiterate my last point. I think the credibility of this House would have been seriously undermined if she proceeds by continuously electing to disassociate and have an adversarial relationship with facts. Like I said, I am a voluntary member of friends and affiliates to – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- but being a member of that organisation called FAZ, I am not a member of any shadow security organisation and so are many people outside there. The security organs of this country Mr. Speaker Sir, are defined. I reiterate, they are defined properly, constitutionally and statutorily. I reiterate once again, in fact, the most interesting thing is that – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]–
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Members, there is only one Chair in this House. Can you proceed.
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker to the extent that I am not in a hurry, I may just need to make this very clear as long as the podium is till mine. I will reiterate my point in summary that – [HON. MEMBERS: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.]-
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, please do not stand up for points of order when someone is debating on a point of order. Can you wind up Hon. Member?
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, you are not easily hurried especially by the fewest in the House of the majority. I reiterate my point very peacefully and without being rushed that the security organs in this country are properly defined by the constitutional provisions of this Republic and the statutes. FAZ is not one of them unless the Hon. Member debating is able to point to us a statutory or constitutional provision creating the shadow so called security organisation that she is talking about, if she cannot, the Hon. Member must be shamed for electing to have an adversarial relationship with them.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please proceed with your debate but do not create new structures in this room. Stick to the report.
HON. HLATYWAYO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am sticking to the report and what I am making reference to are issues that are raised in the report. The particular issue that I was referring to is actually alluded to by the various international observer missions.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, is that in the report? Please stick to the report.
HON. HLATYWAYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker, peace is much more than just the absence of violence. But the attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies, as experts in conflict management and resolution, the Commission – [AN HON. MEMBER: Hon. Mutseyami is taking videos]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Mutseyami, are you taking a video of what we are saying? Can you be honourable and give it to the Serjeant-at-Arms, the video that you are taking.
+HON. MUTSEYAMI: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker. My phone is here and it does not have any videos.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: It is not permissible to take a video.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: In terms of our Green Book hapana mutemo unondirambidza kutora video.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: It is not permissible to take a video. Serjeant-at- Arms, if you can direct Hon. Mutseyami somewhere so that we can continue with the debates.
Hon. Mutseyami handed over the phone to the Serjeant-at-Arms.
HON. HLATYWAYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. The point that I was making is that the Commission ought to have interrogated much more deeply, the issue of negative peace and positive peace to ascertain whether the 2023 elections were peaceful or not. On page 9, the report applauds traditional leaders for promoting peace and fail to acknowledge the fact that traditional leaders were often abused and reduced to political commissars of the ruling party. A case in point was the much publicised Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira’s contravention of Section 281 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe by participating in partisan politics and openly declaring allegiance to the ruling party. He further went on to disregard a High Court order that had rebuked him for his conduct and directed him to withdraw his statements. Various civil society organisations including New Zimbabwe Trust and Zimbabwe Peace Society also reported the partisan distribution of Government inputs and food aid by some traditional leaders.
On page 16 of the report, the Commission suggests that Zimbabwe had free campaigns. It is common knowledge that CCC had more than 140 rallies that were banned and violently disrupted.
I also wish to place it on record that the independence of this sensitive Commission was massively undermined by the presence of known ruling party activists such as the Spokesperson of the NPRC, Obert Gutu who openly supported ZANU PF. This seriously affected the credibility of the Commission and its standing in the public eye. The Commission also never publicly denounced perpetrators of violence despite reports that were made by stakeholders.
The Commission has failed to deal with past hurts including Gukurahundi where the CCJP/Legal Resource Foundation seminal publication “Breaking the Silence: Building True Peace -A Report on the Disturbances in Matabeleland and the Midlands 1980 to 1986” estimates that 20 000 people were killed. Other past violent epochs include the 2008 post-election violence where civil society organisations reported that more than 500 opposition activists were brutally murdered in cold blood. It is disappointing to note that whilst Section 252 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe gives full mandate to the NPRC to ensure post-conflict justice, national healing and reconciliation, NPRC’s constitutional mandate was even hijacked by some Government departments as in the case of the Chiefs’ initiative in Matabeleland.
The Commission had only 10 years since 2013, to conduct its business in line with the Constitution, and yet the Enabling Act was only enacted in 2018, five years later. Most of its time was spent on administrative issues, setting up offices, hiring staff, training Commissioners and staff and little time was spent on the core mandate of the Commission as provided for in Section 252 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Further, the Commissioners were constantly changed and therefore affected the effectiveness of the Commission.
Lack of adequate resources was also an inhibiting factor. The Peace Committees that were created were not adequately funded to conduct their work at community level
The Commission failed to undertake any activities that were aimed at establishing the truth of what happened in past and present conflicts. In South Africa and Sierra Leone, we saw public hearings under their Truth and Reconciliation Commissions being conducted, and yet no public hearings or public processes were conducted for the purposes of truth seeking in our case.
- No reparations were made to the victims of past human rights abuses.
- The Commission also failed to establish guarantees for non-recurrence through deliberately ensuring the existence of strong and independent institutions. Political violence also continues to ravage society with impunity
- Several Civil Society Organisations reported cases of abductions and political violence, and yet these were never investigated.
In conclusion Mr. Speaker Sir, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission has been a major disappointment and a white elephant as it has failed to discharge its post-conflict justice, national healing and reconciliation role as directed by the Constitution of Zimbabwe for the reasons I have outlined.
Going Forward, Zimbabwe is in an urgent need of a genuinely independent National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and strong political will to deal with past hurts through:
- Truth telling to establish what happened
- Justice (both restorative and retributive)
- Reparations to victims/ survivors (individual and community levels)
- Guarantees for non-recurrence and commitment to a ‘Never Again” mentality
Transitional justice is central to the development of any nation that has undergone a violent past. The Commission missed an opportunity to put to rest the scourge of violence and establish a solid foundation for a peaceful society!
HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to add my voice on this debate on the NPRC 2023 Annual Report presented to this august House on the motion of the Hon. Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. I want to pay particular attention on the need for more comprehensive and gender inclusive dialogue with marginalised communities. Whilst the report acknowledges the importance of such dialogues, I commend the Commission on all efforts they have made on this aspect. However, I believe there is a need to delve deeper to ensure a truly holistic approach to national healing.
My primary concern lies in the potential gender bias within the report. The experience of women and persons with disability within the marginalised communities are often overlooked. We must actively seek out their narrative and ensure their voices are heard loud and clear in the reconciliation process. Research by UN Women emphasises the importance of gender sensitivity approach to peacebuilding. When women are included in the dialogue, peace agreements tend to be more sustainable.
Moreover, women often play a crucial role in the communities together during the conflict. Their perspectives are invaluable to the healing process. The NPRC, in my view, should consider implementing the following few strategies;
- Training for facilitators ensuring officers possess the skills, competence and knowledge to conduct gender sensitivity dialogue. This include unconscious biased training and creating a safe space for all participants to share the experiences;
- Targeted outreaches; proactively reach out to women groups and disability groups within marginalised communities. Utilisation of female facilitators where appropriate and encourage participation; and
- Utilisation of local languages; conducting dialogue in the local languages spoken by marginalised communities to overcome language barriers and ensure a wider participation.
Achieving national peace and reconciliation necessitates a
comprehensive approach that incorporates the voice of all Zimbabweans, particularly those from marginalised communities. By prioritising gender inclusivity in these dialogues, the NPRC can ensure a more just, equitable and lasting peace for our nation. I argue the Commission to revisit its approach and integrate aforementioned strategies. Let us work together to ensure that the narratives of all Zimbabweans, regardless of gender or background, form the cornerstone of our national healing journey.
The NPRC is one of those Independent Commissions supporting democracy. The establishment of this Commission was the realisation of the social and political will and aspirations of the Zimbabwean to transition from a conflictual past to a harmonious future. I would want to acknowledge that the work of the NPRC in the year 2023 as recorded in its 2023 Annual Report, I am very pleased that the NPRC’s work in 2023 was anchored on all its encompassed themes; conflict prevention.
I want to applaud the Commission on its overwhelming strides in resolving 104 reported conflict cases out of 138 cases. Most of these conflicts have been instigated by early child marriages and abuse. Such efforts show the commitment of the Commission towards peaceful community committed to development. I want to further applaud the Commission that they also have included the mitigation of drug abuse driven by conflicts; human and wildlife conflicts, partnership with schools, ZPCS, traditional leaders, churches and community leaders will go a long way in the healing process of our nation.
May I conclude by acknowledging that according to Section 252 of our Constitution, amended 2013, the NPRC was given a lifespan of 10 years to have fulfilled its mandate. It goes without saying that the mandate of the Commission will be very crucial and critical, especially at a point when as a country we are focused on re-engaging and engaging. It is therefore, very crucial that our Government reconsiders the existence of the NPRC beyond its 10-year lifespan. It is my humble submission that like any other Chapter 12 – Independent Commission, the NPRC should exist for life as to ensure sustainable peace by resolving past, present and future potential conflict. I thank you.
HON. DR. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the report. Firstly, I would want to…
*HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order. My point of order regards our debating ratio. Is it now 1:1 or 1:2?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: No, the ratio is 2:1. When we finish this debate, you can check if it was not 2:1.
HON. DR. HAMAUSWA: I would want to start by acknowledging that Zimbabwe is actually at crossroads. If you see the anger and exchange of words that emerged from this debate, it shows as a nation we really need to find each other as recommended by the NPRC. As the reason why the NPRC was actually established, if you see Hon. Members could not even allow each other to air their views which are the fundamental pillars of reconciliation and re-integration. You would find that if we need lasting peace, we must be able to allow even the victims to share their experiences, to pour out and the victors should allow a platform for the victims to actually cry out and lead to a point where we can talk to each other…
HON. S. ZIYAMBI: I think the Hon. Member should debate what is in the NPRC report.
HON. DR. HAMAUSWA: I will reiterate that the behaviour that we show here actually shows that we need to call for the extension of the tenure of the NPRC until a point whereby we can sit side by side as different political players and say what kind of Zimbabwe we want. Until we reach that point, we have no peace. Therefore, I would want to start with the conclusion that I was going to make that we have noted in the report that the tenure of NPRC expired in 2023.
Therefore, because of the existence of seizures which actually cause even future threats to our stability, we need to call for the extension of the tenure of the NPRC. But, what is the kind of peace infrastructure that we need as Zimbabweans? You find out Mr. Speaker, that when you check in the NPRC report, we acknowledge and applaud them on the concept of stakeholder consultation including even engaging Africa University for training its staff. It is something that we should give a pam-pam to NPRC.
However, there is a big segment which was left behind by the NPRC in their consultations. They did not consider political parties seriously. I would want to acknowledge the call by one of the speakers who spoke before me who said they need to strengthen POLAD, however I have a different view. We have a peace infrastructure that has worked before. During the GNU, we had an organ on National Healing and Reconciliation which actually worked well. Therefore, for NPRC to work, there is need to have a blend of the Commission and another platform where political parties that, especially those with members in Parliament, can actually be able to sit down and say what kind of Zimbabwe we want and be able to include other stakeholders.
You see in the report that NPRC received 105 reports in 2013 and this increased the log to 138 and 104 were successfully resolved. However, 47% of complaints were related to political conflicts, and these conflicts happened in Masvingo Province which was at the top with 27%. So if you see 47% of the reports going to NPRC and being political conflicts, it is therefore cause for a genuine and legitimate platform for political parties to actually sit down and discuss the kind of Zimbabwe which is good for everyone. In the report we also noted that the NPRC is now departing from function (d) as outlined in the Constitution, which defines the functions of the NPRC. These call for the NPRC to create a platform for national dialogue, especially for political parties. Therefore, without that, we are not going to have lasting peace in this country. If you check and take a cue from the international politics, the reason why the UN survived is because the bigger elements were involved. The bigger political players were involved. If political players are not taking part, we are not going to see the Commission doing its work.
There is an issue which was raised in the report by the Commission, that of early child marriages which is a major threat to the future of our young people in this country. Matabeleland South received the major complaints of teen marriages. This is causing school drop outs and it was reported that those who were accused of impregnating the teens in Matabeleland South chose to run away to South Africa. The two reasons are that they are running away from responsibility while others will be running away to look for work so they are able to meet the new responsibility as teen parents. This issue needs to be addressed because in the report it says some parents are actually happy to have their children being married even at an age lower than that required by the law. They do not report the issues to the police nor do they report to the traditional leaders. These are some of the issues which need to be addressed.
I also support the issue raised that during the elections, we have seen the NPRC doing some interventions. They promoted peace through some peace campaigns. They also engaged artists and it is a good initiative. However, we have also seen other artists’ work being banned on national television. It is also high time that the NPRC, when they are including artists, should be all-inclusive because they have actually noted the role played by artists to promote peace and reconciliation in this country. Therefore, I urge NPRC in future, if we are going to extend its tenure, when they are doing their reports on elections or interventions on elections to focus on preventive measures and monitoring the post-election period.
However, they are missing issues which are critical in the report. There is continued dispute of elections in Zimbabwe. It is something that is going to be addressed by the platform we are calling for. Political parties should have a platform to meet together. We cannot have a situation where election after election, we have continued disputes of elections. This is the issue which we need to confront as a people. World over, in terms of reconciliation, the starting point is truth and we need to tell each other the truth.
We need to say we have all messed up in this country. We are actually in a fractured country whereby we may be heading to a serious situation. We give thanks to our professional military because when there was ‘Restore Legacy’, we did not have a fully-fledged military rule, but we managed to go back to the civilian rule. However, if these issues are not resolved, the moment we are going to have a second ‘Restore Legacy’, we might not be able to speak in this House. Therefore, we need to genuinely ensure that we reach consensus and we are open to each other…
HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. I think you can see that the peace and reconciliation we are talking about is just lip service because now he is talking of ‘Restore Order’, when we are debating peace and reconciliation. I think he should withdraw his statement.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Some Hon. Members have not read the full report. This report is not very long to those who have energy to read. If they can read, we cannot have a situation where when discussing…
HON. MALINGANISOA: On a point of order. The Hon Member is
inciting violence in a manner that subverts the Constitution. What
legacy is it that needs to be restored? The Hon. Member must withdraw
that statement.
HON. HAMAUSWA: In the report and in the recommendation,
they gave legislative recommendations, and one of the recommendations
which is given is to amend the Communal Land Tenure Act which is
part of restoring legacy.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon Member, can you repeat
what you said.
HON. HAMAUSWA: What I said is firstly, I acknowledged
the professionalism by our security sector. Secondly, I said if we do not
address the issues raised in this report, and done by the Commission, we
may actually have something that is worse than what we have. That is what I said and to prevent that Mr. Speaker Sir, we need an open discussion. I need – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]–
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you are not addressing other Members, you are addressing the Chair.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Peace and Reconciliation. This is what I am saying Mr. Speaker Sir. We must be allowed to debate…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, it is the pessimism that you are expressing which other Members think it is not proper. Please stick to the report.
HON. MAPFUMO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I think even the Hansard can confirm that he did insinuate that there will be a second restore legacy. May he withdraw that statement?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, can you please withdraw and move on.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, it is unfortunate that I am being forced to withdraw. I am giving a scenario mapping which is done by the NPRC. They did scenarios, yes, they taught – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you are only left with five minutes. If you continue the way you are doing, then you are not going to debate anything.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I understand your situation. We are in a fractured nation and you are not free yourself Mr. Speaker Sir, because you are being forced by these people – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]–
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, order. Can you please withdraw what you have just said to the Chair.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I withdraw Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me conclude by…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What are you withdrawing? Can you please state what you are withdrawing?
HON. HAMAUSWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I am withdrawing that I included you from the people who are not free in this country, that I said you are not free.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please sit down. I will not allow you to debate any further.
An Hon. Member having stood up on a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Please sit down. The Member who was debating is no longer debating. So, what is your point of order?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I witnessed a trend that when this side is debating, there is constant disturbance but when the other side is debating, this side is very professional. We remain quiet. My plea Mr. Speaker Sir, is to ask for stability. There should be order. We do not want unnecessary points of order which are intended to disturb or disrupt someone’s debate.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: It is very important that when we are debating, every Member should be heard in silence.
*HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Mine is a very small issue. I think the MPs should go back to the electorate after they have been voted into power. They are addressing us but we are not part of their constituents. We are representing other people.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I do not have much to say because I respect what the others have said, those who said the truth. I think Hon. Member, you have heard that –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]–
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. I have just mentioned that an Hon. Member should be heard in silence but look at what you are now doing. Hon. Matangira has just started his debate and you are now interrupting. Let us avoid these interruptions. Hon. Matangira, please proceed.
HON. MATANGIRA: Mr. Speaker Sir, this NPRC report has not left anyone behind. It never indicated who is the best or the least. It mentioned everything to do with the whole country, just like a friend mentioning to their relatives to live in peace. That is why we have different totems for people to marry. We have democracy which says if we do not have opposition, then the Government is not strong. The problem only comes when we say these two things are related. For NPR, it came out openly to say we have limited funds and as MPs, let us kindly support them for progress.
The problem which I mentioned before is on the issue to do with shoes and shoe brush to polish the shoe. The brush does helps shoes to shine but when the brush wants to become the shoe now, that is when we start to have problems. People start to have grudges…
*HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. The Hon. Member is mentioning issues to do with shoes and brushes which are not part of the report under debate.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, the Member is just giving examples. These are just practical examples. You can proceed Hon. Matangira.
HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I was saying shoes and a brush, a shoe is only won but a brush is there to clean the shoes. Democracy says the ruling party, just like what people were mentioning, does not work well if there is no brush that polishes it well. We do not have two teams which will go and have soccer match and avoid saying the referee was corrupt or so and so went to a traditional healer. The elections which happened recently, it was mentioned to an extent that I was even shocked to say these elections, can they come out clear without people shouting at each other?
In Mashonaland Central, we used to walk together with Opposition way back when the CCC was still vibrant before the intervention by Hon. Tshabangu. There was no violence or any negative things which happened, except for young people who were breaking the law. When we go on to the issue which was mentioned by the last Hon. Member, when he said land tenure which is being spoken about in the rural areas, way back, how did people used to live? Those brushes never tend to become shoes in rural areas. Now we come like pythons, exchanging colours to say let us kindly take title deeds, let us have security tenure – no, no.
As headmen and leaders, they have constitutional laws…
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order. Mr. Speaker Sir, Hon. Matangira is debating well but the problem comes when he refers to people to shoes and brushes. Those are not good words. How can you refer to somebody as a brush? Mr. Speaker Sir, can he withdraw. It looks like he is part of the programmes that he might be having a different mindset. Can he kindly withdraw.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Matangira, have you referred to someone as a brush?
*HON. MATANGIRA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I used to stay with the Hon. Member in Chipinge. So, if I mentioned to say, did you hear the hyena crying and if he did not…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Matangira, if you did not mention anything to do with brush – Hon. Mutseyami, we will check with the Hansard as to what he exactly said and report to this House. Can you proceed Hon. Matangira.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am only saying in this august House as we enter here, let us all come together. We must not mention anything to do with our political parties. Let us set aside our political differences. We have one President, we have one Government as a nation. We will then say let us all try to build the whole nation, regardless of our political affiliations. Those from the right side, they go and search for support from the left to come and join them, even those within the left side, they want to invite people from the opposite side. Let us kindly unite as the report implies that it is National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. Let us take it with both hands. If we identify any mistakes, we have to invite each other and try to work together.
The former speaker, mentioned something to do with JOMIC, he said there used to be a Government of National Unity ….
HON. BAJILA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. The previous speaker Hon. Hamauswa made reference to the organ on National Healing and Reconciliation not on JOMIC. May Hon. Matangira stick to disagreeing with Hon. Hamauswa on the basis of things that Hon. Hamauswa said not what Hon. Matangira thinks he should have said.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Can you proceed Hon. and quote properly.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, but what Hon. Bajila does not know is that, I being the name Matangira, I am the headman of Hon. Hamauswa. Hon. Hamauswa mentioned things to do with Government of National Unity, which came after we had gone to the Constitution. He was not in politics yet. Then we used to have JOMIC that which Hon. Hamauswa mentioned. Anywhere, there is no problem, let me proceed. Honestly, national dialogue is what I mentioned, we must continue ……
HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. Hon. Speaker, you have made a ruling. Hon. Matangira then repeated again false accusations that I referred to JOMIC and even JOMIC was there, but I did not refer to it. We need to respect the Chair, you told me to sit down, I did sit down, you told me to withdraw, I did withdraw. I tried though not to your satisfaction. Hon. Matangira must respect the Chair.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Matangira, you do not have to include what was not mentioned by others. Kindly be on point.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I once heard what happened in my rural area. I cannot say anything anymore. Let me conclude by saying this Parliament is respected in the whole nation. Let us all try to respect Parliament, respect ourselves, and everything will go on well. There is no opposition, there is no ruling party. We are all in here. We all know that these are from this side and these are from Mazhira, those are the Chiefs, we then respect each other accordingly so that we do everything in peace. We have only one President, His Excellency Hon. Dr. Mnangagwa. We are here to represent people not just to stand up to say I can shout and I can do anything for people to fight. I thank you.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agree to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 9th April, 2024.
MOTION
LAW FOR THE PROVISION OF LAND TENURE SECURITY
Nineth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact a law providing security of tenure to all the land, including communal land.
Question again proposed.
HON. S. MOYO: Thank you for this opportunity to air my input on land tenure. This motion was moved by Hon. C. Hlatywayo appealing to the Government on amendment of the Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04]. As mentioned by Hon. Hlatywayo on his motion that our Communal Land Act does not grant title deeds to the rural community folks, I really appreciate the struggle by our fathers who fought for our country to be independent. Meaning, we have all our freedom including our rural folks without any discrimination. Hence the limitation of title deeds to our rural community is against development in line with the national objective of our Constitution.
Referring to the cases of Masvingo, Bhuka area where over 300 people were deemed illegal settlers and removed from their homes because they have no title deeds, same as Chilonga area, title deeds protect the rural population which has little knowledge of statutes from any rural land barons. Urban areas are slowly running out of residential areas to accommodate residents living in the rural areas at a disadvantage as the Ministry of Lands uproots rural population under the guise of making way for urban development and leaving rural populations at a great disadvantage. It is the prerogative of Government to protect these rural folks by amending the Communal Land Act. It is important to note that the rural population needs the government's full protection from those who deal in unscrupulous land deals. Hence giving property rights to rural populations will put an end to land barons.
People in communal area also have the right to be treated the same way as landlords in urban areas. Urban Councils Act entitles the urban land-owners to have tittle deeds but none on Rural Communal Land Act. Rural folk fail to access loans for agro-development because they have no title deeds retarding their full potential in agro-business. Title deeds will ensure that they can access resources from financial institutions and help improve Zimbabwe's GDP. Mr. Speaker Sir, there is also need to align all legislative provisions governing land issues in Zimbabwe so that the rural population is duly safeguarded from abuse and manipulation.
Traditional leaders are entitled to allocate land, so is the Ministry of Lands and the RDC. But the three do not sit and decide on said allocation together. This leads to conflict. I will give an example of Schweppes Company in Matabeleland South. Ministry of Lands has given land to this company without consulting the traditional leadership and the community. This has led to a war between the company and the community. The communal land has been privy to traditional leaders only and this has been causing conflict between traditional leaders, rural districts and Ministry of Lands. Mr. Speaker Sir, providing title deeds to communal land-owners in Zimbabwe is important for several reasons:
- Security of Land Tenure: Title deeds provide legal recognition and security of land tenure to communal land-owners. It gives them formal ownership rights and protects them from land disputes, encroachment, or forced evictions. With secure land tenure, communal land-owners can invest in their land, improve productivity, and plan for the long term.
- Economic Development: Title deeds enable communal land-owners to use their land as collateral for accessing credit and financing. With formal ownership, they can engage in agricultural activities, start businesses, or invest in infrastructure development. This can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to poverty reduction.
- Empowerment and Equity: granting title deeds to communal land-owners promotes social equity and empowerment. It provides marginalised communities, including small-scale farmers and rural residents, with equal access to land resources. This empowers them to participate in economic activities, make decisions about land use, and improve their living conditions.
- Investment and Productivity: Formalising communal land ownership through title deeds encourages investment in land improvements such as irrigation systems, infrastructure, and technology. With secure ownership rights, communal la-ndowners are more likely to make long-term investments, adopt modern farming practices, and increase agricultural productivity. This can enhance food security and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector.
- Land Administration and Planning: Title deeds facilitate effective land administration and planning. They establish a clear framework for land management, land-use regulations, and spatial planning. This helps the government in implementing land policies, promoting sustainable land use practices, and managing land resources more efficiently.
- Social Stability and Conflict Resolution: Formalising land ownership through title deeds can contribute to social stability and reduce conflicts over land. Clear property rights and legal recognition discourage land-related disputes and provide a framework for resolving conflicts. This fosters peaceful co-existence and social cohesion within communities.
- Investor Confidence and Economic Growth: Providing title deeds to communal land-owners enhances investor confidence in the country's land tenure system. It demonstrates a commitment to property rights protection and the rule of law. Investor confidence attracts domestic and foreign investment which can lead to economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards.
It is important for the Government of Zimbabwe to prioritise the issuance of title deeds to communal land-owners to promote inclusive and sustainable development, empower marginalised communities, stimulate economic growth, and ensure social justice. However, it is essential to implement the process in a transparent and fair manner, addressing any potential challenges and ensuring that the rights of all stakeholders are respected.
*HON. MATANGIRA: I want to applaud the Hon. Member who brought the motion about the issue of tenure and title deeds to this House, Hon. Hlatshwayo. We applaud ‘baba’ –
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: We do not have fathers and mothers here. We have got only Hon. Members.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you for redirecting me. We thank Hon. Hlatywayo for bringing such a pertinent topic to this House. When we grew up, if we watched a film on television until it produced inscriptions to say this is ‘The End’, we would remain seated. Mr. Hlatywayo came here and presented this wonderful debate –
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, we said you should refer to another Member as Hon., not Mr. Hlatshwayo. So you are supposed to rephrase and refer to him as Hon. Hlatywayo.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you. You did the right thing Hon. Hlatywayo. Looking at 1890, our country of Zimbabwe’s only survival way, we respected our traditional leaders, kings and village heads and they knew the boundaries to their areas of authority. The boundaries for these areas were not changed to date. We still know that the mountain Chemhari has a boundary with Neshangwe, and from Neshangwe going down the stream, it is Mambo Nyashanu’s area. These mountains and natural landmarks are still present to date.
After the liberation struggle, the south of our country, we have traditional leaders like King Lobengula and in the far north we have Mbuya Nehanda, in the east we have Chingaira and in the west we have other traditional leaders who were there, as well as leaders like Karigamombe who were reigning on the eastern side. Due to the different forms of artillery that was present, the war was fought when they refused to be treated as slaves. This was due to the weapons that were prepared during the Berlin Conference in 1894. They were told to go and take the land so that they could exploit it.
In his discussion Hon. Hlatywayo mentioned that there was Land Apportionment Act in 1890 after our ancestors were defeated in the war, and the black majority were driven to the reserves which were deserts. The weather was bad that they were impoverished and could even fail to pay the levies and taxies that were imposed upon them by the white people. They were abused and exploited by the white people. Where there were good soils and the climate was good, the areas were taken by the whites and distributed amongst themselves. They would look for areas where the land was good and where the land seemed to be bad, they would settle the blacks there.
Now, the Zimbabwean children denied that and said we want our land back which was taken during Lobengula and Mbuya Nehanda’s era. The spiritual warfare as we are blacks, as it is in the Bible in the book of Ezekiel wherein it says, the bones were commanded to rise on issues to do with the liberation struggle. Why were people fighting? People never fought for reserve areas, the places where people were taken to. People were taken there against their will. People used to fight for that very place which white people had taken.
The war went on and people went to Botswana, Zambia, Tanganyika and others went to Russia, and the Chinese said we are here to help you with weapons. Countries like Libya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique assisted and then freedom came. People used to fight for the land. Not only land of poor soil structures, no. Why would you want a title for something which is not good, which you were forced to reside at. Why would you want a title on such areas? It is very difficult; you cannot enter such areas. That is why they fought the war. They know what they died for. They said no, no. People from the west came like a python.
What I want to tell you Mr. Speaker is if you look at our country Zimbabwe and the wealth that we have, the chieftainship is different from that of Britain. The chieftainship for us is different from those of the western countries. When freedom came, people who were there said they had fought for this country and that is what our war heroes died for. Some were not properly buried and others were in mass graves, why? Simply because of those black people who were sell outs. You people who have a lot of farms, just sell to us as Government on a willing seller, willing buyer. No one came forward to give us good land for productive agriculture.
It took more than 20 years trying to negotiate to say, please what is your position. Other people used to say only if we knew that people only wanted to come and sit in offices and not go to the farms where we chased away their ancestors, we could have given them. What should we do? They said why can we not look for someone who acts foolish to say let us organise and have a certain political party for the whites –
HON. MUROMBEDZI: The Hon. Member has deviated from the contents of the debate of land tenure. He is not sticking to the debate Hon. Speaker.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: It is okay Hon. Member and there is no point of order.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Some of the issues make me cry. Six people perished from the same family. What is it that they wanted? They wanted the soil. We must not treat each other like this. The history of this country must be mentioned by both political parties and that has made us come to this august House. There is need to talk about the liberation struggle. We could not be here had it not been for those that went to war and never returned – I think there is need for us to respect our liberation struggle. We would not have been here if it was not for those that went to war and never returned but we are unable to express…
HON. GWANGWABA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir, can the Hon Member stick to one language.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Matangira, please stick to one language.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, let me stick to my mother language. To speak in Shona does not necessarily mean we cannot speak in English. If we praise our ancestral spirits using English songs, it will not end well. We discovered that those whites wanted a Rhodesia Front with whites leading and we said no. People from the Svosve area said it was like going back into captivity where people were forced to be labourers if we started saying we want to have title deeds of our original place where we used to stay and we were chased away by the whites. They displaced them to those mountainous areas by the name Romorehoto in Mavhumachena and then they went and took back their land. The whole nation, people from both areas where they had poor soils went back to their ancestral homes. Even those people from the Southern and Northern sides also went back to their ancestral homes. This happened in all the four cardinal points. Even today as we speak…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you are left with only five minutes.
HON. MATANGIRA: All of us together with the traditional leaders, agreed that whatever is, should be. What is being said about title deeds is the worst thing ever because rural areas are our ancestral homes and there is no need for title deeds. Once title deeds are given, it will be easy to sell off the land and that is tantamount to giving back the land to the whites. Our traditional leaders keep our land and have the mandate to give land to people in their areas. They are not land barons. After all we took back our land and shared amongst ourselves and that is a very good thing. Vision 2030 is about progressivism. Let us all come together until 2028, under the leadership of Cde Mnangagwa. Those who want to engage in agriculture, come and join those who are already doing so. We cannot allow people to grab our land like what happened during the colonial era. We do not concur to that at all. That will not happen and we say no to title deeds for rural land. I thank you.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
BLAST AT 1630 HOURS
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I wish to inform the House that there will be some blasting by Bitumen at 1630 hrs. I also wish to inform the House that Old Mazowe Road from Westgate roundabout to New Parliament Building will be closed. Members are advised to use the Good-Hope Road and the detours to boulevard road towards Bindura Road.
HON. MALINGANISO: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. Profuse gratitude for granting me latitude to add my voice to the conversation occasioned by the motion raised by Hon. Hlatywayo. Perhaps it is by design just like Prophet Hosea had to address Israel on behalf of God when there was heightened religious apostasy. Perhaps it is by design that I came at a time when the previous speakers have all demonstrated that there is an attempt at cultural apostacy. Our people are becoming more American than they are Zimbabwean. There is evidence of an attempt at misdirecting our cultural compass. It is instructive that the Hon. Members from my side who debated from day one to date were informed by the legal principle qui facit per alium facit per se. He who commits a crime through the hand of another has committed it himself.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Hon Matangira spoke moments preceding this one, actually he articulated our history well. I believe as Hon. Mushoriwa said the other day, that everyone in Zimbabwe, especially Parliamentarians must be knowledgeable about our history. Mr. Speaker Sir, I laboured through Hon. Hamauswa’s debate pertaining to this motion, when he attempted to tell us that the motion only spoke of communal land. When I read it, it referred to all the land, including communal land. As such Mr. Speaker Sir, it is important for me not to repeat what Hon. Matangira has already said because he has chronicled a history that is painstaking. A history to which we must not again travel in flesh, but only in spirit.
My good friend, the Hon. Bajila gave us an example of the Ingonyama Trust in South Africa. My good teacher, Hon. Dr. Mutodi, would always say, ‘Do not copy from the book of a failure’. Mr. Speaker Sir, the highest gini-coefficients, the world over, not only in Africa, is posted by South Africa. What examples can we take from South Africa? Only now, have they started to talk about equality in terms of land ownership. Talking of inequality, there is inequality between families, inequality within families and there is always an issue of strongmen. We exist in a patriarchal society where fathers normally decide on behalf of their families and where chiefs decide on behalf of their kingdoms or their subjects. If we were to give title deeds to the Malinganiso family, who would administer or who would act on behalf of the family?
Mr. Speaker, this is a question my good friend Hon. Bajila must grapple with. However, as he said, even if you read the Bible, it says, ‘In the beginning, God’. Perhaps there is a leaf for us to take from 2 Peter 3 verse 17 which says, ‘Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error and fall from your secure position’. But what is our secure position? Our secure position is our current state, where nobody, especially in the communal areas is allowed to sell because the land is owned by all. We cannot afford to give everyone a title deed.
Mr. Speaker on Saturday, March 16th this year, the Hon. Speaker of Parliament Adv. Jacob Mudenda, in delivering an animated keynote address on ecological conservation, reminded us that we must, like our celebrated ancestors, be able to envision a future, and inspired, I would underline the need to conserve. The question to arise is, whether or not we are taking a leaf from Sekuru Kaguvi, Mbuya Nehanda, King Lobengula, their cahoots, their successors, both departed and alive, who for envisaging a future for encompassing and daring to do the right thing in serving the black fraternity would become the heroes of a protracted armed struggle, to liberate, not only themselves, not only us, but the extensible future generations. All, we serve a mere appendage of the not so invisible third force, which is the project of imperialism as housed in neo-colonialism, against whose machinations President Nkrumah warned his audience on May 24th 1963 in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
Mr. Speaker Sir, if neo-colonialism existed prior to the commencement of the armed struggle, it is therefore instructive that neo-colonialism has also evolved through the vicissitude of time. Mr. Speaker Sir, I therefore, suspect that the intention to hand title deeds, be it to communal land owners or communal lands custodians or agricultural land is a neo-colonial tool to reverse the gains of the revolution. Maybe the question to ask is, are we seeing the way our predecessors saw or thinking in a manner they did? Are we in the very relay race, kindling that they envisioned or we are in some sense and albatross to the fulfillment of the cause for which they sacrificed their precious lives? Are we remembering heroes in graves unmarked who perished so we enjoy these freedoms?
African wisdom has it that what an elder see seated on a flat plain, a child cannot see even when standing atop a mountain. In his book, ‘Things Fall Apart’, Chinua Achebe said of the young, that we are the suckers that will grow when the old banana tree dies, but is there a possibility Mr. Speaker Sir, that a banana tree may bear lemons? I pose this question because we are a people with a unique tradition, a people with a defined culture. Why are we investing so much energy in trying to detach or delink from our traditions? Perhaps there is a possibility that banana suckers may bear lemons for the motion before us is one that is, especially bigger than its face value, bearing the likelihood for inspiring consequences disproportionate. This I say in view of the profuse illegal parceling of both communal and agricultural land across the country.
One will therefore ask, if people bear this audacity to parcel out communal land against existing statutes without title, in whose hands would land be, should it happen to have title deeds? Perhaps in the hands of the erstwhile colonisers because we exist in a word of the free market economy, the neo-liberal world where the highest bidder secures more. I am inviting us to resist and desist from arriving at a place of issuing title deeds. Mr. Speaker Sir, our wisdom of past is vast and enduring, surviving the test of time. They say chawawana batisisa midzimu haipe kaviri. We must guard jealously against anything that bears the propensity to reverse the gains of the revolution particularly title deeds.
Mr. Speaker, since we crossed the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, us the descendants of Murenga the son of Tovera, land belonged to all and it existed without title. The issue of title is a foreign phenomenon as Hon. Matangira has alluded to. We must like Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, their successors will be able to conserve land for future generations. King Lobengula never had title. Mr. Speaker Sir, Ngugi wa Thiong’o argued persuasively that decolonising our minds is the prerequisite of true liberation. Perhaps we must ask ourselves what is true liberation if it is not delinking from the erstwhile coloniser in truth and in spirit in mainstreaming our rich diversity and inclusive traditions where communities co-owned the land. What happened to our traditions? Why are we so keen on cutting that sacred umbilical code?
Mr. Speaker Sir, in certain instances, direction matters more than speed. Perhaps in future when our people are as civilised to a level of not selling what their ancestors shed blood for, we can talk over title deeds. Mr. Speaker Sir, if we go to Seke, Domboshava and if we go to Zvimba where I come from especially Kutama, the suggestion is we are not as mature yet. We must decline the invitation to give title deeds to communal lands.
Nelson Mandela said our deepest fear is not inadequacy but power we wield beyond measure to the extent of asking ourselves in our case, who are we to be Africans, who are we to champion collective will. Who are we to hold firm to our traditions? Who are we to be Zimbabwean but the actual question must be who are we to serve as surrogates of the imperialists?
Mr. Speaker Sir, at 1 Kings 18 Verse 21, Prophet Elijah invited us to not waiver between opinions. Joshua 24 Verse 15, Joshua would say “as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord”. Mr. Speaker Sir, as for me and by my colleagues, I mean every progressive Zimbabwean. We will rather argue in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind. We relook into the A-1 Model so to cater for the great majority of our people that are on the waiting list with special emphasis on the former farm workers because land belongs to us all. Land must not be a tool of inequality, a tool of furthering the interest of neo-colonialism or a tool of dividing us. It must unite us – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - I so submit Mr. Speaker Sir. I thank you
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. BAJILA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 9th April, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that we revert to Order of the Day Number 1.
HON. BAJILA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): I rise to give notice that That this House takes note of the Report of the Judicial Services Commission for the year 2023, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of section 253 and 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I thank you.
On that note Hon. Speaker Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 9th April 2024.
HON. BAJILA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. Is the debate we are adjourning about the ZEC Report that the Minister referred to or the JSC Report that you referred to? Which report are we adjourning?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): With your indulgence Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that this House takes note of the report of the JSC for the Year 2023. That is the debate we intend to adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 9th April 2024.
On the motion of THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE), the House adjourned at Twenty-Eight Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 9th April, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 4th April, 2024.
The Senate met at Half-past Two o`clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): Today, being a Thursday, it is Questions Without Notice but I have a long list of apologies. I have received the following apologies from Hon. Ministers:
Hon. Prof. M. Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion;
Hon. K. D. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion;
Hon. M. Mavhunga, Minister of War Veterans of the Liberation Struggle;
Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture;
Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry;
Hon. T. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry;
Hon. Brig. Gen. Rtd. L. Mayihlome, Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs;
Hon. Sen. M. Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development;
Hon. J. Mhlanga, Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development;
Hon. W. Chitando, Minister of Local Government and Public Works;
Hon. B. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works;
Hon. S. Chikomo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade;
Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage;
Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage;
Hon. P. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development;
Hon. Prof. Dr. A. Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development;
Hon. S. Sibanda, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development;
Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education;
Hon. J. Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare;
Hon. Dr. S. N. Nyoni, Minister of Industry and Commerce;
Hon. F. Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development;
Hon. E. Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development;
Hon. Y. Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities;
Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement;
Hon. Senators, I have only one Minister, Hon. D. Garwe, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities.
It is a situation that we may not want to see every Thursday as we expect many Ministers to answer our questions. However, that being the case, we have to do forthwith with the Minister that we have, and he will also be acting as the Leader of the House.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President. Before I pause my question to the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, I would like to say on a day like this, we expect to ask policy questions, and also find out progress because that is what we are asked when we go back to our constituencies. As it is, in such an important House, we only have one Minister. Is there anything that can be done to ensure that the situation improves?
Now, concerning my question, I would like to thank you for the splendid job you are doing of ensuring that you provide accommodation to the citizens. What is Government policy with regards to ensuring that the houses that you are constructing are made in high-rise style because our land is not expanding, so if it is built on high-rise buildings, it means we can accommodate much more people?
In addition, is your programme also available in the rural areas, there are districts and provinces where various people reside, including our civil servants without decent accommodation?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Sen. Tongogara. Indeed, your first concern; we are all concerned, but as it is, I will submit the message to the Leaders that this is indeed the situation in this august Senate.
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON.GARWE): Thank you Hon. Sen. Tongogara. We have National Human Settlement Policy that tells us that wherever buildings or houses are being constructed, 40% must be constructed on high-rise buildings. Our Ministry as well as the Ministry of Local Government and local authorities, as they survey and look at plans submitted by developers, must consider all that. They should allocate areas for high-rise buildings.
Secondly, indeed the vision of His Excellency, the President for Vision 2030 considers development in all facets of society including rural areas. We have a plan in the Ministry to ensure that there is construction of houses in rural areas. We have since started the project; the pilot project is at Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP)at Mutawatawa Growth Point, where we have constructed four blocks of flats with 16 houses, which means we are constructing 120 houses at UMP. This project will spread nationwide, but when we requested plans from local authorities, UMP submitted the best plan which ensured that we jumped on to construction immediately.
Yes, according to Vision 2030, no place and no one will be left behind. We will also include recreational facilities to be constructed in all areas. It is all in the plans of the Government.
The Government is also aware that there are civil servants found in rural areas such as teachers, agricultural extension workers, nurses as well as business people including women and youth who work in rural areas. They also want houses like the ones we are constructing, so we will be considering all those plans and we will be prioritising them as we go forward. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I would like to also thank the Hon. Minister for that explanation outlining their plan as a Ministry. What I wanted to find out is, since he said they are working with the Ministry of Local Government, are there people monitoring how the local authorities are allocating such land to ensure that the local authorities allocate such land, specifically with that plan in mind to ensure that civil servants get allocation from local authorities? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. President. Sen. Tongogara, I am sure we are all aware that local authorities work under the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. They are the ones that are responsible for monitoring them to ensure compliance, but as we are the drivers of the human settlement policies, we work hand-in-hand with the local government authority to ensure that the local authorities are compliant and fulfilling the 40% allocation dedicated for flats. We are aware that there were some plans that were already approved, so we let them proceed but as we move forward, we expect compliance. Wherever there will be houses constructed, 40% will be flats.
Local Government and Public Works, in conjunction with our Ministry, will ensure that all developers and contractors are complying with the law. I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I would like to inform Senators that in the House, we have the Deputy Minister for Industry and Commerce, Hon. R. Modi. So those with questions, you are free to direct them to him.
HON. SEN. SIBANDA: Thank you President of Senate. My question goes to the Leader of the House. The radiotherapy machine at Mpilo Hospital has not been functional since August 2020, which is four years back. When you are doing radiation there, you are given about 23 sessions to do using a radiotherapy machine. I had to undergo therapy there and I think I only did 17 sessions and the machine broke down.
Up to now, the machine has not been working. We have got so many people suffering from different cancers in Zimbabwe and Mpilo Hospital is one of the biggest referral hospitals. Now, it is four years since the machine broke down. Is there a way the Government is going to see to the new machine? Is it going to repair the machine at all or it is something that has already been forgotten?
I hope my question will reach the right Ministry because this machine is one of the machines that is very important in the treatment of all the cancers because it helps. The treatment is done through radiation and the machine is the one that is used to treat most of the cancers. I do not know if it is already forgotten about. I would like to know whether the machine is ever going to be repaired or if we are going to get a new machine at all at Mpilo Hospital. Thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: That one is a specific question that is talking of a specific hospital and all things being equal, it is supposed to be put in writing. However, I will give the Minister the option if he has anything to say about it.
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. President. Let me thank Hon. Sen. Sibanda for the question. Like you said Hon. President, this is a specific question referring to a specific location. I kindly request that the Senator puts it in writing, then I will submit it to the responsible Minister to come and answer to it. Thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Sibanda, if you could put it in writing, I think you will get a proper answer from the correct Ministry.
+HON. SEN. MLILO: I want to thank the President of Senate for giving me this opportunity. My question has already been asked as part of a question, but I am going to talk about Mpilo Hospital as a referral hospital. Looking at the whole of Matabeleland, particularly considering the population and the huge traffic of people who go to Mpilo, what plans has the Minister in terms of assisting people so that they get accommodation instead of sleeping on the floor? What are Government plans concerning Mpilo Hospital? I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Sen. Mlilo, in the same vein, I think if you could intertwine your questions since they are referring to one hospital, we will be able to get a better explanation next week when we come to this House.
Just a reminder to all other Hon. Members. The moment that you realise that your question is specific to a particular station or to a particular road or hospital, put it in writing and submit it and then the responsible Minister will receive that question and will come specifically to answer to that question.
*HON. SEN. SHIRI: Thank you Mr. President. I want to direct my question to the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities. We appreciate we have heard that you have got plans to accommodate everyone. Zimbabwe would want to know what plans were set aside for the disabled so that they have accommodation also and that buildings are built taking into consideration the disabled. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): I want to thank you Senate President Sir and I want to thank Sen. Shiri for that pertinent question. We have three categories of people who are equally important. Firstly, those who live with various disabilities, secondly our war veterans and thirdly our young people and women.
As I speak, we are working towards promulgating a law, the allocation policy so that when we build houses, houses should then be allocated to different sectors like young people, women, the disabled and war veterans. This is what we are doing because in the past, people were just being given houses without considering the disabled. Then also we are going to look at the building plans, how we build our houses. We know that most houses were built without considering various disabilities so that the disabled are able to get into houses, but we have engaged engineers and those who draw plans to consider that whilst drawing plans so that they consider the disabled for easy access to hospitals, hotels, residential houses, offices and other amenities which should cater for the disabled. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. NDEBELE: Thank you Hon. President for giving me this opportunity to ask my question, which is directed to the Hon. Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, who spoke about Local Government. Mr. President of Senate, since people are being allocated stands by local authorities, is it allowed by Government that council workers be the ones who get two or three stands before others, and then they resale those stands to other people?
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Hon. President. Can you indulge and ask anyone who can speak Ndebele to interpret for me?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I can ask the Member to do that in Shona.
*HON. SEN. NDEBELE: Thank you very much Hon. President, I thank you. It is my wish if people could also understand Ndebele. My question is; is it legal that council officials should get stands before other people? Some getting two or three stands then they resell to other people.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: That is a specific question which would need figures or statistics. If you know of a particular area then you can say that, but if the Hon. Minister is comfortable then he can respond to the question.
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): I want to concur with you that what you have said is what I was thinking, maybe the Hon. Member should put it in writing so that as Local Government, we will engage our officers so that we come back with a comprehensive report. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. NDEBELE: Thank you Hon. Minister, I did not request for statistics. I am asking if it is legal or is it Government policy for council staff to own more land?
*HON. GARWE: Hon. President of Senate, we do not know where this is happening, but if we get a written question, then we can investigate from there, what the laws say and in which particular area. From what the Hon. Member is saying, she is alluding to corruption by council officers who are allocating each other more stands and reselling to people. That is not legal or Government policy so, it is important that you put it in writing so that we carry out a comprehensive research so that we iron out the issue and solve the problem.
*HON. SEN. GUMBO: Thank you Hon. President, I want to direct my question to the Hon. Minister of National House and Social Amenities. In Kariba there is a project, I wanted to ask how far the project is and how it is moving?
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Hon. President of Senate, that question is a very specific question which is specific to a particular project. However, this falls under my Ministry, I am comfortable responding to the question. That project was started many years by IDBZ bank. The bank could not continue with the project, and they approached Government for assistance to complete the project and we accepted. We sent our specialists who went to the ground and we invited engineers who were working with IDBZ, there were some monies that were not paid to the engineers who said that they could come after being paid. Government paid the engineers, we decided to review what has been done and what has not been done. So because of the rainfalls which had come at that particular time, some of the projects were not good. As I speak, the contractor who was given that job together with our engineers, are working hard and are completing the Kasese project. I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I want to inform the Senate that we have been joined by Hon. Soda, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. He is at your disposal for any question.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President of Senate. My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Industry, but he has now left. I do not know whether I can continue.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You can continue.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: My question is that His Excellency the President, declared a national disaster on food. My question is; is the business community allowed to import maize and mealie-meal from surrounding countries?
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you very much Hon. President of Senate and I thank the Hon. Senator for the question. The answer is yes. That pronouncement was made through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, so it is allowed.
+HON. SEN. PHUTHI: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask my question on the issue of food. My question is Mr. President, what is Government policy regarding a Minister who comes to this august Senate and says wrong information. Yesterday, we asked about food and the Minister said, “do not panic everything is in order”. Where is the order? I want to thank the Hon. Minister who informed His Excellency the President that the situation is bad because we have been raising these issues. So what is Government policy regarding such a Minister?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Can you ask a question Hon. Senator, do not debate.
+HON. SEN. PHUTHI: My question is; what is Government policy regarding a Minister who deceives the august Senate? In Ndebele, I will say that is lying to the nation. What happens to the Hon. Minister and when is the Minister going to be removed for lying to the nation? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Hon. President, I think the question is very specific, it relates to a specific Minister at a specific time with a specific issue. It will be prudent that the Hon. Senator put that question in writing so that authorities above me interrogate the issue and process it accordingly. I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Sen. Phuthi, you can also put that question in writing so that we get a good response next week.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF DANDAWA: Mine is not a supplementary question, but it is a question which I want to direct to the Minister of Mines. We have noticed that the Chinese are mining in different areas but for them to leave something for the communities particularly developing schools, boreholes and other things, what should we do in terms of dismissing them because they are not benefitting the communities?
*THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. The first thing is that if they were given permission to mine legally, you cannot remove them in whichever area where they will be mining. We need to find ways like what we are explaining. I am saying this because as this august House, we are the people who respect the law that we promulgate as Parliament and the Ministry of Mines gives people authority and permission to mine legally.
So, the laws that we are using are passed by this august House. It is not a good thing that the same Parliament which passes laws, we put the law aside and fire people. What we want to do is that if there is a specific issue, it should be written down as to how they are making mistakes so that the Ministry will carry out investigations. Let me also add by saying that if the Ministry of Mines has permitted a miner to mine, what we expect is that before mining, the miner is given an Environmental Impact Assessment Report which is done by EMA.
EMA has a responsibility of reviewing what would happen and how the environment will upset the people’s livelihoods and other things. There are consultations that are done and during consultations, traditional leaders are engaged and they would explain the areas which are sacred. There are a number of areas where we know that there are sacred places and there are graves and other shrines where the community does not expect miners to venture into such areas.
So, it is important that communities are consulted and there is mutual understanding. Also, there are some miners who can be engaged so that health issues, schools, roads and other projects can be discussed between communities and such miners. This is happening in other areas and this is what we look forward to be seeing. If there is a specific issue, please put it in writing so that we can carry out an investigation and we reach an amicable solution. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: My supplementary question is on illegal miners who are mining where they are not supposed to be mining. As I am speaking, in Bulawayo, we have a number of dams where people draw their water from. You would find that there are pits which, no matter how the rain falls, but water is diverted into such pits instead of where it is supposed to go and people are mining illegally and no one is taking action against illegal miners. For us who stay in Bulawayo, we face shortages because no matter how much rainfall we get, it is not going to the dams because of these illegal miners. I thank you.
HON. SODA: Thank you Mr. President. The issue of illegal mining can only be resolved through reporting to relevant authorities. We have the police that can also assist whenever there are illegal mining activities. We can also approach the Ministry of Mines in our various provinces but how they function, even if you report to the Ministry of Mines, they will still approach the police for enforcement of our laws and regulations.
I am aware the Hon. Member has spoken about the effects of illegal mining activities that are happening in Bulawayo to the extent that there is siltation and the water that is supposed to be collected in some dams is failing to get to the dams because of the illegal mining activities that are being conducted. The best that we can do is to make a formal report, either to the police or to the Ministry of Mines so that the mining activities are stopped. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NECHOMBO: Thank you very much Mr. President Sir for giving me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Ministry of Public Service. In his absence, I will direct it to the Leader of Government business or any Ministry who will respond. My question is that we appreciate the laws that are obtaining, particularly the Constitution which gives us the authority to be able to communicate in different languages which are in the Constitution.
We note that the languages which we are allowed to communicate in are found to be generating controversy where sometimes you find people saying that we want English only in the workplace. We want to know what can be done. You hear that in five ‘O’ Levels there should be English, especially when people are being engaged by the Public Service. I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Chief Nechombo for that pertinent question. Indeed, this august House, Parliament and Senate through the passing of the Constitution which passed 16 local languages that are officially recognised and can be used in the work place, the challenge is that there are a few who can communicate and interpret the languages. The second challenge is that we have some international languages like English that are expected from anyone who is being employed so that they are able to represent their organisation when they are sent outside the country. When we speak our local languages without international languages, it becomes a challenge to send such a person outside the country. It is important that we communicate in our languages.
However, I am going to forward your question to Hon. J. G. Moyo so that he brings feedback, but this is my response as the Acting Minister in that regard. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you for this opportunity to ask my question. My question is directed to the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities regarding the issue that in the past few days, we saw people having their properties being destroyed because the stands were obtained illegally. My question is; what has Government done regarding giving these people stands because they bought stands from people who were awarded tenders by Government. They bought the stands not knowing that the stands are illegal. I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Sen. for that question. There is no Government policy that says, people’s houses should be destroyed. Government did not destroy anyone’s property. We all know that we have two ways of habiting. In places, there are some who are habiting legally and then there are also others who settled in areas that were given to developers to work with Government with Government providing the areas, whilst developers bring resources to develop the areas.
We find such people selling land. We also know that sometimes, this can be done illegally and this has resulted in areas that are allocated where there are no roads, toilets and the stands are not serviced. Therefore, as Government, we need to come up with plans. We are regularising such areas looking at how people were settled, and we look at layout plans that are laid by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. Those who settled illegally and those who were allocated stands legally, those who were given legally are resettled in properly serviced stands and those who built in compliance with laid out plans, Government is partnering with business people so that they service the roads, water reticulation systems and toilets.
His Excellency the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, last year, came up with a programme of regularisation through the allocation of title deeds because land barons were taking advantage of people. So for that not to recur, we were told to work holistically with different line ministries including the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. Those who built their houses in wetlands, schools and those who built in proper residential areas, it is the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works that has the responsibility of coming up with layout plans. They specify where there are supposed to be roads, water, electricity and residential areas, then the Ministry of National House and Amenities is responsible for on site infrastructure, looking at whether roads have been constructed, water and other projects. Then the Ministry of Energy and Power Development would come in installing different electrical projects whether it is hydro or solar power and other technologies; then we have CMED and other departments coming in to work on the roads.
After that, people can be given title deeds because roads would have been allocated names and there is proper pegging where you find that someone has a particular stand, Stand Number 20, Mufakose or a different area. This is what is written in the title deeds and it is taken to the Deeds Office and deeds are then generated. No one is allowed to destroy anyone’s property. It is not Government policy because Government wants people to have shelter because shelter is a basic right that is enshrined in the Constitution. The Right to Shelter is universal. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. KADUNGURE: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. What is Government policy regarding artisanal miners who were supposed to be empowered with tools of trade for them to be safe as they do their day-to-day duties? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Kandungure for the pertinent question. Indeed, it is true that Government is seized with bettering the lives of artisanal miners through the Artisanal Miners Strategy which has Gold Service Centres as centres that are going to be built with the anticipation that when a miner is mining but without tools of trade like the different machines that are used in the processing of their ore, there should be service centres where there are mills where people bring their ore to be milled and separated from the stones. This will be happening in Gold Service Centres.
Such centres will be One-Stop-Shops where gold, after processing is sold. This is what is being done through the Artisanal Small Scale Mining Strategy regarding the issue that the Hon. Senator raised. Regarding that issue, let me say that Government put more than USD10 million, USD5 million is for the construction of gold service centres which I believe will be around five, then the difference of USD5 million will be used to buy the tools of trade. The different equipment that is being used, for instance, compressors, jack hammers and other smaller machinery which will be used by young people who are into mining and this will be distributed to all the provinces and the Ministry is working on procuring these tools of trade then through assessment, these will be disbursed to different provinces. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you very much Mr. President. I want to thank the Hon. Minister for that explanation. My supplementary question is that in the past, mining was done with makorokoza because they used to leave holes. Now that artisanal miners are going to be mining properly, is there a way of ensuring that when they leave big pits, the pits will be covered because people are losing their livestock? I thank you.
HON. SODA: Thank you Mr. President. Indeed, we have plans; what we noted at first is that just referring to people as makorokoza was derogatory and it affected them because it alienated them, so the strategy that we are taking is that what is legal should be happening and that they should do their mining legally in an acceptable way.
So, they are not allowed to just mine wherever they want but there should be registration of where they will be mining and they should be guided by the law. They have to make their applications, issued with claims, and inspections are done by the Ministry of Mines including declaring the production. Whatever they produce, they must declare, which means that there is such inspection. They must also be empowered with knowledge that when pits are dug they must be covered and this should be done by artisanal miners. So, now we know that in such and such areas, there is such a miner because they were formalised, they have applied, and that data is available. I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Allow me to announce to the House that we have been joined by Hon. Jesaya, the Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order Number 67.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. I move for the extension of time for questions without notice by ten minutes.
HON. SEN. SHIRI: I second.
HON. SEN. KATUMBA: Thank you very much Mr. President Sir. I want to direct my question to the Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. What is the Government doing in terms of protecting our industry which is being destroyed, giving an example of clothing where second-hand clothes, shoes, and blankets are being imported by runners? What is the Hon. Minister doing to protect our industry so that they continue functioning well? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL, AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I thank the Hon. Senator for that pertinent question. My response is that I believe that the question is related to the Ministry of Industry, however, as the Ministry of Justice, the laws are there and if such people are carrying out their business illegally, they are arrested and they come to the courts, then the law will take its course. Looking at the crimes, if crimes are committed and if what they are doing is illegal, the courts are there to deal with people who commit different cases.
However, looking at the importation, particularly the issue of runners, I think that should be directed to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for clarity's sake. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. RUNGANI: Thank you Mr. President Sir. As for Industry and Commerce, what is the Government doing to protect the clothing industry, runners are bringing clothes and other items using foreign currency and they are taking all the monies outside the country? As a result, our industry is left with no business and is closed. I thank you.
HON. MAZUNGUNYE: Thank you for that supplementary question. Like I said, this question should be directed to the Minister of Industry regarding the policy issue. So, the question may be directed to the Acting Leader of Government Business.
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I thank the Hon. Sen for that supplementary question. It is like a chicken and egg case, where local factories are not charging prices that are in tandem with the day-to-day lives of Zimbabweans. You find people overcharging. This has opened the gap for the importation of goods which are cheaper. This is the result of profiteering that is happening. Secondly, the Industry and Commerce Ministry is looking into these issues. In the past two weeks, there was a ban on importation of cars which are 10 years and older because of such issues, but such issues, Mr. President Sir, particularly should then be put in writing because if it is put in writing, then there will be urgent interventions.
So my request is that Hon. Senator, may you put it in writing so that we take the question to the Minister of Industry and Commerce so that there is clarity on the issue of runners and what is happening, but I urge our local business people to be efficient, not to overcharge people through profiteering. This is opening the industry to runners because there is a lot of greed in local businesses. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NGEZI: Thank you Mr. President for the opportunity. I would like to repeat what I once said. I want to say that Government employees, for example District Administrators or the DDCs, can be rotated, but there are some who are not rotated, which I believe is affecting operations because of people who are not rotated. So my question is; what is Government policy regarding this? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Thank you Mr. President Sir. Thank you Hon. Sen. Chief. There is no Government policy which says that a headman should be removed and replaced by children. The issue of relocating people or transferring people is not only for DDCs, but what is considered is your competence and the new deployments. If you are competent, then this is merit based. Whether it is at a low level or it is promotion, this is done through competence.
I urge workers to go to school to better their competences so that such deployments are done. There is no such law that says that a person should be removed from a position and replaced by another other person.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, and it is going to be in two-fold.
We have witnessed and realised the abuse by the large-scale miners of tax exemption facilities. They will go in a community, support a football team, buy books which are worth US$200 and then apply for tax exemption through social corporate responsibility as a company and they are granted tax exemption.
My question is; can the Government create a scope whereby these companies, instead of buying books and sportswear for a football club, rehabilitate roads that they use, schools that are close by, clinics and hospitals which are dilapidated? Can we not create a scope for one to qualify for tax exemption?
The other question is; how do you strike a balance between small-scale miners and big-scale miners like the mining companies that are well established in terms of tax proportions. What is the range of tax, how are the small scale miners taxed, what is the tax bracket because we see them mushrooming everywhere and then the roads are being dilapidated, and then the responsibility goes to the bigger players which are established miners for them to rehabilitate the same roads that are being used by the small scale miners?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order Hon. Sen. Tshabangu, ask your question directly. I think we are running out of time.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Those are the two questions. I am sure the Minister got them very well. If he did not, then I will come back. Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Thank you Mr. President for the two questions that we indulged from Hon. Sen. Tshabangu. The first question being on tax exemptions where his observation is that there is an abuse of the facility by large-scale miners.
Mr. President, taxes are administered through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. They are the ones that administer the Finance Act and all the taxes and levies are imposed through the Finance Act. So this question, Mr. President, would be well articulated if it is directed to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. However, what I can say for now is that already, through the announcement of the budget which was done last year to take effect from the beginning of this year, we have heard that the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion imposed a tax for corporate social responsibility. It is no longer out of a miner’s will, but there is a tax that has been imposed where some collection will be made, and it is the responsibility of the Government now to redirect the proceeds of that tax towards corporate social responsibility activities. So I want to believe that is going to address your concern.
Again, the issue of striking a balance between small-scale miners and large-scale miners. It is also supposed to be articulated in the same manner that I have responded to the first question that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to handle all tax issues. I thank you Mr. President.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
PROVISION OF MODEN EQUIPMENT FOR THE
METALLURGICAL LABORATORY
- 11. HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI asked the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to inform the House the plans being put in place by the Ministry to provide modern equipment for the Metallurgical Laboratory as well as the employment of qualified personnel.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Mr. President of Senate Sir, I move that we defer both questions No. 11 and 12, I will attend to them next week.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators, we have been joined by one other Minister though very late, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Jenfan Muswere.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE
BLAST AT 1630HRS
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have a very important announcement. At 1630hrs. we are going to have a very loud blast and Hon. Senators are advised not to panic but on your movement from here to town, you must use Good Hope Road because Old Mazowe Road detour has been heavily compromised. On that note, I want to recognise Hon. Minister Garwe before he leaves, to adjourn the House.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE), the Senate adjourned at Six Minutes to Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 9th April, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER
RE-APPOINTMENT OF HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA AS PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT
THE HON. SPEAKER: With regards to the Pan-African Presidency, Zimbabwe tendered the name of the Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira as a candidate for the Southern African Caucus as sponsored by Zimbabwe. He won in the first round and because of the rules, after your Parliament, where you come from and the Parliament sponsoring you accepts you after the election and you have won, you are eligible to stand and continue in office. This happened last week and Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira won with a super majority to continue as the Pan-African Parliament President – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- We wish him well in this very difficult assignment to unite the Parliaments of the continent and address issues of trade as guided by the Africa Free Trade Area Agreement, and also tackle the topical issue of climate change as well as promoting democracy for all on the continent.
We could not announce it yesterday before we presented him to His Excellency the President and this was done this morning – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
NON-ADVERSE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that I have received non-adverse reports from the Parliamentary Legal Committee on Statutory Instruments published in the Gazette during the month of February 2024, save for Statutory Instruments 17, 18, 23 and 24 of 2024.
PETITIONS RECEIVED FROM NSSA PENSIONERS ADVOCACY ZIMBABWE, COALITION FOR MARKET AND LIBERAL SOLUTIONS, CENTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES GOVERNANCE, TAKUDZWA MANYERE AND CLARKSON MUZA
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that Parliament received the following petitions; NSSA Pensioners Advocacy Zimbabwe of 1/131 Montgomery Drive, Prospect, Waterfalls, Harare, requesting Parliament to investigate and recommend the upward review of the meagre pension pay-outs received by NSSA pensioners. The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Another petition has been received from the Coalition for Market and Liberal Solutions of 6438 NICOZ Diamond Road, Zimre Park, Ruwa, requesting Parliament to enact relevant legislation that protects property rights in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The petition
has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
A further petition has been received from the Center for Natural Resources Governance, beseeching Parliament to play its oversight role on the relevant authorities responsible for monitoring and evaluating the activities of mining companies by ensuring that unsafe mining practices taking place at Premier Estate are stopped in order to preserve the environment. The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development as well as Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
A further petition was received from Takudzwa Manyere of Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University, requesting Parliament to consider the Constitutional Court as the highest court in the country for all matters by extending its jurisdiction and amending the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
The final petition was received from Clarkson Muza of No. 10 Pakama Road, Harrisvale, Bulawayo, requesting Parliament to investigate the circumstances of victimisation that he suffered after lodging a complaint of corruption against the officers of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The petition was deemed inadmissible and the petitioner was advised accordingly.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise on a point of national interest. This is with regards to delays in the process of enacting the Persons with Disability Bill, which is amending the 1992 Disabled Persons Act and considering that it had taken long to be where we are today; the Disability Caucus, a constituency I represent, is appealing through your good offices, to engage the relevant Minister or the Leader of the House to expedite the process of finalisation of the gazetted Bill into law. Kindly note that the Bill was gazetted on 9th February 2024, and the relevant Committee is at an advanced stage of preparing for public hearings. So I thought I should let you know where we are concerning the Disability Bill. There is too much pressure coming from the disability community to have this Bill read in this House by the relevant Ministry. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Bill was gazetted only last month and today we are on 3rd April and the due process as you indicated Hon. Member of the Committee responsible has started. So where is the activation of the national interest?
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Mr. Speaker Sir, the activation is that it was gazetted in February and now we are in April. You know how we have struggled to be where we are today to have the Bill come to the House. So the Disability Caucus and the nation at large are anxious to have the Bill read in the House.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you. I would have appreciated if there was a delay of six months then we would be concerned, but one month and we are still inducting the Committees to know their responsibilities. Anyway, the Acting Leader of Government Business, if you could take note and liaise with the Committee responsible so that the Bill is expedited as requested by the Hon. Member.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. CHIKWINYA: My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government and it is in two parts. As much as we appreciate the massive road rehabilitation programme currently underway in the city of Harare, the programme is commendable. Along the roadside, the City of Harare had allocated hundreds of men and women some vending stores and those have been displaced because of the road rehabilitation. This was their survival kit. I would want to find out from the Minister what he has in place to ensure the continuity of welfare of these hundreds of men and women who have been displaced by this programme. On the other hand, day in and day out in the Harare CBD, we have seen the City Council and the Zimbabwe Republic Police fighting with vendors on the streets. How is the Minister going to solve the problem between the police and the vendors who are fighting day in and day out because this problem has been going on for a very long time? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank Hon. Chikwinya for her two-part question concerning road rehabilitation and how it is disturbing vending or displacing the vendors, and basically asking what the Ministry of Local Government is doing. Road rehabilitation is a programme that is very important as a national programme, to make sure that our infrastructure is in good condition and is for the benefit of the nation in total. Those ones who were on the road and are…
Some Hon. Members having entered the House while business of the House had commenced.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order. The three Hon. Members who have just come in now, please leave the House. We start at 10 past 2. Leave the House!
HON. DHLIWAYO: Point of clarity Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes.
HON. DHLIWAYO: Hon. Mahachi was here. He just went out now and the other Honourable, they just went out and came back.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Are you their spokesperson?
HON. DHLIWAYO: No, I am a witness Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: No interest. They should speak for themselves.
HON. MAHACHI: I was in the House Mr. Speaker Sir.
After other two Hon. Members having entered in the House.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The spokesperson, how about these two?
HON. DHLIWAYO: I can speak Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Pardon!
HON. DHLIWAYO: They were here Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Now, I make this ruling, do not come in for two minutes and go out. You finish your business before the House begins. Otherwise, we will not entertain that. Thank you. Hon. Minister, please proceed.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank Hon. Chikwinya for the question – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
Hon. Dr. Mutodi having entered the House.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please you are late. Go and rest somewhere. Hon. Mutodi, next time finish your national programme on time please. We have too many detours here. So, take that into account. Take your seat.
HON. DR. MUTODI: Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, please proceed.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank Hon. Chikwinya for the question concerning the effects of road rehabilitation on vendors basically and the other one asking about the fights between police and the vendors. First of all, Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to say that the Road Rehabilitation Programme is a national, very important programme because this infrastructure is national infrastructure. The Ministry of Local Government must make sure that they participate and make sure that everything happens to facilitate this process. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is very important to know that we have been able to determine whether these people on the road are legal or illegal. If they are legal, there are methods of compensating them. If they are illegal, I think illegalities are not compensated.
On the other issue of police and vendors, it is very important again to answer it within this context of legal and illegal. If we are doing illegal activity, it is very important that the police do their job within the law, whether they are municipal police or national police. They have to be doing their job within the law. It is very important that we analyse every situation within the national interest and within the legalities or illegalities of each activity and evaluate that activity accordingly. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Matewu having stood up on a supplementary question.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, before you proceed, which Member of Parliament raised the issue of point of order earlier on?
HON. MAVHUNGA: It is Hon. Mavhunga, Chitungwiza South.
Hon. Mavhunga having stood up.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Mavhunga, when another Member is standing, you sit down. Hon. Mavhunga, the Clerks-at-the-Table indicated that they apologise. They should have given me the list of apologies, so I am going to read it out now and I apologise too.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Hon. Prof. M. Ncube; Hon. J. Mhlanga, Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Hon. F. Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Herigate; Hon. P. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education; Hon. R. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. S. Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities; and Hon. W. Chitando, Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I was very concerned because this is a daily programme, in and out for years. I want to know whether there could be a permanent solution to this problem as we move ahead towards creating a smart city. I thank you.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question about the permanent solution. It is very important that a country is governed by laws, and that these laws should be followed by every resident and citizen of the country. That is exactly what we call the rule of law. The continuity of any programme is the respect of the rule of law by those who enforce it, and those who might have a potential of violating that law. It is very important that lawful activities must prevail in the local authority areas so that we preserve order and lives of the people, which is a very important right. Furthermore, livelihoods should be pursued within the law. Enforcement of the law should also be done lawfully. This is the basis of continuity of peace and dignity in the country. I thank you.
HON. MATEWU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Hon. Minister raises a very important question in terms of compensation for those who are affected by the roadworks. I want to go specifically to the emergency road rehabilitation programme that is currently taking place. It is displacing many people, not just in urban areas, but also in farms and other areas. I did not hear the issue when we passed the national budget at the close of last year, 2023. Where is the money coming from that is compensating all these people who are being affected by these road works? I thank you.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Hon. Speaker, compensation is done within the context of the law. It is very important that when we develop infrastructure, we know that we are developing infrastructure for this nation. It is every citizen’s responsibility to make sure that this happens in a lawful and fair manner. What we are saying here is that there is always a budget for compensation, it is very important that if these people are being compensated at all, it is coming from the fiscus; this is where the money is coming from. ….
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir, if you can indulge me.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Matewu, I thought the Minister was still holding the floor.
HON. MATEWU: I think he was about to sit down, if you can indulge me Mr. Speaker. We just want the Minister to be specific……
THE HON. SPEAKER: Oder, order, Hon. Minister, Leader of Government Business, can you windup your response please.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Hon. Speaker Sir, since this question is now out of the local government area which was being talked about, the issue of the police versus vendors, I would kindly ask Hon. Minister Mhona to talk about the source of the money from his budget.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order…
HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order Hon. Matangira, I have not finished my ruling. I was saying Hon. Minister Mhona, if you could assist in the response.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me also thank the Hon. Member for raising that very important question pertaining to the budgetary line items for those who will be compensated. Mr. Speaker Sir, in the event that we are embarking in a project, we do budget and if it is budgeted for, it must appear in the Blue Book. This is the procedure. In the event that we then have an emergency as alluded to by the Hon. Member, then it becomes a declaration by His Excellency, the President that funding must be provided for. When we do our budgeting process, we know we have an unallocated reserve account within the purview of the Ministry of Finance. In the event of an emergency, we will tap into that fund to fund our projects and it will be emanating from the fiscus.
However, when it comes to the evaluations, we have the Ministry of Local Government, if we are talking of urban land, where they come in and assess so that they come up with precise values. If we are talking of farms, we have the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, where they will come up again with their modalities in terms of the evaluation. It is very clear that if it happens before a budgetary process, we tap into the unallocated reserve through the Ministry of Finance. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON. MEMBERS: Hon. Mhona, Mhona!]
THE HON. SPEAKER: I thought you were going to shout that the Ministers are in one Government. Hon. Matangira, does your point of order still arise?
HON. MATANGIRA: Negative Sir, why, because he had said precision on those who had been disadvantaged, we wanted to know vakatorerwa nzvimbo dzavo. It is now done.
THE HON. SPEAKER: In future, do not mix languages. >>HON. NDOU: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. What is Government policy when it comes to the destruction of the environment including roads due to mining activities? Human lives and livestock are being put at risk, people are perishing. I thank you.
HON. SODA: I did not quite get the question clearly but I suppose the Hon. Member wanted to ask about the destruction of the environment including the roads through mining activities. When a mine is granted in terms of its registration, there are some processes that must be complied with especially regarding the environment. A certificate has to be issued which entails that the miner will observe all requirements in terms of protection of the environment. That is one of the conditions precedent for the issuance of a mining title or a registration for one to start to do mining. We expect that miners will comply from the commitment that they would have given. An environmental social impact assessment would have been carried out before a certificate is issued.
However, we then find at times that there are some violations especially with miners after they would have made all such commitments. They then proceed to mine irresponsibly. Government had come up with an initiative which was launched last year by His Excellency the President, the Responsible Mining Initiative. It brings together a number of ministries to work towards ensuring that there is compliance when mining activities are being carried out. From time to time, there are some audits that are being carried out over and above the normal inspections that the Ministry of Mines conducts. We now have some audits that we carry out together with other ministries to ensure that there is compliance.
There is a lot that is happening. We normally carry out some inspections and we now have some responsible mining audits that are being mandated to be carried. With all that, we should be able to identify the violations and those that are caught on the wrong side of the law are punished immediately as a way of deterring them from committing environmental crimes.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, you are under the watch of cameras. There are two Members of Parliament here who have a habit of going to some dream. So, please do not embarrass us because when the pictures come out there, it shows that we are not serious with our business. I shall not name the Hon. Members, but please wake up. I want to see your faces.
Is Hon. Hadebe around? Where is he?
I thought you made a telling confession when we were at State House and you promised me that you would behave accordingly. Can you proceed and behave accordingly? Do not bring your ancestral stick into the House? Can you proceed as per your confession at State House?
HON. HADEBE: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you proceed as per your confession at State House.
Hon. Hadebe withdrew from the Chamber with his knobkerry.
+HON. BAJILA: I have a supplementary question to the Minister. In his response, he said there are timely audits. How long does it take to carry on these audits and how long does it take for these audits to be revealed? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The question is lost Hon. Member because the question needs numbers. Today, we are speaking of the Government’s policy and not the audits. On the issue of numbers, you should prepare a written question.
HON. S. MAPHOSA: My supplementary question is directed to the Minister of Mines, since he said that there are procedures that they use to evaluate the degradation that has been done by miners on the roads or the environment. I wanted to ask what is done after the degradation has been done by these miners. Is there a way or office that we are supposed to approach to report that there is land degradation and no rehabilitation has been happening in the process?
HON. SODA: Our Ministry is not qualified enough to assess even the damage that would have happened on infrastructure. There is a Ministry that is responsible for that and it is the Ministry of Environment. They have the expertise to ascertain the extent of the damage and punishment which is supposed to be levelled against perpetrators of violations. All that is handled through the Ministry of Environment.
They also administer a budget for rehabilitation as the Ministry of Environment. Like I indicated earlier on in my first response, we work together very closely especially when we are conducting some audits where a violation is ascertained. Immediately, the Ministry of Environment, through EMA, punish for such violations and they are responsible for all the rehabilitations. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The accent of the question was, how do you reclaim the environment? Would you want the Minister of Environment to assist? In other words, what is the process of reclaiming the environment that has been damaged?
HON. SODA: Mr. Speaker, like I indicated, the Government has a mechanism, but that mechanism is administered or handled by the Ministry of Environment. All the reclamation is done through the Ministry of Environment.
THE HON. SPEAKER: So there is no Minister or Deputy Minister of Environment here. Leader of Government Business, can you assist? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order! When the Chair has announced the Leader of Government Business, that leader must be respected. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – And I do not accept the howling. It must stop once and for all. If I identify the leader of the howling, then that leader will suffer the consequences immediately.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Whenever a legal mining activity is taking place, there is an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. Part of this details the Environmental Management Plan which is required by the Ministry of Environment through EMA. This EMP is the one that is revoked when rehabilitation is taking place. Therefore, Government has a mechanism of making sure that the assessment of the environmental damage is done expertly via the EMP. So yes Mr. Speaker, there is a mechanism that is enshrined in law, and that is in accordance with the Constitution on environment management matters.
THE HON. SPEAKER: And the Environmental Act Section 98 to 102 does vouch for what the Hon. Minister and Leader of Government Business has said. If you have time, read those sections, 98 to 102.
HON. CHIDUWA: My supplementary is, what is Government policy regarding devolving the responsible mining policy to artisanal miners?
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is a brand-new question altogether. It does not relate to environmental damage unless if you want to recraft it.
HON. DHLIWAYO: Given the contribution by artisanal miners, what is the Government doing in trying to conscientise our miners on the environmental responsibility, apart from the punishments that you are administering?
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is the problem with the artisanal miners? Can you restate your case?
HON. DHLIWAYO: There are cases where these artisanal miners are just arrested or stopped, maybe because they have violated some laws on environmental issues. So I am saying, what is the Government doing in trying to conscientise those miners on responsible mining because arresting or ministering punishments alone is not sufficient, given the fact that these artisanal miners are making a great contribution to our gross domestic product?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you, you are trying to be the spokesperson for Hon. Chiduwa in reverse gear and your question does not apply to the damage of the environment.
*HON. ZVAIPA: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, but in his absence, I will redirect the question to the Leader of Government Business. My question pertains to the issue which was happening at RBZ in the past. Every Tuesday, people from companies used to go and buy money from the money market, but from January to April this month, we have not heard anything. Why is it that it is no longer happening? Chii chamisa musika? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Chamisa chii kutengeswa kwemari kumusika watanga tinawo? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Hapana chamisa.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Supplementary Mr. Speaker Sir…
*THE HON. SPEAKER: I think you heard the response from the Hon. Minister. There is nothing that has stopped us.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Supplementary Mr. Speaker!
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Supplementary for what whilst you have enough information.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Since January 2024, the auction system has failed to support the local companies. The supplementary question is…
THE HON. SPEAKER: May you start your question again.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: It is common cause Mr. Speaker that from January to date, the auction market has not supported or provided the required foreign currency…
THE HON. SPEAKER: The original question is, chii chamisa auction? It did not ask about support of other entities. It was directed as, has the auction system stopped or not and the Hon. Minister said it has not.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My supplementary question then follows that…
THE HON. SPEAKER: No, there is no supplementary question. It does not arise from the original question.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: It has arisen from the original question.
THE HON. SPEAKER: No, I have ruled – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections. -
*HON. SAGANDIRA: The response given by the Leader of Government says there is nothing that has stopped. If there is nothing that has stopped them, why is it that things are not flowing?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Let me not preempt the Hon. Minister’s response.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: As you rightly said Hon. Speaker, the answer that you have given was based on the question pane chamisa here? The answer was there is nothing that has stopped things from happening meaning to say that if a bus is delayed by two or three minutes or an hour, it does not necessarily mean that it has stopped.
HON. MATEWU: The issue raised by the Hon. Member has to do with what has led to the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar. We expect the Government to give us an answer when we ask. The auction system has not been functional. We want to know where these rates are coming from because it is not working and has not been happening. The Hon. Minister has to be honest and answer questions as they come and not joke around when people are suffering in this country.
THE HON. SPEAKER: If your point of order was being asked three or six months down the line, it would hold water. Why do you not allow the fulness of time to be the judge? Understand my English - why do you not allow the fulness of time, then you make that judgement.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order, the question that was asked three weeks before was to do with the monetary policy and not the foreign auction market. So, with your indulgence Mr. Speaker, I ask you to allow the Hon. Minister to respond accordingly.
THE HON. SPEAKER: What I understood from the original question was, chii chamisa auction rate, auction system - as simple as that. Let the fulness of time be the judge and the question will arise definitely and the Hon. Minister responsible will answer accordingly.
HON. MAKOMBE: Thank you so much Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works if he is here and if he is not, I will direct it to the…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Please, it is not your responsibility to direct questions, just ask the questions. It is the Chair that will direct. Ask the question.
HON. MAKOMBE: Thank you so much Hon. Speaker. My question is that I want to know the Government policy on issues of billing in USD which is being done by local authorities and also converting arrears into United States dollars because we know previously, they used to bill using our local currency.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir …
THE HON. SPEAKER: Sorry, sorry. Is the Minister there?
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE): Mr. Speaker Sir, I am acting in that regard.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You did not declare your acting capacity. Please proceed.
HON. GARWE: Government allows local authorities or any other businesses to trade either in Zimbabwean dollars or other currencies in the basket of currencies. There is nothing wrong if you are being billed in local currency or USD.
*HON. MATSUNGA: My supplementary question is directed to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works. What the Hon. Minister has referred to is not true. I think he should issue a statement so that our people in the constituencies will understand how their money is working because they do …
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is your question?
*HON. MATSUNGA: The Hon. Minister should bring a ministerial report which will enforce that our currency is strong because our local authorities are not accepting our local currency because it is weak.
*HON. GARWE: I think we are all aware that we are allowed to accept or use foreign or local currency when buying. The challenge is that maybe the person does not have the local or foreign currency but it is within the law. This is why we are using forex as well as local currency.
THE HON SPEAKER: If there are any people who are demanding USD, bring the list to the Hon. Minister so he can deal with the matter accordingly.
HON. JAMES: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Can the Minister of Local Government not pass a directive to assist pensioners in all the urban and rural areas to have some sort of discount so that they do not have to go through hurdles and hurdles to get the discount? Can the Minister not get a discount for pensioners?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Is it when they have to pay their bills to local authorities or what?
HON. JAMES: Yes, when paying their bills and supplementary bills. I thank you.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, earlier on, I directed that the Member who asked the question should put it in writing so we will respond to all the questions at once.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon Brian James, the Minister is saying that if there are instances of that nature in Mutare Central, just compile a list and he will deal with the matter accordingly.
HON. JAMES: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I was asking for a blanket response.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, that exercise will lead to a blanket decision.
HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of clarity Mr. Speaker Sir. I wanted to assist on that matter if you can indulge me Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON SPEAKER: Order, order, order! Please read your Standing Rules and Orders correctly. When the Chair has made a ruling, you cannot debate again. So what you need to do is to approach the Hon. Minister and whisper to him whatever you want to whisper to the Hon. Minister.
HON. S. ZIYAMBI: Hon. Speaker, this year the country has experienced climate change induced drought and in line with that, what is Government’s policy with regards to the importation of GMOs.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you elaborate on your GMOs. Is it GMO maize or wheat? What is it that you are talking about?
HON. S. ZIYAMBI: I am talking about maize imports, especially genetically modified maize from other countries.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, that is clearer now. Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Hon. Speaker Sir, Government is very clear on genetically modified organisms, particularly maize in this case. When maize comes into the country, before consumption by either animals or people, it is grinded or milled. So the policy is that yes, we can import, but under very special circumstances and handled under very special circumstances to avoid the contamination of the environment. So the policy is to grind or mill before use and store appropriately.
HON. S. ZIYAMBI: In line with that Hon. Speaker, we all know that in a drought year, UN Agencies such as NGOs and faith-based organisations will be granted permission to bring in food or maize into the country to alleviate hunger in the population. What policy is in place to ensure that these UN Agencies do not bring in genetically modified maize? I thank you.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you for the supplementary question. It does not matter who is bringing the maize. When maize comes, even if it had legs and walked into the country, we would still grind it or mill it. I hope I am being figuratively clear. I am just saying this to be more dramatic in terms of trying to explain. It does not matter whether it is the UN, an individual, Government itself, or private companies that bring in maize. As long as it comes within the jurisdiction of Zimbabwe, the law says it is stored in special places and milled before use by either animals or people. So this policy applies across the board and it is the duty of the National Biotechnology Authority working together with the Ministry of Agriculture, to ensure that there are no violations to this. If there are violations, then it means it is against the law. I thank you.
HON. MATANGIRA: Hon Speaker Sir, we understand the strategic maize that is being delivered in the rural areas is real maize. Is this maize also imported or our own homegrown maize? If the maize that is going to be imported later on and milled, will the shelf life of that mealie-meal still be okay by the time it reaches Mukosa at the Mozambique border? Will the mealie-meal not be contaminated or maybe rotting by the time it gets to the people?
THE HON. SPEAKER: The question does not arise because the Hon. Leader of Government Business said all categories of maize are tested accordingly.
HON. DHLIWAYO: Apart from allowing the GMOs, what else is Government doing to try and improve the volume of imports, especially by the private sector and also to try and lower the cost of importing that maize. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That is a fresh question and has nothing to do with GMOs.
HON. SAGANDIRA: My question is on the GMOs. What policy is there to do GMO maize farming, the same way it is being done in cotton farming? What is the policy regarding the farming of GMOs in Zimbabwe?
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Currently, there are controlled experiments on cotton. The policy does not allow at this moment to do anything outside of cotton. We are in the process of understanding the science before policy can allow such a movement. The movement that is there is on cotton and there are controlled places where this is happening under the supervision of the National Bio-Technology Authority. Hon. Speaker Sir, the policy at this moment does not currently allow the growing of genetically modified maize in Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. MUNEMO: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. My name is Labbany Munemo from Mt. Darwin North. Good afternoon.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Good afternoon.
HON. MUNEMO: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. I would like to thank the Ministry of Social Welfare for the effort made on the first quarter to feed the community. However, I may want to seek Government clarification on whether they are to continue with the feeding since the first quarter was not so viable and equitable to the community. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Member from Mt. Darwin for elaborating that we were feeding in the first quarter based on last year’s harvest. We had a limited target of 2.7 million people who were feeding. As Hon. Members are now aware, the President has just declared a state of disaster. This state of disaster means there is deepened need for us looking at an expanded delivery of food to food insecure people in the country. We are going to take a rapid assessment between now and the 15th April which the President has also sanctioned that it ought to be done. With this rapid assessment, we are going to expand the food distribution from that date of the 15th April to September this year.
The expanded food distribution requires that every village in this country led by village heads, supervised by headmen and chiefs with every stakeholder involved in each village, we will start writing the names of those who are food insecure from each village. We will start distributing to those who will have been listed. At the same time, I am saying up to September because in September, normally we step up the distribution. In September, we start linking our food distribution to preparations for the new coming season. That is why in the joint letter that we sent out between the Minister of Agriculture and myself, we said from September, all able-bodied people who are desirous to continue to receive food assistance should now do the Presidential Intwasa/Pfumvudza so that we come out of this El Nino induced drought having resilience and having prepared for it.
We are sure that from this month, we will step up distribution. For those who were receiving among the 2.7 million people, we are continuing with their distribution up to end of May. We think that from the 15th April, we will start adding more. We are doing this before even the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) is finished because we think that it is urgent that we start by writing people who are in the villages. We think that the villages are our best community-based assessment for those who are food insecure. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. MUNEMO: Madam Speaker, my supplementary question is, there is some discrepancies we have witnessed from this feeding scheme that has lapsed this previous quarter. The problem was emanating from the wards delimitation. They were using the old delimitation numbers yet the feeding scheme was using the new delimitation figures. There are a lot of discrepancies which gave the wards some quarters that were not supposed to be given to them. Let me come again on this one – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: May we have order!
HON. MUNEMO: We had issues Madam Speaker on the wards. The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare had given some portions to receive from GMB. The portions were also cut by the GMB officials, meaning the wards were not going to suffice with the portions they were given from the Social Welfare. It means there is no good rapport between the GMB and the Social Welfare…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Okay Honourable. So, what is the question?
HON. MUNEMO: My question is, what is the Government’s position on the issue of delimitation? What are they going to do so that they have correct figures to feed the community?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Munemo, I think that is an administration issue, but the Hon. Minister can respond to the question.
THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): This is a very important question. I will answer it although it does not arise. Let me explain what we are trying to do in order to overcome what the Hon. Member is alluding to. The Zimbabwe vulnerability assessment was done before delimitation last year. The figures that I am talking about of 2.7 obviously were not aligned to the new wards that were created by ZEC. However, as we move forward, as I have explained, we are now based at the village level. All the 35 000 villages fall within wards and most of them are well known. That will take care of the problems that the Hon. Member is alluding to. From the 15, when we move forward, we will correct that misnomer of boundaries that were criss-crossed because of delimitation.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, let me assure the Hon. Member again that in order to take care of our delays that can occur, we have agreed and we have been directed by the President that we position in each ward, five tonnes of maize. This has nothing to do with what we will have assessed. We will position five tonnes in each of the 1 620 wards which are rural. We will position those at chieftainship levels so that for those we might miss or those who are under pressure because we might have delayed, they can approach their Chief. This is our concept of Zunde Ramambo, which we want to make sure that chieftainships in this country can look after those who are under intense pressure because of any delays that we might have. We have done that in the past and it has worked. The President has said let us go and position tonnes and we are putting aside 8 100 tonnes so that they can be in every ward in the rural areas. I thank you.
HON. BAJILA: Thank you Madam Speaker. When the Speaker was here, he earlier on encouraged that we try to keep the decorum of the House. My point of order is to request Hon. Moyo and Hon. Coventry to assist in making sure that none of us comes out in photos in a sleeping posture. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You are out of order Hon. Bajila!
HON. TSHUMA: Good afternoon Hon. Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to thank the Minister for such efforts that they are putting in terms of intervening in this drought situation. If you realise, his answer was centred on rural wards. Our urban wards are suffering as well. We need that intervention like yesterday. What is Government policy in trying to expedite that whole process, and also come into town because we cannot wait another day longer? People are dying and we really need assistance like yesterday. I thank you.
HON. J. MOYO: I want to thank Hon. Tshuma for the question. Madam Speaker Ma’am, yes, we have two separate assessments. We have rural assessment, which is being done by the Food and Nutrition Council, and we then turn to urban vulnerability, which is also being done by the Food and Nutrition Council. Right now, they are in the process of finalising the urban vulnerability assessment. The ZimLAC which we now call livelihoods rather than vulnerability, will fInalise that. We are aware that even if the market systems work in the urban areas where food will be available in the shops, but there are some food insecure households and families in the urban areas. That is why we are quickly finalising that assessment and we will have a programme which is based on that assessment.
HON. HLATYWAYO: The Hon. Minister made reference to a declaration that has since been made on the state of national disaster and it is a good thing that we now have that. What took us so long, especially given that other countries had already done so in the region for example Malawi and Zambia? Also, taking into consideration that we are looking at the same pot in terms of the resources that are supposed to come from the development partners, what took us so long?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sorry Hon. Member, that question does not arise.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Hon. Madam Speaker. The point of order is to do with the question concerning the El Nino induced drought. Is it possible with your indulgence Madam Speaker, that the esteemed Hon. J. Moyo would bring a Ministerial Statement so that the Hon. Members would have ample time to interrogate issues? I thank you. I brought this suggestion bearing in mind the enthusiasm of the constituencies to know what is happening considering the level of drought that we have.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Mutseyami for the point of order. Hon. Minister, I am sure you have taken note of that. May you inform the House on when you are going to bring the Ministerial Statement?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): Thank you Madam Speaker, it will be a joint Ministerial Statement. I cannot make the Statement without the Minister of Agriculture, it will be meaningless. I will consult my colleague whether we can issue a joint Ministerial Statement so that this House has a full picture of what Government is doing. Given what the President has done to us today, I am sure that the two of us can come and give full Ministerial Statements, but on one issue. I thank you.
HON. GUMBO: My question is directed to the Acting Minister of Local Government. What is Government policy with regards to the criteria used to select and appoint development companies or individuals who are developers who enter into partnership agreements with the State for the development of urban State land for residential purposes?
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. GARWE) on behalf of THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS: Allow me to thank the Hon Member for the question. Put simply, anyone can partner Government for purposes of development of housing or any other utilities in urban areas and is expected to apply. The Ministry will then consider the application accordingly.
HON. GUMBO: The most unsightly, undeveloped and uninhabitable residential areas in urban areas are on State land. The reason why this is so is because of lack of clarity on the criteria to select land developers. What mechanisms are in place for Government to interrogate and cause to come to account companies which fail to deliver on the mandate that they would have carried through this development contract?
We have companies owned by Hon. Members like Hon. Chikwinya who have failed to deliver on the contracts for development leading to residential areas which are like slumps in cities like Harare. What is Government’s policy in terms of ensuring that there is delivery on these contracts so that people can reside in habitable areas in town?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Gumbo, you were just supposed to ask your question and not to mention names even if Hon Chikwinya is in here. Will you expect her to stand and defend herself?
HON. GUMBO: I am not expecting pleasantries from her. We want answers from Government. These are the land barons who are causing problems in this country and there must be an answer and clarity from Government. That is what we are seeking.
HON. GARWE: Madam Speaker Ma’am, let me clarify something for the Hon. Member. Every land is in the hands of local authorities and the private sector. Very few pieces of land are under State land. I just wanted to clarify that. Secondly, when people enter into contracts with Government for purposes of development, there are development permits that are issued with conditions. Whosoever fails to meet those conditions, the contract is either cancelled or they sit down and revise the contract. If there are any issues where the developer has failed to perform, the Hon. Member is free to put it in writing so that we can interrogate specifically the areas that he is concerned about. I thank you.
HON. MATEWU: This is a very important issue. We want the Minister to tell us, there is an emergence of land barons in this country and the President of this country has said that we are going to deal with land barons. What is Government doing to deal with this issue of land barons who are causing untold suffering? He says most of the land is owned by local authorities but actually, there are swathes of land that are State owned in urban areas. What are you doing to ensure that people are not deprived by these land barons? I thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: It is now a new question because it is referring to land barons.
HON. GARWE: Land in the majority of local authorities in Zimbabwe is in the hands of local authorities. The local authorities, city fathers and councillors are the ones who are parceling out land illegally to themselves. We have records to that effect. These councillors must be directed to stop giving land to themselves using proxies and then selling it to themselves and to their cronies. It is happening in the local authorities.
Secondly, the land baron issues are borne out of what I have just explained. The people that are being given land irregularly by local authority councillors are the ones that have turned themselves into land barons. However, we have got laws in this country – whoever knows a person who is a land baron and people who have been duped by the land barons should make a police report so that the law takes its course. We do not have arresting or prosecuting powers as Ministry of Local Government. People must generate a case by reporting to the police and the police will do the rest together with the courts. I thank you.
HON. CHIKOMBO: I would want to believe that the Minister is less than candid in his articulation when he said in urban local authorities there is no State land. That is what he said. He said there is no State land in the country. What are you doing to protect the citizens who are being fleeced by these land barons? For example, the indication provided by the originator of the question, that is the fundamental issue that the Minister must address and not give us half answers full of innuendos.
HON. GARWE: Firstly, I did not say there is no State land in urban areas. I think I was quoted out of context. The majority of the land that is in urban areas is owned by the local authorities. It is a statement of fact. Government is discouraging its citizens from buying land from irregular sellers of land who are land barons who include councillors from urban local authorities.
Secondly, whoever knows anyone who has bought land from a land baron must encourage that person to go and make a police report. That is how we can start processing the prosecution of land barons. I thank you.
*HON. T. MURWIRA: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. People are being troubled because of the exchange rates which are going up on a daily basis. As I speak, the exchange rate is 1:45000. What is Government’s policy on that?
*THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): I want to thank the Hon. Member who asked about what Government is doing in line with the money that is losing its value. Government is working very hard to see to it that our currency is stabilised. Our policy is to see and try by all means that our currency is strong. There are a lot of steps which are being taken but these steps will be articulated by the Minister of Finance in the shortest period of time. I thank you.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you for your response Hon. Minister. I think the Hon. Minister has answered in full, and that the Minister of Finance will bring a Ministerial Statement, so we should leave it at that.
*HON. KARENYI: You have heard that the Minister has been promising for a long time now, but as a woman, I think it is long overdue. We have been waiting for long with the Minister saying he will give it to us. Things are not well out there. The Minister should come between today and tomorrow so that we know what he has under his sleeves.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Karenyi. We believe the Minister will come very soon.
+HON. R. MPOFU: My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services. What is Government’s position considering the people who are living with disabilities and those on the streets? Some are being abused by people who are physically fit. What is Government doing to bring together those children on the streets so that they do not continue to suffer?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. J. MOYO): I want to thank Hon. Mpofu for the question. Government is aware that there are people who are living on the streets, young people and some of them have disabilities. The Government has endeavoured to work to remove these young people from the streets and in our formulation, working with the First Lady. For instance, we have taken some of them to be housed in facilities that we used to house refugees who were in this country. We are now turning those areas into areas where we can have children removed from the streets. We also are very aware as we enter this food insecure situation caused by El Nino that we have a ranking of those who are vulnerable and that ranking is clearly children who are orphaned and from child headed households.
Secondly, people with disabilities are on our high list of what we want to do. Thirdly, on that issue of children living on the streets, we can remove the begging aspect and hand them over to be looked after, either by their extended family if we can find them so that we make sure to we keep family units. Our number one thing when we remove children from the streets is to find out if they have relatives. When we find out that they do not have relatives, we will try to put them in foster homes where we can find people who are running these foster homes that are supported by Government, and the children are paid per capita in those foster homes.
We are also saying for those who are very young, when we remove them from the streets, if there are people who want to adopt them, we will encourage adoption. What we are trying to create is children removed from the streets, they must be looked after by society and the first society is their family, foster homes or we put them for adoption. When this has failed, the last thing that we do is to take them into institutions, and we have institutions where we take these children so that we can look after them.
As to the leadership of those who do this work, we do not discriminate against anybody who has disability. The Public Service Commission makes sure that when we employ people, we do not discriminate against disability, and that is the situation that obtains within the country. We want to make sure that our children are looked after and in terms of our Child Protection Act, we are required to look after these children. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order Number 68.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN HURUNGWE CONSTITUENCIES
- H KANGAUSARU asked the Minister of Health and Child
Care to apprise the House on the Ministry’s plans regarding access to healthcare services in Hurungwe Constituencies.
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD
CARE (HON. DR. MOMBESHORA): I want to thank Hon. Kangausaru for the question. Hurungwe has a total of 39 health facilities, including one district hospital, which is Karoi Hospital, one mission hospital, which is Chidamoyo Hospital, two rural hospitals – Hurungwe Rural Hospital and Mwami Rural Hospital, seven clinics are currently under construction through the Hurungwe Rural District Council and through devolution funds. Hurungwe District Clinics under construction are;-
Vuti Clinic – Ward 4, Mahwau Clinic Ward 8; Chiedza Clinic Ward 15, Chiedza Clinic almost complete; Nyangwizhu Clinic, Kahonde Clinic and Karambazungu Clinic Ward 16 and Mashuma Clinic Ward 17.
Hurungwe RDC Wards without Clinics
Ward 11 – Previous hosted Hurungwe Rural Hospital but now in a different ward due to delimitation exercise;
Ward 20 – peri-urban plans for construction at Nyarenda available;
Ward 23 – plans available to construct at Maumbe;
In Ward 4, there is a site that was identified at Chivata where a double blair toilet is in place and nothing else;
In Ward 5, there is no clinic only. A site was identified at Muroyi and Ward 6, there is totally nothing.
Hurungwe RDC is targeting completion of three clinics namely Murerekwa, Tovani and Chinyazvivi.
HON. MURAMBIWA: On a point of order. I can see that the Minister responded giving names from Zaka but he is referring to Hurungwe. The places that he is referring to are found in Zaka Central. I think there is a mix up on his notes.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member. Let us hear from Hon. Kangausaru.
HON. KANGAUSARU: These areas are in Hurungwe. I thank you Hon. Minister for those names. They might be similar names but they are there. My supplementary question is, is it not prudent also that we my increase the medication that is needed? I urge the Minister if possible that we may have more medicines to add to what is already there.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Murambiwa, I think you have heard that the names are similar.
*HON. MURAMBIWA: Yes, I have but the coincidence is surprising.
HON. DR. MOMBESHORA: I think that was a suggestion and we will make all effort to make sure that medicines are availed in health facilities there.
CONSTRUCTION OF CLINICS IN WARDS 4, 5 AND 6
- HON MURAMBIWA asked the Minister of Health and Child Care to inform the House the Ministry’s plans regarding the construction of clinics in wards without such facilities, for instance wards 4, 5 and 6.
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. DR. MOMBESHORA): Zaka District has a total of 26 health facilities. Out of these, 24 are rural health centres, one mission hospital and a district hospital. Government, through PSIP, is constructing two clinics, that is Mbuyamasva and Chiromo health centres. There are three other health facilities under construction through RDC and devolution funds. These are Chinyazvivi, Murerekwa and Tovani Clinics.
However, for Ward 5, the site for the construction of a health facility has been pegged and RDC will construct the health facility once funds are availed. For Wards 4 and 6, the RDC has not yet conducted a feasibility study to substantiate the construction of the health facilities.
DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF TO MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS WITH A SHORTAGE OF NURSES
- HON MURAMBIWA asked the Minister of Health and Child Care to inform the House the Ministry’s plans regarding the deployment of adequate staff to medical institutions affected by shortage of nurses in Zaka North with specific reference to Jichidza Council Clinic,Veza Clinic, Harava Rural Hospital, Mandhloro Clinic and Nhema Clinic.
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE (HON. DR. MOMBESHORA): The Ministry of Health and Child Care is currently facing challenges with inadequate numbers of staff. This has been exacerbated by the Cholera outbreak and building of new facilities which have increased the burden on the staffing levels at institutions, not only in Zaka North Constituency but across the country.
The Health Service Commission (HSC) continues to engage with Treasury, seeking creation of new posts to enable the Ministry to adequately staff both the existing and new health institutions. With reference to the mentioned institutions, Harava Rural Hospital, Veza, Madhloro and Nhema Clinics are adequately staffed in relation to existing staffing norms with the exception of Jichidza Clinic which has one vacant post which will be filled as soon as a cadre is identified
*HON. MURAMBIWA: My supplementary question is, is there anything else that you can do Hon. Minister, with reference to Jichidza Council Clinic because there is only one nurse there? If she is not around, it means people will not get help. If her child is not feeling well and she rushes to see her child at school, it means there will be no nurse at that station to help people.
*HON. DR. MOMBESHORA: As I have indicated, we have a challenge that we do not have people who are looking for the nursing jobs in this area. If we have places with challenges, we would take personnel from other stations with more staff and they will assist. We are waiting for people to come forward. If there are any challenges, we engage those in surrounding clinics. We engage the PMD so that he engages the DMO.
*HON. MURAMBIWA: On a point of clarity, if I got what the Minister said clearly; he said that there are no people looking for jobs. Where I come from in Zaka North, there are a lot of people who want to be nurses. If the Minister wants, I can bring the names of the people who are waiting to be employed.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You can see him and give him the names.
HON. JAMES: Can the Minister explain the policy surrounding the primary counsellors employed by the Ministry paid by the Global Fund. I believe their salary payments are erratic and are a month behind. Could the Minister look at the welfare of this critical important group of health workers working in the HIV testing counselling areas amongst others?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon James, your question is disregarded. It is a new question and not a supplementary question. It is not related to the original question.
MEASURES PUT IN PLACE TO ELECTRIFY SCHOOLS AND CLINICS IN HURUNGWE CONSTITUENCIE
- HON. KANGAUSARU asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to explain to the House measures which have been put in place by the Ministry to electrify schools and clinics in Hurungwe constituencies, and to further ensure uninterrupted power supply to those consumers already connected.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E MOYO): Madam Speaker Ma’am, let me thank the Hon Member for raising such a pertinent question. Allow me to respond as follows:
Electrification of Schools for 2024
For Mashuma Primary School and Mashuma Secondary school, work is in progress. We are still to start on Huyo, Daware, and Madudzo Secondary School and two additional business centres.
Batanai Primary and Secondary Schools will be installed with solar. Mauya High and Vuti High Schools will get installations for biogas.
I will then give a summary of institutions that have since been electrified using the Rural Electrification Fund in Hurungwe District. We have a total of 101 primary schools that are on the grid, and 66 secondary schools that are on the grid and 16 on solar. For rural health centres, we have 13 on the grid and six on solar. For Chiefs, we have seven homesteads that are electrified and one on solar. On Government extension offices, we have 12 electrified and one on solar. On business centres, we have 28 on the grid. On small scale farms, we have 27 on the grid. For Village group schemes, we have 40 on the grid and on others we have 24 on the grid and one on solar. The total number on the grid is 318 and 24 on solar.
We also have the following institutions which are scheduled for implementation for 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028. For 2025 we have Dororowe, Chitenje, Badze Primary Schools and Chikora Secondary School. For 2026 we have Momba, Menoembwa Primary Schools and Bakwa, Hesketh Park, Kachiva and Chingurunguru Secondary Schools. For 2027 we have Dambanzara, Goodhope, Kangurunguru, Chitiki, Jenya Primary Schools and Susiness centres. Then for 2028 we have Kemapondo, Masikati, Manyenyedzi SDA and Mukuyu Primary Schools as well as Doro and Nyama clinics.
It must be noted that supply disruptions will always be there. Some planned and some unplanned. This can however be mitigated by installation of back-up off the Grid systems. The Government is rolling out a massive project for schools’ electrification through solar, alongside UNDP who are doing the same for clinics. I thank you.
HON. KANGAUSARU: My supplementary question after such a detailed explanation is, are you aware that there are other schools that have been electrified, but the poles have fallen down such as Chirariro in Hurungwe East? What are the measures in place for continuity of supplying electricity as we want to have our rural schools to be at par with urban areas? There are no transformers. How many transformers have you given to Hurungwe constituency? Day in and day out as MPs, we are being asked to assist and sometimes we have to use our own resources.
HON. E. MOYO: On the refurbishment of broken-down infrastructure, there is a programme that is currently running throughout the country. Some poles are on the ground, some transformers broke down while others were stolen. So that programme is ongoing right now. These refurbishments have been as a result of non-cost-effective targets where incoming revenue is not sufficient to work on these refurbishments. Currently, this is happening and I am sure the programme will get to your place. On the issue of transformers, it is a new question, but I think it is in the ambit of the refurbishment exercise which we are carrying out. Revenue inflows are a factor on the pace at which these refurbishments will be done.
*HON. NYABANI: What plans do you have for those schools that never had supply connections. Schools now need to do online lessons so I am wondering what plans you have in place for such places. Could you consider solar installations for such schools just like installations have been done in clinics?
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. The issue of connections is an ongoing exercise and it is a shifting target. Whilst connections are being done, new institutions or houses are being built. So, it is a moving target and it continues to follow that. On the solar in schools, there is a programme which was done initially by REA and some of those solar installations broke down as a result of time. We currently have a programme that is being done in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Development Partners, particularly UNDP.
The same goes for clinics. That programme is also ongoing and a number of schools have already been connected to address the issue of e-learning in schools. If I got the whole context of the question correctly, that is what I would say. Thank you.
ZETDC POLICY ON COMPENSATING INDIVIDUALS WHO BUY THEIR OWN MATERIAL FOR ELECTRICITY CONNECTION
- HON. GUMEDE asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to inform the House what ZETDC policy is on compensating individuals who buy their own material for electricity connection and to state whether it is the policy of government for individuals to buy materials on their own.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank the Hon. Member for the question. The utility has not been able to implement the provision of power infrastructure through the distribution network extension due to incapacitation after many years of a non-cost reflective tariff. The clients then came up with an initiative to replace the equipment and donate to ZETDC at no cost. In response to this initiative, ZETDC puts in place the Customer Supplied Material Scheme (Chapter 12 of 2022 Commercial Guidelines). This would ensure that clients benefit for their contribution of replacing vandalised and faulted equipment through supply of energy units (electricity tokens).
It means that if they have replaced using their own resources, they are not given cash as a refund for that expense. Rather, they are given energy units, which are tokens. It must be noted that the scheme is voluntary and is there to ensure that clients do not wait for long for cable or transformer replacements, at the same time are compensated for their contribution to equipment replacements. This scheme however, does not apply to new connections where the client supplies materials in place of connection fees for this arrangement where there is no compensation.
Compensation is only availed where replacement of existing equipment either faulted or vandalised has been replaced but for new connections, there is no compensation for own materials. I thank you.
+HON. GUMEDE: You said there is a scheme for customer supplied materials. Most people do not have ways of getting back or waiting for what ZESA should do. Therefore, you cannot wait for too long for ZESA to respond, especially when these cables have been stolen. This is not…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Gumede, ask your question.
+HON. GUMEDE: My question is, what can be done so that people can get service on time since they would have paid and the equipment stolen, which is not their fault? What can be done for people to get the service on time?
+HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to thank Hon. Gumede for the supplementary. Of course, people may stay for too long to get some repairs. If they are only repairs without replacement of the equipment that would have been stolen, it does not take a lot of time. If we are taking a lot of time, you can engage with our offices. If they are not sure of when they are coming, you can take that matter to a higher office or up to my level and we help each other. Where we have equipment that has been stolen, there are some factors that contribute such as our cashflow. Now that we have a bit of tariff, you will find that we are no longer taking time as what we used to do before. If you realise that they are still taking time, please inform us on time. Thank you.
+HON. S. SITHOLE: Thank you Madam Speaker. My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister is, is the Minister aware that there is no electricity at Government institutions, including youths centres, hospitals and Registry Offices? Now that there is use of electrical machines and the Minister is aware that the budget has not been disbursed to ministries, that is why we are not able to solve the problem…
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are you still asking a question?
+HON. S. SITHOLE: My question is, what you are saying is, you remove the prepaid meters from the Government offices?
+THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am, and I also want to thank Hon. Sithole for his question. These issues differ from place to place because some of these offices have gone for more than three years without paying what they owe the Government, yet they have received the budget. Some of those offices are in arrears for this year, and they can engage our Ministry so that they can pay later as they receive their budget. The issue of prepaid meters is what the Government is recommending. This is what we have on the ground that if people do not pay ZESA, then ZESA will not be able to pay its service providers. At the end, you find that the whole system will collapse. Let those in the offices go and check what could be the problem. If there is need to engage the Ministry of Finance, we can engage the Ministry of Finance and see how best we can solve that problem.
+HON. MAHLANGU: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am, how is the Minister going to help those that would have lost their gadgets and end up buying the cables and replace the cables?
+THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question, but I think the question has been responded to in the initial response. The names of those who would have contributed should be taken to ZEDC so that they can be given electricity tokens because they are not given money. For those who would have contributed to new connections, they do not qualify to be compensated; it becomes a donation to ZESA Company. If the gadgets were damaged or stolen, then they paid through ZESA tokens.
+HON. GUMEDE: Thank you Madam Speaker. People cannot afford to make those contributions, as they are buying electricity by cash, kindly please, replace those stollen cables than for people to contribute. The biggest challenge is that people do not have hard cash to replace the stolen cables. My appeal is that kindly make proper supply of this equipment. At times, people stay for six months or a year without electricity. This is what forces them to contribute so that they can make that donation. That is what people are lamenting on.
+HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker, it is all about the cashflows, do we have the cash at that moment? There is a desire state of affairs and the existing state of affairs. The ideal situation is that once there is some damages on our lines, then tomorrow we can rectify, but that is not what happens because of the real situation. People should be patient with us as we try to rectify this problem because our infrastructure in outdated and we are trying to upgrade it. Right now, you realise that in Manhize, we are coming up with the steel and that will be easier for us to get material so that we can make it locally available. It was all coming from abroad, right now, we are planning to have this made in Zimbabwe.
STATE OF BINGA-KAROI ROAD
- HON. CUMANZALA asked the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to explain to the House why the Binga-Karoi Road has stalled given the salience of the road in boosting access to Tourism facilities and outside markets by the people of the Zambezi Valley.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. The Karoi-Binga Road is very important for both local communities as well as the economic activities including tourism. Government is committed to the continued upgrading and construction of the Karoi-Binga Road from gravel to an all-weather standard surface.
Under the Second Republic, works on the Karoi-Binga Road resumed in 2019 with construction of 10 kilometres completed from the 50-kilometre peg to 60 kilometre peg in Zvipane Business Centre. The newly constructed road section was completed in 2020 and is open to traffic.
Furthermore, my Ministry flighted a tender for the rehabilitation of an additional 30 kilometres in Mashonaland West, with already one contractor awarded 10 kilometres. The tenders for the other two remaining lots of 10 kilometres each are now at an advanced stage of finalisation. Similarly, ten kilometres were recently completed in 2023 from zero kilometre peg to ten-kilometre peg on the Binga-Bumi Road section in Matabeleland North Province.
Whilst Government is progressing with upgrading the road under direct funding from Treasury, options for private sector participation are also being pursued. Currently, a proposal for loan financing is being considered. I so submit.
HON. CUMANZALA: I want to thank the Hon. Minister for the response. Are you aware that besides being an economic game changer, this road is also a political game changer in the sense that this has been a promise that has been made by several governments including the colonial government? When we got independence, the promise was also made by the Government which was led by President Mugabe. Now, we have the Second Republic, the road is still under construction. This is a big issue for the Zambezi Valley community. Do you have anything to say about this?
HON. SACCO: I would like to thank Hon. Cumanzala for his question. I would not like to respond on behalf of the colonial regime because I believe that is long gone. They were known very well for oppressing the people of this country and giving false promises. Allow me to leave it at that. On the other hand, the Second Republic is known for giving promises and keeping those promises. As you yourself have said, it is a political game changer and this is very correct because under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, our visionary President, we are leaving no one and no place behind. Therefore, that road is important for us as Government of the day led ably by His Excellency the President.
You can concur with me that work on this road commenced after the Second Republic, which means that our President, our Minister of Transport, and Government is very aware of the need to resuscitate these roads to allow those communities to benefit and promote tourism and also allow the political opportunities for the Government of the day and the ruling ZANU PF to gain mileage in that area, as you might be aware that ZANU PF won recently in Binga through the work of His Excellency the President.
USE OF FLOOD LIGHTS BY MOTORISTS ON HIGHWAYS
- HON. GUMEDE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development what the Ministry is doing to bring to book motorists who use flood lights on high ways thereby causing accidents.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): The Hon. Member’s point of interest is particularly on the prevalence of road accidents caused by extended headlights mounted on vehicles. My Ministry, through Statutory Instrument 129 of 2015, banned the mounting of additional headlights by motorists. This legal instrument stipulates that motorists who wish to make any modifications on their cars should first get approval from authorities.
We have noted with serious concern that additional headlights which some motorists have fitted on their cars cannot be dipped thereby compromising the vision of other drivers, which causes fatal collisions that could be easily avoided if motorists comply with the prescribed road traffic regulation. These lights are so intense that the headlight glare blinds other motorists, thereby contributing to road traffic accidents. Motorists who are using these lights are therefore committing a serious offence and will face the consequences of violating traffic laws as both ZRP and VID are instructed to impound these vehicles with additional lights from the roads. I so submit.
REHABILITATION OF AIRPORT AND CECIL ROADS
- HON. GUMEDE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House the Ministry’s plans to rehabilitate Airport and Cecil Roads in Bulawayo.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): I would like to thank the Hon. Member for raising a very pertinent question around the rehabilitation of Airport and Cecil Roads in Bulawayo. It is my pleasure to inform Hon. Members that the rehabilitation of Cecil Road has commenced. A contractor was engaged to carry out the rehabilitation work and the scope under the current tender is 10km. The contractor opened up a section of two km which has been closed off from use by the public. Progress has been hampered by a backlog in the settlement of Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) to contractors.
The contractor is on standby and ready to resume work once significant payment towards the outstanding IPCs is made. Furthermore, routine maintenance is being carried out on the Airport Road in Bulawayo by my Ministry’s department of Roads. As the road extends beyond Bulawayo municipal boundary, it becomes the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road. Works for the upgrading of this road have commenced on the Bulawayo end of the road. A contractor is currently on the ground and recently opened two kms of surface road to traffic. The total scope for the current tender on this one is 14km and of the remaining 12kms, 3kms is ready for surfacing and with the remaining 9kms at various stages of subgrade and base layer preparation.
REHABILITATION OF BULAWAYO-VIC FALLS ROAD AND NKAI-LUPANE ROAD
- 12. HON. P. MAHLANGU asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House the plans being put in place to rehabilitate the following roads; —
(a) Bulawayo to Victoria Falls Highway in light of the high rate of accidents on this road; and
(b) Nkayi-Lupane gravel road
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Allow me to respond to Hon Mahlangu’s question. The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road has outlived its design life and hence requires rehabilitation. As a result of the aged pavement routine maintenance, that is pothole patching is no longer the appropriate solution to maintain the road to a trafficable state. To restore good riding quality, my department of Roads has embarked on a phased approach of the rehabilitation of the road.
The rehabilitation is targeting the worst sections, taking into account availed resources. The current tender involves the rehabilitation of 32 km and patching of the entire length of 435 km as a short-term solution. Of this total scope, 10,5 km of the rehabilitated road has been opened to traffic while pothole patching has covered 170 km. Rehabilitation will be done on the next stretch whose length will depend on the finances availed for the purpose.
My Ministry also has plans to upgrade the rest of the road through a Public Private Partnership, and we are at the preliminary negotiations stage with investors that have expressed interest. For the House’s information, I will be touring the road from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo on Friday to get an on-sight appreciation of the condition of the roads muchida musingadi, I am going to tour the road and that is what is happening – [AN HON. MEMBER: Unopenga.] – excuse me, can you withdraw unopenga – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, please withdraw that statement which you said muchida musingade.
HON. SACCO: I withdraw Madam Speaker.
As the Ministry of Transport, we are going to tour that road on Friday from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo, to get more information on what is required, and we are working on a Private Public Partnership to work on the road from Beitbridge to Bulawayo and from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls.
On the Nkayi-Lupane road, this is a very important route from Kwekwe to Nkayi to Lupane which greatly shortens the distance travelled by those going to Victoria Falls. The road is currently in gravel state and needs repair. Five kilometres of the road were upgraded to safest standards in 2022. The rest of the road which is 120 km is to be periodically graded and spot re-gravelled until such a time when funding is availed for the upgrading of this road. We are also scouting for potential investors to finance the project. I so submit.
HON. BAJILA: I want to thank the Minister for the response. The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is largely affected by haulage trucks that use that road. Without a plan to reduce the movement of haulage trucks on that road, its rehabilitation may not be sustainable. Are there plans in place to resuscitate the railway line from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls so that they can be reduction in the movement of haulage trucks and therefore sustainable rehabilitation of Bulawayo-Victoria Falls?
HON. SACCO: Thank you Hon. Member for a very pertinent question. It is true that without working on the railways repairing that road will be a short-term solution as all the freight, especially the coal being transported, will result in the new road being damaged once again. Therefore, as a Ministry, we are at an advanced stage in negotiations with potential partners to work on the Hwange-Bulawayo-Chikwalakwala-Maputo Corridor.
That rail requires rehabilitation and we are at an advanced stage on coming up with an agreement so that that rail can be resuscitated which, will then result in the road from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, once repaired to have a longer life. This road is very important to us as a country because a lot of our tourism in Victoria Falls is from driving tourists who come from South Africa and our numbers have gone down. So, we are working on both the National Railways of Zimbabwe railway line as well as the road from Beitbridge to Bulawayo to Victoria Falls.
[Time limit]
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that we add an additional 20 minutes to clear our long outstanding questions.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
+HON. MAHLANGU: My supplementary question to the Minister is, I remember the response that we have heard from the Minister is the one that we were given three years ago pertaining to Nkayi Road. He indicated that Nkayi Road is in the process of being rehabilitated and all the material is in place. Today, he is saying if funds permit, they will prioritise it. When is this road going to be prioritised because every year, we get the same response that if funds permit, they will look into that road? We are talking of a road that is so dilapidated. It is in a deplorable state.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Thank you very much. I think I had responded to say that when funds are available, the road shall be worked on. You refer to three years ago, unfortunately I cannot respond to that because I was not yet in the office as Deputy Minister, but let me just comment that all roads in Zimbabwe are important to us. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo and therefore, there is no road that is not important to us.
Hon. Member, you should bear with us. Our country Zimbabwe is under serious pressure mainly because we cannot access lines of credit like other countries. If you go to South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, they get lines of credit from international financial institutions but because in this country we have sanctions on our country, we cannot access funding in the same manner as other countries do. So, this is a fact, therefore we rely on what we raise from Treasury.
HON. BONDA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order Hon. Member?
HON. BONDA: Thank you Madam Speaker. The Ministry is an infinitum body. It continues from where somebody left. I do not think it is proper for the Minister to say three years ago he was not there because there is always a handover and takeover, and it is actually continuous. There is no way you can say I was not there three years back and then you are starting from where it is. It is infinitum, it is continuous. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I think the Hon. Minister is correct because he said three years ago he was not in office and it is true – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - Let us allow the Hon. Minister to continue.
HON. SACCO: Madam Speaker, three years ago, this country was still under sanctions. So, let me continue with my response because what caused us to fail to do that road three years ago is the same reason why today we are struggling to do all the roads in the country. Let me say that as a Ministry, we are thinking out of the box even though some Zimbabweans got on an airplane to New York to ask for sanctions against their own country. We still, as patriotic Zimbabweans, are thinking outside the box on how we can solve these problems. Those who are making noise in the opposition are the same people who asked for sanctions on this country and it is hypocrisy for them to ask for results.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, we had requested for an extension of 20 minutes but you are wasting that opportunity. You want to waste that opportunity without making any progress.
HON. ZVAIPA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order for?
*HON. ZVAIPA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I heard the Deputy Minister say that we were affected by sanctions three years ago but we have got roads like Leopold Takawira which is being destroyed but that road was in a good state. Why is it other roads are not being rehabilitated while we are destroying the roads that are in perfect condition?
HON. SACCO: Thank you Madam Speaker. Let me conclude by saying that as a Ministry, we are seized with finding solutions to the problems that we are facing with our infrastructure, whether it is roads, railways or air transport. We are looking outside the box to partner with potential investors under Build Operate Transfer or PPP arrangements where investors will build a road and recover their money from tolling and weigh bridges on those roads. If we rely on Treasury alone, we will not manage to repair our infrastructure across the country, but with the new dispensation, the thinking is to think outside the box and find investors who are willing to work with us to move our country forward. So, my assurance to the Hon. Member is that no one and no place shall be left behind as our great visionary leader, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa always says nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. I so submit.
HON. V. MOYO: Supplementary question Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank the Hon. Minster for his response. My supplementary regards the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Road. Part of the road just after Hwange towards Victoria Falls, there was some reconstruction of the road and the contractor has however left the site. I wanted to find out when funds will be made available so that he can as well finish up on that construction project.
The road in question is in a very bad state. May I hasten to say that the number of accidents that are being witnessed on that road is partly because of its bad state. Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to mention the mantra of saying ‘leaving no one and no place behind’. Sometime in October, a certain man from Masvingo Province twitted about the road in the province and two months after that he was thanking the Minister. May we also give prominence to the roads in Matabeleland. It is our plea. The road is in a very bad state. I wish I could go with him as he will make his tour next week. I so submit.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Was that a question?
HON. V. MOYO: There is a part of the road in Hwange and the contractor has left the site for the past three months.
HON. SACCO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I think the Hon. Member might not have been in the House when I was giving a response. I did not say I will be going next week. I said I will be going on Friday but if he wants an invitation, he is more than welcome to join me so that we can look at it together.
Ultimately Mr. Speaker Sir, there is no segregation where development is concerned and that is why our Ministry is conducting a nationwide tour to look at sensitive roads across the country from Chipinge, Mt. Selinda, Hwange, Mukumbura Growth Point to Plumtree. We are touring the whole country to make an assessment of all the roads that need work and finding solutions so that these works can be done. So, I submit that there is no segregation where development is concerned and I would like to say to the Hon. Member, you are most welcome to attend. You just need to ask. I so submit.
REFURBISHMENT OF THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CHITUNGWIZA AQUATIC COMPLEX
- HON. MAZHINDU asked the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture the Ministry’s plans regarding the refurbishment of the multi-million United States Dollar Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex which has been in a state of abandonment since the 1995 All Africa games.
THE MINISTER OF SPORTS, RECREATION, ARTS AND CULTURE (HON. COVENTRY): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Ministry of Sport, Recreating has worked with the Harare Swimming Board and the following are the recommendations.
- The filtration plant is not functional and will require major renovations
- Most of the valves at the plant are now working and need to be replaced.
- The computerised system of the filtration plant is also not functional
- The competition pool needs to be fully renovated, the training pool and baby pool can hold water for swimming activities to take place.
With this being noted Hon. Speaker, the ministry is now working to put together prioritised areas to go to Ministry of Finance to ask for specific funding to be able to upgrade and rejuvenate the Aquatic Centre. We have had a few corporates coming to us and we are in continuous dialogue to find out which would be the best joint venture, whether it will be more on a PPP (Public Private Partnerships) or BOT (Build Operate and Transfer), I submit Hon. Speaker Sir.
HON. MAZHINDU: Any time frame from the Minister?
HON. COVENTRY: I am sorry I did not get the question.
HON. MAZHINDU: Any time frames?
HON. COVENTRY: At this point, I am sitting down with the Ministry of Finance on Monday and this is one of the agenda points, so I can come back to the House with more specific timeframes once I know if we will be allocated a specific budget for this project. I thank you.
USE OF OWN RESOURCES BY ZIMBABWE TENNIS PLAYERS
- HON. BAJILA asked the Minister of Sports, Arts and Recreation to explain to the House why tennis players who represent Zimbabwe in international tournaments often use their own resources for their travel and participation.
THE MINISTER OF SPORTS, RECREATION, ARTS AND CULTURE (HON. COVENTRY): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir and I thank the Hon. Member for the question. First of all, Hon. Speaker Sir, the National Sport and Recreation Policy underscores that it is mandatory for all National Sports Associations (NSAs) to have a source of funding and resource mobilisation mechanism and strategy. These mobilisation strategies assist them to fund their participation in events at various levels of competition tiers. The policy further states that NSAs shall work in close consultation with the Government when bidding, hosting and participation in regional, continental and international competitions.
The National Associations work closely with the SRC, I can always request funds if needed. When these National Associations request funds, the National Associations must be in good standing with the SRC for SRC to then process that request and send it to the Ministry. As far as I am aware, we have not received any request from this National Association for additional funds on any international tours.
HON. BAJILA: If the Hon. Minister could clarify what constitutes being in good standing with the Sports and Recreation Commission?
HON. COVENTRY: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, if the Hon. Member pleases, I can come back with the full list of the good governance standing, it comes from having audited accounts as well as holding a regular AGM, it is a long list. I do not remember all of them at the top of my head. If it pleases the Hon. Member, I am happy to bring that back and share with himself and the House.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY’S STADIA TO HOST LEAGUE AND INTERNATIONAL GAMES
- HON. C. MOYO asked the Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation to inform the House on the state of preparedness of the country’s stadia to host Premier Soccer League, CAF Champions League and Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 Qualifier games.
THE MINISTER OF SPORTS, RECREATION, ARTS AND CULTURE (HON. COVENTRY): Thank you Hon. Speaker and I thank the Hon. Member for his question. Regarding the PSL, it has already satisfied a number of facilities and these are Rufaro Stadium in Harare Province, Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo Province, Mandava Stadium in Midlands Province, Nyamhunga Stadium in Mashonaland West Province, Green Fuel Arena in Manicaland Province, Sakubva Stadium in Manicaland Province, Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo Province, Colliery Stadium in Matabeleland North Province, Baoab Stadium in Mashonaland West Province, Wadzanayi Stadium Mashonaland Central Province, Bata Stadium in Midlands Province and that is ongoing.
With regards to the National Sports Stadium, the Ministry is seized with the resuscitation to enable the facility to host CAF and FIFA sanctioned events. Today, the progress at this point is that the water reticulation is in progress, and with that coming along nicely, we are waiting for additional funding to be released for that process to finish.
Doing styles and electronic ticketing machines have been procured and have been delivered and are waiting for installation. There is need to be a smart adjustment to our gates for entry for those to fit in nicely. The turf will be replaced and that is in progress, we have spoken to a number of the teams and players as well as the stakeholder. They will prefer to have natural grass so that is now what we are working on.
Bucket seats have been procured by a third party and are in the process of being made, and we want to thank that third party for coming forward to assist Government through PPP. We are having somewhat other corporates approaching the Ministry wanting to help with various projects, and we are in discussions on the way forward as there are a number of them, and we are trying to ensure that all of the stakeholders can work together for the same end result. That being the goal as opposed to be ready for us to be able to play at home, we are working towards that if you are confident as we are today, but we are lagging a little bit behind on some of the funds that need to be paid urgently which will be spoken about with the Finance Ministry next week.
We are also working closely with the City Council and private partners that own the stadia and to be potentially ready as well in the next few months. I thank you.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
STATISTICS ON THE COVERAGE ON RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY
- HON. JERE asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to provide statistics on the coverage on Rural electrification Agency in the Country Province by Province since inception of REA.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Since inception, REA has electrified the following institutions as shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3:
TABLE 1: STATISTICS ON THE ELECTRIFICATION STATUS OF RURAL INSTITUTIONS DONE BY REF AS AT 1 FEBRUARY 2024
Province |
Primary Schools |
Secondary Schools |
RHC/ Clinics |
Govt. Ext Offices |
Chieftainships |
Business centres |
|
Villages |
Others |
|
||||||
Grid |
Solar |
|||||||||||||||
Manicaland |
534 |
277 |
195 |
76 |
34 |
0 |
241 |
78 |
354 |
173 |
1962 |
|||||
Mashonaland Central |
395 |
185 |
115 |
47 |
26 |
2 |
144 |
146 |
53 |
130 |
1243 |
|||||
Mashonaland East |
337 |
194 |
119 |
39 |
32 |
2 |
127 |
186 |
198 |
194 |
1428 |
|||||
Mashonaland West |
420 |
178 |
81 |
41 |
29 |
4 |
73 |
224 |
132 |
70 |
1252 |
|||||
Masvingo |
374 |
230 |
153 |
75 |
34 |
1 |
190 |
53 |
190 |
117 |
1417 |
|||||
Matebelelend North |
323 |
140 |
93 |
65 |
35 |
7 |
115 |
27 |
24 |
81 |
910 |
|||||
Matebeleland South |
320 |
127 |
92 |
53 |
31 |
0 |
152 |
22 |
136 |
83 |
1016 |
|||||
Midlands |
268 |
149 |
107 |
37 |
39 |
5 |
132 |
117 |
193 |
88 |
1135 |
|||||
TOTAL |
2971 |
1480 |
955 |
433 |
260 |
21 |
1174 |
853 |
1280 |
936 |
10363 |
TABLE 2: SOLAR STATUS AS AT 29 FEBRUARY 2024
Province |
Solar Mini Grid |
Mobile Solar Units |
Total |
Manicaland |
43 |
82 |
125 |
Mashonaland Central |
48 |
38 |
86 |
Mashonaland East |
60 |
60 |
120 |
Mashonaland West |
60 |
45 |
105 |
Masvingo |
65 |
32 |
97 |
Matebeleland North |
78 |
55 |
133 |
Matebeleland South |
50 |
69 |
119 |
Midlands |
66 |
47 |
113 |
Bulawayo |
0 |
9 |
9 |
Harare |
1 |
- |
1 |
Total |
471 |
437 |
908 |
TABLE 3: STATUS OF INSTITUTIONAL BIOGAS DIGESTER PLANTS CONSTRUCTED BY REF AS AT 29 FEBRUARY 2024
Province |
Number of Biogas plants |
Number of Domestic Biogas Plants |
Total Number of Biogas Commissioned |
Comments |
Manicaland |
15 |
90 |
105 |
Domestic biogas digesters are mainly being done under the Climate Adaption Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP) with funding from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of Zimbabwe. These are part of the 90 biogas digesters to be part of the 90 biogas digesters to be constructed through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in the collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Rural Electrification Fund, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Chipinge District and Hakwata community. |
Mashonaland Central |
14 |
2 |
16 |
|
Mashonaland East |
6* |
5 |
11 |
Includes the 1 Commercial biogas digester plant at Kotwa in Mudzi District |
Mashonaland West |
8 |
- |
8 |
|
Masvingo |
13 |
30 |
43 |
|
Matebeleland North |
14 |
1 |
15 |
|
Matebeleland South |
16 |
1 |
17 |
|
Midlands |
14* |
- |
14 |
Includes the 2 Commercial biogas digesters plant at Mimosa Mine in Zvishavane District & Unki Mine in Shurugwi District. |
Harare |
6* |
- |
6 |
Includes one Commercial biogas at HIT completed in October 2017 |
Total |
106 |
129 |
235 |
|
ADEQUACY OF THE LEVY CHARGED BY REA
- HON. JERE: Asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to explain to the House whether the 6% levy charged by REA is adequate to achieve 100% accessibility to power by 2025 in line with the country’s 2030 vision which talks about power to all by 2030.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): The 6%is not adequate to electrify the whole rural Zimbabwe by 2030. Currently the levy billed monthly is equivalent to US2.5 million. To achieve Visio 2030, we need about US2 billion according to the Rural Energy Master Plan. See the table below for the shortfall:
Current RFE’s Funding Position
|
ZWL |
USD |
REA MONTHLY REVENUE |
55 000, 000,000 |
2,500,000 |
REA ANNUAL REVENUE |
660,0000,000,000 |
30,000,000 |
TO ELECTRIFY 100% OF ZIMBABWE RURAL (BUDGET) |
|
2 000,000,000 |
ANNUAL REVENUE TO COMPLETE WITHIN TARGET |
|
286,000,000 |
FUNDING DEFICIT/YEAR |
|
256,000,000 |
To argument the shortfall REF is frantically seeking concessional loan facilities to fund the R.E Programme. If accessed, these will enable bulk supply of project materials and speed up the electrification. It is also seeking partnerships and or grants to implement renewable energy projects.
REF has the plan in place, the skills and manpower, tools and equipment to meet the vision 2030 target, provided they get adequate funding.
ZERA LICENCING MODEL BASED ON SALES AND SIZE
- HON. JERE to ask the Minister of Energy and Power Development, to explain to the House why ZERA does not come up with a licensing model based on sales and size as opposed to a flat fee of 25 000 USD per firm so that the authority can in turn channel proceeds towards the REA.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): The Ministry has received proposals for volume-based licensing from ZERA and is reviewing these proposals in addition to other models.
Questions with Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER, in terms of Standing Order No. 68.
On the motion of HON. KAMBUZUMA seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA, the House adjourned at Twenty-Five Minutes to Six o’clock. p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o`clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Madam President, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 5 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2022, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Sections 253 and 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. CHINYANGA: Mr. President, I rise to present my contribution on the topic of peace and security. It is very evident that peace and tranquillity prevail in our country with much thanks to the sterling work by our uniformed forces. I shall focus on the prevailing peace in the country before, during and after the 2023 harmonised elections and the work being done by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to preserve peace and security within the country.
Mr. President, the run up to the 2023 harmonised elections was largely peaceful. Everyone had their campaigns peacefully both in urban and rural areas, which is a sign of political maturity for the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe. A few instances of violence were timeously contained but did not really have an impact on the general peaceful environment that was prevailing in the country.
Mr. President, even during the elections, there were no cases of violence within the country. People voted peacefully across the length and breadth of the country. In some places where polling was delayed, the citizens were patient with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) such that they did not resort to violence. Such pleasing behaviour should be highly applauded as our people have shown that peace and tolerance can be embraced in our nation despite different political views.
I would like to comment on the environment that prevailed in the post-election period. During results collation and announcement, we experienced a peaceful environment in our nation with no cases of violence. While the detractors anticipated an uprising, our people proved beyond measure that we are a peace-loving nation and heeded the call by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to embrace peace and tranquillity within our nation of Zimbabwe.
Mr. President, allow me to applaud the great work done by members of the Zimbabwe uniformed forces in maintaining peace and security within our beloved nation. They have been proactive in quelling any disturbances and as such, we experienced peace that we have today. The uniformed forces have been able to promote peace and security in our nation and we applaud them for such a superb job. Moreover, Zimbabwe busks as the exemplary country in maintaining peace and security because of the utmost dedication of the men and women of the defence forces. We do not forget the work done by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in timeous reactions and apprehending all malcontents, criminals and peddlers of violence. The ZRP was able to contain any cases of suspected violence and held awareness campaigns in major cities during the election season, warning people to desist from any violent activities.
Mr. President, I also want to commend the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for promoting peace and security from grassroot and community level. The Commission was able to manoeuvre into communities holding interfaces with relevant stakeholders and implementing programmes that are aimed at fostering peace and security within the beloved nation of Zimbabwe.
Lastly, I would like to thank the citizens of Zimbabwe in general, for being mature enough to embrace peace and shun violence. The people have shown great resilience in upholding peace and today we boast of peace, tranquillity and security because of our peace-loving citizens.
In conclusion, I urge all people to remain peaceful and tolerant. We want peace in our nation in order to attain Vision 2030. Let us all join hands and ensure that we work together towards making Vision 2030 a reality through enforcing peace and security within our nation. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 4th April, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION ON
THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. H. MOYO: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion which was brought before this august House by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
Mr. President, the people who were appointed to be in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission did their work diligently though there was a slow movement for the delimitation of boundaries. As I go further, The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission conducted educational visits and awareness campaigns, educating people on how to vote, and it was impressive. People voted very well, there was not any prejudice or favour, and no matters were taken to the courts challenging the elections.
Furthermore, we went to the nomination court, and there were no challenges. The work went on very smoothly and all our names sailed through the nomination court. ZEC invited the observers, who at the end, were very satisfied with what the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had done. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. FANUEL: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 4th April, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact an enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial Governments tier.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion brought to this august House by Hon. Sen. Zvidzai.
Mr. President Sir, Hon. Sen. Zvidzai indicated to us that in 2013, the people of Zimbabwe enacted some laws that it should be central government, provincial government and local authorities, which means that what we are debating on in this august House is that it has not fulfilled that to be the law.
Mr. President Sir, we have noticed that as we go toward elections, there is an expense on election. There is money that is paid so that the provincial council can be voted for. There is Government money which is used. Mr. President, from the time of the last elections, those who were voted for have not yet been sworn in up to now, hence firstly we should be aware that if those people have not been sworn into office, it means that they would not have started doing their work in their provinces, districts and local areas. Mr. President, if a person is presented properly in his province or district, it means there are some funds which will also be deposited into the central government. That is not happening because those people who were elected have not yet been sworn in.
Mr. President, there are some resources which we are supposed to benefit from in our regions where we come from, but unfortunately there are some people who are using those resources in a criminal manner and leaving some of us suffering when we are supposed to benefit. Mr. President, this is so painful but if this motion which was brought to the august House by Hon. Sen. Zvidzai becomes a law, we would be speaking a different language.
Mr. President, during the budget time, there are some devolution funds which are disbursed by Treasury, hence if you look closely at that, we would notice that those funds are no longer catering for the provincial, district and local authorities’ level. Right now, as I am speaking, in Mahongola area, we are very rich in minerals like lithium but the riches that we are getting from lithium are not equal to our standard of living.
Mr. President, if we were going to get something from the devolution fund, it was going to show that we were going to get something from the central government. From the minerals that we have in our areas, it shows that there are some funds that we would be disbursing at the central government, but it is very unfortunate that some people do not want to follow the law. Mr. President, the Constitution is stated as the supreme book of the Law. It means there is no one who is above that law and we are the ones who enacted those laws.
Mr. President, the national pillar is the devolution, but some people want to misuse this devolution. Mr. President, there is a motion which is before the House which states that people should keep the environment clean in their districts and local places. It is not the filthiness of papers that we find in our areas, but there are also some people who are using cyanide to explore our minerals, which is very dangerous. They also pour that cyanide into our water bodies and they do not care about their area.
There is also an Hon. Member who once debated about people who travel from different districts to educate our students, meaning to say some people dwelling in their own districts are losing their culture. We do not condone that. In this august House, we have chiefs whom we respect in their own jurisdiction as chiefs. How will the chiefs take it, for example we have Hon. Sen. Chief Mathema, then Hon. Sen. Ndlovu presides over another chief’s rural province. We should conduct ourselves properly within our culture and places that we stay in.
I will end by saying Treasury disbursed some funds on elections but the provincial councils have not yet commenced their work, hence this august House should expedite this motion so that it becomes a law and that the devolution funds are used properly. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: Thank you very much Mr. President. I rise to put my views on the issue of the third tier or the middle tier of local Government in the country.
The history of the local government in this country has had a very checkered background going back to the Munhumutapa days of the rulership of this country. However, during the federal days, councils in this country were divided in relation to the chieftainships and above that, there was a middle tier of governance. So, the history is highly political in the sense that even after independence, it was not easy for us to come up with the provincial council because of different views.
If you will remember, the 2000 Constitution local authorities demanded that there be constitutionalisation of local government but it was not easily accepted. However, the local government was then put under Chapter 9 of the then Draft Constitution which was rejected.
After that, there was also an attempt to come up with what was popularly known as the Kariba Draft of the Constitution. Again, it was not easy for us to come up with a constitutionalised local government system. However, in 2009, another Commission called COPAC was put in place so that we come up with a draft Constitution of the country. COPAC then divided the country into eight provinces where Harare was put back to Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo back to Matabeleland North. This was not an easy thing to be accepted, but with the help of people like the Late Cyril Ndebele, and the now High Court Judge Mr. Hlatshwayo, we then agreed at that particular time that it was necessary for us to have the big urban areas as Metropolitan Provinces and that is when the problem arose on who was to be who.
The Constitution, as was drafted, clearly spelt out what was supposed to be done, and we agreed that there was need for us to have a 3-tier Local Government system, that is the Central Government, Provincial Council Government and the Local Authorities. Later on, it was also agreed that it was necessary for us to have what we now call the Metropolitan Councils, and these councils were then designed in such a way that it was automatic for the Mayors of Harare and Bulawayo to be automatic chairpersons of those Metropolitan Councils.
In addition, there was a huge legal mistake that was made, and the mistake was that Members of the Senate and House of Assembly were also supposed to be Members of the Provincial Councils, which created a situation where there was double dipping. There was a lot of hanahana in between the local authorities, the Central Government to a point where the Members of Parliament and Senators, the Mayors of Harare and Bulawayo were removed by a constitutional amendment. It was then necessary for us to come up with a fresh law of Local Government. It was agreed that there was need for us to have a new Local Government Act, making sure that both urban and rural local authorities were supposed to have one Act.
Again, as has been the practice in the country, people started arguing over what was supposed to be done. A draft Local Government piece of legislation was done led by the Midlands State University. Again, it did not see the order of the day, until such a way that it was then agreed to make sure that there was no need for Members of Parliament and Senators to become Members of the Provincial and Metropolitan Councils. There was also no need to have automatic chairmanship of Harare and Bulawayo as chairs of the Metropolitan Councils.
Therefore, the debate started on who was going to be doing what. There are several Local Government Acts in the country, starting from the Traditional Leaders Act, the Communal Lands Act, the Regional Town and Country Planning Act and so on. It was agreed that it was necessary for us not to have completely new laws, but to amend the exiting legislation. The amendments were then made, principles of which were accepted by Cabinet, and then moved to the Ministry of Justice, under the Attorney-General’s Office. The new problem on who was going to do what started. A lot of staff in the Attorney-General’s Office who were manning the Law Development Commission Office resigned. Unfortunately, the head Mr. Joel Zowa passed on, that is where another big problem came on who was then going to make sure that the law was going to be put in place as was required.
We discovered at that point in time that there was need for us to recruit new officers in the Attorney-General’s Office to oversee the Law Development Commission and we were stuck at that stage. After the approval of the principles by Cabinet, it is stuck in that office now where there is one old white man who is dealing with legislation as far as coming up with legislation. That one man is overwhelmed and when we debated the issue of…
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Order, Hon. Senator do not describe him as one old white man. Let us not have racism in reverse.
HON. SEN. GOTORA: My apologies Hon. President of Senate. It was then necessary for us when we debated it here, when we were talking about the role of ZEC, that it is necessary for the Ministry of Justice to either recruit new people, and bond them so that it is expedited in coming up with new laws or alternatively it was necessary for us to again engage universities, particularly those universities which have law degrees as part of their curriculum.
Therefore, this is where we are having a problem. My suggestion Mr. President, is that the Ministry of Justice engages universities so that we have a team of people who will expedite the creation of laws because for now, like Hon. Sen. Zvidzai said, we have had three elections using the 2013 Constitution, but the elected Councillors were never sworn in for them to be able to undertake what is in Chapter 14 of the new Constitution, the 2013 Constitution.
My view is that Parliament should assist or urge the Hon. Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, to create a special Commission that is going to make sure that we expedite the creation of a law that will make sure that the Provincial Councils, as agreed and as amended in the original Constitution of 2013, that there be legally binding Provincial Councils and Metropolitan Councils because if you look at the original 2013 Constitution, you will find that we are talking more of Provincial Councils, but ignoring the Metropolitan Councils, that brings in another problem.
The issue of the Devolution Fund that was talked about earlier on had to be pushed to Chapter 17 of the Constitution, which makes it a bit cumbersome because it looks like we are going back to the situation where we are still having what used to be grants from the Ministry of Local Government to make sure that the devolution funds are then put into use.
For now, as I stand here, there are no devolution funds in the country, we are calling them devolution funds Mr. President for lack of words, otherwise we are still using the old system where grants were given for specific projects and programmes. If we continue doing that, we are going to face a situation where urban local authorities are going to be denied access to those funds because they are not rural local authorities as per the Constitution. Therefore, my suggestion and wish is that we expedite, coming up with a Special Commission that is going to make sure that we expedite the amendments of the several Local Government Acts and the major one being the Urban Councils Act, the Rural District Council Act, the Regional Town and Country Planning Act which, for the purposes of running this country, that law has become completely archaic.
What is being called a region, for instance, the Mashonaland Region is starting from Kariba up to Mutare, and yet the authorities in between those areas are more than 30. Therefore, at the end of the day the Regional Town and Council Planning Act has to be amended to accommodate the new dispensation. The Provincial Councils and Administration Act again need overhauling in the sense that we now have to elect ten people for Provincial Council and also an elected chairman who will have been nominated by the party that has the majority in the given province for us to be able to run a real local authority structure in between the local and the top. Therefore, we have these laws that require urgent amendments which is faster than coming up with new laws. I thank you, Mr. President.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHAKABUDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 4th April, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE
PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. KABONDO: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to add my voice to this motion which has a devastating statement that touches mostly on women. I would like to touch on how frustrating and difficult it is for a woman who becomes a widow.
Yesterday, Hon. Sen. Fanuel touched on some parts of the matter but there is something that was left. When a person becomes a widow, she is supposed to be remarried to the brother-in-law. I am talking about the widow who will be in a miserable state and the in-laws try by all means to see to it that that person is married again within their family. They will have engaged her to be remarried again in such a sorry state.
This is abuse but because of culture, that is how it happens. Some other sacred cultures are good and some are bad. If the Government could adopt good cultural relations and leave those which are bad, maybe that would serve the widows.
I want to touch on what happens where I come from. They will select a person for you to get married to. The aunties will be seated and when they enter your room, all they want to hear is that you are now getting into a marriage, but you will still be mourning and they say that that should happen instantly, which to me is abuse.
We ask the Government to look further into this issue. What men do to us is not good at all. Most of the time people who pass on are men than women. As the Bible says when Adam was created, the Lord said I want to give you someone like Eve to support you. If a person gets married, they say that you are getting into early marriage but you are not that young. We should support our counterparts and let us learn to help each other so that we live a long life. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHAKABUDA: Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I would like to debate on this motion which was brought by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo. During mourning time, it is a very important time that orphans and widows get enough support because of the situation they will be in. Their reasoning is affected and that is the time that we expect them to get adequate comfort and support. It is my wish that widows and orphans would get enough awareness and education so that they do not lose their property. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 4th April, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to debate on the motion tabled by Hon. Sen. Mohadi on climate change. I realise that this motion is very important because it refers to how livelihoods of people as well as livestock are affected. In Zimbabwe, many people survive on agriculture, and becomes their major source of income because many people turn to agriculture during the rainy season.
We realise that most Zimbabweans enjoy keeping livestock, be it cattle, goats and the like. They also engage in gold mining, especially where I come from in Matebeleland South. So people enjoy gold mining as well as agriculture and livestock production. We realise that due to poor rainfall, since the old adage says, water is life - it affects everything. When there is sufficient water, people have peace of mind, but they are affected by a lot of health problems when there is lack of water. So we realise that this may lead to a lot of deaths because the livestock producers will not be able to feed their livestock. They will also not be able to afford stockfeed due to hyper-inflation.
Mr. President, even gold miners will not be able to get water to process their gold. In the past, when we were growing up, whenever people encountered such problems of drought, the elders would gather and try to come up with solutions. They would either consult traditional leaders or spirit mediums at sacred shrines like Njelele to ask for rain. Due to this international phenomenon of climate change that affects everyone, the Government will be forced to work harder in order to feed the nation, and adequate stock feed will have to be procured. Failure of which, the country will incur a lot of distraction.
There is also the problem of siltation of dams that the Government is trying to deal with as a way of increasing the dams’ holding capacities. We also realised that there is installation of solar-powered boreholes so that women may engage in horticultural projects. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity to add my voice to this very important debate. Climate change is critical in that we need to tackle a number of issues as Zimbabweans because of the low rainfall. We need to plant crops that resonate with the different farming regions. For example, maize requires a lot of rain, but small grains like sorghum and millet thrive in dry weather conditions. So you will realise that these crops can be planted in such areas. For example, we can introduce these crops to families because our children do not know that you can produce mealie meal for sadza from sorghum and millet. They only know of white maize meal.
Mr. President Sir, we need to consider the introduction of small grains due to this climate change. This will also help us in eradicating different diseases. Currently, many people suffer from chronic diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes and kidney ailments. Doctors often encourage such people to consider alternative diets. Instead of consuming white maize meal, they are encouraged to consume either sorghum or millet meal. Such programmes are important in educating people in terms of coming up with healthy diets of small grains. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. PHUTHI: Thank you Hon. President of the Senate. I would want to debate on the motion raised by the Hon. Sen. Mohadi on climate change. A lot of things have already been said, but I want to talk about women and other things that have not been touched on.
Women face a lot of challenges, even as I stand here, there are a lot of issues that need my attention as a woman. The drought that is before us came as a result of climate change. Last week during the Question Time Session, the Hon. Minister responded to Senators saying that ‘you are lucky if your crops have been affected by the lack of rains, it means you can still take your maize stalks and create stock feeds’.
I request that Members of Parliament visit such areas we are talking about, the drought-prone areas and see what is on the ground. Where I come from, our crops did not do well, they wilted at an early stage yet someone says you should take such crops and make stock feed. According to me, this does not show some seriousness. If possible, I could bring the evidence to this august House so that the Minister could see what we are talking about. This is not child’s play. I am talking about people’s livelihoods and not livestock.
In irrigation schemes, they tried a bit but the crops have withered. So, people must get food aid as soon as possible. The Hon. Minister spoke about it saying they are going to work with village heads. As a Member of the Opposition, I believe that it is not fair for us to be given food aid by village heads because they will consider one’s political affiliation. If no one has food, I am talking of food that is produced on the farms and the report says people shall be selected to benefit from food aid. It is not a good report because a report is a result of what you would have observed. In Harare, it is better but where I come from, in Matabeleland South, our crops did not do well, there is nothing. So, I request that this issue be looked into as a matter of urgency.
How will women survive? We were debating a motion regarding widows and how they survive. So, there is an adage in Ndebele that says ‘If it can affect a tree, how about a dead log’? So, I believe that if it were up to me, the SADC Summit could be put on halt for some time so that the money is channeled to benefit people. I cannot support people in my constituency who come to my home with their plight, and it pains me.
The present drought is not for a specific family, but it is a national calamity. How about school-going children who are fainting at school because of hunger? When they are hungry, they cry and even resist going to school. During this time of drought, thieves will be stealing basic commodities, especially mealie meal.
When I was listening to facilitators at a Climate Change Workshop two weeks ago, they talked about the depletion of the Ozone Layer causing cyclones and other calamities. I noted that the rate of destruction of trees is quite alarming. Some people sell axes and if one buys an axe, they will start chopping trees. I believe that people should stop selling axes because some would want to test how sharp their axes are by cutting down trees.
I also note that along this beautiful road which is being refurbished, there are a lot of trees that people have been harvesting firewood but I have not seen anyone planting small trees to replace the trees that have been chopped yet we talk about climate change.
I also noted that those who were teaching us about climate change told us about exhaust fumes from cars, dust, and other things. From my observation, the dust that is being raised along this Mt. Hampden road might also contribute to the depletion of the Ozone Layer. When you look closely Hon. Members of Parliament, the Mt. Hampden road is being watered to reduce the dust, which is a good thing for preventing the depletion of the Ozone Layer.
So, from my observation, I believe that Hon. Members should go back to the drawing board. Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion should give us devolution funds so that we sink boreholes and plant trees. Reforestation should be a daily event. As Hon. Members, we should set targets for tree planting and give villagers prizes to motivate them. They must be incentivised. As an individual, I cannot just wake up and start planting trees but if motivated, then I will take it as a responsibility not because I want to plant trees but because of the incentive. So, it is our responsibility to go back to our constituencies, through the Government’s assistance, unite with EMA and plant trees.
Let me also touch on livestock. In the Matabeleland region, we have a big challenge. These days when you have ten cattle, you sell two and save eight which is quite a challenge. Imagine a big heifer being bought for 2000 Rands which is equivalent to 150 USD. These days, the cattle are not being bought because they are plenty, but there is a risk of running a loss due to shortage of water caused by the drought which has prevailed in our country.
However, I want to applaud those who have constructed dams. Mr. President, these dams were spoken about last year. We had requested dams. If Government was listening to us, we were not going to face the challenges that we are going to be facing. Indeed, boreholes are going to be sunk, but they will just be white elephants. The water table has been depleted. Sometimes we have to dig 100m to reach the water table where I come from. In August or in September, how deep will we then go? If Government had listened to us, we might be having dams with water reserves. Maybe we might end up failing to come to this august House because we will not be able to bath as we will not have water.
I also want to talk about chiefs, who I want to give a task. I want to blame them to a certain extent. I am 47, and I have never seen chiefs teaching people how traditional foods were prepared. In 1947, we hear that there was a famine. My grandmother tells us that they were surviving by making meals from roots of different trees. Therefore, we want our elders to teach us these alternative traditional and religious foods because such porridge and such meals are something that I do not know of, but our elders know. I do not know; maybe Hon. Sen. Mohadi may assist. Maybe she knows. They might teach us as young people how such meals are prepared. Indeed this year, we tried to plant sorghum and millet, but we did not get a good harvest. All the efforts were in vain.
So we need to know how in the past people used to live. We need such a workshop which will teach us how it is done. Unfortunately, where I come from, some of these foods are not there. I hear about some traditional foods where people used to prepare such foods which I do not even know as an individual. There are some rituals that were done. For instance, the picking up of bones before the rain season, to cleanse our environment.
I want to implore our chiefs to consider educating people about their traditions because culture is quite important. We need to pick bones. You find people committing suicide and such bones are found in the bushes. You will find cattle and donkeys dying in those ponds, and their bones are just lying idle everywhere. We need to consider all those things.
I am a person who loves farming. I move around the farm looking at what is happening. Maybe God is not happy with the bones and the other things that are found in our bushes. May our traditional leaders teach us about indigenous knowledge systems, cultures and rain making ceremonies? Maybe this will help us to receive rain.
Mr. President, indeed we were facing a drought, but why is Government not sinking or building dams so that people benefit from such dams, and when the rains come, then we should have dams because if the rains come for two days, all that water would be washed away. It will just flow away. It will go to streams and we are not doing any water harvesting. I thank you Mr. President for these few words.
*HON. S. NDEBELE: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to debate on this motion brought to this august House. I realise that there are many things that we can talk about, but we may end up repeating because we seem to have a common agreement or view, but in short, many people proffer that people will struggle, especially a lot of women would be affected by drought. Indeed, it is very dry out there, especially to the women because they are the ones who face the brunt.
There are youths who were allocated homesteads recently. Some of them were allocated farms. Those are some of the people we look forward to because most of us have reached the twilight of our age, but they have a lot more years to live ahead. Where they are residing, there are no dams or schools. There will be no source of food for them.
As I speak, there is a place that I saw recently, where there were people who were going around assessing how they can give assistance, but those youths who were allocated farms recently are far away from roads so those assessing in order to give food aid will not be accessed. They will be left behind because they believe since they are youths, they are able to work, but right now, they will not be able to fend for their families because there are no resources. They may have little resources. Some of them may try to go out and venture into mining, and yet they will only salvage very little, not enough to feed their families.
The other problem is when there is a drought, prices tend to go up. Even a bucket of maize may be sold at US$10. That will increase poverty or problems to the youths. We are encouraging them every time to venture into farming and such programmes, but they will not be able to access irrigation schemes because they were allocated way back. Therefore, in my view, I think these youths need to be assisted to get all adequate resources while we encourage them to get into agricultural farming. They need support in terms of inputs. That way they can be self-reliant. That way they may be able to venture into fish farming, livestock or poultry, but those areas need water. So those youths need support in order to realise their rights. There is no progress where they are residing. Those dams that we talk about where they are being scoped or being rehabilitated. Those are dams found in old resettlement areas. These youths that I am talking about do not reside there but their parents. So, the surveyors must consider prospects of resources such as dams and water sources before allocating people because water sources are only found in older resettlement areas. So, here I represent youths although they are younger than me but this time, I am debating on behalf of them. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Hon. President of the Senate. I want to add a few words to the motion regarding climate change. Indeed those who spoke before me have said a lot of things regarding climate change. If we look at region 5 especially where I come from, there is no rainfall. Hon. President of the Senate, I want to bring a different view that as Senate, we need to prepare ourselves. How prepared are we as Zimbabweans because if we are looking at technology, we cannot talk about WhatsApp only? There are so many ways of using technology to help us prepare ourselves.
Hon. President of Senate Sir, the plight of the people especially during the climate change era is not new to our region but we have been facing these challenges in the past because we were not prepared enough; drought comes at a time when we are not prepared. I believe that we can be prototypes of how to prepare ourselves during droughts. If this was done in the past, in dry regions, we could have come up with ways of harvesting water, making use of reservoirs and dams which can store water up to three years. We can then supply water to livestock and people like what Hon. Sen. Phuthi said that the water table is very low. The little rains we have sometimes fill up dams and an example is Antelope Dam. In two days, Antelope Dam was filled to the brim.
So, I believe that we need to have alternative dams which can be used interchangeably because it is hot. Let me also say that climate change, particularly in dry areas, needs investment in terms of innovation hubs in universities which can produce hybrid seeds that mature early. Universities should come up with studies which will influence policy in Parliament. Universities, particularly in region 5, should generate seedlings or grass because at NUST, there should be seedlings of grass which can be used for stock feed. These are dry areas which need hybrid seeds, whether it is millet, sorghum or stock feeds.
I watched a certain programme which shows how Dubai, despite the high temperatures, has come up with technologies of creating precipitation which makes rain to fall. We need to come up with such technology as Zimbabwe. We are a country which is proud of its level of education; we say that we are educated as Zimbabweans. Our education should improve the technology that we have as a nation through climate change.
We are not just talking about the erratic rainfalls but we are also talking about excess rains and flooding, we are talking about cold winters, this is climate change. All these things need us to be prepared so that we do not become victims of calamities when we face hunger as a result of drought; we must be prepared. If we are prepared, then we will not be complaining much. Let me add on to say what Hon. Sen. Phuthi said regarding the chopping down of trees in our forests. We have heard those who cut trees and dig large pits which end up killing and destroying our livestock saying that they have rights which supersede other people’s rights. I do not believe this is right as a nation, that our natural resources or our mineral resources be extracted without thinking of posterity.
They must be used in a sustainable way. There is a saying which says that you consume money as if you are consuming rat poison. You find rats consuming fast and this is what we are doing. We are consuming our resources as if we are consuming rat poison. Those who dig minerals destroy our trees and they destroy our environment and the nation is not benefitting, but as individuals, they are collecting money from that. After that, you find that they do not restore what would have destroyed. Our environment is then degraded and there is no reforestation or afforestation to restore our forests. Our children and even generations to come will ask where we were and what we did about the degradation of the land and the environment.
So I believe that we need to go back to the drawing board and introspect that someone is in Lupane, Nkayi and someone is in Godhlwayo. What works in that particular area and what works in Matopos and in Binga should be considered? I also said earlier that not being prepared would make us waste our resources, and we will not be able to use our resources properly. I spoke about a certain dam in Lupango which is not being fully utilised.
This dam is full, but there is no irrigation programme. People are dying of hunger but the water is being under-used. Government should consider the people and understand their plight. For example, the formerly marginalised regions which are facing adverse hunger, we need an immediate intervention which will result in the investment of new technologies using our natural resources to produce enough food for everyone. This is because we can get food aid, but aid is not a concern because no one can give you aid of what you desire or what you want.
I might prefer sorghum meal to maize meal, but those who give food aid would not ask you what you like. They give you what is available. This means climate change and the lack of innovation and investment in technologies will take away our livelihoods because you find people spending the whole day queueing for aid, and sometimes seated under trees in the bare sun waiting to receive food aid. It takes away your self-pride.
With those few words, I wanted to add my voice to the motion on climate change, and the thrust of my debate is that we need solutions, innovations and key result areas. In dry regions, even in areas where there is adequate rain, we need to think of solutions because in such regions where mass production of food is done, then food should be distributed to the less fortunate regions.
We are losing livestock, cattle, goats and other domestic animals because we do not have water and stock feeds. Stock feeds are quite difficult, especially when feeding goats and cattle. It is different from feeding people. We are really concerned as Matabeleland that if it has been declared a national disaster, then the rains should come when we are prepared. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President Sir. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday 4th April, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. GOTORA the Senate adjourned at Five Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 2nd April, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o`clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Madam President, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 5 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2022
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Sections 253 and
323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN TAWENGWA): Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION ON THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 hamornised elections.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact an enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial Government tier of Government.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024
MOTION
ENACTEMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE
PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of the Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I rise to add my voice in support of a motion that was raised by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo that deals with how women suffer after the loss of their husbands.
Madam President, this is quite a painful matter, in most cases, if you observe what happens when someone has lost a husband, the family would have been living together as father, wife and children in one dwelling. Once the father is no more, the relatives of the deceased abuse the woman and take all the property. You see electrical gadgets being taken to communal areas where there is no electricity. Items such as stoves, refrigerators are taken away. The children would have been used to a particular life style during the life of their father like taking food from the refrigerator and cooking. However, when the father dies, everything is literally taken away including the blankets and end up sleeping on the floor, yet no one really cares about that. It is quite disheartening Mr. President.
I know that there are laws that were put in place to protect widows, and my request is that the custodians of those laws should do their duty so that when the husband dies, the widow is not going to remain aggrieved and suffering. What happens after the death of a husband is quite painful. Even at school, the children that would have been attending school are sent back or chased away from school because of non-payment of school fees, yet when the father was alive, he had planned how the family was going to proceed up to university level.
Mr. President, I urge all women to work hard and not to entirely depend on the husband even for such basic items like salt. Let us make long term preparations for the future of our children because we also have brains and hands that we were given by God. Nowadays, there are certain projects that are being done and meant to empower women in the community, for example women play ‘rounds’, that is they take turns to give each other a certain amount of money every month in order to start a business or buy groceries. If our women are empowered, this will help them when their husbands pass on.
There was at one time a drama played on television called Neria. Neria went through an ordeal after the death of her husband, she suffered greatly. The brother in law took money and a lot of other things that were in the deceased’s’ bedroom and the children were sent to the rural areas to herd cattle, yet these children were attending school when their father was alive.
Therefore, Mr. President, this law that protects widows should also apply to the widower because there are certain members of the late wife’s family who want to benefit from where they did not sow and as a result, the husband will end up suffering because nobody will be looking after him. Nobody will be there to do laundry or ironing for him because he will be left without anything. All the property would have been taken unlawfully by those who do not deserve.
Mr. President, I would want to thank the mover of the motion, Hon. Sen. Tsomondo for such an important motion that she brought before this august House that looks at the welfare of the widows and widowers. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to this very important motion brought to this House by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo on the ill-treatment of women upon their spouse’s death.
Mr. President, a wife can be married by her husband when they do not possess anything of material value but they will start working together until they raise their own wealth but should one of them pass on, the relatives come to literally steal what they did not work for. They will come and take what they have not worked for. We need to come up with laws that ensure that we protect the remaining spouse so that they can remain in possession of the property that they worked hard for, whether it be a widow when the husband was still alive.
My wish is that the majority of the rural-based women be empowered because they are the ones that are mostly on the receiving end from the husband’s relatives. The urban ones know quite a bit about the law and therefore, are able to litigate on their own and the same should be done to the women in the communal lands because the majority of women in the communal lands are very obedient to what their brothers-in-law say. If our chiefs could be empowered to look into these issues, it would also be good to ensure that we put an end to this abuse of widows by relatives of the deceased’s husband because they are being stressed over property that belongs to them.
Mr. President, it is my considered view that all our chiefs should be given a lot of power to ensure that they assist women who would have been disposed of their property in order to safeguard the interests of women mostly in the communal lands. Furthermore, I would also like to appeal to men that when they are still alive, they should seek advice from lawyers on having wills in place so that when the husband dies, it is in the majority of cases that men die first, so that the family is protected. You could be residing in town and be well educated but you may not be aware that if you die, your children and wife will be vulnerable. So, if your brothers who have failed in life want to take anything away from your wife and children, they will be able to take over from your wife because the wife does not have the power to stop them.
So Mr. President, I support the motion that was moved by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo that our laws should be clear and that they should be knowledgeable and this knowledge should permeate the communal lands, even to areas such as Chiredzi and Binga so that women in those areas become knowledgeable about their rights to inheritance of their late husbands’ property together with the children. With those words Mr. President, I thank you.
HON. SEN. SHIRI: Thank you very much Mr. President for affording me this opportunity to also add my voice to this very important motion brought by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo.
Mr. President, the treatment of widows can vary greatly depending on cultural, societal and economic factors. In many societies, widows face numerous challenges and discrimination that can have a significant impact on their lives. Some common issues faced by widows include social stigma. Here in Zimbabwe, in some cultures, widows may face social isolation and discrimination. They may be considered unlucky or blamed for their spouse’s death, ndiwe wakauraya, leading to them being excluded from community activities and events.
There is also economic hardship. Widows often experience financial difficulties after the death of their spouse. They may lose their primary source of income like the land and also, they face challenges when it comes to employment and struggle to support themselves and their children. Lack of financial independence can make them vulnerable to poverty and exploitation.
Widows may also face legal and property rights. In some cases, widows may encounter legal obstacles when it comes to inheriting property or accessing their deceased spouse’s assets. Lawyers are very expensive and some laws may also discriminate when it comes to norms that prevent them from claiming their rightful inheritance leaving them economically vulnerable. There is also limited access to education and healthcare for widows especially those in the rural areas. This lack of access can negatively impact their well-being and limit their opportunities for personal and economic growth. For example, most of these widows in the rural areas cannot afford hospital bills for some chronic diseases.
Widows are also vulnerable to abuse such as sexual abuse. Widows are often at a higher risk of physical, emotional and economic abuse. Without the social and financial support of a spouse because most women depend on men for their survival, they are not economically empowered to look after themselves, so they may become targets of exploitation, harassment or forced remarriage, vogarwa nhaka.
Lack of social support; Mr. President, the loss of a spouse can leave widows without a support system. They may struggle to find emotional support or face challenges in building new relationships and networks. You find sometimes they are discriminated against even when it comes to positions such as in church or even in political participation. Mr. President, it is important to note that the situation of widows can vary widely across different religions and cultures. Efforts are being made by organisations like Msasa and our own Ministry of Women’s Affairs, to address these issues of improving the lives of widows through legal reforms, social programmes and advocacy for gender equality. Widows face cultural practices and rituals. Widows may be subjected to specific cultural practices or rituals that can be burdensome or oppressive, like zvokunzi hembe dzadyiwa nomujuru, saka makaita chipfambi, something like that; I cannot explain it in our own culture in Zimbabwe. These practices can vary widely, ranging from the restrictions on clothing and appearance, to enforced seclusion or isolation.
The loss of a spouse can have a significant impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of widows. Sometimes, you find some widows will be mentally challenged because of the stress. Access to mental healthcare and support services is crucial to help them cope with their loss and navigate their new circumstances. During the grieving period, widows need support. It is not easy to take care of the children without the support of the father. So, widows need psycho-social support to overcome their challenges. Education can also enhance their employability, improve their earning potential and improve their overall quality of life. We have programmes like vana mukando economic empowerment by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. We have advocacy and support, we have NGOs and other groups raising awareness about the issues faced by widows and advocating for their rights, like Msasa Project, they provide support services, legal aid and community initiatives to improve the lives of widows and challenge discriminatory practices.
Our Government has also implemented social welfare programmes targeting widows to provide financial assistance, healthcare support and educational opportunities. These initiatives aim to alleviate poverty and improve the wellbeing of widows and their families. Understanding and addressing the challenges faced by widows requires a multi-facetted approach, involving legal reforms, social support systems, education and awareness campaigns. By empowering widows and ensuring their rights are protected, societies can work towards a more inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I am sure the Hon. Senators will join me in congratulating the Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira for being re-elected President of the Pan- African Parliament. - [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] - We wish you success in your appointment.
*HON. SEN. GOTORA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on problems being faced by widows. I will not only dwell on widows, but also talk about the problems being faced by widowers. I know of widowers that I may not mention names, who faced many challenges after they lost their wives. It is true that mostly women are the ones on the receiving end. Let me thank Hon. Sen. Tsomondo for bringing this motion. The truth of the matter is that, in this country, there are a lot of problems whenever there is a death in the family, ranging from dispossession of properties to many brutal acts. After one has lost their loved ones through death, one becomes even more disturbed.
My clarion call is that in this country, we have laws that were passed by Parliament. The first law is the Inheritance Act. I do not know as to how many of us Hon. Members in here and those that are outside this august House are aware of what the law contains. It is in the statutes, but it is not being used. Furthermore, there is a new law, Marriages Act, which was passed by this Parliament. I do not know as to how many of us know what this law entails. It is not anyone’s fault that we do not know. Everything that is new could be difficult to practice. It requires people who urge others to also know about it.
The Government can protect the surviving spouse by giving enough power to the traditional leaders so that when they hold their courts with village heads and people that they lead, they will be able to enlighten people of the laws that we have in this country, even if there is no such law. We know that in our culture, it is not very clear; it is not clear-cut, culture is constantly changing. We know that we now have educated chiefs who can assist in refining our customs so that our culture can protect the surviving spouses.
I know of a certain chief who gathered his people and told them that any man who is not yet married cannot be given a field or a stand where they can construct their own homestead before getting married. Even to be given a portion to do some gardening so that they can grow tomatoes and cabbages before they are married, they only are entitled to such a stand and garden after getting married. So the person who enables the man to get a garden, stand and the field is a woman. So I see no reason why the person who has enabled the possession of such things is dispossessed of such items because their husband has died. So I urge traditional leaders such as headmen, village heads and their aides to enlighten people so that such things do not happen.
Let me go on the side of men. In Highfields, a certain man married from a rich family. The unfortunate thing is that when the daughter died, the rich man came with a lorry and took all the property. The aunties were ululating, rejoicing that they were taking property belonging to their late child and the house was left empty. So, this shows that even men are on the receiving end.
The courts that have been made reference to by Hon. Sen. Shiri, I am aware that the Government can assist with lawyers who offer free services. One can be able to have legal representation when they appear in court with fees being paid by Government so that they do not lose their inheritance.
By so doing, this will help people with no money to pay for lawyers to represent them so that justice is done. Men can and should put their house in order when they are still alive so that their spouses and children do not lose what they worked for during their lifetime. This can only happen if such laws that I have made reference to are made aware to the people. The Marriages Act now states that if I live with someone’s daughter for a few months, she becomes my wife. Secondly, I think that people should be given psycho-social support.
There should be support from the aunties to ensure that the one who has lost a spouse is given social support. In our culture, once a woman has lost a spouse, they go back to their home of origin so that they are comforted by their close relatives as they try and overcome this period of mourning. Unfortunately, Mr. President, I have not heard of a man who is supposed to be given this support by his relatives. Maybe we must start now so that we will not have such problems.
Lastly, as a country, anyone who has lost a spouse, the surviving spouse should be empowered to ensure that they can continue with their lives. Things that they acquired in marriage like gardens or homesteads must not be taken away when one spouse is dead and thus empowering them. Unfortunately, these days, it is not all of us who can do field work or be involved in horticulture. There are some other forms of empowerment that we now have. In order to ensure that the deceased’s partner is respected when they lose their spouses, we must put laws to protect the remaining spouses. An example is that men die early because the majority of us do not want to go to hospital. Weeks ago, I nearly lost my life not because my wife wanted to kill me but it is because I always say I am well. We realise when it is too late that we need medical assistance and this is how men die. When I die, my wife is blamed.
Inheritance laws must be made aware to the general public, the population must be educated on inheritance laws so that they know what to do in the event that one spouse dies. Our children will be secure and continue going to school as opposed to being in the streets or being homeless.
+HON. SEN. M. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President of Senate for affording me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion that was brought by the Hon. Senator. What happens is that you are grieved, mourning your spouse and you will be thinking of how you will be able to raise your children. Then all of a sudden there comes a family member who would want to take all the property that you would have worked for with your husband.
I do not know whether this happens in certain areas or in certain tribes but this is a very bad habit. If you take something from your brother’s wife or children, it leads to poverty and conflict amongst the children themselves. They will stop going to school and will end up being street children. The sad thing is that their father would have left enough money and properties to take care of the children and the property would have been taken by relatives.
Families should come together and not agree on such evil acts. Where do people get such powers and yet we have our own chiefs who are supposed to be presiding over issues of inheritance? Why not give powers to chiefs to assist on such disputes? We know that people are grieved but at the same time, we must know that there is a family that has been left behind. When you see your neighbour’s family suffering like this after the death of a parent, it is very painful.
Let us take a closer look at this. It is very bad for someone to lose a parent, yet the relatives will come and take everything. When we were growing up, we used to see grandparents taking care of the children that would have been left behind. There are some people who do not care or maybe in certain areas do not care about the widow and how she is suffering. These things must not happen. Let us look after these orphans so that they can be brought up well and go to school like other children. Some of the children lost their properties after the father passed away. We want our traditional leaders to be given powers to assist these children. The law is there and people can also approach the courts to try and register their estates so that issues of inheritance can be solved by the courts and property shared legally. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Mr. President. I would also like to add my voice to this debate that was brought by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo. I would like us to remind each other that you find in the Bible Psalm 68: Verse 5 and 6, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his Holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”. God loves widows and defends them all the time. Us as Zimbabweans, we have a very big problem that when someone is down, we want to suppress them even further.
Mr. President, we need to have a closer look at ourselves as people. This is a widow who has lost a spouse and is looking after the children, and people are busy eyeing the property of the deceased. I think it is good for chiefs and the village heads to go back to our tradition as Africans and look at why we want to make someone suffer again after she has lost a spouse. I think we should collectively blame that tendency. Let us suppose that this is a woman who has lost a spouse and you are looking at the family on how you can assist whilst you do not have any assistance to offer. You only cry only when it affects you. It means as a community, we are no longer assisting each other.
As Zimbabweans, we need to have a closer look at ourselves and ask ourselves why women say that they have lost everything and can no longer look after the children after losing their spouses. We need to empower the women and the reason why they are failing to sustain themselves, means we are not empowering them enough. I think the programmes for women are not enough to empower them. When we go to certain areas for example, the area where I come from in Matopos. If there is gold in that area and if there are very few women who are into mining, it means we are not empowering women enough.
If you bring boilers yet there is gold in that area, it means that I am not fully empowered. A greater percentage of what women get goes to raise the family more than what men do. Women should be able to raise their families in the absence of their husbands. There is no parent who is going to live forever and so, we need to prepare, whether it is a man or a woman, we are all going to die. If we do not make enough preparations for our children, they are going to suffer. As Zimbabweans, we should see that all this is a taboo that we are being taught all the time and how do we do it together. That is not what ubuntu is all about. Ubuntu is something that should be there and it is not something that should be taught.
We should not be going back to people to say that if someone loses a spouse, this should not be done. We cannot be doing that all the time. I think it is a very good debate and what I have noticed is that Zimbabweans need to know what is in the Constitution because if the in-laws turn against us, we are failing to defend ourselves because we do not know what is in the Constitution. Children and women should be taught so that if people approach her, then she can stand up and say that the Zimbabwean law protects her. That is why they are being harassed because they do not know what is in the Constitution. I thank you very for this opportunity to raise issues that women face. It is not good for one to be harassed and we need to correct each other as Zimbabweans. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. NDEBELE: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity. I am happy to get this opportunity to add my voice to this debate, especially when they lose a spouse, they are harassed by the relatives of the husband. We are talking about the abuse that happens to women and girls. What happens most of the time is that most of the women are elderly, but when we talk about a widow or someone who gets married at 20, if you lose a spouse, you have lost a spouse. You are treated in the same way as a woman who has lost a spouse and they end up harassing her.
Even if it is a small thing that would have happened, they come and take everything and forget that when these people were working and buying whatever they were buying together, they were sacrificing a lot, but they end up losing everything after the death of a spouse. As other Hon. Senators have already said, if we are to buy a stand, it means that we have to forgo some of the luxuries in order to buy a stand. We go hungry at times in order to save. What I would like to say is that for women to be protected, there must be a law that forbids abuse internally. Sorry, I would have gone further because when someone is harassed, they end up getting sick. This is why you will find that some of the family members, especially children end up falling sick and engaging in many other social ills that affect the children. So, they end up having to seek help for the children to be normal. Most of them now live in the streets, they have nowhere to stay. If the mother is now staying in the bush, then the children also stay in the bush.
The most important thing that I would like to request is that the right of these people who we are talking about should be taken seriously. Most of the times it is the women`s rights that are talked about and these are women that are bunched together without any separation without any distinction in the widows. There should be distinction because it is not their fault that they find themselves in that situation. They also do not want to be harassed. The law of the country should protect those who are being harassed because this not by choice, they should all be protected by the law. These women who are being harassed should be upright women. Some of the women cause problems for themselves because they value third parties to discuss their issues.
Those who are able to teach these women should talk to them so that they behave properly. They should not find any fault with their daughters-in-law when they fall pregnant three months following the death of their spouses. Then they will be saying, so another man impregnated her. If they say another man cannot inherit their son`s property, then they should not think that the women are causing problems.
My request is that those who are able to teach these women should teach them properly so that when they go to the law courts, they should not say that I am a widow and I am being harassed and yet she would have caused it herself. She should not have a child before the spirit of her husband is brought back into the home because in the African culture, we believe that the spirit of the dead should be brought back into the home. We should not encourage people to follow the wrong tradition. So, these widows should also behave themselves after the death of their spouses. They must behave properly even when facing adversities. When their husbands die, some of them do not even want to mourn, they will be laughing. We should teach women all this because we do not know what the future holds for us and also who will die first.
We should not crack our heads over what has already happened because we did not sit down with the widows to teach them how to survive and anything that can assist so that they do not get tempted to receive goodies or parcels on a daily basis. They will face difficulties once their spouses pass on. Secret admirers will bring chocolates to the widow because she cannot buy herself chocolates. Let us empower each other now before we become widows.
There are a number of organisations like Musasa Project that was mentioned earlier, of which such organisations are ideal in dealing with issues that empower women so that no one can mislead them if their spouses die. I thank you Hon. Sen. President for giving me this opportunity.
∞HON. SEN. FANUEL: Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to talk about widows. It is very painful especially to us women. It is not that women are incapable; they are very much capable. They are able to do any other duties or work like any other person.
It pains me so much when a woman loses her husband. Either the young or elder brother of the deceased husband wants to inherit the woman. When a woman loses her husband, the village head as well as us the leaders in this august House, must ensure that before they inherit the spouse or marry the widow, they must first of all be tested for HIV because all they want is to inherit the wealth, be it cattle or whatever they may have. Those widows are already in pain because they are left in poverty and must be empowered through projects to take care of their families.
The children must benefit from BEAM. This is why we end up seeing women going into drug abuse and prostitution because of such a situation. Once you get into that, you lose all senses of control. Sometimes, when a woman loses her husband, society regards her as a loose person but it is not that she is loose but it is out of poverty. The Women`s Bank must look at such women to ensure that they are given capital and empowered to take care of their families. They must be informed about other Government entities and even the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and SMEs.
The other problem is, widows are not receiving their pensions on time. These pensions must be increased for widows because they are insignificant and as less as USD20.00. They must be empowered because failure to do so will ensure that they remain in poverty. For instance, where I come from in Binga, they must be empowered and be given fishing nets because fishing is the main source of income. They must also be given farming land because being a widow does not render you incapable.
Some widows may not be able to work and others die after losing their spouses to HIV and AIDS and need assistance. When they go to hospital, they are supposed to be assisted but fail to get it because they do not have money. So, we are saying those widows must be given financial assistance in order for them to be attended to. Their children must attend school for free. In short, this is what I wanted to say Mr. President Sir.
+HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President. I want to add my voice to the motion which was moved by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo. I will not say much because a lot of people have already contributed towards the motion.
We have a lot of widows who have varying circumstances, some were left by their spouses whilst they were enjoying their marriages and some were living in poverty. So those women who were married to rich people with farms, shops and cars, lose everything to the relatives when the husband passes on. Most of the family businesses are run by the husband, however, when he passes on, the wife would not know anything about the business or how to run it, and even the head count of the livestock if they were into farming. So when the relatives of the late husband come, it would be as if they are being taken advantage of, yet they do not know what is happening at all, concerning the late husband’s businesses.
Therefore, it is important for women to participate and understand their husband’s businesses whilst the husband is still alive because by so doing, there will not be any problems in taking over or running the family business in the event of the unfortunate. Women lose their properties because they do not have any idea of their husband’s properties, they need a good life, driving beautiful cars, but without understanding the source of income.
We have some widows who are in the rural areas, these are the widows who suffer most because they do not know what the law says when they are widowed, but they know their livestock. They live in the rural areas and take care of the home and all the property. So it is important that every woman understands their right to property and it is our responsibility as a Government to make sure people are educated concerning their rights. People should be taught about their rights so that they understand what should happen in the event of a death of a spouse. Sometimes women have a tendency of enjoying marriage without taking into cognisance the fact that death will come.
I also want to talk about welfare which is something that is benefiting those who are in urban areas only. I do not know how it is done in rural areas for the widows who do not benefit from welfare services. For instance, if my mother is a widow and she comes to the urban center, it is a mammoth task for her to travel to get the meager benefits of the social welfare beneficiaries. So it is important that welfare assistance be reviewed and decentralised so that it becomes meaningful to women in rural areas also.
When men lose their wives, they do not suffer the same as women who would have lost their husbands. We have examples of those who lose their rich spouses, but eventually they will lose everything. People will be taking away everything because the remaining spouses are not actively involved in the running affairs of the businesses. So I want to urge women to make sure that they participate in activities where their husbands are investing their time and energy. They must understand everything whether farming of other businesses activities. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. NGWENA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to a motion raised by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo with regards to widows.
Mr. President, women are suffering a lot in the society where we stay because they are losing properties after their spouses pass on. I have witnessed two incidents where a family lost both parents. There used to be a law in the past, I am not sure how it was structured, whereby the young brother inherits the late brother’s wealth or property. So the young brother is the beneficiary according to that law or was supposed to be in charge of the property. The children were left orphaned and with nothing, all the properties were taken by the uncle.
Therefore, our law must work towards the protection of orphans and widows so that they do not end up in abject poverty after losing property to relatives. Sometimes some of the children that we see on the streets is not because they chose to be in the streets, but they would have lost parents. Even some of the early child marriages are because of the desperation of those children. So it is my view that awareness campaigns should be carried out so that they are taught and are empowered with knowledge of what to do in the event of death of a parent. In the past, there was an organisation called WILSA, am not sure if it is still operating and offering such education. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I move for the adjournment of the debate.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of climate change.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to debate about the changes that are happening particularly here in Zimbabwe. The variation of seasons is affecting the poor, mostly those who live in abject poverty. Those who do not have anything at all are facing quite serious difficulties. Why I am saying this is because climate change sometimes affects people who anticipate rains and only receive inadequate rains. Especially in Matabeleland South region where I come from, climate change has brought suffering to people and it is affecting people’s livelihoods, especially the poor. Our livestock is also affected.
Let me take this opportunity, Mr. President, to say I believe those who specialise in studying rainfall patterns, who announced prior that we would be having rainfall shortages, you would find that Government carried on doing its work without responding to such. People were given inputs. They were given fertilizers as usual. This is normally done when there is enough rain but this was done despite prior warning that there will not be enough rainfall. So looking at this, I would say that Government did not take this seriously thinking that this would be like any other year. Government should be a Government which cares and observes that the money which is used to buy fertilizer and inputs was supposed instead to be channeled to buying food for helping people in regions like Region 5 in Matabeleland South.
Matabeleland is as big as Israel. Israel is a country which has no poverty but there is not enough rain because Israel is carrying out water harvesting by building dams and preserving water. So as a nation, I believe that we can learn from other countries because if we would learn from such countries, then areas like Matabeleland would not be facing drought. Government should build dams and irrigation schemes where there would be water harvesting. When the rain comes, that water should be harvested so that it benefits communities. This, I believe if implemented by Government, and I also pray that God should allow our Government to have such thoughts, because this intervention would be quite handy. I believe that people can visit other areas and get food but our livestock is not getting anything because of the drought. So, Government should intervene in such a way that our livestock has water and stock feeds.
Let me also say that I believe as a result of climate change, Government should know that we have a problem. People are suffering. They do not have food especially in rural areas because we do not plan ahead. We grew up in the rural areas and when preparing for rains, our chiefs and traditional leaders would mobilise the communities so that people pick bones, debris and other things in the bushes so that when the rain comes, it comes to a clean environment. These are traditional customs which were done. We need to understand that Zimbabwe is different from other countries. This is a country of kings. This is a country rich in its traditions which should be honoured and we are different from other countries.
Our chiefs should be accorded the respect and authority they deserve so that God would intervene. I want to quote Corinthians which says that when my people live together in love, I will bless their nation and they would leave their bad deeds. So, I will bless them when they are together. I am saying this because of our chiefs. It is important that we introspect as Zimbabweans. We turn back to our culture so that we do not suffer poverty and hunger. We do not want climate change to affect us only but when we pray, we believe that God will intervene because we respect our culture.
Mr. President, I decided to raise this issue. I do not know who is listening. I come from Bulilima. When we were growing up, we knew that there were places where people would go to venerate, to ask for rain and there were sacred places which were not accessible to other people but our chiefs now say that people do not listen to us, our chiefs were empowered. That is why for one to be a chief, this should be coming from the family, from the ancestors but now you find people are complaining of hunger. We are going to different countries begging for food yet we are a rich nation. We have everything underground. Now, because we do not respect our culture, I want to say that our chiefs should engage with kraal heads and headmen so that we go back to our culture. We are a people who are proud of their culture as Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe needs introspection. We were not dying of hunger and poverty but now because of climate change, we have lost respect. Other people do not respect us, they just say these are despised people. With these few words, I thank you.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the most important motion that was brought into this august House by Hon. Sen. Tambudzani Mohadi; so that we can put our thoughts together as to how we can deal with the effects of climate change and mitigate them so that lives may not be lost. It is indeed a very important motion. Climate change itself manifest in the general warming up of the globe, extremities of the weather, it can get too cold or too hot. We can get too much rainfall, we can get very little rainfall, it is a whole mix of things, which makes it a little bit more difficult to deal with. Difficult, as it may be, it remains necessary for the world to come together and try to defeat this difficult phenomenon.
Way back when I was in school, I think together with Eng. Ncube, it used to look like theory that the ozone layer is being chewed up. There is a black hole developing in the ozone layer in Greenland. It really did not matter but 40 years down the line, you begin to see the effects. You begin to see widespread hunger. You begin to see iceberg melting and show lines of the oceans rise. You begin to see the world; the globe’s general average temperature increasing by 1.5℃, which is a lot. The echo system, the way we survive, the relationships on the globe, do not desire that increase of 1.5℃ but what is the genesis of this serious problem. Who is responsible, no blame gaming but we must say the truth? The truth has to be understood as to how this issue arose. It lies squarely in the industrial revolution. The statistics show that since the industrial revolution, Europe, America. America, I think generated, 422 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. That disturbs the balance of the gases in the environment. I think, if my Form Four Science still remains in there, carbon dioxide should be .03% of the total gases in the atmosphere but now it is way out because of the carbon dioxide that is trapped in fossil fuels, in your coal, in the carbohydrates, in your hydro-carbons, it is trapped there. When you use that for energy, it is released as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide has got this bad habit of collecting heat and releasing it out into space and back here. Hence your global warming.
So, who are the guys, China leads, 31% of the problem that we have on greenhouse gases is because directly of China? Europe, 7.3%, America about 11% spewing all these gases into the atmosphere and fallaciously believing that there is something called borders. Borders are a fallacy; they do not exist. This is why the misbehaviour of China is affecting Zimbabwe. This is why the misbehaviour of America is affecting Zimbabwe. This is why the misbehaviour of Brazil affects us. We are all one place, separated by the continental drift, a recent concept where we believe that the globe was one and then tectonic drift happened and we separated. They do not want us to talk about it, yet they are the culprits. They are the reason why cattle are dying of drought in Matabeleland. They are the reason why in Zimbabwe, 2023/2024 season is a very bad season. Now, they come around to us and say we will come in with Loss and Damage Fund; the Climate Change Fund, which we go there and kneel before them and get from them as if it is ‘Father Christmas’. They are responsible and they must be held culpable for this.
As a nation, we all must forget about being nice boys and talk truth to these people who are causing climate change in a big way. I am basically talking about climate change versus international relations. Climate change international relations, you will begin to see our representatives kneeling before culprits, instead of telling them the truth; instead of making sure that China - the Fund has to be distributed equitably, including here in Zimbabwe. If you look at our carbon dioxide contribution in the atmosphere is very minimal. A teaspoon into an ocean. So, for me the elephant in the room is the industrialised nations. We must talk to them. The developed nations, we must talk to them as equals and draw their attention to the fact that the fallacies of boundaries must be completely dealt with and they must take full responsibility for - if you want, process of reparations so that we can regain our stability.
Today, we talk about carbon sinks; carbon credits; very difficult things, the sea for example; the oceans were the best captors of carbon dioxide but because of the solid waste that has been left to spill into the ocean, the capacity of the oceans to absorb this carbon dioxide and reduce the green house effects of carbon dioxide is minimised and reduced. So, there they are, our international relations and climate change are related. This demands a radical view, a radical approach to relate in a way that the responsible nations contribute significantly to reduction of the effects of climate change on us.
I am very pleased with my colleagues who have debated before me, they very well-articulated around issues of mitigation. The building of dams, but this needs funding, the invention of new agricultural methods, the likes of drip irrigation using small quantities of water et cetera. That sort of infrastructure requires funding and we must demand that funding comes equitably from the Climate Change Fund that the world is building.
Without trying to blame anybody, this is my heart’s feeling that we are being short-changed by the people who participated strongly in puncturing the ozone layer and letting temperatures of the globe rise including the temperatures that we are experiencing in Zimbabwe.
Mr. President, I thought I would just add this dimension to this debate and ask our leadership when they go to conferences such as COP 29. COP 29 is coming next year; we need to hear them talk about these issues vehemently. We need to hear them not begging for money from the Climate Fund. We want to hear leadership there talking about equitable obligatory displacement into all the poor nations that are suffering from the industrialisation of the West, East and other places.
Who did this without taking responsibility for the wonders that we are as a globe? Mr. President, thank you for giving me this opportunity and also thank the colleagues for contributing so robustly to this debate and indeed to Hon. Sen. Mohadi for thinking out this most important global issue that touches us. The unification of the people of the world by climate change is similar to the unification of the people of the world by the calamity of the Corona Virus. Together, black, white or whatever colour, we are all banded together by this phenomenon but the responsible person should take responsibility. I thank you so much.
HON. PHULU: Thank you Hon. President, I would like to add my small dimension to this debate. I would like to add a unique dimension to this debate, recognising that it has already been ably debated by a number of Hon. Senators who have debated before me. I recall Hon. Sen. Zindi’s heated and detailed debate on this motion. Hon. Sen. Mohadi’s debate and presentation of this motion. Right now, Hon. Sen. Zvidzai has given a very important angle to the debate. Hon. Sen. Moyo raised issues to do with how our traditional practices may as well enhance our intervention processes in this debate. I could go on; many people have spoken in this debate.
Mr. President, while embracing this opportunity to address the critical issue of climate change policies and their implications on African countries. It is imperative that we examine the proposed lenses through the decoloniality approach and consider the historical context in which these policies are being imposed on nations like Zimbabwe. I think the Hon. Senator who has spoken before me has really touched on this issue. It is a caution; Zimbabwe has actively participated in international negotiations around this issue of climate change as far back as 1992. It was amongst the first few countries to sign and ratify the United Nations Framework, UNF CCC back in 1992. It also acceded to a short of protocol in 2009 and Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy is quoted as saying ‘Africa is bursting with possibilities and a vast endowment of natural resources. The continence of renewable energy potential is 50 times greater than anticipated; the anticipated globally, at least, demand for the year 2040. The continent has over 40% of global reserves of key minerals for batteries, and hydrogen technologies. Africa also has the largest trucks of arable land and the continent is young; 70% of people under 30 years of age.
It is time to tap the riches and aspirations of these people. Here, they were quoting William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya. While we recognise that global change is an issue that requires immediate action from all nations including African countries, we cannot afford to delay or exempt any region for taking responsibility for their environmental impact. We must not take the brand on some of the measures that affect our ability to control our own resources. As everyone is panicking around the world and people are seeking measures, the measures are skewed towards disadvantaging us. Hence, we have some of the adaptation strategies that are being proposed. I support them but is this the best we can do?
You will find that you will spend a whole amount of money at a conference talking about peripheral intervention measures instead of asking who is responsible and what they should do to stop the rot. I agree with the argument that says, we need to gather up more courage and expertise in order to be able to question these big issues at these conferences. An example of some of the disadvantages that come from going to conferences and signing some of these protocols and treaties.
I will take from the field of elephants versus people. In Zimbabwe, we now have signed treaties that mean that we no longer have control on how to deal with our elephants. It eliminates our traditional practices of how to deal with our elephants. Our elephant herd is huge whilst those that have massacred their elephant herds now seek to tell us how to deal with them. So, this is caution. I understand the urgency of addressing climate change but we must not ignore these underlined power dynamics at play.
Western countries, historically, are the biggest polluters, and exploiters of natural resources are now attempting to dictate stringent climate laws to African nations like Zimbabwe. This reeks of neo-colonialism that cannot be allowed to continue. We cannot ignore the fact that Western countries have disproportionately contributed to the current crisis. I will not hum on this, as my friend, had put his foot on it.
As I was saying Hon. President, this issue cannot be divorced from its historical context. We must seek to strike a good balance between the able arguments that we put forward in favour of this motion and the concerns raised by my colleagues who also are throwing out this word of caution. We agreed that African countries including Zimbabwe have a stake in preserving our climate for the future; we cannot absolve from that. These future generations must be protected and we must take pro-active steps to mitigate the environmental impact. The meaning of working together with the international community to achieve meaningful progress towards a sustainable future Madam President, must not mean passing laws that leave us at the mercy of the international agenda to the detriment of our own developmental initiatives.
I agree that the effects of climate change are dire and must be addressed, but we must do so in a way that upholds the principles of justice and equity. African countries must not be saddled with the burden of implementing stringent climate laws designed by western countries especially when those same nations have contributed the most to this crisis. We must advocate for a more balanced approach that takes into account the historical injustices and empowers us as African nations to pursue sustainable development on our own terms.
Additionally, it is crucial for African countries to avoid the trap of relying too heavily on foreign aid and investment that may come with strings attached because we may become excited when we are given some change in the context of the whole issue. That leaves our hands tied behind our back and unable to function and develop our countries. We have heard that the industrial revolution is largely responsible. Does this mean that we should not have our own opportunity and fair chance at developing, at going through this phase of industrial revolution? These are the questions that we may have to answer. Can we successfully skip that phase?
Right now, we rely on raw materials. Our gold goes out unprocessed and our minerals are unprocessed. Even our timber is unprocessed and we need to be able to go through the motions of being able to do that Madam President. I will outline examples of some of these traps like technological solutions that do not consider the social, environmental and economic impacts on local communities and exacerbate existing inequalities. Policies that prioritise economic growth without considering the impact on eco-systems and also our local knowledge and our local traditional institutions. I will not read the whole list and I think I have made my point.
In conclusion, as we anticipate the Climate Change Bill promised by the President in his State of the Nation Address on October, 3, 2023, outlining the Government’s legislative agenda for the 10th Parliament, it is imperative to emphasise the necessity of addressing Climate Action and Sustainable Development holistically and inclusively. The approach should consider the inter-connectedness of social environment and economic systems thereby steering African countries towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all of us.
We recognise the importance of regulating green house gas emissions and combating the effects of climate change, which is really where the interventions started as proposed by Hon. Sen. Mohadi comes in. Again, I emphasise that in this debate we support them wholly but what we say is that they are not enough and what we say is that we must not take them hook, line and sinker if it means tying our hands behind our back.
In a nutshell, I thank you for this debate and hope that all of us will be able to take this motion as we engage on this debate because we know that this Bill is coming and these cautions that we are talking about will come into place. Our delegations are going to COP25 and as they go to that Conference, our delegations again should carry this message of caution and more aggression in terms of questioning the long existing practices of the western nation. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. MLILO: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity. We are debating about climate change which is important. When talking about Bulawayo, climate change has caused a situation where there is water rationing which is allocated to different households. As I speak, there are some areas which do not have water. It takes two weeks or so for some people to have water which is a health risk. Climate change should be taken seriously because we do not know when the rains will come. Every place is dry and there is no water.
So, I implore the Government to take note that water is a basic necessity and when someone does not have water, their life becomes very difficult particularly in Bulawayo where people are facing water shortages because of climate change and people are struggling to access water. They spend days without water and they go to boreholes to fetch water and the water is salty sometimes. At times it is water which can be used for toilets and sanitation. Drinking water is not accessible. So, Government should prioritise that. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE
NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
ROAD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Twelfth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the successive road accidents on consecutive days which claimed scores of lives in the month of November, 2023 countrywide.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. PHUTI: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMMES TO CURB DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY THE YOUTHS
Thirteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on drug and substance abuse by the youths.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. MOHADI, the Senate adjourned at Twenty-Four Minutes to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 2nd April, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
NON-ADVERSE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY LEGAL COMMITTEE
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that I have received Non-Adverse Reports from the Parliamentary Legal Committee on the following Bills:
- Administration of the Estates Amendment Bill H.B. 3 of 2024.
- Criminal Laws Amendment Bill H.B. 4 of 2024.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Good afternoon everyone. Thank you very much Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity …..
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, you address your colleagues as Hon. Members and not everyone.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker for the correction. Good afternoon Hon. Members and thank you very much Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to rise on a point of national interest with regards the treatment of USAID workers by the state agencies of Zimbabwe in February. Workers of the ….
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Can I get the first part? I did not get it.
HON. MUROMBEDZI: I am rising on a point of national interest with regards the treatment of workers of the USAID agencies in Zimbabwe by - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: By who?
HON. MUROMBEDZI: By law enforcement agencies Hon. Speaker - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Switch off your microphone - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - [HON. TAFANANA ZHOU: Idzo nyaya dzako dzekutumwa idzi] - Order Hon.
Zhou.
The point of national interest you are raising is out of place because - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- Listen, listen - because there is an issue of that nature, the American Embassy knows where to go to lodge its complaints. It cannot therefore be a matter of national interest.
HON. G. K. HLATYWAYO: I rise on a point of national interest. On Sunday, the 24th of March 2024, Senegal held presidential elections which were won by a 44 year old opposition candidate - President elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He has shuttered a glass ceiling by becoming one of the youngest persons in Africa. Even more fundamentally, Africa is witnessing a smooth transfer of power where the incumbent President Macky Sall has congratulated the winning candidate….
THE HON SPEAKER: Order, order, order! - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - Order! National interest and not continental interest - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - You address yourself on an issue of national interest in Zimbabwe - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
HON. G. HLATYWAYO: Mr. Speaker Sir - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: You do not speak after the Chair’s ruling. If I can assist you, if you wanted to debate some election somewhere, whether there is a lesson being learnt by Zimbabwe and other African countries, you can bring it through another channel.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 9 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 10 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LEGISLATION DEFICIENCIES IN THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK IN TERMS OF THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION CORPORATION ACT
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the protection of investors’ deposits in banks and other financial institutions.
Question again proposed.
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Hon Speaker Sir. I rise to debate and support the motion by Hon. Jere on the proposed amendment to the Depositors Protection Act (DPA), in as far as it protects the savings of depositors in the event of liquidation or closure of any bank. The DPA is relevant because it is a scheme that is established by Government and the regulator, in this case the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), to promote trust in our banking system. The DPA also provides depositors protection in the event of a bank being closed or liquidated. This is critical for the well-functioning of our economy as it ensures that in the event of the closure of a bank, the depositors know very well that they will be compensated. The existence of such a law is important in as far as it promotes financial inclusion and bank use. However, we have gaps in the current DPA. The current DPA does not protect small savers, but gives priority to statutory depositors. We have noticed over the years that quite a number of financial institutions have been closed or liquidated and the cost of liquidation was borne by depositors. It is very critical for us as Parliament because the well-functioning of our economy is dependent on a financial system that is operational. Once depositors have lost confidence in the operations of the financial system, it will affect the ease of doing business, the saving culture of a country and even the use of our banking system.
I may want to give reference to what happened when S.I. 133 of 2019 was promulgated. We have seen a number of institutions that were liquidated because their liabilities were greater than their assets. However, because of S.I. 133 and the long process that it takes for the depositors Protection Corporation and the RBZ to conclude the compensation process, what is obtaining on the ground now is a situation where institutions that had liabilities that were greater than assets now have assets that are greater than liabilities. When it comes to compensation, they just need a small asset such as a Toyota Vitz to compensate all the depositors and they will be left with all the residue. This is not protecting the depositors. Therefore, as this august House, we should look at the DPA and see if it is in sync with the Consumer Protection Act and our National Policy of Financial Inclusion (2022-2026).
Having looked at the DPA and what is obtaining on the ground now, we have seen that the new Insolvency Act does not cover the liquidation of banks. Already it shows that there is a gap there. In the event of the closure of a bank, the small depositors can only be protected through Presidential Powers. This is because we do not have the banks covered under the new Insolvency Act. So I am saying we need to close that gap. I am also proposing that going forward, the new law should bar directors, shareholders of failed banks from benefitting from their wrong doing. What is happening now is that those who presided over failed banks now need a Toyota Vitz to compensate all the depositors and the residual assets are then given to the shareholders. I think there is need for us as this august House, to ensure that the depositors are protected. The law should also bar such directors from taking public office and I am proposing again that as we amend the new DPA, there is need for us as an august House to ensure that those who presided over failed banks should not be allowed to reopen banks.
Hon. Speaker, I therefore support the motion by Hon. Jere to amend the DPA as it protects all depositors. This is very critical because the amendment of the DPA should engender the rights of consumers. It should also engender confidence in the banking sector. The confidence in our banking sector is at its all-time low. In order for this country to move forward, we need to have trust and confidence in our banking sector. There is also need to ensure that we promote the policy of financial inclusion and as things stand now, literally all of us are afraid of making use of our own banks. Why? Because banks have deviated from their traditional role of financial intermediation and they just make money from non-interest income. This is militating against the Government National Financial Inclusion Policy which was enunciated and running from 2022 to 2026. If we do not have confidence in our banking system, this is going to move against a culture of saving and it will affect investment and last but not least, a banking system that is working, a banking system where we have got confidence that promotes the ease of doing business. I am saying the motion by Hon. Jere deserves our support and I so move to support the motion. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I was not aware that you were the seconder. I was surprised why a motion was not seconded immediately. In future, you do not adjourn debate before the motion has been seconded. It must be seconded immediately and then we adjourn debate on the motion accordingly.
HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to add my voice in support to the motion that was brought by Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Chiduwa. Mr. Speaker Sir, the banking sector plays an integral position within our economy. There is no economy that functions unless there is confidence in the banking sector. It is crucial Mr. Speaker Sir, to understand our history, where we are and where we have come from. It is on record that we have had a history in the recent past where we have seen a number of banks being closed by the Central Bank. We have had banks like Trust Bank, Time Bank, Barbican, Kingdom and ZABG amongst the banks that the Central Bank did close.
The challenge Mr. Speaker then comes in respect to the people that had put their trust in a bank. Generally, the perception is that when you put your money in the bank, it is safer than putting your money under your pillow or your bed in your house. It is because you believe that the bankers who are in charge of your money have got the capacity, not only to look after the money but to make sure that the money grows. Many of us that grew some years back will recall that having a POSB Book or a Beverly Book was something to be proud of. Our parents used to make sure that they had their savings accounts that they could update and make sure that interest was being earned.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker Sir, we have had a challenge and I want to acknowledge that we, as a country, understanding that our banks were failing, we then came up with the Depositor Protection Act. Unfortunately, as Hon. Jere noted, inasmuch as it was supposed to be a progressive law which was supposed to tackle and assist the vulnerable that had their money lost by the banks, the legislation, as it currently stands, does not have the capacity to assist many of our people. The end result Mr. Speaker Sir, is that we have had a situation and we currently have a situation where the majority of our people, instead of having banks where we deposit our money, we are now using banks as repository institutions where when our money is put in there, we quickly go to the bank and withdraw our money. We are no longer having a situation where if you get money, you take it to the bank and deposit.
This is primarily because our trust and confidence in the banking sector has been damaged so significantly. Why was it shaken Mr. Speaker Sir? It is primarily because the small investor that had put his or her money, the pensioner that had put his or her money in the bank ended up losing. I know in my constituency, whereby people who received their pension and had trusted these banks are now living in abject poverty, yet they have spent quite a number of their years whilst contributing to their pension fund.
The end result Mr. Speaker Sir, is that we need to at least make sure that we come up with a mechanism of restoring confidence within the banking sector. Where do we start? We start from making sure that the Depositors Protection Act is amended in a manner that makes sure that the people that have invested or deposited their money are compensated. There is the worst problem that we have Mr. Speaker. Do you know, like what Hon. Chiduwa was talking about, if you do an analysis of all the shareholders of the banks that were closed, if you look at them, they are now 200 times richer than they were. They have simply taken advantage of our economy. They have taken advantage of the movement of our currency. Where the currency was depreciating, they have made sure that – when we came to 2019, they took advantage and were now in a position where they can easily pay off a debt which they were failing to pay.
I will give a good example. Somebody that had USD10 thousand deposited into a bank, the bank could not then return that money but after we came up with the SI 133 of 2019, they now had to pay back as RTGS10 thousand. If you look at it, if a bank had bought an asset, let us say they had invested in a real estate, that investment is actually making more money and the shareholders have become so rich while our depositors have become poorer. If our law was progressive enough, we should have had a process where we could then follow those banks’ investments, those shareholders to see what happened to the money that they had. I think it is unfair to have a situation where somebody who had deposited his or her money does not have their money but the person who was supposed to look after the money ends up with huge estates across the country. I think it does not make sense.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker Sir, there is also an issue which I believe is fundamental. You cannot have a situation where somebody fails to run a bank or somebody was within the management of a failed bank, another bank is formed and you find that person nicodemously happening to be within the top executive of that bank or you find that person being a shareholder in a State entity. We cannot have such a situation. We need to make sure Mr. Speaker Sir, that we stop people like those because in my view, they are economic predators. They are going after our poor and we cannot entrust them to continue managing.
Lastly Mr. Speaker Sir, the challenge that we also then face, one of the major challenges that Hon. Chiduwa raised and which is fundamental, is for some of us who spend our time in the banking sector, we knew that when you deposit your money, you are paid interest. We knew that a bank would make more money by lending the money to debtors so that the bank gains interest. At that time, we knew that transactional costs, the bank charges cost less than 10% of a bank’s revenue, but what has happened over the years, bank revenue has actually gone to almost close to 50% of bank income. That is a misnomer. Once you have a situation like that where banks rely on bank charges, it tells you that you are going into deeper territories.
I am hoping Mr. Speaker Sir, and I urge this august House that in supporting Hon. Jere, we also need to take advantage of the coming in of the new Governor. We want to make sure that at least we come up with a proper monitoring trajectory that can help the economy to grow. The only way we can do that is to make sure that we have confidence in our banking sector. Once we have confidence in our banking sector, you actually find that other sectors of the economy all start to move in tandem with that. It is imperative that as Hon. Members, let us support this motion that was moved by Hon. Jere, supported by Hon. Chiduwa so that our economy can start performing well. We cannot have a situation where we do merry-go-round; we have a crisis today, another crisis tomorrow. We need to make sure that at least we come again and start to have a new developmental and growth trajectory that can take this country forward. I thank you.
HON. C. MOYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir and good afternoon. I rise to support the motion that was brought by Hon. Jere. This motion is coming in at the right time while we await the monetary policy statement that was promised by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. It is really a pointer Mr. Speaker, that we avoid having those shocks in our economy. This will enable us to respond to macro-economic in stability as it is espoused in our National Development Strategy 1.
Hon. Speaker, I think almost everyone here is a depositor, hence the need to be protected. Besides us here in this House, there are many millions out there who must be protected by amending this Deposit Protection Act. I had an account with Time Bank as an individual as well as a corporate one and they were all closed. I got zero out of that. I had also an account with Kingdom Bank, that was a corporate one and Kingdom Bank was closed and I benefited nothing. As the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is crafting those raft measures that was promised by our President, they must make sure we address all this. I look at the banking sector, Hon. Speaker as an ecosystem. The depositor being the most important one because he or she goes to the discount house, he or she goes to the bank. Let me say it is not the failure by the Directors only. Therefore, we need to make sure that we correct our macro-economic instability by bringing a strong monetary policy statement which is very clear.
There are many banks that were closed Hon. Speaker. There are millions of people who were affected. Surely this is an important motion to say let us amend the Deposit Protection Act and then help millions outside. I have written down the banks Hon. Speaker and I will exclude the Kingdom Bank and the Time Bank because Hon. Mushoriwa touched on that. There is also Barbican Bank, CFX Bank, Trust Bank, Genesis Investment Bank, Capital Bank, Interfin Bank, and Sagit Discount House. All this information is available on google. How many people were affected Hon. Speaker? Surely, there is need for us to amend the Deposit Protection Act. I am buttressing to say millions of people were affected. Indeed, we need to address or to respond to the proposal or recommendations that were proposed by Hon. Jere.
We really need to come up with a monetary policy statement which is very clear and that will allow us to be protected. Hon. Speaker, there was slashing of zeroes. Surely, banks will be affected along the line, there is also the 1:1 and I think Members of Parliament were saying is this feasible? That is affected the banks. We need to address the issues that affect the banks themselves and obviously amend the Deposit or Protection Act. In that regard Hon. Speaker, we said 1:1 and later on along the way, we moved to interbank rate. Obviously as an investor, you will be very worried then to say my money was USD10 million, and later because of the interbank rate, it is now ZWL5 million. Obviously, that will affect the same bank and the bank will then fail to compensate the depositors. I 100% support this motion. In supporting the motion, I am saying let us make sure that we respond to macro-economic instability by having a responsive monetary policy statement that will bring stability rather than the instability currently prevailing in our country. Obviously, we need to protect the depositors by quickly amending the Deposit Protection Act. I submit. Thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I just want to add a few words to this motion which was raised by Hon. Jere. It is a very sad thing when you look at the situation of our banks. For example, for people who have worked for 60 years, that is where their whole life is. Suddenly the bank closes down and the children cannot go to school and the parents cannot work anymore. Looking at education and health, we think that people running those banks should be charged with murder because they are gambling with the lives of people. So, I am thinking that the Ministry of Finance should look at people whom they give licences to operate banks to see whether they are genuine people. In Zimbabwe, we have one million pensioners. Imagine if they just wake up one morning to find that the bank has closed and they cannot get their money. So, those people should be sentenced to life in jail. Our country needs stringent laws so that everything goes on smoothly because if we do not do that, people will lose out to these thieves.
Nowadays, there is an increase in the number of robbery cases because people are keeping hard cash in their homes. If our banks were operating well, all companies and people would deposit their money in banks and we would not have robbery cases. I think we should have a law that restricts banks that if I bank my money today in US$, I should be able to withdraw it in US$. But if I bank now, it devalues and I think we should put a law that people have invested their lives for 60 years and when they want to withdraw their money, they should be able to get it. Why is the money being converted to RTGS? They should get the same currency value that they deposited it in. Why is it that banks of today do not give interest? What law is there that the banks are above the Minister of Finance such that they cannot give interest to depositors? They are ripping the public off.
Banks have more powers than the Minister of Finance because they are not putting any interest but rather, they are taking money. The banks should go back to their core business of loaning and keeping deposits. There is no country that progresses if people are keeping their money at home. If we have confidence in our banks, it means that people will bank their money. If you go to the bank now, even if you have an account with that bank, they will tell you that they cannot give you a loan but rather, they just take your deposit.
Yes, we need banks in our country but we should not put bankers who are gambling with people’s lives. As representatives of the people, we should unite for the good of our people. Some have died and others could not educate their children because they were keeping their money in banks. We used to have kid-banks where we would deposit money for our children but you find that those books are no longer working. They are just like an expired passport. I thank you.
HON. MANDIWANZIRA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me the opportunity to stand before the House in support of the motion by Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Chiduwa. Hon. Members here have all spoken in support of the proposed amendments to the Depositors Act. I also stand here to support the motion. When we talk about depositors, we are not just talking about individuals. When we talk about depositors, we are talking about everybody who makes use of banking services. That includes individuals, corporates, burial societies or whatever form of institutions or persons that utilise the services of banking institutions. Therefore, I do not see anyone who would be opposed to more protection of the depositor’s funds in the event of bank failure.
What made me really want to contribute is to tone down some of the expectations from what I heard from some of the Hon. Members that relate to how failed banks or failed bank executives must be treated. We ought to understand how we get failed banking institutions. Sometimes it is not the responsibility of bank executives in one particular bank. There is what happens in the banking sector that they call a contagion effect. A contagion effect is when one bank fails; because they are all interconnected; it causes the collapse of other banks within the system. In most cases, that failure cannot be attributed to the management of those particular banks that have failed as a result of the contagion effect. You could attribute that to the environment, lack of supervision by the regulator, in this particular case, the Central Bank. So to propose some suggestion that I have heard in the House that anyone who has been working for a financial institution or bank that has failed must not then be given any other opportunity in life to start another bank, would be extreme to have a law to that effect because what it means is that we are not allowing people to try. Anyone who has been in business understands that failure is an important aspect of business. You must fail in order to succeed. Therefore, we must not have a law that makes our people afraid to even get into business.
In my view, we must encourage investment but at the same time put measures that safeguard the depositor’s funds and that individual cases must be looked at in their individuality, and not have a blanket law and say that if you are part of a failed bank, you are never allowed to be anywhere near starting another bank or financial institution. I thought that is important to put on the table because while we are all passionate about the importance of protecting the depositors, we all must be passionate about allowing people a second chance. Even those that go to jail when they become rehabilitated, they are given another chance in life. Similarly, I think it should apply to those who are bold enough to create employment and start financial institutions.
The second point I needed to make with regards to proposed amendments is that we must also understand the state at which we are as a country and particularly the state of our financial services sector. We are coming from a very difficult period where we have suffered the most extreme actions against our country, where international financial institutions have been penalised for doing business with Zimbabwe or Zimbabwean institutions. We have had international banks leave this country because they have been fined internationally for doing business in Zimbabwe. We must make sure that as we amend the law or make proposals, we are also doing so in a manner that does not keep outside the financial institutions that we must now invite to set up in Zimbabwe because we do need more international banks so that we play our part in global trade.
That may mean to have Chinese, American and more South African banks being set up here just as we must have Zimbabwean Banks like FBC or the Metropolitan Bank also set up in South Africa, China and other places of the world. So our laws in my view, must also take into account, as our President is saying ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’, we do not make amendments that threaten the viability or interest to come and invest in that business. I thank you.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Allow me to add my views on this important subject, the issue of protecting depositors. A bank institution including building societies are places where savers and borrowers meet, those who want to borrow money and those who want to save. At the end of the day, that institution must benefit, mutually, both sides. However, history has shown us that the depositors were on the receiving end in case of a bank failure or challenges.
In this regard, let me quickly indicate that I am going to support the motion raised by Hon. Jere, which was also seconded by Hon. Chiduwa, to make some vital amendments that will make sure that the banking sector protects the depositors in case of liquidation or insolvency. Let me bring things into perspective. The reason why banks fail in most cases is failure by the bank management to predict, control or manage the risks that are associated with the banking institution. There are many risks; political, credit risk exposure, systemic risk and many others.
The other reason why banks fail is corporate governance malpractice. This is where I want to focus on Mr. Speaker. We have witnessed a situation whereby banks deliberately do buy properties which are not viable and then they fail because they are using the depositors’ funds to make investments, probably in housing or any other investment, and those investments practically become unviable and those banks fail. Who can we honestly blame under the circumstances? The onus of the problem lies with the bank management itself, and those who preside over the failure of banks as a result of poor corporate governance must face justice.
We have also witnessed banking executives extending loans to their friends and companions without proper credit risk exposure analysis and after some few years, we are told the loans have now failed. We cannot have such kind of non-performing loans that are because of poor credit risk exposure management. In light of that Mr. Speaker, I wish that the Deposit Protection Act be amended to proffer stiffer penalties in such circumstances.
Let me finish my debate because other points have been said by colleagues who spoke earlier. You will also realise that the failure of banks is as a result of the external environment in which those banks operate. Let me give an example, today the RBZ wakes up and says the interests on all deposits or borrowings is now 200%. Those banks have no option except to get interest from bank charges. We should also get into their shoes to understand what is really happening. So I also implore that as we amend this DPA, let us also be wary of how we are going to deal with the environment upon which these banks operate so that we do not actually push the blame to the far end without also looking at ourselves.
Finally, Section 5 of the Deposit Protection Act says ‘the contributory institutions which are banks and building societies which contribute in the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC)’, after contribution, the DPC is supposed to pay deposits in case of bank failure. It is also specified in Section 35 of the same Act. So I may want clarity on this one as to how far does the DPC go in trying to pay depositors in case of bank failure. So I would like those who are going to debate to also shed more light on this so that we move on the same page and see how far they go to enable us to see how far we can amend the Act.
*HON. GANYIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker for affording me this opportunity to add my voice on this issue which was brought by Hon. Jere seconded by Hon. Chiduwa. I rise representing the majority of Zimbabweans who do not understand the terminology that we might use in this House concerning the laws that protect the bankers. When banks approach the people of Zimbabwe inviting them to do business with them, they do not talk about what happens in the case of them failing as a bank to say there are laws that protect the depositors. If they disclose that information, no one would bank their money. So with that, let us narrow down our debate on the issue of the Depositors’ Protect Act so that we make it protect the majority of Zimbabweans.
Mr. Speaker, if one hears that they no longer have money despite being very healthy today, tomorrow we would find them on the other side because it is a serious matter. I can give an example; my grandmother fell sick. We know old people suffer from dementia and at times, she would talk about her departed husband who passed on 10 years ago, but the thing that she would not forget was about her money which she had deposited in the bank. She would not forget that. She wanted to eat well, but would assume I did not want to use my money on her. She would insist that I go and withdraw her money from the bank. She talked about it until her death. I strongly believe that the other thing that contributed to her illness which led to her death is because of her money. We cannot separate the issue of money from the growing of a company and the leaders of that company. We cannot also separate the downfall of that company with its directors. This means that the previous speaker, Hon. Nyabani who debated passionately on that issue was saying the truth. There is no murder that surpasses that. It is possible that you can make money disappear. I looked at it that a child who goes to school for seven years and at seven years, he is a person who is able to say that they have a future and they finish college or university at 25 years. They then work and bank money. After 65 years, they are supposed to retire and enjoy their retirement, but they go there without any retirement package. We then hide behind corporate governance. We cannot support that.
We should not beat about the bush with this law. We should amend it accordingly to say if you misappropriate funds, you should face the consequences. You should not hide behind laws. We should remove all those laws. We should state that we need the total sum that a person banked. This will instill confidence in our banks. Having a bank is a sign that you are investing money and growing it. It is also a sign that you are going to invest our money in infrastructure – you get revenue so that my money grows. Banks loan out our money; if they invest it, they should make sure that it keeps the value of our money.
In conclusion, the directors of these banks misappropriated customers’ funds. We meet some of them in restaurants and they are very healthy. They have swipe cards and they get money on ATMs outside the country. Nothing has changed with them. I saw the other one on podcast, he was asked where the bankers’ money was and he said that one you can go and check with the Reserve Bank at the Deposit Protection Unit and they will tell you that I do not have any loan. Those people would have sold their hearts and souls. They are sitting pretty in expensive houses. They have houses outside the country and they are hiding these. Some of them have investments which are giving them money. This issue is a sorry issue. I do not think there is anyone who can stand up and support these people who would have misappropriated people’s funds. This is a serious matter.
Let me conclude by saying that after leaving this place going to the Westgate round-about, there are buildings there. These have a history of being built by funds from people’s life insurance policies. These are public buildings but they are in the hands of private people. You find that year after year, those buildings cannot attract any tenants. They are renting and putting money in the hands of those companies. Which means that if my father and grandfather worked putting money in that company, it means that their money is just being wasted but they do not change their way of living and this is very sad. If people like this misappropriate our funds, they should be incarcerated and come out after they have brought our money
*HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to add my voice on this motion which was raised by Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Chiduwa. This issue is a sorry state. We can ask every one of us, they have bank books that belong to their grandmothers who are deceased and you cannot even tell where the money went to. Some of our relatives died because they were told that their money is worthless now or has been taken as withholding interest to the extent that there is no balance in the account hence one is listed in the black book and will not be able to open an account with another bank.
This issue is painful to us. I think there should be a law that all those who open banks should not take loans from their banks. They should go to other banks where they can borrow money from. They do not look for collateral when they take our money. I think there should be a separation between the owners of the bank and the bankers so that the directors will be owners of those banks personalising those banks because the directors of those bankers live in very expensive houses yet the bankers are living in poverty. We have our grandmothers who died because they could not get their money from the banks since it was deemed worthless. This is really troubling us.
As women, we are being troubled because we cannot bank our money, we are afraid. Our husbands know that we are keeping money at home and they want the money. We are being beaten because we keep the money to ourselves. They know that we are not taking our money to the bank hence our husbands end up taking it. We do not know where to keep our money because we do not have safe places to keep it. We are not banking our money, but we are keeping monies at home. We heard that one of our congregants was approached by robbers and was tortured so she could divulge where she keeps her money. She was brave enough to say she did not have any money until the robbers left her alone.
Most of the people with disabilities are vendors and it is a fact that those who are vending are the ones who have money these days, but they also do not bank their money for fear of losing it. So they take it home and are robbed on their way home. If it was possible to do things in retrospect, those who misappropriated funds, including those who have departed should compensate those funds. How can someone stand up and talk about money issues authoritatively when your bank collapsed? In Goromonzi West where I come from, in Domboshava vanhu vane mang’a from tilling the gardens. They then sell their produce and bank their money only to lose it to someone who has an expensive house and they are rich at the expense of the poor whose funds they would have misappropriated. If you scrutinise them, they neither have a business nor employ anyone but they are filthy rich. They do not pay taxes, but they have money earned from misappropriating other people’s funds, especially the elderly people who broke their backs trying to save money for their well-being and retirement. I was about to express the same sentiments on this issue when Hon. Nyabani was talking because I know it happened in my constituency because people’s money was misappropriated. Mr. Speaker, can we have a country where people are afraid to take their money to the banks. Even the investors that we want are afraid because if the residents are afraid of the risk of taking their money to the bank, do you think they will be ready to risk their money? I think this issue must be taken seriously. Our prisons should be full of wealthy people instead of those who lost out. I think if these wealthy people are jailed, they will reform and probably they will lead banks that will live to be an ongoing entity.
Looking at Gender-Based Violence, it will not end if things are like this. Most times we look at women being beaten by their husbands and children, we are blaming it on drugs. Maybe they will not be drugs, but stress from loss of their money. The father and the son would both come demanding money from the mother who is a vendor. Literally, speaking, many diseases have come about because of stress. Some people have developed high blood pressure, diabetes, mental problems and all because of stress. People have a lot of fears and worries.
In conclusion, I think the people we call termites are those people who misappropriated people’s funds. I think they should be jailed. We know where some of them stay and we can identify them so that they can be arrested. The judicial system should not have mercy on those who misappropriated people’s funds. We do not want you to forgive them and find them roaming around the streets. I thank you.
*HON. KARENYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me also add my voice to the debate and how this law that is going to be enacted helps as we retrospect on what transpired. The previous events alert us on how to solve current issues. If we are able to come up with a law that will eradicate what transpired, it will make Zimbabwe a better country that will attract investors who will be sure that if they come to invest in Zimbabwe, they will get something in return and can get interest from their money. If we reconsider what transpired in the past years, we notice there are many graves which were caused by misappropriation of people’s monies by banks. Some monies were withdrawn from the banks and people did not redeposit the money for fear that the money would be eroded. Mr. Speaker, have you seen the queues at World Remit, Mukuru and other platforms where people receive money from outside the country? These funds are not being deposited in the banks but kept in houses. Parents may receive $100 from their children and do not deposit it. They keep the money at home and sometimes their children or grandchildren involved in drugs steal the money and use it for drugs. We implore this august House to put in place a law that resolves around the issue of depositors’ savings. When I was talking to Hon. Kademaunga, we recalled that Founders Bank had a Kid-bank Programme where you could start savings for your child whilst they were still as young as two to three months to cater for their education. People opened such accounts and used to save money. This saving was premised to ensure the child would be taken care of in the absence of the parents, but with the erosion of money, everyone lost the funds saved in those accounts and nothing was recovered. I suggest that we have a law that protects funds deposited by individuals for their children or their well-being. We should also look at schools because in the past, all schools used to deposit school fees received from parents, but currently schools do not deposit money in banks for fear of the money being eroded. This means that the same problem which is affecting schools is the same problem which is affecting the parents. Mr. Speaker Sir, I was also looking back, previously when you deposited money in the bank, that money attracted interest. Right now, we also have another account in Zimbabwe which we call Nostro. As an individual, last year, I left USD50 in my Nostro account and heard the bank calling me to come and check my account because they were going to close it. When I asked why they were going to close my account because I had not withdrawn any money, they said the money was eroded by bank charges. Hence this law needs to be looked at and amended so that everyone can have the confidence to deposit their money, knowing that it is going to attract an interest from the bank.
If we amend the law, we are going to reduce the cases of robbery in the country because people will be keeping their money in banks instead of their houses. Even if a person is working in the bank like what Hon. Nyamupinga said, they know if the bank is going to be closed, they will go to jail. It means that the issue of the money being eroded and the stealing of people’s money is going to stop. If you remember very well Mr. Speaker Sir, there was a bank which was called Capital Bank where money was being deposited and attracting interest every month. Most women were divorced by their husbands because men knew that the money was attracting interest, and then all of a sudden, the bank closed. People were not reimbursed their money.
Right now, the owners of that bank, like what the other Hon. Members have said, are walking scot-free. They were not arrested. It means that they are going to be involved in other pyramid schemes which makes people deposit their monies but at the end of the day, they do not benefit anything. Hence, we are saying, Mr. Speaker Sir, let us enact a law that protects everyone. Let me conclude by saying, that the elderly think if they have invested their monies so that if they get to 65 years of age, they will get their money as a pension. Some of the people are not formally employed but all their monies are being eroded without anyone being arrested. Hence, our plea, Mr. Speaker Sir, as an august House, is for the law to be enacted to make sure that people’s money is protected. Even those who have a lot of money, can deposit it and ensure that it is well protected.
*HON. ZEMURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for awarding me this opportunity to add my voice to the motion raised by Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Chiduwa. I think that the issue of the delaying of enactment of this law is the main cause. If this law was enacted long back, Zimbabwe was going to be a prosperous country. I have heard many people talking badly about the Chinese, saying that they are coming here to extract minerals and send money to their countries. The problem is we did not come up with proper laws that protect the depositors’ money. Therefore, the Chinese saw that they could not deposit their money because there were no proper systems to protect their money.
When we go to the big shops like Mohamed Mussa, people buy very big assets and properties such as televisions and beds but we do not know where Mussa is depositing their money. We only heard that they do not bank their money in the country. They bank it outside the country. That is why we are encouraging that we must have the Depositors Protection Act which protects the depositors and encourages even those who come as investors in the country and as a country, we will have enough money.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we used to grow farm produce such as maize and groundnuts and the GMB said our money was going to be deposited into banks. As an individual, I also slept at the bank, the CBZ waiting for my money. We would spend most of the days at the banks and receive nothing. Sometimes you would receive your money in bits and pieces but most of the money was eroded. Right now, we are informed that we must come up with a law that protects us as depositors.
Mr. Speaker Sir, other people are getting rich through other people’s hard work. There is a Shona saying, which says that Kakara kununa kudya kamwe. If this Act is amended, this will ensure that all the monies will be deposited into banks because there will be a law that protects depositors’ money. The Government must look into that issue to make sure that we have more money in the banks as a country. Like what other Members have already alluded to, many people are collecting money from World Remit but they are not banking it into banks because they do not have trust in the banks. They do not trust the system. Hence banks must work to revive the trust with the people so that people can go and deposit their money. In a household, there must be a house where food is being kept. Right now, if you go to the bank to withdraw money, you will not get the money at once. I end up going to sleep at my daughter’s house.
Banks now have a culture that you deposit your money at the bank but when it comes to withdrawal, you will find out there is no money. Like what others have already alluded to, some of those people who are bank owners are now operating sabotaging the country. If we want the country to prosper, we must work on making sure that we protect depositor’s money. Right now, if you sell your farm produce like maize or tobacco, you are not given hard cash but the money is deposited into the banks and access to that money or withdrawal of the money is a challenge. I implore that this Act must be amended and those who are benefitting from other people’s hard-earned money must face the full wrath of the Law.
In Murewa, we used to have a lot of banks like Beverly, CBZ Intermarket, and others but right now, only CBZ and the other banks are there. Some of the banks have since closed. This is caused by the fact that there is no proper law to protect depositors’ money. Banks come and collect people’s money and if they feel that they are satisfied, they leave. I strongly support this Act to be amended Mr. Speaker Sir so that people are saved from robberies because they will be keeping their money in banks. People will start to have confidence in banks and keep their money in these banks. Thank you.
HON. MUDEKUNYE: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to add my views to the motion moved by Hon. Jere. I have heard the expressions of others. Most of the previous speakers surely are hurt by what is obtaining in the financial sector. I was waiting for one of the Hon. Members to only say if these bankers are so bad, why can we not just do away with the banks? The point is we cannot do without banks. Banking is a vehicle and intangible service that we need to understand. We need to understand how it works. Among the main functions of banks is the channel of payment and intermediary financial intermediator in the sense that they get money from those that have access to money and give money. Banks are the blood of the economy for any capitalist or any modern economy and banks are the blood of modern economies. In addition, money itself is the oxygen of banks. When we look at it closely, we see that the oxygen of banks has been contaminated. Banks are built out of money; among the many functions of money is the store of value and the time value of money.
Mr. Speaker, our money is not a store of value anymore. You will not be surprised why sanctions were targeted at the financial system. It is the best and most effective way to destroy an economy. You may recall that in 2008, there was a banking crisis in America that affected the whole world. The entire economy was disrupted because banks were not functioning well. If you want to destroy any economy, you need to distabilise their financial system. You may also recall that prices for commodities, oil, real estate and everything collapsed because there was a financial crisis in America.
Also, the other myth is banks do not have money, banks get money from depositors and they use the same money to lend to the productive sector, the providers of services and goods. When banks get money, they need to invest, investing primarily is lending. However, the economic environment due to sanctions does not allow the same lending to occur in the normal way than what happens in other economies. For example, if a bank has money, it is either they have to lend it to a productive company or to a speculator. A speculator is someone that borrows Zimbabwean dollars today, he buys a house for USD100 000 at today’s rate using borrowed money. If you keep the house for one year, the rate would have moved such that the equivalence of the borrowed house for USD100 000 could be USD20 000. You only have to payback the loan using USD20 000. In technical terms, it is called inflationary financing. If you allow inflationary financing, you are actually allowing promoting the rising of the rate. That is why you see the Reserve Bank sometimes trying to declare, for example, that the interest rates should be 20% and above. They are trying to manage inflationary rate financing which is the only instrument that is viable in an inflationary environment like ours.
Hon. Speaker, if you charge 50% to a productive company, they may not afford to pay back, but if you charge 50% to someone who is buying a house that you can actually see that if things go down, you will be able to sell the house and the bank recovers its money, it makes sense. Remember, I said that banks do not own the money, the money is from depositors. In short, bankers are actually doing a miracle to keep banks open in this environment. Ordinarily, where they should get money from is lending and lending does not work well where the oxygen of lending which is money, the time value of money has been affected.
Yes, we were talking about deposit protection, that is the last line of defend. In Cholera terms, we are talking about building more toilets without addressing the infections that are going around. We need macro-economic stability to manage banks. Banks like I said, are an intangible service that solve fragile economies that all over the world, it is agreed that banks should be assisted by the Reserve Bank. Banks thrive on a stable macro-economic environment which we do not have. We do not have that because of sanctions.
Hon. Speaker, you might also want to know that the intermediary function of banks is when you are paying US dollars from Zimbabwe to China, you are not sending money from Zimbabwe to China, you are actually sending money from one American Bank to the next American Bank. We might all be aware that the attitude of America towards us, sanctions and so forth, banks are operating in a very difficult environment which is next to impossible. How are they surviving? They are surviving on bank charges and they are looking around for money which is so difficult. That is why if you send your money to the bank today, if you deposit your local Zimbabwean dollar at the bank, would it still be a dollar in December? It will not be because we have high inflation, we have an unstable macro-economic environment. We need local innovative solutions to fight the sanctions war.
I am happy that we now have a new Reserve Bank Governor. We hope to invite him to Parliament, to one of our Committees to explain what innovative local solution he has to manage the exchange rate, otherwise we will keep going in cycles. Banks do not work in highly inflationary environment. It is as simple as that. Yes, maybe banks have gone overboard here and there, but they may be isolated instances like Hon. Mandiwanzira said. There is what we call contagion risk and also the macro-economic exogenous risk that affect banks. We cannot look at banks and say let us tighten the laws to do the deposit protections.
Yes, deposit protection is important, it is a vital tool, but we need to look at the fundamentals. What is causing Cholera, what is causing this macro-economic stability, how do we manage macroeconomic stability to enable banks to work? You can look at other economies, as long as economic growth goes down by even one percent, there will be serious problems in the financial sector in America, in London and everywhere. Banks are fragile, they depend on macro-economic stability. In short, that is my contribution and we need to manage the effects of sanctions. It is not a secret why America targeted the financial sector. They know that they have experienced it and it is a big challenge. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. SAGANDIRA: I rise to support the motion that was moved by Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Chiduwa. My debate is going to be based on the issue that came from the Bible. When you look at the Bible in the book of Luke 18:20, it talks about the rich fool. The lesson that we get from that story talks about the finances, that the finances are actually on the heart of an individual. The rich fool became angry when he was told that he was supposed to sell off everything and follow Jesus. The same would apply if everyone who has worked for the whole of their life and at the end of the day, they realise that they have not done anything in terms of investments. Everyone here would concur with me that they would be very angry.
The country needs to invest in the future of those who are yet to come. We also need to invest in those who are working now so that when they retire, they can safely say we have done something for ourselves and this is time to rest. With the situation that is obtaining in this country, most of those who have worked are not resting. Even those who have departed before us, their bones are turning in their graves because of the investments that have gone to a nullity.
What I wanted to bring to the attention of everyone here is that the banks need to invest and instill confidence within the banking sector. If the confidence is there, that is when we will have policies such as the Education Policy. As we speak right now, Mr. Speaker Sir, the country cannot afford to run an Education Policy which is a very important aspect as far as the nation is concerned. The Education Policy will give rest to everyone because when you work today, you really know that when you retire, you have a policy that can take your children up to tertiary education. That is not happening. The country is only managing to run on funeral policies. A nation cannot survive on funeral policies only. It needs to invest in the future.
Most of the countries in the region have invested in the future and this country is not investing in the future because of the banking sector. The banking sector is not in order. The coming of the Act will actually improve the much-needed confidence that is wanted by this nation. If you look at the widows, they are struggling to pay for fees but their spouses had pensionable resources which could have managed to take their children to school. That is not happening because of investor confidence.
The other important aspect that I wanted to bring is that of distortion of functions of the bank. The functions of the bank in this country are distorted. You will understand that we have commercial banks, building societies and we used to have merchant banks. That system is not existing anymore. That has resulted in building societies doing the job of commercial banks. If a commercial bank was given a function to extend loans basing on the collateral security that is required by a commercial bank, and that same function is done by a building society, you would actually see that there is a distortion because a building society only concentrates on immovable properties and the interest rates are different. If a building society is now giving loans instead of loans for houses, then that will bring a problem.
The fiscal and monetary policies also need to be aligned so that they go in tandem with this proposed Act. You look at the exchange rate, it is not even supporting the Depositors’ Protection Act. If you look at the monetary policy, it is not supporting the Depositors’ Protection Act. If these laws are aligned, that will help in the protection of depositors. I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker for affording me this opportunity. When we were growing up, we used to go to the shops with a bank book and many girls would fall in love with you. I am speaking of 1975 to 1977. Even when your wife displays that book; many people would turn green with envy. The state of the banks right now is very painful.
The problem on the issue of banks in Zimbabwe is on language. The English language hides a lot of corrupt activities. If a person with a lot of money goes for hunting, in English they call him a professional hunter but if a poor man is caught hunting, they call him a poacher but all of them are thieves. In terms of fishing, if one is caught fishing illegally, he is called a fishmonger but those with money are called professional fishers. That is the issue which is being difficult on the issue of languages. The English language hides a lot of corrupt activities. If a person has got money, in English they call him a professional hunter, but if it is someone who has no money, he is called a poacher, but all of them are thieves. For example, fishermen who do not have money are called fishmongers, while those with money are called professional fishermen. That is a difficult issue regarding language.
When money is being stolen from banks, they use big confusing words like fundamentals and refer to them as fundamental issues, but the money is being stolen in reality. There are many thieves within the banks and these thieves have also affected the issue of land reform. Looking back to 2018, most banks invited farmers to get loans. A bag of fertiliser was costing US$38, but when you then work out the interest, the bag was now costing US$64 and you do not see where the money is going. You find that 80% of the farmers who managed to borrow money from banks between 2013 to 2023 are no longer able to go back to the farms as they are now struggling. They do not even have a single penny to buy shoes.
The banks are now too clever. They are taking money from the depositors and use it in the informal market. Some of the money is used for different products such as insurance. If you are a farmer, you are asked to pay $200 to insure a tobacco barn in case it is destroyed by a fire, but when you approach them after a barn costing $500 is burnt down, you are paid US$20 and they refer to the process as fundamentals. They also encourage you to deposit money for your child. For example, if you are working and earning $200 and those working in rural areas or on farms being paid $3, for you to withdraw US$300 in a few seconds, you are charged an amount of $30. In the past, the youths deposited money in order to access loans for projects, but the next few days they were told the money was eroded. Women were also told to deposit money in order to get money for cross border trading, but within days, the money would be eroded. All those things are some of the things that need to be looked into.
The banks are using money for micro-finances in Magaba and other small areas saying that they are targeting small businesses. Those are the monies which the directors of the banks are using to invest in small businesses. If you look at the micro-finances in Harare and other towns right now, they belong to the banks which failed and closed. In English, they use a very beautiful term ‘liquidation’. You would think that the air has been changed to liquid or water, but you find that those terms are used to prejudice people of their money.
If you look at the balance sheet and the columns for fixed assets, I do not know what to call it in Shona, for example, land and other properties. When they start their bank, they will be very few items on the fixed asset column, but after two or three years, the column for fixed assets will be very big. If you are to ask them, they say our banks are not operating well. For example, when they started their bank, they had fixed assets worthy $2 million, but after two years, they now have fixed assets worth billions and billions. When the bank is closed, they use the properties which they acquired.
I think when we amend the law, we should also look at the issue of bank growth in terms of acquiring assets like what happened here, when we were asked to declare our properties. This will be in the event that I unscrupulously wake up the following day being able to buy 10 aeroplanes or jets whilst having declared a Honda Fit only. This same process must also apply to banks. For those who had already eroded people’s money, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission must go back and investigate those people. Some of them say it is a thing of the past, but I say let us go back and look at those who have stolen people’s money so that they face the full wrath of the law.
Most banks are not treating their depositors properly saying there is the issue of the economy which is not functioning well. I encourage that we look at the root cause rather than looking at the problem. If you look at the problem of the profits which they declare after one year, they declare very good profits. As depositors, we drive Honda Fits, but as bankers, they drive luxurious cars. We can refer to those banks as churches that are stealing people’s money in the name of Jesus Christ. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MUSA): Hon. Members, please let us allow the Member to debate in silence.
HON. MAPIKI: Let us enact a law which forces the banks to operate properly. Some of them fear that if we enact stiffer laws, we will end up without banks, but it is better to enact stiffer laws and end up with a few banks which are committed in serving people well. Let us also put laws that encourage indigenous banks. Most of the time, those indigenous banks will be stealing from people.
Most of the banks that have closed and those in operation must be looked into, especially on the assets they acquire during the period of operation. If the people have banks, they must not be allowed to have micro-finances because it is another way of stealing monies. We must have a law which does not distinguish or segregate between the rich and the poor. Most people have died from stress because of their money which was eroded within the banks. Sometimes you may have promised the in-laws that you are going to pay lobola the following day, but you wake up to find the bank has been closed. Even school children and those in the rural areas find out that their money has been eroded in the banks and end up looking for food aid from the Government when they had already made preparations by saving money in the banks. Hence, we must enact or amend a law to protect the depositors.
Right now, if you know that your salary has been deposited, you know that the bank is going to take a significant amount. I am encouraging for stiffer penalties for those who are abusing people’s monies. I thank you.
*HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I support that the Depositors Protection Act must be put into law. This law must be intact so that all the departments or micro-finance or everything that has to do with people’s monies must be included.
In the past, there was a programme which was called ‘Mari neupenyu hwevanhu’. We were told not to mention people who are not here. During that year when this programme was aired, I was leading women. The person who was spearheading this programme would come to me and asked me to convince women to invest. I went to the grassroots and encouraged women to invest. We would be shown the interests time and again. Later on, things changed. The financial statements were no longer availed. The company was called Southampton, we went there but we were told that the person who did the publicity was not there, he was sick and hospitalised. We went to the hospital and we saw that the person was seriously ill. We asked him where our money was and he said he was sorry, the money had been eroded.
Do not play with insurance companies. I sold three of my shops to replace people’s money which was eroded. I was their leader and there was need to do so. There is also the issue of associations which lend people money – they do money laundering. All sectors which deal with people’s money must be looked into. The law must encompass every institution which deal with people’s money. I thank you.
HON. KAPOIKILU: Thank you Madam Speaker for allowing me to give an input to this pivotal motion. I would like to buttress on the motion by Hon. Jere. Depositors are not only found in the banking sector but also in the insurance sector. I feel that those depositors in the insurance sector deserve equal protection to those in the banking sector. If you check at the moment, you discover that banks and insurances are working hand-in-hand. The collapse of one may be the collapse of the other.
I can give an example of Old Mutual. Old Mutual and Cabs are almost one and the same thing. When I qualified at the university, I had two policies with Old Mutual – a life and pension policy. I contributed for more than ten years. When bond notes happened, I was told that my money was worth nothing and I got nothing. I looked around and discovered that Old Mutual has got properties, not only in Zimbabwe but also outside. I was paying in US dollars when I took those policies. I had a feeling that my money was used to invest in those properties but I still got nothing. Up to now, I feel cheated. I think we must revisit that issue of insurance and the culprits must be brought to book. People need to be compensated.
I will conclude by saying that these amendments must not only speak to the banking sector, but also to the insurance sector. I thank you.
HON. I. NDUDZO: Thank you Madam Speaker for recognising me and good afternoon to you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Good afternoon Hon. Member.
HON. I. NDUDZO: I have risen to also lend my support to the motion as proposed by Hon. Jere, supported by Hon. Chiduwa. Banking is the life-blood of any properly functioning economy because credit itself is at the epicenter of commerce and all well-functioning economic transactions. It is quite saddening to note that in our economy, the banking sector has been a huge let down in terms of the norms and expectations of the obtaining reality of what we have experienced on a daily basis as depositors.
A bank is a privileged institution – not everyone is allowed to trade and carry the title and name of a bank. For you to be able to carry the title and name of a bank, you must be specially licenced, not just by registering your company as a bank but there is a regulator who monitors and makes sure that everything that is done is in accordance with the provisions of the Banking Act. So when someone takes their money to a banking institution, they do so on the basis of the confidence which they have been given by the registrar of banks, that instead of taking your money and hiding it under a pillow or taking your money and entrusting it to your aunt or friend, you must take it to this institution because it is specially licenced to be able to protect and grow your financial interest. There is a joke that says if you wanted to rob a bank in the past, you had to hire machine guns and other rogue people who would assist you to go and violently dispossess the bank of its money. Nowadays it seems it is so easy and all you have to do is wear a very good shiny suit, make an application with a good CV and get granted a banking licence. Then through the front door, people will be able to come in and entrust you with their money, whilst behind the scenes, you abuse that money. So there is need to strengthen the role of the regulator and ensure that when a bank fails, there is also a measure of accountability that is apportioned to the regulator. Why would you have allowed an institution to continue trading and misrepresenting itself as a bank when it has long ceased to conduct the business of banking as we know and understand it?
At the epicenter of banking is what we call the banker customer relationship. This relationship functions in that it is only banks which are allowed at law to have the privilege of accepting deposits and then to utilise the money received as deposits as if it is the bank’s own money. However, the corresponding obligation of the bank is to pay the depositor whatever they have deposited with the bank whenever they make such a demand for the payment of their money. However, we have gone through so many instances where people may have balances, but it is impossible to actually make a demand and receive that which is reflected as owing on your account. Once that happens, that institution has ceased the business and the functions of a bank as we understand it in terms of the Banking Act and the Banking Laws. So there must be measures to strengthen the responsibility of regulators to ensure that as long as you allow an institution to trade as a bank, you are giving a guarantee as the Government or Regulator that it is safe and that you will be able to recover your money. Now when that does not happen, there must surely be a role and responsibility which we must accord to the regulator. However, it goes beyond the banking executives, directors and the regulator. It is a requirement in terms of our law that in every financial period, a bank must be subject to an external audit. It is saddening to note that even when banks fail, they would have been preceded by a clean audit report that will speak of that institution as a going concern. Then a few months down the line, people are not able to access their money. So I will add to the motion that not only should banking executives and directors be held accountable, but even those auditors who certify institutions as going concerns and then subsequently we realise that what has been presented is actually a misrepresentation. They must also be apportioned some responsibility.
There are so many businesses that people should be allowed to carry and conduct in a free and thriving economy such as ours. However, we must make sure that our banking sector is protected and must not be a sector where we should allow all and sundry to be trusted with the responsibility of looking after other people’s money which is why we speak of the fitness and the probity test. There must be a thorough examination of who the people are, the shareholders, directors and managers behind a particular financial institution. What has been their background, what have they run before, what have they done before and what have they done with the funds entrusted to them in a previous institution.
In addition, where they have been carrying on business and what has come out of that because in the past, we used to know that there was nothing as credible as a banker’s word. If a banker would promise you the following day, it would be done. You would go home and sleep in the full confidence that a banker can never misrepresent facts. It is so sad that nowadays, people are allowed to misrepresent the status of the institutions they preside over as banks. They are closed down and they continue to live a good life, continue to drive good cars and are allowed to retain their other investments, yet all the losses are borne by the depositor. We just need to make sure that in our economy, no one is allowed to keep money at home or have what we call unexplained wealth because the bank must be the instrument through which we should know your sources of income. We must know what you are producing, exporting and the goods and services you are selling merely by looking at the deposits you receive in your account. So it should be very easy to stop money laundering, detect proceeds of crime and to see who is doing what in the economy. That is only if we can make it compulsory for everyone to bank. If today Parliament deposits $300 in Hon. Nyamupinga’s account, it is impossible for her to access the full value of the funds because part of that money is already eroded in inexplicable bank charges and other transactional charges. So there is need for us to review and clean up our banking system, but we must be able to accord measure that will make sure that the bank executives, the bank directors, the regulators, the auditors and everyone who has anything to do with money when we are at home, they must know that there are consequences that will visit them if we are not able to recover our money. If we are not able to realise the full value of the money that is reflected in our bank accounts, if we take those measures as proposed by Hon. Jere, we should be able to stop the abuse of depositors’ funds. We should be able to stop the practice on inside loans, loans that are not at arms’ length where people simply use the title of a bank to be able to commit heinous crimes which will affect, not just the depositors but which have far reaching consequences in the downstream economy.
We need an orderly economy, an economy where banks take the centre stage, where those who want to be able to study businesses, must look up to banks so that they are provided with adequate financing. These days if you are operating a business and you are taking your money to the bank, chances are that it is a matter of time before your own business fail because the bank will not be able to support your business with the measures that are expected of the bank. I therefore, wish to fully support the motion. I wish to urge my fellow Hon. Members, when the proposal for the amendments to the Deposit Protection laws are brought before this House, we must be able to add all the contributions we have made and make sure that they have the effect of law. I want to thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. MATINENGA: Thank you Madam Speaker for according me this opportunity to add my voice on this important motion, an issue which is causing people not to bank their money. I want to say that we should go back to the times when people opened accounts, they were able to do audit trail of what happens to your money in the banks. These days we have people who are being prosecuted because schools, hospitals and companies are not banking their money. People are being jailed because of not banking their money. Long back, you would know that any money that you find, you would bank it because there was trust those days.
Now, you cannot even do an audit trail because you will be having your money. If you lose receipts, that is the end. We are saying this issue is very important and I want to support what all the others have said. It should be given the honour that it deserves so that our country will go further and we will not have thieves and robbers who are after the cash that is being kept in homes. Madam Speaker, the issue of rectifying the Deposit Protection Act should be taken seriously. I thank you.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. N. NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday 3rd April, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Madam Speaker, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 11, 12 and 14 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 15 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) MEETING
AT THE 28TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF PARTIES (COP28) HELD IN DUBAI
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary meeting at the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP28).
Question again proposed.
HON. ZIKI: Madam Speaker, I rise to second the motion moved by Hon. Johanna Mamombe on the Report of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary meeting at the 28th Session of the Conference of parties (COP 28) held on 6th of December. Our Parliament delegation included the Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis N. Mudenda who was a guest of honour at the invitation of His Excellency Sagr Ghobash, the Speaker of the Federal National Council.
The following Members of Parliament were part of the delegation: Hon. Priscah Mupfumira, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Thematic Committee on Climate Change; Hon. Johanna Mamombe, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate, Wildlife, Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
The high profile IPU meeting was officially opened by His Excellency Sagr Ghobash, the Speaker of the FNC who applauded the tangible outcomes of Cop28 including the operationalisation of the Global Fund on loss and damage. The Secretary General of the IPU called for urgent Robust Parliamentary action on Climate Change and Environment Action. His Excellency, Ambassador Majid Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. Chief Whips, may you please approach the Chair. Please proceed Honourable.
HON. ZIKI: His Excellency, Ambassador Majid Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of Cop28, welcomed the inclusion of Parliamentarians during Cop meetings as this fostered inclusive representation on issues of climate change since this is necessary in order to translate various agreements into national outcomes. He also alluded on the results of the First Global stock take sadly falling short of the expectation of the expectation of reducing the global greenhouse emissions to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal. Mr. Adam Director of Legal Affairs division of the (UNFCCC) pointed out that climate change was the biggest existential threat to humanity and called for immediate bold and decisive action on climate change, with reference to the obligations of the existing international agreement on climate change including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
She called for Parliamentarians to accelerate efforts to implement the Paris agreement through their legislative oversight and budgetary roles and also increase the NDCs to mee the global climate change mitigatory targets.
At the High-level segment Hon. Advocate Jacob F. M. Mudenda, the revered and esteemed Speaker of the Zimbabwe Parliament thanked the IPU for the invitation of the Zimbabwe Government to this crucial assembly which coincided with the First global stock take of the Paris agreement.
He shared the Zimbabwean experience, progress, vision pertaining to climate change. He capped his presentation with a quote “Climate Change should not conquer humanity. Humanity must conquer climate change decisively”. Thereafter participants shared best experience and best practices on the following topics:
-Advancing climate action and adaptation for vulnerable communities.
-Climate action spotlight on leadership of women and young Parliamentarians …..
The Chief Whip and the Clerk having approached the Chair.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order, I was consulting with the Clerk on Order No. 15, Hon. Ziki you may proceed, but please do not go through the report, you can continue.
HON. ZIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker, I was just trying to give a general overview of what transpired during the IPU meeting. However, let me go to the most important part of the report. After all deliberations, the Committee recommended the following:
-Heightened role for Parliament is sought, in order to improve oversight on climate change;
-Effective coordination and communication between the Ministry of Environment and Parliament. …..
HON. S. SITHOLE: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I think for the correct Hansard record, I think it is unparliamentary; he must withdraw because when he started debating, he informed the House that he was a seconder, but was away when the motion was introduced.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Sithole, there is no point of order. Hon. Ziki is correct, no one has debated the motion after the mover Hon. Mamombe presented the report. You may proceed Hon. Ziki.
HON. ZIKI: I will just go straight to the recommendations. I was on effective coordination and communication between the Ministry of Environment and Parliament. A lead-time of at least two months to be given for seamless collaboration.
-A capacity building workshop for all Members of Parliament. I am sure we have all witnessed this. Some of the things have already started being implemented;
-Relevant Staff Committee Clerk should always accompany the Parliament delegation for logistics and the production of the report. It is at this juncture that I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Samu, for having taken time off his numerous duties that he had to help out our Committee during COP since we had gone there without our Committee Clerk.
There is also recommendation here of utilisation of IPU resources to promote best practices within Parliament and Government institutions. In addition, we need to advocate for a robust climate change Act which sets out clear emission reduction targets and the establishment of legal frameworks. I am sure we are on track, something is being done in that regard.
In conclusion, the delegation extends its profound gratitude to Parliament and Government for affording it the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at such a high-profile global gathering. I thank you.
HON. CHINANZVAVANA: I thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the report of IPU, 28th Session of the Conference of Parties, COP 28. I applaud Parliament for providing a delegation to the esteemed conference as every nation’s voice was crucial in order for the global family to deal with the menace, that is climate change as it comes at an opportune time here. As Parliament, we are anticipating the climate change policy to be brought to this House to be deliberated on. As we take note that we need to reinforce building resilience to the climate impasse, we have to consider seriously call number one on the report that Parliaments, through their legislative oversight roles, to encourage governments to implement the outcomes of the first global stock-take by updating and enhancing countries’ NDCs.
In taking responsibility to support the effective implementation, mitigation and emission reduction strategy and adaptation measures through the promotion of a green economy initiatives and practices, the onus is upon us as a Parliament, to walk the talk as we embrace the Climate Change Bill that is upon us. We buttress on investing in renewable energy, improve farming methods of a green economy, restore nature and protect the universe against global warming among many of the measures that can be taken as we focus on a whole range of measures and strategies that would ensure a green future for the generations to come. I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Firstly, I would like to thank Members of Parliament who discussed on the issues on what should be done. I would like, first of all to applaud our Speaker of Parliament. I want to congratulate him for doing a good job. It shows he was awarded a certificate for the good job that he did. I would like to applaud him for that. We need to clap hands for him because it shows that we are good in planning things. I would like to thank the vision from different Members of Parliament on the issue to do with women’s abuse in workplaces and homes.
In Zimbabwe, we have a lot of laws that protect women against abuse. We have an issue that we discussed that women must not be abused in the political arena. In other political parties, sometimes they compete or abuse those women who want to go for top positions. I remember one of the years when one of our Members of Parliament, Hon. Thokozani Khupe, she was once abused …
HON. MAMOMBE: On a point of order. The Hon. Member is debating Order of the Day Number 14 instead of Number 15.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mapiki, we are debating Order of the Day Number 15. Please proceed.
*HON. MAPIKI: I was referring to the issue on abuse which was one of the topical issues when we were there. Those are some of the issues that were discussed Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to proceed and tell you that there was an issue to do with the different African countries, Syria and Palestine.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Mapiki. I think you are debating the wrong report.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume, Wednesday, 3rd April 2024.
On the motion of HON. KAMBUZUMA, seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA the House adjourned at Five Minutes past Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 21st March, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): I have to apprise the House on the names of Ministers who have given their apologies. Hon. Prof. M. Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion; Hon. M. Mavhunga, Minister of War Veterans of the Liberation Struggle; Hon. M. N. Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife; Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry; Hon. B. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works; Hon. O. Mazungunye, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Z. Soda, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. R. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. D. Garwe, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities; Hon. A. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
In the House, we have Hon. A. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development; Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development; Hon. Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development; Hon. D. K. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion; The Minister of State and Devolution for Harare; Hon. Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. So, we have a sizeable number of Ministers in the House and you are free to direct your questions to any of them.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport. The last time the Deputy Minister of Transport appeared in the House, he indicated that he was going to undertake a tour to inspect the roads. Would the Hon. Minister be kind enough to give us an update on the status of the roads in Mashonaland Central Province, especially the Ndodahondo-Mukumbura Road. I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Your question is specific. We normally want questions that relate to policy, covering the entire nation. However, if the Minister is ready to answer the question, I will give you the benefit.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. President for your guidance which is noble, but let me hasten to respond to Hon. Sen. Makamba’s question relating to the promise made by my Deputy Minister. I want to concur and assert that the day before yesterday, my Deputy was in Mashonaland Central and he visited in particular, the road that the Hon. Senator referred to. It is known as Mukumbura Road. He also managed to visit St. Alberts Road and I am happy to let you know that we have since done our scoping. I can assure the august House that we are starting very soon to work towards Mukumbura Border Post and we are trying to identify a partner to work on the rehabilitation of Mukumbura Border Post. So, in the affirmation, yes, we are aware of roads in Mashonaland Central and in particular, the road that the Hon. Senator has mentioned. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. It is in connection with people who use documents called AMTO. It is difficult for people to access those letters. One has to first go to a hospital and make payment before getting the letter. Why do they not make it easy for people to get the AMTO assisted medical order? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. President Sir. My understanding is that the Hon. Sen. is indicating that the process of getting that document for assistance is cumbersome, and she is suggesting that can it not be simplified. I will pass on the message so that they can review the processes, if it is possible to ensure that it is not as what she has indicated. I thank you.
^^HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport. What are Government plans in reviewing or analysing the issue of bus drivers who are driving public transport? This is because the previous two weeks, we have witnessed 29 deaths due to reckless driving.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Mohadi for that emotional question that she has raised pertaining to the carnage that we are witnessing on our roads, which we cannot continue tolerating as a nation. Mr. President Sir, surely for the past two weeks, we had tragic, worrisome, and sad developments along our highways, in particular, the Harare-Beitbridge Road, towards Beitbridge Border Post where we lost precious lives. Not only the number that has been indicated by the Hon. Senator, even if we lose one life, it is so precious that we cannot tolerate as a nation. I want to assure the august Senate that as Ministry, we are not going to be watching. As I speak, I have mandated my Commissioner under the Road Motor Transportation Department, to request for necessary documentation from the respective bus owners. If they do not comply, we are going to be suspending them from operating, not only on the particular route, but also across the entire nation. Even if they are doing cross border, we are going to be suspending until they comply. We are not going to be doing this only to the particular bus companies, but in appeal to the general motoring public. They should ensure that as we use our roads that we are rehabilitating, we also enforce the issues to do with compliance, and to take due diligence when we are plying our roads. Basically, you would see that, going forward, we are going to be having an indaba next week or so together with Traffic Safety Council to raise and conscientise motoring public again to exercise extreme caution when they use our roads. Above all, we are not going to be tolerating those malpractices that we were witnessing in terms of indiscipline. We will be working closely with my counterpart, the Minister of Home Affairs to punish those who are not obliging or not complying with road regulations. We are saying, as a country, given the size of our country in terms of numbers vis-à-vis the deaths we are witnessing, close to 2000 per annum, Mr. President Sir, that cannot continue. Thank you.
HON. SEN. MDHLURI: Thank you Mr. President Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport Infrastructure and Development. What is the Government policy on illegal public transport operators? I would also like to know what the Ministry is doing to address the issue of these illegal operators who seem to have taken over our transport system, especially here in Harare and other cities countrywide? Also by failing to enforce compliance on the unregistered transport operators, how much is the Government losing in terms of revenue since these operators are not paying any statutory fee? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. Let me also thank Hon. Sen. Mdhluri for a pertinent question that he has raised which also covers issues to do with monetary in terms of revenue leakages. Before I proceed, the architecture of the Ministry, when it comes to urban transportation, it falls under the Ministry of Local Government, under the local authorities in that purview. However, I will try to address how we relate with local authorities in terms of the transport. Yes, it falls under the Ministry whenever we talk of transport, but if we go to different cities, they will be having their own urban transportation system in that particular authority. For instance, he has talked of Harare where we expect the local authority to address issues to do with sanity. These are the mushikashika, the illegal vehicles that he was talking about. It is also a disturbing phenomenon in terms of the Ministry where we are watching these mushikashika plying our roads. At times, you see joint operations together with the police trying to manage the illegal motorists on our roads and the mushikashika.
The ideal scenario Mr. President, is to have an urban transport master plan which we are going to be consolidating and working closely with local authorities, at times to ease and also decongest. Again, because of the wise counsel of His Excellency, Cde. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, he then constituted a committee that superintends over operations of urban cities, not only in particular instances of transport management, but other local authorities related issues in trying to decongest cities. I am happy that we will come up with alternative solutions in terms of managing our cities where we are going to be introducing trains. As we speak, we are also trying to be connecting the missing link between Harare and Chitungwiza in terms of rail project. We have embarked and given that tender to CMED, our own parastatal.
After that we are trying to be connecting Ruwa, Beatrice, Norton and this is the desired trajectory of the Ministry in terms of easing and making sure that we alleviate the issues to do with people resorting to mushikashika because there will be alternative transport. I want to thank the Hon. Senator that you are very right and it is disturbing in terms of indiscipline. These illegal motorists will they not comply, and if we find that whenever we have got an accident involving such an illegal vehicle, the numbers Mr. President Sir, you will be wondering, how many people will be seated in such a small car. These are some of the contributing factors again whenever a road accident happens, that we would lose a number of precious lives. I would want to assure the august Senate that we are not resting as Ministry in trying to find lasting and sustainable solutions to our transport system in the country. Thank you.
HON. SEN. CHAPFUDZA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Management. Since he is unavailable, I will direct it to the Leader of Government Business. It is on human-wildlife conflict. Let me give a brief explanation, and I would like to put a case study of Hwange National Park, particularly looking at the elephants. The carrying capacity of elephants in Hwange National Park is 15 000, but they have exceeded that number. Last time I checked, it was around 45 000 but recently, I heard the Minister of Environment saying that they are now around 65 thousand, meaning to say that there are more jumbos than the carrying capacity of the National Park. There is now competition for the grazing space. These jumbos are now moving out of the National Park going to the villages. When they go to the villages, they destroy the source of economy of the people living there. They destroy the fields and they even kill the children there. My question is, these people who die are leaving their children as orphans. They are leaving behind their wives as widows. These animals cause starvation to those people living there.
Mr. President, what is Government policy with regard to compensation towardsthe losses happening in those areas? As we know, when they retaliate, they can get into the National Park and if they kill one animal, repercussions are there that they are going to be prosecuted.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. President, I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. As regards to human-wildlife conflict, it is not only confined to Hwange but also where we have game parks. Here and there, you can get animals straying into villages and it happened a couple of weeks ago in Mashonaland West. Indeed, it is very correct that our laws do not allow hunting in game parks, it is an offence. It does not mean that you are then required to be compensated if an accident happens where the animals stray and human-wildlife conflict happen.
Mr. President, what we can do is to ensure National Parks does its work to ensure that they control the movement of animals and that they do not stray. On several occasions, once it is reported that wildlife has strayed into villages, whether it is elephants or lions, the National Parks Department responds promptly. If they discover that they cannot take the animals back, they can put those animals down. Mr. President, we cannot create a policy on the basis that the villagers are not allowed to pursue them if they stray into the villages in retaliation. We should ensure enforcement mechanisms and that as much as possible they are separated and by so doing, we minimise the occurrence of human-wildlife conflict. I thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIREYA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture. What is the Ministry’s plans considering that we have drought in the country, especially in areas where many people gather like at police stations and the chiefs’ homesteads. Those people are struggling, people do come and raise their concerns that there is not enough food to the villages and because of drought, we do not have the Zunde Ramambo.
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Mr. President. I will try by all means to come to this House so that I can answer questions and see how best our country prospers in terms of agriculture. Government has a policy that chiefs, headmen and villagers are the ones who first notice the problem of food shortage. We give inputs under Pfumvudza to each and every household and we give more to the village head. From the village head, we add more to the headmen and we add more to the chiefs. We will be distributing food items so that the Zunde Ramambo will get enough food, but in the event that there is drought like what the chief has asked, we will also focus on the issue of social welfare. Before I address this issue, let me take the opportunity to speak on the Government plans for this year considering the El Nino induced drought. We did not receive enough rainfall and most parts of the country did not receive rainfall, hence there is not enough food.
Government has sent out people for the past few days to gather information in terms of how much harvest we have come up with. After seeing the amount of harvest which we have managed to gather as a country, we are going to look into our strategic grain reserves at GMB. At GMB, we do have the traditional grains including maize. Right now, we have 450 000 metric tonnes but as you know, since last year, GMB are not the only ones who are allowed by the law to buy food produce from the people. Government only buys food from those who have planted their crops under Pfumvudza and ARDA but the rest will be have planned their crops under different contractors like AFC and CBZ. If we combine from what was sold last year, Government only managed to get 22%.
We are going to look at what is in GMB. The amount of food at GMB does not determine the total amount of food in the country since there are other contractors who buy food from the farmers. Right now, Government is working hard in making sure that those who are able to buy food from other countries must come and get their licences so that they can procure food from other countries. The fourth issue is that we are going to focus on the issue of irrigation so that we put crops like wheat, maize and other small grains under irrigation. Government is doing good in terms of wheat farming in the country and the plans of the Government is to increase hectarage up to 600 000 metric tonnes. The first one, if we combine all the four ideas; the first one which we harvest on our farms, we include what we have at GMB and other contractors, then we include what we can procure from other countries and the other crops which we are going to do under irrigation like wheat, we will be able to fight this El Nino drought.
We expect to know the number of people who need assistance from the village head right up to the chief. Right now, the Department of Social Welfare is giving those who did not harvest anything last year and do not have something which can push them up to March this year. In the previous season, people managed to harvest hence we expect them to have enough food stuffs but right now, we are focusing on this year since people did not manage to harvest. We are looking at each and every household so that we can distribute food.
*HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: My question is that since Government is going to import maize from other countries, is there no risk of importing GMO maize which maybe detrimental to our health?
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa for raising that pertinent question which is very important. Let me go back a little bit and explain what genetically modified organisms are. When we are growing our crops, they can grow naturally or they can be in the form of hybrid, that is a mixture of plants. That is allowed and that is not GMO. But when we are talking of GMOs, it is whereby you take some bacteria and infuse them into the growing process of the maize plant.
We have three types of GMOs; that is the maize stalk borer, the one for cotton and one for soya bean. The GMO for soya bean is different from that of maize and cotton. You will find that if you spray the chemical on soya bean, it only destroys the weeds leaving out the crop. Here in Zimbabwe, we are going to look into the issue of GMOs for maize. Last year, Cabinet sat down and came up with the idea of looking into these GMOs and they discovered in South Africa and South America where we buy our maize from, they have allowed GMO maize to grow. They started this idea for the past 25 years but there were no diseases or side effects arising from the consumption of GMO maize by human beings.
As a country, we also took a cue out of these studies and Government made a decision that all the maize earmarked for human consumption must not be GMOs but the maize earmarked for stock feed can be GMO. Government went further to say all importers of GMOs maize must be cleared by the Ministry of Agriculture which then supervises the whole arrangement from importation tonnage, supervision and milling of this GMO maize. They record everything to make sure that the GMO maize is not given to human beings but livestock. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. SIPANI-HUNGWE: Supplementary question. I heard what the Minister said that there are people being given food under Social Welfare. This year’s harvest is very poor and if we wait for Social Welfare to start their process of writing down the names of beneficiaries, by the time they come back with food aid, people will be dead because of hunger. Since your Ministry is responsible for maize storage in the country, I encourage you to make sure that every household gets food aid because people are suffering from hunger. Each and every household does not have enough food. I was in Gokwe recently and people were offloading maize under cover of darkness for fear of being noticed that they have maize. Minister, I encourage you to make sure everyone gets food stuffs. May you move door to door and distribute food because there is no food at all. I thank you.
*THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Those were words of encouragement but the Minister can respond if he has additional words to say.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Sen. Hungwe for highlighting the situation in Gokwe and other areas in this House. The President said no one must die from hunger because our Government is a government which is well planned. If there are areas which are suffering from hunger that we were not aware of, kindly avail to us the names of those places so that we can be able to help. Right now, the Ministry of Social Welfare under Hon. July Moyo was giving food under ZimVAC. The department visits households and carries out investigations on the number of families and individuals who are in need of food. This, they report to Government.
So far, they have found out about 17 districts were the most affected by food shortages. The report of 2,7 million was done last year. This is what we do each and every year even if we manage to have a bumper harvest as a country because we have child-headed families, families led by the elderly or disabled. Those are the first three groups of families which we consider the most. Right now, Social Welfare Department is giving those who were affected last year. However, because we did not have a good harvest this year, even those who had managed to secure grain from last year are now keeping their grain because of the El Nino induced drought.
At the moment, we have deployed a team to go around the country to investigate the estimated amount of grain which we can get. Today, we managed to receive a report from those areas and they said they will be back on the 12th April to report on how much and the number of families that require food assistance. Most of the families are going to be in need of food. This year we are going to distribute food differently. We are going to distribute food per individual, not per household. This means the number of people is going to rise from 2,7 million to 8,5 million. We do have a solid plan and there is food security within the country per individual or family.
So, we are going to get a proper report before the end of this month so that we will be able to distribute the food in the manner in which everyone will benefit especially for those who are in need of food. The Hon. Senator has said we may have some areas we have omitted. Government is going to make sure that all communities are included and we are going to make sure that we get the names of those areas so that no one is left behind in terms of distribution of food.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: We have been joined by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Soda and Hon. Prof. Mavima, the Minister of Skills Audit and Development. You are free to ask if you have any questions directed to their field.
*HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: My supplementary question to the Minister is that in the past, food was given to the chiefs and also Social Welfare was doing the distribution. There was also a programme which was known as “Food for Work” for able-bodied persons like me. People were asked to go and work to enable them to get food, making sure that their surroundings are well kept. I do not know if the programme is still on or everyone is now given food for free under the same category.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Mr. President for the pertinent question raised by Hon. Tongogara. She has given us a word of advice and as Government, we are also going to ask the able-bodied people to do meaningful contributions towards food in their areas. I will inform the Hon. Minister July Moyo on this issue.
*HON. MUZODA: Mine cannot be a question but I am pleading with the Government through the Minister. We have heard that you are now counting beneficiaries per individual not per household. My plea is, can we have mealie-meal in shops so that those who are able to buy can do so from the shops while those who cannot afford can be helped by the Government.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: I want to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. The role of the Government in this situation is that Government must assist those who are in need of help. Those who are able-bodied and can afford can go to the shops and buy, and that is why right now we have a lot of mealie-meal in shops. At least, an amount of 40 000 metric tonnes of mealie meal is being bought each month. The Hon. Member can also highlight to us the areas that do not have enough mealie-meal so that we make sure mealie-meal is distributed. We also have another Government department called Silo that ensures that areas without enough mealie-meal or where it is sold at high cost, we make sure that the Silo distributes mealie-meal in those areas. If we have areas where there is not enough mealie-meal or it is sold at higher price let us know so that we ensure mealie-meal reaches those areas.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. During the rainy season, we see the Government giving inputs like maize seed and fertilizer. Why does Region 5 known for cattle farming also not get subsidized stock feed?
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): The principle of the Presidential Climate Proofed Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa) is a housed security intervention. This is given to three million beneficiaries across the country and 500 000 peri-rural or peri-urban beneficiaries to cushion them in terms of producing sufficient food for themselves as a household food security intervention. In Region 4 and 5, you still need starch and that must come from Pfumvudza/Intwasa – that is the Government policy.
In terms of livestock which also thrives in those regions, we have said we will do this stepwise. First, we must ensure that people have enough to eat. That is our intervention or focus. For livestock, the biggest challenge that we had was cattle diseases. We came up with the Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Programme so that we could control livestock diseases because we had lost 500 000 cattle between 2017 and 2022. Now that situation has stabilised and we are encouraging that as part of that intervention we begin to give fodder and other greens like lablab beans as fodder for cattle in such regions.
We have started on a small scale but we will be spreading this more widely in this stepwise food security and nutrition thrust. We will be getting hopefully in 2024/25 season, in a much bigger way where we will be able to give the livestock producers the one million cattle owning households in the country additional seed so that they can produce their own supplementary fodder in addition to assisting those households in formulation of household feed for their livestock. Thank you, Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: My supplementary question is, we are talking about the season which we have at hand whereby those people in Regions 4 and 5 already do not have grazing for their livestock. What is in place in order to assist those farmers who have cattle as of now. Of course, I get your advice that you will supply more seed for 2024/25. What about the present one?
HON. DR. MASUKA: In fact, we have a very elaborate plan for livestock as an emergency plan. That plan comes first by farmers recognising that livestock is a business and it is their primary responsibility to ensure that they are managed as such. In a business, you will be able to exchange asset classes. If you have livestock, you could anticipate that there is going to be a problem in terms of feed or water and exchange that asset for value and preserve that asset. We recommend farmers to do so.
The second aspect is that the Government recognises that water is going to be a major challenge in the villages. The President, His Excellency, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa has directed that by November 30, we should have provided 10 000 villages with village business units. Two villages come together. We have 25 000 villages in communal areas. So, two or three villages together there is a solar powered borehole, a tank and one-hectare drip irrigated vegetable garden. We will put in fish there. We also put in troughs for cattle and other livestock as a drinking point, a water-point and washing point for the community. We are doing 10 000 such points starting from 1st April to the end of November. So, water for livestock will be provided in that manner.
We have also said this season, although this bad, it means that there is a lot of stover although there is a drought because we cannot harvest our maize, that maize must be converted into feed. That traditional grain that has not yielded is good enough feed for cattle. This season presents another opportunity for us to be able to cut and store feed for our livestock.
We have also said that as we are going into a bumper winter wheat season, we are going to plant wheat on 120 000 hectares which is unprecedented in the history of the country. It means that there will be a lot of stover and we are mobilising as Government our own tractors and bailers to be able to package this to move this to deficit areas. We are also saying because farming and livestock is a business, farmers must begin to look at destocking or to transfer to areas where they can look at collaborative arrangements to be able to temporarily feed their cattle. We are also in the process of rapidly assessing the old CSC so that it can play its primary role in a drought year where it used to get cattle from communal areas and send the cattle to its own grazing lot. These are the plans that we have as Government for this season in view of the ravaging El Nino induced drought this season.
*HON. SEN. ZINDI: My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. Looking at climate change or the variation of seasons, is there any Government plan or let me rephrase the question. Will he respond if we say that farmers should be given the opportunity to buy solar equipment. So, the question is, will they be allowed to import solar equipment to use for irrigation programmes? Buying solar equipment locally is expensive and our farmers cannot afford it. Government at one point had put in place a Statutory Instrument which allowed farmers to import equipment, fertilisers and inputs without customs duty and other taxes. Is it not possible that farmers be assisted in that regard because ZESA is facing erratic power supply which is affecting irrigation programmes, hence solar equipment might come in handy and complement the work of farmers? We have abundant sun and this will allow farmers to have a bounty harvest. I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. Let me thank Hon. Sen. Zindi for that pertinent question. I believe that there is not enough clarity on whether solar equipment is covered in terms of payment of duties. People can import duty free but I believe that the Hon. Minister of Finance had that vision in terms of preserving the supply of electricity here. He removed duty on all solar products. So, I believe that even cars are duty free, but I will have to do a research on that. However, I believe this is being looked into. Sen. Zindi, you will find that the schedule of duties like solar inverters, batteries and others do not pay duty. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in terms of Standing Order Number 67.
*HON. SEN CHIEF CHIKWAKA: Mr. President, I am glad that we have our Hon. Ministers in this august House. I ask that the time for Questions Without Notice be extended by 20 minutes so that we engage in the question and answer segment. Furthermore, may I raise a point of order that Senators should just ask a straight forward question instead of going round in circles.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I second.
*THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Your request has been granted but the time will be extended by only 10 minutes.
HON. S. MOYO: My question goes to the Leader of Government Business. What policy has been put in place to preserve our heritage sites when mining or development of the area is taking place?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Mr. President, the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Mines can answer this question better because they are the ones in charge of constructing dams and engaging in mining projects.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): When a mine has been applied for and before we issue a certificate of registration, it is a requirement that the investor or the project proponent obtains a certificate from EMA on the Environmental Social Impact Assessment that will have been done. It is through that process that the traditional leadership is consulted including all other stakeholders that might be affected by the development of that project. All areas that are required to be preserved are also indicated and attention will be paid to them as the project develops. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Mr. President. The process is the same that we also do in terms of Economic, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment which is conducted prior to any development which local communities anticipate. If there are any specific cultural preservations that have to be undertaken, that is done. But I guess the Hon. Senator had a specific reason for asking and I would request that he puts his question in writing indicating the particular area where this has not been done so we can assist each other outside this forum. I thank you.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. We have seen the good work you are doing in terms of road expansion and that is commendable, but we have also seen that there are people who build structures of some kind within the road reserve. What is Government policy regarding those people who build within the road reserve? Secondly, in some cases there is need to expand the road reserve in order to increase capacity into private properties. How is that facilitated so that it does not affect construction works time wise? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. President. Let me also thank Hon. Sen. Eng. Daniel Mackenzie Ncube for that important question. If you have witnessed along Lomagundi, we had car sales mushrooming within our road servitude. Mr. President Sir, normally when you get such leases, whenever we have got a predicament of us trying to expand the road and we have such structures along the road, we refer the property owners of that particular section to the relevant departments who issue the leases. In this instance, they were given 24 hours and that was the agreed position of their leases. So, as much as you utilise our reserves, whether it is a railway reserve, there are conditions to that.
Whenever we want to do our projects, we clearly indicate that you must put temporary structures. Whenever you see people complaining, I think that would be political gimmick. I am sure going forward, if we say within 70m radius from the centre of the road, we do not want permanent structures and we humbly appeal again to the people of Zimbabwe so that when we start the construction, we do not delay projects. This is the status quo as we speak. If we want additional space to utilise encroaching into property owners, we compensate adequately if it is going through a property owner. Thank you so much Mr. President.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Mr. President Sir for giving me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport. We are carrying on debates in this House pertaining to accidents that are occurring day in and out. We are appealing that may you give us assurance on what is going to happen during the holiday that we are heading to, the Good Friday holiday. As we are speaking, we have not yet approached the Easter holiday but we have witnessed accidents that are happening. Are there any measures that have been put in place for people to be safe during the Easter holiday?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. President. Let me also thank Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa for that important question. It also gives me the chance to invite the Hon. Senators in this House for a launch on the 27th March, next week where we are trying to raise awareness as we are moving towards Easter holiday. We are appealing to the motorist to exercise caution when they are travelling on our roads, earmarking the Easter holiday and the Independence holiday in the month of April.
Yes, we are grateful Hon. Sen. that we will continue educating our people. We cannot achieve this milestone as a Ministry where we are calling for the entire nation to also pay heed to the issues to do with safety. You will see us together with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe where we are going to have increased patrols along our major roads, working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs, in particular, police, VID and to also enforce compliance along our major highways. Thank you, Mr. President Sir.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL IRRIGATION FINANCING FOR A2 AND LARGE-SCALE FARMS
- HON. CHIEF CHIKWAKA asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to inform the House what the Government policy is regarding the establishment of special irrigation financing projects for A2 and large-scale farms which are based on the concept of smart subsidies given the climate change and ZESA challenges.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Thank you Mr. President Sir. Pursuant to the implementation of NDS1, under the Irrigation Alliance, the Ministry is partnering the private sector to mobilise funding to achieve the target of 350 000 ha under cereal crops by the year 2025. The Government has already established on-lending facilities for all categories of farmers through commercial banks such as AFC and CBZ, which are funded by Treasury. Additionally, several private sector players have made offers to develop 130 000 ha and their term sheets are under due diligence and negotiations.
Partnering with the Infrastructural Development Bank of Zimbabwe, and AFC has enabled development of a framework document for the irrigation development bond. The necessary guarantees needed are being facilitated by Treasury. The irrigation bond will be used to attract investment funding from the private sector and diaspora funding. What is clear is that in order to mitigate against climate change, our most fundamental intervention is to move as much land under production to irrigated land. I thank you.
DEVELOPMENT AND REHABILITATION OF IRRIGATION SCHEMES AND RINGFENCING OF POWER
- HON. CHIEF CHIKWAKA asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to explain to the House the following: -
a) What plans the Ministry has to assist farmers in the development or rehabilitation of irrigation schemes in anticipation of the forthcoming winter wheat season and to further clarify whether the Ministry has any plans to provide affordable loan facilities through AFC or CBZ Banks to install centre pivots; and
b) What plans the Ministry has to ring fence power for winter wheat production, and whether it is possible for the Ministry to facilitate the use of powered generators which farmers may get at affordable costs or on loans.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Once again, I thank the Hon. Senator Chief Chikwaka for the question. For the forthcoming winter cropping, a total of 137 000 ha with functional irrigation has been identified with intentions to establish at least 120 000 ha under wheat and 7 000 ha under barley. Some 16 000 ha requiring quick fix rehabilitation in the form of power infrastructure, pumps, centre pivots and pipes have also been identified. To bring back these farms to irrigation functionality, at least USD27 million is required and resources are currently being mobilised. The Ministry has running facilities with AFC and CBZ, which farmers can tap into for the purposes of accessing irrigation equipment. Furthermore, our irrigation alliance with the private sector will help us surpass these targets in the very near future.
An inter-ministerial taskforce was established to deal with the energy power issues. The taskforce comprises of the Ministry of Lands Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the Ministry of Energy and Power Development as well as the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. The taskforce has jointly identified clusters for the purposes of ensuring that Energy provision is ringfenced and prioritised. The Ministry of Energy and Power Development has reassured us that we will have enough power to irrigate our targeted winter cropping programme. I thank you.
WATER CHALLENGES IN BULAWAYO AND OTHER AREAS
- HON. SEN. RITTAH NDLOVU asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to inform the House the plans that the Ministry has put in place to address water challenges in Bulawayo and other areas that stand to benefit from the Gwayi-Shangani Water Project in light of the delay in the connection of the water pipeline from Gwayi-Shangani Dam to Bulawayo.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Thank you Mr. President and I also want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. The response is that a Technical Committee similar to the one that we set up for the City of Harare was put in place to look at the short-term interventions and progress made in relation to increasing the raw water supply to the City of Bulawayo. To date the progress made on each intervention is as follows;
The first intervention is to rehabilitate Mzingwane Dam booster pump station and reconfigure pipeline from Mtshabezi Reservoir 3 to upstream of the pump station. Our expected impact is with Mzingwane at capacity to increase water from 25 mega litres to 32 if not 35 mega litres per day. The progress to date is that funding was secured from Treasury amounting to ZWL6.9 billion. The contractors for the booster pumps works have been appointed and are to start work very soon.
Our second intervention is to rehabilitate and automate the pump station at Inyakhuni Dam. Our expected impact Mr. President Sir, is that Inyakhuni will move from 17 mega litres per day to 32 mega litres per day.
Our third intervention is to introduce booster pumps between reservoir 1 and 2 and reservoir 3 and 4 along the Mtshabezi pipeline. Our expected impact is to increase the amount of water from 16 mega litres per day to 30 mega litres per day. In terms of the progress to date, we have managed to workout the specifications in preparation awaiting to tender after getting funding.
Hon. President Sir, with regards to the progress made in the Nyamandlovu Aquifer Water Supply System, our first intervention is to repair or replace borehole pumps that is 20 at Epping Forest and 40 at Rocherster. Our second intervention is to repair electrical faults including transformers. Our expected impact of the two interventions are to increase water from 11 mega litres per day to 16 mega litres per day. The progress to date Mr. President is that we have 35 boreholes repaired and are currently functional. Our average now is 12 mega litres per day being supplied to the City from the Nyamandlovu Aquifer. As mentioned, we are not happy until we reach 16 mega litres per day.
With regards to our last intervention we are drilling boreholes in the City in addition to the Nyamandlovu Aquifer boreholes. The other boreholes are being drilled to alleviate current water shortages within the city. Mr. President, 64 boreholes out of the targeted 83 have already been sited and 44 out of the sited 64 have already been drilled with 22 wet but unfortunately one has already collapsed. Mr. President, 18 out of the 22 wet boreholes are equipped, 3 sites equipped with hand pumps and 15 sites to be equipped with solar systems with materials currently in place. Priority will be given to the medical institutions being Mpilo, Ingutsheni and United Bulawayo Hospital. I thank you.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Hon. Minister, did I hear you properly regarding Mzingwane Dam. Mzingwane Dam is empty and has been decommissioned but you said you are rehabilitating something, there is no water there.
HON. HARITATOS: Mr. President Sir, the Hon. Senator has made a very good point but from our perspective it is still a catchment point. We still have a targeted amount of mega litres of water. It is in our belief that by rehabilitating it, which involves also making it bigger, the catchment area will be bigger and that will allow us to pump the water and also keep it for longer. This is why we have several types of interventions because one intervention as you rightfully put it, this season is already dry and if you look at the time, we are still in the summer season.
It is a very worrying aspect of the El Nino but for us we are not comfortable just to do one or two. That is why Mr. President we have done so many interventions including the drilling of boreholes. The long-term goal obviously Mr. President Sir, is the Gwayi-Shangani Dam. The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is a very exciting Dam, it is drawing water from the two dams the Gwayi and Shangani Rivers together collecting and pumping 278 mega litres to Bulawayo. It is not only about the water to Bulawayo but it is the green belt that will be created from the Gwayi-Shangani Dam right into Bulawayo. That includes
10 000 hectares of irrigation which will also contribute to our targeted 350 000 hectares. Your Ministry Mr. President is working until we ensure that there is a sustainable and viable water source for Bulawayo, not only in the short term or the medium term but for the long term.
ESTABLISHMENT OF SPORTS CLUBS IN RURAL AREAS
- HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA asked the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to inform the House the plans in place to introduce sports clubs in rural areas as a way of promoting wellness amongst the youths.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES (HON. MUPAMHANGA): Thank you Mr. President. Let me indicate that my Ministry is tasked to empower young people in the country so as to realise the youth dividend as espoused in Vision 2030. We do this through Vocational Ttraining Centres and also providing loans for young people through Empower Bank. We also do this through our parastatals and the Zimbabwe Youth Council in order to organise youth associations and young people as well as the National Youth Service. The question that the Hon. Senator put is more directly to the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation which is also our sister Minister. I am sure that they are much better inclined to give us a plan regarding establishing sports clubs in rural areas. I thank you.
Questions With Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 67.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI), the Senate adjourned at One Minute past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday 2nd April, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 21st March, 2024
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
PARLIAMENTARY YOUTH CAUCUS
THE ACTING. SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): I have to inform the House that a Parliamentary Youth Caucus was formed during the Ninth Parliament, consequently all Hon. Members who are below the age of 35 years are automatically Members of this Caucus. In this regard, such Hon. Members are kindly advised to register their names with Mr. Mugariri in office number 104.
In addition, Youth Caucus Members are reminded that the induction workshop for the Caucus is proceeding as planned and will be held in Mutare at the Holiday Inn Hotel from 22nd to 25th March, 2024. Hon. Members will use the Parliament Bus which will leave New Parliament Building at 1400 hours on Friday, 22nd March, 2024. Hon. Members are urged to confirm their attendance.
HON. CHIWANZA: On a point of national interest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This month being women’s month, our Lady Chevrons won a gold medal in Ghana at the All Africa Games. I think it will be heart-warming for them and the nation of Zimbabwe to know that, through you Mr. Speaker Sir, that the Parliament of Zimbabwe is congratulating them.
HON. P. ZHOU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for giving me the opportunity to present my point of national interest whose topic is ‘World Water Day’. Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Water Day. World Water Day is a calendar event that has been set aside by the United Nations. It is held every year since 1993. It is an observance focusing on the importance of fresh water.
As we commemorate, we are reminded of the critical importance of water as a finite resource that must be managed and utilised sustainably. I must from the onset, commend the Government of Zimbabwe for its on-going efforts in the construction of dams and drilling of boreholes. This ensures water security and plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Mr. Speaker Sir, water is not just a resource, it is freedom from disease, the foundation of our agriculture and the key to a thriving economy. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only 41% of the Zimbabwean population has access to clean and potable water whilst most of the populace consume unsafe water, hence exposing many people to water-borne diseases such as Cholera
Climate change further intensifies this crisis with erratic rainfall patterns disrupting water supplies. This is a stark reminder that ensuring water security is a national imperative.
Fellow legislators, we must act, we can invest in repairing and expanding water infrastructure or perform our oversight role to ensure the prioritisation of water management practices or promotion of rain water harvesting and water saving technologies. Let us use our Constituency Development Fund on water projects. By working together, we can turn the tide. Let Water World Day not just be a commemoration, but a call to action. Let us secure a future where every Zimbabwean has access to this fundamental right, the right to clean and potable water. As Hon. Members in this august House, let us work together towards a future where water resources are conserved, protected and made accessible to each and every individual contributing to a healthier and sustainable Zimbabwe for generations to come.
In conclusion, there is need to support the achievements of Sustainable Development Goal Number 6 - Water and Sanitation for all by 2030. I so submit.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 10 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 11 on today’s Order Paper has been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LAW FOR THE PROVISION OF LAND TENURE SECURITY Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to enact a law providing security of tenure to all the land including communal land.
Question again proposed.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for recognising me to add my voice on this very pertinent issue.
Mr. Speaker Sir, just last week, we listened to one fine Hon. Member articulating himself so well about the importance of our land, the value of our land and I am here to simply buttress that same trajectory. Our land Mr. Speaker Sir, was fought for. Our land did not come easily. The people who had taken our land from us before had not even paid for it. I remember when the colonisers came to this very country, they would actually ride on horses as far as one could get, and then just peg and say this is now my land.
They chased away our fore-fathers from that land and took them to some barren land where there could be no production whatsoever. Our brave sons and daughters of Zimbabwe went out there and some of them never came back to Zimbabwe fighting for this very same land. This land is a land where blood was shed. There are some men and women who went out there and stayed in the bushes without a pay slip, without medical insurance, fighting to free this land so that it would belong to us, once and for all – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Today it amazes me, and I am glad Mr. Speaker Sir, for the person who moved this motion that has exposed a serious issue that we need to deal with, once and for all. From the moment we finish debating this motion, let no Zimbabwean, any normal Zimbabwean for that matter, ever open their mouth and talk about selling this land – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
This should come to finality Mr. Speaker Sir. This land cannot be sold. We have seen examples. Kenya, for example, gave people land then they gave them title deeds and guess what happened? The same colonisers came back again and rebought that land. All the land was rebought and the Kenyans were left with no more land whatsoever.
We cannot then therefore, fall into that same trap because I can tell you for sure, if for example, the land is given to a person like me who stays in town, if a white man comes back here, they will simply offer me a nice house in Borrowdale, a nice car and some money, I will gladly take that and forgo the land. We cannot afford that Mr. Speaker. Besides, what people should understand about this land issue is that wherever we have land, we have so many minerals. God gave us minerals in abundance. We are one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of mineral resources.
If you put South Africa and Zimbabwe, we have 85% in terms of platinum in the whole world, and then there is someone coming here disguised as if they want to buy land for farming, yet we know that the actual thing they want is what is down there. We cannot sell it. So we cannot afford, ladies and gentlemen, to sit here and want to even debate or discuss the issue of saying let us sell the land because basically, what we are saying is we are selling our minerals in the disguise of selling land. Minerals are invaluable Mr. Speaker Sir. They are worth trillions and trillions of dollars as compared to the value of land that some one will simply buy. Therefore, we cannot sit here and want to condone such an argument.
So Mr. Speaker Sir, I stand here today to say that the issue of selling land must never be spoken about, ever again. Let us make sure that we demonise that and anyone who wants to try and speak about that, must really be looked at.
HON. MABVUDZI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order Hon. Member?
HON. MABVUDZI: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. The Hon. Member on the floor is diverging from the issue debated here. We are debating the issue of security of tenure, not the selling of the land – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - He is diverting from the point of debate. May he debate the issue of security of tenure? Thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, when your turn comes to debate, then you will give us what you assume to be the correct facts.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir, for always shedding light to those that might be blind. I will put it this way Mr. Speaker Sir, as I am going towards my conclusion; our Government sat down and came up with a proper strategy of how to deal with this land issue. We came up with 99-year leases; we came up with offer letters for our farms. That is the correct way of dealing with our land.
All we simply need to do now, as Parliament, is to speak to our Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to go on further to speak to our banks to be able to accept those leases as bankable as they should be and that should be the end of the story. All we need to do is, once you have been given a lease, you can approach a bank and get a loan to do farming activities or do whatever mining activity you want to do. The simple matter here is that let us stick to the leases that the Government has so appropriately come up with. That is the closure of the matter. My Hon. Members from the left, I hope when we finish here, you shall all come together with us and realise that whoever was sending you and writing those speeches of selling this land, was misleading you and it should never happen ever again. With these few words, may I take this opportunity to thank you once again for allowing me to air my view on this issue and also making sure that I conscientise my Hon. Members over there to never ever think about selling land.
HON. MAVHUDZI: On a point of order. My Hon. Member was debating very well but, in his debate,, he is now enticing some language which is not good to say ‘never ever talk about this issue’, which is not proper in this august House.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Tshuma, were you referring to someone when you said ‘never ever?’
HON. D. TSHUMA: I do not think that I referred to anyone. I know most of them by name. If I wanted to, I was going to name them.
HON. T. MUKOMBERI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for this opportunity you gave me for my humble submission to the debate on land tenure. First and foremost, I want to bring this point of view to say, agricultural land, communal land, all this is land that belongs to the State. So, we say that land belongs to the State - who is the State? We are the State. Collectively as Zimbabweans, we own this land. It implies therefore, that any attempt to give a title deed to an individual person, we are actually transferring ownership of a certain portion of land that we collectively own, to an individual. It implies that, that person would therefore, have the right to transfer ownership of the piece of land because he has been given that title deed, which gives him adequate ownership of a property that he can dispose it off to the next person.
There is a legal principle that is commonly known as de nemo dat rule in Latin. De nemo dat quod non habet legal principle. This principle restraints any individual from transferring ownership that he does not have adequate ownership of. It implies that the fact that as a nation we have to keep this land under the custodian of the President, on behalf of the State, it being State land, it is a restraining factor that restraints any individual person who is occupying any piece of land in Zimbabwe to further transfer the ownership of such to any other person, giving that person rights to sell the same.
Mr. Speaker Sir, giving somebody title deeds, it means that a person can acquire a loan, securing that land on that loan. What it will mean is, if the person fails to discharge his or her obligation, the financial institution can forfeit the piece of land. You see the trend of transferability of the land to an extent that in future, the holder in due course can also sell even to the whites from which we have regained our land. This land is what we can call the gains of the liberation struggle. It implies that we have to guard against any source of threats that will result in us losing again the land. You will find out that recently, we have seen people in Zimbabwe being evicted from pieces of land. Those people who were occupying a piece of land after the piece of land was sold, maybe by a village head or some other person who does not have the right to do so, it implies that the State was taking its right to repossess …
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. Standing Order Number 85 (a), “A Member while in the House must not - (a) converse in a loud voice”. So, when a Member is debating and I can hear your whispers, it means that is loud voice. Please, let us restrain from doing that. May you continue Hon. Member.
HON. MUKOMBERI: I have been saying the State therefore has got the right to repossess land if any person sells land, be it communal land or agricultural land, to another person because that person will not have the right to do so. At law, there is a principle known as in pari delicto rule, which states that in the case of an illegal transaction, laws will fall to where it lies. It implies that we do not have to risk the public on their funds meant for buying land from the people who do not own that land. The land is State land. By such, we are saying we cannot transfer ownership to an individual person by giving him a title deed but rather a 99- year lease, a formidable approach that will allow Zimbabweans to utilise the resources for their benefit because they are the gains of the liberation struggle.
What it means is, one who have been given a 99-year lease, that person has been given the land for life. Therefore, there is no need for security of tenure because you are already secured. Let me enlighten you. One cannot enter into a contract at his or her minor age. He only enters into a contract on that extent of acquiring 99-year lease at the Legal Age of Majority Act. This means that suppose one acquires that lease at 18 years, 18 + 99 years, that will bring us to 117 years. Who on earth is expected to live more than 117 years? That needs security to that. He can die or he can lose the occupation of land before dying. So, we already secure by that lease.
Already, we are talking about communal land under our village heads but they report directly to the Local Government that will bring us to an understanding that the Local Government, being the authority to offer a licence for one to occupy a piece of land in that respect, is the State through its third arm of Government. I want to thank you for this humble submission I have made. I think it should enlighten us all to understand that it is not even formidable for us to come up with an agreement to issue title deeds to a person occupying a piece of land that one does not own. I thank you.
HON. BAJILA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Allow me to take this opportunity to thank Hon. Hlatywayo and Hon. Mushoriwa for moving and seconding this motion respectively. This motion is crucial because land is a finite resource and it must be guarded jealously and profitably by all of us. Let me also thank Hon. Speaker, fellow Members of Parliament who have debated this motion ahead of me. Our points of convergence on this motion are that the land must not be out of the hands of the people. This is good because there is some direction that both sides of the House seem to be moving towards. We therefore, need to capitalise on this moment of our collective brilliance as a House, in order to build a new Great Zimbabwe for everyone.
Mr. Speaker, Hon. Hlatywayo made an example in his speech while moving the motion of the land tenure systems in the Republic of Malawi. I want to invite this House to go with me as we check one of the very good collective land tenure systems in the Republic of South Africa. In 1994, towards the independence of South Africa, the province of KwaZulu Natal understood that it might be possible that at some point, the black people in that country might lose their land once again, and they took measures to establish what they call Ingonyama Trust. This trust owns 2.8 million hectares of land. This land is not owned by any individual but is owned by the community. Two point eight million hectares of land Mr. Speaker, if we were to put it in Zimbabwean terms, is about 72% of Manicaland Province, which is 3.9 million hectares.
So, this land is in the hands of Ingonyama Trust. This trust is a registered institution, of course where they have got functional provincial governments. They use proceeds from their land for community beneficiation where those who want to use the land can approach Ingonyama Trust, and the trust leases the pieces of land for the development of malls, service stations, cellphone masts, mines, government institutions and others that are under the servitude of the trust.
Mr. Speaker, this is important because if we had this kind of formula the people of Zimunya-Marange here in Zimbabwe, would not have lost their land to the mining activities that have happened today. Anyone who would have come to do mining activities in Zimunya-Marange would have done so through a partnership with Zimunya-Marange Community Land Trust. Therefore, the people of that area would have benefited far more than whatever they have benefited by now. This goes to the people of Bikita where lithium is being mined today. If there was a community land trust in that particular area, whoever was going to mine lithium in Bikita was going to be in partnership with the people of Bikita through their Community Land Trust. We might go to the conservancies in Hwange, we might go to other minerals and other precious things in our country that we have, but if we had framed our community land ownership schemes in this manner, our communities would have been benefiting.
Mr. Speaker, I say this particularly on this day, today the courts are set to rule on whether the people of Mahachi in Chipinge own the land that they stay in or not. There is a court case whose ruling is meant for today. Mr. Speaker, it is possible that the court will rule today that the people of Mahachi do not own that land that they stay in. We might still be here and saying everything is fine. We need to find means by which there can be something that proves outside their race, outside their indigeneity that the people of Mahachi own that land where they stay, and a Community Land Ownership Trust is one thing that could have safeguarded the people of Mahachi.
Mr. Speaker, I reiterate that the ruling on that matter is set for today. To go back to the Ingonyama Trust which could help us if we could model it for our own purposes as Zimbabweans to develop. The Ingonyama Trust in South Africa has got statutory systems by which proceeds from the lease of its land have to be distributed. Seventy-five percent is allowed for community projects. You can imagine Mr. Speaker, if seventy five percent of the proceeds from what was being mined in Zimunya-Marange areas was dedicated to community projects in that area. What kind of development could you be seeing in those areas?
Mr. Speaker, if seventy five percent of the proceeds from wildlife like in Tsholotsho could be dedicated to development processes in Tsholotsho, how far could we be in terms of development as a country? Ten percent goes to the welfare of Amakhosi in those areas, our equivalent of headmen. Five percent goes to Ingonyama, the king; ten percent goes to the professional management of the Ingonyama Trust itself. This is something that we could set up in each community here in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Speaker, it is important for us to understand that we need to find systems that work because some of the systems that we may defend, do not work. Therefore, my proposal bbefore this House stands as follows; firstly Mr. Speaker, it must be understood that this debate as was framed by Hon. Hlatywayo and Hon. Mushoriwa, is around issues of communal land. It is not around agricultural land, it is not around mining land. It is around issues of communal land. My proposal therefore, is that this House must develop a Communal Lands Trust Framework.
This framework could say in each and every chieftainship in the country, we are going to have a lands trust, but also allow the chieftainships to expand themselves that if we have Chief Zimunya here and Chief Marange there, they can decide to have one Communal Land Trust. Then the chieftainships own the entire land in that area. If one wants to build a mall or do mining in that area, one cannot do it without having some form of conversation related to the developments that the chieftainships or the Communal Land Trust will have participated in.
Secondly, Hon. Speaker, we then need to come up with a situation whereby each of these Communal Lands Trust, has the trust that is chaired by the chief. Then you can have other trustees, which might include a trust nominated by the Hon. Minister, designated by whatever form, a trustee nominated by the provincial council, a trustee nominated by Local Government and a trustee nominated by a college of community stakeholders. That way Hon. Speaker, land will be truly owned by the communities and that way, the communities will begin to truly develop from their land. That way, our people are going to experience development without losing their land because this Community Land Trust is going to be for everyone and it is going to be for the purposes of the welfare of the community. It should be important that these Community Land Trusts must also have a professional board that runs there.
If you are to check the types, the qualifications, the skills of people who run the Ingonyama Trust professionally, you will understand the kind of development that you will have seen in KwaZulu/Natal where they come from. At the end of the day, despite all those developments and despite all these things that you will have seen happening, the 2.5 million hectares of land remain property of the people of KwaZulu/Natal and nobody has lost their land, development has happened and there are no slogans.
In conclusion, let me get to a point where we have to assist one another and understanding the functions of a title deed and a lease with respect to banks. If you are going to a bank to borrow money, whether you are borrowing it on the basis of a title deed or on the basis of a lease, it might be a thousand years lease for the right land. As long as you will be unable to pay the money, you are eventually going to lose that land. It does not matter the document that you use.
It is important to put that land in a trust, and whoever comes to do development in that land, be it mining, agriculture, fisheries or wildlife, you do it in partnership with the community that owns that land. There can be no better way of development than allowing the people to be in business on their land and to continue to own it while everything else is happening. I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker for according me this opportunity to contribute. Before I go any further, I want us to look at the history of the land up to now. I want to thank our President, Hon. Mnangagwa who declared Ndabaningi Sithole who was the first ZANU PF Secretary. Mr. Ndabaningi Sithole comes from Chipinge but in 1963, he was the one who was leading the struggle and Hon. Hlatywayo comes from Chibinge South. The woman who was called Nehanda was the one who in 1886/1887, fought with the whites when it comes to the taking of our land. When she was killed in 1887, she said her bones were going to arise but she did not say ‘my bones are going to fight each other’ like what is happening today.
I want to take you back when we last did the last land tenure issue in 1969. In 1977, I think we were in the middle of a war and that is when the blacks were allowed to take some farms for the people who were given the title deeds and they sold that land to the whites. The purchased area, what Hon. Hlatywayo is referring to once happened, but we know that this issue of purchased areas has been bought and brought back to the whites.
So, when we look at these issues, we should look at the country of Zimbabwe. In Kenya, it also happened and the Mau-Mau fought in the leadership of Dedan Kimathi. When Kenya was liberated, the whites said you should resort to title deeds and people were given title deeds, but the Mau-Mau clan were now clever. The whites came up with other ways and they said all those who fought for the land should be compensated and the whites gave them some money.
In Zimbabwe, we can go back to that issue. In 2002 when the land issue was topical, the people of Svosve took their land. If you look at Mhangura on the insurgence of MDC seat, you found a lot of whites signing cheques in support of the MDC. So, you find that they had ulterior motives because we have been fighting the words. If you go to Chimoio…
An Hon. Member not having followed the order in the House
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I want to read a Standing Order in the Standing Order book for that Hon. Member who is standing beside Hon. Hamauswa. I will forgive him today but if he repeats, I will send him out of the House. Standing Order No. 80 (1) reads: ‘Every member must (b) make obeisance to the Chair in passing to and from his or her seat’. That is what the Standing Order says ‘and upon entering and leaving the Chamber’. Hon. Member, be so guided accordingly. You entered the room and you never did it but the Standing Order says that. May you proceed Hon. Mapiki.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I am saying that in 2000, the land issue was really topical but in 2002, we found whites in support of the MDC against the wishes of Mbuya Nehanda and Chaminuka. In 2011, this land issue being topical and all these parties which are raising these motions, they went to the Namibia tribunal so that they would sue the Zimbabwean people that took their land.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Mapiki, are you saying this motion was not supposed to be raised?
*HON. MAPIKI: Mr. Speaker, this motion was not supposed to be raised at all because the reason why we went to war is the reason why this motion is against that. That is why I mentioned Hon. Ndabaningi Sithole because he went to war for that. The son that he raised in Chipinge is the one who is against the land issue and that is what I am saying. What I said long back is to conscientise the children of today that it came from the history. The Bible says that “my people perish because of lack of knowledge” and that is why I said I should talk about knowledge because this motion was not even supposed to be raised and I want to promise you Hon. Speaker. When the motion was tabled, microphones went off because this is where Mbuya Nehanda came from. Hon. Speaker, I am saying…
*HON. CHIKWINYA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir! This motion was supposed to be tabled so that we all see the truth. Those who are not in line should be enlightened. We should debate in order to tell the truth. Hon. Mapiki should speak and teach our counterparts. The motion should be debated. The debate should proceed.
*HON. MAPIKI: Hon. Speaker, I said that when this motion was first tabled by Hon. Hlatywayo, the mics switched off twice and the Hon. Member queried it. This is Mbuya Nehanda’s home area, of the chihera totem. This is where she fought the whites. So, what we are debating on is that this motion should not be spoken about because we are saying, if we remove our jackets, we still have wounds of the struggle and there are children who are yet to be buried in Mukushi. I heard an Hon. Member giving percentages of what happened in South Africa. Zimbabweans cannot measure the input by the Zimbabwean children. This motion is indeed very sensitive.
What happened in Namibia when the issue was taken to the tribunal by SADC to the extent that Zimbabwe threatened to pull out of SADC because it was like a burial society, even when we had our elections, people were siding with the whites waiting for the voice of SADC, that is like a burial society. We can either pull out or stay, the choice is ours.
I also want to talk about this issue of title deeds. It happened in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recently, Belgium came and took all the land; if we look at land, we are looking at our flag. Black represents Africans, yellow represents minerals, white represents peace and red depicts the blood of our dearly departed. Currently, there is unending war in the DRC because the colonisers were unable to give them the land that they wanted. They still hold onto the title deeds. I want to remind the House that the rebels in the DRC have been fighting for land since 2001. Even Belgium is still holding onto large tracts of land even when they proclaim that they handed power over to the DRC or Zaire. The war is not ending.
We will start another war by giving people title deeds because we are still bearing children. Our country is not extending and children are still being born. So, if we give title deeds, we would have given power to a few people and the war will continue. The issue that has been told that we want to have title deeds or trusts, we have that in Zimbabwe. His Excellency the President is issuing title deeds to people in both urban and rural areas to add to the inheritance of land in Zimbabwe. I said that the motion was not even supposed to be tabled because where we come from, it is very painful to see people behaving like this.
In South Africa, there is a war for land and it is very vicious. I want to quote a former liberation war veteran, the late former President Robert Mugabe. He said, ‘America, stay there, we do not want anything from you. Even Britain, leave us with our soil’. He also conscientised us not to be happy to the extent of giving land to the whites. I also want to leave you with another quote from His Excellency the President, Hon. Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa…
HON. P. DUBE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir! In terms of Standing Order No. 98 (1), “No Member must, while speaking to a question – (b) use the name of the President irreverently in debates or for the purpose of influencing the House in its deliberations”.
I think there is continuous use of the President’s name in order to influence this debate. So, I think the Hon. Member should just stick to the debate without mentioning the name of the President always.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Member. The Hon. Member on the floor said, I am quoting. So, a quote means you are taking the words of somebody verbatim. What he is saying relate to the question of land tenure; if it does, he is not in breach of the Standing Order. You may proceed Hon. Mapiki.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for protecting me. I want to repeat the President’s quote. Let me use the word ‘comrade’, because when we are referring to the issue of land, we do not refer to ‘Mr.’ but ‘comrade’. He said that, ‘If you sleep and dream the land going back to the hands of the whites, you should wake up and brew beer because you will be at the wrong place’.
In conclusion, I am saying that if we support this motion, we are encouraging war from those who departed. We know that there are sell-outs in all wars but if you are selling out in Parliament, it will not go well. I want to thank the late Joshua Nkomo for uniting the different nationalities and refusing for the land apportionment to go back to the whites who are giving us sleepless nights. I think the whites went to the DRC where the Hutus and Tutsis, Christians and Muslims fight each other.
In Zimbabwe, we are grateful to the late former Vice President Joshua Nkomo for instilling unity amongst Zimbabweans. I also want to thank Mr. Tshabangu for rescuing us from the troubles that we had here. I thank you.
*HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The issue that has been talked about here is painful. We had 100 years of armed struggle for us to be where we are today. There are a lot of graves of people who died for the independence of this country. From the previous generations to my generations, we do not have friends and relatives, they perished in the bush fighting for this land. I am one of the living comrades from the numbers mentioned. I am one of the survivors of the struggle. So, I just want to hear what is your issue about the land. What do you want to do about the land and when you do that, what do you want us to do?
The issue of land is very pertinent, we do not want to hear anything about selling land because our brothers and sisters died for this land, takafira chinhu chimwe cherusununguko, kurwira dambudzo reruzhinji– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Chikwinya! Standing Order Number (80) (1) (e) reads, “Every Member must (e) not sing except when required to sing the National Anthem. So, go ahead Hon. Chikwinya without singing and also when you are addressing, address the Chair.
HON. CHIKWINYA: Comrade Chair, I am confused. Let me say that I was not singing – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
HON. MUWODZERI: On a point of order! Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. Hon. Chikwinya should be in a position to respect the sanctity of this august House. The reason why I am saying this is that he, she cannot refer to you as comrade. You are the Speaker of Parliament at this point in time.
HON. S. SITHOLE: On a point of order! I am not taking your Chair Hon. Speaker but the Hon. Member who had the floor, spoke his point of order whilst seated. He was supposed to stand up and say ‘point of order!’ So, he was not supposed to be given the floor.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Sithole. I think the Hon. Member is guided accordingly.
HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Mr. Speaker Sir from your left, the Hon. Member insulted Hon. Chikwinya by referring her as a ‘he’, she is a lady.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, may you withdraw your words.
HON. MUWODZERI: When I said he, I said sorry ‘she’. I do not know whether Hon. Matangira was in the House when I was referring to Hon. Chikwinya. I withdraw – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I want to add my voice as well that the Hon. Members on that side should know that Members from this side maybe are the only ones who fought for this country. So, they should respect them and not harass us – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members! Hon. Members, you are not supposed to answer when the Hon. Member is speaking. He is speaking to the Chair and I will make a ruling.
*HON. MUGWADI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I have found this to be insulting because the matter before us is emotional. If war veterans are contributing, those Members from your left side are taking turns insulting them. It is not proper that a war veteran who fought for this land should be taught how to speak by a mere child who came to this Parliament through the sweat and blood of war veterans. It is not good.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I want to thank you for your words Hon. Mugwadi.
*HON. CHIKWINYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to repeat that this issue of land, we are not going back. No land should be sold to anyone, land should be given freely. Anything else, we will not subscribe to it.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Let me just bring to the attention of this House what the Standing Order says about debating in this House. Standing Order Number 90, second paragraph, sub-paragraph (2) says, “No Member must interrupt another Member whilst speaking save with the consent of that Member or unless the purpose of such interruption is to -” I want to dwell on (a) “is to call attention to a point of order or breach of privilege suddenly arising”. Stand guided therefore.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this important motion. I would like to start by thanking Hon. Hlatshwayo and Hon. Mushoriwa for moving this motion during this time which I think is important in the history of Zimbabwe where the issue of land is concerned.
I would like to start by contextualising my debate as I understood the motion. In my analysis, the motion does not relate to agricultural land as it is defined in form of A1 and A2 farms, but it relates to communal land which has been traditionally held by our forefathers and ancestors. I would want to say that we actually borrowed the land. We did not inherit it and it is called upon all Zimbabweans to ensure that the land...
HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MATANGIRA: My point of order Mr. Speaker Sir is when we talk about agricultural land and we seem to say communal land does not have agricultural land, can there be an elaboration. That is my point of order – [HON. MEMBERS: What is your point of order?] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Members, he is addressing the Chair. If you want to come and sit here, please do so. You wanted the distinction between communal land and agricultural land.
HON. MATANGIRA: Yes, because I was born in the rural or communal lands and we practiced agriculture. We still are practicing agriculture in the rural areas Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Matangira maybe you were not in the House. The Speaker of this august House actually referred to the Constitution on the day and he made a distinction. Thank you.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I also want to emphasise that all Hon. Members who are here have a common thing, that we have rural homes and this is exactly the core aspect of the motion and my debate is centred on the rural home, kwatinoti kuroots when we speak in Shona. In other words, when we want to put more value into this land we are talking about we can assume that we actually borrowed the land and we did not inherit it in the sense that we should not abuse it, but we should protect it knowing that we are just utilising it so that we also give it to the next generation.
This is why there is a call to amend the Communal Lands Act to make sure that as the people who have been on this land, the land is protected. This land was called tribal trust land in terms of the Tribal Trust Land Act of 1979. This is the land where most black people call their homes and we are talking of the land which we call our homes. If you allow me to express in the vernacular language Mr. Speaker Sir, where we call kumusha kwedu. This is why we say the land we call kumusha kwedu must be protected.
We are not advocating for any kind of situation where a land tenure will allow the people to sell this land, but we are calling for this august House to come up with alternative ways of making sure that the land is protected and it is also protected even beyond giving the land tenure to make sure it cannot be sold easily. So, I call upon Hon. Members in this House to join hands together and see ways in which we protect the land we call kumusha kwedu.
As I said, we are talking of places where all Hon. Members here call their rural homes. I know some have farms which they are now calling their rural home. This is different from the communal land which is under discussion, Mr. Speaker Sir. If we are going to debate the 99 year lease, it will be a debate for another motion Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. SAKUPWANYA: Point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order Honourable?
HON. SAKUPWANYA: The Hon. Member brings to attention or tries to highlight as if the motion is only focusing on communal lands, whereas in the motion itself it talks about all land including communal lands. So, there is nothing wrong with him debating communal lands but he must not say that agricultural land is not included because the motion raised specifically talks to security of tenure for all land including agricultural land. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Honourable.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Mr. Speaker Sir without a doubt I will stick to my understanding. If the Hon. Members have their own understanding, the opportunity is there for everyone to bring their understanding.
My clarion call is that as we debate there is always a way for common ground and I do not see any serious point where we disagree. The call is simple. When I go to my grandmother or to my mother in the rural areas in Buhera I must be able to know that they have title. I heard that recently mineral resources were found in Buhera like lithium and if lithium is found on my father’s land, then they must not be chased away without compensation. This is the crux of the matter Mr. Speaker Sir.
Mr. Speaker Sir, every time a motion is moved in this House to amend an existing law there must always be a mischief. It means that this is the mischief which the legislature intends to address. Put differently, there must be a problem in the existing law which must be addressed in respect to this motion and in respect to the Communal Land Act. I would like to highlight that this motion has been brought at the most appropriate time to address the current burning issues which are affecting our rural communities on a very serious level.
Section 4 of the Communal Lands Act, Chapter 20.04 provides that all communal land shall be vested in the President who shall permit it to be occupied and used in accordance with this Act. Mr. Speaker Sir, the application or the administration of this section has been problematic in the sense that we have seen rampant abuse of authority leading to marginalisation of communities and also marginalised communities have also been affected.
Mr. Speaker Sir therefore I call and support Hon. Hlatshwayo and Hon. Mushoriwa that the existing laws need reform. The movers of the motion therefore beseech Parliament to enact a law which allows people in communal lands to end up owning their land after following due processes. In other words, the motion desires that there must be security of tenure in the form of title deeds in communal land. Mr. Speaker Sir. This proposal is not a utopian call in our law because we are talking of people who would have lived in these areas for decades and centuries.
A recent judgement by the high court, which I understand was seriously misinterpreted in the media, stated that a person who had occupied a farm for over 30 years now has a right to own it. Certainly, this is legal in terms of our prescription Act as long as it is a derelict property. Therefore Mr. Speaker Sir, if someone can earn a farm after 30 years of occupying it what can stop a communal land occupier from owning the land if he and his ancestors have stayed there for generations. There are actually problems if people in the rural areas or in communal areas do not own land. We are reading in the newspapers; we have discussed it here in the House that a certain headman is involved in illegal land deals. The issue of land barons is a topical issue in our motherland. There are serious litigations that are going on in our civil courts and such cases are actually rampant in Chief Seke’s area as the land has accrued value because it is closer to urban areas. As we speak, there is a floodgate of litigation at Chitungwiza Magistrate Court over ownership of communal land.
This issue could not have arisen if there was registration of title of communal land. This is more serious, if we see our Magistrate Court being flooded by cases of illegal sale of land. This is the crux of this motion. It is trying to address this mischief, where land occupiers end up losing their land. Land barons are on the rise. They are taking advantage that villagers do not own the land. They are now selling the land as stands and this is something that we as the august House need to address as a matter of urgency.
Another disturbing development, which this motion seeks to address is that of expansion of growth points and urbanisation of rural communities in the absence of proper urban planning that is being adhered to. We are then seeing urban areas encroaching into communal areas. This is where we then realised that the land barons will then take advantage that the land is not being owned by the people who have been occupying it. Therefore, some will even use political power to actually parcel out stands to land seekers, depriving the people who would have lived in those areas for generations.
The resultant problem has been that any local authority which wants to expand, would advertise the land in the newspapers, indicating that the land will be compulsorily acquired and would call for objections from the villagers but here is the problem. Many people in our rural areas do not have access to the media, especially the print media. Most of them would use WhatsApp as their form of news. Now, because they had not seen the advertisement by the local authorities, they will end up losing their land because of failure to issue the objection. It is common cause that there are situations that need to be addressed, especially access to information. Information is a public good but we know our rural areas are limited on access to information. What happens is that the people that are in the peri-urban areas, when the land is earmarked for land development by local authorities, the next time they see graders and bulldozers coming to their fields and homes, they will actually be evicted. When these evictions are happening, they are not compensated because they did not object.
In most cases, we have read cases in Mhondoro, Mutoko, Chiadzwa, Chingwizi, all those areas, we have seen Zimbabwean people whom we claim that we fought for. Though we respect the people who fought for this liberation struggle…
HON. DHLIWAYO: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. I would want to request the Hon. Member to withdraw the statement that we claim that we have fought for. The war was fought, it is real, it is not a claim. I think the Hon. Member must withdraw that statement.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: On a point of order. I rise on a point of order. On Section 65 (3), it says that, “…a Member shall cite the Standing Order, rule of procedure or practice which has been allegedly breached”. I think it is critical that I have put this before this House.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, the Hon. Member has actually cited that ‘may he not say that they claim to have liberated because it was liberated’. He is actually putting a point of order on a matter of fact. He is using the same rule that you are citing. The point of order is arising from what Hon. Hamauswa is saying.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I also want to take this opportunity to withdraw that statement and rephrase it to emphasise my point. My point is that we always cite the protracted liberation struggle when it concerns the issues of land. It is a fact that our forefathers, Zimbabweans had to go to the liberation struggle to fight for land. It is the same land which our war veterans fought for, which we are saying now we need to protect the people who are staying in communal lands because it is the land that was fought for by Zimbabwean liberation war heroes.
Therefore, I was referring to the issue that when there are developments earmarked in a certain area people are evicted. The villagers cannot have protection because they do not own the land but I want to bring the issue that Section 12 of the Act which we seek to amend talks about compensation for displacement. However, such rights of compensation are better protected where there is security of tenure. Otherwise the villagers are simply being subjected to abuse because there is no security of tenure. Moreso, there are some things which have sentimental value to our culture, the graves of our ancestors, these cannot be compensated. We need to make sure that we protect our culture. When the gallant sons and daughters of this nation decided to fight the liberation struggle, they were also fighting beyond land.
They were also fighting to protect their culture and this is why we need to protect those areas where there is sentimental value. I will give a classic example that is happening in my constituency Warren Park. There is Warren Hills, it is being destroyed on the pretext that the Government wants to collect gravel for the construction of roads. Long back, it is in those mountains where we used to pray. It is in those mountains where people would take a walk in but there are being destroyed, there is no compensation.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we need to look seriously into these cases of sentimental value and also the issue of exhumations can happen but it is against our culture to exhume a dead person. It is totally against our culture. It must be done as a point of last resort. Therefore, we need to make sure that we have protection to ancestral land. Even if you go to the Bible, there are cases where people would fight until the last drop of their blood, fighting to reclaim land that belonged to their ancestors.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the same war the other Hon. Members are fearing if we give title deeds, the same war will still come if we do not protect the land that belongs to our ancestors. People will still fight each other because the land they believe belongs to them is not protected.
So, Mr. Speaker, when the communal land is protected by title deeds there is going to be a fair value of our ancestral land. In the event that there is absolute need for them to be displaced due to national interest. Therefore, we need to make sure that we protect this important land. I have been following the argument that title deeds are for communal people to sell the land. This argument Mr. Speaker with due respect, I think it is misplaced and cannot be used to bar deserving villagers from acquiring title or from having security of tenure.
The whole essence of this motion Mr. Speaker is therefore, to give title to communal land to the villagers so that they are not subjected to arbitrary eviction under the guise that the land belongs to the Hon. President when in actual fact these land barons…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member you are left with 5 minutes. Please wind up.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. The tittle is meant to protect communal land from arbitrary eviction under the guise that the land belongs to the President when in actual fact these land barons and traditional leaders including companies are actually abusing the legal provision. So, to make sure that the existing laws are not being abused, we need therefore, to correct this mischief within the current laws.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to conclude by calling upon the Government to consider seriously and I also want to call upon other Hon. Members who would have read this motion from a totally different angle which was not presented here to reconsider their position. We must find a common ground where we would say what is the best or what is in the best interest of Zimbabweans. What is actually in the best interest of us Zimbabweans who have ….
HON. SAGANDIRA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker.
Hon. Chikombo having entered the Chamber without bowing to the Chair.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member dressed in a red jacket, can you please go out and come in the right way.
HON. CHIKOMBO: Which Hon. Member.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I am talking about you Hon. Member, I said go out and come in the right way. You did not bow to the Hon. Chair.
Hon. Chikombo went out of the Chamber and bowed to the Chair before taking his seat.
HON. SAGANDIRA: With your indulgence, I would request that the Hon. Member’s time be extended by 5 minutes.
Motion put and negatived.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: It has been objected, just wind up Hon. Hamauswa.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. As I said, I am winding up by making a conclusion that I would like to call upon the Government and the ministry responsible for this Communal Lands Act to really rethink the current status of Communal Lands Act. The call for the amendment Hon. Speaker is to ensure that we have a process that can be followed for one to acquire title deeds for communal lands. Maybe, it is possible to put measures that the title deeds will not be abused. Just in the same manner the Government came up with 99-year leases. If we are going to follow the same, can it also be applied to. As a starting point it can be a common ground to say can we extend the 99-year lease to the rural areas. We then move forward to refine that land but let us find each other as Zimbabweans to make sure that we weed out land barons and we weed out speculative people who would want to take advantage of the legal systems with loopholes to make sure that we put more advantages to the people in the rural areas.
We make it known to the people that indeed, those who have lost their blood, they lost it for something that is our land. Let us not allow our people to be deprived of the land. I thank you.
HON. PINDUKA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 2nd April, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND VTC (HON. MACHAKAIRE): Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the House reverts to Order of the Day, Number 9 on today’s Order Paper.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PROGRAMMES TO CURB DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY THE YOUTHS
Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the drug and substance abuse by youths nationwide.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES (HON. MACHIKAIRE): Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I followed the debate on the motion by Hon. Mapiki and I would like to thank the Hon. Members who contributed to this very important debate and subject matter. As reiterated by His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa in his State of the Nation Address, that the abuse of drugs and substance abuse is of great concern and it takes all of us as a team to fight this menace.
I would like to inform Hon. Members that drug and substance abuse is a matter that affects the entire nation. Therefore, it is a multi-faceted challenge for not only the Government but our entire society as a whole. Cabinet approved and formed a drug substance abuse taskforce headed by the Ministry of Defence. My Ministry falls under the demand deduction pillar and implements measures to reduce the menace.
Therefore, the Ministry will implement the following programmes to curb drug and substance abuse by our youth. Allow me to inform the House that we have the Empower Bank with provisions of loans to fund the youth projects and ensure empowerment of our youth. We also have the National Youth Service which we are going to rebrand and we are going to establish National Youth Service Centres in each and every province. We are also going to establish production units at each centre of sustainability of the centre.
We are also going to refurbish and create retooling facilities. Allow me to inform the House that we have our vocational training centres. We are working on the establishment of vocational training centres in each and every district to make sure that we train our youth with skills. We have also focused on the establishment of production hubs at every centre for income generation and human capital development.
We are working closely with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education in support of creating a new curriculum development that also support the programme. We also have the Zimbabwe Youth Council and through the Zimbabwe Youth Council, we are reviewing the Zimbabwe Youth Act and we are also setting up a National Provincial and District Youth Association for coordination of our youth. It is very important to note that the concerns that we have as a nation when it comes to drugs and substance abuse is caused by idle mind. So, we are working closely with the Ministry of Sports to make sure that we also keep our youth busy with sporting activities and we also focus on talent identification so that our youth are not always seated. I so submit.
HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to thank the Minister for his positive response towards the motion. I want to thank the whole House for contributing positively towards this pertinent motion. I therefore move for the adoption of the motion.
Motion that this House—
APPALLED by the unabated drug and substance abuse by youths nationwide;
GRAVELY CONCERNED that the situation is spiraling out of control as the youths spend most of their time idle and consequently end up taking drugs as a pastime;
WORRIED that such substance and drug abuse has extremely devastating and far-reaching consequences on our youths and the future generations:
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon the Government to—
(a) Come up with programmes to curb drug and substance abuse by youths through self-help projects that ensure youths are fully occupied most of their time thereby keeping them away from drugs;
(b) Establish rehabilitation centres nationwide to assist youths who are addicted to drugs to the extent of treating substance and drug abuse as an integral part of their lives;
(c) Legislate for much stiffer penalties than before on individuals who are the sources of supply for those substances and drugs which give rise to incidents of this unwanted scourge of drugs in the country leading to this conundrum;
(d) Send to jail all repeat offenders without any option of fines; and
(e) Take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement agents bring to an abrupt halt, incidents of drug and substance abuse as a matter of urgency, put and agreed to.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES (HON. MACHAKAIRE), the House adjourned at Four Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 2nd April, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 20th March, 2024
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
PETITIONS RECEIVED FROM MOVEMENT AGAINST SANCTIONS AND ZISCO STEEL PENSIONERS
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): I have to inform the House that on the 5th of January, 2024 and 4th of March, 2024 respectively, Parliament received the following petitions: - Petition from the Movement against Sanctions represented by Mr. Temba Ndebele. The petition was deemed inadmissible as the prayer was not within the mandate of Parliament. The petitioner will be advised accordingly.
A petition from ZISCO Steel pensioners represented by Mr. B. Moyo, beseeching Parliament to exercise its oversight function by ensuring that ZISCO Steel pensioners are paid their dues without prejudice. The petition has since been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development.
A petition from ZISCO Steel pensioners represented by Mr. Yemurai Takudzwa Kuveya. The petitioners’ prayer is already provided for under the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23. Resultantly, the petition was deemed inadmissible and the petitioner will be advised accordingly.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Today is Wednesday and it is Question Time. I have a list of Ministers who have tendered in their apologies. I will read them as follows:- Hon. K. Coventry, the Minister of Sports, Arts, Recreation, and Culture; Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture; Hon. Z. Soda, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. B. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works; Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs; Hon. S. Sibanda, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. D. Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. R. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. S. G.G. Nyoni, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife; Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Hon. Dr. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care; Hon. S.T. Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care; and Hon. D. Garwe, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. MAHACHI: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Leader of Government Business. I would like to know the Government policy regarding the re-introduction of grants in universities and colleges because most rural students who pass their Advanced Level often cannot afford to pay school fees.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Mr. Speaker the issue of giving students grants is linked to availability of resources. The Government policy had shifted to ensuring that those that require assistance will get loans in that regard, and not to get grants that are not payable back. So all those students that want to access their tertiary education, there are facilities that are available through the relevant Ministry of accessing loans to ensure that they continue with their tertiary education. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. SHONGEDZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. Recognising that our national health policy provides that there should be a health facility within a 5km radius, what measures is the Government taking to improve and expend healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank Hon. Shongedza for the question which is very correct that the policy really is to ensure that our population within rural areas do not have to walk for distances that are beyond 5km. That is the policy.
The second part of the question is on measures being taken to improve health infrastructure. I presume she means ensuring that our people do not walk distances that are beyond 5km, which then becomes an operational question subject to availability of resources to ensure that we turn that policy into physical buildings that are within 5km. That is work in progress within the Ministry of Health and Child Care. As they get resources, they will ensure that they build clinics and we call upon even the Hon. Members of Parliament, if they can get others, development partners, who can assist to ensure that we realise that policy objective, but definitely, that is the policy, and it is subject to availability of resources. As we get resources, we will ensure that we have access to health for all within a walking distance from homes. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
*HON. MASHONGANYIKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker for according me this opportunity. My supplementary question to the Leader of the House concerning the Ministry of Health and Child Care is in the rural areas, we have clinics which have not been opened and there are no medication and drugs.
*HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: The information that I am getting is that there is infrastructure and there are no drugs and medication. I have just been informed. So what I am asking them is to put their question in writing citing the clinics where there is infrastructure and no drugs then the Ministry of Health and Child Care will investigate so that they rectify the issue. Thank you.
HON. MATANGIRA: My supplementary question is, yes, we understand we may not have the resource which is money, but the Government has got money for devolution and I thought water, education and health are primary above others. Can devolution money then be directed to the health factor where we have got clinics built, but are not yet finished? We have got clinics that do not have medicines. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Mr. Speaker Sir, devolution funds do not go to provinces with an instruction on how to use the money. They are given money for devolution and then within provinces, within communities, you then decide that you want to use them for this and that, and you acquit. So Hon. Matangira needs to go to his community and say the devolution funds that we have, let us finish that clinic and if they agree, central Government has no issues with that. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
*HON. GWANGWABA: My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. We have buildings called hospitals, but they do not have x-ray machines and functional theatres. Through you, I want to know what plans the Minister has so that these hospitals are resourced and work as hospitals, not as clinics. Thank you.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Honourable, I think I will ask you to ask your question as a new question, not as a supplementary question – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Members we should have order in this House!
HON. MHETU: My question is directed to the Leader of Government Business. What is Government policy regarding the poor in State universities who are being barred from sitting for examinations due to non-payment of tuition fees?
Considering that this year is a tough year with the drought, what is the position on poor primary and secondary school pupils sitting for public examinations, but are unable to pay examinations fees yet registration ends tomorrow?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have just noticed that the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development has just walked in. Good afternoon Minister. Hon. Member, can you ask your question again so that it can be directed to the Minister.
HON. MHETU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am sure the Minister is in the House and he heard my question – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: He was coming in. Can you please repeat it? Order Hon. Members?
HON. MHETU: My question is directed to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. What is Government policy regarding the poor in State universities who are being barred from sitting for examinations due to non-payment of tuition fees? Considering that this year is a tough year with the drought, what is the position on poor primary and secondary school pupils sitting for public examinations, but are unable to pay examinations fees yet registration ends tomorrow?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, I will let you answer the first part of the question that relates to State universities then the Leader of Government Business can answer to the one on primary and secondary education.
THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank the Hon. Member for asking a very pertinent question. First of all, I want to state Government policy when it comes to education, higher education in particular but also in general. We have no brain to waste. It means everybody who has a brain has to be nurtured so that this country can develop based on those brains. So, it is in Government interest that everybody goes to school; goes to university; goes to college; goes to any training institution so that they can use their minds and their head for the modernisation and industrialisation of this country. That policy is very clear.
Now, what the Hon. Member is talking about is the question of access and how we are ensuring that there is access to higher education. First of all, I want to state that education is not free. When I say free, it means that we have to pay for it. The public has to pay for it. The State has to pay for it, especially for it to be of quality that can result into knowledge and skills that are giving us the capability to develop this country. However, we recognise that people are differently abled in terms of capacity to pay. So, what are our programmes? Our programmes at higher education are that all those students that are indigent, are given – we have a programme which we call work for fees programme. This work for fees programme is where students who are unable to gather enough money to pay fees, are enrolled by the university into work for the university and then the university helps them to pay for the fees or waivering for the fees.
We started experimenting with this programme in 2019. Now, this programme is very mature. If you go for example to Midlands State University, we have more than 300 students who are on this programme. However, one word of caution is that first of all, we have to own up. It is not a crime to be poor such that sometimes people are not coming out to say, I cannot afford then we will be able to help them. People shy away from asking for help. I do not know what happens when people think that may be if I say I am poor somebody – no, in actual fact being afraid of saying you are poor is the biggest enemy that you can have. Honestly, to say I have a problem, then you can be helped. As I said, our policy is to make sure that every brain is used because if no brain is used - a country is like peddling a boat (igwa), everybody peddles, there is no passenger. Everybody has to peddle, so we expect everybody to acquire enough tools to peddle this country forward.
There is also the Student Loan Programme, where we actually put up, I think about 12 July, 2018, we put up a student loan scheme through CBZ. During that time, we put $110 million in CBZ but it looks like people actually do not want to borrow money. This money was borrowed by very few students. That is why we then thought about the work for fees programme which seems to have a more uptake. If you go to the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) today, you will be able to see that the majority of people who are working in the university’s industrial park, who are working in the UZ grounds and so forth, are actually students. If you look at that new bus terminus that we built at UZ and you look at the pavement, that was done by students who are doing the work for fees programme. So, we have programmes but we also have to admit that we are not 100% in terms of effectiveness. However, what I am explaining is the policy. In terms of how far we are achieving with this policy, that is another issue. The issue is that we have a policy of trying to make sure that everybody goes to university because we want to use them later to modernise and industrialise this country. It is actually a privilege for us to be able to educate people. I thank you.
HON. MHETU: I really appreciate the Minister’s response with regards to the work for fees programme and the student loan scheme. It is quite in line with the Government mantra of leaving no one and no place behind – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – However, why are we still hearing of people who are being barred from sitting for their examinations in universities as well as primary and secondary schools, if the two programmes are really working?
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Hon. Speaker Sir, I wish to thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. I have talked about the availability of the work for fees programme. Now, the programme is there but in certain circumstances, we meet students who are shy to declare their poverty but I am saying declaring poverty is not a problem. It is actually a strength to say I cannot afford; the help can come your way. For all students that owned, we try to the best of our ability to help them. There are students who are actually not declaring whether they have got the money or they do not have the money, then our systems because we got digital systems, they bar you without even us knowing that you have been barred. We have got an ICT system which says if you are not registered online, you will not write the examination. We will not even know; they are our computers that will be knowing. When you go to the examination venue, the guard will say you are not registered. So this is the issue, what we are saying is that we need honest and transparency on the part of the student and on the part of the university.
As I said, we are not always right in these issues, but where there is a problem which has been put upfront, we will be able to solve it. I can assure you that if you have not paid, you are likely not going to write the examination, unless you are able to tell us about that problem prior. The computer does not know a face, you will just be barred, so the issue basically is to be able to communicate – [AN HON. MEMBER: Zvakwana.] - Communication is a very important characteristic of humans. That is the only way that we can know you are in pain or you are happy and that is the way we can solve problems. I thank you.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members, if you ask Hon. Ministers questions, you must not comment like zvakwana garai pasi, it is you who asked the questions. Pihwai zvizere mubve muno mune zvakazara, mazvita.
HON. DR. MUTODI: On a point of order Hon. Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. DR. MUTODI: Mr. Speaker, according to the rules, for supplementary questions, it must be two this side and one the other side – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I have a supplementary question.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Can you please go ahead.
HON. DR. MUTODI: Hon. Minister, is it not possible for your Ministry to issue a circular to allow these students to write their examinations and allow them to pay for the fees after they have written their examinations?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, can you please speak a little bit louder.
Hon. Dr. Mutodi repeated his question.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Hon. Speaker, I wish to thank Hon. Mutodi for asking the question. Hon. Speaker Sir, our policy is very clear, we want our students to access education. We have procedures Hon. Speaker; students know these procedures. There is nobody who is at university, except Maudy Chifamba who went there at 14 years. Most of our students are 18 years and above, they are adults. They are very literate and intelligent; they actually know that when they put forward their issue before time, normally the answer is always positive. Our policy is very clear when it comes to allowing students who have got payment plans who have problems, to allow them to write examinations, we know we do. As I said, sometimes most of these things are done by the computer. So if a person does not come forward to…
HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Who is saying point of order?
HON. HAMAUSWA: Here.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I did not recognise you; Hon. Minister please finish.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I would like to resume by saying that first of all, I said, it is Government policy to make sure that our students go through their education. In actual fact, I am saying it is the privilege of the public to have a person who is able to learn so that they are able to use their knowledge for the skills and for the development of this country. It is in our interest; it is not a favour that we give to the people, that is first of all very important so that we can contextualise my answer to say we cannot harbor a sinister motive against the students who we want to educate.
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order Hon. Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I did not recognise you.
HON. MATEWU: But that is what the green book says.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: To this extent, we are therefore having a very deliberate policy to make sure that our students observe the examination rules. So we cannot issue a circular of how examinations are conducted. What I want to say basically is to say our students will write examinations, there are rules that are followed for them to have all the students barred from the computer, how they are then made to access the portal. There is no sinister motive whatsoever, it is in our interest to have these students write examinations because we want them to finish so that they can work for the industrialisation and modernisation of this country. So the context has to be very clear that it is in our interest that these students will…
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order Hon. Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I did not recognise you.
HON. MATEWU: Standing Order No. 65 must be respected in this House. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I did not recognise you.
HON. GUMEDE: Thank you Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity. My supplementary question is specifically on the Work for Fees Programme. As students do not know how to access it and it is not clear where they go if they want to find out about the Work for Fees Programme, have you ensured that indeed, vulnerable students are aware of the Work for Fees Programme and benefit from it? In most cases, students in need are either not aware like I have said or it is not clear how it is accessed. I thank you.
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I really want to thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question about whether there is access to information by our students on the existence of this programme. I want to say that we issued a circular on the Work for Fees Programme as early as 2018. All the universities are aware of this and they publish this information on the notice boards and also students who are unable normally to pay. We have got a Student Affairs Department at every university and every college that looks after the welfare of our students, and this information is available. Sometimes we also, I think have to interrogate sometimes why there are certain quarters that might not be knowing. I am not aware of anybody or any student, or any group that says that this information has not been made available. I will be very happy if I am favoured by that situation by the Hon. Member which may be so specific so that we can deal with it directly.
HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to seek clarification or to make the question clear. What we are asking is that there is a disaster looming. Students at universities are barred from writing their examinations. The Minister should state as requested by Hon. Mutodi that there must be modalities to allow students to write examinations and pay their fees, taking into consideration that things are not working, the economy is so difficult to most of the parents. The other part was not answered by the Hon. Minister. The part that those who are going to pay for their secondary school examination fees, the due date is on Friday.
We need a statement from Government to make sure that students who are failing to pay their fees, for example a parent who is in Muzarabani, they need to sell three or four goats for them to be able to pay examination fees for ‘A’ Level. The Minister must explain to this House as to how we are going to salvage the people whom we are here to serve. I plead with you that may this House be informed that these students are cushioned by the Government. Thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Hamauswa, when the original question was posed by the Hon. Member, I actually did split it into two and said the Minister of Higher and Tertiary will answer his part and then the Leader of Government Business will answer the part on Primary and Secondary Education. I will allow the Hon. Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education to be clear as a follow-up to what Hon. Mutodi has said.
HON. DR. MUTODI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to put across a point of clarity before the Minister comes in. Will the Minister be able to be given an order to seek clarification or to seek authority from His Excellency as to how this issue can be handled, given the severity of the situation as reported by the Hon. Members?
HON. PROF. MURWIRA: I have to be very clear on this one and I hope I will be clearer. We know for sure that we have indigent students in our system. We know also that we have to do something about these indigent students. We asked about Government policy and the Government policy is very clear because we have got the work for fees programme. We have also the Student Loan Scheme which has a low uptake. Those are the government policies. There is also the information policy which makes sure that every student knows where to get help.
We have a policy of Student Affairs Department where the information is kept and disseminated for the benefit of our students. This is a policy and our systems are automated. Let me tell you the effects of automation. Automation is such that if a person does not come to say I am barred before the examinations, it might be too late if they come when the exam is already in progress. We are on the ground and in touch with the ground. We do not have a policy crisis when it comes to that. We know but if they are students that are particular, because sometimes we know that people come too late.
When they come too late and the examination is in progress, there is nothing that we can do but because I am speaking in public and for the public record, it is very important that any student who might be anticipating a problem has to approach the Student Affairs Department. This is where they get their help and we have structures, Government and universities work with structures. There are organised systems and there is no chaos. So, based on that, we are saying our desire is for a student who might not have had any chance to pay fees to say so, so that they are waivered.
These things are happening everyday and so, this is the Government position when it comes to this. It is in our interest to have all our students write examinations as quickly as possible so that we can use them to industrialise and modernise this country. If there is a specific case that needs a specific attention, we are here. When Hon. Mutodi talked about maybe liaising with the President, we are already acting on it and for the President, there is no confusion. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Part of the answer has been proffered by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. Government is not in the business of saying every learner must not pay, but Government has programmes to ensure that those that are unable to pay will access the relevant fees through those schemes.
Secondly, the issue of examination fees did not become urgent because it is closing yesterday. Every parent knew that in the year of our Lord 2024, in March, examination fees would be needed. So, it does not become urgent because it is closing tomorrow. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education did a sterling job of flighting adverts that we are going to allow you to pay in both currencies for those that have USD and those that have ZWL. Those adverts were in the public domain.
Over the weekend, I went to my rural area and two of my neighbours came with goats to sell them to me. They acknowledge that it is their duty to pay fees. I said but I am not buying goats and they said we have school fees and so, it is better you get that goat and you give us money so that we have the money to pay fees. I immediately did that. I am surprised that Hon. Members are advocating for Government to intervene in general without segregating that those that can pay must pay and like what the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education said, those that have got problems must follow the relevant channels and subscribe in relevant programmes like BEAM so that they will access the fees. This is not an issue and those parents who were not responsible enough might as well not have sired those children. I thank you.
*HON. KARENYI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Let me speak in Shona because all the parents are listening, especially from the rural areas. We are happy with the answer from the Minister but the challenge that we have is that the Minister is saying every parent was aware that their children were going to write examinations. What you should know is that times are difficult and people were not aware of the inflation, but when people thought that they would burn money to get USD150, now the black market is fallen and they are now getting only USD50.00. What plans are there as Government to give parents room to put together what had been budgeted for because of the inflation? This is what we are saying as Members of Parliament. What can the Government do to extend the deadline so that children can write their ‘O’ Levels? Thank you.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Karenyi, your prayer is for the Hon. Minister to extend registration days for students.
*HON. KARENYI: The question is, what plans are in place because the Government is aware that our currency is no longer worthy? What plans are in place so that children can write their examinations?
* HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. What they are saying is different from the initial question. The money is no longer buying, but I know it buys.
HON. KARENYI: What is Government policy in terms of extending examination registration fee deadline dates?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. That is a specific request outside the policy framework which can be considered. I will duly convey to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
*HON. MUSWEWESHIRI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. How are you? My question is directed to the Minster of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. What is Government policy in terms of silted dams?
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir and thank you Hon. Member. We have several dams that were constructed totaling about 2000. It would be better if the Hon. Member could provide names of the dams that are full. We construct dams differently. There are sand bags in some of them used to protect down stream dams. So we want to know the exact dams that the Hon. Member is referring to.
Our habits are the major cause of siltation, especially when we practice river bank cultivation and deforestation. Our dams can be saved and protected by taking good care of our water sources. Some people say we should use machines to remove the sand, but experts are of the opinion that it is cheaper to construct a new dam than to remove sand.
*HON. MUSWEWESHIRI: I am looking at rural dams that were constructed long time back.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order. I heard as if the Hon. Minister was requesting for the names of the dams.
*HON. MUSWEWESHIRI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am looking at Nyamapanda Dam, Dendera Dam, Zezuru Dam and Kapotesa, all of them are silted. Thank you.
*HON. NYABANI: Mr. Speaker, all these dams are silted because there are no culverts and contour ridges. What is the Ministry doing to ensure that farmers do not silt dams in the absence of contour ridges?
* HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker for the Hon. Member’s clarification. We work in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife so that we discuss forestation and that sand is not directed to the dams. A lot of trees were cut down because we were creating our fields, and the farmers were not constructing contour ridges.
Now we are busy teaching farmers how to construct contour ridges. We have a department called Agriculture Mechanisation and Conservation that has a Chief Director for that. We also have professional people in provinces who are working on that. So we encourage all the farmers to be able to do contour ridges and to work with the Department of Climate Change for the preservation of flora and the prevention of siltation. I thank you.
HON. DR. MUTODI: Thank you Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to ask a supplementary question. The Minister has talked about one mechanism of de-siltation which he said segment trapping or setting up segment traps. My question is, has he done that for the existing dams such that we do not witness this problem perennially? Has the Minister also considered other mechanisms like draw-down flashing which are commonly used in other countries?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I heard Hon. Minister Masuka saying he is liaising with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife to action that.
HON. DR. MASUKA: I thank Hon. Mutodi for the additional information that will certainly enrich our vocabulary and the tools that are available to deal with this matter. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Members, today we have got quite several Ministers with us here, so I will limit supplementary questions to only two from the stipulated three.
HON. MAKUMBE: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. First of all, I would like to applaud the Minister for a job well done in the rehabilitation of most of the trunk roads.
What mechanisms are in place to curb those service providers who dig alongside the roads putting either electricity or internet cables and at the end of the day do not cover up or repair that damage?
*THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would also like to thank the Hon. Member for asking such a pertinent question. Yes, it is true that at times after finishing rehabilitating the road, some companies or service providers like telecommunications and ZESA also come to install their underground cables.
However, I would like to assure this House that indeed, it used to happen because when roads were being repaired, we were not leaving space or gaps for those service providers or companies to install their cables. Nowadays, when rehabilitating roads, a trench is dug as a provisional space for those service providers or contractors. Again, when a road is being rehabilitated, we gather those stakeholders including local authorities and rural district councils with cables that go underground to be present so that when they want to extend their cables, they have that space.
I would also like to recommend local authorities and rural district councils that when they have dug the roads putting certain cables, they should repair them.
HON. MUWODZERI: I would like to concur with the Hon. Member who has asked Hon. Minister Mhona about those big holes that are being left on our roads.
Furthermore, my question goes to say, we used to have the District Development Fund way back maintaining the roads, and now we have noticed that along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway, the roads are beginning to have some potholes. What mechanisms are you putting across to make sure that roads are being maintained?
*HON. MHONA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Let me also thank my Hon. brother for that very important question. I think it will be fair for me, Hon. Speaker Sir, not to mention that on that particular road that has been mentioned by the Hon. Member, to challenge him to take me to that section which has got potholes already with regards to Harare-Beitbridge Road.
Yes, the Hon. Member had indicated other roads, I would concur however, I will still wait for the Hon. Member even after this very important exercise, to indicate where we are having potholes. However, to just support his very important question that he has raised, of maintenance units, we indeed used to have maintenance units along our trunk roads and we have actually said this year, we are resuscitating all our maintenance units so that we attend to such potholes mushrooming at any given time.
So, I would also want to assure this august House that yes, you will see us having maintenance units again and attending to any eventualities that will happen. I also want to urge those who are coming from different provinces to say even if you see potholes developing on our trunk roads, we are also calling again as a Ministry, to say let us work and reason together so that we attend to such sections, not ending in a scenario where we have a pothole with a name like what we used to see. So, we are saying let us partake in the exercise holistically. If you have issues, our Ministry is there, and we can work together. I thank you.
*HON. JIMU: Thank you Hon. Speaker for allowing me to ask my question which is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. Which programmes are in place to prevent food shortages in schools nationwide since we have a looming drought this year? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR, AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Member for asking such an important question. Due to the effects of El Nino, we have a drought this year. As a Government, we have given number one priority to school children in terms of food provision in the country.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, we are going to embark on school feeding programmes so that children remain in schools without being affected by food shortages. We are also going to be working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and Rural Development to get all the necessary details about food security in the country. We do not want to leave anyone behind in terms of food provision in this year, of food shortage caused by the effects of El Nino.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education already has its running projects but when we face such a challenge as a nation, we collaborate to make sure children remain in the schools. I thank you.
*HON. MARASHE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to make a follow-up on the question asked by Hon. Jimu. I would also like to thank Hon. Minister J. Moyo for his response. However, when is the Ministry going to implement such programmes in the schools? As we speak, children are being affected by hunger in the schools, affecting their performances. Again, the process should speed up to avoid such diseases as kwashiorkor.
*THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Speaker. Last year we observed the climate and we realised that we had bumper harvests. This meant that most households had sufficient food. We also observed that despite bumper harvests, there were people who did not have enough food. We were able to determine how many households did not have enough food and among those, it also included children. So the 2.7 million that were under the Government feeding scheme, there were children who were also receiving food.
I was able to go around nine provinces to see whether people under the feeding scheme were receiving food. This included the children under the scheme, and we were making sure that they received food before attending school. With the poor rains that we have received this season, we expect that there are going to be more people under the scheme. We also take into consideration our country’s grain reserves so that we assess how much grain reserves we have in the country, and if we have less reserves, where are we going to get more grains. This is the responsibility of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. My Ministry is then responsible for looking into how many people are in need of food aid. We do not only look at household needs, but we consider each individual within that household. Each individual is given enough food to last them the whole month.
Yes, children within these households are given food, but we also consider each child’s nutritional need. This is where we work together with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education so that if there is a school feeding programme, the children should be given food so that they do not suffer from Kwashiorkor.
In schools, we carry out what we call food and nutrition counsellor assessment which is carried out by ZimLAC which was known as ZimVAC. We also carryout nutrition assessments of these areas and this is where we find the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development encouraging communities to be involved in gardening projects so that when people are being given cereals, there are also vegetables so that these children have a balanced diet consisting of grains and vegetables, including sugar beans so that they do not suffer from stunting.
*HON. NYANDORO: I would like to thank the Minister for his response, but the Minister said that they carried out an investigation into the state of food adequacy within the country. We did not start hearing about the El Nino phenomenon today. We were warned of this way before. Is the Government not taking too much time carrying out investigations while our children are suffering from hunger? What can be done by the Government swiftly for the children to receive food aid in schools?
*HON. J. MOYO: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for repeating the same question. I am saying that last year, we had a bumper harvest then we further carried out investigations of those who did not manage to harvest properly. This year, we are going to look into the issue. From January up to May, we will be distributing food. We do have those plans, but we do not expect each and every family which managed to harvest to keep their food and manage to be self-sufficient for a certain period of months, for example, January to April since people were aware of the El Nino induced drought.
Right now, going forward, our investigations are focusing on this year’s drought since it is affected by El Nino. We expect each family to have their food reserves from last year’s bumper harvest that is going to push them for a period of time this year. Right now, our investigations are focusing on the harvest for this year, although we are aware that there is nothing much which we are expecting from the harvest since it was affected by El Nino.
*HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question is, the Minister has spoken very well on what he is currently doing and the plans which are already there in schools, but I want to further ask if they are giving first priority to children living with disabilities in terms of receiving food in schools and in any other aid which is distributed at schools? Most of the time, children living with disabilities are already disadvantaged compared to those who are able bodied. At the end of the day, they might not get anything and return to their homes where in some cases, these children have disabled parents.
HON. J. MOYO: From the investigations Mr. Speaker Sir, from what the Hon. Member is saying, when we are distributing food aid, our first priority is people living with disabilities, the aged, child headed families, and finally, we also look at other families which are struggling with food shortages. Our main priority are the first groups which I have already mentioned which are the old aged, disabled and child headed families.
When we are doing meetings with village heads, these are the three groups which we emphasise on to be considered first. We encourage the village heads to select the three groups first. At one point, we went with the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to have discussions with the village heads. They agreed with us that they consider first the three groups I have mentioned.
Members of Parliament, you are allowed to be at places where food distribution is done, but you are not allowed to distribute food. Councillors will be there, but no councillors are allowed to distribute food. Village heads and headsmen are the ones who will be active in this process of distribution, but your presence is required just to make sure that people who are being selected to receive food aid are the correct ones or are the ones who are deserving.
Last week, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe said that all traditional leadership from village head up to the chief and councillors, including Members of Parliament, must make sure that those who deserve must be considered first. Those who deserve first are the three groups which I have already mentioned. We visited another area were the village head was given a number of eight people who are supposed to receive food aid and explained to us that these eight people are the most deserving ones to the extent that no one could complain why these people were considered. Those who are eligible should be given their portions even if the food is insufficient. It is the same with disabled persons, depending on the nature of disability, they are given priority when it comes to distribution of food.
Even in schools, I think the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education will be in a position to enlighten the House on how they handle disabled children in schools, how they facilitate their ablution facilities to be favourable to them. Even provision of ramps for them to enter in their classrooms, we need to work with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to have proper infrastructure for the disabled. All that, we work collaboratively with other institutions, education included. I thank you.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you very much for affording me this opportunity to air my question. My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development. I want to find out, what is your Ministry’s policy with regards to rescuing a struggling council that is failing to provide water for its residents, like in Bulawayo, where residents can go for between two weeks to almost a month without water at all? What is your policy as a Ministry to come and intervene in such a dangerous situation, looking at the Cholera issue?
THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): I thank Hon. Tshuma for that very important question. Local authorities fall under the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in terms of the oversight role of the Ministry. Local authorities are expected to deliver basic services to the residents and among the basic service, what we expect to be delivered without fail, 24/7 is water. Many local authorities are failing in this regard.
However, in terms of the Water Act and the ZINWA Act, there is a possibility of the President to direct the Minister responsible for water to intervene to assist the council to rectify the water problem as what happened with the City of Harare where we appointed a technical committee of experts headed by a university professor to complement the City of Harare to then expedite the provision of water to residents. Similarly, we invoked the provisions of the ZINWA Act and Water Act to assist the City of Bulawayo to provide water to its residents. The technical committees are working well. The process that triggers this is failure by the local authorities to provide a service that is expected of them, such as the delivery of safe, potable, available and affordable water to residents.
As I highlighted at the beginning, many councils are failing to do this. Now, at Central Government level, there has been discussion. I hope that the colleague Minister of Local Government and Public Works will be able to say more in terms of no compromise to service delivery as enunciated by His Excellency the President, which compels local authorities to provide a roadmap for the provision of these basic services by 30th June, 2024. I know that in the approvals of their budgets for 2024, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works has been scrutinising the allocation of resources to ensure that residents, indeed do receive the services that are expected from the local authorities. I thank you.
HON. J. TSHUMA: I do not know; would you probably indulge me to then direct my question to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works so that he probably explains it, also taking into cognisance the issue that the same councils now bring bills that are estimated. There is no water that they are providing but you will find there are huge bills that they give to the residents. Can you indulge me so that I direct it to the Minister of Local Government, if he is not around, probably the Leader of the House?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I want to thank Hon. Tshuma for the question. Mr. Speaker, the question has a lot of specific issues. Firstly, the issue of rates is supposed to be submitted to the Minister of Local Government for approval. So, that is very specific because I cannot then go on to answer whether the rates are exorbitant or not, without a specific tariff that was approved by the relevant Ministry.
Secondly, in terms of non-availability of water, again it is now specific. I want to indulge Hon. Tshuma to put it in writing so that the Minister can now be able to articulate that. If it is Kwekwe, where is the problem? Is it Bulawayo, is it bulk water supply that is not getting there; is it treatment? So, I am unable to proffer an adequate response in that. It really does not pertain to policy, but rather requires the Minister to come and explain the issues fully for the benefit of everyone. I thank you.
*HON. MUWOMBI: Thank you Hon. Speaker, my question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Women’s Affairs, in her absence, I now direct my question to the Leader of Government Business. My question is; what is Government policy in empowering women in rural areas that are doing different projects? We have noticed that if these women are empowered, this will also help our country in creating jobs, and they will also have money to look after their families. What is Government policy in empowering women in rural to do their projects.
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Hon. Speaker for the question. This is in line with His Excellency, the President’s vision that “no one and no place should be left behind” by 2030. Hon. Speaker, our President was pushed by this motive that no one and no place shall be left behind. We now have a ministry that looks at the welfare of women, and also to oversee small and medium enterprises. This Ministry encourages women to do various projects and there is also a bank called Women’s Bank that helps women to borrow money to do their projects. The issue that the Hon. Member is mentioning, there is a ministry that deals with that now. This Ministry is doing a great job in empowering women. In each and every ward, there is a Government employee under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to help alleviate poverty in women. There are a lot of things that is being offered by this ministry, I can go on and on, but if there are Hon. Members who would like further information, they can visit the ministry. I thank you.
HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir, I rise to inquire from the Hon. Minister of Energy and Power Development, concerning Government policy on deployment of dedicated electrical power lines to essential social service facilities like water treatment plants and Government hospitals, in exempting them from load shedding in order to guarantee efficient and sufficient service delivery. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you very much Hon. Speaker, and I thank the Hon. Member for the question. Government policy regarding strategic installation like water treatment plants, hospitals and other such institutions is that those are exempted from load shedding. What sometimes happens is that we find them off the grid as a result of faults. I know there was an incident a few weeks ago where some water treatment plants were switched off, that was done in error and it was corrected immediately after it was reported. I thank you.
*HON. MAKUMIRE: I thank you Hon. Speaker. I thank the Hon. Minister for his answer. His answer might not be true as compared to what is happening in most cities because when there is load shedding, water supply plants stop working and this will usually take long, almost 10 hours or so. So may the Hon. Minister enlighten us as to what steps must citizens take in the event of water cuts in hospitals and all the affected areas in urban areas? I thank you.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker and I thank the Hon. Member for the follow up question. Most of these strategic installations have got dedicated lines. In the event that there is no dedicated line to the extent that when there is load shedding in the area, they will also get affected; the said local authorities should apply for a dedicated line with ZETDC. If that is not happening and you need to report it, you will have to report it to the local office ZESA or ZETDC office so that it is rectified. If you find that there is no joy, you can even raise me. Some Hon. Members have raised me on similar issues, and we have been able to intervene and correct the situation. I thank you.
HON. MASHONGANYIKA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, in the absence of the Minister of Local Government and his Deputy, I am now directing my question to the Leader of the House. The population growth is increasing in all growth points and urban cities. What is Government policy regarding the expansion of those growth points and small towns in our provinces for the benefit of our citizens? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I want to thank Hon. Mashonganyika for the question regarding the population at growth points and the population within small towns, with a view of ensuring that that expansion is catered for.
Mr. Speaker Sir, that is work that is done by the relevant ministry using relevant statistics after population census. I am sure the Ministry of Finance that is responsible for census has given the relevant ministry so that they can interrogate and ensure that the Ministry of Local Government will then plan according to how they see the population growth over time and estimate the amount of land that can be needed.
So it is not a straight forward question that I say can be answered now. While on the face of it, it might be correct that the growth points are expanding, but in terms of planning purposes, they need to have statistics which is why they will need to use data from population census to inform them on how to plan for the next 10, 20 and 30 years. That is work that the Ministry is doing, if she needs specific details about specific areas, I am sure from the Ministry, they are ready to respond and indicate the plans that they are doing with a view of ensuring that we cater for the growth of our population. I thank you.
*HON. NHARI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Child Care. What is Government policy on preventing fake drugs that have spread throughout the country and they are being sold by people in the streets?
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Hon. Member for the question. We have a branch of Government that is called Medicines Control Council of Zimbabwe. It is the branch that tells people if the drugs are healthy to be consumed. The problem is that we have smugglers who are bringing in these drugs. The role of the police is that they go around to people who sell these pills so that they see if they are selling authorised drugs on the streets. Their role is to take measures on such people who sell unauthorised drugs. Those are the departments of the Government that we have but there are also people who bring in pills and drugs that are not recommended. They bring them unauthorised and they should be reported to the police so that we prevent such drugs from getting into the country.
*HON. ZEMURA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My supplementary question is, if these people who are selling drugs are arrested, if we go to the clinic and we are given a prescription to buy without being given the medicine, what should we do if we are not given the medicines? We will end up going to the street vendors who sell the drugs.
* HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Let me respond by saying if you are hungry and you meet a person who is selling stolen things, you will not steal because you are hungry. If you meet someone who is selling pills or drugs that you do not know about, you should not buy from them. There are pharmacies and chemists who sell pills and drugs and these are well-known.
So, if you get sick and you are told to go and buy from a pharmacy and then you decide to go to a street vendor or your friend who you know sells these pills and drugs, it will be your fault because it is just the same as if you would not have gone to the hospital. If we want to get treated, we should go straight to the pharmacies and not to the street vendors. They will give you fake pills or drugs that do not work.
HON. KUKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. The total consumption poverty level for an individual rose by over 177% from January to February, yet the Government increased USD salaries for civil servants by 6.6% and RTGs salaries by 49%. What is Government policy on cost of living adjustment? Are salaries not supposed to be adjusted in line with cost of living so that the Government sets the right precedence for private sector and motivate its own workforce? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): I want to thank the Hon. Member for asking this question which affects not only the public sector, but affects a lot of people in Zimbabwe. The NJNC which is composed of representatives of Government and representatives of Labour met last week and they agreed on a set of policies that guide what becomes our benchmarks. Firstly, the Minister of Finance, in his budget, was very clear about what they allocated for salaries and wages in the public sector and our measurement of that is to see that it is somewhere around 12% of GDP or certainly lower than 60% of the budget of the country in order to make sure that the rest can be used for development. That was achieved.
The question now is, how do you negotiate in good faith in order to take care of those at the lower ranks and also retaining skills that we need in order to move this economy? They agreed on two issues; that USD component will now become part and parcel of the pension scheme that has been set. So, the USD is now pensionable in order to make sure that you are cushioned in that regard.
Secondly, on the ZWL side, they agreed on indexation to index such that they can track the salaries and wages as the exchange rates change. This was not effected last year and this is a new agreement that makes sure that your ZWL is paid at the interbank rate given the month in which you are paid depending on the interbank exchange rate. This is a new innovation that protects the workers both on the ZWL side and supplementing it with the USD side. That is what has been agreed on and that is what Government has said is a reasonable way of protecting our workers.
I know that when we are talking about the public sector, we have to compare it with what happens in the private sector. I can assure this august House that I approve collective bargaining agreements of all the 48 National Employment Councils and when I look at what is happening in the public sector and in the private sector, it is almost equal and at the lower level, it is almost the same. Therefore, the economy is responding to the actual growth of this economy both in the public sector and in the private sector. I thank you.
HON. SAGANDIRA: What is Government policy regarding hampers to cushion civil servants who cannot manage to buy basic commodities with their salaries? I thank you. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]–
*HON. J. MOYO: Mr. Speaker Sir, this issue was not negotiated for. Therefore, it is not included. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order! During Question Time, we had a question on the due date on the Primary and Secondary Education registration deadlines. The Hon. Minister is now in the House. The Leader of Government Business communicated to him as to what transpired before he came and he has some news for us. Can you indulge me to ask the Hon. Minister to say something?
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to respond to the questions that were asked whilst I was attending to business with ZIMSEC officials.
The official deadline for payment of ZIMSEC examinations for November, 2024 is 25th March. However, because of the request that we got from legislators, I have consulted with the ZIMSEC Board and agreed to set the date to the first week of May, 2024 – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Hon. Speaker, if second term starts on 2nd or 3rd May, it means the first week in the second term when schools open – that Friday is the deadline for payment of the 2024 November examinations. I thank you.
*HON. KARUMAZONDO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The EHT officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care are busy distributing medication in an effort to curb Cholera, especially when there is necessity of boreholes. What is the Ministry’s policy for the provision of adequate water supplies to eradicate Cholera?
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA): Thank you Hon. Speaker. Thank you, Hon. Member, for the question. It is important for everyone to know how the Devolution Fund is used. The other branch, which is Water Sanitation and Hygiene, caters for farming and other branches. They all meet at national level in the national committee. It will have the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority. They will chair and will be responsible for the sector for Water and Sanitisation in communities that we refer to as WASH. It is this authority that is the first port of call for outbreaks such as Cholera, and they will then trigger the funding that is set aside for this purpose to be now put in use.
Furthermore, if we find out that this outbreak has now become a pandemic, we will then come up with an Emergency Fund. We will then send the Emergency Fund to the affected area. So it should augment what is there and what they will have done. As a department, this year, we are busy towards mobilising the drilling of riggs. We currently have 28 drilling riggs, our target is to have a 100 such riggs for drilling boreholes. We have 57 000 boreholes in the country, which means that 10 000 lines will have clean water before the end of December. If the Hon. Member has a specific place where there are failing to cope up with the pandemic, I urge the member to divulge such information to me especially when we have an outbreak of Cholera. I thank you.
*HON. KARUMAZONDO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. As I have said earlier, I was thanking the Ministry of Health for the work that they are doing. I heard the Minister saying there is an emergency fund and that we should prioritise constituencies or areas where there is a shortage of water. I come from Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe and cases of Cholera have arisen. The recommendation is that we get the money so that we can alleviate the residents.
*HON. DR. MASUKA: Thank you Hon. Speaker and the Hon. Member who specifically mentioned the area with water shortages, UMP.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I would like to thank the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, that most Ministers were present today. Most of the time when we start Question and Answer sessions, the question that is mostly raised by Hon. Members is where are the Ministers. So, I appreciate the fact that the Ministers are here present.
I would also like to thank His Excellency the President, E.D Mnangagwa for awarding the Ministers who are doing exceptionally well, Hon. Prof. Masuka and Hon. Prof. Murwira included.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 68.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS IN ZAKA NORTH CONSTITUENCY
- HON. MURAMBIWA asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to inform the House on the Ministry’s plans to electrify the following primary schools in Zaka North such as Chivingwi, Gunguvu, Chirara, Govere, Zimhungu, Chipinda, Chigwagwa, Chida, Gondo, Mugudubi, Mukwirimba, Muchokwa, Baramanza, Kubatana and Chivingwi Secondary School.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you Hon. Speaker. If you would allow me to combine answers for question number five because it is coming from the same area and speak to Jichidza Council Clinic. I would like to combine that so that I can give a comprehensive answer on the schedule for the electrification.
REF is electrifying institutions countrywide and we do equitable distribution of resources in all provinces and districts. As such, some projects will be targeted for implementation in 2005. Find below our plans and work already done to date:-
ZAKA District – Makwirimba Primary School in Ward 5 was electrified with the grid while the following are targeted for 2024: -
- Mugudubi Primary School
- Chivingwi Primary School
- Jichidza Business Centre/Clinic
- Chivigwi Secondary School
- Jichidza VET
- Jichidza Agritex
For 2023, which is last year, the following were electrified
- Dekeza Business Centre
- Chipfunde Business Centre
- Four Miles Clinic
- Chiromo Clinic. I thank you.
*HON. MURAMBIWA: My question to the Minister is that the schools that you have mentioned are lagging behind concerning the new curriculum that is there. So, how can the children in these schools get help because there is no electricity? We thought that maybe this year the schools would have electricity but the children would have been affected in their learning. Is there anything that the Ministry can do so that these schools can use gadgets that use electricity? In line with His Excellency’s mantra that we should not leave any place or person behind, these children should be assisted. I thank you.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Hon. Speaker and thank you for the follow-up question. In project planning, there is an ideal of what we would like things to be. There are also what things are and what things have been. So, I would like to respond, perhaps in the context of that framework.
The ideal situation is what the Hon. Member is talking about and that is what we would like to have. All schools, clinics, and institutions in the country are electrified but the reality as it stands is that the revenue inflows into REA and ultimately ZETDC, have been lagging out of the ideal. So, what we have done since the achievement of cost reflective tariff is that we have now restructured to re-energise this programme of rural electrification.
As we indicated in the responses that I gave, the plan is to do and this is just one district and there are many districts where we have similar plans. So, we would like the Hon. Member and the country at large to be patient whilst we follow through towards the ideal situation as we envisage it. At the moment, the reality is that we have been able to do these schools during this year as indicated in my response. I thank you.
*HON. MURAMBIWA: I know that the Hon. Minister has plans for these schools but they should be electrified this year. Are there no other plans like putting solar energy so that the teachers and students get help?
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you once more Madam Speaker. This is a multi-stakeholder programme wherein the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, I do not want to speak for them but from the energy sector, where they also have a programme of putting solar energy. So, these are some of the things that can be done. In the case of the Ministry of Energy, we used to have that programme, I think it was discontinued as a result of lack of resources but this year going into next year, it is going to be resuscitated to add solar into our mix of energy supply. I thank you.
ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS AND CLINICS IN
HURUNGWE CONSTITUENCIES
- HON. KANGAUSARU asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to explain to the House measures which have been put in place by the Ministry to electrify schools and clinics in Hurungwe constituencies and to further ensure uninterrupted power supply to those consumers already connected.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): I think there was a mix-up here. Questions 6 and 7 were not captured in our responses, may I request for the deferment of those and I will deal with Question Number 8.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, did you respond to question number five?
HON. E. MOYO: I requested that I combine four and five since they were speaking to the same area and for the same issues of power supply.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Noted Hon. Minister. So, we are going to defer Question number 7.
SEPARATION OF THE HIGHFIELD COMMUNITY AND GAZALAND AREA POWER LINES
- HON. CHIDZIVA asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to inform the House when the Ministry plans to separate the Highfields community and Gazaland trade area from the same power line in light of the electricity challenges.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Madam Speaker, let me thank the Hon. Member for raising the above question. Allow me Madam Speaker to respond as follows:
The referred Highfield area and Gazaland trade area are supplied electricity from Willowvale Circuit Breaker 69. Gazaland trade area is supplied through 2 x 315kVA transformers. To separate Gazaland from residential we need to replace 300m of 185mm2 3 core XLPE stolen cable and resuscitate Willowvale Circuit Breaker 59 feeder bay. The feeder bay requires 1 x 11kV Circuit Breaker, current transformers, cables and accessories for wiring the panel.
Below are the associated costs:
ITEM |
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION |
QUANTITY |
COST (USD $) |
1 |
185mm2 core XLPE cable |
300m |
60000.00 |
2 |
185mm Jointing kits |
4 |
800.00 |
3 |
Termination kits |
2 |
300.00 |
4 |
11kV Circuit Breaker complete with accessories |
1 |
90 000.00 |
|
Total Cost |
|
151 100.00 |
Estimated timelines for the work is end of first quarter 2025 as these works are not in the approved 2024 budget.
HON. MAVHUDZI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Since the end of December, the people of Highfield have been experiencing power cuts due to this very same line. I think it is also because of the entire electricity distribution network in Highfield. My question then is, does the Ministry have a plan of refurbishing the entire electricity distribution network in Highfield? Thank you.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. Yes, we have plans to strengthen and improve the integrity of the entire transmission and distribution network in the country. This, you will realise, has over time, not been done because of the non-cost reflectivity of the tariff and now that we have the cost-effective tariff in the tariff structure, there are funds and budget set aside for strengthening our distribution and transmission networks.
So that is ongoing. It has already started in other areas. You might be aware that some poles were falling off and so forth. Currently, if you go around the country slow as it is, we are building up on that so that the transmission distribution network is strengthened to avoid these unnecessary blackouts. Thank you.
ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS IN MARAMBA-PFUNGWE CONSTITUENCY
- HON. KARUMAZONDO asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to inform the House when the Ministry will electrify the following schools in Maramba-Pfungwe Constituency:
- a) Dewe, Masunzwa, Chatsetsa, Kanzire, Museka, Nyakarova, Patsika, Chipokoteke, Sowa, Kakonde, Kutsokodeka, Bangari and Chitorangave Primary Schools;
- b) Sowa and Bangari Secondary Schools.
THE MINISTER OF POWER AND ENERGEY DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Madam Speaker, let me thank the Hon. Member for raising the above question. Allow me to respond as follows. I will give you the completed works for 2023 and then the planned works for 2024 encompassing the schools that have been cited and also other projects
Completed in 2023 |
Planned for 2024 |
Rukariro Primary School and Secondary Schools and Business Centre |
Chipfunde Primary and Secondary Schools and Business Centre |
Mashambanaka Secondary School |
Mayema Primary and Secondary Schools and Business Centre |
|
Matsenga Primary and Secondary Schools |
|
Horgate Business Centre |
These are primed to be done this year. Then for 2025, 2026 and 2027 these have not been asked but I have provided that schedule for the benefit of the Member of Parliament. I thank you.
*HON. KARUMAZONDO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to thank the Minister for his explanation to the House. He gave us schools which were done in 2023, 2024 and 2025. I am happy with what the Minister has said but all those are schools in UMP. Of all the schools, one up to 10, there is only one school in my constituency which is benefiting.
I want the Minister to help us because the President is saying there is no place which should be left behind. The problem that we have in Maramba-Pfungwe is that the schools that have been alluded to the pass rate is 0% in grade seven. So, what other plans do you have? From up to 2025, if you look at the list that I gave you, there is no school that is benefiting. Can you explain to this House how you can help Maramba-Pfungwe constituency so that this constituency will not lag behind as what the President is saying?
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. Let me go on further and read what I had left out as 2025, 2026 and 2027
Target Year |
||
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
Dewe Primary School (Clinic and Solar) |
Masunzwa Primary School (Secondary has Solar |
Chatseka Primary School |
Sowa Primary School, Secondary School (RHC has Mobil Solar) |
|
Museka Primary School |
Bangari (Pangare) Primary School (Secondatry has Mobile Sola, RHC and BC) |
|
Nyakarova Primary School |
|
|
Patsika Primary School |
|
|
Chipokoteke Primary School |
|
|
Kakonde Primary School |
|
|
Kutsokodeka Primary School |
On the Chitorangave Primary School, REA is unaware of the school and is requesting for its exact location for possible implementation in 2027.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Karumazondo, take note of the request coming from REA.
REHABILITATION OF MUTAWATAWA-KAFURA
ELECTRICAL LINE
- HON. KARUMAZONDO asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to inform the House when ZESA will rehabilitate infrastructure, particularly, poles that continuously fall along the Mutawatawa-Kafura electrical line, resulting in power cuts.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank Hon. Karumazondo for the question. The line is currently on and should be relatively stable. A circuit breaker was installed early February, 2024 on the Mutawatawa line, separating it from other lines. Previously, it was affected by faults on other lines sharing the same circuit breaker. With the installation of the breaker, the line will now trip only for faults when they occur. I thank you.
*HON. KARUMAZONDO: I want to thank the Minister for his answer to the House. Minister, do you know that the line from Mutawatawa, going through Borera, to Kafura, passing through Chitsungo Business centre, passes through schools and business centres? The problem is that your poles are falling, some are being destroyed by termites and some are being burnt. At Guyo, children were playing with fire from the pole. What can your people do because they are improvising by erecting wooden poles which are not durable at all. What are your plans so that you can change those poles because they are not strong? About 50% of the poles are not strong and we are afraid they may pose danger to children.
HON. E. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Karumazondo for that follow-up question. The question speaks to the integrity of our infrastructure. It also seeks to know what plans we have in place to correct that. It is true, a lot of our poles are on the ground and some work is happening to bring them up.
However, as a long-term solution, ZESA, through its subsidiary, ZESA Enterprises (ZENT) has now changed the nature of poles. We are now doing concrete poles. We are also directly there and they are being deployed. We also are going to be developing steel poles leveraging on the availability of steel in the next few months from Manhize Steel Plant. We have also got into partnership and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with some external partners to partner ZENT to bring in latest technology in concrete pole production into the country and also the machinery to expedite that. The long-term solution - our future, in terms of the poles is shifting away from the timber ones to steel to avert the issues that the Hon. Member has identified.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY SUPPORT FOR WARD
3 OF MAKONI
- 13. MUWOMBI asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to inform the House the Ministry’s plans regarding the reclamation of the silted dam which supplies Nyadimba Irrigation Scheme in Ward 3 of Makoni North and to further explain on the measures required to support Agricultural productivity including the provision of tractors.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Question 13 refers to Ward 3 of Makoni North, specifically about Madimba Irrigation Scheme. The conservation works are being planned on the dam catchment to prevent further siltation and erosion. There are also plans to raise the dam wall to improve dam storage. The dam was irrigating eight hectares, with a potential to irrigate 20 hectares. Plans are in place to install drip irrigation which double the area being irrigated at Nyadimba irrigation scheme.
WATER CHALLENGES IN THE CITY OF BULAWAYO
- HON. BAJILA asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to inform the House the plans being put in place to address water challenges in the City of Bulawayo.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. To address the water challenges in the City of Bulawayo, the water supply discharge from Mtshabezi Dam and Mzingwane Dam will be increased from 17 megalitres per day to 30 megalitres per day. Water output from Nyamandlovu aquifer will be restored from 11 megalitres per day to 20 megalitres to 20 megalitres per day. These measures are expected to improve the water supply situation in Bulawayo.
I would also like to add, as I mentioned a few weeks ago, that our long-term goal for the City of Bulawayo is the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which we believe there will be definitely enough water for the provisions of water supply.
HON. BAJILA: Thank you Hon. Minister for your responses. You have mentioned the restorations with respect to Nyamandlovu and Mtshabezi. Are there any timelines we can expect these restorations which will lead to increments in water supply for the City of Bulawayo?
HON. HARITATOS: This is top priority in our Ministry. I am not sure if you heard the Hon. Minister before me – the Hon. Minister of Lands, he mentioned a Committee that has been set up. They have done quite a considerable amount of work and I believe within the next week, we should be making the findings public as we have done with the City of Harare. This is an urgent matter and it is not something which is going to happen in the next few weeks. This is something that should happen very soon.
POTABLE WATER FOR CROWBOROUGH NORTH
- HON. HAMAUSWA asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to inform the House measures being taken by the Ministry to ensure that people in Crowborough North Phase 3 have alternative sources of potable water.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Water and sewer reticulation works are currently being carried out. Once they are completed, the City of Harare will connect water to Crowborough North Phase 3.
HON. HAMAUSWA: My supplementary question to the Minister is that my question is concerned with alternative sources of water that are solar powered boreholes to the respective area considering that the nearby Ward has been affected by Cholera. I am sure that your office is aware of that. In that area, people are getting water from shallow wells, which is not a good thing, as they will again be exposed to Cholera.
HON. HARITATOS: Yes, the Hon. Member is very correct. We are aware of the situation. We actually deployed four borehole rigs to the areas around. I think it is just now specifically identifying specific hotspots. Obviously, we are prioritising the drilling of boreholes. Specifically, in urban areas, we want to solarise, but unfortunately this is reliant on our budgets. Possibly the Hon. Member will not be pleased with us because we are waiting for budget releases. I can promise the Hon. Members that I will personally look into this so that at least, we can expedite. Obviously, Cholera is of great concern. As a Ministry, we have done what we can within our budget, but certainly we are not comfortable and we will do more if need be. I thank you.
COMPLETION OF INYATI ROAD IN CHIREDZI
- HON. MAKUMIRE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to explain to the House the delays in the completion of roads in Chiredzi particularly the Inyati Road, and to further state when it is expected to be completed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Under the Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP 2) which is being implemented through our Ministry, and whose mandate is to restore the navigability of roads, works are underway on the completion of Inyati Road.
To date, the contractor has made significant progress on the project as the works were above 80% before works were suspended. The works were suspended by the contractor who abandoned site in July 2022 due to delays in payment of outstanding obligations.
For the past few months, Treasury has made significant efforts in clearing the outstanding payments but however, the contractor was not willing to go back on site, hence the contract was terminated mutually. At the moment, my Ministry’s Department of Roads is in the process of re-appointing another contractor to complete the works.
The Ministry also acknowledges that the road has further deteriorated and routine maintenance works will be carried out as soon as possible.
*HON. MAKUMIRE: The road that we are referring to in the City of Chiredzi – it cannot be true that 80% of it was constructed because the contractor had just started working on the road…
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: I think you know that this is for experts. You can ask your question. We cannot say the Minister is lying. There are people who do monitoring and evaluation of the work.
*HON. MAKUMIRE: I know that when we drive from here to Masvingo, you know the number of kilometres, but if we say when we get to Beatrice and we say…
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Please go straight to your supplementary question.
*HON. MAKUMIRE: When should we expect this road to be complete because it is the main road that connects all roads to Chiredzi?
*HON. SACCO: The question that you have asked is very important. The truth is that all the roads in Zimbabwe are important. We do not think that there is a road that is not important. Our President says that no one and no place should be left behind. It is our responsibility as the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to see to it that all roads in the country are constructed.
As I have already indicated, the contractor who was working on this road withdrew his services. We are busy doing a tender process so that we appoint another contractor who finishes the work. Our Ministry is also in the process of coming up with maintenance units which do periodic maintenance. This road for sure requires maintenance as soon as possible. It is an issue that we have taken seriously so that your road is mantained in the possible shortest time. For now, we are just waiting for resources from the Ministry of Finance or Treasury so that our work will go forward.
REHABILITATION OF CHIVHU-GUTU-CHIREDZI ROAD
- HON. MAKUMIRE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House the plans that have been put in place to rehabilitate the Chivhu-Gutu/Chiredzi Road.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Thank you Madam Speaker. For the year 2024, the Ministry has proposed 20km of reseal and 20 km of rehabilitation along with Chivhu/Gutu Road whilst routine maintenance works will be ongoing throughout the year. The department acknowledges that the road in some sections has collapsed significantly and it requires significant interventions.
The road in question is one of the roads within Masvingo Province that has been prioritised for implementation once funds have been availed. The current budget availed so far does not permit my Ministry to embark on this project among others. We are currently seized in discussions with the Ministry of Finance in order to find solutions to the financing gap.
For Chivhu/Lothian Triangle, currently there is a contractor who is doing routine maintenance works which is almost 80% complete. In some sections, it also requires reseal and rehabilitation works. However, funds are limited to carry out these works during this current financial year.
REHABILTATION OF CHILONGA BRIDGE
- HON. MAKUMIRE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to explain the delays experienced in the rehabilitation of the Chilonga Bridge which connects Southern Rural Chiredzi and Chiredzi Town and to further explain when construction works on the bridge will resume.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): I would like to thank Hon. Makumire for raising such a pertinent issue relating to the bridge which requires urgent attention. After the washing away of the old Runde Bridge, a decision was made to relocate the bridge to Chilonga. The relocation was meant to have the bridge provide service to a large population. The identification of three possible sites upstream of the existing causeway resulted in topographical surveys and geological investigations being carried out at two of the sites that looked promising. A report produced in November 2018 indicated an average depth of 50m for the foundations. This proved to be costly as the resultant bridge would require special foundations and cost in excess of USD1 million.
Further, a fourth site was identified in 2023 which is located about 5km downstream of the existing causeway at Chilonga and has rock outcrops. This is an indication for good foundations closer to the ground level. This year, our Ministry has plans to do geological investigation in order to determine whether it is feasible to construct the bridge at this new site. We were also looking at the possibility of repairing the old Runde Bridge. I submit.
*HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question to the Minister is whether we have a timeframe for the completion of this bridge because it was washed away in 2000 and the people across are in trouble in trying to get help from the other side.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you for the question. Were you listening when the Minister was responding? He talked about a lot of money that is needed for that bridge and he explained in depth. Let me give him the chance to talk on deadlines.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): My answer to Hon. Makumire is that we have found proposed sites which we identified and very expensive. At the moment, we are looking at site No. 4 so that we investigate how much it would cost to put a bridge there. Those investigations will look at geological formations which will give us guidance on the amount of money that is needed for that bridge to be constructed. After those investigations, we will come up with an estimated cost and that is when we will look for that money from the Ministry of Finance so that our bridge will be built. I want to promise to you that with this new dispensation, a lot of work is being done from Beitbridge to Victoria Falls and from Plumtree to Chimanimani. So, whatever we promise is coming to fruition. Do not lose heart and very soon the work will be done.
HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: I have observed that we have fallen short of the quorum required for this House to continue sitting. The magical number should be 75 and we are way below that. Therefore, with your confirmation on the number, we may move to adjourn the House.
[Bells rung]
[Quorum formed.]
REHABILITATION OF HEADLANDS-CHIENDAMBUYA- CHIKORE ROAD IN MAKONI NORTH CONSTITUENCY
- HON. MUWOMBI asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to inform the House the plans being put
in place to rehabilitate the Headlands - Chiendambuya-Chikore Road
in the Makoni North Constituency
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Thank you Hon. Member for bringing up this question. Headlands – Chiendambuya is a very important road in the Makoni North Constituency. This road serves as a feeder road onto the Harare – Mutare Road, and is the main road used for the conveyance of agricultural inputs and produce to the large farming community in the constituency.
The upgrade of this road has been on the cards for more than 10 years, to cater for increased agricultural activity, but implementation has been hampered by budget constraints. In the meantime, routine maintenance works are being carried out on the road to maintain trafficability. The road has been included in the 2024 budget as well as work programme for pothole patching over the surfaced section of 18km, motorised grading of the remaining 57km as well as bush clearing on a section that is 20km long.
When funds are availed, my Ministry’s plan is to upgrade the road in sections of at least 10km per year until 59km is completed. The Ministry is currently in the process of re- establishing our Maintenance Units to carry out periodic maintenance, and assessment is underway and equipment required to allow procurement of such.
REHABILITATION OF DEKA-HWANGE ROAD
- HON. BONDA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to explain to the House the Ministry’s plans to rehabilitate the Deka-Hwange Road.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. SACCO): Thank you Hon. Member for this question. The Hwange – Deke Road is made up of 41km of narrow mat and 48.1km of gravel road. The first 7km of the road has been severely damaged by heavy trucks that are carrying out mining activities. The road in general is in poor shape and requires rehabilitation and upgrading. However, limited resources have impeded the upgrading of that road.
At the moment, Government is considering options for private sector participation to have the mining companies financing the rehabilitation of the sections of the roads that they frequent, however, this is still under consideration. The medium term for the Ministry is to upgrade the road to wide mat surfaced standard, and currently my Ministry is carrying out patching of potholes as well as periodically carrying out maintenance grading.
HON. BONDA: Supplementary question Madam Speaker. The infrastructure that is being destroyed is not due to the truck movement. Actually, it is the miners that are ripping the road off and it ends up being in bad shape. However, I would like to know if there is any law that can stop the miners from destroying the infrastructure without a solution, leaving the community along that road exposed to the danger of driving right on top of the slippery dumps to Mashala or the Zambezi River? I thank you.
HON. SACCO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I can respond up to a certain extent. I am not a lawyer myself, so I will defer the question to the Minister of Justice to tell us if there is any law in place to stop these miners from destroying the infrastructure. We however believe that we can build Zimbabwe if we discuss the issue and all come to the table if we agree there is a problem and that those doing mining activities can also plough back part of their profits for the maintenance of these roads.
HON. BONDA: On a point of order. I just want to make a clarification. It is not that the miners using the road are destroying it. We are saying the miners ripped a road just like the road to Mt. Hampden is being ripped. Then they made the people who are benefitting from that road to drive on top of the dump which is slippery and dangerous. So, I am saying, is there no law that can stop these people from ripping the existing infrastructure?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: The Minister responded that the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is the Ministry that can respond to that, but I think he can respond to how people can travel safely considering the road was damaged.
HON. SACCO: I was not aware that the road was ripped by the mining companies. Thank you very much for bringing that to our attention. I have been tasked by Minister Mhona to do a national tour of all provinces to have an appreciation of sensitive roads or low-lying fruits where we can get quick results. Therefore, when it comes to Matebeleland North Province, I will pay a visit to this area to get a better appreciation of what you are saying. Also, as a response, if they did rip the road, it means they probably had a plan to resurface it or to rehabilitate it. So, what we need to do is follow up with them and find out how far they have gone so that they can finish what they started. I so submit.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
EXCLUSION OF MACADAMIA NUTS FROM PRODUCER
PRICE LISTS
- HON. MACHINGURA asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to explain to the House why macadamia nuts are excluded from producer price lists.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Government often plays a role in regulating agricultural markets, including setting minimum support prices or determining producer prices for national strategic crops, pre-dominantly cereals which have a direct bearing on food security. Currently, the standardised Cabinet approved producer prices are covering food commodities which includes (maize, wheat, soya bean, traditional grains, sunflower) cotton. Government however, realised that there are equally strategic horticulture commodities such as macadamia nuts. In this regard, the government, through the Ministry of Lands, in terms of section 50 of the Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) Act (Chapter 18:24) released macadamia nuts regulations under Statutory 138 of 2019. The SI recognises the existence of the Association of the Macadamia Producers and AMA as the responsible authorities for the macadamia nuts with the following objectives:
- Control and regulate the marketing of macadamia nuts.
- Promote and maintain the sale of macadamia nuts.
- Institute effective systems to control theft of macadamia nuts.
- Collate statistics relating to the production, marketing, export and consumption or use of macadamia nuts.
- Distribute market studies and information relating to the marketing, production and use of macadamia nuts.
- Advise the Minister on all matters relating to the production, marketing and processing of macadamia nuts.
- Do all things which this or any other Act or any other enactment requires shall be done by the Authority.
Section 17 of SI 138 of 2019 states that where it appears to the Minister that there are unfair practices in the pricing model of macadamia nuts, the Minister may, after consultation with the Authority, the Minister responsible for Finance, and upon recommendations from associations of growers of macadamia nuts, before the 31st of December in each year, by order published in the Gazette, fix the minimum prices for macadamia nuts to be traded in that year.
PAYMENT OF RUSAPE FARMERS FOR DELIVERY OF WHEAT TO GMB
- HON. MAPFUMO asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to explain to the House the Ministry’s plans to ensure expeditious payment to farmers who delivered wheat to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), particularly those who delivered their produce to GMB Rusape.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): The House will be pleased to know that following GMB’s press statement on 17 March 2024, payments amounting to ZWL171 billion and USD 66.1 million have been made for both summer crop and winter deliveries. To date, 98% of the ZWL component owed has been paid to farmers. The Ministry is in constant liaison with Treasury and we are aware that Treasury is accelerating the mobilisation of resources to clear the outstanding balance of ZWL 1.86 billion and USD 34.9 million.
PROGRESS OF THE KUNZVI AND MUDA DAM PROJECTS
- HON. MAZHINDU asked the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to apprise the House on the progress made on the Kunzvi and Muda Dam projects.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. HARITATOS): Hon. Members, the House will be pleased to know that Kunzvi Dam is at 46% progress to completion and the Ministry is looking to complete the construction of the dam by December 2024. With respect to Muda Dam, the dam is ready for construction and ZINWA is awaiting the disbursement of funds to begin construction.
COMPLETION OF THE HARARE-WEDZA ROAD
- HON. MAZHINDU asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development (Hon. Felix Mhona) to explain to the House when the Harare-Wedza will be completed in the light of the fact that it has been under construction for almost 10 years now.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): I would like to thank Hon. Mazhindu for this question. Let me hasten to say that Mushandirapamwe – Wedza is a section of a road, which links the Provincial capital of Marondera to Wedza from Harare – Mutare road. The length of the road is 70.6km Wedza and the road was constructed as a narrow – mat with a surfaced width of 3m. Over the years, we have seen an increased traffic flow and this has necessitated the need to widen the road to a wide mate. The upgrading of 10km which stretches from Wedza to Fells road was first implemented between the year 2016 and 2019. A further 2.5km was under construction between 2019 and 2029. I will agree that the rate of implementation of the project was moving at a very slow pace and this was mainly due to the very limited amount of funding availed at the time.
I am pleased to state that the commencement of ERRP2 this road was considered as extremely important and 22.2km of the outstanding 33km up to Mushandirapamwe was tendered out and awarded to a contractor in 2022. The 11km from this scope and 2.5km which was outstanding from previous works has since been completed and opened to traffic as we speak. The contractor is working on the remaining 11km that is under the current tender, however progress on this road rehabilitation has slowed down due to financial challenges otherwise the contractor would have completed the project a long while back.
Our Ministry is working tirelessly to ensure that the remaining 11km for the upgrading of Wedza – Mushandirapamwe is completed.
TABLING OF REPORT
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. D.K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker. 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, I lay upon the table the report of the Auditor General being the value for money Audit report on COVID-19 support towards Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitiser by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. I so submit.
MOTION
LEGISLATION DEFICIENCIES IN THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK IN TERMS OF THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION CORPORATION ACT
HON JERE: I move the motion standing in my name that this House:-
MINDFUL that in 2012 Parliament enacted the Deposit Protection Corporation Act to inter-alia provide for the management, functions and powers; and to establish a Deposit Protection Fund for the compensation of depositors in the event of financial institutions becoming insolvent, and to provide for the administration and application of the Fund; to amend the Banking Act [Chapter 24:20]; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing;
CONCERNED that despite the financial reforms that were initiated, poor corporate governance in the Banking sector wreaked havoc leading to huge losses by investors as some financial institutions became insolvent hence their incapacity to compensate clients who had deposited substantial sums of money into the financial sector; 19th March, 2024 348
ALSO CONCERNED with the fast declining investor confidence in the banking sector where clients suddenly decline to tie down their money in investments owing to lessons learnt in the past and uncertainties on what the future has in store for the banking industry:
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to— (a) come up with comprehensive legislation which will redress challenges that have not been adequately solved by financial reforms that were put in place from 2013 to date; (b) put in place measures compelling financial institutions to start compensating clients who lost savings and investments owing to poor corporate governance issues in the Banking sector by 31st March, 2024; and (c) propose amendments to the Deposit Protection Corporation Act [Chapter 24:29].
HON. M. NDEBELE: I second.
HON. JERE: PREAMBLE
Section 318 of the Companies Act [Chapter 24:03] provides for the investigation and prosecution of directors of a company by a creditor, member, judicial manager or liquidator of a company or private business corporation for fraudulent, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct of business. The section empowers the High Court to hold an, "impugned person" personally responsible, without limitation of liability, for all or any of the debts or other liabilities of the company or private business corporation as the court may direct.
This provision was carried forward in section 68 of the recently enacted Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:311 whose desired outcome is to deter the managers and fiduciaries of companies from fraudulent, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct of business.
Mindful that in 2012, Parliament enacted the Deposit Protection Corporation Act to inter alia provide for the management, functions and powers; and to establish a Deposit Protection Fund for the compensation of depositors in the event of financial institutions becoming insolvent, and to provide for the administration and application of the Fund; to amend the Banking Act [Chapter 24:201; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.
CONCERNED that despite the financial reforms that were initiated, poor corporate governance in the Banking and financial services sector wreaked havoc, leading to huge losses by investors as some financial institutions became insolvent, hence their incapacity to compensate clients who had deposited substantial sums of money into the financial sector; pensioners were left poorer.
Madam Speaker, this resulted in the fast-declining investor confidence in the banking sector where clients suddenly decline to tie down their money in banks and investments owing to lessons learnt in the past and uncertainties on what the future has in store for the banking industry and financial services sector at large.
Core Principle 12 of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Zimbabwe is a member, prescribes best practice in dealing with parties at fault in a bank failure. The Core principles outline how the deposit insurer, or other relevant authority, should be provided with the power to seek legal redress. This provision came about after the realisation that Bank failures are a global phenomenon which are commonly caused by negligent, fraudulent banking practices and insider trading at the hands of Bank fiduciaries. The 2008-2009 worldwide financial crisis has raised questions about the corporate governance of financial institutions. Reforms implemented after financial instability have often failed to prevent bank failures. Some bank managers lack an understanding of the role of corporate governance in preventing bank failures. Corporate governance enhances firm performance and profitability. Poor corporate governance and by extension, corporate greed, and the agency problem was the major reason for bank distress in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe recorded more than 20 cases of bank failures between 1980 and 2015. Most of the bank failures occurred during the period between 2003 and 2004, when the registrar of banks placed 10 banking institutions under curatorship, two in liquidation, and closed one discount house. In the year 2013, the registrar of banks cancelled operating licences of two banks and placed one bank under curatorship. In 2003, the Zimbabwean banking sector was characterised by poor corporate governance, malicious banking practices, and high incidences of indiscipline. During this period, Mr. Speaker Sir, there was a saying that used to go, "if you want to rob a Zimbabwean, do not use a gun, but open a bank" The Central Bank issued two guidelines on corporate governance and minimum internal audit standards in banking institutions in 2004. Checks and balances are of paramount importance to ensure that we do not perpetuate the scourge of bank failures any further by supporting the criminalisation and prosecution of malfeasance in the banking sector.
Section 22-33 of the Insolvency Act [Chapter 6:07] provides for transactions that can be set aside. The provisions recognises that company failure can be occasioned by collusive and fraudulent practices, which for the purposes of insolvency are prejudicial to unassuming consumers. However, these well-intentioned provisions do not currently cover a class of consumers of banking sector products called 'depositors' following the amendment of the Insolvency Act and the Companies and other Business Entities Act, as the motion will uncover.
Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] adequately provides for circumstances that are deemed as fraud at law. In a nutshell, these circumstances include inter alia: misrepresentations and conduct that causes prejudice to another person or creates a real risk or possibility that another person might be prejudiced. This has unfortunately been the reality in the banking sector in the past two decades as we have seen many banks failures that have been occasioned by negligence, greed, collusion, malicious intent of the part of banking sector fiduciaries for self-interest.
HISTORY OF BANK FAILURES IN ZIMBABWE
Herewith a bank-by-bank analysis of the cases at hand.
- Interfin Bank Limited (under liquidation)
The Liquidator commenced the action by way of summons in 2016, the claim being payment of the sum of US$157 723 814.91 and interest on the sum at the prescribed rate of 5% per annum. The claim of US$157 723 814.91 had been based on estimate credit losses on loan accounts where loan origination processes were not properly followed. This figure approximated the balance of creditors, which, based on the proof of claims was US$114 944 434.83. The figure is now denominated in Zimbabwe dollar.
Implications
Protracted legal battles and adverse changes in the economy have caused the ordinary citizens to lose out and made it easier for the individuals who are complicit in the demise of the Bank to get away with murder.
2. Royal Bank Limited
The Bank was closed on 27 July 2012 and placed under provisional liquidation on 20 February 2013. Judgment to place the Bank under final liquidation was reserved since 17 December 2013 and final judgment to place the bank under final liquidation was issued on 19 November 2014. A forensic audit investigation was undertaken by and some of their observations include the glaring breach of fiduciary duties that resulted in the bank and its stakeholders suffering material and financial prejudice.
Implications.
The depositors of the bank were prejudiced because of the lapse in time due to protracted court processes and changes in economic policy. There is no greater justification for the amendment of the DPC Act to attend to such issues,
3. AfroAsia Bank Limited
Shareholders of the bank surrendered the banking license to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). RBZ made an application to place the institution under provisional liquidation in terms of Section 57 (1) (a) of the Banking Act [Chapter 24:20] and for the subsequent appointment of Deposit Protection Corporation as provisional liquidator. In January 2015, the Central Bank undertook an onsite examination into the affairs of the institution and the report chronicles poor corporate governance and management structures, nonperforming insider and related party exposures and poor debt recovery strategies. The affairs of the Bank were run negligently and recklessly- thereby subjecting its depositors to losses. Failure to manage resources to an extent where a huge treasury gap occurred, staff cost outweighed, called deposits and other creditor payments.
Implications
Although the liquidation has successfully settled creditors in full due to inflation and the passage of time while shareholders and directors challenged various aspects of the liquidation, there were residual assets which the liquidator is legally obligated to surrender to the Shareholders. This is highly prejudicial to creditors who suffered irreparable losses at the hands of the parties that caused the demise of the Bank. The Final Distribution and liquidation account shows an unfair scenario that spells victory for the former bankers.
- Trust Bank Limited.
The bank was closed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on 6 December 2013. Subsequently, DPC was mandated by the creditors of Trust Bank Limited to sue the directors at fault for the demise of the institution. A forensic audit report revealed, among other issues, that;
- depositors' funds were used to pay for the Bank's operational expenses,
- imprudent commitment of depositors' funds to core banking activities,
- directors harboured knowledge of detrimental, fraudulent, and suspicious transactions and did nothing to address the same,
- conflicts of interest at various levels among the directors that resulted in the Directors failure to safeguard the interests of the Bank and the depositors.
- Willful disregards for banking and KYC procedures resulting in the issuance of various loan amounts to unidentified individuals.
- Maintenance of a non-performing Loan book with no clear recovery strategy.
Implications
The depositors of the failed bank have similarly suffered irreparable loss while the Final Distribution Liquidation Account that lay for inspection at the Master of the High Court offices indicate that by operation of the law, the individuals who caused the demise of the Bank made off with residue constituting real assets.
It is Parliament's role to put in place laws that will deter bankers from negligent banking practices and supporting the DPC in its plight to amend its Act is a good start.
THE JOURNEY TOWARDS REFORMING FINANCIAL SERVICES LAWS FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION.
1 . There are proposals for legislative changes to consumer protection laws in the financial services sector in deposit insurance, banking sector & pensions. It will however, zero in on developments in the banking sector as they relate to deposit insurance.
- It is important to establish a separate banking institution insolvency regime that resonates well with the characterisation of banking institutions as special entities in the theory of finance and financial intermediation. In other words, it is generally accepted that banking institutions play a sui generic role in the economy of any nation.
- In all jurisdictions, banking institutions require special authorisation to operate as banking institutions, over and above the normal registration as corporate entities. Globally, banking institutions operate under a prudential supervisory regime which is not applicable to other corporate entities.
- It is trite that if banking institutions require special rites for their establishment, and course of life, they should inevitably have special rites at their demise. Thus, several jurisdictions e.g. the EU have established special insolvency regimes to manage and resolve failed banking institutions.
- Zimbabwe has no separate, let alone specific, insolvency regime for banking institutions. The Insolvency Act [Chapter 6:04] that was applicable to private companies registered under the Companies Act [Chapter 24:03] was the same law applicable to banking institutions and did not take into account the special nature of such banking institutions. Resolution of banking institution requires that the matters be dealt with speed and finality, to curtail adverse repercussions on economic activity and bring urgent relief to the banking public and creditors, whose deposits would have been locked on the banking institution upon closure.
- In 2018, the Insolvency Act [Chapter 6:04] was repealed and a new Insolvency Act [Chapter 6:07] was enacted. Section 13 (1) (b) of the new Act states that the Act does not apply to banking institutions registered under the Banking Act (Chapter 24:20). This created a lacuna for the insolvency of banking institutions. The Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC/Corporation) in its capacity as Liquidator of all banking institutions in terms of the Banking Act (Chapter 24:03) was left with no legal framework applicable to banking institutions in the unlikely event of their demise.
- The Deposit Protection Corporation, therefore, proposed an amendment to the Deposit Protection Corporation Act [Chapter 24:29] to provide for a separate insolvency regime for banking institutions, the major objective being to secure in the shortest practicable time, a fair satisfaction of the banking institution's depositors, creditors and any other relevant stakeholders as shall be determined by the Deposit Protection Corporation.
- The Corporation also proposed further amendments to the Deposit Protection Corporation Act [Chapter 24:29] arising from the changing environment and/or developments in the sector; and/or need to be aligned with other local laws including the following:
- A team of experts from the World Bank, assessed the Deposit Protection Corporation against the 2014 revised International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance Systems (CP) in June 2016 and noted several weaknesses that need to be addressed to enhance DPC's compliance with the Core Principles. Thus, the team came up with an action plan for the Corporation to enhance its compliance with the IADI Core Principles. It is these recommendations that the Corporation has adopted and seeks to amend the Act so that the legal framework complies with IADI core principles.
- The Corporation also identified some areas in the DPC Act which need to be amended in line with the changing environment, developments in the sector as well as align the Act with other local laws such as the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31].
- In a bid to address some of these challenges, The Government of Zimbabwe constituted The Justice Smith Commission of Inquiry in 2015. The main aim of the Commission's Report was to change the landscape of the Zimbabwean insurance and pension industry for the betterment of social protection. The Report noted among other things that the major problems that had stormed the industry are;
- loss of value arising from pension contribution arrears;
- loss of value due to hyperinflation;
- loss of value through conversions and dollarisation;
- delayed processing of lump sum pension benefits;
- poor policy formulation to govern the industry.
The Report made recommendations that were by and large, centred on the need to have a complete overhaul of IPEC, policy reforms, adoption of a comprehensive insurance scheme, consumer protection and good governance. The causes and extent of the loss of value of life insurance policies and pensions suffered by policyholders and pension scheme members following the conversion of Zimbabwe dollar policies to the multicurrency regime in 2009.
It is important to underscore the fact that in 2016, this August house promulgated a Banking Amendment Act to enhance corporate governance of banking institutions, impose controls on bank holding companies, enhance protection of the public from bank failures, and establish mechanisms for dealing with distressed banking institutions.
The amendment focused on prudential standards, sound corporate behaviour, senior management accountability, control of conflicts of interest, risk management, composition of the board with focus on the majority and chairpersons of the boards and committees being independent non-executive directors are all issues familiar to those who have studied banking legislation.
The enhanced regulatory framework was influenced by a need to protect the public and the stability of Zimbabwe's financial system after not less than eight commercial banks failed between 2004 and 2016.
The amendments were timely and as you will all agree, they were effective as there have been no new reported bank failures ever since. Besides all these efforts by the Government, we still have a gap in protection of our people and pensioners.
D. LEGISLATIVE GAPS
- Allowing for a smooth handover/takeover between the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and DPC.
The Corporation notes through experience, that there has been a void between the date of closure of a banking institution by the RBZ and appointment of DPO as liquidator in terms of section 57 of the Banking Act (Chapter 24:20), resulting in the stripping of assets or loss of value of the assets of the closed banking institution. The proposed amendments seek to remove this void, by providing for a smooth handover of the banking institution to the Corporation immediately after declaration of liquidation by RBZ in terms of section 57 of the Banking Act (Chapter 24:20), allowing the Corporation to take charge of the assets and documents of the banking institution in the shortest time possible, freezing all judicial proceedings immediately after declaration of liquidation of a banking institution by RBZ, and termination of employee contracts.
- Preservation of assets available for distribution
The proposed amendments will empower the Corporation in its capacity as Liquidator of Banking institutions to set aside transaction where the disposition was not made for value, where there is evidence of collusive dealings or where the transaction had the effect of preferring one creditor ahead of other creditors. The Liquidator will be allowed to recover the proceeds of such disposal and make the proceeds available for distribution to the general body of creditors.
- Depositors' claims
Ordinary insolvency legislation requires that depositors submit their claims to the Master of High Court, and further physically attend a creditors' meeting or appoint a proxy to prove their claims. Such meetings are held in Harare and Bulawayo. The Corporation noted that this process is cumbersome on the depositors and detrimental to ease of doing business as creditors may be required to travel for several hundreds of kilometres simply to prove a claim before the Master of High Court, whereas the claim may not be subject of a dispute by the failed banking institution or any of its creditors.
The long and cumbersome procedure works against the small, unsophisticated depositors who often lack the financial capacity and means to be able to fulfil the requirements to prove their claims. This procedure should not be applicable to banking institutions when the depositors' register of the failed banking institution is not in dispute. Additionally, there is no economic rationale for small depositors to prove their claims in situations where the cost of travelling from their places or residence to prove their claims may be higher than the claim itself or the total dividend that may be distributed to them. Conventional corporate insolvency regimes do not consider the sui generic nature of banking institutions, hence depositors who have not proved their claims before the Master of High Court are not regarded as statutory creditors.
Many small depositors are thus, deprived of compensation as only statutory creditors are entitled to a liquidation dividend in terms of corporate insolvency laws. The banking institution insolvency regime, therefore, proposes to treat depositors' claims as accepted such that there will be no need for depositors to incur costs of proving their claims. Balances can be confirmed by DPC through its offices, either by email or telephone call or other means as may be prescribed. A depositor will only be required to appear before the Master of High Court to prove their claim where they wish to query the balance in the deposit register.
- Proof of claims
The proposed amendment seeks to allow the liquidator to accept any subsequent claims after the first creditors meeting without need to call for a special meeting. In order to bring the liquidation to a finality and to allow for speedy resolution of a failed contributory institution, the proposed amendment also seeks to allow the liquidator to put a cut-off point for the submission of claims by creditors.
- Depositor preference
The laws of Insolvency in Zimbabwe under the repealed Insolvency Act [Chapter 6:04] and the new Insolvency Act [Chapter 6:07] gives priority to statutory creditors like Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) and pays no regard to depositors. Despite the uniqueness of the banking institutions and calls by policymakers to enhance confidence and financial sector stability, the insolvency laws do not provide for the protection of depositors, a situation which militates against promoting financial system stability
The proposed banking institution insolvency regime seeks to elevate the preference/priority of depositors among other creditors. During the resolution process, it is critical that the depositor preference framework clearly shows or outlines how losses will be shared among uninsured creditors, shareholders, and unsecured creditors; incentives available to various depositors/creditors; and pricing of risk.
Notwithstanding its importance, depositor priority should not result in the use of taxpayer's funds but should minimise the risk of bank runs or contagion. To achieve this, there is need for a depositor preference framework that is clear, predictable, and documented in law, as it is critical and prerequisite element in insolvency to ensure effective resolution. The importance of clarity of depositor preference is that it clearly shows how losses will be shared, incentives available to various depositors/creditors and pricing of risk.
E. OTHER AMENDMENTS TO ADDRESS DEFICIENCIES IN THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION CORPORATION ACT (CHAPTER 24:29)
The proposed amendments have also been necessitated by the need to comply with International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance Systems (CP). Of note are the following key proposed amendments;
- The extension of immunity to former employees of the Corporation for acts done in good faith during the course of their employment or appointment.
- To amend the Composition of the DPC's board of directors and ensure that it meet recommended international standards, in terms of composition and constituencies represented.
- To allow the Corporation to issue guidelines to contributory institutions on issues pertaining to deposit protection;
- The proposed amendment also seeks to allow the Corporation to aggregate an individual depositor's various deposits and pay out a single insured amount as opposed to the current situation where the Corporation has to pay per depositor per account type/class;
- To allow the Corporation to enter into agreements or to exchange information with deposit insurers and supervisory authorities in other jurisdictions;
- To ensure that DPC is the sole deposit insurer in Zimbabwe,
F. ALIGNING THE DPC ACT WITH OTHER LOCAL LEGISLATION
The Corporation also identified some areas in the Act which need to be aligned with other laws such as the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31], the Microfinance Act [Chapter 24:29] and the Banking Act [Chapter 24:201. The following are key proposed amendments;
- Enhancing key definitions in line with other legislation;
- Inclusion of deposit-taking microfinance institutions and other banking institutions not covered by the Banking Act in the definition of contributory institutions; and
- Aligning the term of office for the Board and CEO with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31].
G. STATUS QUO - AMENDMENT PROCESS
Currently, these are the steps that have been taken to advance the cause of amending the Deposit Protection Corporation Act [Chapter 24:29].
- A draft amendment has been developed by the DPC in partnership with the Attorney General's office legislative drafting office, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and other key stakeholders.
- Cabinet approved the Principles of the DPC Act on the 10th of August 2020.
- Since then, the Attorney General's office has not been able to advance the drafting review process further due to various challenges faced by the unit.
- While no traction has been made, depositors remain exposed as there is no law to fall back on in the event of a bank failure.
H. RECOMMENDATIONS
NOW THEREFORE calls upon the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to -
Depositors should be fully compensated in the currency in which they deposited their money. The banks’ assets should be sold and the depositors be compensated fully in the currency in which they deposited their money. A depositor who would have deposited USD should be compensated in that currency. The current situation in the bank is taking advantage of, then taken advantage of the conversions and pay, like the example that I gave you, of paying say $154 million at the current rate and that money will have been used to buy assets.
What it simply means is the bank would have submitted themselves to the RBZ under what is called self-sequestration where one goes to say I need protection; I have got these people’s monies. Once they get the money, they can then approach the same DPC and change say, US$10 000, clear the debt and remain with the residues, which are all those assets that they may have accumulated with the depositors’ money.
b) Come up with comprehensive legislation which will redress challenges that have not been adequately solved by financial reforms that were put in place from 2013 to date;
c) Put in place measures compelling financial institutions to start compensating clients who lost savings and investments owing to poor corporate governance issues in the banking sector by 31st March, 2024. Here, my request is to have the issues which are currently outstanding be expedited so that the depositors who have their monies in the banks get the benefit of their investment; and Propose amendments to the Deposit Protection Corporation Act [Chapter 24:29]. I so submit Madam Speaker.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st March, 2024.
On the motion of HON. KAMBUZUMA, seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA, the House adjourned at Two Minutes to Six o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 20th March, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 4 be stood over until all the other Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2023
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023 presented to this House in terms of Sections 253 and 323 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st March, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS.
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st March, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUNCTIONALITY OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I move the motion standing in my name that this House:
WHEREAS the people of Zimbabwe voted overwhelmingly for the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, emphatically pronouncing that they want a three-tier governmental structure which has a Central Government, Provincial Government and local authorities;
OBSERVING that the 2023 plebiscite was the third election after the consummation of the people-driven 2013 Constitution yet there is no enabling law for the functionality of the Provincial Government tier of Government;
CONCERNED that the elected Provincial Councils are unable to contribute to the national discourse notwithstanding the cost accompanying their election;
FURTHER CONCERNED that the delay in enacting a devolution law is not in line with the dictates of the Constitution and delays equitable development across our provinces:
NOW, THEREFORE, implores that—
- this august House puts pressure on the Executive to expedite the enactment of a legal framework for the functionality of Provincial Governments in line with section 265 (3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe; and
- the 100 Provincial Councillors be sworn in, inducted and be enabled to participate in national development as envisaged by the Constitution.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: I second.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much Mr. President for indulging my bit of ignorance with respect to the procedure. I appreciate. In 1979-1980 after a gruelling war of liberation, Zimbabweans at Lancaster House agreed on a transitional document which is today known as the Lancaster House Constitution. This Constitution had its weaknesses and it did not address some of the aspirations of this nation of the people of Zimbabwe and it did not quite get the involvement of the people in its crafting. Consequently, as we moved, the Lancaster House Constitution then suffered 19 amendments which were attempts to panel-beat it so that it could address the aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe. Because of the frustrations related to that failure, the nation began a lot of constitutional activism, the formation of the National Constitutional Assembly, the attempt to craft a constitution at Kariba, the 2000 attempt which did not quite succeed but the desire remained that we should craft a constitution for ourselves through the participation of the broad masses of Zimbabwe. Mr. President, this led to a tortuous exercise during the Inclusive Government – the formation of COPAC in an attempt to involve the broad masses of this country in deciding the capsule of the values and aspirations of this nation through a drive to craft our own Constitution.
Indeed, in 2021, we went to a Referendum which overwhelmingly supported the Constitution and it deserved to be supported as it has a reasonable Bill of Rights. It has got infrastructure to defend democracy, the Chapter 12 Commissions. So, there was a good reason to celebrate. Mr. President, 95% of the people of Zimbabwe who bothered to walk to a polling booth voted YES for our Constitution apart from 1980 which was a moment when the totality of Zimbabwe came together to celebrate independence. The next time that the people of Zimbabwe agreed across the political divide, our isms, our creeds and tribes was when people voted YES for the people’s Constitution in 2013.
President E.D Mnangagwa, at the formation of the Second Republic, clearly and sonorously stated that ‘when the people have spoken, then God has spoken. The voice of the people is the voice of God’. Therein lies the sanctity of a Constitution because the people spoke – God spoke. This Constitution is inviolable because the people spoke loudly for it. Within that Constitution, was a very new idea about our geometry, our Government structure.
The people of Zimbabwe voted for devolution of governmental powers. The unification of Zimbabweans through a central government, a provincial and metropolitan government and local authorities with clearly defined roles to make sure that Zimbabwe remains firmly a unitary State that addresses issues of specialisation, so that each region can deal with their strengths for the good of our nation. I must repeat that the 2013 moment must be celebrated. I know there could be weaknesses here and there in the Constitution for indeed it is impossible to get a perfect Constitution. But our Constitution that we achieved as a nation deserves to be respected. It is sacred, it was fought for and the people spoke, hence God spoke about it.
Mr. President, the 2023 election is the third election since the consummation of the Constitution, since the introduction of Chapter 14, which deals with devolution. You can see palpable resistance and latent resistance to issues of devolution. You wonder why we would go three electoral cycles without obeying the Constitution. In Section 265 (3) the Constitution says, Parliament must provide appropriate mechanisms and procedures to facilitate the coordination of the relationship between the three tiers of Government, hence Central Government, Provincial and Metropolitan, councils and local authorities, but there is no enabling Act. Three cycles down the road, eleven years down the road, that betrays latent resistance to this provision.
Mr. President, I participated in my own way, in the crafting to this Constitution and as we were dealing with it, there were fears which I suspect could be the fears that are informing the latent resistance to enacting laws to enable devolution to work for the people of Zimbabwe. The first fear that we met, which we need to debunk is that Zimbabwe is too small to be devolved, to have a devolved architecture of governance. Examples are a replica all over the world where smaller nations, smaller in terms of population, smaller in terms of economies, and smaller in terms of geographical area are devolved. They are performing very well. The economies are benefiting, the people are united, the citizenry are more responsible because they are dealing at a lower level with issues of self-governance and self-rule.
This is neither here nor there, smaller nations are devolved, they are united, they are working well and they are delivering well to their people. Belgium is a good example which is 30,510 km2, Zimbabwe is 390,757 km2 and Belgium’s population is smaller than population of Zimbabwe, but their economy is working very well. In Belgium, we have got French-speaking and English-speaking people, but that does not divide them because there is room for everything within the paddocks of a devolved nation.
The other fear was that devolution is the first step towards secessionism. This is informed by lack of knowledge about, as immediately you speak about devolution, the other side of the coin is a unitary State. Devolution does not inform processes of secessionism. That is not the truth. Mr. President, the other fear which we met was that it is foreign philosophy, it is a foreign belief and a foreign thing. We need to let the nation know that devolution is traditional and cultural within our context, devolution is biblical and devolution is scientific. The three things. Why cultural – those people who come from big polygamous homes or even non-polygamous families, when your son marries, unonorova hoko kuti wakugara panapa. Yes, guided by the ethos and norms of the family, but with certain levels of autonomy to deal with own issues, when your son marries and you give them a home, they build a nice home in Borrowdale; you do not go there and decide which bedroom you sleep in, they will tell you where to sleep.
Ethos of the family are not discarded and from a traditional cultural view point, devolution sits in that. I said it is also biblical. When the Israelites were crossing from Egypt to the Promised Land, they were led by Moses. Those who want can go and read Exodus Chapter 18. It talks about Moses centralising everything to himself and failing to have time for the family. Jethro, his father in law, said to him Moses, you do not work like this. You must allow others to do smaller things and you do the bigger ones and report to God. This is the birth of division of labour, so people can specialise. I said it is also scientific and economic. Adam Smith in 1776 or 1779 had this theory of specialisation, where in a production system, in a system you intend to specialise so that people can focus on their strengths. You can see devolution meet all that we require, it is cultural, it is not a foreign thing. It is biblical, we know we are a Christian nation and scientific, no one can reject science. These fears need to be debunked so that we can move with speed to implement the desires of the people of this country. They intend to specialise in their strengths. The country is well-known for its timber, gas energy and minerals and people should be given the opportunity to intensively exploit their strengths for the benefit of the totality of the nation. This is the idea; Manicaland will specialise in timber, paper making, mining, tourism and the Great Vumba would specialise on that. Indeed, they would specialise on diamond for the benefit of the nation. Mashonaland Central has got the advantages of the Great Zambezi escarpment. It has the capacity to do sugarcane, the temperatures are proper.
Mr. President, the purpose of devolution is so that we can specialise. According to the theory of management, once you specialise, you are getting the best out of your resources. We need to sit together as Government to make sure that we expeditiously deal with provisions, enact laws that will activate the performance around our special areas. This is the only way to succeed and unite the people and the only way to make sure that you get the best out of each one of us. This is the best way to develop responsible citizenry, not blame game because people are dealing with their special areas.
Also, one of the key things as well around devolution is to make sure that Government is close to the people, can talk to Government, touch it, they can shout to each other with it, they can meet it every day. It is there, it is with them, the nearer Government understands the aspirations of the people the better, understands their strengths a lot better. We are losing opportunities for equitable development for full participation in issues that matter to us.
What are the benefits of the devolution Mr. President? These are full participation, explore the strengths of each one of us to their best and do not leave any resource unattended. I will give an example of the period of the Inclusive Government; the hype was diamond. It was diamonds and diamonds and people forgot about iron ore altogether. We nearly got our big iron ore resources stollen because the focus was on diamond. Mr. Speaker Sir, Mashonaland East should have focused on iron ore because they have got the biggest iron ore deposit in the world at Manhize, but that was put on the bunk burner because of the excitement around diamond. Yes, the people of Manicaland should have focused on diamond because it is a resource that they have, which is an important resource for the nation while the people of Mashonaland East would have focused on this huge resource, which is the envy of everybody in the world and yet we forgot about it.
In a specialised architecture, nothing loses attention. This is my submission and my prayer Mr. President, is that the Executive deals with the latent resistant that we seem to see. The Executive must begin to respect the voice of God. The people spoke, perhaps we can then see devolution being lived, we can probably see Zimbabwe rising even quicker because each one of us is applying themselves to their area of strengths. I thank you Mr. President – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: Thank you very much Mr. President. I would like to also add a few words on the motion raised by Hon. Sen. Zvidzai. There is a section in our Constitution in Chapter 14 which provides for a provincial Government and local Government. We have seen local authorities being sworn in and we have not yet seen the provincial Government being sworn in. My question is, when will this be done Mr. President? My own view is that it is very important to have provincial councils in place because they play a very important role in our communities. Also, it will assist Government in revenue collection.
Mr. President, in our communities, these provincial councils will play such roles as promotion of local languages. In our country, we have quite a number of local languages which are enshrined in our Constitution but it seems like only Ndebele and Shona are the only languages recognised in our country. I think it is not fair to other local languages which are supposed to be recognised. Let us take for example Masvingo, we have Shangani, in Matabeleland North we have Tonga, Kalanga and Sotho, in Matabeleland South we have Venda, Sotho and Kalanga. All these languages seem not to exist yet there are other official indigenous languages in our country.
Let me use the example of this august House where we are supposed to get the interpretation of all our indigenous languages, but there was nothing all along except for these few past two days where we saw that other languages being interpreted. We thank the President of this august House for his intervention to make sure that interpretation of these indigenous languages spoken in this House are interpreted. Thank you, Mr. President – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – These provincial councils will also assist in bringing Government closer to the communities. With Government being closer to the people or communities, it will then make it easy for communities to get their documentation where they reside. This will improve and balance our gender representation in as far as our legislative agenda is concerned.
Lastly, in the selection of provincial administrators, we wish to have administrators who will be selected through demonstration of understanding of developmental aspirations and indigenous languages, preferably from each province.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Zvidzai for moving this pertinent motion. He said a lot and I want to add to what he spoke about. The issue we are on is the significance of provincial councils and indeed from my own perspective, provincial councils are like the spine. Without the spinal cord, you cannot sit or stand properly. It is a framework and the world over, there is no such beautiful Parliament like this one, but we do not have a backbone. We are weak. In view of that, my request is that this body should have a backbone so that the rest of the body can work properly. Without a backbone, it means that there is no coordination.
I want to say that a provincial council is good for us, particularly to myself as an individual. I come from Matabeleland South which is lagging behind in development and with such a proper backbone, you are able to stand and work. As Matabeleland South, we are going to benefit from mining because there will be devolution. Everyone will be working to develop his or her own area. With devolution, then we will be able to share our resources equally. Instead of baking my cake and celebrating the birthday in Harare, we can bake our cake in Matabeleland South and consume it there instead of Harare where our children will not benefit much. The cake should be baked and enjoyed by the people in the different provinces.
On the same issue regarding minerals, we have mines in Matabeleland South. Where I stay, I do not sleep as I am used to the disturbing sounds of mining equipment. It is sad that when we go to our road – the road which links Plumtree and where I stay, you travel for three hours because we do not have a proper road infrastructure. Our clinics are in a bad state. Some are dilapidated, but it is disheartening that the money which is taken from the provinces coming to Harare is quite exorbitant. So devolution will be good for us. We are facing a drought. We do not have water. We do not have dams. In Mangwe there is one big dam. Devolution and provincial councils are going to monitor whether dams are being put in such areas. You find that sometimes you dig for 100m without reaching the water table.
In our area, we have irrigation schemes where we try our best. Trek took over the irrigation scheme and our roads are being destroyed. For me to have grain, I have to go to Bulawayo which is roughly 200km only to get maize meal which is planted a few hundred metres from where I stay. My request is that if devolution is operational, then you would find that when Trek harvests his farm produce, it will be consumed locally. Government should put in place an infrastructure which says that if he harvests 100 trucks, then he can leave two for the community so that the community can benefit from the resource. If the devolution programme is implemented, then this will allow even the big maize producers to put milling companies in the area for the benefit of the local people. So what deprives us from what is coming from our communities is lack of devolution.
I want to talk about my constituency in Plumtree. We have three border posts which are Maitengwe, Ramakwebane and Matsi in a 300km2 radius. It is disappointing Madam President, to note that people who are employed in this area, whether they are cleaners of whatever job, you discover that they cannot speak the local language. They cannot speak Ndebele, Kalanga or other languages. On the same issue regarding our borders, it is difficult to travel to Botswana. Botswana is so near that you can throw a stone across the fence, but it is difficult to go to Botswana because we do not have devolution. It is difficult for me to pick my shoe which will be across the border. I need to go more than 600km to Harare to get a passport. I must travel that long distance of 400km to Gwanda to get a passport, I must travel 230km to Bulawayo to get a passport. What if Government looks at our plight and gives us devolution. I come from a growth point, and we need district which has three borders.
My question is, why do we not have a Passport Office in that area? I believe that devolution is quite pertinent. What makes me fail to get my shoe from across the border is because passports are out of reach of the majority. It is quite expensive for an old woman to visit her grandson across the border. They might even die without seeing their grandchildren. You find people crossing the border illegally to attend funerals and that funeral might be three km but they have to travel 370 km to get a passport. So, people end up opting for border jumping.
Let me also say that we attained independence in 1980. I was a bit young but I saw people enjoying and we went to a rest camp enjoying game meat. We are very unfortunate because we live the life of the 70s yet we live in the post-independence era. With devolution, I believe that life will be good. We desire to enjoy life just like our neighbouring countries such as Botswana. When I cross to Botswana, I do not see people queuing for water and see women carrying firewood. I have never waited for five minutes to get transport in Botswana, but here you might wait at the bus stop until you go back home without finding proper transport.
With devolution, our lives would improve. It is difficult for those who are in Botswana as some might be earning P300 but can look after their families and drive nice cars with the little salary that they are getting. Every district in Botswana is self-governing. They have piped water and boreholes. My request is that we need piped water and good dams. Most of our dams have been affected by siltation. Some dams are pre-independence dams. Our diaspora relatives do their best but it is quite difficult and a bit expensive to hire an excavator to scoop dams.
I want to implore Government to look at all provinces. Sometimes I wonder why there are swivelling chairs in our offices in the modern era but I believe this is so that you can turnaround using such chairs so that you see all directions instead of watching just one direction. The painful part is that even when your child goes to university from our area, you take your child throughout university education. After graduating you find them selling airtime without jobs.
The other painful thing is that we do not have devolution but it is there in our Constitution and on paper but has not been implemented. We see a lot of accidents happening. We lost 13 people yesterday who were travelling to Eastern C ape and we also had another nine who perished in the Gwanda accident. They were all coming from across the border, which means that something is not right. So, we need to implement devolution in order to create employment for our children in their local areas so that during weekends, they can fend for their families and parents.
What I have observed as one of the Hon. Members coming from Matebeleland South is that we are at risk because of the state of our roads and the distances. So, I challenge Government that in this august House, there should be devolution also so that every week, we bring reports from the communities to curb road accidents. So, my prayer is that we need to implement what we put in the Constitution regarding devolution because devolution is power.
+HON. SEN. RICHARD NDLOVU: I want to thank the Hon. Senator who moved the motion on devolution, which is quite a very critical motion that encourages people to debate. I want to say that it has been long since we debated about devolution. It was not in existence but now we find that most clinics and schools that have been built were done using devolution funds. We need to appreciate Government for that. The devolution fund is operational and has built a number of infrastructures. Zimbabwe is a rich country which is being eyed by so many people and that is the reason why we are facing so many challenges.
Someone spoke about Matebeleland North which is a tourist resort area with a lot of wildlife. You find that ivory tusks are not allowed to be exported and as Zimbabwe, we are not allowed to trade in elephant tusks and they are rotting. This is money which can benefit Zimbabwe. The previous speaker spoke about mines. Zimbabwe, as a nation, is not allowed to have lines of credit or to borrow money. There is no country which can operate without lines of credit or importing and exporting. We do not have operational companies. After the land reform, most companies relocated to where the investors were coming from. This is our reality. Some of our colleagues went to America to beg for sanctions and to stop lines of credit so that Zimbabwe will not be given debts. How can we develop as a nation without lines of credit?
We need to advocate for the removal of sanctions so that our companies are opened and become viable. Looking at other countries, their economies are different from Zimbabwe’s economy because Zimbabwe is like a nation which is locked in a box. We all need more money. We want provincial councils to be established. The Constitution allows that, but how are we going to pay these people because everything that we are getting – the backbone which was spoken about by the previous speaker, is not enough to cater for everyone’s needs. We need to advocate for the removal of sanctions so that as a free nation, we can be able to export.
There are a lot of issues that we can talk about, but the most important thing is that everything being said is good in a free and independent country. Indeed, we are independent in name, but we need to be in control of our economy. My desire is that as the Upper House, we need to stand together and advocate for the removal of sanctions which are burdening the nation. With these few words, I thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Madam President. I just want to say a few things which I think are going out of hand. In 2012, I was one of those Members who was in the Committee drafting the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I was in the Select Committee. Let me say in short that there is the issue of languages which was talked about – it was said that languages were not considered. We have 16 languages which are in our Constitution today which we can speak freely. I do not know what you mean when you are talking about languages and the limitations of using languages because at the end of the referendum, the Constitution was written in those 16 languages – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – It is all up to you to take all those languages and use them. If you are Venda speaking, you can speak Venda from all over the show. No one will ask what you are talking about.
I have heard so many stories being talked about the provincial councils and devolution. The speaker who spoke before me put more words on it. If we really understand what devolution means, I do not think we can say that there is no devolution in Zimbabwe because if we talk about devolution, it is taking power from the apex and going down to the masses, of which this is happening fully. We have schools, hospitals and boreholes. The President just now recommended that there should be more than 30 000 boreholes that should be drilled at grassroot level. Thank God that we have got a listening President – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. T. ZHOU): Order, someone is debating. We have to respect each other.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Hon. President for protecting me. I am talking seriously about the President that we have, Hon. E.D. Mnangagwa. That is the current President that we have in Zimbabwe, and he listens to each and everyone. He listens to every problem that is taking place in Zimbabwe.
As you have heard that we have harnesses that have been put because of these sanctions. Yes, we have them, but no one has died of hunger. No one has failed to send a person to school. We are surviving with the little that we have. At the moment, if you read newspapers or listen to the radio, our main thrust as Zimbabweans in irrigation is to have more dams because for those who stay in Region 5, especially those in Matabeleland, part of Masvingo and part of Mashonaland East – we are in Region 5 in Matabeleland North, we do not have sufficient rainfall. The thrust that is there now is irrigation schemes. We have irrigation schemes and dams, but under sanctions, you cannot build each and every dam within a day. Slowly, we will get to where we want if we are united and working together. It is not a question of opposing or looking at the wrongs that others do. We are all Zimbabweans and we have to help each other to develop our country. We only have one country here, Zimbabwe. We should put our heads together, move forward and develop our country.
We have very big dams. We have the Zhovhe, Tuli-Manyange, Gwayi-Shangani, Mtshabezi Dams, just to mention a few. Let us research if ever we want to put motions here or if we want to talk about our beautiful Zimbabwe; see what is there and what is not there. Some of the things that we are saying are not there, and sometimes are there. It is unfortunate maybe that some of us have not travelled and seen what is in other places. No one will ever be sidelined by the President that we have. It is for you to take or leave. If ever we know that we are being sidelined, have you ever made any noise anywhere saying that we want this and that?
Someone talked about passports. I do not think those passports can be at every village. I am sorry to say that. At the moment, we have three centres – Bulawayo, Gwanda and Beitbridge whereby those passports are being taken. We cannot even say we will travel to Harare which is over 500 km to look for a passport because passports are there at home – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - I do not know, maybe it is the little knowledge that I have – as I have mentioned places that we have; let me say when we come to general hands, those that are working hands on at homes, let me tell you that Harare does not know whether you have people and what kind of people are supposed to be at our places. Remember, I also come from Matabeleland South…
+HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: On a point of order Madam President. I think for the Hon. Senator to say that we do not know what we are speaking about – I do not think that is correct because we know what we are talking about.
THE TEMPORARAY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Sen. Ndlovu. I heard the Hon. Senator saying that there should be a research but we take note of your point.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: On a point of order. My correction is on the point of order made by the Hon. Member. The Hon. Member is not debating, but she is responding to what other Senators were debating.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I do not think I am talking about anybody. I never mentioned anyone’s name. However, I have the right to debate. I was still talking about the boreholes and the workers. I still stand by my word that if those workers are brought from Harare or wherever, why can we not talk as Matabeleland people that these people are not ours and they should pack? But you should also remember that everyone has a right to work where they want just like everyone has the right to stay where they want as long as it is within Zimbabwe. I have touched on all the hot issues I wanted to talk about. It is up to us now that if we want passports, we can take them from anywhere in Zimbabwe. The places issuing passports are no longer far away from us. Issuing of passports has been decentralised and brought closer to our homes.
Finally Madam President, I beg and wish that we work together as Zimbabweans in order to push our country to develop. It is now up to us to bring any wrong doing to light so that it is rectified and the right things take place. I thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Madam President. The motion before the House is a very important one and it would be remiss to let it pass without having added my voice to the debate. It has been eleven years if not more since the 2013 Constitution was passed and for eleven years, we have had a Constitutional provision that requires provincial administration, provincial elected officials to be put in place in terms of the Constitution which is the law of our country. It is the President who has the responsibility of ensuring that the laws of our country are protected. He is the custodian of the laws of our country. It is the ultimate responsibility of Government to govern in terms of that Constitution. I am aware that there has been a number of motions on this issue previously. Certainly, Madam President, as we sit here, Government has itself, acknowledged the importance of this governmental structure. Let alone, the fact that every election term, we hold elections for officials who sit and do nothing. That governmental structure has not been functioning, but Government on its part, speaks through its policies. I can confirm that the NDS1 is one of the major policies of this Government where they want to make this country prosper and go beyond all barriers by the year 2030. One of the critical pillars supporting that policy has been identified as implementing this devolution. There has been acknowledgement by His Excellency, the President himself in the foreword to the NDS1, that the intention of the Government is to implement devolution fully. To its credit, they have detailed how they will do it in NDS1. I would not like to think that the Government is going back on its very important policy which continues to run our economy and our politics today.
Madam President, in following up to its promise in NDS1, the Government authored another policy which is the decentralisation and devolution policy. I think that document has more than 200 pages dedicated to detailing how devolution will be implemented. The Hon. Minister of Finance, in his addresses, always mention the reason why the devolution funds are being spent in the manner that they are, through local authorities. It is not because the Government is going back on its promise and its policies. Rather, the Government is busy still trying to put all the factors and legislation in place to ensure that this devolution is properly implemented.
You will recall Madam President that if you go into the Constitution, Chapter 13, you will see that there is a rider to the full implementation of some of those clauses. For example, there is a requirement that Parliament shall make a law to deal with how the devolution funds are to be administered, and today, there is no such law. This is the explanation that Government has consistently given clearly. Therefore, the question before the House today would be whether there is legislation that is going to come before the House during the 10th Parliament to give effect to the sacrosanct provision of our Constitution to effect devolution, and to ensure that all these election office bearers that we elect are given a job.
Madam President, the decentralisation and devolution policy acknowledges that devolution is one of the ways to build a good economy. It is one of the ways that can ensure the people in Kezi, in Maphisa where one of the Hon. Members indicated that the roads are being damaged by mining trucks, and yet the local community gets nothing. That devolution would ensure that if resources are administered closer to the people and power taken closer to the people, then more revenue would be raised for the nation. Business would be more conscious on the need to invest in local areas. I do accept that we have had the issue of sanctions, however one of the ways to go around those detrimental effects is to ensure that we are more vigorous in how we do business. We ensure that we involve everyone in every province and every district in business, and they can easily access officials who are better able to serve them to ensure they are better business people who can generate revenue for the country.
Taxation Madam President, would improve if local authorities and provincial Governments were given a small window or small parameter in terms of which they could tax for certain things that takes place at a local level. Again, Madam President, which would mean more revenue for everyone. That would mean a better economy. An economy built by everyone and an economy where everyone has their mouth the feeding trough of the nation.
Madam President, I would urge this House, and particularly my Honourable colleagues across the benches not to walk back on devolution, not to walk back on the Constitution which they authored, not to walk back on the words of His Excellency, the President, and not to turn their backs on the words of the Hon. Minister of Finance. They are determined to continue on the course of implementing devolution. They have said they are determined to ensure that devolution would be brought into effect. In fact, the Second Republic’s major promise when it took office, was that in particular, this is one thing that they would ensure would happen with good speed. Madam President, might I remind Members that one of the articles of impeachment against the President of the First Republic was that he did not implement the devolution provisions. I thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st March, 2024.
MOTON
ENACTMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Madam President, I rise today to address the critical issue …
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order, Hon. Senator. Next time when you want to debate, you just stand up until I recognise you. Thank you and you can proceed.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Madam President. I rise today to address the critical issue of enacting stringent laws to protect widows in our country. The plight of widows who are often relegated to poverty after losing their loved ones is a matter that seriously demands our attention and urgent action. The debate on one side has argued that cultural practices by unscrupulous relatives Madam President, deprive widows of their human rights. It deprives them of their dignity, freedoms - it is a clear violation of basic human rights of the women involved and anyone else involved who is a victim of that kind of abuse. The motion, at the end of the day, quite rightly identifies an important issue. Madam President, the motion, in my submission, also argues that enacting stringent laws would provide a better legal protection for widows and prevent them from being victimised in this unjust manner. While I recognise that whenever there is an area where people keep violating, the natural reflex is to enact more stringent laws all the time, I submit that in this case, I would argue that it is a wrong approach. I say so because this approach ignores that existing legislation in Zimbabwe has made strides in addressing the deficiencies in estate administration. We have comprehensive laws that specifically target the protection of widows, the protection of spouses and the protection of anyone who is entitled to benefit from a deceased estate. The issue of property grabbing has itself been specifically targeted by this legislation. What we need Madam President, I think there is need for education programmes to make sure that those who find themselves beset by this struggling and suffocating problem know what to do in order to protect themselves.
Madam President, I will give an example that in Zimbabwe after 1980, women at one stage were treated as minors and that was in our laws. People in the women’s organisations, the women themselves, the citizens of the country went into an activist mode to ensure that this was changed. After a case, which is well known as Magaya versus Magaya, where the Supreme Court had endorsed particularly discriminatory provisions relating to inheritance, this Parliament decided to take a solid step. Parliament puts in place Amendment No. 17 of the Administration of Estates Act. That amendment ensured that women who found themselves in this position, particularly where cultural practices tended to discriminate against them in that they could not inherit just as well as their male counterparts were no longer subjected by the law to this terrible position, as we speak, that has been addressed.
Madam President, the issue of what they could inherit was also addressed. Another matter which this motion raises or should raise is that we need better access to legal representation because the majority of the people in this country cannot afford legal representation so that they can take advantage of these very laws that we are talking about. Perhaps Madam President, one of the measures is that Government puts in place a fund or a way in which widows who are in this situation can find accessible legal representation because that has been a problem. We know that there are non-governmental organisations which offer these kinds of services but those are two or three. They would never been enough given the rate of occurrence of some of these issues that are being raised in this motion.
Madam President, the Government itself has a department that offers lawyers, the Legal Aid. That Legal Aid Department should have a specific unit to deal with these inheritance matters because women are suffering on a large scale as a result of failing to access legal representation. There is need for a well-trained police officer to ensure the full protection of the rights of widows. We do not need laws that are more stringent than what our laws currently are. We need those laws to be enforced.
Madam President, another issue which should be taken into account and where I acknowledge that this motion has solid ground, is the fact that in terms of the current legislation, it sometimes happens that the Master has powers to appoint people other than the spouse or relatives to administer funds. We have seen a growing case where professional administrators are given estates to administer and the first thing that comes to their mind is to sell assets in order to earn their fees. I think this is a matter which should be looked at so that more stringent regulations are put in place in terms of what can be sold. In fact, to give a firmer preference to the spouse or close relatives administering the estate rather than unchecked power given to the Master to appoint anyone else. We have also seen instances of corruption where I appoint my friends to administer estates so that they make a lot of money and find a flimsy reason to ignore the spouse who then loses power to administer that estate.
I would also urge that there is a section that allows that if an estate is small, does not have much in it and the Minister has a power to make a statutory instrument as to the amount, that estate can be wound up summarily very quickly and we submit that, that amount should include the primary resident. If a widow lives in a house, no matter what the value, we would like to move Government not to consider that House as part of determining the value of a small estate. Let us say for instance there is a house where they are living, it is the value of the House that will turn it into a big estate. This will now mean that big people should come and administer a small estate. But if Government could consider waiving a primary residence from all these hazards including estate duty when the spouse is still alive, these are some of the things that will help to alleviate the plight of women who suffer from these problems.
Madam President, maybe I should run to conclude and in conclusion, I submit that all the arguments that have been presented are valid arguments. The motion raises valid arguments. All I sought to do is to say that while we are having all those arguments, it is imperative to carefully consider that the existing legal framework is adequate. We must prioritise its implementation and enforcement by addressing the loopholes in the current legislation, enhancing education and access to justice, training law enforcement agencies, we can work towards providing meaningful support to widows in Zimbabwe. I urge my esteemed colleagues to engage in thoughtful deliberations on this matter, and take decisive action to protect the rights and well-being of widows in our country. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: Thank you Madam President for affording me the opportunity to add my voice to the motion regarding the ill treatment of women, particularly widows. Firstly, I want to say that we must urge our children to go to school so that they will be able to be independent and look after themselves. I want to urge our parents to know that at 18, a child is still considered to be a minor. So some are prejudiced because they do not go to school, despite being minors.
Sometimes in marriage, we relax until one spouse passes on. As women, it is important to have an income generating project so that we will be able to survive even when the spouse dies. You find young children sometimes are being married off because they do not have resources. Some even go to join polygamous marriages while some end up in streets trying to make a living because they will be desperate with children to fend for. So they end up trying other means, yet we criticise because we have not experienced their situations.
As women, we are our own enemies. When your husband dies, the aunts from the paternal side are the ones who persecute their sister-in-law. Even some young sisters to the widow will also persecute their sister. As women, we need to learn that what goes around comes around. What you do might affect you in the near future. You find people persecuting a daughter-in-law after losing her husband. As women, we need to work together with men to live in peace and harmony. The issues regarding wills and inheritance are quite problematic. Most African men do not want to write wills because they do not understand the importance of wills. It is important for a husband to write a will so that his wife and children would not have a headache when he passes on. Every progressive man works for the benefit of his family.
As women, we need to sit down with our husbands because I too fall under the category of widows, but do not know how I can address it. We need to engage our spouses because when there is a will, it becomes easy because the Master of High Court would then execute whatever is registered in the will. Whatever is written in the will is what eventually happens. Sometimes a couple may be living in peace, but when they try to register their will with the Master of the High Court to determine who the executor is, you would find that there are letters of objection from other women who also want to benefit from the estate. Some relatives are in a habit of sabotaging the widow so that she cannot benefit from the estate.
As an august House, we need to look at the Marriages Act and make sure such issues do not just pass without our scrutiny. You find that a man might have a number of women and when he dies, all these other women want to benefit too. Where are we as women when such laws are being written? We need to participate in Bills regarding women and children because you would face a lot of challenges when your husband dies. A lot of women end up going through depression because they will be mourning whilst also thinking about their future. I know that most married couples have a challenge in that they do not declare their earnings to each other. If you do not unite as a couple, you will find both your bank accounts being closed when one dies, but when you work together and have joint accounts with everything out clear in the open when one passes on, then you find that the account will not closed. We need to be genuine with each other and teach our children so that they are honest with their spouses where they discuss these issues by working together and not individually.
Indeed, there is social welfare and assistance like what was said by the previous speaker. There is need for legal aid for widows. It is quite important to have these legal aids so that you know your rights. Let us not wait for legal aid when your husband has passed away. You need to seek legal aid whilst you are both alive. You need to know and understand your rights in terms of inheritance because when you are bereaved, you cannot do anything. Sometimes you find that your house or properties will be taken away. When we buy assets, let us agree to have joint names on our properties because a joint property written Mr. and Mrs. Mlotshwa, when Mr. Mlotshwa passes on, then it is automatic and straightforward.
We need to understand that and in particular, have female lawyers forming associations which empower women with such knowledge because we do not know who will die first, whether the husband or the wife. What matters is that the surviving spouse, either the widow or widower because after working together, the husband might lose his wife and everything is taken away from him. Where does he start from? Let us think holistically talking about widows and widowers because when the husband remains behind with children, you find relatives taking away property and this might result in him suffering. Inheritance laws and the Marriages Act in particular, should be reviewed so that they encompass such issues. I urge young people, particularly those who have not lost their spouses to work on that.
As parliamentarians also, we need to go to our constituencies to teach women particularly the young so that they know what to do when they lose their spouses. Indeed, there is social welfare assistance which benefits everyone. We want that as Hon. Senators to leave laws that will benefit widows and widowers. You find that sometimes there are some girlfriends who end up benefiting. It might be because the husband was cohabitating with a girlfriend for three months and you find such a woman benefitting just because he died in her hands and the official wife is found playing second fiddle. Because he died while staying with a small-house, she ends up taking everything.
As women, we need to stand together and stand for women’s rights. Widows and widowers are the same. Let us help each other and make sure that our children learn because you may find a woman being abused, some saying that I am staying in this marriage because I want to protect my children. We need to be empowered as women because there are a lot of issues which can happen that can benefit the nation.
In West Africa, women are at the forefront of the economy and the economic issues. We need to stand together on issues regarding the law, the economy and inheritance. This might seem like a small issue but when you lose your spouse, you will understand that these are pertinent issues which sometimes are just swept under the carpet. We need to help each other so that we help women and those who are older can go back to school and be empowered. Even when there are farms, they must also benefit.
I want to thank Hon. Sen. Tsomondo for this critical motion. I am speaking as a widow and I want to benefit like other widows.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st March, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MOHADI seconded by HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA, the House adjourned at Eighteen Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 19th March, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o`clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that Hon. Charles Moyo has been assigned to serve on the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Tourism.
Some Hon. Members having walked in.
Order! All Members who are coming in now, will you leave the House? Our starting time is 1410 hours.
HON. BAJILA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of national interest, recognising that 16th March, 2024 passed over this weekend. The 16th of March, Mr. Speaker, is an important day in the history of the Republic of Zimbabwe. On 16th March, 2013, we held our National Referendum on the Constitution of Zimbabwe and it was resoundingly adopted and supported by the people of Zimbabwe. Therefore, 16 March, 2024 comes as the 11th anniversary of that very important day
I rise, Mr. Speaker, to remind this House that the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as voted for by the people of Zimbabwe on that day, became a capsule of the collective aspiration of the people of Zimbabwe, and therefore it is important for this House to constantly be reminded of this important day and to constantly take it upon itself that the Constitution of Zimbabwe is respected, both through private members motions and through Executive motions. We take necessary steps to enable the full implementation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as was the desire of the people of Zimbabwe on 16th March, 2013
Mr. Speaker, we have got a lot of gaps, 11 years after that day, of so many enabling pieces of legislations that we continue as this House, to promise the people of Zimbabwe, but we are yet to deliver. Mr. Speaker, Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe recognises 16 official languages of this country, but if we check section 68 of the Education Act still has specific mention of only four languages of this country, that is English, Shona, Ndebele and Sign Language. We need to move further to leave the issue of respect of our languages not to be dependent on the goodwill of the Ministers of the day, of the Executive of the day and of the education officers of the day. It must be based on the Education Act so that we can move even further.
Mr. Speaker, Chapter 14 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe created a new sphere of Government called the provincial governments by a different name. To date Mr. Speaker, we continue to promise the people of Zimbabwe that this House is going to bring forth legislation to ensure that the sphere of Government is properly constituted. I implore this House in remembrance of the date of 16 March, 2013 to take it upon itself to move fast with this agenda so that we can be in full recognition of our Constitution, but Mr. Speaker beyond that, the date of 16th March must be understood in its collective significance to the people of Zimbabwe.
On 16th March, 1983, 21 women at Emkhonyeni in Tsholotsho…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Remember your time limit please.
HON. BAJILA: May I request 30 seconds Mr. Speaker?
THE HON. SPEAKER: 30 seconds?
HON. BAJILA: Yes – [Laughter.] – Mr. Speaker on 16th March in 1983, 21 women were killed by the 5th Brigade at Emkhonyeni in present day Tsholotsho North, thus making that day important in our history and important for us to continue to remember it.
On 16th March, 2015 residents of Maleme in present day Matobo Ward 16 managed to defend their land that was set up for capture when they were supposed to be evicted from their grazing land. The story is out there and it must be remembered, particularly as we live in times of evictions in these days.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to then say this House must remember the date of 16th March in all that we do, remembering it as the day the Constitution of Zimbabwe was agreed upon by the people of Zimbabwe, united in their diversity and that there are many other important events that have happened in our country around this day. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you for your statement. I thought you were going to say that the Hon. Members in this House shall always endeavour to read the Constitution in a manner that you seem to have demonstrated that you have read the Constitution.
Indeed, 16th March is a great day when we had Amendment No. 20 Act 1 of 2013 as our national Constitution. It is therefore imperative that we, Members of Parliament, must be seen to be leading in the appreciation of our Constitution. I thought you were going to say further, the Constitution has been translated into the nationally recognised indigenous languages including Sign Language. So give credit where it ought to be given. We have these languages now using the Constitution accordingly and it is your responsibility, as Members of Parliament, to ensure that the general public reads the Constitution so that they can appreciate the supreme law in its entirety.
The other issues that you raise of Gukurahundi, I believe they are being attended to vigorously. It is hoped that in the not-so-distant future, the matter will be concluded accordingly so that there is closure to that unfortunate era in our history.
As regards some amendments to the Education Act, I think it is up to you Hon. Member and others to move a motion or ask the relevant Minister when the amendment will take place so that it complies with the Constitution, the same with the Provincial Councils Act. The issues can be raised through the Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing so that we expedite the enactment of the Provincial Councils Act.
I thank you for that observation, and let us remember March 16 as a great day in our constitutionalism – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 4 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 5 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LAW FOR THE PROVISION OF LAND TENURE SECURITY
HON. C. HLATYWAYO: I move the motion standing in my name that this House-
AWARE that Section 292 of the Constitution provides that, “The State must take appropriate measures, including legislative measures, to give security of tenure to every person lawfully owning or occupying agricultural land”;
FURTHER AWARE of the inequalities in land distribution which were brought about by the Land Apportionment Act of 1930, which resulted in the majority of the indigenous people being settled in areas unsuitable for agricultural produce;
ACKNOWLEDGING the efforts implemented by Government to reverse the injustices of colonial legacies in favour of land ownership by the indigenous people;
WORRIED THAT the Government’s efforts to empower indigenous people to own land has been derailed by failure to provide security of tenure or title deeds;
FURTHER WORRIED that the indigenous people are losing land without compensation in the name of Public-Private-Partnership created to pursue development;
NOW, THEREFORE, this House resolves that the Government should enact a law providing security of tenure to all the land, including communal land, in line with Section 292 of the Constitution.
HON. M. MAVHUNGA: I second.
HON. C. HLATYWAYO: I rise to move to table, an amendment to the Communal Lands Act [Chapter 20:04] in Zimbabwe as well as a potential introduction of a Customary Land Development Act. The current provisions of the Communal Lands Act do not grant title to rural communities in Zimbabwe and this has proven to be a hindrance to their potential for investments and development. This limitation is against the right to development in line with the national objective of our Constitution and with the Africa Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Section 13 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe has one of the national objectives, which is national development. The right to development gives all persons an entitlement to participation, contribution and enjoyment of economic, social, cultural and political development. The right to development is a peremptory norm in international law to the extent that the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights protects the right to development in Article 22. Zimbabwe has a duty to its citizens as a State party to the African Charter to guard against the exploitation of their land and the displacement from their custom ancestral land without compensation to clear the way for economic activities.
Section 292 of the Constitution which reads, “the State must take appropriate measures including legislative measures to give security of tenure to every person, lawfully owning or occupying agricultural land”; rural communities must be able to hold legal title over the land they reside in order to enjoy their right to development on an equal basis with others. However, in Zimbabwe, there is no legal provision that grants persons residing on communal lands, the right to hold legal title over communal land. Thus, there is no security of tenure. This has left rural communities often sidelined from developmental projects and constantly face forced evictions from their rural homes to make way for business projects.
This section of society remains vulnerable to disenfranchisement of their property, culture and heritage. The absence of the right to hold title deeds over the communal land they have resided upon for generations, compromises their equal enjoyment of the right to development. Development is a comprehensive process which aims to constant improvement of the well-being of the entire population and of all individuals on the basis of their active free and meaningful participation in development and in fair distribution of benefits, resulting from that participation. The right to development in the context of communal land rights in Zimbabwe raises a question, specifically whether the lack of communal land tenure compromises the enjoyment of the right to development for persons residing in communal lands. Communal land is regulated in terms of Communal Lands Act, [Chapter 20:2004] as read together with the Land Acquisition Act, [Chapter 20:2010], Traditional Leaders Act, [Chapter 29: 2017] as well as the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The issue of land ownership is central to both colonial and post-colonial politics. In Zimbabwe, as colonial policies of expropriation gave minority White farmers ownership of large areas of arable commercial land while most Black families lived in overcrowded and arid areas. These land imbalances were created as a result of Land Apportionment Act of 1930, resulting in the majority Blacks being subjected to what is known as ‘reserves’ (maruzevha) at the expense of fertile land meant for agricultural purposes.
Regardless of the efforts being implemented by the Government of Zimbabwe to reverse the colonial imbalances and promote land ownership by the majority Blacks, including the Land Reform Programme of early 2000, 42 years after independence, rural communities remain sidelined and marginalised when it comes to development. There is little or no investment in those areas. It is therefore, essential to interrogate how the present legislative framework regulating communal land in Zimbabwe, guarantees the enjoyment of one’s right to development and whether there is need for legal reforms.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe is clear, “subject to Section 72 which deals with rights of agricultural land, every person has the right in any part of Zimbabwe, to acquire, hold, occupy, use, transfer, hypothecate, lease and dispose of all forms of property either individually or in association with others”. In terms of Section 72 (3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the persons whose property has been compulsorily acquired may contest that acquisition before a competent court, yet there is no such provision in the Communal Lands Act. Under the Act, these people have no right to contest the acquisition of their land.
Further, in terms of Section 288 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, communal land is not included in the definition of land that may be compulsorily acquired. The land which can be compulsorily acquired seems to be agricultural land. Therefore, the Communal Land Act must be amended to align to the Constitution. Further, the Constitution in Section 17, mandates the State to facilitate equitable development especially balancing rural and urban development and this developmental agenda must be infused in the legal regime for communal areas. Borrowing from the Malawi position, it is recommended that Zimbabwean enact an Act similar to the Customary Land (Development) Act in Malawi that facilitates for the registration of title to communal land. The Malawian Act, allows small scale farmers to convert their customary land into private land, which is capable of being sold, leased, inherited et cetera. The same concept can be adopted and made to be more inclusive and should give everyone settled in communal areas the opportunity to gain title deeds to their land. As part of its Vision 2030 Goals, Zimbabwe undertook to promote and respect property rights in line with the laws of the country and international conventions. Mr. Speaker Sir, by facilitating for secure land tenure in communal areas, the Government will advertently address a centuries’ long injustice and act as active propellers for development in those aeras. To make this easier, the registration of title may be done through the Rural District Councils as they are more accessible in these communities and will reduce the cost of registration...
The mic having switched off.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Why did you switch of your microphone? Please proceed.
HON. C. HLATYWAYO: There was an interruption Hon. Speaker Sir. Mr. Speaker Sir, Malawi, much like Zimbabwe, has a large rural population engaged in small scale farming to grow food for their own consumption and to sell locally. This is largely agricultural community. Malawi’s Land Act [Chapter 57:01] in Section 25, has a vesting of land section which is the equivalent of section 4 of the Communal Lands Act [Chapter 20:04] in Zimbabwe. The section equally vests communal land in perpetuity in the President for the purposes of the Act. The distribution with the Zimbabwean position is that the Malawian section is read together with another section which is section 30 which states that: “Nothing in this Act shall be construed as preventing the application of the Customary Land (Development) Act to any customary land and the subsequent registration of such land under the Registered Land Act as private land”.
The meaning of the two provisions is that all customary land is the lawful property of the citizens, and is vested in perpetuity in the President for the purposes of the Act and the Act then goes on to issue a disclaimer that nothing in the Act should affect the registration of customary land as private land. This can be in terms of the Customary Land (Development) Act which is a progressive piece of legislation designed to facilitate the registration of rural land. This is a position worth aspiring to.
The role of Rural District Councils in the administration of communal land can be reviewed with the intent of improving oversight over the administration of communal land. This must be considered together with the role of traditional leaders in the administration of such land. It is important to strike a balance between general law and custom, and yet this area remains one shrouded in confusion and inconsistency. This means that a review of the role of traditional leaders in the administration of land must then be reviewed and the convergence of customary law and the mandate of the Rural District Councils be a priority. Administrative processes must be streamlined to make registration of title and other related issues easier for the ordinary person.
Mr. Speaker Sir, therefore, the House resolved that:
Rural communities must be able to hold legal title over the land they reside in order to enjoy their right to development on an equal basis. Rural communities must not be sidelined and marginalised when it comes to development. Investment is crucial in these areas. Zimbabwe must enact a law similar to the Customary Land (Development) Act in Malawi that facilitates for the registration of title to communal land.
The Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04] must be intra vires constitutional provisions be enabling persons whose property has been compulsorily acquired, to contest that acquisition before a competent court of law.
A section stating that nothing in the Communal Lands Act shall be construed as preventing the subsequent registration of communal land as private land should be inserted with a view of creating legislation that specifies the process of registering communal land and the role of District Development Co-coordinators and traditional leaders in administering the land. I submit Hon. Speaker.
*HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Member of Parliament for Chipinge Hon. Hlatywayo for his motion. Firstly, I would want to say that this country, Zimbabwe, is our country from Zambezi to Limpopo and we are proud of it. This country was colonised in the 1890s. Our ancestors fought for this land, Mbuya Nehanda, our chiefs, Chaminuka, Mashayamombe and Lobengula, fought the colonialists so that we get our land back. Where I come from, we know that this land belongs to the tembos, the zebras. The land belongs to our ancestors, which is why we have chiefs who rule us in Zimbabwe.
When the settlers came, they took our land and resettled people of Zimbabwe to what we call reserved lands. They resettled people where land was not fertile, the soil was not fertile and the colonisers took where the land was fertile. After that, as children of Zimbabwe, they saw that it was befitting to start Chimurenga as Mbuya Nehanda had said that ‘mapfupa angu achamuka’. They went to the struggle so that we would rule ourselves.
The guns were fighting for the land so that when we take it, we should give it back to the people, but what is happening now is that since 1980 when we got our independence, you know that our chiefs, our headmen, those who supported Chimurenga war, their desire was that after the war when we are now ruling ourselves, all those who were resettled by the colonialists would be taken back to their fertile land where they were displaced.
So, the issue at stake now is that when land was being apportioned, it was delayed and only took place after the war veterans started to take land. The challenges that we faced is that our people in the rural areas were not recognised. Our people were looking forward to be taken back to where their ancestors came from. The situation that we are in right now is that when everything was done, we had put our chiefs in front. When we were taking back land, we should have taken our chiefs and headmen so that they would help in resettling people according to their totems, but that did not take place.
Right now, the challenge that we have at the moment is that our people in the rural areas, and because we have laws that were passed in this Parliament like the Communal Land Act and power was not returned to the chiefs and the village heads, the DA and the PA have more powers than the traditional leaders. What is happening is that if you are in the rural areas, even if the graves of your ancestors are there, that land and the fields are not yours. You can wake up one day being told to leave that place because they want to put up something.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in the rural areas, you see that if our people go to the diaspora, they will say that even if they die, they want to come back and be buried where their relatives are buried. This is all because they think that land belongs to them, but the law on the ground says the land is not yours. That is why we do not have any improvement in our rural areas when we removed the whites. That is why this motion which was brought in by Hon. Hlatywayo is that we should amend the Land Act so that we look after the land in the rural areas because it is not possible. That is why I am saying in the rural areas, if I am removed, then I am not compensated for that. I do not think it should be like that.
We are aware that we want investment but the investors should not be given more prominence than us as owners of the land. We should not respect investors and displace our people. Even if investors come, they can go and speak with village heads and tell them that the land is there but if you want land, you should pay for their rituals that you have to do and that money is planted into that area. Right now, what is only said is that if you go to Mutoko where there are ancestors who were buried in the mountains, their places have been destroyed because if you had given room for chiefs to speak, they should have been directed where to go and where not to go.
The land in the rural areas should have title deeds so that everyone is aware that I can sell my land after the agreement from our village heads and our chiefs. Our children…
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please speak in Shona. Chii kujamba? You started very well but I think you should speak in Shona.
*HON. MUSHORIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. We do not want our people to jump around looking for places to stay. I want to say if my grandfather wakes up, he should know that he left land for his children and grandchildren to stay, just like what we do in our cities. When we buy land, we want to leave an inheritance to your children and the whole family. So, that should also happen in the rural areas. I want to thank all the people in this House who were voted for by the people and we should do their will. I believe that all of us, whether you represent the urban area, but your roots are in the rural areas. We should support this motion which has been brought into this House that they should follow the law to give out land to the people in the rural areas. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Just a small point of correction. Is your understanding of agricultural land inclusive of communal lands?
HON.C. HLATYWAYO: Yes Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You say it is inclusive of communal lands in terms of Section 232. Is that correct?
HON. C. HLATYWAYO: Yes Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I ask this question deliberately so that in your subsequent debates, you are guided accordingly. Section 292 of the Constitution reference to security of tenure for occupiers of agricultural land does not include communal lands. That definition is in Section 72 of the Constitution which says in this section, agricultural land means land used or suitable for agriculture that is to say for horticulture, viticulture, forestry, apiculture or for any purpose of husbandry including
- the keeping or breeding of livestock, game, poultry, animals or bees;
- the grazing of livestock or game;
Now the important issue is, but does not include communal land. Did you hear that? So all those that are going to debate do not confuse issues. The motion is pleading for title in communal, but communal land is not agricultural land as defined in Section 72 of the Constitution when read together with Section 292 of the Constitution.
HON. ZIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for the opportunity to add my voice to the motion moved by Hon. Hlatywayo on the land tenure and agriculture. There seems to be some confusion in the way it has been brought up by Hon. Hlatywayo. On that very same question that you have asked Mr. Speaker, it seems like this title was also being asked for on agricultural land.
If you indulge me Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to give a brief background on how we got this land. We got this land through a long protracted brutal war, very bloody war. There is a blood price on this land. Even after the 10 years prescription of the Lancaster House Agreement, the land was not transferred to us. Furthermore, Britain reneged on its promise to compensate its kith and kin. The willing buyer willing seller which was suggested did not work. There is no one who would want to give up land in exchange for money. This must just show us how valuable the land is.
Then came on the formation of opposition parties just after the Land Reform Programme started. We had people wanting to give back land to our erstwhile colonisers and they asked for sanctions – [HON MMBERS: Hear, hear.] - Can you imagine the troubles that we have had as a nation, the under development? Everything that we have and all the troubles that we have, economically, socially, the infrastructure, the companies that have closed, and the jobs that we have lost. We are still paying the price for this precious land. That war is still raging on.
Giving title to agricultural land would be tantamount to selling it back. I bet you, there would be a buy-back Zimbabwe campaign and in no time, there will be so much money awash and we will be left with no land. Some of the people are of the opinion that this land is priceless and should not belong to individuals. When we went to war for this land, we went to war for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. We cannot then allocate a portion that gives title to individuals.
However, I recognise that we have a few challenges whereby people think maybe it is being caused by the lack of title deeds. I put it to you that there are farmers who are leasing the land, and most of the highly productive farmers who are leasing the land are making very good progress. I know of some who are renting or leasing thousands of hectares, they are doing a thousand hectares of wheat and maize and harvesting thousands of tonnage, but they do not own the land that they are working on. Title on its own is not enough, and is not a necessity or prerequisite for success on the farm for development.
What we need is for Government and stakeholders to come up with a robust financing mechanism that goes beyond one season like what happened previously when the colonial farmers where given land. They were not given one season finance schemes. We need finance schemes that go beyond five or 10 years for a person to really be capacitated. Title deeds would be a drawback on Government because it will have less control, and it will not be able to distribute land as it sees fit in the future.
Loss of access to land to future generations without Government owning this land, there will be loss of access to future generations of this land. This would make it very difficult for people to do agriculture which would then eventually impact on the country’s food security. Issuance of title deeds, potentially opens flood gates for foreign investors to buy all the land and when that happens, it would disadvantage the locals and it will lead to another Chimurenga. Also, this would create inequity in that not everybody would be able to acquire this land that would also bring in inequity amongst the farmers and division amongst the farming community. Coincidentally, today on CNN News, I saw an article on the Scottish Parliament. They are considering a Bill whereby they want to take back land. Their land is belonging to 450 individuals or companies. Now, there is an outcry there, people do not have access to the land, and now they are trying to reverse what is being suggested here.
So, I would rather we just remain prudent and not follow the privatisation of land wherever it is because all land in Zimbabwe belongs to the State. However, you can get it through the various channels with the difference of whether it is council land or State land but it still winds out through the Minister of Lands and President whose powers are given to distribute the land.
In conclusion, what is needed here in Zimbabwe is a robust financial package, like I said, not limited to one season but goes beyond five years or ten years so we can capacitate the farmers, and no title deeds can achieve that. I thank you.
HON. S. SAKUPWANYA: Thank you for allowing me to add my voice to the motion raised. I would like to center my debate on security of tenure as referenced in the motion.
Mr. Speaker, land ownership cannot be discussed without going through the history of the liberation struggle as well as the subsequent reform programme. Land was the major factor that led to the indigenous Zimbabweans taking up arms to fight against the illegal settlers who violently displaced our forefathers and deemed themselves owners using title deeds that were authenticated by an illegitimate government. I say illegitimate in the sense that it was not democratically elected by the majority of the people but was imposed by the British for exploitative purposes. Blood was shed to restore Zimbabwe from an injustice whose effects we still see today.
Before the Land Reform Programme, we were not the owners of our economy. Much is spoken about how we were the bread-basket of Africa, but the only beneficiaries of that bread-basket economy at the time were those who owned the land and means of production. That means all the production produced before the land reform was to the benefit of the white minority, leaving no room for an economic balance that reflects the population statistics.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a reference to South Africa, a country with a similar history to ours. They too gained independence, however unlike them, we went a step further and took back our land. A recent statistic shown on a South African news channel indicated that 72% of agricultural land was owned by the white minority. It further went on to indicate that the black indigenous majority contributes less than 10% to their economy. As a result, South Africa today has the highest gene coefficient in the world which indicates the degree of inequality concerning wealth distribution. Had we not taken back our land that would have been our story.
Mr. Speaker, it must be remembered that land is indeed finite, we cannot have more than we already have. So, the decisions we make when it comes to this land, affect our posterity for the next 100, 200, or even 1000 years to come. The land question is bigger than any individual and when it comes to security of tenure, we must ensure the land remains in the hands of the indigenous black majority 1000 years from now. This will justify us to call Zimbabwe our country. For, if we are not the owners of land in Zimbabwe, how then does Zimbabwe belong to us?
Having highlighted this, I reject boldly the part of the motion that asserts the failure of the Government to provide security of tenure to the people of Zimbabwe. Ownership of land has indeed been given to us the people through the Government and the Government in turn has put that land in the custodianship of more than 300,000 indigenous Zimbabweans to make use of it and contribute to the economy.
In this sense, the Government has done its mandate of creating opportunities for the Zimbabwean populace to earn a living by being productive. I highlighted, Mr. Speaker, that we are dealing with land that must be productive. When one is given custodianship of their piece of land, they therefore must make that place productive. To this effect, I am proud that we have been productive to the point of breaking all farming records, particularly in maize and tobacco. The difference this time, the wealth of our production is not shared directly by 4000 farmers, but by more than 300 000.
Mr. Speaker Sir, had we given out title deeds during our Land Reform Programme, I do not doubt that 80% of the resettled farmers at the time would have sold that land back to the resourced white people. When we were given out these farms, our Government was hit with sanctions and restricted with funding. The farmers' markets that were previously a source of supply in Europe were shut down immediately. This was designed to set us up for our failure.
During those desperate times, the majority of farm holders would have folded if the option to sell was made available. As an example, this means if Britain or America, through their surrogates, would have the opportunity to take all the agricultural land, they would and we must never allow a situation where we fetch such risks. For, if we sell our land, then we would have sold Zimbabwe. I want to emphasise that Zimbabwe is not for sale.
As I close, I would like to touch on the impact of land on the youth. When I grew up during the 90s before the Land Reform Programme, agriculture was seen as a subject for failure, our education system at the time glorified those who wore suits and we pictured success to be associated with getting a job and having a high post in a company that we did not own.
The Land Reform Programme, which has come to our ownership, has completely changed that mentality amongst the youth, even those who are employed today seek to engage in agricultural products to become owners of businesses in their economy. Owning land means you own your economy. So, Mr. Speaker, the security of tenure for the youth should continue to lie in the State. Our land in particular, agricultural land is our future and should not depend on or lie in the hands of individuals. I so submit.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Sakupwanya. Before I call for further debate, I want to recognise Hon. Vice President Rtd. Col. Mohadi who has just joined us and thus a breath of fresh air – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
*HON. MANGONDO: Thank you Hon. Speaker for this opportunity you have given me to debate on this very important motion. When this matter was brought forward, it was not as transparent as it is now. This motion has not been properly brought before the House. It has been smuggled into this House.
This motion, Mr. Speaker, is an important motion that takes us back to the First Chimurenga. In going back to the First Chimurenga, we should deeply think about the reasons why our country was colonised. Colonisation came about when Cecil John Rhodes and his friend Rudd came and misled our ancestors that they wanted hunting concessions but their long-term plan was to colonise this country, which is what has now been done here today.
We have heard that this issue is similar to the issue of the investigation of the land issue. Unbeknown to us, we are being misled into believing that we are going to improve the issues around land ownership and title but alas, we are being taken for yet another ride.
Mr. Speaker Sir, you know what happened in Matabeleland when King Lobengula realised that he had been taken for a ride by the whites. I wonder if the other Members on the other side appreciate that it was the land issue that led us into taking up arms against the white settlers because they had touched on the nerve of our wellbeing. Land is not for sale and should not be sold.
The land was repossessed from the colonisers through blood shed of our gallant sons and daughters who waged the liberation struggle and it should be treated as being sacrosanct. When one is referred to as son of the soil, it is because of our possession of this land called Zimbabwe. Once we lose this land, we will have lost our heritage, we would have lost our ubuntu or hunhu.
You will recall one of our founding fathers, the late Joshua Nkomo, saying that the land is what brought the Shona and Ndebele people together. People did not know that the soil is critical in that it brought the Shona and the Ndebele people together. The battle at Shangani was fought by the Shona and the Ndebele side by side, under the Commander Chinengundu Mashayamombe who fortified the unity between the Shonas and the Ndebeles. Mashayamombe is one of the great heroes of the First Chimurenga who inflicted heavy losses on the white armies. So, once you start talking about selling the land, we will not agree with you and we should warn you not to steer the hornet’s nest.
*HON. MAKAMURE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. Hon. Speaker, let us not waste time debating on issues that do not form part of the motion.
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, everyone has a right to debate and you are also entitled to give your own opinion when your turn to debate comes – [AN HON. MEMBER: Inaudible interjecions.] – Order Hon. Member! When I say order, you sit down. You will also be heard in silence as we will protect you just as we are protecting the Member who is on the floor.
*HON. MANGONDO: This is an important issue. Once we discuss it, we will touch on the significant roles played by heroes such as Mashonganyika, Mapondera, Mbuya Nehanda, Chingaira and so on. They died defending our right to land. It would be an insult to these fallen heroes to hear that someone is bringing a motion that wants us to sell our land, land that has the graves of our ancestors. This is hypocrisy of the worst order and should not be countenanced at all. Iwe!
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member! Who are you referring to as iwe? We are debating a motion of national importance so it should be treated with the seriousness that it deserves.
*HON. MANGONDO: Excuse me Hon. Speaker. When I was debating, I did not refer to anyone as iwe. There are things that are just said by the way.
*HON. MAKAMURE: On a point of order.
*THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please proceed.
*HON. MANGONDO: They do not want to hear what I am saying. The communal lands, where we were born and bred, where we were chased away by the white colonisers will never be put up for sale in this country. As I have earlier on alluded to, it is like incurring the wrath of an avenging spirit. It will destroy this country.
If there are people who are illegally selling this land, such wayward behaviour can be corrected. Whoever commits a crime should be arrested. That is why we have laws in this country. We shall never abdicate our fields to the baboons. If the baboons have destroyed our fields, we should have heart to remain in ownership of the field.
Hon. Speaker, this issue once happened in Guatemala. What they did not know was that by coming with such measures, they had sold their birth right. We see that in the communal lands, the homesteads and the lands are sold by greedy people. They combine the small pieces that they are buying so that they end up having vast tracts of land. This does not augur well with us as we are currently faced with children that are victims of drug and substance abuse. They will end up selling that land because they want to buy drugs. So, we cannot do that. The soil is ours. What our ancestors used to say after the First Chimurenga, the likes of James Chikerema, George Nyandoro, Joshua Nkomo, Michael Mawema, I am talking of those who started to call themselves mwana wevhu. This is the soil that we are being told to sell by the people who do not know their history; who do not know where they came from, people who do not know the laws of Zimbabwe because they are fond of money. They are now calling themselves people of money, instead of people of the soil. We cannot do that.
Rural homes should remain like that in their original names that are in custody of the President of the country. On top of that, we have chiefs, we have headmen, kraal heads and the elderly who live in those areas who know the history of their areas. They know who belongs where and these homes should be protected as they are. We do not want to do what Malawi is doing. Malawi is not Zimbabwe. We should not copy what they are doing.
I encourage people to read and understand what we used to do since we started the land re-distribution from 1982 being led by Gordon Chavunduka. They will tell you the stories about the land, what was brought by the Professors like Prof. Rukuni, Prof. Sam Moyo, all these looked at the stories and researched. Yes, there might have been one who has a story that was told by others but the land should not be sold. All the land should be protected by our President. This has been researched. It is not something that can be done by anyone who just wakes up and say let us sell the land. It cannot work like that, nada.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please stick to one language you were using, what is nada?
*HON. MANGONDO: What I have said ‘nada’, it means we cannot do that. We refuse, that is what I mean. I once said it cannot, which means if it is in mathematics, it cannot. It is a disaster to sell land, so it should not be done. Let me say that Zimbabwe, you will allow me Mr. Speaker Sir, to express myself in English on the statistics because I will not be able to explain the statistics in Shona but I will try. Zimbabwe comprises of 36 million hectares. That is all we have as a nation. If we look at that 36 million hectares, 33 million hectares are for agriculture. The other remaining is reserved for animals, forestry and cities.
When we got independence, the whites were 6 000 and had 66 000 hectares of land. There were using region 1, 2 and 3 and others in the African purchase areas. There were 8500 blacks in the African purchase areas, those areas had only 5% arable land mostly in regions 4 and 5. In the areas where we are now being asked to sell the land, there were about 700 000 families that had less than 50% of the agricultural land. The majority of this land was in region 4 and 5 which had soils that are not good at producing meaningful and profitable land tenure. So when we came up with the Land Reform Programme, it was observed that the majority of the people were now migrating from the urban areas into the communal lands, a case in point being Murehwa where I come from.
We had deserted homes that were unoccupied, but as of now, they are now being occupied by grand children who were living in urban settlements.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Hon. Mangondo, please wind up your debate.
*HON. MANGONDO: Thank you Hon. Speaker, we can see the importance of having a rural home, even if the young population migrate to the city, they will still come back to their original homesteads. Even adults who would have retired will always come back to the rural communities after retirement. as black people, we are very proud that we are part of our rural communities because that is where we call home. When I visit my rural home, I will be very happy and very satisfied that I am where I belong. I thank you Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to debate. As Parliamentarians standing in for the people of Zimbabwe, I am saying that we must not sell our land. I thank you.
HON. CUMANZALA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank you for affording me this opportunity to add my voice on this debate on Land Tenure which was moved by Hon. Hlatywayo, seconded by Hon. Mushoriwa. Mr. Speaker Sir, I believe this is a very important topic or motion for this august House to debate. I think it is important that we have a meeting of minds here. We are all Zimbabweans and we share the same history. Our history is very clear because it states that and we all agree, during the period of colonial rule, policies were implemented by the colonial government, which resulted in the displacement of land from indigenous communities, concentrating ownership among a minority white settler.
The Land Apportionment Act of 1930, formalised the social segregation reserving prime agricultural land exclusively for white settlers. This is the history that we all share. The struggle for independence in 1960s and 1970s led to the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979 which paved the way for our independence in 1980. By the way, in the liberation struggle, we all participated, it was not exclusively for certain individuals. Now, although the Lancaster House Agreement included provisions related to Land Reform, the issue of land redistribution remained unsolved and this is why in 2000, there was a fast track Land Reform Programme which was initiated.
However, the question about individual ownership of land was not, and I am stressing, was not adequately addressed in this reform.
An Hon. Member having stood up to go out of the House
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Member going out, the Hon. Speaker rules that when you are dressed like you are, you are inappropriately dressed. So when you come in next time, please make the necessary corrections. Thank you.
HON. MUGWADI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MUGWADI: Hon. Speaker, I think the papers he is referring to are obstructing his convenience with the microphone, we can hardly hear him from this side. It will help us if he speaks a little bit louder. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member for that observation. Hon. Member speaking, did you hear the point of order from Hon. Mugwadi.
HON. CUMANZALA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, it is in order. However, the question about individual ownership of land was not adequately addressed in this reform which left most new land owners not having received some title deeds. Now, Mr. Speaker Sir, the comprehensive and sustainable land reform that we are advocating in this House is crucial in balancing social justice, economic viability and environmental sustainability.
The land situation in our country necessitates rectifyig historical injustices, enhancing food security and promoting economic development. However, achieving goals, these goals require addressing challenges such as land tenure. Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to therefore propose land rights reforms that deal with the above mentioned challenges whilst leveraging opportunities for sustainable development.
Mr. Speaker Sir, let me first of all reflect a little bit on the legal framework that governs land tenure. I know previous speakers touched on these, but just give me an opportunity to reflect on this a little bit. Collectively, the land Act No. 20 of 1982, the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17], the Customary Law, Local Courts Act [Chapter 7:05] revised edition 1996 and the Rural District Council Amendment Act 1998 form the legal foundation for the land tenure in Zimbabwe’s communal areas mainly.
Mr. Speaker Sir, can you allow me to take a sip of water – [Laughter] – Mr. Speaker Sir, now let us look at the Communal Land Act because this established the foundation by recognising Customary Law and and tenure arrangements and delineating regulations for land use. This Act repealed the Tribal Trust Land Act, No. 6 of 1979 which governed communal land occupied by black Africans. The Act regulates the occupation and use of communal land and ownership vested in the State land but allowing traditional customer communities to occupy and use the land at the mercy of the President.
The Traditional Leaders Act reinforces this foundation, emphasises the pivotal role of traditional leadership institutions in communal areas. It provides and protects the role of traditional leadership institutions such as chiefs, headmen and the village heads in communal areas by recognising that communal areas are predominantly traditional in their institutional framework.
The Traditional Council Amendment Act completes this legal framework by providing the mechanism for decentralised land tenure administration through Rural District Councils, empowering them with authority over development plans subject to financing of laws from the State.
The Act grants extensive hours to RDCs subject to ministerial controls and regulations, including powers related to natural resource conservation, agriculture, water resources and more. Additionally, the Customary Law and Local Courts Act provides for local courts to handle disputes in communal areas excluding disputes over land. However, the Communal Land Act may introduce competitive laws in cases where land disputes involve customary and statutory legal considerations creating potential contradictions in authority.
Lastly, the Communal Land Act regulations on land use competes with the traditional land use practices recognised by the Traditional Leaders Act. Therefore, to optimise land tenure and gather land, my suggestion is to distinguish between communal and residential land, each with its unique classification, residential land where individuals currently resides and is to be allocated individual title deeds, granting former ownership rights. For equality, these title deeds can have the head of family’s name and their spouse.
The allocation of land to the new migrants will continue to be the responsibility of local chiefs facilitated through the existing administrative hierarchy involving headmen. This will also involve having clear guidelines on how and where to apply for this residential stand. On the other hand, communal land will encompass all other territories including commercial areas, protected areas, parks and reserves and therefore, the Rural District Councils and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development will maintain oversights and administrative control over the communal land.
This proposal aims to simplify land management by providing legal ownership documentation for residential land occupants while keeping communal land under the governance of established administrative structures. The objective is to strike a balance between individual property rights and communal stewardship, fostering sustainable and equitable land use in the rural areas, particularly considering economic implications.
Here are some of the economic implications that I thought I should share with the august House:
- The first one is, the provision of secure land rights to local communities will stimulate increased agricultural activities translating into employment opportunities, spanning farming, harvesting, processing and associated sectors.
- By fostering secure land tenure and supporting small scale farmers. The reform seeks to optimise utilisation and those sustainable farming practices and amplify overall agricultural output.
- Well defined and secure land rights from the formed foundation of investor confidence, catalysing agricultural and agri-business investments, secure in the knowledge of safe property rights.
- The land rights can stimulate the establishment of agro-processing industries and promoting the production value added goods, economic diversification may extend to the development of rural tourism, leveraging natural and cultural assets of the different regions.
Let me conclude by saying that the economic opportunities stemming from the land rights reform will collectively contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive economy, the confluence of job creation, investment attraction and economic diversification, not only addresses immediate economic incentives but also lays the foundation for sustainable and resilient rural development. A flourishing rural economy can yield positive spill-over effects on urban areas fostering a more balanced and equitable national economic landscape.
Mr. Speaker Sir, from our history and myself coming from the Zambezi Valley, because of the Land Apportionment Act and because our people did not have title to land, in 1957, 57 000 members of the Apostolic Community were resettled to pave way for the creation of Lake Kariba and they were not compensated because of that. The same community in Ruvimbi is likely going to be resettled for the second time and they do not have title to land. They may not be compensated on the land where they are coming from.
I have been to Chingwizi during the peak of Chingwizi, during the creation of Tokwe/Mukorsi Dam and the Chivi people know what happened there. They did not have title to land, most probably they have not been compensated to date. About 1 800 families were resettled and because they did not have title to land, most probably they lost all during the resettlement process. I believe this is a serious subject, we should put our heads together as Members of this august House and debate it without resorting to rhetoric. Thank you.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. The approved ratio in this House, the National Assembly is 3:2 and I see the way you are administering as our Speaker, for the three that we go to and the way I am seeing the way you running the administration in terms of our ratio, you are beating us down because I think some of the Hon. Members have to appreciate that they must go for workshopping in terms of our Parliament…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MACHINGURA): Hon. Mutseyami, please withdraw the words that you said just now. It is necessary that people have to go for workshopping, how can someone challenge a point of order when I am on the floor? Please withdraw what you have just said.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: But these are facts in terms of the Green Book.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: When they interjected you, please withdraw what you have said. Hon. Mutseyami, I am chairing. When they interjected you, I did not authorise your point of order and so, I am chairing and now I come back to you to say please go ahead. So, withdraw the last words that you said.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: I am withdrawing the words that the Hon. Member from Chipinge East has to go for a workshop on how Parliament administers its business. I withdraw that.
I think it is important with the assistance of Clerk of Parliament here, that we stick to the ratio as approved then by the Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I was actually told that the ratio is 2:1. The Hon. Member who was on the floor is actually from your side, which means I should go back to the other side and pick two and then come back to your side.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: You picked three Members from the other side.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have got four ticks here. How many Members spoke from your side? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - I will rule then. May I have one Member from your side and then I will go on to Hon. Nguluvhe.
HON. SIHLABO: I am Hon. Sihlabo from Mangwe. Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to add my voice on this very important topic. First, I would like to implore the House that this topic is extremely important and raises emotions. I would like to implore the House that we work together so that we come to an understanding which will help the cries which we are getting from our constituencies regarding this particular motion.
Land is a very emotional topic as you have noticed when we started. Land is what sent all of us to the bush to fight so that we remove the colonialists who actually took the land from our forefathers. So therefore, for all of us, the issue which was raised by the mover of the motion is to break that status quo. We agree that since Independence, an amount of movement has been done towards redressing the past. We definitely do agree to that, but what we are constantly worried about is the fact that even the resettled farmers have got no title to the land in which they were resettled. Just because they have no title, they actually have been rendered hopeless. It is impossible for them to develop adequately on that land. First by acquiring finance because they have no security, and they can be moved from that land should any mineral be found by an investor, irrespective of the capital they would have put on that particular land.
Therefore, I would like us to approach this topic on the basis that we try and get people to be compensated for the land in which they are living on. In the rural areas, people are investing a great deal of financial resources, either on their home or on developing the fields. We have to somehow find a way that should there be a desire either by an investor or by Government to take that particular land through compensation, the only way we can do that is when we have given farmers security of tenure. We need to find a way and not resell the land. I agree that reselling land will be detriment to us. We will be just repeating what the colonialists did – [HON MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - Together, we need to find a way or model which will make sure that anybody who occupies land has security of tenure. If he has to be moved because of developments, there has got to be a form of compensation. If a mineral has been found on that particular area and we need to develop that mineral because it is good for the country, we need to find a way of either collective, if it is a communal area or it is individual compensation if he has built his communal home there.
Therefore, we need to deal with the elephant in the room which is security of tenure together from the other side and this side. We need to find a way which we can use or legislate such that people are just not moved willy-nilly without compensation. Land is very emotional. You could see in the House that if we do not approach this matter as a complete House, we will derail ourselves and eventually not achieve what Hon. Hlatywayo desires when he put this motion down. My submission will be that we find a way to deal with security of tenure for everybody on land, and then we craft some form of compensation if we have to move people. So, I submit.
HON. NGULUVHE: I will just say some few remarks since most of the issues were covered by my colleagues. Let me start by saying we are all here in an independent country because of the war which was fought. People went to war basically over the issue of land. We liberated ourselves from the bondage of our colonisers who deprived us of our independence. The erstwhile colonisers grabbed our land, and this land mostly was taken from us basically to create big national parks, large or vast land basically for ranging and farming, especially from Matabeleland. Therefore, when the mover moved the motion, he said yes, people were emotional because we must thank the Hon. Speaker who actually clarified the difference between the communal land and the land which was for farming. Most of us here, we thought there was a hidden agenda because when we talk of title deeds in the communal land, we all know that the communal land belongs or is controlled by the chiefs and the communal land is under the President or it is under that State. As such, we did not worry much that they must have title deeds because that land cannot be sold, it is communal land. The chief cannot sell that land, the headman cannot sell that land because it belongs to the State. Therefore, I am happy that at least the other side of the House have now realised that it is very important that we be united when we talk about the issue of land. We must appreciate what the Speaker said.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to hasten to say that when you talk of title deeds, I am sure even those who are in resettlements, there are ways of getting your title deeds, it does not mean that the Government does not give you title deeds. You will get your title deeds if you meet certain criteria. My point is, I do not think we should dwell much on the issue of the communal land getting title deeds. We should dwell more on the issue of that land which was grabbed and our people forced to go and stay in unfertile land. Those are the areas we must talk about that those people who were removed by force from that area maybe those are the people that need to be compensated. You cannot compensate people of communal land because that belongs to the State.
Mr. Speaker Sir, let us talk about the land which was grabbed. People were forced to go in Matopo there, to create that national park of Rhodes there, they were pushed down to Matopo and Kezi. Those are the people we must say, maybe if there are to be compensated, they should be compensated but who is going to compensate them? You are aware that the Lancaster Conference almost collapsed over this issue of land when the British were refusing to compensate for the land. I think let us leave the issue of compensation aside because who will compensate that land? That is my question. At the moment Mr. Speaker Sir, yes, the issue of security of the land we are staying - maybe let us make it easier. As a war veteran, I will suggest that even those war veterans who have the land, they should be entitled to be given title deeds without paying anything because they sacrificed their lives.
Hon. Speaker, if you go down the history, those who fought in the Malaysians there, when they came back, they were given land for free. They were given houses for free; they did not pay for that land. The areas at Vumba there, those whites who were staying there, it is because they had gone to fight in Malaysia. So, those are the people we must talk about, the war veterans, they must be given the land and title deeds – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – I am happy that at least we are together in this. My colleague was saying this land cannot be sold because if we are not careful, you give title deeds to the people at the communal lands and some with money. We are talking of the whites, they will come and buy that land and our people will not have any land. That is why we are a bit bitter that we cannot say let us have title deeds in the communal land because people with money will come and buy that land and we would deprive our people of the land. Let us ensure that the land is secured and the land is under State. What is wrong with the land being controlled by the State? Even those who are given title deeds, in these commercial farms, I suggest that no one should be allowed to sell that land without the concurrence of the State. By this I mean the concurrence of the President. If you are given your title deed, yes, but do not sell it, because if you are not careful, our erstwhile colonisers will come back, buy that land and we will find ourselves back in the reserves. Those are the comments, I just want to add Hon. Speaker. I do not want to waste much of my time, I thank you.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Hon. Speaker, I move that we revert to Order of the Day, Number 3 on today’s Order Paper.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. KAZEMBE): Thank you for allowing me to comment on His Excellency, the President’s State of the Nation Address which was presented on the 3rd October, 2023.
In his address, the President raised deep concern about the increase in drug and substance abuse, especially among the youth. In that regard Mr. Speaker, my office has been working tirelessly employing and deploying all efforts within its mandate to achieve visible progress on the drug and substance abuse in order to protect the vulnerable members of society from their effects.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police partnered with other law enforcement agencies in an interagency approach to conduct raids, mount road blocks, carry out passenger profiling at all airports, cargo profiling and anti-drug and substance awareness campaigns in a bid to reduce and possibly eliminate drug trafficking, drug and substance abuse.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is working to ensure that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is adequately equipped with financial and technical resources to be able to combat drug and substance abuse. To this end, the ZRP’s CID Drugs and Narcotics section has remained on high alert at all ports of entry and exit. As part of its programme to increase efficiency, the ZRP has since decentralised its CID operations across the nation.
On a related matter, the Forensic Science and Cyber Laboratory at CID Headquarter has also been prioritised in the allocation of resources to facilitate acquisition of latest technology to aid the fight against drug and substance abuse. It may be recalled that the ZRP recently received a donation of laboratory equipment from the People’s Republic of China. This Anti-Narcotic Analysis Laboratory Equipment ensures real time analysis of the drugs detected. Efforts are currently underway to secure more resources to ensure Forensic Science and Cyber Laboratory operations are spread across the whole nation. The Ministry will also examine if there is need to review any legislation that may impede use of analysis reports generated through use of such technology.
My Ministry is part of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and has been very active in the Demand Reduction Pillar through the ZRP. The ZRP has launched awareness campaigns, but these should be complemented by other stakeholders. This is a war that needs a whole of society approach.
Regarding His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. E.D Mnangagwa’s reference to amend the Lotteries and Gaming Act, [Chapter 10:26] to align it to the Constitution of Zimbabwe by incorporating online gaming and the corporate governance provisions provided for in the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act. Principles to amend the Lotteries and Gaming Act and the National Archives of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:06] have since been drafted and awaiting approval by Cabinet.
In order to operationalise the National Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons, principles to amend the Trafficking in Persons Act Chapter 9: 25 were approved by Cabinet and submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for Bill drafting. Meanwhile, principles to amend the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02] and Citizenship of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 4:01] are undergoing peer review at the Attorney General’s Office.
Consultations on amendments to the Private Investigators and Security Guards (Control) Act [Chapter 27:10], Official Secrets Act [Chapter 11:09], Unlawful Organisations Act [Chapter 11:13] have already begun. The principles to amend the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act [Chapter 10:04] were referred to the Attorney General’s Office by Cabinet after presentation.
Mr. Speaker, on the Citizenship of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 4:10], the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage made contributions towards alignment of the Act to the Constitution of Zimbabwe and forwarded them to the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for consideration. The Ministry has already initiated the process of aligning the Birth and Registration Act [Chapter 5:02] to the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, pursuant to the Government’s legislative agenda and the communication from the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs dated 6th November, 2023, the Ministry would wish that Bills under this legislative agenda are passed by July 2024. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): I wish to thank the Hon. Members’ contributions to His Excellency the President’s State of the Nation Address. The address to the two Houses of Parliament by the His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa touched on critical aspects relating to primary and secondary education.
The pronouncements by His Excellency are instructive in that they give direction to the Ministry on how to proceed in as far as attaining Vision 2030 is concerned. It is important Hon. Speaker, to note that the Ministry is required through the NDS1 to contribute to towards human capital development. Pursuant to the address by His Excellency the President, Members raised a number of issues which this paper is meant to respond to.
The first issue raised by Hon. Members is the sending of children back home for non-payment of school fees. This issue was raised by His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa who reiterated that children should not be sent back home for non-payment of school fees and levies. Members, during debate on the President’s address, flagged this important pronouncement which is meant to uphold children’s right to education. Indeed, the Ministry has taken strides to address this issue.
While the Constitution guarantees the right to education, the Education Act is explicit in Section 68(c) that ‘no pupil shall be excluded from school for non-payment of school fees or on the basis of pregnancy’. To ensure this is adhered to, the Ministry has set up command centres at each level; district, provincial and head office whose role is to monitor schools for compliance. School authorities that violate this provision face disciplinary action.
The Ministry has published through national media names and contacts of officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and these officials are at the disposal of parents and stakeholders to report any school that might choose to send children back home for non-payment. We also now have a tollfree number and for the benefit of Hon. Members the tollfree number is 317 to make it easier for stakeholders to report such schools.
When schools opened for the first terms in January, 2024 the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education had several meetings where he addressed headmasters and stakeholders in most of the provinces. The school authorities were discouraged from sending away learners as it violated their fundamental to basic education. Those who defied Ministry directives were going to be charged according to Statutory Instrument 1 of 2000. However, the Ministry observed that a few headmasters refused to comply and have since been engaged in remedial and corrective action is being undertaken.
On the issue of skills-based education, an important issue raised by Hon. Members from the SONA is the need to revolutionise our education system to embrace skills considering the academic pass rates that always hover around 30%, and here I am referring to O’level pass rate. As Members might be aware, that process started in 2015 with the introduction of the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) whose thrust is skills, attitudes and values for the 21st century. We have also embarked on a programme to retool our teachers through capacity building so that their pedagogy is in tandem with the demands of the CBC. We have also introduced continuous assessment considering that we could not continue to assess values, attitudes and skills the traditional way.
As the world continues to experience seismic changes, we have recently reviewed our curriculum to ensure it remains relevant. This, we will continue to do after every seven years so that we give children education relevant to their time.
On provision of schools, Hon. Members flagged this issue especially in resettled areas where there is a shortage of schools. The Ministry has acknowledged that the country is facing a huge deficit when it comes to the provision of schools. Resettlement areas, new residential areas in towns and cities are hardest hit because there is need for construction of new schools. Some children are still walking long distances to schools. Through budgetary support from Treasury, the Ministry is working on constructing schools in some areas where the situation is dire. We are also working with education partners such as UNICEF and Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints to ensure that more schools are constructed. The Ministry has also called on the private sector and citizens who would want to establish schools to do so. We have simplified our registration process to fast track the establishment of schools.
Indeed, as noted by Hon. Murambiwa, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, devolution funds should be invested in the construction of schools is another. We should applaud His Excellency the President for devolution which he introduced in 2018. This has already seen classroom blocks and schools being constructed. Should the construction of schools be prioritised by communities, it would mean devolution funds would continue to be channeled towards this noble cause.
The Ministry is also working on the construction of additional classroom blocks at the existing schools where these are inadequate. The conversion of classroom blocks into science laboratories is helping to alleviate the shortage of laboratories across the country. This programme is set to continue with funding from education partners making this possible. I submit Hon. Speaker Sir.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. MARUPI): I also stand up to add my voice to the State of the Nation Address made by the President. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate His Excellency, President E.D. Mnangagwa for the resounding victory in the 23 August Harmonised General Elections. The elections were free and fair in accordance with our democratic traditions and practices. Let me also congratulate you, Mr. Speaker Sir, for being retained as the Presiding Officer of this august House.
Allow me to also congratulate all Members of Parliament who were elected by the people to represent them. As you are aware, on the 3rd of October 2023, His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA). The address marked the opening of the First Session of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe. During the speech, the President tabled 60 Bills and Acts for debate. The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services will ensure that the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (BSA) and the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill (ZMC) are ready for debate in this august House – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Minister, Chief Whip, for the avoidance of doubt, I will read Order 85; it says “a Member while in the House, must not (a) converse in a loud voice”. Please be guided accordingly. Hon. Minister, you may continue.
HON. MARUPI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. In his address, His Excellency implored all members to expedite the media reforms, through ensuring that the amendments to the BSA are fast-tracked while the ZMC draft Bill is finalised. The amendments seek to promote co-regulation, which is a significant departure from the current statutory regulation, and instill professionalism in the media industry.
The amendments also seek to achieve the following:
a) Additional functions of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, which will include accreditation of local and foreign media practitioners; registration of Mass Media Services and the regulation and quality assurance of journalism and mass media communication training.
b) Delegation of disciplinary powers to professional bodies registered with the Commission and
c) Payment of annual levies into the Media Fund by registered media service providers.
My Ministry is constantly liaising with the Attorney General’s office during the drafting stage and once the amendments are complete, I will gladly present them before you for further scrutiny. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir, I make my submissions.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. KAZEMBE), the House adjourned at a Quarter to Five o’clock. p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 19th March, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2022
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Section 253 and 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS THE PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the plight of Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. PHUTI: Thank you Mr. President Sir, for affording me this opportunity to debate on the motion. This is a very sad motion. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Tsomondo for this motion, and also for remembering wives of ex-combatants. We know that people die in different ways and we know that some are killed. They are not natural deaths. We know that at the end of it, some of them are tortured. If you kill a man, you have killed the whole family because the wife is going to suffer with the children. The children are going to suffer.
Mr. President Sir, I will talk about the women whose husbands died during the Gukurahundi period. If you look at Matabeleland, when the owner of the homestead died during the war, you felt very sad. In Matabeleland, you will not find 20 or so homesteads made of bricks. If you find that there is a homestead built with pole and dagga, you would know that it is only the widow who is there because the husband died during Gukurahundi. It is sad that some people died trying to free us.
Mr. President, you will also notice that these days, if a war veteran dies, we attend the burial. If it is a State assisted funeral, everything goes on smoothly because Doves will be there and everything will be run properly 24/7. Even the widow will be treated like a queen on that particular day, but on the following day, when everything has been done, the situation will change. After the burial of the hero, a flag is raised there to show that this was a hero, but if you come back after three days, you will find the children starving.
If a widow is dressed in black, we call them inzilo in our custom. The widow will go to the banks and different offices trying to organise the pension or whatever monies will have been left by the deceased until those black clothes get torn. A widow is supposed to wear black for a year, and at times even for six months, but you will find that she will go from one office to another for over a year, trying to organise funds, nothing will come out. After some time, she will get money in local currency. In trying to change that currency into USD, it will be difficult. At times, she will get ZWL10 million. For someone to travel to my home area, she will need about R400 or R300 to and from. The widow will be commuting to and from for a year trying to get those monies.
As soon as she removes the black attire, the inzilo, it means that she has to start afresh trying to look after the children. At times she will be a very young person, and after a year or two, she might find herself a boyfriend or so. It is difficult for a widow to get married and take her girl child with her to her new marriage. You will find that the new husband will now be torturing the children of this widow, and at times the new husband will abuse the children from the former husband. The children will suffer. You will find there are so many orphans in the streets, what is the cause? At times you will notice that it is because of greediness. If a person dies leaving a kraal that is full of livestock, but at times the husband dies leaving a house, the husband will want to come and torture those children until they run away from their own home. That is why the children, especially the girl child need to be assisted. I have an example, there is a man who died who had children but this widow went to South Africa to look for a job leaving behind a crippled child. It is really painful Mr. President because long back, we never knew that there was an orphan because an uncle or a brother would look after his late brother’s children. Unlike now, those are now the criminals. They have turned into criminals, very nasty people, that is really painful. If a child goes to the streets, we always say that a child should be reprimanded. If a child goes to your parent, you will notice that the child has changed but as a parent if the child comes back and you notice that there is something wrong, you should quickly take steps. Mr. President, if that child lives in the streets, the boy child starts taking drugs and the girl child goes into prostitution.
Mr. President, for the past two weeks that we were here, I noticed that if you move from Crown Plaza to the traffic lights just nearby, there are young girls, nine or ten years old, when cars are stopped by the traffic lights, they rush to clean the windscreens, why are the children doing that? Is it because they are not staying well at the homes they are supposed to be staying? I have noticed this for the past two weeks.
Mr. President, I am always asking myself, could they be street kids, but they are too many for them to be street kids. I think the Government should take steps because by December or so, most of those children would be pregnant or they would have been run-over by vehicles. Mr. President Sir, I would like to ask the Government to take steps so that people can earn decent salaries, whether male or females so that when the father or the mother passes away, children will not suffer. Also, when people have retired, they should not suffer because we have seen some grannies trying to get their pensions but some of them end up dying without having received their pensions. It should be the same that if a spouse passes away, it should be very easy for the surviving spouse to get the funds.
Mr. President Sir, I have also noticed that what we are seeing now is not the end, I think the worst is yet to come. My prayer is that there should be a Government policy that looks after the widows and orphans left behind by our national heroes. Looking at the children, those that live on the streets and those who are not in the streets are now being used as cheap labour by other people because as a widow, I will not be affording to send my children to school. A 12-year old is no longer attending school. That child ends up being used as cheap labour for other people. That is why some of them get married when they are still young. These widows that I am talking about, most of them are not yet 50 years. I have noticed the difference between the 60 year old and above. What used to happen is that widows from long back used to stay without getting into relationships. Now, people die early. We have seen widows who are 17-year old. We really plead with the Government to assist us on how we can raise these children. It is difficult for these children go to school because they have no birth certificates despite the fact that Government rolled out the national registration certificates programme to these communities. It is not easy to sort this out because some people have to go to Harare which is more than 360 kilometres away from their homesteads. A person needs about 660 Rands to come to Harare and back. It is really tough Mr. President. I do not know what can be done so that everyone in Zimbabwe who is a widow or who no longer has a husband can get whatever they are supposed to get.
In conclusion Mr. President, we need each other as Zimbabweans so that we can assist each other. We should never forget these widows soon after burying their husbands who are war veterans. There should be a policy that at least every six months, one person should go and check on the widow because the husband would not have died by choice. People should just assist because that person died whilst trying to liberate us. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of climate change.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
^HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to add my voice on this motion, but before I do so, I would like to let my fellow colleagues know that I will be debating in Venda.
I would like to thank Hon. Mavenyengwa for bringing this motion. Smartness is a very important thing. If we talk of cleanliness in our various provinces, we are noticing that our towns and other areas that we reside in are now very dirty. Our President, His Excellency Cde E.D. Mnangagwa always reminds us that on the first Friday of every month, we are supposed to conduct a Clean-Up Campaign and he leads by example. He visits the streets and carries out these Clean-Up Campaigns such that our beautiful country Zimbabwe’s image is restored to its former glory days of always being a tidy and smart country.
It is now upon us that even though we are not reminded, we need to know that we should clean and keep our surroundings always clean. Allow me to add this to my speech. Our people are now untidy. They just liter each and every part of the country. They no longer observe the smartness that we used to have. Our local authorities are no longer giving themselves time to clean these areas. There are garbage piles even on the designated areas where rubbish is supposed to be collected, no one comes to collect them. This leads to outbreaks of various diseases like Cholera, Malaria and so on.
Mentioning this especially for us who reside at border towns, our borders are always supposed to be kept tidy because they carry the image of the country. For everyone who enters this country from our neighbouring countries, the first view of the image of the country is seen through the borders, and these border towns are the ones that would act as the face of the nation. I encourage everyone that we make sure that we keep our borders clean.
There is another type of garbage that I am going to mention, that of sewerage systems. We are now battling with burst sewers. In each and every city, we are witnessing rivers of raw sewer and they have tended to be perennial rivers which are always flowing. We are encouraging these local authorities to service and maintain these sewers such that we do not have perennial flows of raw sewer. We want people to live in a clean environment. Flies pile upon this raw sewerage and they come to land on our food. This leads to the diseases that I mentioned earlier on.
Allow me to also add this other issue of garbage that we always witness at business enterprises especially those that operate restaurant shops. Specifically, the kaylites which are used to pack take-away foods, these containers are being disposed haphazardly. They do not decompose and this means that if they are just thrown away, it will not decompose hence carry on polluting our environment. We need to have bins around business centres so that these containers are disposed properly and not just thrown around.
There are people who go about carrying plastic water bottles after they are disposed. I encourage that these people who pick up disposed plastic water bottles are supposed to be picked effectively so that they can be recycled. If the garbage is not properly disposed, it ends up filtering into our rivers and this will contaminate our water sources. The sewerage system also flows into our rivers resulting in pollution. We end up having water pollution. This kind of pollution is very hazardous to human health because people end up taking contaminated water.
As we look closely, again talking about this raw sewerage which causes air pollution; we need to breathe fresh air which is not polluted. The air which we end up breathing will be polluted due to the smell that comes from toilets.
People with motor vehicles just maneuver from each and every place. The smoke that is produced by these vehicles and the other types of garbage end up polluting our environment and the air. In other areas, if people see that the garbage has accumulated, they burn it. This produces a lot of smoke. The smoke will then affect our ozone layer and we end up having climate change. If the ozone layer becomes depleted, we are exposed to direct sunlight rays and this affects our weather patterns and we end up experiencing extreme heat or heavy winds.
With these few words, I think I have said much. The words of encouragement that I want to leave with us is that church congregations and other gatherings, even us politicians when we gather at rallies and other meetings, we should make sure that at the end of our function, our litter from water bottles and kaylites from our chickens are picked up, leaving our surroundings clean so that other people who prefer to use the same venues will find them clean and tidy. Being filthy is not wanted. Even in the Bible, it is said that cleanliness is nearest to godliness. If you love life, you are supposed to be clean so that God can also love you and increase the days of your life. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHAPFUDZA: I am determined to make a debate on the motion which was raised by Hon. Sen. Mavenyengwa on the issue of a clean environment – clean up campaign. I would like to thank those who debated before me. When I looked into this issue, I checked in our Constitution, Chapter 4 where it talks about the declaration of rights; Section 73 outlines the environmental rights which states that every person has a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. Secondly, to have the environment protected from the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures. I also checked the EMA Act 20, Section 70 (i), it states that “no person shall discharge or dispose any waste in a manner that causes environmental pollution or ill health to any person”. Any person whose activities generate waste is mandated to use measures to minimize waste through treatment, reclamation and recycling, among others.
In addition, Section 83 of the EMA Act states that littering is prohibited. No person shall discard, dump or leave any litter on any land, water or surface, street, road or any place except in a container that is provided or set apart for such purposes at a place which has been specifically designated, indicated or set apart for such purposes.
There is also the Urban Councils Act, Chapter 29 – it talks of designates to the Urban Local Authority; the responsibility to provide solid waste collection, transportation, disposal services in areas under their jurisdiction. Whilst we have all this in place, we still find that the environment is still dirty. The law is there but we are still lagging behind in terms of cleanliness.
In urban areas, we see a lot of littering. For this environmental right to be achieved, there is need for cooperation from the Government, local authorities and also the citizens. We should come together so that we can maintain a clean environment. Government should avail funds through devolution. Those funds should reach the local authorities on time because this issue of waste collection and management needs financial support if devolution funds are to reach their destination on time.
When we are talking of collection of waste, there is need for proper infrastructure. When we have potholes everywhere, even the movement of garbage cannot be that fast. We know that most of the local authorities have got few fleets of garbage trucks. If they move on roads with potholes, it will take long to collect and dispose the waste thereby causing delays in the collection of garbage. The local authorities should keep a maintained fleet in such a way that they avoid or minimize breakdowns.
Citizens have a duty. They should be responsible citizens who do not litter everywhere. They should be good stewards of their environment. It is our duty also as leaders to sometimes go out and educate our people on the need of a clean environment. Some are doing it out of ignorance though we know that ignorance has no defence. As leaders, however, we should go back to our provinces and do a thorough campaign, educating our people to appreciate and keep a clean environment. We should also explain to them the benefits of living in a clean environment, the repercussions and consequences associated with living in an unclean environment.
It is not only human beings that are affected when the environment is not clean, but animals, the environment as well as our future generations. We need to be good stewards of this environment that we are living in so that we pass it to the next generation in a good condition. So it is my appeal to all leaders to go and educate our fellow citizens that there is also ecological life that needs to be preserved. So when we go there, there is the issue of poor waste management. There is air pollution, but we need clean air. There is also water pollution. When chemicals pollute our water, it will require lots of chemicals to clean that water so that it will be suitable for drinking. So the more careless we are with waste disposal, the more we burden the local authorities. Most local authorities in Zimbabwe are failing to give residents clean water because of its state of contamination. It will cost them a lot to clean it and it is not affordable. Now people are littering everywhere and contaminating our water sources which will require a lot of money to purify and make it suitable for consumption.
We also have blockages of sewage systems. The plastics that are dumped and left in undesirable places end up in our drainage system. We end up having some burst sewer pipes which will lead to outbreaks of diseases. I therefore propose that we should clean and manage our environment in which we live. We should not dispose broken bottles irresponsibly as this may cause harm to human beings. We also have disposal of oil which can kill the micro-organisms that live in the soils. Let me reiterate that we need to have a clean environment. It will protect us, our animals and the future generation. I thank you Madam President of the Senate.
∞HON. SEN. FANUEL: Madam President, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak about the hygiene that our President Cde Mnangagwa said we should be conscious of. This is not for any one person, but for all of us to work together to improve our hygiene and sanitation. It is our core business as MPs to unite and foster hygiene and sanitation. We should not discriminate in line with political or religious affiliation, but we should be united as called for by the President. Right now, we are faced with Cholera and we are trying to prevent and eradicate it. How are we going to cure this Cholera if we are doing the opposite of what the President is preaching? The President has said every month, we should venture into the Clean-Up Campaign regardless of your profession, be it a police officer, a military person, teacher or any other profession because we are concerned with the general cleanliness of wherever one is. It means that in the shortest period of time, we clean up then go back to the drawing board and come up with a plan of where to clean up next. Right now we are faced with the issue of pampers because we cannot burn them, but they are being thrown all over the place. People carry them in plastic bags and throw them at the next yard without much consideration of the next person’s hygiene. We therefore need to teach each other more about these pampers because some of our people end up polluting the environment. We should be very considerate as Zimbabweans and as enunciated by our President, we should always clean up areas around us. Cholera is mainly in the big cities. In our towns like Binga, we do not have Cholera because we come together to clean up every month. As I speak, the chairperson of the churches has invited everyone to come for a Clean-Up Campaign next month. If MPs cannot lead our Clean-Up Campaign, we will mislead the whole nation. We should celebrate on the day of the exercise and ensure the place is clean. This will make everyone want to join in cleaning up. In our area in Binga, if there is a lot of garbage and pollution, we end up having a lot of mosquitos which results in serious Malaria outbreaks. The bottom line is that when it is time for Clean-Up Campaign, we should come together at once and do the clean-up. Right now, we have visitors coming to Zimbabwe, and if we encourage each other to clean-up, they will see a clean environment and the allegiance to the President’s call of keeping our place clean. Therefore, every person should follow the President’s vision of healthy people living in a clean Zimbabwe. With these few words, I thank you Madam President of the Senate.
+HON. SEN. SIBANDA: Thank you Madam Speaker for this opportunity. I want to second the debate that has just taken place which came from Hon. Sen. Mohadi. The truth is, we can clean up our nation but it is not only papers that litter our country. There are a lot of things that litter our country, even if we clean up the papers and the pampers. As Zimbabweans, we should consider what we are doing. There are a lot of things that affect our health. Right now, we see people going around spreading a lot of diseases. In the past, there was no such things because people were conscious about their actions. We have toilets, even though there are paid toilets, there are ways of accessing them than going around defecating everywhere. His Excellency, the President even encouraged us to clean our surroundings because some diseases will come out of the dirty surroundings. There are people who just go around relieving themselves. The drunkards avoid toilets and go outside and relieve themselves. All these contribute to pollution which results in diseases. Thank you Mr. President Sir.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
ROAD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the successive road accidents on consecutive days which claimed scores of lives in the month of November, 2023, countrywide.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMMES TO CURB DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTHS
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on drug and substance abuse by youths.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE PROVINCE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA): Mr. President Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th March, 2024.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HARARE (HON. SEN. TAWENGWA), the House adjourned at Twenty Minutes to Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 14th March, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have a request on some point of national interests. The first Hon. Member is Hon. Matambo.
Hon. Matambo not having been in the House.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The Chief Whip, where is Hon. Matambo?
HON. HAMAUSWA: He is supposed to be here. I am not sure what happened. You can go to the next one.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Why did you put him when he is not available?
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. On Tuesday, I had also requested a point of national interest and Madam Speaker had promised that today, I would be given the chance to deliver my point of national interest.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Did you contact your Chief Whip?
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: I contacted my Deputy Chief Whip.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Deputy Chief Whip! Can you come and do your housekeeping here?
HON. NKALA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for the opportunity. I am rising to raise an issue on the challenge of peace and reconciliation. Zimbabwe has a historical case of breach of peace in the country…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you start from the beginning?
HON. NKALA: I said, I am rising to raise my issue on the peace and reconciliation.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Peace and reconciliation what?
HON. NKALA: The Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Perhaps, let me hear you.
HON. NKALA: Thank you. We note that Zimbabwe has a historical case of breach of peace as a country. There are so many issues that are raised by the NPRC as a Commission that was sanctioned to look into the issue of national peace and reconciliation. We note that NPRC was established in 2013. It started on a very good note by engaging stakeholders with the view of developing a roadmap to reconciliation, more-so of the Gukurahundi victims, survivours and the perpetrators. That would have led to the lasting peace in our country. The recent NPRC annual reports have been deafeningly silent on the issue …
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, if you want to critique the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as far as its work is concerned, you can come up with a motion. Is that alright?
HON. NKALA: Noted Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Also, the Constitution does not mention about one of its responsibilities as to deal with Gukurahundi. Nowhere is that mentioned in the Constitution. So, you must stick to the facts as they are in the Constitution.
HON. NKALA: Noted Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My point of national interest is that March is the month of women and I would like to say something about the very important people of this nation who are the women of Zimbabwe. Am I accorded?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Mr. Speaker Sir, recognising that …
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order. Hon. Member, the celebration was on the 8th of March and it should have been on that particular day where you should have mentioned your statement. Today is the 14th.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Mr. Speaker Sir, it is the whole month of March.
THE HON. SPEAKER: When I read my calendar, it says 8th of March. It does not say commemoration on Women’s Day from the 8th of March until the end of March.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: The 8th of March is only the day that we celebrate the day. If you keep on researching Mr. Speaker Sir, you will see that the whole of March is the Women’s Month.
THE HON. SPEAKER: No, no. My calendar says 8th of March, not 8th of March to the end of March.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Mr. Speaker Sir, having been born of a woman and being looked after by a woman and have daughters, may you, with your indulgence, allow us to say something about the women of this country. – [Laughter.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: You want to remind me that I was born of a woman – [Laughter.] – You know Hon. Nyamupinga, unless there was some constraint on that particular day, or there were so many of you discussing the matter and it was deferred accordingly, I would understand. Was that the situation? That you were so many contributors to the day and you were not given the opportunity. Is that my understanding?
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Mr. Speaker Sir, to lighten this burden of talking about women, I think let us not go back to what happened on that day. Let us talk about the women today, about your mother, and the women who brought us here. What they have done for us.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I cannot ask the Hon. Deputy Speaker what actually happened, but the good thing is that all those who wanted to speak on the 8th of March on celebrating Women’s Day should have done so on that particular day.
HON. TSHUMA: On a point of order……
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Tshuma, where is your tie and jacket, please go and dress properly.
HON. TSHUMA: It is a presidential shirt Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You must have read the Standing Orders, until we change the Standing Orders, we cannot do that. Can you be dressed accordingly please?
Hon. Tshuma left the Chamber.
The Hon. Deputy Speaker having approached the Chair.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Nyamupinga, the Hon. Deputy Speaker has explained what happened. I indulge you, please go ahead – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. Recognising that this month of March ……
Hon. Tshuma came back to the House without a jacket.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order! Hon. Tshuma, can you see the Chief Whip, I do not want a circus here.
Hon. Tshuma left the Chamber and came back properly dressed.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Sorry Hon. Nyamupinga, please take the floor.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. Recognising that the month of March is dedicated to celebrating women around the world, I rise on a point of privilege to reflect and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe. Women as pillars of strengths and resilience, have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s progress and prosperity. I cannot over emphasise their centrality in ensuring that the vision of our President, His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, of living no place and no one behind comes to fruition – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] Their dedication and tireless efforts across various sectors from agriculture, education, health to entrepreneurship, have been instrumental in driving this positive change.
It is therefore essential that we recognise and appreciate the roles that women undertake daily often without receiving any recognition they deserve. However, while acknowledging the strides made in advancing gender equality, it is crucial for Parliament to proactively champion measures that further empower women. We must be deliberate in ensuring equal opportunities for women in political and other spheres. In doing so, we not only honour the principles of justice and equality, but also harness the full potential of our nation.
Hon. Speaker, above all, as we reflect on the international Women’s Day that was on the 8th of March, we must focus on creating a conducive environment. An environment that values and supports women’s participation, thereby amplifying the collective strength of our society and paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous Zimbabwe.
As I commemorate this women’s month, I would like to salute my mother, Martha Nyakudya who gave birth to me and my grandmother who nurtured me and women of Goromonzi West who voted for me to be in this House. It is my humble request to allow this House to debate about the women who bore then. The women who looked after them and who made them make it into this House to add their voices to these important people who gave birth even to our Speaker who is sitting in the Chair, who makes this House proud because we have a Speaker who supports women and has always been behind women – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you very much for nailing me on the cross.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 6 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 7 has been disposed of.
HON. C. HLATYWAYO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO IMPROVE THE PLIGHT OF
COUNCILLORS
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to address the conditions of service for councillors.
Question again proposed.
*HON. ZEMURA: I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me the opportunity to add on to what has already been said by other Hon. Members regarding the perception that people have of councillors. I am just adding on to what has been said. Indeed, they have a big responsibility in terms of building Zimbabwe. Their responsibilities in our surrounding areas is quite big. With the current drought prevailing in our country, some councillors will be insulted, despised and some might even be bewitched for not writing down the names of those in need of assistance. Despite all that, they continue standing firm.
I want to appreciate that His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, saw it fit to encourage the participation of women in local authorities. Even whilst they are new, you will find that they do not have enough tools. So, my desire is that they should be given tools of trade and other facilities which will help them to discharge their duties because councillors should be familiar with their areas of jurisdiction. Even for school children to be on the BEAM programme, councillors should indeed know that these children are listed in the database of those who are under the BEAM programme.
Councillors’ responsibilities are quite extensive in development issues. Councillors receive all visitors and donors who come to the community and host such visitors. Councillors should indeed be given ward offices so that they can coordinate their activities. Councillors are living as destitute. We sometimes see male councillors with a torn suit and that is a sign that they work so hard yet they get so little. If I look around in this august House, I can see that some Hon. Members once stood as councillors. At one point, I also stood as a councillor but I will not say what happened for me not to get that position. Those who are councillors compete day and night for them to get their council positions. When they win those council seats, they are despised because they are just given allowances. Allowances are just incidental monies which they use for buying refreshments.
I was happy indeed when I heard a number of Hon. Members concurring that councillors should be given a decent salary which comes every month-end. I support that and my desire is that they should be given perks similar to those given to Members of Parliament like cars, allowances and fuel coupons. I believe that councillors should be given motorbikes and coupons for fueling their motorbikes because wards are quite big and it is a daunting task to coordinate activities on foot. In other areas, councillors are given motorbikes but they sometimes beg for fuel because they cannot fuel their motorbikes. Bicycles cannot cover the whole ward because you need to put a lot of effort in riding a bicycle. Even at my age, if I am given a bicycle, I cannot ride it. I will just give it to my children.
I believe that many Hon. Members supported the issue that councillors should be given cars. Nowadays, there are small cars like Toyota Vitz which will assist them to discharge their duties in their wards. So, we all agreed in this august House that councillors should have their conditions of service reviewed.
Looking at female candidates who won through the quota system, some may come home late and this may lead to domestic violence and their husbands may say that you were not at home the whole day and you came late. So, they must be given cars so that they discharge their duties diligently. I thank you.
HON. MHURI: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Let me start by thanking you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this important debate. I also want to appreciate the motion moved by Hon. Jere. Much has been said, including explaining the meaning of marginalisation by fellow Members of Parliament, and I will therefore try to avoid repeating for the sake of time as well as avoiding duplication of effort.
I concur with the previous speakers and the mover of the motion that, indeed, councillors are the real foot soldiers in the various wards and constituencies as they are the engines that drive all our developmental programmes and projects for the benefit of our people to which we are accountable as Members of Parliament.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Constitution of Zimbabwe of 2013, as amended, under Chapter 2: National Objectives in Section 9: good governance says and I quote:
- " The state must adopt and implement policies and legislation to develop efficiency, competence, accountability, transparency, personal integrity and financial probity in all institutions and agencies of Government at every level and in every public institution and in particular
- appointments to public offices must be made primarily on the basis of merit
- measures must be taken to expose, combat, and eradicate all forms of corruption and abuse of power by those holding political and public offices
- The state must ensure that all institutions and agencies of Government at every level in particular, Commissions and other bodies established by or under this institution are provided with adequate resources and facilities to enable them to carry out their functions conscientiously, fairly, honestly and efficiently"
In the same Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013, as amended, Urban and Rural Councils where our respectable councillors belong are recognised under the Tiers of Government i Section 5c (i) and (ii) where councillors and council staff have an obligation under this to manage the affairs of people in urban and rural areas within the districts into which the provinces are divided.
It is therefore important, in my view, Mr. Speaker Sir, for the Government to create a conducive environment for councillors to go about their duties without much or any challenges as dictated by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Fellow Members of Parliament did justice, and I thank them dearly, challenges faced by our councillors, especially when they gave an explanation of how much they are getting and the environment which they are currently operating in. It is therefore reasonable, Mr. Speaker Sir, to acknowledge their input without spoiling their well-researched contributions.
It is however important for me to mention the expectations of the public with regard to our councillors. Mr. Speaker Sir, the public expects councillors to be always available in the respective wards, be it for a funeral, wedding and even during divorce proceedings. Furthermore, they expect councillors to push for developmental projects in the Ward, give feedback and updates on the work of council and other Government departments and agencies. The list goes on and on.
It is my respectful view that councillors deserve various packages proposed by fellow Members of Parliament so as to be able to deliver on their mandate as well as on other expectations from the people and avoid being involved in corrupt activities. Some of the packages involve, but not limited to housing stands per each term, school fees exemption in the district of operation, especially in council schools, reasonable airtime allowances, medical insurance, funeral insurance and motor vehicle loans.
As I conclude, Mr. Speaker Sir, it is also important for our councillors to appreciate the entire governance system so that they understand their role as well as the role of other key players including Members of Parliament. Going forward, our people expect competent councillors who assume offices based on merit. This is important, especially in line with Visio 2030 which calls for the crafting of good policies which will move our people from poverty to prosperity.
I have trust in the vision of our President, His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa and his Government that in the not-so-distant future, our councillors will get packages which enable them to deliver on their mandate to the nation. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MAKOPE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise in support of the motion raised by Hon. Jere, on the welfare and remuneration of councillors in our country. While Zimbabwe has made strides in decentralisation and local governance, a shadow falls upon the efforts of those at the very core of this system: our rural councillors. These individuals, the closest representatives to the needs and aspirations of millions in our countryside, are too often unseen, unheard and marginalised.
The marginalisation and isolation of our councillors is a pertinent
issue that requires us Members to act swiftly upon. Councillors in general are vital cogs in a representative democracy, acting as a conveyer belt between citizens and government. A Ward councillor is a significant actor in the governance and administration of a local authority in both rural and urban areas.
Allow me to digress from the probable debate of urban councillors and speak on the welfare of rural councillors who are the foot soldiers of this economy. Before I delve into my presentation, let us consider the following statistics.
Zimbabwe has a population of around 16 million people. Of this population, 55% to 65% live in rural areas. To date, we have 60 rural district councils whose mandate is guided by the Rural District Council Act 29: 13. If two thirds of this population is in the rural set up, it is imperative to then revisit those who are the face of the Government and the champion of development.
The following are the duties of our councillors which include, but not limited to the following;
- Respond to their people’s queries and investigate their concerns,
- Communicate council decisions that affect them,
- Know your patch and be aware of any problems,
- Know and work with representatives of local organisations, interest groups and businesses, and
- Represent their views at council meetings.
Marginalisation of Rural Councillors takes many forms, and if we
compare to their expected duties, it remains clear that there is a need to improve their lives;
Limited resources: Budgetary constraints often leave rural councils starved of funds, hindering their ability to deliver basic services like clean water, sanitation, and infrastructure development. If we could as Hon. Members, avail things like motorcycles for our rural councillors for easy access of their communities.
Inadequate training and capacity building: Limited access to information and communication; Information silos and poor connectivity leave rural councils out of the loop, hindering their ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. With that regard, let us consider the following in improving the rural councillors livelihood.
- Increased budgetary allocation: Prioritising funding for rural councils is crucial to ensure they have the resources needed to deliver on their mandate.
- Enhanced training and capacity building: Equipping councillors with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for their communities and navigate administrative processes is essential.
- Improved information sharing and communication: Bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to information is vital for informed decision-making and participation in national discourse.
- Non-monetary benefits
In conclusion, let us be reminded that our rural councillors are
not just representatives; they are the engines of progress in our countryside. The plight of rural councillors in Zimbabwe is a complex issue with significant ramifications. By acknowledging the challenges, they fac and actively working towards solutions, we can empower these crucial representatives to become effective agents of change. Investing in rural councils is not just about supporting individuals; it's about fostering development, strengthening communities, and ensuring a brighter future for rural Zimbabwe. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. GUMEDE: I rise in support of the motion on the welfare of councillors as this is a crucial aspect of effective governance. As the backbone of our citizen towns, they shoulder an immense responsibility from managing essential services like sanitation and water to spearheading development initiatives.
However, it is undeniable that challenges exist regarding their well-being and this has a direct impact on the quality of service delivered to our communities. Whilst we acknowledge that the work that they do is regarded as voluntary work, we cannot ignore firstly the magnitude of responsibility that these elected officials have. Councillors are community mothers and fathers who are the ones on the ground doing various tasks daily.
Secondly, they oversee huge budgets of local authorities which are bigger than Econet, Delta and so on. Thriving cities need thriving leaders, councillors who are well compensated, well resourced and have access to proper training and better equipped to tackle complex issues. This translates to improved service delivery, efficient resource allocation and ultimately, a higher standard of living for all residents.
Limited remuneration indicates that the financial compensation that they receive does not adequately reflect the demands of the job. The lack of resources within the council makes them struggle to provide councillors with necessary tools and support staff to perform their duties effectively. Remuneration packages must be reviewed by exploring options for competitive salaries and benefits that reflect the time and dedication required. We must also enhance resource allocation through equipping councils with adequate budgets that guarantee councillors have the necessary tools and support to function effectively.
We must be cognisant that as a Government, we have a duty and responsibility to make collaborative efforts and identify funding streams as well as implementation of national policies that support local governance. I therefore believe that in prioritising the well-being of our councillors, we invest directly in a brighter future for our cities. We should work together to create an environment where our leaders feel valued, empowered and equipped to serve our communities effectively. I thank you.
*HON. NHARI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to add my voice to the issue regarding councillors. Councillors should be given pensions after serving two terms because this will help them upon retirement. Most of them become destitute after they lose their positions. They should be given decent salaries which will make the Ward successful because a councillor has many responsibilities. Sometimes they are woken up at night by the people, even during weekends; they work throughout the week. Some approach them at night, some saying their wives are not feeling well. So, they should be paid decent salaries. Their children should be educated for free in council schools.
A councillor has a very important job which is more demanding than the job of traditional leaders, like village heads and chiefs. When a councillor works hard, a ward prospers. If he does not, that ward will not succeed. That is why I am proposing that councillors should be properly remunerated so that they work hard. Councillors should work in a conducive environment because they have many responsibilities. I thank you.
HON. MAZHINDU: I would like to add my voice on the debate to do with the remuneration of councillors. The reason why councillors are being neglected, I think people are choosing not to become councillors because they are not – aah let me speak in Shona.
*I would want to talk about the welfare of councillors and indeed for them to be given decent salaries – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! In terms of our Standing Orders, you are supposed to stick to one language. Do not switch from one language to another. If you start in one language, you must carry on until you finish your debate. Please proceed.
*HON. MAZHINDU: Thank you Mr. Speaker. We normally talk about service delivery in this august House because our councillors are not being properly paid. A Councillor’s position is not attractive, that is why no one wants to be a councillor. We anticipate that if councillors are properly remunerated, then the post will attract lawyers, doctors and other professionals because if this happens, it means that they can engage at an intellectual level with other intellectuals as well as business people in the communities. If we value the position of a councillor, you will discover that the educated will also desire to be councillors.
In urban local authorities like Harare, councillors earn less than US$5. This is the money they use for traveling, calling and other responsibilities. This discourages people from being councillors. The other issue is the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act. What is in the law is normally written by the Minister. Sometimes it takes time for the Minister to review salaries and allowances. So the Rural District Act and the Urban Councils Act should be reviewed so that it becomes all-encompassing because the Minister has Executive powers, but residents expect service delivery from councillors. There is also the issue of corruption. There is a lot of corruption in councils because councillors are responsible for valuable assets, yet they do not earn much. They employ the Town Clerk and sometimes Doctors and Engineers whilst they do not benefit directly and that is why some are influenced in making decisions which favour those who have money because they do not have anything. So councillors should be at a certain level intellectually and socially in terms of allowances and remuneration. They should be allowed to buy cars that are duty free. Councillors are people who were voted for just like MPS, the President and other positions. After elections, no one thinks about them, but before elections, they will be busy campaigning and preparing for elections. So they should be paid just like other public office holders such as the Executive and the Legislature.
In conclusion, I want to say that councillors are people who work with the communities on a daily basis and they should be different from the people they work with. It does not auger well if they represent people, and at times they are destitute without money. They should be given decent salaries so that they are able to attend meetings. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. CHITANDO): Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank Hon. Members who debated and contributed to this very important motion on the welfare of councillors. On the 1st November 2023, His Excellency launched a Blue-print, a Call to Action and No Compromise to Service Delivery, which, to a large extent, compels and gives guidance to all the 92 local authorities to move in sync with Vision 2030. That Blue-print; councillors play a very crucial role in the implementation of the blue print. I must state that from the contributions made by Members this afternoon, I acknowledge that councillors play a very key and pivotal role in their work, which is defined in the Rural District Councils Act, and the one which governs the Urban Councils. I also concur that it is important that their welfare be recognised. On 27th February 2024, the Ministry sent out a circular outlining the allowances for councillors and it is that circular that resulted in the precipitation of a motion for a further review of the Councillors allowances. I acknowledge and take note of the contributions made on allowances and conditions of service for councillors. These will be reviewed and an appropriate announcement will be made soon. I thank you.
HON. JERE: I move that the motion be adopted.
Motion that this House:
CONCERNED with the marginalisation which our society exhibits towards our Councillors whereby some sections of our population perceive them as volunteers despite the unwavering patriotism and devotion to their national duties;
FULLY APPRECIATING AND ACKNOWLEDGING that Councillors are the real foot soldiers in the Constituencies as they are the engines that drive all our developmental programmes and projects for the benefit of the people to whom we are accountable as Members of Parliament; 7
APPLAUDING the highest levels of responsibility, custodianship, unflinching loyalty and dedication of our Councillors who are also the caretakers of multimillion-dollar assets and yet they still remain as the unsung heroes in our quest to develop the nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon the Ministry of Local Government and National Housing to come up with competitive conditions of service in order to improve the plight of our Councillors so that their livelihoods can be sustained with dignity which is commensurate with their dedication to duties and responsibilities to the nation, put and agreed to.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Mr. Speaker, I move that all Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper be stood over until Order of the Day Number 2 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION ON THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
Question again proposed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy. Our Constitution is elaborated on the importance of elections as enshrined in Section 67 which provides for political rights and Chapter 7 which dictates our electoral systems and processes. To entrench and enhance this democratic process, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission was established in Chapter 12 of the Constitution. Amongst other functions, the Commission has the mandate to prepare for, conduct and supervise elections to the office of the President and to Parliament. They also have a sole mandate of registering voters.
As a constitutional requirement, for the sake of transparency and accountability, the Commission is required to submit a report to Parliament on the conduct of every election and every referendum. For this reason, we have the ZEC Report on the 2023 Harmonised Elections which has been debated by this august House.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to thank Hon. Members for the lively debate. The debate raised pertinent issues. Hon. Members noted positive and negative issues with regards to how the elections were held. Amongst the positives of which are many, Hon. Members noted that elections were peaceful, free and fair, observers were accredited and that voter education was balanced as well as gender and culturally sensitive.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the fact that elections were peaceful, free and fair is not a phenomenon. His Excellency the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa was consistent during and after elections that we want a peaceful election and Zimbabweans took heed of this message. Principles of electoral systems as enshrined in our Constitution are clear in that elections must be peaceful, free and fair and should be free from violence and other electoral malpractices. Section 67 of the Constitution gives every Zimbabwean citizen the right to free and fair elections, the right to campaign freely and peacefully for a political party or cause and to participate in peaceful political activity.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the country is transparent in its democratic processes hence observers were accredited by ZEC to observe our elections. As noted in the report, in terms of the Electoral Act, the Government of Zimbabwe invited foreign observers and 46 countries as well as 17 continental and regional bodies. Fifty-one embassies were invited and nine consulates were also invited, which was a departure from the previous arrangement where only diplomats accredited on a full-time basis observed polls. This was deliberate approach to enhance our transparency.
Hon. Members commended ZEC for balanced voter education as well as gender and culturally sensitive. Indeed, this was a commendable job by the Commission which was done in terms of Section 239 (h) of the Constitution as read with section 40 of the Electoral Act. Voter education sensitised the electorate on the importance of participating in electoral activities. It also informed the electorate on the election date, documents to take to polling station and so forth.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as it is around the world, there is no perfect democracy. All electoral systems have shortfalls and ours is not spared. However, it is important that we improve our system as we learn. Hon. Members criticised ZEC for late delivery of ballot materials. It is the function of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to ensure that elections are conducted efficiently. Most importantly, the Commission has the function of designing, printing and distributing ballot papers. On the 23rd of August 2023, we witnessed a shortfall of an electoral system as the Commission faced challenges in the production and distribution of ballot papers for a few constituencies and wards emanating from the unprecedented number of court challenges that it faced.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as detailed in the Report, 107 post nomination applications were filed in the Electoral Court and the High Court of Zimbabwe. Due to the large amount of court challenges and late determination of the same, the ballot papers could not be designed and printed without confirmed candidates. This resulted in the time to design, print and distribute ballots being affected. The Commission had calculated ballot papers to be printed per polling station based on population per each polling station. It had also projected when it expected ballots to be produced. This information was submitted to the printers who were working on the said projections but the actual printing unfortunately had to be stalled pending outcome of pending court cases.
The Commission adopted a production and distribution strategy which prioritised the remote and more distant provinces to ease the distribution challenges against limited timeframes. For this reason, it should be noted that delays were largely experienced in Harare because the printing and distribution was done last due to the province’s proximity to the printer. Mr. Speaker Sir, in a few reported cases of Bulawayo and other areas, delays were occasioned by the need to reprint ballots after it had been observed that there were errors on the ballots that had been sent to the affected polling stations.
Madam Speaker, in mitigation of the said challenges, efforts were made to ensure that no voters were disenfranchised. The Commission requested the President to consider exercising his powers under Section 38 (4) of the Electoral Act and alter his earlier Proclamation so that voting could be extended to the 24th of August 2023 in those areas that had been affected by the delays. As a result of these efforts, a statistical analysis of the average voter turn-out by polling station showed no significant difference between affected and non-affected polling stations. Madam Speaker, to avoid a similar situation, as recommended by the Commission, it is incumbent upon Parliament to legislate time limits in the legal framework for the proceedings, hearing and determination of pre-election applications that were filed at the courts in order in order for matters to be completed and court decisions rendered well in advance of the election day.
Still on the delays, Hon. Murombedzi mentioned that the Commission did not provide the litigation list. Annexure 6 to the Report had a list of cases related to the harmonised elections.
Madam Speaker, Hon. Members raised that Presidential elections per polling station are still unpublished. There is no law that required the Commission to publish the breakdown – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear] - However, as correctly put by Hon. Mugwadi, all results from a polling station are displayed at the same polling station as V11 forms and people are free to access them for whatever use except announcing the results.
Hon. Karenyi mentioned that ZEC should look into assisted voting which is being abused. As the Hon. Member correctly cited, Section 59 of the Electoral Act allows a voter who is illiterate or physically handicapped and cannot vote in the way Section 57 states, to request for assistance in voting. Our Electoral Act is always amended in order to improve our electoral systems. It is again incumbent upon Parliament to change the law if there is a mischief.
Once again, I would like to thank Hon. Members for the robust debate. I would want to urge the House to consider the Commission’s recommendations.
I move that the motion on the 2023 ZEC Report on Harmonised Elections be withdrawn on the Order Paper. I thank you.
Motion with leave, withdrawn.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. TOGAREPI: Madam Speaker, I move that we revert to Order of the Day Number. 1.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2022
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MAZUNGUNYE): Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise to move a motion that this House takes note of the Report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of section 253 and 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. MUTOKONYI: I rise to debate and comment on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission report. The report is quite detailed and we have seen that a lot of work was done by the Commission in as far as enhancing peace in the country is concerned. I will start by one of its mandate. The Commission’s mandate is to unite all Zimbabweans for sustainable peace by resolving the past, the present and future potential conflicts. This is mentioned in Section 252 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The Commission gave us a report that they did over 138 cases and in that, there were various cases including the political conflicts where 47% of those cases were political. In that 47%, 27% of that came from Masvingo Province. The Commission actually mentioned that a lot of such was well to do with electoral conflict where they had to come up with programmes to ensure that there is voter peace, education, political party engagements, publicity messages as well as election observation.
The Commission did mention that a lot of issues which rose in the report were well to do with the electoral conflict, however, it is also very clear from their report, the Commission did quite a lot of work to ensure that they reduce the conflict in as far as conflict early response detection is concerned. Also, in the report, the issue of human and wildlife conflict is mentioned where humans and wildlife were conflicting in as far as space is concerned. The report came up with various strategies to ensure that there is less of such conflict.
From the report, we have seen that there are aspects well to do with the electoral Gender-Based Violence. There are issues of sexual harassment where the report actually recommended on the various laws that can be looked into to ensure that there is less of such issues which would create more conflict in the society.
As part of their campaigns, we have noted that they did quite a lot in terms of their target. They targeted awareness campaigns of 40 and they had 66, which means we can see the work which was done by the Commission through the just ended 2023 Harmonised General Elections where peace was witnessed throughout the electoral process up to the announcement of results. This is where we can see the impact of the work that was done by the Commission to ensure that peace prevails in the society.
The report did mention some challenges, particularly on the socio-economic challenges where there are issues of drug and substance abuse in schools and they had to do quite a lot of awareness to ensure that we see a massive reduction. In the same report, it highlighted the issue of marginalisation where areas like Matabeleland South Province and Kariba were not very much accessible for them to carry out the works due to poor road network. It is stated on page 32 of that report. This then becomes an issue of concern so that as parliamentarians through the relevant various Portfolio Committees, we also need to look into such issues to ensure that the mentioned challenges of marginalisation should be dealt with so that the Commission gets access to all various corners of Zimbabwe.
I also noted in the report that the Commission raised an issue of resources. They are faced with financial challenges but I have also noted that the structure of the Commission is somehow top heavy where the total complement of staff is 87 and of that, 30 are in managerial position. This then gives a challenge for the Commission where it has 17 managers which is quite heavy for a complement of 87 people. I am sure the Commission should look into that and reduce to ensure that they get more resources from within by trimming staff.
Our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde E. D. Mnangagwa always spelt out that peace begins with you, peace begins with me and peace begins with all of us. His language made us as all Zimbabweans heed the call for peace and we have witnessed peaceful elections.
In the Bible, Philippians 4 verse 7 states that “may the peace that surpasses all understanding”, guide our minds, our hearts as we take our country into the future. I thank you.
THE SPEAKER’S RULING
RULING ON RATIO USED WHEN DEBATING
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, you will remember last week I deferred a ruling on the matter which was raised by one Hon. Member from the opposition concerning the ratio which we are using when giving Hon. Members the chance to debate. My ruling on that matter after making some consultations is; it should be two is to one – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.].
HON. MAMBIPIRI: Thank you very much Madam Speaker for affording me this opportunity to discuss the Peace and Reconciliation Report that is before the House. I would like to appreciate the work done by the Commissioners and the employees at the Commission in working in our communities as well as in putting together the report.
The Commission was set up for a ten-year tenure, starting in 2013 and therefore, their tenure and term of office expired in 2023. What you then see in the Executive Summary of the report is a clear cry for help by the Commission Chairperson in terms of their working capacity as well as direction. The fact that the tenure of the Commission expired, which is highlighted in the report, has in a way hindered the work and the Commission. No wonder why in the report, you see cases and complaints of very high staff turnover, and you also notice that from the recommendations given in the report, there is no forward thinking in terms of what must be done.
Reading the report, I could pick four worrying issues that I need to discuss before the House. The first one is that whereas peace and reconciliation are very important matters of national interest, what you observe as you go through the report is that the Commission deliberately shied away from dealing with the hot issues that disturb our peace and reconciliation effort, and dealt a lot with what I consider to be soft issues like drug abuse, conflict between humans and animals. It did not address the elephant in the room, which are the issues of political violence.
Deliberately, the Commission failed in the 138 cases that were reported to them to solve conclusively the issues of political violence, and in the report, they highlight much on the work they did around ethnic conflicts as well as Gender-Based Violence which I think, with all due respect, is a misnomer. They also bring to the fore a very important issue about the lack of trust that exists in Zimbabwe today between law enforcement agencies and the communities that we come from.
At often times, this point has always been raised again and again, that in the communities, the people entrusted with peacekeeping who are the police officers, are not doing their duties diligently, and therefore are not trusted by members of the community. This Madam Speaker, calls for this House and the Executive to also look into the conduct and work of police officers to make sure that they are always professional and available to communities in non-partisan ways to make sure that communities will always call on them whenever there are problems.
The second issue that is scratched on the surface in the report is the issue of the role of the State in political violence. Often times when you go through peace and reconciliation reports that focus on Zimbabwe from the academia and other institutions, it is plainly put that the State is the biggest sponsor of political violence in this country. It is a misnomer when then we have a report from this Commission that does not discuss –
HON. GANYIWA: I think the Hon. Member must withdraw that statement that the State is the one that funds violence with immediate effect.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mambipiri, do you have evidence on what you are saying, and is that in the Peace and Reconciliation Commission Report?
HON. MAMBIPIRI: What I have said is in the report that the –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: That the State is the big sponsor of what you said?
HON. MAMBIPIRI: Let me put what I said in context. I said the report scratches on the surface, mentioning the political actors who have participated in political violence and I contrasted that with reports from the academia and other civic society organisations who go a step further and highlight that the State is the biggest sponsor –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You must withdraw – [HON. MAMBIPIRI: I am debating and putting this into context] – You must withdraw that because you do not have evidence, and it is not written in the report.
HON. MAMBIPIRI: What exactly must I withdraw?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What you said that the State is the biggest sponsor.
HON. MAMBIPIRI: I did not say so, I said in reports from the academia and other institutions.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are we debating reports from academia? Please, may you withdraw that? – [AN HON. MEMBER: On a point of order Madam Speaker.] – No, I am not talking to you. May Hon. Mambipiri withdraw what he said – [AN HON. MEMBER: It is a point of order Madam Speaker.] – No, I am not taking that. Withdraw what you said, you are misleading.
HON. MAMBIPIRI: I withdraw the reference to the academia who have said that the State is biggest sponsor of political violence in the country.
Another point to note Madam Speaker is a worrying trend in terms of the complaints that the Commission received. In 2023, the Commission received 105 cases on top of the 30, or cases that they already had and what you notice is that they received cases and complaints from all other provinces minus Bulawayo. This speaks a lot to the character and integrity of the Commission and its work within Bulawayo and Matebeleland that the people of Bulawayo had to shun approaching the Commission when in everyday life, they have complaints which must point to something that is wrong within the Commission and must be rectified.
The fourth and final point that I observed whilst going through the report is the role of the Commissioners who are members of this particular Commission. You will realise that some of the Commissioners are out of step with their mandate and the message that they seek to portray. When you check on the list of Commissioners that are put there and their portfolios, you will realise that some amongst them are actually political zealots who have gone out and caused chaos, provoked communities and members of different political parties, thereby fanning political violence…
HON. TOGAREPI: On a point of order Madam Speaker. The Hon. Member must respect that we do not give comments or inferences that appear to derogate people who cannot answer for themselves in this House. For him to call some members zealots, perpetrators and so forth, when they cannot answer back; I do not think it is fair. We do not use this House to derogate others.
HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: I have just highlighted because the Commissioners’ photographs and names are in the report. Wherever they went, there are photos that tell the story. I am just responding and answering to that story that these messengers who are supposedly messengers of good hope are rotten apples in the society. I do not see any wrong in just mentioning that – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you must debate what is in the report and not to denigrate persons or Commissioners.
HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: The name Commissioner Obert Gutu is in the report. The work done by Obert Gutu is put in the report. Therefore, when we question…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, I do not think that is fair. You must not denigrate other people who cannot come to this House and defend themselves. Debate the report and not the Commissioners. We are here to debate the report (Peace and Reconciliation) and not the Commissioners.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order Madam Speaker…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: No!
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: But you are giving others a chance, with due respect, that is not fair – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am not giving you the chance – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Hon. Mambiripiri, have you finished?
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order. In terms of Order No. 97 which says, “Upon a question of order being raised, the Member called to order must resume his or her seat, after the question of order has been stated to the Chair, as the case maybe, by the Member raising it…”. I ask that we adhere to the Standing Rules as given in the green book.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Matewu. It is fine Hon. Member, you can raise your point of order.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My point of order is derived from Section 5 of the Privileges and Immunities Act of Parliament. Members of Parliament are freely allowed to debate without any variation or control. If anyone is affected, he will be given the chance to debate and correct the position than to say when someone is speaking, they are always stopped and asked to withdraw….
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You are wrong Hon. Member. May you bring that part of the Act you are referring to.
Hon. Madzivanyika approached the Chair.
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order Madam Speaker – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Matewu, you are a seasoned Hon. Member of this Parliament. Why are you standing on top of another point of order?
HON. MATEWU: Just listen to me Madam Speaker – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: No, according to our procedures, that is very wrong.
HON. MATEWU: Can you indulge me Madam Speaker.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Please take your seat.
Hon. Mambiripiri, you may proceed but you are not allowed to debate or attack people who cannot come to this House and defend themselves. Debate what is in the report. If you continue with that, it will not go down well.
HON. MAMBIRIPIRI: Thank you very much Madam Speaker. As I conclude, I just want to dwell on two recommendations. The first one is about the tenure and term of office of the whole structure of the Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
What we note from the Executive Summary is that the Chairperson is crying for help or a lifeline from the Parliament and Executive. Given that peace and reconciliation issues are at the core of our function as a nation, I would want to recommend that they be given more time to work in our communities and our societies.
The second and final recommendation is that whenever Parliament and the Executive consider Commissioners like in this case, they must also try and check for people with probity. What we have currently among the Commissioners is someone with political biases. Someone who is not trusted by the community is therefore not trusted by the communities. I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 19th March, 2024.
On the Motion of THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI), the House adjourned at Eight Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. to Tuesday 19th March, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 14th March, 2024.
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE
CLIMATE CHANGE SENSITISATION WORKSHOP
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): I have to remind the Senate that the Sensitisation Workshop for all Parliamentarians scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday this weekend will start with lunch at 1200 hours on Friday 15 March, 2024 instead of 0800 hours in the morning and on Saturday 16 March, 2024, it will start at 0800 hours in the morning.
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Today being a Thursday, we have Questions Without Notice but I have to inform the House that I have a host of apologies from Ministers. To begin with, we have;
Hon. Prof. M. Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion;
Hon. M. N. Ndlovu, Minster of Industry and Commerce;
Hon. R. Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce;
Hon. T. Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Centres;
Hon. Mupamhanga, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Centres;
Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture;
Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture;
Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage;
Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage;
Hon. Dr. A. J. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development;
Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development;
Hon. Z. Soda, Minister of Mines and Mining Development;
Hon. P. Kambamura, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development;
Hon. D. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care;
Hon. S. T. Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care;
Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry;
Hon. T. Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry;
Hon. S. Chikomo, Deputy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
Hon. J. Mhlanga, Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development;
Hon. M. Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development.
In the House we have;
Hon. Minister Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development;
Hon. Z. Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs;
Hon. E. Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development;
Hon. Prof. A. Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology.
Hon. Members, we have to do with the Ministers we have with the hope that others will join us.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. SEN. MACKENZIE: Thank you very much Mr. President. My question is directed to the Leader of the House, Hon. Ziyambi. Hon. Minister, we know that this year is a very difficult year in terms of maize situation throughout the country. We know that in a situation like this, our people are going to be exploited, others hoarding so that they can spike the prices. What precautionary measures is Government putting in place to ensure that our people are not exploited? Thank you, Mr. President.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Mackenzie for the question which is very important.
Mr. President, what Government is doing is that we have a situation that is obtaining because of the El Nino and our projected harvest for the coming season, we are actually in the middle of assessing how it has been impacted by El Nino even though we know that the harvest that we expected, we are not going to get it.
What we are doing, we are doing it in two parts. Currently Mr. President, as of now, we are still food self-sufficient. We had a very good harvest the previous year but we are projecting that as we go forward, we are going to have to be food self sufficient because of the El Nino phenomenon.
Government decided to have multifaceted responses to this. The first one currently, we are providing our people with relief aid in pockets that did not perform well the previous season, but what we are also doing is, we have decided to mop up maize that farmers might have and as a result, an announcement was made that Government is going to be paying farmers the import parity price of $390 per tonne and our hope is that, that will incentivise farmers to bring the maize that they have.
We have around 200 000 metric tonnes within our strategic grain reserve at GMB. We also have allowed importers; Grain Millers association and all the millers to import what they can for the private sector. So what we are currently undertaking is an exercise to assess the projected harvest. Once we have that, we will be able to say what is the deficit and then we come up with programmes to ensure that we close the gap. One of the immediate decisions that Cabinet did was, we have several water bodies, and in fact, we have over 10 000 water bodies in the country.
The immediate solution that Cabinet agreed upon is to ensure that we put a bigger area under wheat this season, so that we can substitute the use of maize with wheat or we can do swap deal, whichever will be applicable, so that we ensure that we will remain food self-sufficient. As a country, we are not panicking, we know that we have got the capabilities to ensure that we do that. Over and above that, we are undertaking a programme to ensure that we drill boreholes in every village that we will install solar systems and water systems so that our villagers can grow crops that will augment what the Government will be giving them. The measures that Government is putting in place will ensure that even those that have appetite of reaping our people, will find the market sufficiently stocked or our people growing sufficient grain to ensure that we go past this El Nino phase. What is expected from those that do weather forecasting is that the next season will actually be normal or above normal. We need to put in place measures to mitigate this gap that we have for this current season that we are about to harvest. I thank you.
HON. SEN. R. NDLOVU: My question is that we heard that the Committee on Agriculture went out to our silos and found out that there was nothing in our silos, yet the Government is saying our silos have maize for the entire season. How far true is that Hon. Minister?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank the Hon. Sen. for that question. If the Committee went out looking for maize in silos, I think they were misleading themselves. Government indicated that within the strategic reserves, be it in grain bags or in silos, we have around 230 metric tonnes of maize. We also know from the surveys that we have done that several of our farmers did not deliver all their maize to GMB this past season because Government adopted liberalised approach to marketing of grain. In other words, the private sector was also allowed to buy maize. We know the amount of maize that was bought by the private sector. We actually have an estimate of what we believe is there within the farming community. That is the reason why I also indicated that Government has actually incentivised to say that instead of us importing from outside, why not offer our farmers, whom we know have their maize stocked up, the import parity price, so that we buy from them and we empower them as opposed to importing first.
We have a lot of maize to the tune of about 245 metric tonnes, there about, within our GMB. However, I have not received that Committee report which indicates that we do not have maize in our silos. I think it is premature to start to discuss a Committee report that has not been tabled, neither have they finalised themselves because if it has been finalised, it would have been tabled. I think let us hold our horses, wait for the specifics of that report and we can then be able to interrogate whether that is the actual situation obtaining on the ground.
+HON. PHUTI: Mine is a request Hon. Minister. We are from Region 5, we have areas under irrigation, for example in Mangwe, we have ARDA Trek, in Maphisa we have ARDA Trek, and ARDA Trek does not sell locally their grain. They want us to travel to Bulawayo. We hope you will encourage them to sell their grain to local people. I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: That was a request Hon. Minister. It is not a question. I think you have taken note.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. President. I am very appreciative of the response by Hon. Minister Ziyambi, particularly when he mentioned the issue to do with increasing the hectarage for wheat planting season that is just around the corner. My question is; does the Government have enough financial resources to set up the irrigation systems in order to ensure that many farmers could be in a position to be able to increase that hectarage, or perhaps they have earmarked a few farmers who already have irrigation equipment who would be in a position to be able to increase the hectarage, and possibly it would be interesting to know how much the increase of the hectarage as opposed to what we have always known?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: I am pleased to inform the House that we have several facilities, about three or four that are going to assist our farmers access centre pivots and ensure that we increase the hectarage. The Minister of Agriculture informed us that these have been concluded and we are actually ready to ensure that the centre pivots are rolled out and we increase the hectarage. They have taken an exercise to identify where we have irrigation capabilities, where the centre pivots can be put. This exercise is complete and we believe that as a country, we cannot be beggars when we have several water bodies and have the capabilities to ensure that we can grow our winter wheat and other crops. We can even grow our maize.
We are actually targeting, going forward that every season, through ARDA, if we can do 300 000 hectares, we will be able to have not less than 1.5 million metric tonnes, which will be in our strategic reserves. When His Excellency is saying that we have come of age, we now have climate proof agricultural practices; we can feed ourselves; we are food self-sufficient; he is very correct. Our thrust now going forward is we are going to utilise our water bodies to mitigate the ravages of climate change. We are going to start with this winter season to ensure that we increase the hectarages of the crops that we can grow in winter. We are also mindful that there are other areas where the weather will be warm, we will then proceed to ensure that we also have some winter maize in those areas like Low Veld and Muzarabani area. So there is no need for our nation to panic. There are several measures that His Excellency has tasked Cabinet to ensure that by the time we get to October, when our wheat harvesting has started, other crops will be harvested, we will have food self-sufficiency to take us to the next harvest when we expect a normal rain season. I thank you Hon. President.
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate. I am making a follow up on the question to the Hon. Minister. He said that we must not be afraid but in Matabeleland South, there are a few dams and those dams have not been rehabilitated, where are we going to get water? What plans is Government going to put in place on irrigation? I thank you.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Hon. President, I want to thank Hon. Sen. Moyo for the follow up question. Mr. President, we are faced with an El Nino and we need short term measures but we also are taking into consideration what long term measures we can do to ensure that we do not have knee jerk approaches when the ravages of climate change affect us. In the short term, we are going to utilise, like I indicated earlier, the water bodies that we have. Zimbabwe is a unitary State. If we grow maize in Muzarabani, we can take it to GMB depot in Mapisa. So, we are not, at this juncture, worried about growing maize in Mapisa where we cannot grow it. We will identify where we have water bodies, grow maize and ensure that our people there do not suffer.
Going forward, His Excellency has said, let us ensure that we procure several rigs that will ensure that we drill boreholes in all our villages and we establish village companies where our villagers will be growing horticulture and everything that they can. We will ensure that also our animals get water. So, you will find out that going forward, starting now, that is the exercise that the Ministry of Agriculture is doing in those areas that you are saying there are no dams; we will have boreholes in the immediate future.
Actually, we have a very big dam that we only need to drill and get to it and extract water without constructing the bigger dams that you see on the surface and that is one of the strategies that we are using. So, we are saying, as a country, there is no need for us to panic and start talking about declaring a state of national disaster. We must hang in there, there are several strategies that are being put in place to ensure that we will not starve. Currently, the scenario that we are in, we believe it is okay, there is no need for us to panic. I thank you Hon. President.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: Thank you Hon. President. I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for reassuring the nation that the strategic reserves are adequately stocked and there is no need for panic. Everywhere we go these days, what is topical is availability of maize. I am sure my colleagues here will agree. An appeal to the Hon. Minister, given the high cost of solar energy equipment, would the Minister and his colleagues consider waiving duty on the importation of solar equipment? I thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Again, I think that is a request. But you can respond to it. Please go ahead.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. President Sir. Actually that is already there. We have waived duty on importation of solar, it is a facility that is already there. Even on some of the basic goods like mealie-meal, cooking oil, we have waived VAT (Value Added Tax) on importation of those goods. We want everyone who can assist because we are faced with El Nino that we are in the middle of assessing its impact. So, we have said, let us open up even though we believe that we have the capability to ensure that we will go through this phase. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. M. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President Sir. I want to make a follow up to the Hon. Minister. I come from Matabeleland South which is almost the driest area. Does the Hon. Minister have the equipment to drill boreholes that go up to 200 metres because the area is so dry that we cannot get water at 100 meters? Do they have the machinery that can go up to 200 or more metres down the line? I thank you.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Hon. President. That is the thrust that we are doing. We realised that the equipment that we had to drill boreholes would go up to 40 or 60 metres, which is not adequate for certain areas. What we are now procuring are rigs that will allow us to do exactly what Hon. Ndlovu is speaking about. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: I thank you Hon. President. In Matabeleland South Province, we have dams without water but in some places, there are places with water like Mafia Dam. Can we access water from Mafia so that we can do our irrigation or horticulture farming?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: The Hon. Minister has already explained to the Senate that in the short term, these are the measures that they are taking but there are some other long-term measures to follow. I thought that question was answered.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Mr. President. I make a follow up on the issue of hunger that is facing the people of Matabeleland South. My question is, since there is a lot of gold panning activities particularly along water dams, as we talk, Antelope Dam has been poisoned with cyanide. That dam is for ARDA and is for irrigation and supplying potable water to the people. Hon. Minister, what should we do now that these dams have been poisoned with cyanide?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Hon. President. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa for the question. Mr. President, the good thing is, there is an acknowledgement that there is a dam. There is an acknowledgement that there are individuals that are not following environmental laws. This is an issue of compliance, somewhere within the chain, those that were supposed to ensure that the environment is protected did not do their work adequately, which is something that we will follow up with the Ministry of Environment and EMA to ensure that, that is done.
Coming to the actual question, if that dam is not usable in the short term to medium term, we will identify water bodies that will ensure that us as Zimbabweans and as a unitary State, we will not starve. We will use the water bodies that are available. If that water body cannot be used, then we will not use it, but we will take remedial action to ensure that the environmental damages that were done are corrected.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: Thank you Mr. President. Allow me to pose my question to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. We are all aware that the country is being troubled by sanctions. In this country, we have oil and as people who have a knowledge in Science, what is Government’s plan if we get oil and be able to process it so that it will be consumed here because it is mined in crude? When we mine it, what are our plans so that we will be able to use it, and the countries that are around us? As we are under sanctions and under embargo, we cannot sell them outside like the granite which is being transported in its raw form. What does the Ministry have for those who want to exploit it? Through our scientific knowledge, can we curb against that so that we will not have problems concerning our oil?
*THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA): Thank you Hon. President and the Hon. Member who posed a question about the oil that we found in Muzarabani and the plans that we have concerning the oil so that our people will benefit. Firstly, I can say that all these developed countries, is because of knowledge of doing things through learning. Learning is knowing how to do certain things. I agree with him because this is what we are supposed to do. Our plan is that when we realised that we can mine the oil, when we got into power as the Second Republic, our President Hon. Mnangagwa said that all the universities should start offering degrees in petroleum chemistry, geology and degrees that will help us to get minerals underground.
We looked at our education curriculum and we have started those degrees. We are also sending our children to countries like the Russian Federation and China who have the knowledge in oils. With this knowledge, we can see that our future is bright because our children would be able to do the petroleum industry so that our oil will help the development of our people. The issue here is that all of us should be knowledgeable about oil, that it should not remain only as crude, but that it can be processed and help us as a nation. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIKWAKA: I think he left a small issue on how far we are? Through our Science, are we able to see our surveillance system in coming up with radars that will detect enemies who will come and try and steal our minerals from us?
* HON. PROF. MURWIRA: I am sorry I had left that part Hon. President. On that issue of being able to refine our oil, our President started a programme of Geo-Spatial and National Programme. This is a programme which will help us to have eyes in the air, come up with satellite so that we also have the drones. This type of technology will help us to know the amount of wealth that we have and this knowledge will help us so that we protect ourselves because we cannot be caught unaware when we are there. So when we have this knowledge and technology of using the drones, we will be able to see what is under us, and use our resources and also protect ourselves. Thank you.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): May I inform the House that we have been joined by the Hon. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Moyo, the Deputy Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Gata, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in the Office of the President, Hon. Matuke and the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Social Welfare, Hon. Dinha.
*HON. SEN. CHAKABUDA: Thank you Mr. President for according me this opportunity. I have two questions, but the first one is directed to the Minister responsible for provincial councils. In the country, there were people who were elected in the provincial councils, but up to now, they have not started operating. What is the Government policy? Thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PROVINCIAL AFFAIRS IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (HON. SEN. MATUKE): Thank you Mr. President of the Senate. I also want to thank Hon. Sen. Chakabuda for her pertinent question in which she wants to know when provincial councils will start operating. I want to assure her that the law is currently being formulated and will be implemented within the shortest period of time. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Leader of the House, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi. Mr. President, there is a growing culture by the police, in towns, of chasing vehicles and smashing their windscreens. This is causing accidents of people being run over by cars even on pavements. I witnessed a woman being run-over at Copacabana and she died on the spot. As soon as the accident occurred, all the police officers fled from the accident scene.
My question is, which law allows the police not to prosecute offenders but to smash the windscreens that make them see where they are going?
*THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PROVINCIAL AFFAIRS IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (HON. SEN. MATUKE): Thank you for this pertinent question concerning police officers who are smashing windscreens. First and foremost, the law does not permit the police to smash car windscreens. It is also illegal for people to run away from the police upon being directed to stop – it is a crime.
In the near future, there are machines that are going to be installed in towns so that offenders are caught using that technology. The machines will record the car number plates, that will be verified through the Central Vehicle Registry (C.V.R). The drivers or car owners will be identified and caught. Some cars drive through red traffic lights whilst others drive in the opposite direction. The new technology will be able to capture all these traffic offences even in the absence of operators.
In short, it is not permissible by the law to smash car windscreens. Thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF MATHUPULA: My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. First of all, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development speaks a lot about Education 5.0. In order for it to be relevant, it has to be fed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
My question to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education is, how is your Ministry concentrating on Education 5.0? How are you implementing it at the lower levels of primary and secondary? A case in point being in rural schools, they are surrounded by livestock and fields where they do crop rearing. How can they learn more about this at their primary and secondary education so that it becomes relevant to what they are learning and not to learn about things that are far from them and will not use?
Then there is the issue of community service in Education 5.0. How are you implementing it in primary and secondary education?
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Hon. President of Senate, thank you very much for the opportunity. I wish to thank the Hon. Chief for the question. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has just introduced Heritage-Based Education which is an attempt to harmonise Education 5.0 with Heritage-Based Education.
Heritage Based Education’s major objective is to produce an African child who is suitable for the 21st century and some of the things that we inculcate in our learners, is the issue of critical thinking skills. We want our learners to be highly innovative, be able to identify societal challenges that are affecting our communities especially in both our rural and urban areas. When they identify the societal challenge, they are able to do research and find solutions to the problems. Research will be done through internet connectivity.
We will soon be rolling out tablets, laptops and desk computers from Grade One (1) to Form Six (6) where learners are going to be imparted with skills of coding, robotics and artificial intelligence. They will go an extra mile in ensuring that they are going to address societal challenges, be creative and find problem solving skills – that will be a milestone Hon. President. Today we had an annual ceremony where we were awarding and rewarding excellence as far as competencies of critical thinking skills are concerned. We identified and awarded learners who have, for instance, I will give an example of some learners in Mashonaland West Province who have identified irrigation infrastructure. They have demonstrated today that even when one is a farmer based in South Africa, he or she can use remote control skills to send some codes to Zimbabwe and the water pump will respond positively leading to irrigation. It can also direct that plot A should be irrigated for a specified period. Therefore, this is innovation per se which we realised that it is very important in ensuring that those learners are going to be capacitated.
We are also going a step further in terms of human capital development where our teachers are also going to be trained. A lot of training will be given to those teachers so that they can give the requisite skills and competencies in our learning sector. I thank you.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. President. First and foremost, let me thank the Hon. Minister for reassuring the nation about the thrust and trajectory they are taking in terms of innovation. However, my worry and concern are from the issues to do with connectivity in the rural areas. We do not have that connectivity in the rural areas, it is limited. So what plans does the Government have to ensure that there is connectivity to be able to use that internet, particularly when you look at the limited and slow speed of connectivity that we are experiencing with the local service providers? Also taking cognisance of the satellite Starlink which does not require the base stations and what have you. What is the Minister thinking along those lines?
HON. T. MOYO: I wish to thank Hon. Sen. Zindi for the question. I appreciate that in the past, there were disparities in terms of internet connectivity between urban schools and rural schools.
Mr. President, we have started introducing the internet in a box, where we are going to install a server at the administration block. That server will not use Wi-Fi. It is a server deployed to the administration block and any learner within a radius of 200 meters will be able to access notes uploaded by the teacher. The teacher will upload information and the learners can access the teaching-learning materials from that server which is very important, through the use of geospatial information from our sister the Ministry of Higher Education where we are embracing the satellite system which may not even require the use of data and so forth. Those are innovations Hon. President that we are embracing so that we bridge the gap between rural and urban schools as far as internet connectivity is concerned. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate. I am not in a good mood because the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education is bringing us stories here. Ever since this new curriculum was put in place, students have had no books at the school. How are you going to deliver laptops when you are failing to have books and even classroom blocks? Bring books first then laptops. I thank you.
HON. T. MOYO: Our approach is that we want to transform the education system. We are bringing real reforms in education. We cannot go back to the 80s and 90s when we were emphasising the provision of textbooks. Textbooks will only be found through ICT gadgets, and the internet in the box. Any book, e-book, any notes, any questions with answers, is what we need and that is in line with the 21st Century, not to go back to hardcopy textbooks. Textbooks are uploaded in the system.
As far as classrooms are concerned, the Government is doing a lot in terms of classroom construction. This year we got trillions of dollars which will be channeled to the construction of classrooms. We have identified those schools, satellite schools, and areas where learners are travelling for more than five kilometers, we are going to build primary and secondary schools so that we reduce the walking distance in line with international provisions.
Again, it is not just the Government that will be solely involved in school construction, we have development partners who are complementing Government efforts. We have a global partnership in education in the name of UNICEF where we have complementary funding. These are funds that are there to be channeled towards the provision of classrooms. Just this term, we have disbursed more than two million USD from GPE to construct classrooms so that satellite schools will be registered, and that is an advantage because where a school is operating without being registered, learners will walk to the nearest mother school. So, this term we are going to register not less than 300 schools, and examinations will be written in those schools. So those are the innovations that are happening.
The other development partner is the Latter-Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ, in three months last year between September and December, they managed to construct 62 classrooms in Bulawayo, at Cowdry Park and several schools. This year the Development Partner has promised and provided funds to build schools in Mashonaland East, in Umzingwane Constituency. In Gokwe-Chireya where I come from, there is a local school called Mareri which was destroyed by the winds and Latter-Day Saints is coming to support Government by providing new classroom blocks. So, we have quite a number of partners. We also call upon individuals who have funds to partner with the Government. We also have OPEC Fund for International Development which has pledged to provide 40 day schools and 10 boarding schools, a total of 50 schools which will be constructed this year courtesy of our development partners that are complementing Government efforts. I so submit Hon. President.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: There are about six other Members who were in line to ask questions without notice but in terms of Standing Order No. 67, the time for Questions Without Notice has expired.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. President. May I kindly request, with your indulgence, that question time be extended, I thank you.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: I second Mr. President.
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Time for Questions Without Notice has been extended by 15 minutes.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF MATHUPULA: Thank you very much Mr. President. Minister, we spoke about education 5.0, which means education which is relevant to the situation. You spoke about laptops and so on, but in our rural areas, we are still a bit far behind. Would you look into the issue of maybe more technical education for rural areas such as metal workshops, woodwork workshops and livestock education. That is what the children there are used to and if they are then trained into that, then they can feed into technical vocational centres and agricultural institutes because that is where we expect our children to be fed into and not universities such as UZ. Can you please look into that?
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Chief, I realise that is a request. So, just a few minutes from the Minister.
HON. T. MOYO: Mr. President, in my response, I said we have introduced heritage-based education where students are creative and innovative. They consider problems in their communities, whether farming challenges or fishing challenges. They will be addressed by this new curriculum and we are harmonising heritage-based education with education 5.0.
Heritage-based education speaks to issues of vocationalisation of education and by vocationalisation of education, we are saying we want our learners to have skills to be job creators at Form 2 and at Form 3 level. By the time the learner completes O’ Level, he should have a career. I do not hesitate to give an example of learners at St Columbus and many other schools who are earning a living. One learner managed to raise not less than 2 000 from drawing housing plans and the plans that learner will be submitting will be approved.
We have some learners at Form 2, Form 3, who can fix cars, who are builders and carpenters. They actually realise their career whilst they are in school. Thank you, Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NGEZI: Thank you Mr. President for according me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Leader of the House. I want to know if civil servants, like in local government, the DDCs and their deputies are supposed to die on duty. Are they not changed? Do they retire? They are there and corruption is there even at lengths.
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Mr. President, his question was not clear. He has his own question which is targeting a certain area. If it were possible, he should put it in writing. I have seen the Minister. I think he is in the National Assembly. He is presenting a paper there. I think you can get a clearer answer from him because what I will give you here, you will not be satisfied. If someone is at work and has a contract that is agreed, before retirement you cannot remove him, but from the way he asked, I think he should put it in writing because it is specific to a certain area so that the Minister will investigate if he has to rectify it. Thank you, Mr. President.
*THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Minister. I think Chief, you have heard the response from the Minister.
HON. SEN. CHIEF CHIREYA: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate for according me this opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. In his absence, the Leader of the House can help us. In the rural areas, there is hunger. Farmers have cattle which they are using for ploughing. The price of those cattle has gone down but the meat is still the same price. What is Government policy which can protect farmers so that if they sell their cattle, they can at least get something because cattle are now going for US$100 instead of US$500? My question is, how can those people who are abusing this system be chastised?
*THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Mr. President and the Hon. Senator for a pertinent question which is saying that the price of cattle has fallen and there are third party people who are not giving people the right price for their cattle because of drought.
Mr. President, every farmer has a right and when faced with drought, it is mandated to look at whether he should keep his cattle or he should lessen and remain with a small herd which he can keep well. In this country, we do not have price control on beef. The charging is left to the two parties. So, the onus is on the farmer whether he should keep the cattle or sell the lot. You should know where to put your money so that you can sell what you have and then you can restock after the season is favourable.
His question can be best addressed by the agricultural consultants in their areas. They will tell you whether you should keep your herd of cattle or you can sell part or all so that you do not lose anything. Thank you, Madam President.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to – unfortunately two Ministers. The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. It is regarding BEAM.
Let me start by thanking Government for the BEAM Programme, whereby children from vulnerable families are assisted with fees. It has come to our attention that there are some schools which are refusing to register students on BEAM for Ordinary Level examination. The schools are demanding that they pay the examination fees in USD. The essence of BEAM is that the parents cannot afford. What is the Ministry’s policy on BEAM? Where does it end? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Thank you Madam President. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Mupfumira for the question. BEAM is a social safety net that is availed to students from the most disadvantaged families. By law, a school is not allowed to reject or assume that a student wants to register for examinations, whether Grade Seven, Ordinary Level or Advanced Level – the Government pays tuition, it also pays for all the examination fees. If there is any school that is forcing BEAM students to pay examination fees in USD, again, it is violation of the law. All learners are allowed to pay examination fees in whatever currency because we have a multi-currency regime.
In this case, learners on BEAM have their school fees and examination fees wholly paid by the Government. No school, by law, has the right to dis-allow those students from registering their examinations. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. RUNGANI: I wanted to direct my question to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. In his absence, I will direct it to the Leader of the House. What does the law say concerning the industries, that we no longer sew our own garments in this country? We are buying clothes from outside, and our much-needed foreign currency is going out there. What is Government doing so that our industry would resort to making local garments? People are just going out and import clothes.
* THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (HON. SEN. MATUKE): The question that was asked by Hon. Sen. Rungani is very pertinent. Firstly, it is the aim of Government that we should make our own things. If you look in our supermarkets, the Government has worked very hard because we now have 80% locally produced items on our shelves. When it comes to clothing, there are those smugglers, some of the clothes are even second hand and they are finding their way into Zimbabwe. Some are importing clothes through our border posts. Government has put a very high duty for those imported clothes because they are not in support of importing clothes. It is not the policy of Government to promote people importing clothes, but as we are revamping our economy as all of us are witnessing at David Whitehead Company. The Government had supported it so that it resumes operations, as much as the other companies that are into garment making business are getting that support. They have also provided the machinery so that we would be able to make our own clothes. Thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. A. NDLOVU) in terms of Standing Order Number 67.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI): Madam President, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 6 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 7 has been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2022
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Madam President, I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the report of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission for the year 2023, presented to this House of Parliament in terms of sections 253 and 323(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 19th March, 2024.
HON. SEN. PHUTHI: On a point of order Madam President.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. A. DUBE) : What is your point of order?
HON. SEN. PHUTHI: We have not received the copy of the report in our messages or inboxes.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: This report was distribution to all Hon. Senators and this is the second time. I think you were not there since you had not been sworn in.
HON. SEN. PHUTHI: I am indebted Hon. President – [HON. ZIYAMBI: That is why I moved for the adjournment of the debate.] –
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI), the Senate adjourned at Five Minutes to Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 19th March, 2024.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
HEALTH, MENTAL AND WELLNESS PROGRAMME
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Good afternoon Hon. Senators. I would like to remind the Senate that Parliament’s Health Services Department, in conjunction with the Public Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS), is conducting a Health, Mental and Wellness Programme that started from Tuesday, 12th March, 2024 and will end on Thursday, 14th March 2024. Each day begins with a presentation from 0900 hours to 1030 hours in the Special Committee Room Number 2 on the ground floor. Thereafter, the screening programme for blood pressure, diabetes, breast, prostate and cervical cancers will be held in the clinic area, Rooms 113, 116, 117 and 137 on the First Floor.
Hon. Members and staff are urged to attend the screening process which will take place throughout the whole day on those days.
CLIMATE CHANGE SENSITISATION WORKSHOP
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Secondly, I would also like to inform the Senate that the Sensitisation Workshop for all Parliament scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday this weekend which was announced yesterday is now scheduled to start with lunch at 1200 hours on Friday 15 March, 2024 instead of 0800 hours in the morning and on Saturday 16 March, 2024, it will start at 0800 hours in the morning.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Mr. President, I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MALULEKE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS.
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 harmonised elections.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. HUNGWE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 14th March, 2024.
MOTION
ENACTMENT OF STRINGENT LAWS TO ADDRESS
THE PLIGHT OF WIDOWS
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: Thank you Mr. President. I move the motion standing in my name that this House:
CONCERNED with the plight of the Zimbabwean widows who are routinely evicted from their homes by relatives whenever their husbands die;
APPALLED by the cultural practices by some unscrupulous relatives who deprive widows of their human rights, dignity and freedom after the loss of their spouses and in some cases even going to the extent of blaming them for their deaths;
FURTHER DISTURBED that the loss of their husbands is accompanied by the wanton grabbing of their properties such as land, cars, among others under the guise of inheritance;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon Government to enact stringent laws to address the plight of widows and thus, protect them from being relegated to poverty after they lose their loved ones.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity…
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order. We cannot hear you because you have not switched on your microphone.
HON. TSOMONDO: Sorry Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the liberty to raise my concerns pertaining to the plight of widows in Zimbabwe. While there are no specific recent statistics available on the exact number of widows in Zimbabwe, it is estimated that a significant portion of the female population are widows.
Widows are from diverse backgrounds. Some are in the rural areas, some in the urban areas and others are widows of war veterans of the liberation struggle. They face various challenges and vulnerabilities due to cultural norms, stereotypes, legal issues and economic factors. The situation of the widows in Zimbabwe is often compounded by issues such as property, inheritance rights, social stigma, poverty, economic hardships and lack of access to support services such as counselling and legal aid.
Mr. President, inheritance disputes often arise due to cultural norms, traditional practices, lack of legal awareness and sometimes greed or manipulation by family members. Widows face challenges in securing their rightful inheritance after the death of their spouses, leading to prolonged legal battles and emotional distress.
The economic hardships faced by widows have a devastating impact on their lives as they pose a quantum of insecurities including finance, housing, food and school fees which affect their well-being and hinder their ability to cope with grief and loss, eventually forcing most of them into risky relationships exposing them to abuse and HIV/AIDS.
These economic and other complex arrays of challenges cascade down to their children whose suffering vary with age, location, socio-economic background and cultural practices. This culminates to child marriage, prostitution and drug and substance abuse.
Sections 81 and 82 of the Constitution address the rights of women on equitable treatment within the family and society, protection of property rights and the right of social security without specific mention to widows.
Section 120 (b) and 124 of the Constitution specifies the women quota representation in the Senate and National Assembly, but do not make any particular reference to widows’ representation.
Despite the challenges that widows face, there has been numerous progress through various programmes and initiatives by the Government and its development partners, Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) provides legal aid services to widows. Various Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) and Government agencies in Zimbabwe, conduct awareness campaigns and educational programmes to educate widows about their rights and empower them to assert those rights. Some organisations implement livelihood support programmes, specifically targeting widows to help them become economically self-sufficient. These programmes may include entrepreneurship development and other forms of support aimed at improving the economic well-being of widows.
The National Development Strategy 1 in one of its pillars, identifies strengthening social protection as one of its key priorities. This includes expanding access to social security programmes, such as pensions, disability benefits and unemployment insurance. Its aim is to provide a safety net for vulnerable populations including widows.
It is imperative that our country also takes a leaf from our regional and international counterparts and domesticate African Union Protocol to the African Charter of Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa also known as the Maputo Protocol. The protocol specifically addresses the rights of widows, including their inheritance, rights and protection from violence.
Allow me to also recognise the frantic efforts by the First Lady, Dr. Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa who has launched several economic empowerment programmes aimed at helping widows become self-reliant. Her various initiatives include training in several vocational skills such as farming, poultry production and craft-making. The First Lady has also donated sewing machines and other equipment to help widows start their own businesses. She has also donated school supplies and uniforms to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds access education.
Despite all these efforts, it is glaring evidence that much still needs to be done to mitigate the challenges faced by widows. I therefore, call upon the House to amend the Constitution and enact laws that specifically elaborate issues of widows, in particular with specific reference to Section 80 and 124 of the Constitution.
I also call upon Government through the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, to come up with policies to strengthen legal protection for widows to safeguard their rights. Also, the Government through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development through the Women’s Development Fund, to provide widows with access to finance, training and monitoring programmes to empower them to become economically self-sufficient. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President for
giving me this opportunity to add a view words in support of this very important motion which has been moved by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo. Whenever we talk about widows, we feel the sorrowfulness of how these people are living because that is the time when women who would have been left by their spouses live in darkness. Some of them do not even know where to go. They do not even know where to start because of the problems that they would be facing. That is the time when the husbands’ relatives neglect them. On this issue, I can talk until tomorrow about the problems that are faced by widows, they are endless.
Most widows are left in poverty. As soon as the husband dies, the relatives come and take everything from them – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Sometimes, this is the time when they are forced to re-marry the uncles so that their property cannot be taken. That widow ends up being married to someone whom she does not even love just because she wants to protect her property, and to secure a place for the children.
Most of the time, people tend to forget that this woman would have been left not only with property, but also with a duty to look after the children. Due to the problems that they face, these widows end up failing to send their children to school because she would have no money to send them to school. If those children become dropouts, what else if we are looking at today’s living standards? That is the time when these children will now get involved into drug abuse. They would be stressed to an extent of wishing they were dead because of the situation that is prevailing at their home. As Parliamentarians, I think we have seen it, we have gone through it, and we have met these widows everywhere we go. Apart from meeting them, they have made so many plights to us as Hon. Members to assist them here and there, but I do not think that is the solution. The solution is upon us as legislators to enact enabling laws that can protect our widows. Even if we are not widows today, one of the good days we are going to be widows and we would need that support. Without proper policy or proper law that safeguards these widows, nothing will ever happen because we can cry and do whatever we can. I also urge the non-governmental organisations and any other interested people to educate these widows as they remain without their spouses so that they can have a way forward in their lives. As they are in the dark corner, some as I have alluded to before, do not even know the law that protects them which they can take regarding their plight.
I think there is need for awareness meetings that should be carried out in the communities so that these widows know what to do. Apart from that, I also think that another solution is their traditional leaders who are next to them whenever they need assistance. There is a cultural law, I do not know what it is called in English or in Shona, but I know they say udzule wathaka Chivenda. This practice must be totally abolished. It does not assist because when you are given someone’s husband, you do not even know whether that man is HIV positive or not. As such, you will end up getting diseases and you will end dying living your children. Mr. President, I think without much ado, I rest my case, I support this motion.
+HON. SEN. NYATHI: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to add my words to the motion moved by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo. When the father dies, it becomes very difficult for the family to survive and finally the mother leaves the family, goes and looks for a job so that she is able to look after her children. The children will end up failing to go to school because the mother will not be earning enough money, it will be enough to buy food only. Widows should be looked after because some people die whilst their children are still very young. Life becomes difficult and the children suffer. We want to thank the First Lady for her programme of conscientising the widows and widowers, helping them with whatever she has.
As leaders, we suggest that there must be a law enacted so that the widows can be looked after by Government and that at the end of the month, they get something that will enable the family to move on with their lives. Children must go to school Hon. President. With those few words, I would like to thank you.
+HON. SEN. M. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate. I would like to also debate on this motion that has been moved by Hon. Sen. Tsomondo. This motion touches on the lives of widows. When a woman is left by her spouse through death, particularly married couples, it becomes so difficult because the relatives of the spouse will want to take over the assets. Most women do not know that when they lose their spouses, they should approach the High Court so that they can be protected by the law. It is difficult to be a widow because you do not know what to do, particularly when it comes to dealing with the relatives of your late spouse. It is difficult and painful for widows of ex-combatants because most of their spouses did not accrue anything. When they returned from the liberation struggle, they just remained as ordinary citizens. They did not manage to access the little that was being accessed by others. Some were not vetted, they did not own any house and it is painful Hon. President, to find an ex-combatant, someone who sacrificed for the independence of the country living like a pauper. Widows must be looked after and we appreciate what the First Lady is doing to the widows, but she cannot assist all of them. We therefore, request as Senators, that there should be a law in place to cover and assist the war veterans and their spouses –. We are talking about all widows that have been left by their spouses. These are my few words with regards to this motion. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you Hon. President for giving me this opportunity to debate on this motion today. This motion is very emotional because it is about widows. When we were growing up, we knew that widows were mature people of 60 years and above. By then, children would have grown up. This time around, things are so different because we are talking about young widows who would have married early because of the difficulties in our country. When I look closely in Matabeleland South which is my area, we have widows with children who are married. You find a 30-year-old widow with five children. Most of these widows are from our relatives who would have gone out of the country and passed on there either through gunshot wounds or through being affected by diseases. As I speak right now, I have two whom I know who passed on last week. Their wives are at home and they are now widows. Their men die in the diaspora. During the times of Wenera, most of the women were made widows. I would also like to bring in another dimension to bring in ex-combatants’ widows. We have our comrades who died in the war and they left children and women in 1980, when they were told that they were going to be looked after. We request therefore that these ex-combatants’ children get something, like what they do in some other countries. For instance, in South Africa, it is happening. They get about R2500 per month. Here in Zimbabwe, when people are in dire straits, why can we not do the same? I was asking myself when I heard some of our Members discussing. They said we can have a plan. A widower is better because he will go out and look for a job. We do not talk of widows in the rural areas only, even here in town, we see widows who are going into prostitution in order to feed their families.
My request therefore is that the Government should look into this matter. I have heard that the First Lady is trying her level best, and I was surprised by this because we have not noticed this in Matabeleland South. We request that she should also visit Matabeleland South because we have a lot of these widows and there are a lot of women without spouses. We have got 60% of women without spouses. Thank you.
+HON. SEN. MLILO: Thank you for giving me this opportunity. This motion which has been raised here is pertinent indeed. We should debate it closely and thoroughly because we are talking of widows whom I know have been left by a spouse who was a bread winner. Therefore, my request is that the Government should look after these widows. When they go to reregister their wills, it is a problem for them to transfer the assets or the houses after the spouse has died because of high fees, and they are failing to pay those fees.
I therefore request that the Government should also look into the matter of stipends given to widows when their spouses have passed on. When they go to the bank, they find that the money would have been siphoned by inflation. The woman will be looking after her children on her own without a job. At the end of the month, that money is not even enough to pay for her rentals, buy food for the children or even to pay fees for the children. We therefore request the Government to look into those matters. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. C. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity. I also second this motion which is pertinent which has been moved by the Hon. Senator. Widows should be looked after properly. It is not only that these people are being harassed by the relatives of their spouses, they are also being harassed by Government officers when they approach these offices trying to get some help. There are assets which would have been left by the deceased, and when these assets are supposed to go to the surviving spouse, there is a certain percentage which should be paid in cash so as to facilitate the necessary documentation in order to help the widow.
As the august Senate, we request that this matter be thoroughly looked into. When a widow has the necessary document proving that she is a widow, where can a widow get the necessary fees to pay for the transfer of assets into her name? Others end up dying and the mother will remain behind having not yet registered the house in her name. The relatives come in and take over the assets and property of the deceased. I therefore request that this motion be looked into thoroughly. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 14th March, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the effects of Climate Change.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. SHIRI: Thank you, Mr. President, for according me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion which was tabled by the Hon. Sen. Mohadi on climate change. The world-over, we hear the issue of disasters or climate change. It has been there since time immemorial, around the 70s before I was even born. I heard that in Bangladesh, there was a disaster in Bhola District and 300 000 people perished. In Zimbabwe, we experienced Cyclone Eline and people perished, fields and animals were destroyed. In Chingwizi, 20 000 people did not have anywhere to put their cattle and all this was due to climate change.
As a nation, we realise that this climatic change is also affecting our wealth. Looking at this country, 52% are women. Many women survive on subsistence farming, doing small businesses like chicken rearing projects and farming fruits. Now, if we happen to experience this climate change and drought, farming will not be viable and there will be poverty, hunger and diseases will also manifest as climatic change affects us as Zimbabweans.
I was just looking at how this climatic change can affect our education sector. I have noticed that children cannot attend school when there is too much sun, in the cases of heat waves; when the winter is severe, children will also not be able to attend school. Those who suffer from albinism are affected by too much sun as most of them end up suffering from skin cancer. This climate change affects the whole citizenry of Zimbabwe. It is extremely difficult for any individual to walk more than 5km during a heat wave to the nearest clinic or hospital. So, most people die in their homes because of climate change.
Climate change also affects our health sector. As Zimbabwe, we have a law, the Civil Protection Act, that we want to amend. I want to thank the President for putting across Bills, during the Official Opening of Parliament, to be tabled in this House. I noticed that there is one, the Disaster Risk Management Bill. The Bill will look at ways of curbing climate change. By looking at the early warning sign, we should be alerted and also be able to warn others on the weather. We heard this on the radio or read it from the newspapers that there will be drought this year and people were aware of it and were adequately prepared.
As it is, information dissemination is lacking in some areas especially looking at the disabled people. When people are being forewarned, the language used during the warnings may not adequately relay the message that there will either be drought or too much rain. This is especially problematic to the deaf and dumb. Our television news bulletins provide sign language for the benefit of everyone. Unfortunately, there is no sign language when it comes to the weather report and forecast. This means that they are left behind because of lack of knowledge. As a nation, we should make sure that no place and no person is left behind when it comes to development.
We had disasters in this country when we had Cyclone Idai which affected Chimanimani. It was a disaster. Lives were lost, homes and properties were destroyed. Looking very closely, I saw images of people on television who were being rescued by helicopters, but I did not come across disabled persons being evacuated also. So does it mean that the Chimanimani area does not have disabled people or they were swept away by the floods because they could not get any help?
I would like to urge the Senate that as this Bill comes to the House, we should look at it closely to see whether it is inclusive of the disabled. As Senators, do we know where our disabled are in the country so that when disasters strike, we know where to go and rescue them? We have a job to do so that we do not leave anyone behind, everyone should be protected from such disasters that come because of climatic change.
The other issue is that there are people who are being given residential stands in wetlands which has affected the rain patterns because wetlands have a part to play when it comes to our rain patterns. Zimbabwe as a country, is seized with these challenges and we have seen that climatic change is real. We thought it would only affect countries in the Far East, but now it is at our doorstep.
When people face these disasters, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) prepares the evacuation processes, so we have noted that some of those places are inaccessible to people in wheelchairs. No mechanisms were put in place to ensure the disabled are catered for in times of natural disasters. It is my humble plea that preparation for natural disasters should be inclusive of the disabled. I did my investigations during the Cyclone Idai, so I went and inspected the places where people were being taken to and urged the authorities to cater for the disabled.
Now, speaking as a farmer, climate change has affected the farming sector. We should adapt to change and use solar energy which caters for smart agriculture in our fields. We witnessed our crops withering and dying. So I urge the Government to invest in helping farmers, including women so that they will be able to continue farming despite climatic changes.
Mr. President, I want to say that our laws should be strict and firm. The Disaster Risk Reduction Management Bill should be expedited. So as Hon. Senators, let us work together to pass this Bill. I thank you.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. President for allowing me to also add my views in as far as this motion is concerned. Firstly, let me thank Hon. Sen. Mohadi who brought this very important motion. I hope the Government or Ministers responsible for policy redesign to mitigate against the effects of climate change will take this motion seriously because we have one world, one earth and we need to protect it.
In my contribution Mr. President, I shall talk about deforestation, uncontrolled mining, and also climate change, and women including young girls and youth regarding their sexual reproductive health. I shall be citing research that was carried out in Bikita and Chimanimani into the endangered impact of climate change. I will also put suggestions to mitigate against climate change in as far as the issues that are mentioned in terms of afforestation and reforestation, and alternative sources of energy as a means to mitigate against the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere and also the Mines and Minerals Ministry, particularly in terms of uncontrolled mining activities which are taking place in our country to redesign the mining policy to take into consideration the environment before and after the mining project as a solution.
On deforestation, Mr. President, according to Jerry Melillo accessed online 13324 Climate Portal and updated on October 2021, he is a senior scientist at the Ecosystem Centre Marine Biological Laboratory. He states that forests cover 30% of the earth's land surface. As forests grow, their trees take in carbon dioxide from the air and store it in wood, plant matter and under the soil. If not for forests, much of this carbon would remain in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide which is CO2, the most important greenhouse gas driving climate change.
He further states that each year since the year 2000, forests are estimated to have removed an average of two billion metric tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere. This carbon sink function of forests is slowing climate change by reducing the rate at which carbon dioxide mainly from fossil fuel burning, builds up in the atmosphere. Therefore, from this argument Mr. President, you can see the importance of afforestation and reforestation and the importance and key role that our forests play in terms of mitigating against emissions of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. Hence, it is very important for us to take the exercise of tree planting as a very important exercise to reforest our forests and afforestation.
In regards to use of alternative sources of energy, I am of the opinion that to slow down against this emission of CO2 gases, a solution Mr. President, is to switch to use of renewable energy such as solar, hydropower, wind and electric motor transportation. We are now talking of massive mining of lithium, which lithium when processed, finds itself into batteries when manufactured which electrify motor vehicles and that transportation system should switch also on to renewable energy.
The effects, for example of ZESA power disruptions, we have seen a lot of people ending up cutting down trees as an alternative source of power including tobacco farmers when they want to cure their tobacco. That is reducing the forests that we have mentioned earlier on to say they contribute a lot in terms of removing the bad emissions from our atmosphere. I can give an example. Where I come from, Manicaland, Christmas Pass Mr. President, used to be a very beautiful forestry area but drive there today, Christmas Pass is bare. There are no more trees. You can actually count the trees remaining when you drive, meandering through Christmas Pass.
The same applies with Boterekwa. Boterekwa used to be a very beautiful forest area in Shurugwi but due to mining of chrome, it is gone and it will never come back. Therefore, Mr. President, we need to take this climate change subject seriously and take corrective measures in order to preserve our environment and also to mitigate against climate change.
In my recommendations, particularly to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, is to say, it is high time they should redesign mining policies. How? I mean to say they need a new approach that takes into consideration the issue to do with the environment. This is before the project is implemented and after the project, perhaps to the end of the project. The policy should take into consideration those two stages, at the beginning and the end. If the project collapses, it should also take into consideration the environment where that project was.
For example, we have old time big mines which closed. Mhangura is one of them, if I am to mention. There are quite a number them like ZIMASCO, to do with chrome. When they closed, they never rehabilitated the environment and that alone is contributing to climate change. So, I am advocating for the policy redesign to take into consideration those facts and also to switch to renewable energy use rather than resorting to using diesel, gasoline and all these fossil fuels which contribute to CO2 gases into our atmosphere.
In terms of reforestation and afforestation, I should commend Government for the tree planting exercise. Of course, I do not remember exactly when it was introduced, but I think it has been on the cards for quite a number of years now as it is being fronted by His Excellency the President. We should continue with this tree planting exercise for purposes of mitigating against climate change and it should not be just for officials from His Excellency, Ministers and Government officials, but it should be for each and every Zimbabwean to participate and make sure that he or she would have planted a tree on the official day of tree planting and any other day.
For example, we are 16 million in terms of population and if each and every one of us would take this seriously, we would plant 16 million trees each year and that would assist and help in mitigating against climate change Mr. President.
On the uncontrolled mining I have mentioned Boterekwa and I also want to quote Mr. Kins, also accessed online, 26th October 2022, in which he states that, “mining sector is responsible for up to 7% of greenhouse gas emissions globally”. Hence mining is a contributor to climate change. Thus, Mining sector should also switch to renewable energy use instead of continuing to use the fossils, fuels such as gasoline or diesel as I said earlier on.
In addition, mining should now consider to have a positive social impact in the regions or areas where they operate. This is also emphasised by Higham Gulfs, cited in the intelligent miner who states that, “this means re-thinking, investment decisions on the regional scale versus just your project”. It has to carry the whole scenario in terms of the environment as I have said earlier on. This takes me to the last part of my contribution to this motion, which is climate change and its effect on women, girls and youths.
According to UK Aid, lasting change through volunteering accessed on online, www.vso.international, states that climate change impacts sexual and reproductive health and the ability to realise the fundamental human rights...
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Order, Hon. Senator. You have five minutes left. You can proceed.
HON. SEN. PHULU: I move that her time be extended.
HON. SEN. MLOTSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. President. I was talking about climate change, how it impacts on sexual reproductive health and the ability to realise fundamental human rights by women and girls, which fundamentally contributes to gender inequalities. This is actually based on a research which was carried out in Bikita and Chimanimani. The intention of the research was to make an informed decision in terms of how they could respond to climate change and how it impacts on sexual reproductive health on women and girls. For example, the research came up with results which states that climate change, if it is at 1℃ increase, in a week before delivery, a pregnant woman who intends to deliver, corresponds to 6% greater likelihood of still birth. That is how serious it is.
Increased poverty and food insecurity driven by climate related loss of livelihood is also impacting maternal health as decreased yields impact nutrients input of the poor, through a decrease in availability and supply of nutrition. The other area of that research, in terms of what it found - the key findings of it in regards to climate change, it contributes to low levels of awareness and access to sexual reproductive needs that is among farmers, women and girls. It also contributes to climate shocks, which present resource constraints on health facilities. For example, as mentioned by Hon. Sen. Shiri, when she cited the Cyclone Idai; it had a disruption on the whole health system, and also shocks exacerbate causes and effects of child marriage. Girls end up getting married as a result, perhaps to find and get comfort, being looked after by a husband. The girl will get pregnant when she is too young to give birth, leading to death. Climate change contributes to mental health issues, child bearing related complications and death.
In conclusion, investing in health systems can reduce impacts on climate change in women and girls, in regards to their sexual reproductive health and rights. I thank you.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): For the benefit of the House, if a Member feels that a Member’s time needs to be extended, after the announcement that the Member has five minutes left, you wait for the five minutes to lapse and then propose additional time. Then we would give the additional time. In this case, no additional time has been given because she was just spot on the time.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NYATHI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 14th March, 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much Mr. President for the opportunity you have given me to contribute to this very important motion that was brought to this Senate by Hon. Sen. Mavenyengwa. I notice he is not present today. It would have been my biggest pleasure to debate this motion in his presence but nonetheless, I am sure he will see my contributions in the records of Parliament.
Mr. President, I would like to express my gratitude, particularly to the Hon. Senator for moving this motion and to a few Hon. Senators that contributed to this motion in a manner that clearly shows that people are intent on making sure that Parliament contributes progressively to the development of this nation.
Hon. Sen. Mupfumira, I think was a star on this, from my own view, for she focused on what should be done to save the beauty of our nation and to make sure that refuse is discarded to the right place. She stated clearly the apparent issues of seeking political opportunity, political rent-seeking that was very clear in some of the people who contributed to this motion.
I think as long as we keep ourselves in the paddock of seeking political rent, we are not doing this nation a favour. We are not doing the people who voted us a favour. I think Hon. Sen. Rita Ndlovu did very well as well to steer the debate in the right direction as did Hon. Sen. Phulu. Clearly, then the debate got back into progressive developmental discourse rather than political rent-seeking that I saw from some of our colleagues’ contributions.
The elections are far off, elections are in 2028…
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. A. DUBE): Hon. Senator, order, I think you are debating and now you are talking about what happened yesterday. Can you please stick to your debate?
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Madam President, this was just the few appetisers that I wanted to put on the table leading to the substantive issues of my debate. I will still want to emphasise that cheap political point scoring is not good for policy redesigning and policy development.
Madam President, emphasis was laid on failure of urban local authorities to keep the damsel that is called Zimbabwe, beautiful and smart. The truth of the matter is that if you walk throughout the country, if you go to Bikita Rural District Council, the sad situation of litter all over the place is evident. If you go to Harare, it is evident, if you go to Makokoba, it is there and it is a problem that we must face as a nation. We must begin to say, what is the root cause? As long as we do not find a root cause, as long as we find easy targets, as long as we live in the lane of blame shifting and blame gaming, we are not finding solutions to the real problems that we face.
It is a reality that Mbare is very dirty and it is a reality that Makokoba Renkini is dirty. It is a reality that Makaranga in Gweru is dirty. It is a fact that Nyika Growth Point is an eyesore, so what can we do? Mention is made of the failure of our urban local authorities and interest is placed on this issue as from year 2000, which is a year incidentally when real opposition came around. The question is, is it because of opposition or are there other factors? In my opinion, successive Local Government Ministers have worked very hard since year 2000 to enfeeble, to weaken the institutions called local authorities. We had executive mayors like Ndabeni Ncube, Chayamiti, Mudzuri and yours truly who did their very best because we had the power. The laws gave us the powers to effectively manage these institutions but since then, local authorities have been enfeebled leading to declining performance.
There are other issues as well that I will raise. If you look at the revenue streams of local authorities, vehicle licence fees have been taken away. The EMA penalties are not used to correct the difficulties that local authorities are facing. Consequently, the efficiency of our local authorities in discharging their duties, in dealing with the competences are reposed on their shoulders by the law and it becomes more and more difficult.
Let me just give you an example. One mayor, Manyenyeni, diagnosed that Harare was in a difficult spot because of incapacity to do financial engineering and he employed an esteemed banker, one by the name Mushore. He knew the weakness was around resource mobilisation. Mushore is a top-notch banker, a guy who is very strong or was very strong on financial engineering and certainly, if he had been allowed to take this post, there would have been an impact on the performance of Harare. Behold, what did Minister Kasukuwere say? ‘Mushore, you will never be the Town Clerk of Harare because you do not belong to us’. This is the truth and as a result, Harare ended up taking up a Town Clerk who was less qualified for purpose than Mushore. These sorts of activities do not help the situation at all in terms of capacity and efficiency to perform, dealing with the issues that must be dealt with.
That is that on the local authorities, but I would also like to talk about the relationship between poverty and consciousness around cleanliness. If you go to Borrowdale today, and look at the streets and neighbourhood of Borrowdale and compare the neighbourhood of Borrowdale to the neighbourhood of Mbare, you will clearly see that Borrowdale is very clean and Mbare is dirty. It does not just remain there. If you go to Masvingo, you go to the top-notch suburb in Masvingo, it is sparkling clean. When you go to Mucheke, the story is different. You go to Harare, Bulawayo, you go to Matshamhlophe, it is clean, it is habitable, it is very beautiful, but go to Iminyela, it is different. What is the difference? Look at the social strata, look at the social differences between people that live in Borrowdale and those that live in Mbare. Look at their social status, their wealth, you will certainly see that there is a relationship between consciousness around cleanliness and poverty. So, what is the root cause? The root cause therefore, is what we call at micro-level, we call that hygiene security. Do you have hygiene security if you cannot buy a deodorant, if you cannot buy toothpaste, if you cannot buy soap, if you must use mushangura to kwesha your teeth, if you must use your sipo to wash your clothes? That certainly reduces your consciousness on cleanliness. What happens at micro-level, the summation of the micro-level is the macro-level. If people at macro-level are not consciously working on cleanliness, then the summation at macro-level is what you see on the streets of the poor neighbourhood.
I pose it therefore, that for as long as you have got hygiene poverty and hygiene insecurity,
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI (speaking)…as long as you have got hygiene poverty and hygiene insecurity, the total sum is that Harare City, the sunshine City, will never be the same as Windhoek, and it will never be the same as Kigali because that cry, that hygiene insecurity, hygiene poverty permeates the real world of the macro-levels of cleanliness. As long as we are not dealing with the ease of poverty, we can spend as much time as we want blaming each other. We can raise our voices loudly, they will not be changed. As long as there is poverty, you will have dirty neighbourhoods.
I did a look and a bit of regression analysis of certain factors. You look at the income level which is related to where the affluent and where the poor go, and the relationship of that incapacity to just deal with rubbish. In Harare, Bulawayo and all these cities, we have got imported residents, the transient population that come from Mrehwa etcetera. For your own information, in this country, we have got a 36% open defecation rate across the board.
If a person goes round the bush to defecate, forget about that person picking up rubbish when they see it. These are realities of our life that we need to deal with to make sure that Zimbabwe becomes the Zimbabwe that we all want and the neighbourhood becomes the neighbourhood that we all want. Sources of water are the same and the availability of the disposal of refuse, like I said, the open defecation, all those if you put that on a regression analysis curve, you will see the relationship between poverty and unconscientiousness around cleanliness. What are the answers?
We should not just keep on shouting. We must propose solutions. With respect to local authorities, the panacea to the challenge that we face is a belief and living the provisions of devolution. Allow the people to manage themselves and allow people to be responsible citizens. Give them the latitude to explore the best out of themselves. The next thing is to strengthen local authorities, allow them to function and capacitate them. Do not stop them from working and do not celebrate failure in the hope that you will get more votes because that does not happen. It is a failed strategy.
Since 2000, the ministers have been doing that, and they have been killing local authorities hoping that votes will shift, but they have not shifted. It is foolish to keep the same strategy hoping that you will get different results the next day. So hind back they attract revenue streams, give the local authorities back their electricity, give them back their licences, give them certain proportions of tax so that they have got resources available to them. Help them manage inflation. When they budgeted in December, the rate was 1:5, but today it is 1:20, and they do not have the flexibility to change the budgets so that they can deal with the challenge that they face. The budgets have shrunk four times and they are expected to deliver based on budgets that have been eroded because of inflation. This is not their choice.
Madam President, I would have talked about the irresponsibility around EMA. They punish people for polluting the land and they use the money to buy fancy vehicles and the same sewage that they were penalising the city for spilling over is still there. The attitude of the law and the provisions around EMA is that if you punish, use this…
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: Madam President, may I interject. I think the Hon. Member is out of script. The word foolishness is unparliamentary language. Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON. SEN. A. DUBE): Hon. Member, can you withdraw your statement?
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much Madam President. I do not remember calling anybody foolish, but for the benefit of my debate….
[Time Limit]
HON. SEN. ZVIDZAI: I was saying for the benefit of my debate and for the friendliness that I have with the Hon. Member, I withdraw. There are no foolish people in the country. Thank you.
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you Madam President. I thank you for bringing up this motion on dirtiness. I have a few words to bring before the House, having heard from Hon. Zvidzai as someone who has been a Mayor. He said the truth that if all of us were the same, our country would be quite clean. Firstly, I observed that our towns, whenever you drive into them, you find that hygiene is not practiced and it is now uniform throughout Zimbabwe. There is no one taking steps to rectify the issue of hygiene in our towns.
I will also raise matters of some of us here who are business people in the rural areas. I observed that when we talk of cleanliness, they are talking of being unhygienic even at their business premises. Are these persons clean as well? I say charity begins at home. We should have an eye and have the mind to be able to attend to these problems. I go to many provinces and I observed that most of our places are unhygienic. If you drive from Bulawayo, Mbalabala, before you even reach Zvishavane, there is a turn from Mberengwa and what is obtaining there is something that is a disgrace. There are a lot of plastics and bottles strewn around. We have tourists who drive through there. What do they say about the litter? We see it and we do not discuss about it. Most of us who stay in the rural areas in Matebeleland South, our beasts are dying after eating plastics that are being thrown around by people because we have no laws. If you go to Singapore today, you will see that the place is clean and hygienic. The nationals are proud of their country; if there is any dirt, there are people to attend to it.
In the rural areas, there is a Food for Work Programme. What kind of jobs are on offer? People attend to these matters but after that, we find the places dirty because these people were not paid. When we are here talking about our country, we should come up with suggestions to policymakers so that they approach people to get their views. There are a lot of unemployed people. There is a beer called Njengu, you cannot travel for 500 metres, especially in rural areas before seeing bottles strewn all over. When some people are driving, they litter with bottles and all sorts of rubbish all over. At road blocks, you will find empty bottles of beer and all sorts of empty bottles. Then you ask yourself, what sort of a country goes without a law?
In conclusion Madam President, let us try to clean up our place. Let us conscientise our people. When we enter our ports of entry at either Plumtree or Maitengwe, it is so unhygienic and an embarrassment. What is the money that is being generated there being used on? That money should be used to ensure that the place is kept clean. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MAKAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday,14th March, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. MAKAMBA, the Senate adjourned at Sixteen Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 13th March, 2024
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)
HON. MATEWU: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. M. NCUBE): What is your point of order?
HON. MATEWU: Madam Speaker, we come here week in, week out and always complain about the absence of Ministers. You must note Madam Speaker, that today, apart from the Leader of Government Business, we only have one Cabinet Minister out of a total of 23. Our role is well defined in Section 119 of the Constitution. We implore your Office to approach the Office of the President to report that as Parliament, we are not happy to not have Cabinet Ministers attending Parliament and executing their roles and being accountable to Parliament as they should be. Thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Matewu for raising that. We take note of that …
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Let me quote from Section 107…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. Hon. Matewu, I said we are taking note of that and we will convey the message to the Speaker. Thank you.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Can I continue Madam Speaker?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: You can go ahead, what is your point of order?
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My point of order Madam Speaker is, this institution of Parliament is not being taken seriously and I suggest …
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. We have already agreed that we have taken note of that. We cannot continue discussing the same issue. The point has already been made – [HON. MEMBERS: It is a different issue.] – The Hon. Member sitting next to you Honourable, you are not the one who raised the point of order. So, please be quiet. Go ahead Hon. Member.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. Let me quote from Section 107 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe…..
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member! Hon. Matewu, we have taken note of that and we will convey the message to the Speaker.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My point of order Madam Speaker, is that this institution of Parliament is not being taken seriously and I suggest ……
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Member, we have already agreed that we have taken note of that. We cannot continue discussing the same issue.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: It is a different version Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: The point has already been made and we have taken note of it. You can go ahead Hon. Member.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: The dimension I am taking is that I am moving a motion that we suspend Parliament business pending the coming on board of our Ministers so that we can ask all questions in respect of the people we represent. We have a Minister and a Deputy Minister in each portfolio ….
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order! – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – We have a Leader of Government Business. If Ministers are not here, he is there to answer your questions.
Hon. Members, he did not move a motion, he raised a point of order. Do you know the difference between a motion and a point of order? Go to your standing rules and read. Hon. Members on my left, it is very unfortunate for you because you missed a very important workshop where you were supposed to learn – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – May the Chief Whip from my left please approach the Chair.
Hon. N. Ndlovu having approached the Chair.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order Hon. Mutseyami and according to which standing order?
HON. MUTSEYAMI: My point of order is to do with the absence of Ministers and they have not put apologies…..
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Mutseyami, order and please be seated.
Hon. Hamauswa having approached the Chair.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: May you please go back to your seat and bow down when approaching this Chair. Order Hon. Members.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have got a list of apologies from Hon. K. Coventry, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon. Mupamhanga Junior, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Centres; Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. Dr. A. J. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. D. Phuti, Deputy of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services; Hon. Z. Soda, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. D. Kabikira, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works; Hon. Prof. M. Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion; Hon. Dr. S. N. Nyoni, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. Prof. A. Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Hon. V. Haritatos, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Hon. D. Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and Hon. S. T. Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. CHINODAKUFA: My question is directed to the Minister of Youth, Empowerment and Vocational Training Centres. We have youths with disabilities who also need vocational training but most of the Vocational Training Centres are not disability friendly. What are the Ministry’s plans in this regard so that youths with disabilities can access training in their respective provinces?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. What the Ministry of Youth, Empowerment and Vocational Trainng Centre is doing is to do a needs assessment of all the VTCs. They are in the process of revamping and upgrading some of them and ensuring that where they are not there, they are available. Definitely, because of the inclusion of those that are disabled, they are going to factor that into consideration with a view of ensuring also that they are not left out in terms of the programmes that they would be offering. That is work in progress and the Ministry is taking care of that.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Talking about infrastructure that can be accessed by people with disabilities, not only Vocational Training Centres but even if they are trained and they want to approach the workplace, there is no infrastructure that is easily accessible by people with disabilities at every Government building. The issue needs to be looked at.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: I want to thank Hon. Nyamupinga for that intervention. Indeed, it is correct. Currently, what is happening is that all the new buildings that are being built are taking care of members of our society with disabilities. Those that do not have, we are working towards ensuring that they comply with that requirement. It is correct that initially the buildings that were built did not cater for members of the society with disabilities but now all Government buildings that are being put up, we make sure that they are catered for. Those that are not, we are now renovating them to make sure they take care of members of society with disabilities.
HON. MAKUMIRE: My supplementary question is, what is Government doing to ensure that these youths which we are advocating for can also not be discriminated on employment opportunities especially to those who are qualified, but cannot be employed by different employers on the pretext that the employers cannot meet the cost of their aides?
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. The discrimination against people with disabilities is taken care of in two pieces of legislation. The first one is in the Labour Act which makes sure that people should not be discriminated on the basis of disability. The second one is the Disability Act itself where the board is required to monitor those people who are being discriminated against on the basis of disability. Both Acts require that inspections be done at places of work and to make sure that people with disability are not discriminated against. So, we have been taking a whole Government approach and inspections are now done, not only by the Department of Labour but by those in Occupational Health and Safety and in other ministries. If we are talking about the Ministry of Mines, they are involved and if we are going for inspections in the Ministry of Agriculture, those in agriculture are now involved.
We urge Members of Parliament or anybody in society who has something to report on those who are discriminating against people with disability, to come forward so that we can take remedial action. I thank you.
HON. GANYIWA: What is Government’s position regarding the establishment or decentralisation of Vocational Training Centres to the administrative districts, taking into consideration that we have so many students that are school leavers who fail to access these Vocational Training Centres because some of these centres are at provincial level?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Madam Speaker, I think Hon. Ganyiwa was not there when the original question was asked where I indicated that the Ministry of Youth and Empowerment is doing an assessment of all the vocational training centres. The thrust is to ensure that those that we have are operational to the maximum level and they also assess areas where there is a need but again, we also have to appreciate that this is subject to availability of resources. So if you go around the country, most of the VTCs are not being used to their maximum capacity and that is the thrust that the Ministry is doing.
Once they identify what is required, the first step is to ensure that those are capacitated because we already have infrastructure and everything. So we need to ensure that those are operational up to the maximum capacity then we can then look and say, can we decentralise to districts when we know that at that particular level, in fact, the majority of our VTCs are not at provincial level per se, but are in specific areas?
For example, we have a VTC at Murombedzi Growth Point, and the thrust is to ensure that it is operating at its maximum capacity, then we can decentralise to other areas. That is the work in progress that the Ministry is doing with a view of ensuring that we absorb a lot of our O’Level learners who would have finished, but could not get an opportunity to proceed with their academic education. I thank you.
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
VISITOR IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I wish to recognise the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery, of Ms. Kate Akello, the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Transport Logistics from Parliament of Uganda. May we all welcome her – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
CLIMATE CHANGE SENSITISATION WORKSHOP
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I also wish to inform the House that the Climate Change Sensitisation Workshop scheduled for Friday, 15th and Saturday 16th, March, 2024 in the Multi-Purpose Hall at the New Parliament Building will now start with lunch at 1200 hours on Friday, 15th March, 2024.
COLLECTION OF CALENDARS
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Furthermore, I wish to inform the House that Hon. Members are advised to collect their calendars from the Public Relations Department in office No. 230, Second Floor.
I am seeing we now have more Ministers in the House. We now have Hon. Rwodzi and also Hon, Mavhunga, the Minister of War Veterans. Congratulations Hon. Minister on your new appointment – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. CHIGUMBU: On a point of order Madam Speaker…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order and according to which Standing Rule?
HON. CHIGUMBU: No. 65 – [AN HON. MEMBER: This is not fair.] -
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Can you read what is on No. 65 and if it is not fair, I am talking to the Hon. Member who is standing. Can you read that Standing Rule please?
HON. CHIGUMBU: It says a Member who is of the opinion that the rules of procedure have been breached by another Member may raise a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Who has breached a rule here? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
HON. CHIGUMBU: That is why I have raised a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please be seated. I want to see the Hon. Member who said you have breached the order. Hon. Member stand up, apologise and withdraw your statement before I chase you out of this House. Stand up! Can the third Hon. Member in line number four stand up.
HON. G. SITHOLE: What is your issue Madam Speaker?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: My issue?
HON. G. SITHOLE: Yes.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, please leave the House. I am the Chair here, leave the House.
HON. G. SITHOLE: Chair, what have I done?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Leave the House Hon. Member.
HON. G. SITHOLE: You cannot just say I should leave the House. I have 19 000 voters …
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Serjeant-at-Arms, may you please help us.
HON. G. SITHOLE: Which section Madam Chair.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, leave the House! – [HON. G. SITHOLE: We cannot operate like an animal farm] – what did you say. Is this an animal farm? Leave the House Honourable.
HON. G. SITHOLE: I asked for a section. Which section are you quoting from?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Leave the House Hon. Member please.
Hon. G. Sithole was duly escorted out of the House
HON. CHIGUMBU: Hon. Speaker, you told me to sit down and I thought you were going to consider me now.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Hon. Member, you can raise your point of order now.
HON. CHIGUMBU: The point of order that I want to raise pertains to calendars. We are shocked that the entire calendar is full of Members from the other party whilst we are not on those calendars. I think this has to be addressed. It is not fair. Even if you check the social media sites for this Parliament, you only see the Members from the other party. This Parliament is for everyone, it is a national institution and this has to be corrected. Thank you, Madam Speaker Ma’am – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Member. Let me defer that one to next week. You will get a full answer next week [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
Hon. Members, the Ministers are here. You need to ask questions. If you keep on talking and not listening, I do not know what you really want them to do. They will leave without answering questions. Please, let us be quiet.
HON. MURAMBIWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. We passed the 2024 National Budget last year in December when the official exchange rate was around US$1:ZW5700. The various ministries and departments set their targets basing on that official exchange rate. Now, the rate has gone up so badly. What is the Minister going to do to ensure that the various ministries and departments are going to achieve the set targets?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. K. D. MNANGAGWA): Hon. Madam Speaker, I am starting to sound like a broken record. I continue to reference the same issue. Once we have adjusted our exchange rate management system, there will be a re-calibration. This will mean that the figures that are there will be aligned to the new system that is coming up. The exchange rate management system which will be outlined in the upcoming Monetary Policy Statement – again Madam Speaker, without sounding like a broken record, I would plead that until this document comes, we allow debate and any oversight on any other issues to then come in on that.
HON. SAGANDIRA: On that same note Madam Speaker, the concern is on the civil servant whose salary, the Zimbabwean dollar component, was pegged at 333 000 at that same period that the Hon. Member was talking about. It was equivalent to US$60 at that time but today as we speak, it has reduced to US$5. What plans have you put in place to make sure that the civil servants are covered?
HON. K. D. MNANGAGWA: We do take note of the civil servants’ plight, especially the salaries to be of great importance. You will find that there are two issues; one is the component of the salary that has been eroded by the exchange rate volatility and inflation and the other issue might have to do with a general adjustment. Again, these are discussions that are under talks with the TNF. Without pre-empting that, you will see an indexing to avoid that erosion. All these safeguards are measures that keep on revolving around the same issue that I keep on describing to be affecting almost every aspect of our governance which we are currently mapping out.
HON. MADZIVANYIKA: My supplementary question to the Minister is that – this subject is an elephant in the living room. We have been raising this question since January week in, week out. Before, it was Monetary Policy and next week is, you are consulting. We need assurance from the Minister because this is a matter of national importance. When are we going to have this corrected? Today, you are saying there is going to be a new currency management system; when is that coming because this is a matter of urgency? We expect answers from the Minister, not to say can you be patient with me over and over again – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I think the Minister has answered that one – [HON. MEMBERS: When?]- Now. He said it is work in progress and it is under discussion.
HON. TSVANGIRAI: We understand that the Minister says that we are going to have the Monetary Policy in the next few weeks. What is the Minister doing on the fiscal side of things to cushion those who are affected by the high inflation rate or high cost of living?
HON. K. D. MNANGAGWA: I think the Hon. Member wants us to deliver half-baked solutions to the prevailing situation. The Fiscal Policy will seek to align with the up-coming monetary policy, only then will those measures be in place.
HON. MUGWADI: My supplementary question to the Minister is in respect of local currency. It appears there is serious growing tendencies from business community and other institutions such as schools who have suddenly ceased to respect the Zimbabwean dollar as a currency and legal tender. What is the Minister doing to ensure that at least we must see unconditional acceptance of the local currency as has been directed by the powers that be?
HON. K. D. MNANGAGWA: As you have rightly pointed out, the Zimbabwean dollar is legal tender and anyone failing to accept the Zimbabwean dollar is operating outside the law. If there are instances where one is operating in an illegality, we do have institutions like the Financial Intelligence Unit, which we can send a note to investigate why they are continuing with this process. I would like Hon. Members to focus on the bigger picture which we keep on churning in, in the next few weeks and in the fullness of time, I believe we will have a more robust solution to these shenanigans.
*HON. MURERI: Thank you Madam Speaker for affording me the opportunity to ask my question. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance. What is Government thinking about pensioners in light of the deteriorating levels of the Zimbabwean dollar? I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. The Minister is not your friend. Withdraw your statement, ‘answer shamwari’. We do not have friends in this House. He is an Hon. Minister. Please withdraw your statement.
Hon. Hlatshwayo, the person who said answer shamwari, you know who he is. Please withdraw Hon. Member, we want to move on. We do not have friends in here, but Hon. Members and Hon. Ministers.
HON. SAGANDIRA: On behalf of the Hon. Member…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Not on behalf, Hon. Member please be seated. Hon Member withdraw your statement or you leave the House. Chief Whip, please ask your Member to withdraw his statement. It is that one, he is Hon. Ropa? Withdraw your statement. That is the Minister of Finance not shamwari. Withdraw your statement Hon. Member. We want to move on. Please do not defend each other when you are doing wrong things. Ropa!
HON. MAKUMIRE: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I think we need to conduct ourselves in an honourable manner when we are doing business in this House.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Yes, especially yourself.
HON. MAKUMIRE: I am just getting into the House and you tell me that I said shamwari to the Hon. Minister. Also, I am Hon. Makumire Ropafadzo and not Ropa. When we are here, we are not your children. We are Hon. Members of Parliament. We are not your children, but Hon. Members of Parliament representing constituencies out there.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, Order Hon. Member.
HON. MAKUMIRE: May you please withdraw that I said shamwari.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: You said so, withdraw that statement Hon. Member.
HON. MAKUMIRE: I never said that Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, do you want me to chuck you out of the House?
HON. MAKUMIRE: No, I will not go out and I will not withdraw what I have not said. I am just coming into the House and you are saying I said shamwari to the Minister? I am not leaving the House.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member leave the House.
HON. MAKUMIRE: Let us go to the camera, let us go to the VAR.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I said leave the House Hon. Member. Leave the House.
HON. MAKUMIRE: Ndi Mr. Mudenda.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What did you say?
HON. HAMAUSWA: Why are you so angry with our Members?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Hamauswa, please take your seat.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I believe issues to do with pensioners is under the purview of Hon. Minister July Moyo who is the relevant Minister.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): Thank you Madam Speaker. The issue of protection of those in the post labour market generally known as people who are on pension is very critical. Those in the public sector which includes all of us here have what we call a defined benefit scheme. This guarantees that you will be paid something that is defined at law and that it will not be reduced until you die. When you die, it is also defined how your spouse will benefit and the calculations are there in the law. If you have children under the age of 18 years, it is also defined how they will access that pension. There is a difference however, for those who are in managed schemes, be it self-managed or managed by other organisations such as Old Mutual. Most of them have the defined contribution scheme. Both the worker and employer contribute, and that money is invested. It is out of the contributions and the investment that we hope, at the end of the day, you will get a fair pension payout. However, you know the vagaries of investment and those hap are impacted on by the macro economy such that at the end of the day, you might not get what you originally expected to get. Government is looking into these two schemes that are coming either from the private sector or any scheme that is a defined contribution scheme to ensure that we can support and have people getting their pensions that are reasonable. That is the situation that we find ourselves in. Those in the public sector in defined benefits, those will not get eroded except by inflation, but those in the private sector can be eroded because either the investment has not done well or the contribution or the pension scheme itself has been eroded by inflation. I thank you.
*HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The pensioners are being tossed from one Ministry to the other. This question was asked on 13th February. The pension for pensioners needs to be looked into but the Minister said they were going to look into it. It is now a month down the line and nothing has been done to correct the anomaly. We have pensioners who require medication on daily basis but they have not received any concrete response from the relevant ministries. They are living in poverty because the pensions that they are getting are meagre and insufficient. Ministers should tell us tangible things so that the money that they are getting as pensioners will be able to sustain them and buy drugs for them – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members on my right. Hon. Member, ask your question.
*HON. MUROMBEDZI: My question is that Ministers should come up with concrete responses in terms of what is being done about the plight of the pensioners who are suffering…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, ask your question!
*HON. MUROMBEDZI: Ministers should give us concrete statements…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, ask your question, then the Minister will respond.
*HON. MUROMBEDZI: What tangible measures has the Ministers done in order to alleviate the plight of our pensioners so that they can buy drugs and live better livelihoods? I thank you.
*HON. J. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Member. A tangible response requires a tangible question. I had been asked what Government policy is and that was the tangible response that I have given. If you have got a tangible question so that I can give a concrete statement, I will be happy if you do that.
*HON. MATSUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would want to direct my supplementary question to the Minister of Public Service. How far has Government gone in reviewing and disbursing funds that are given to pensioners? Pensioners travel from different corners of the country to the capital city to collect the pension which is not enough.
*HON. J. MOYO: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for that question. The response to the question on Government’s plan would be, for the civil servants and those in public institutions from the President to different Government officials and different civil servants, when they are no longer working and are pensioners, there is a clear policy regarding the monies that they are paid. For example, if you were a permanent secretary, the retired pensioner is given one third of their pension, which is commutation. That is a lumpsum of one third.
The difference is that if we were at the same level, earning the same amount, the commutation that you get as a woman is more than what I am getting. This is because they consider that you are going to live longer than me. This was done by those who do actuarial science that retired women normally live for 11 and 7 months, whilst as a man, I live for 10 and 2 months. So, I get lesser commutation than a woman. After taking that lumpsum, the residual pension which comes is less than the salary that is being given to a serving permanent secretary or serving officer.
Because I took my one third, then I will get the remainder of my pension bit by bit. It will not be exactly the same with the one who is at work. Inflation is adjusted for both those who are serving and those who are pensioners. However, those who are still at work in the private sector for example, the Railway Pension Fund or the Mining Pension Fund, is the one that I said is a defined contribution. Their money is channeled to a pool fund which is managed by trustees, either of the Railways or the Pension Fund. That money can be used to build houses, offices or be put on bonds so that it gives them dividends. This interest is the one which is going to be given as dividends to the pensioners.
However, some of the monies will be affected by inflation. When you are given the balance, the value will be eroded by inflation. That is why you find people sometimes suffering. What ends up happening is when we change our currency to dollarisation, you will discover that pensions which were pulled by different companies were affected by the migration from one currency to the other. Therefore, we need to deliberate as Government so that we cushion our people in order for them to have money for day to day living expenses. If you have specific names and the monies that they are getting, I will suggest that you put it in writing so that I go and research and come back with enough information. I thank you.
HON. MAONEKE: My supplementary question is, what is the Ministry doing to improve financial literacy, especially among pensioners considering its importance during this hyperinflationary environment?
* HON. J. MOYO: Madam Speaker, I believe that it is a difficult question regarding what could be done in educating people in financial literacy particularly pensioners. If it pertains to educating people regarding their pensions and issues relating to their pensions, it is a difficult question. Financial literacy is a big question for me, I cannot respond to the question.
*HON. MATINENGA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. My question is directed to the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises Development. What is Government plan regarding the enhancement of the knowledge of women in information technology so that they are able to move with the technological trends that are prevailing? Technology is quite important especially during the women’s month which I believe is quite pertinent in bettering their lives.
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. We have a whole of Government approach. ICT issues, despite the fact that the Minister of Women’s Affairs is responsible for women, all ICT issues are channeled to the Minister of ICT. The Minister of ICT is responsible for that even in terms of policy formulation and the implementation of such policies regarding the betterment of women. May you please allow the Minister of ICT to respond? I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: The Hon. Minister of ICT, you may respond.
*THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES (HON. DR. MAVETERA): Let me thank the Hon. Member for that pertinent question. I believe that we have a programme which is meant to bring gender balance and the mainstreaming of gender, particularly during the women’s month. The International Telecommunication Union has a programme called Girls in ICT. As I am speaking, this programme is actually going to be running even this coming month. In this country it is meant to empower women.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, I also want to congratulate girls from Tynwald and Milestone who came back today from Italy. These young girls are studying robotics which teaches literacy to young women, even young girls are also empowered with computer skills. We are teaching women digital skills which I believe even this august House has been doing this and we applaud this good job, particularly in the past two weeks. What is disheartening is that Members of this august House did not attend this programme as we expected.
Madam Speaker, what we are saying is that when people are taught digital skills, then they should also go and enhance coding and robotics. These digital skills are meant to benefit our women. When they are empowered with general knowledge, then they can specialise in robotics and coding and other specialised fields.
Let me continue saying that this programme that we are referring to, for instance, where our young girls went to Italy, is a programme which is targeted at young girls and women. The desire of the Ministry is that if most women would participate in such programmes, even the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should also consider including in their curriculum, coding and robotics. We have a whole Government approach and we are going to complement what other Ministries are doing. This also will help everyone to have computer skills, I thank you.
*HON. KARENYI: My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister is, I would like to know the plans her Ministry has in improving women’s lives, particularly those who are in rural areas who do not have smart phones which allow them to surf the internet and browse Facebook, X and YouTube sites. How is the Ministry going to assist such women so that they have phones which can assist the virtual market? I thank you.
*HON. DR. MAVETERA: Let me thank Hon. Karenyi for her question. Indeed, the issue regarding smart phones is a programme that we are seized with because as Zimbabweans, we want to digitalise our communications and smart devices are needed. What we are doing is that firstly as a nation, I want to appreciate that we have such programme which is going to be run by a company called ZITCO where they will be assembling phones and computers. If they get enough funding, they will start manufacturing phones for our market.
We also intend to engage manufacturing companies in other countries. The purpose of this programme is to create partnerships with other countries. We have been in talks with Huawei which promised to avail cheaper devices. We are engaging other companies besides Huawei and this is the plan that we have, of partnering with other companies so that we will be able to tap into the different information technology they are running. This is quite important. We need to make our devices affordable. We have three things which I believe are going to benefit everyone in terms of digitisation. The first thing is having good infrastructure, the second one is devices and the third one is the issue of data. These are very important three components which are needed in terms of bettering women’s lives through technology. I want to thank His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa who also initiated the issue of cheaper and affordable devices.
HON. J. TSHUMA: I want to thank the Minister for her clear response towards the emancipation of women. My follow up question is on data. Coming from places where there are poor people, data is very expensive. What is the Ministry’s position in making sure that before we go and train these women, data is affordable and training can be accessed easily especially in our locations?
HON. DR. MAVETERA: Let me thank Hon. Tshuma for that question. Indeed, it is imperative for us as a Ministry to see what we can do towards us making sure that we have affordable data. What we have tried to do is for us to engage the telecommunication companies so that we really come up with knowing what the cost drivers of data are. That, we have already done. What we are also going to do is for us to engage in line with the whole Government approach where we need to engage the Ministry of Finance and see what we need to do in terms of us making sure that we can work towards the cost of data.
However, we are also looking at other ways and possibilities that we can have for us to make sure that we just do not look at fibre connections, but we also look at accessing satellite networks in order for us to have reliable and affordable data.
*HON. JONGA: I want to direct my question to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. Our education standards are deteriorating, particularly in the rural areas and this is evident in the pass rate which is going down for Grade 7s and Form 4s. What steps is Government taking in terms of correcting the deteriorating pass rate? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. T. MOYO): Indeed, it is true. In the past, BEAM funds were delaying but in 2024, the African Union declared that 2024 was a year for the African child. I went to Ethiopia with his Excellency the President to the summit and when we went there, the President said that he was going to make sure that our children learn in a conducive environment. As I speak, BEAM funds have been released and some have started trickling in to schools. They are clearing the debts that were there for last year.
Through His Excellency’s wisdom, the fees were gazetted in US$ but payable at interbank rate so that the school fees have value - P3 schools might be charging US$5, P2 schools might be charging US$10 and P1 schools might be charging US$200, which means that when BEAM is paid, it is paid at interbank rate of that particular day. This is wisdom which seeks to preserve the value of school fees so that they are not left behind through inflation.
HON. KAITANO: We applaud all what Government is doing through the BEAM programme. Given what has happened this year, I would want to hear the Government policy regarding the other learners that are not on BEAM because in rural Zimbabwe, many parents are not going to harvest anything. We know that they send their kids to school using money from their produce and there is high probability that parents will not be able to pay for fees from second to third terms. Has Government taken cognisance of this possibility and if it has done so, what probably has been put in place to ensure that school fees is paid and the schools are able to be operational?
HON. T. MOYO: Hon. Speaker, may I take this opportunity to thank Hon. Kaitano for the question. The Government is seized with the prevailing conditions happening in Zimbabwe as a result of the El Nino phenomenon which has seen many families having shortages of food on their table. The Government will not stand aloof witnessing learners failing to access education which is their fundamental right as enshrined in Section 75 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
In addition to BEAM, the Government is also providing what we call Grant-in-Aid of tuition where Government has identified all the most impoverished districts in Zimbabwe and learners, especially in primary schools. In those marginalised and impoverished districts, we have free basic State funded education and I want to applaud the Government for that innovation and initiative.
Again, the committees that are involved in selecting prospective beneficiaries of BEAM – it is a continuous process Madam Speaker, where those families that are affected by the hardships as a result of the El Nino phenomenon, if they fail to pay, it means communities in those rural set ups will also meet and increase the number of beneficiaries of BEAM. I will also allow my brother, Hon. J. Moyo because he is the Minister responsible for social safety nets also to add to what I have said if you allow me Hon. Speaker.
HON. J. MOYO: I can only add to the fact that yes, it is true there is a devastation in terms of climate induced drought this year which has seen many families becoming food insecure, but that food insecurity also means a number of social insecurities that they are going to face. As regards education as the Minister has said, we operate the BEAM system and that BEAM system is not fixed in terms of the number of children who can access that BEAM. We have the Zimbabwe Livelihood Assessment Programme which looks in every year, the number of children who must access BEAM.
So we have not done so yet and this coming year, I am sure ZimLAC assessment will show that there are more children. Last year we were assisting up to 30% of children in primary and secondary schools. When BEAM was originally conceived, it was supposed to look after 26% of the children in primary and secondary schools, but in some years, because of the pressures, we have gone up to 35%.
So that is informed by a scientifically determined assessment which is led by the food and nutritional council which is housed in the President’s Office. That is why when we are referring to all these interventions, these are presidential interventions that will have been undertaken, not just by the Food and Nutrition Council, but by whole of Government approach. It also includes civil society and UN agencies, and in some cases, particular governments that also want to give us their technical assistance, both in terms of financial and technical input so that what we produce is something that is closest to reality of those who need assistance. That is what we will be undertaking for this year. Thank you.
HON. I. NDUDZO: My supplementary question to the Hon. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education is a follow up on the question earlier on raised by Hon. Jonga in relation to the need to improve on the pass rates. My question is, apart from the payment of fees, what are the other policy measures and interventions being implemented by the Ministry to make sure that we improve on the Grade 7 and Ordinary Level pass rates, particularly for our rural schools?
HON. T. MOYO: It is not true that pass rates are going down. The point is every year we have seen an increase in pass rate from Grade 7 up to A’ Level. At Grade 7, the pass rate rose from slightly above 40% to more than 50%, and we cannot say that is poor performance. It is an increase in performance of our learners. At A’Level, the pass rate rose from 91% to 95% and that is the national pass rate at A ‘Level. At O’Level, the pass rate rose from roughly 25% to 29%. That is not pleasing and in the majority of cases, rural schools do not perform well compared to urban schools because of the differences in disparities.
As a Ministry, we have already reviewed the curriculum and embarked on the Heritage Based Education where we are emphasising issues of connectivity and rolling out information communication technology from ECD. What the Hon. Minister of Information, Communication and Technology was referring to on coding, robotics as well as artificial intelligence, because of this new curriculum, we are going to roll out all those new strategies of ensuring that even a student at ECD is able to access a tablet or laptop like I said two weeks ago.
We have already engaged development partners and patriotic Zimbabweans who are in America and New Zealand who are going to roll out this programme to ensure that we provide laptops and gadgets, starting from Chipinge, Beitbridge, and Chivi until the whole country is covered. If we do all that, obviously, that will lead and culminate into an increase in pass rates. As a Ministry, we are seized with the issue and we will make sure we work very hard and tirelessly.
Let me take this opportunity to thank our teachers who are dedicated to duty and hardworking. We are continuously motivating them to ensure that they produce excellent results come end of this year. I thank you.
HON. BAJILA: I want to ask a supplementary question which takes us back to Hon. Jonga’s original question on BEAM and the pass rates. There are some learners who are unable to get their results for Grade 7 or Form 4 simply because there are BEAM arrears. Over the years that the Minister mentioned that we are trying to clear the backlog, what is Government’s policy on schools withholding end of year results to learners on the basis of BEAM arrears?
HON. T. MOYO: Government policy is very clear. Withholding of results at either Grade 7, Form 4 or A’ Level is illegal. It is a violation of rights to education. As soon as results are out, schools are forced by law to release the results regardless of whether they owe the school or not. The question should not be restricted to BEAM. It may also apply to trust schools. We have seen some learners suing schools – those schools for the elite and those that have violated the law, the law will apply. No one will be spared.
HON. NKANI: My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. In his absence, I will direct it to the Leader of the House. What is Government’s position on the resuscitation of Government owned mining companies which are not operational?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Just a point of clarity, is the Hon. Member referring to Government owned mines that the Government is using or private mines that are not under use?
HON. NKANI: I am referring to Government owned mines, for example those under ZMDC.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: The question is extremely broad. A mine is closed for a specific reason. You cannot have a ‘one size fit all’ why mine A is not operating and mine B is not operating. You need to focus on that specific mine. If the Hon. Member is worried about a specific mine that is not operating or specific mines, perhaps if he can put it in writing and the responsible Minister will be able to articulate that this particular mine was closed because of one/two/three/four and Government is undertaking the following steps to ensure that the particular mine is resuscitated.
HON. M. SIBANDA: My question is directed to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. In the past weeks, we have seen the law enforcers ruthlessly dealing with illegally settled villagers. What is Government’s position in dealing with the land barons who are the real perpetrators of illegal settlements?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Before I respond to the main question, I just want to make a clarification that the police never ruthlessly went for villagers. The police are there to ensure that law and order is maintained. Where an individual decides to go and occupy State land without authority, it is the duty of the police to ensure that, that particular individual does not occupy that particular place.
Coming to the main body of the question, it is very correct that we have a menace of land barons, land barons who are deliberately misleading innocent citizens, allocating and fleecing them of their hard-earned money, allocating them land which does not belong to them. Government is now going to undertake an exercise where we will involve everyone; the community, the lands officers, our chiefs and be able to go area by area addressing the issues and identifying the culprits. Those culprits will then be arrested and dealt with. What Government requires is that all those who want land must follow the lawful procedures of acquiring land. People must desist from being swindled by these land barons that you refer to.
We believe that undertaking a peace-meal approach to this, we may not realise the desired result. We are going to have a whole of Government approach or whole of society approach where we say if we are dealing with Harare, we are going to Caledonia and we want everyone involved to be in that particular area. We then ask the real issues, who has been doing what? Among the people who are there, we then separate the innocent from the culprits and we deal with the culprits. We look at the situation and say, how can this situation be remedied and we get a full solution to it. That is an exercise that is going to come very soon and we are prepared as Government to deal with this issue once and for all.
HON. M. SIBANDA: My supplementary question is, in each election cycle, we always see people being settled illegally and after elections, we realise that these people are evicted. This has been recurring, immediately after elections people are evicted from spaces …
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Ask your question Hon. Member.
HON. M. SIBANDA: The Minister has said we will try and deal with this, but we are saying this has been recurring in each election cycle.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: You did not ask a question Hon. Sibanda. I do not know whether it was a comment.
HON. M. SIBANDA: It was a comment.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Alright.
HON. SAKUPWANYA: Section 295 of the Constitution recognises that we compensate illegal white farmers who were not the owners of the premises where improvements were made to the places within which they settled but did not belong to them. My supplementary question is, are we considering a compensation tool for some of these people deemed to be illegal settlers considering that some of them have stayed for 10 to 20 years? As the saying goes, what is good for the goose should be good for the gander. We are in this sense, the gander.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Madam Speaker Ma’am, in my earlier response, I indicated that we are going to look at each area and analyse the situation that is obtaining there. Once we do that, we then look at the feasible options. The President is for people to have adequate accommodation where they have proper housing. The President is not for demolishing people’s houses. In fact, on the contrary, the President is saying even those in urban areas who do not have title deeds, despite having stayed in the same house for several years, and all they know is a card at the Municipal offices, let us ensure that they have title deeds. It is true that if somebody has been occupying a land for over 20 years, technically we cannot go there without violating that particular individual’s rights and say we are demolishing. The law does not allow us to do that. What we are saying is that we will go area by area with all the stakeholders involved and interrogate whether it is feasible to do that or not. We have already started doing that. We were taken to court by some commercial farmers under the bi-lateral arrangement whereby we were not supposed to take their land. Our solution was that if the farm is still vacant, we can return it to that particular farmer, but it is impossible because of the settlers that are already there. The best solution is to look for an alternative farm so that we satisfy our legal requirements. That is what we are going to do even to our settlers. We do not have an appetite of making our own people homeless. That is not the policy of our President. His policy is to ensure that everyone has got a house that they call home and this is the Vision 2030 that the President is talking about. By the time we get to 2030, we will have housing for all. That is the reason why you saw under His Excellency’s leadership, a whole Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities to tackle those issues. So it is not correct to say that Government is going to evict villagers that have stayed on their land or on the land that they occupied for over 20 years without compensation. We are not going to do that, but we will analyse if it is feasible for them to continue in that particular area. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. JAMES: Thank you Madam Speaker. Will Government take into account the Justice Uchena Report that was presented in 2019 that deals with these issues in peri-urban and urban areas? I believe the report has not been made public. Will it be made public?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. In fact, the Hon. Member was not listening to what I said. I said this will be a whole of society, so anything that will assist us to ensure that we resolve the issues area by area, we are prepared to do that. What we are reluctant to do is to do a piece-meal approach to it. We want a final solution to this issue, whether we deal ruthlessly with land barons, but we will secure the interests of ordinary citizens. So we will go to a particular area and the Ministry of Housing, Local Government, Lands and their officials, our chiefs, the villagers and every stakeholder will be there. We know each other in our villages. The villagers will be able to tell us who was there and who was not there.
HON. MBIRIPIRI: On a point of order. I think the Minister did not get the question properly. The question is not about what they are doing. The question from the Hon. Member….
THE ACTING SPEAKER: But you are not the one who asked the question.
HON. MBIRIPIRI: I heard the question, I am just trying to help because he is going at a tangent.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member order. Let the Minister finish responding.
HON. ZIYAMBI: Madam Speaker, the Commission of Enquiry Report gives a recommendation. It does not prescribe what we should do. If I am recommended to go with him and I do not want, I will not go with him. I am saying that we are taking an approach that will be inclusive of what was recommended by Uchena if it helps us have the final solution. So I do not see any tangent in that. In a nutshell, what I am saying is that Government is prepared to ensure that we have order and we deal decisively with land barons. That is why I was very grateful to the originator of the question who asked specifically what we are doing about land barons. Those are the culprits. The ordinary citizens are victims and we want to protect the victims by ensuring that when we go to a specific village, which I said kumusha tozivana kuti akauya gore rakati uyu akanga asipo. They will tell us and we will be able to give those people an opportunity to tell us why they are there when they do not have papers.
We will have a solution whereby the Minister of Lands will be there because we do not want to throw our people out there in the cold. He should be able to find land for them. So this will be the Government approach which will even include the Minister of Social Welfare because we need the welfare of those individuals to be taken care of. So all I am saying is that it is work in progress. We have a working party that is looking at this and once it is finalised, we will make it public so that whoever wants to attend will do so and contribute, then we deal decisively with the issue of land barons. I thank you.
HON. CHIDUWA: What is government policy regarding the importation and consumption of GMOs in general, and grain in particular?
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): I want to thank Hon Chiduwa for the question. I just want to make a correction. We are faced with a drought, but we are not yet food deficient. We have pockets that did not perform well the previous season. Every year we harvest towards April/May, so the season that we are facing is the one that we are food deficient, but currently we have pockets whereby we have food insufficiency and the Ministry of Social Welfare is dealing with that. So we are in the middle of assessing the extent of the ravages of El-Nino and we are coming up with a package to ensure that as a nation, we will be food self-sufficient. So it is not scientifically and technically correct, to say that we should import either GMOs or maize. We are not yet there. We are waiting for the statistics of what we can expect given the ravages of El Nino. What we have in stock, be it private sector or the GMB and we assess what we require later on. We do not want the nation to panic that we are not food self-sufficient right now. It is not correct but we are doing the assessment so that at the end of the day, we will come up with a plan of action that will ensure that Zimbabweans do not starve. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. CHIDUWA: I think the Hon. Minister did not get my question well. I said, what is Government policy regarding the importation and consumption of GMOs, in general, and grain in particular? The follow up question that I want is the Government position on the likely health side effects of consuming GMOS. Maybe for this one, we can get assistance from the Minister of Health and Child Care. I submit.
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I got distracted when he was posing his supplementary. Can he repeat so that I can capture correctly and respond accordingly?
HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. What is Government policy regarding the importation and consumption of GMOs, in general, and grain in particular?
HON. Z. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The short response is, we do not allow GMOs. My earlier response which the Hon. Member said I did not get his question was, when the time comes, we will look at options that would need GMOS if need be. Currently, Madam Speaker, we do not have a policy of allowing importation of GMO grain because we do not want to contaminate our fields with GMO grain. However, when the time comes, if need be, we will have a look at it and the nation will be advised. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 68.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Allow me to thank the Hon. Ministers who managed to answer your questions. Thank you, Hon. Minister., Once again, I am appealing to Hon. Ministers who have questions to answer to remain in the House.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING OF HURUNGWE CONSTITUENCIES
- HON. KANGAUSARU asked the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to inform the House the Ministry’s plans to enhance infrastructure development and the overall well-being of the community considering Hurungwe Constituencies contribute immensely to foreign exchange earnings compared to other provinces that produce tobacco.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank Hon. Kangausaru for the question. Hon. Members must recall that our National Development Strategy 1 gives priority to infrastructure development across the country’s provinces and districts taking into account needs assessment and priorities from grassroot level whilst top-down approach also gives direction to needs of communities. The Development Plan envisages restoration of basic infrastructural services including, expansion in critical areas mainly targeting the key sectors of energy, transport, water and sanitation, housing, health, education and information and communication technology.
Madam Speaker, putting policy into practice, Government normally relies on the bottom-up approach towards infrastructure delivery, using the existing structures at village, ward, district and provincial levels. Additionally, the development agenda provides further impetus for development of our communities, especially the marginalized and the requisite structures at all levels that should support Government’s thrust towards infrastructure development which has an important bearing on sustainable long-term economic growth. The advent of the Second Republic and in line with His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. E. D. Mnangagwa of leaving no place and no one behind, our Annual Infrastructure Investment Programme Investment Programme involves an extensive consultative process that starts at grassroot level.
Madam Speaker, under the auspices of the 2024 National Budget and specifically for Hurungwe, a number of projects have been included for implementation during the year which include the following among others: - Construction of Hurungwe modern prison, including staff houses, Karoi-Binga Road, Siakobvu Turnoff to Karoi Road, Mana Pools National Park Roads and Construction and upgrading of schools and clinics through devolution.
Furthermore, the implementation towards the widening and upgrading of the 352km Harare-Chirundu Road which is a critical artery along the North-South corridor will definitely stimulate economic activity in the district. Noteworthy, is that the ongoing project covers over 200km of road works in Hurungwe that should see employment of the locals during construction as well as reduction of traffic accidents upon completion.
Madam Speaker, over and above the normal budgetary allocations on specific Votes, the Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer Support to lower tiers of Government continues to be a key strategic conduit of ensuring enhanced implementation of critical social infrastructure in line with our thrust of empowering and emancipating our rural communities. Notably, in the district, is improved roads rehabilitation by the local authority through the use of procured pieces of equipment utilising devolution funding.
Madam Speaker, Treasury reaffirms its commitment towards financing and implementation of critical infrastructure projects in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the execution and achievement of sector outcomes. At the same time, Government is also reviewing the payment framework of tobacco farmers to ensure that the beneficiary farmers are fully empowered in terms of proceeds.
HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Madam Speaker. Thank you very much Deputy Minister for your response. We have seen tremendous improvement in Hurungwe but yet we still need more. In ploughing back, we need to have an agricultural college in Hurungwe in order for us to increase the production of tobacco - that would be very handy and also to improve on the schools that you are embarking on so that even our pass rate and the life of the people in Hurungwe can be improved. Please could it be possible for us to have an agricultural college that will teach us to do farming and vocational training colleges? Yes, we thank your Ministry for the schools, we still need more schools. If you look at Magunje, it is only vocational, it is not empowered in terms of training people with the skills that are needed. I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I think that intervention is well noted. I thank you.
HON. CHIDUWA: Supplementary question Madam Speaker….
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Members, can you allow us to have only one supplementary question so that we cover a lot of questions considering the Ministers have stayed in today? I will allow supplementary questions from the originator of the question. Thank you.
COMPENSATION FOR FORMER COMMERCIAL FARMERS
- HON. JAMES asked the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to explain to the House the following; (a) Whether the total National Debt of US$18 billion includes the money for compensating former commercial farmers who had title deeds; (b) To further explain with whom the Compensation Agreement has been signed; and (c) Whether the Ministry received a fully reconciled Valuation Consortium (Valcon) database.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker and I also want to thank the Hon. Member of Parliament, Hon. James. In his first question, my response is the National Debt of USD18 billion includes compensation of former farm owners of USD3.5 billion. Kindly take note this was tabled in Parliament in the Public Debt Report on 30 November 2023.
The Hon. Member’s second question, the answer is, the Global Compensation Deed of USD3.5 billion was signed between the Government of Zimbabwe and representatives of the former farm owners which was the Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe represented by Mr. Andrew Jon Pascoe, the Southern African Commercial Farmers Alliance Zimbabwe which was represented by Mr. Cedric Robert Wilde and the Valuation Consortium Private Limited represented by Mr. Anthony Nield Purkis.
On the last question, the Global Compensation Deed contains a schedule of all names of former farm owners. However, the database is kept at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement.
HON. JAMES: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My supplementary question is, there appears to be another group that is involved. Are you aware that both the CFU and the Southern Africa Commercial Farmers Alliance from the Southern region have distanced themselves from PROFCARE? Would the Minister be receptive to further consultations with a larger group of title deed holders who are not compromised by conflict of interest? To me, it was updated as a course. The reason why I ask is that properties are still being acquired and valuations to those properties need to be done, they are not on the Valcon database. Also, there are some 615 indigenous black farmers who were removed from their farms, they are no longer on the database. Further consultation is needed.
HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. As to whether the CFU or the Southern African Commercial Farmers Alliance of Zimbabwe has distanced themselves from the process, this will be news to us. As I mentioned, there were signatories to this Global Compensation Deed.
As to whether the Minister would be open or receptive as to new entrance of new discussions, I believe this process is a multi-stakeholder process through some of these unions, through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. I believe those affected know the appropriate channels and the Government does have an open-door approach. With that, I would like to say those affected know the appropriate channels and should do so accordingly. Thank you..
IMPORTATION OF CARS THAT ARE MORE THAN 10
YEARS FROM THE DATE OF MANUFACTURING
- HON. GUMEDE asked the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to explain to the House the rationale behind banning the importation of cars that are more than ten years old from the date of manufacture considering that the country no longer has a vehicle manufacturing plant.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA): Madam Speaker, the Government has prioritised the motor vehicle assembly industry as sub-sector that is key toward the industrialisation drive. Pursuant to that policy thrust, the National Development Strategy (NDS) 1, further underscores the importance of revamping the existing idle capacity within the motor vehicle assembly industry, in particular, the bus and trucks sub-sector.
In addition, Hon. Members, a strategy has been adopted to also enhance the local assembly of passenger motor vehicles, thus maximising on the potential for job creation and reduction of the unsustainable import bill.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion through the 2021 National Budget, proposed to restrict the importation of second-hand motor vehicles aged ten or more years from the date of manufacture. The proposal was based on the then existing policy framework, which included the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy and Motor Industry Development Policy which focus on promoting the local assembly of motor vehicles.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce concurred with this proposal and subsequently promulgated Statutory Instrument 89 of 2021 which gives effect to the pronouncement. This is in view of the fact that the Minister of Industry and Commerce is in charge of administering the Control of Goods Act [Chapter 14:05].
The restriction of importation of second-hand vehicles which are above ten years …..
Hon. Mutseyami having passed between the Chair and the Hon. Member speaking.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Minister. Hon. Mutseyami, you know that you are not allowed to cross between the Chair and the Hon. Member speaking. Go back and use the proper entrances. Go back and go round, you know how you are supposed to do it. Do not delay, go back and do it properly.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: I am not allowed to cross before the Member speaking.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I will allow you to cross as of now. Hon. Mutseyami, let us be reasonable. Let us do things the right way.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: I agree Madam Speaker. What I am saying is the Standing Order does not allow me to cross in between the Chair and the Member speaking.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: You are not allowed to cross.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: There is no such an Order, you need to get advice from the Clerk.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Mutseyami. I want you to respect the Chair.
Hon. Mutseyami left the Chamber.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Can you proceed Hon. Minister?
HON. D. K. MNANGAGWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. The restriction of importation of second-hand vehicles which are above 10 years from the date of manufacture is also aimed at minimising the importation of unroadworthy vehicles which do not meet quality, environmental and safety standards. Currently, there is no ban on importation of second hand vehicles. However, the Minister of Industry and Commerce may consider extending a ban depending on the merits of pursuing that avenue. I thank you
EFFECTIVENESS OF PENALTIES ON DRUG PEDDLERS
- HON. GUMEDE asked Minister of Home Affairs to inform the House the measures in place to apprehend drug traffickers in the Bulawayo Central Business (CBD) District and to elaborate on the effectiveness of penalties imposed, particularly for those found selling drugs to teenagers.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. SANYATWE): I would like to start by thanking the Hon. Member for the important question. I remain alive to the fact that the issue of illegal drugs has become a major hazard, not only to Bulawayo youth but it is threatening our future and national security. To that end, the Zimbabwe Republic Police is engaging in a number of strategies and operations which include but not limited to the following;
Riding on the strength of collaborative efforts. All stakeholder approach is very key in managing drug and substance abuse cases. It is however saddening that while the youth are abusing these drugs which are being manufactured, trafficked and traded in our communities, it will be under everyone’s watch. In my view, it is high time we put our heads together for the common good of our society. Surely, the cost of doing nothing about a problem far exceeds the cost of doing something. As such, let us be responsible citizens taking an urgent and collective stand and report drug peddlers, drug manufacturers and drug abusers to responsible authorities.
In an endevour to cut the supply chain, the Zimbabwe Republic Police deployed sniffer dogs at ports of entry and exit to detect contraband as they get into the country from external sources.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to maximise on intelligence network.
Intensifying awareness campaigns and educating members of the public on the dangers associated with drug abuse. Policing rides on societal cohesion.
As Government, we continue to capacitate the Zimbabwe Republic Police with the requisite tools of trade. Towards that end, allow me Madam Speaker, to inform the House that my Ministry recently received a shot in the arm from the People’s Republic of China, of anti-narcotics analysis equipment worth US$136 998.00 to be used in the Zimbabwe Republic Police Forensic Laboratories to enhance their operational efficacy in the war against drugs. It is beyond any shadow of doubt that such equipment makes a huge difference and helps the country rebuild the social fabric that has been devastated by drugs.
The Government of Zimbabwe, under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, is also adding a fit to the fight against drug and substance abuse by constituting a National Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse. The committee’s mandate is centred on supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psycho-social support and community reintegration.
Madam Speaker, I have no doubt in the commitment of our police officers to eliminate the scourge of drugs. Their efforts are yielding positive results. I am pleased to inform the House that police in Bulawayo, from February 2023 to February this year, have carried out a number of operations such as “Operation No to drugs and substance abuse” and managed to arrest 1 460 accused persons. Saddening enough, of the aforesaid number, 1 267 are the youths under the age of 35 and also 58 were suppliers of these illicit drugs. Total value recovered was Z$62 321 150.00.
To evaluate on the effectiveness of penalties imposed, in particular to those found selling drugs to teenagers, the onus lies with all of us in this House. As lawmakers, the Police Command is engaging the Judiciary, urging them to impose stiffer penalties as prescribed by the law, which are deterrent on perpetrators of violent crimes such as these. I thank you.
HON. GUMEDE: My supplementary question is; are the current drug trafficking offences punitive enough to deter offenders? I am saying this because in my constituency, we have got a severe problem of drug abuse amongst youths. Upon community investigations, we are finding that there are so many complaints coming from our residents which indicate that drug traffickers can be taken today by the police when the community reports, but the following day, they will be in the same corner selling drugs again to our youths.
Secondly, we also hear reports from people who engage in these practices who confess that if you want to catch …
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Gumede, I want you to go straight to your question.
HON. GUMEDE: My question is; are the current drug trafficking offences punitive enough to deter offenders?
HON. SANYATWE: I will advise that we will continue to review and amend. I thank you.
MEASURES TO CURB THEFT OF COPPER CABLES, HOUSE BREAKINGS AND ROBBERIES
- HON. GUMEDE asked the Minister of Home Affairs to inform
the House the measures put in place to curb theft of copper cables, house
breakings, and armed robberies.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. SANYATWE): I wish to appreciate the Hon. Member for the second question and acknowledge that vandalism of critical public utilities infrastructure such as copper cables among other violent crimes attracts a glut of measures.
May I take this opportunity to inform the Hon. Member that my Ministry, through the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Criminal Investigation Department, has a specialised section called the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit which deals with mineral related crimes. I am happy to mention that through such specialisation, the ZRP working with the related stakeholders, has been able to detect and arrest several organised criminal syndicates and individuals vandalising public infrastructure and stealing copper across the country.
Furthermore, a number of strategies aimed at curbing such illicit activities continue to be adopted. I wish to advise the Hon. Member that some of the strategies put in place include the setting up of a multi-stakeholder taskforce comprising ZRP, ZESA, NRZ and Tel-One, to look into the issuance of Copper Dealer’s Licences as well as dealing in scrap metal.
In addition, we continue to appeal that deterrent sentences be passed to all criminals convicted for vandalism and theft of public utilities infrastructure. This will go a long way in sending a strong message to all such criminal elements not to vandalise or tamper with our public utilities’ infrastructure.
As a Ministry, we are as well concerned with robbery cases. You will agree with me that one robbery is a robbery too many. According to the briefings availed to me by the Commissioner General of Police, the police continues to intensify their operations throughout the country to curb robberies and house breakings. Police have put in place various strategies and initiatives which include, but not limited to the following;
- Intensifying foot, cycle and motorised patrols in crime prone areas.
The Commissioner General has directed all officers commanding
Provinces, to deploy Support Unit, Criminal Investigations
Department, Duty Uniform Branch and Police Intelligence in hot
spots to curtail robbery cases;
- Mounting of security roadblocks, intensifying stop and searches;
- Heightening awareness campaigns encouraging members of the
public to desist from the habit of using paths that pass through
secluded and unlit areas at night, and strongly discouraging the
keeping of large sums of money at home or business premises or
even moving around with it;
- Promotion of public participation in policing through joining the
popular Neighbourhood Watch Committees to patrol respective
neighbourhoods;
- Engagement of various stakeholders with a view to enhancing inter-
agency cooperation in the fight against crime;
- Police have also established that some of the armed robbery cases
being recorded across the country are as a result of the influx of
unlicenced firearms. Some of these firearms were illegally brought
into the country by criminal syndicates through the country’s porous
borders. Furthermore, some licenced firearm owners are also
securing their weapons and in the process, end up losing them to
criminals who then use them to commit robbery cases. Accordingly, the police are appealing to firearm licence holders to adhere to the provisions of the Firearms Act which demands the safe storage of firearms at all times; and
- Lastly, at a national level, the Police Command is engaging the
Judiciary urging them to impose stiffer penalties on perpetrators of
violent crimes which include armed robberies for deterrence.
In conclusion, let me take this opportunity to say it here and say it loudly, that the police will never, under its watch, let some misguided elements continue to reign terror among the society. I thus, wish to send a very strong warning to all drug traffickers, copper cable thieves, house breakers and armed robbers that their net is closing in. We are appealing for information from members of the public to assist in our efforts to account for these dangerous criminals. I enjoin every responsible citizen to be a whistleblower as we collectively work to save our nation. I thank you.
HON. GUMEDE: I really appreciate the fact that there are multi-stakeholder task forces which is all well and noble. We really appreciate also the intensification of patrols and deployment of the Support Unit. My supplementary question is, as crime is rampant, are there plans to increase police bases in these hotspot areas?
HON. SANYATWE: Yes, there are plans and there is a budget for that.
POSITIONING OF ZIMBABWE AS THE BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN AFRICA
- HON. MUWOMBI asked the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality to explain to the House the strategic measures being taken by the Ministry to position Zimbabwe as the best tourist destination in Africa.
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY (HON. RWODZI): To start with, we have reconfigured the structure of the Ministry as a strategy to align with the mandate that we are directed by the Tourism Act. The Tourism Act is dissected into two; domestic tourism and international tourism. Our mandate is to promote the destination Zimbabwe and to develop tourism facilities, infrastructure and its operations. I would want to assume that this question is directed more to international tourism as it reads - ‘strategic measures being taken by the Ministry to position Zimbabwe as the best destination in Africa’. It speaks more to international tourism.
The first strategy is, we have assigned tourism attachés in eleven countries since October 2023. Nine of them have already been deployed to their destinations. Two are awaiting confirmations from the countries - USA and India. We are awaiting their confirmation and anytime they will go. The tourism attachés are there to market the country and to attend various marketing platforms that they can sell the destination Zimbabwe to.
Secondly, we promote the destination through ZTA and the development of our tourism facilities and infrastructure is done through ZTF. In essence, ZTA is the marketing company for tourism in Zimbabwe. Various marketing strategies are there that include also attending international conferences where we get opportunities and platforms for pitching our destination and what we offer as Zimbabwe destination.
We are also strengthening our relations with UN Tourism which was popularly known as UNTWO and now called UN Tourism for the past one month and all its members for us to also take advantage of its platform to market Zimbabwe as a destination. One of the examples that I can give to show that strengthening the relationships is advantageous to us is that in July from 26-28 this year, 2024, we will host the first ever Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum that will be held in our capital city of tourism – Victoria Falls.
We also have digital marketing that we are currently working on thoroughly so that we can market our destination robustly outside and internationally. We want to be on all digital platforms and we want to be known as a destination as well as getting on international television channels, for example to be marketing ourselves on CNN and Bloomberg – those popular channels.
We are also going to physical printing of magazines that we will be distributing on all airlines that come to the country so that people can know whilst they are flying or people who are in their destinations or areas can read about destination Zimbabwe.
We have a division in ZTA that is for International Convention Bureau and their mandate is to bid for mice business or what we call conferencing or workshops that are international. With the new Bill that is coming to Parliament, you shall see that we are asking that division to now become a business unit so that they can only focus on biding this conference so that the mice business can come more to our country. It is also another platform that can market Zimbabwe destination to be the best in Africa as well as many other strategies that we are coming up with, that include domestic tourism and many for international tourism
DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD BY SOCIAL WELFARE TO THE ELDERLY AND VULNERABLE
- HON BONDA asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to inform the House on the following:
- a) Why the distribution of food by the Social Welfare to the elderly and vulnerable was discontinued thereby violating Section 77 (b) of the Constitution which provides that every person has a right to food; and
- b) What plans are in place to give financial support to the elderly as provided for under section 82 (c) of the Constitution which provides that the elderly are to receive financial support by way of social security and welfare.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): The Hon. Member might be informed that there are two distinct strategies that the Ministry administers to ensure compliance with Section 77 (b) of the same Constitution of Zimbabwe; Vulnerable Groups Feeding which is under the Food Mitigation Strategy and is informed by the Zimbabwe Livelihood Assessment Committee Assessment Report which comes every year. This was formerly called the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZIMVAC). We also have the Contingency Feeding where the Ministry always has a contingency quantity set aside to enable it to respond to distress calls as and when they arise and sometimes to respond to emergencies. The Hon. Member may be informed that my Ministry has a mandate to ensure provision of improved access to inclusive rights based social protection to vulnerable people. Thus, this guides the targeting, selection and registration of beneficiaries under the food deficit mitigation strategy. Clearly, those who are targeted are the elderly, persons with disabilities, the chronically ill and the child headed households who are food insecure. Everybody else who might be able bodied and in that particular year does not have food is considered after these categories. Food distribution is guided by a manual which indicates the phases of food distribution in Zimbabwe and when we have insufficient food, we distribute from October to December as a category. Then January to March, which we consider as a peak hunger period in any year where we have food deficit, outside this period, assessments are undertaken such as the ZIMVAC and the Crop and Livestock Assessment, which are evidence based and informs programming. However, during this period the Ministry continued to respond to distress calls received from across the country to ensure that no one dies of hunger and we have insisted that these distress calls should be channeled from your DDCs or from your Chiefs to the District Development Coordinators and to the Ministers of State so that we know any area which is in distress.
As we speak, food distribution has gained momentum under the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and we have managed to go and witness some of the distributions to vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Our target, which was coming out of that assessment, is 2.7 million people. This is the peak hunger period from January to March, but because we thought that by April, people would be getting their food from their harvest, this will definitely change because of El Nino.
However, late disbursement of funds might have affected and delayed the commencement, but let me assure you that the programme continues to be guided by the mantra of the President which says; leaving no one and no place behind in terms of food distribution. It is comprehensive in all the areas that I visited in the last week, be it in Bubi, Mangwe and in Zvishavane. That food distribution which is targeted for the immensely food insecure people from last year’s cropping is going very well. Let me advise the Hon. Members also that the current response is informed by the 2022/2023 ZIMVAC Assessment. We have not assessed the El Nino induced food deficit which we are looking at, but are still looking at the 2023/2024 assessment. Assessment is to be done, and we will also be informed by what we are looking at right now after the Ministry of Agriculture has given us their final crop assessment which we hope will be end of this month. We will then be comprehensive in looking into the future. The food distribution will continue until June, so instead of ending in March because we now know there is nothing in the fields based on last year’s assessment, we will continue until June and a new programme will start. That is the response to the first question.
The second question was on plans in place to give financial support to the elderly as provided for under Section 82(2) of the Constitution which provides that the elderly are to receive financial support by way of social security and welfare.
This august House should be aware that the Ministry has a mandate to ensure the provision of improved access to inclusive rights based in services to vulnerable groups which include access to financial support. Under Section 82 (c) it states that: to receive financial support by way of a social security and welfare and the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures within the limits of the resources available to it to achieve the progressive realisation of these rights. This august House gave me the resources that I am going to use this year to undertake what is required by the Constitution. Therefore, the elderly, under the Ministry’s mandate and guided by policies and it acts within the confines of available resources that the ministry has for the elderly. Currently, we are giving the elderly who are in homes US$20 every month for their upkeep and the welfare within these homes. Monthly Maintenance Allowance is a programme that is designed to strengthen the household socio-economic sphere within the community. It is a remedial as it provides support throughout the year and payments are done every month. It is a flat figure no matter how many people are in that household.
Thirdly, Harmonised Social Cash Transfers similar to Monthly Maintenance Allowances. The programme provides bi-monthly allowances. Beneficiaries under this programme are paid according to the size of the household with a one member household receiving US$20 up to US$65, depending on the number for a four member household, payable at the prevailing inter-bank rate. So it is paid in Zim dollars, but because it is linked to the US$65 at a particular time, the prevailing interbank rate is what we end up using. So there might be challenges as I have indicated and the challenges normally relate to late payment by Treasury or lack of tools or administrative working tools. Policies are not in alignment, for example, for the age of elderly persons under the Older Persons Act is 65, while in the Constitution it is talking about 70. So to curb these challenges, we will make sure that we align what the Constitution says and we increase the age from 65 to 70. Right now we are paying from 65. I want to thank you Madam Speaker and thank the Hon. Member again.
HON. BONDA: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister for the clarification although I will look for him for some more information because I still need to know which offices the elderly should approach to benefit the US$20. My supplementary question however is, since this year we are facing this ravaging drought, how vulnerable is vulnerable considering the people who are stuck in the villages in the rural areas who do not have any jobs or source of livelihood? Are they also going to be considered this year on the criteria of selection in the sense that they are stuck and disabled in the village? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. J. MOYO): I must admit if I miss exactly what you said, please repeat, but if I understood what you implied, yes this year our assessment is that it is a very difficult year, but we have had difficult years in the past and what we now need to do is to be comprehensive. The assessment that we are going to be undertaking, again a scientific one, is not only to look at what has come out from the fields. We are looking at the number of cattle that anybody might have, livestock, but we are also looking at the strategies of mitigation but at the same time, strategies of resilience. We must combine mitigation with resilience and what the Government is wanting to do while we are looking at mitigation and making sure that there is food distribution throughout the country which is massive, and we also are looking at what resilience strategy we can put.
These gardens that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is doing and we saw some where families can actually end up having supplementation from their own food growing because there is water that is available to them either as small dams or these boreholes that are now driven by solar. So, we are looking at all strategies to make sure the household food security is enhanced and where there are no other resilience programmes, food distribution becomes our only measure of making sure that food insecurity at the household is undertaken.
Secondly, we also know that there is food that is being distributed at Primary and Secondary Schools and we are looking to make sure that we enhance that distribution also so that children do not get out of school because of food or lack of food. So, we are going to be working very well as a wall of Government approaching working sometimes directly with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, but because of the zero to five years, we are also going to be working very closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Malnutrition of children is a concern because we can end up having stunted children. So, this food mitigation is across the board. We look at those who must have good nutrition, especially the young people, the children zero to five years and then we look at those who are in school and lastly, we look at the household as a whole.
The elderly, I must emphasise, the elderly are our priority, the disabled, the people living with disabilities, those child-headed families, they are our major targets in order to make sure that we come out of this drought with dignity.
We emphasise to all our frontline people to say in a year like this one, it does not challenge the dignity of our people. They must come out of this with dignity. That is the only way we can move from drought to resilience and Zimbabweans have demonstrated that even the deepest droughts, as long as rain comes, they come out of that drought very quickly because they are not dehumanised by this food distribution. All the partners that we are working with, we allow this to happen. How comprehensive it is going to be, how the communities are going to select, we are now working with the villages, the headmen and the chiefs so that we give neutrality because a village head, chief, headman must look after everybody in Zimbabwe to again fulfil the mantra that the President wants. No person, homestead, place, region and ward should be left behind.
I want to thank the Hon. Member again. Thank you very much.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS IN EPWORTH NORTH
- HON. MHETU asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to explain to the House; a) Why schools in Epworth North such as Chinamano Primary, Mabvazuva Council Secondary and Muguta Council Secondary have gone for more than twenty years without being electrified; b) What steps the Ministry has taken to ensure these schools are electrified; and c) When these schools are expected to be electrified.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. E. MOYO):
a) Muguta Council Secondary and Mabvazuva Council Secondary Schools applied for connection and were given quotations in March 2018. Chinamano Primary School submitted their application in March 2023. All the quotations were not paid hence the connections could not be made. Unfortunately, ZETDCs quotations expire after 7 days and are not printable once they expire.
b) As a Ministry, we have since requested ZETDC to reproduce new quotations in case the schools are in a position to pay (the quotations for the respective schools are attached herewith).
c) ZETDC will need time to mobilize and procure materials especially those they do not have in their stores. Chinamano and Muguta will need a little more time but Mabvazuva will be connected within a month from the time they pay for their quotation.
UPGRADING OF CHIREDZI’S WATER AND SEWER
RETICULATION PLANT
- HON. MAKUMIRE asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House the Ministry’s plans regarding the upgrading of Chiredzi Town’s off-site water and sewer reticulation treatment plant as proposed by Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy wherein section 40 provides that off-site infrastructure provision is the responsibility of Government.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. CHITANDO): Government is working with all local authorities in terms of the Blueprint to entail sufficient provision of water specifically to Chiredzi. Chiredzi Town Council has undertaken significant efforts to secure the necessary funding for the upgrade of the Chiredzi Water Treatment Plant and Makondo Sewage Treatment Plant. The council has budgeted US$800,000 for this purpose and has sought borrowing powers from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to obtain a loan from BancABC Bank. This demonstrates the council’s dedication to improving the infrastructure and services for the residents of Chiredzi.
In addition to the borrowing option, the council has explored and the Ministry is assisting with the possibility of resuscitation of the partnership established in 2017 with the Zimbabwe Infrastructure Development Bank (IDBZ). This partnership is aimed to upgrade the Chiredzi Waterworks and Makondo Sewage Treatment Plant, with the loan to be repaid through user charges over a ten-year period.
To date, engineering designs for the project have been completed by Brian Colquhoun, Hugh O’Donnell Consulting Engineers (BCHOD). The proposed upgrades include the construction of four clarifiers, four filtration tanks, and 7600m3 water reservoirs at Chagarapasi Hill. Furthermore, considering that Makondo suburb was constructed downstream of the existing Tshovani Sewage ponds, the construction of a new Sewage Treatment Plant is necessary. The designs for these projects are being finalised after which funding options will be secured. The sewer reticulation of 32km is also under consideration in this exercise.
SALE OF UNSERVICED STANDS BY CHIREDZI TOWN
COUNCIL AND CHIREDZI RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL
- HON. MAKUMIRE asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House the Ministry’s position on the sale of unserviced stands on the 750 hectare housing development project jointly administered by Chiredzi Town Council and Chiredzi Rural District Council.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. CHITANDO): In accordance with Government directive, councils are prohibited from selling unserviced stands. Cases of illicit sales if ever they are happening, need to be looked into and reported to law enforcement agencies. In support of Government policy, the councils made a public press statement in November 2023 condemning any such underhand dealings happening behind its back by either its partners or whosoever in the housing development project.
This joint venture housing development project which will yield 6162 properties, is being carried out on State land in the Buffalo Range that was acquired for urban growth. A private developer by the name Full Life Open Arms Africa Housing Trust is implementing the development on behalf of both councils.
Numerous project components have seen notable advancements to date. To evaluate the viability of the housing development, an extensive feasibility study was carried out. In order to assess and reduce any possible environmental risks connected to the project, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was also completed. In addition, a Title Survey and land use planning were finished, and the ensuing paperwork was properly filed with the Deeds Office for the entire 750 hectare project.
In addition, 41 kilometres of roads have successfully seen the completion of bush clearance as part of the project’s 350 hectare servicing portion. At this time, the subgrade and sub-base pavements are being prepared through road formation. Apart from that, the water treatment plant’s appropriate location has been found, and the water reticulation system is currently being set out.
Upon the project’s conclusion and the hand-over of stands to both councils, the allocation of stands to beneficiaries on the council’s waiting lists will be conducted. It is important to note that the stands will be distributed in equal proportional between the two councils, ensuring a fair and equitable approach to the allocation process.
OWNERSHIP STATUS FOR HOUSES IN TSANZAGURU
AREA OF RUSAPE
- HON. SAGANDIRA asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to explain to the House:
Why residents of Tsanzaguru area in Rusape, who fully paid for ownership of their houses have been requested to pay for rentals as stated in a letter by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on 5 February 2024; what the current ownership status of these houses is, and when the occupants will be offered title deeds.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. CHITANDO): We have since written to the City of Rusape to send a written confirmation and clarity over this issue and if we could be allowed to give detail once this is availed.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN MAHENYE WARD 29 IN
CHIPINGE
- HON. HLATSHWAYO asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to inform the House why Chipinge Rural Council has not undertaken any developmental projects in Mahenye area under Ward 29 in Chipinge despite collecting proceeds from hunting and levies under the Campfire programme.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. CHITANDO): Mr. Speaker, allow me to inform this august House that human-wildlife conflict is prevalent in Mahenye area. It is important to note that;
Mahenye Ward 29 is prone to human-wildlife conflict as it is adjacent to Gonarezhou and Mozambique. Elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalos among others, mostly invade crop fields and attack both humans and livestock. Council spend much of its budget (26% from hunting proceeds and bed night levies) mitigating human and wildlife conflict.
On share of proceeds and activities being done, council adopted a model that was developed by National Parks when it introduced the Campfire programme in the early 80s. The model gives the producer communities to benefit more than the local authorities in terms of revenue share.
Out of any proceeds from hunting or bed night levies, the community gets 55% which they have independent use; they can do projects of their own choice.
From the 55%, they have managed to undertake a variety of
- Casual payments and builder’s payments
- Workers allowance for Campfire staff and scouts
- Sitting allowance for the Campfire Committee members and traditional leaders.
- Food and refreshment for the staff
- Tractor, motorbike and grinding mills services.
- Chiefs, clinic, schools and individuals’ assistance
- Assistance to problem animal control victims
- Council waived payment of communal levy
- Council constructed Jamanda Bridge connecting Mahenye and Jack Quinton on DDF (RIDA) Road.
- Council established a plus 7000 ha conservancy.
- Council facilitated a heifer pass on project that is ongoing.
- Continuous training and awareness programmes on human wildlife conflict.
- Council assists in maintaining Jack Quinton Mahenye Road.
PRIVATISATION AND COMMERCIALISATION OF TOILETS IN PUBLIC PLAC
- HON. P. ZHOU asked the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to explain to the House the following;
The Government policy regarding privatisation of toilets in public places as a strategy to increase number of toilets as well as curb the spread of Cholera. What are the plans being put in place to strengthen the Water, Sanitisation and Hygiene (WASH) programme to ensure there is provision of clean, safe and potable water as well as clean toilets in public places?
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS (HON. CHITANDO): Government, as party to the second Blueprint, will be outlining measures to encourage and facilitate privatisation and commercialisation of toilets in public places to increase convenience to the public.
LEGAL AID SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND WOMEN
- HON. MUTANDI asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to inform the House the plans being put in place by the Ministry to ensure legal aid services are available to women and children at district level as recommended under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI): Madam Speaker, the Hon. Member’s question is pertinent. The Government of Zimbabwe welcomes and takes seriously the recommendations by the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women Committee on the creation of Legal Aid Offices at district level to strengthen the standards of service delivery at all levels. This is in line with Section 31 of the Constitution which recognises the importance of legal aid in ensuring access to justice and enjoins the State to ensure that legal representation is provided in both civil and criminal matters for the indigent.
Madam Speaker, the Legal Aid Directorate is a department in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs which provides legal aid to the indigent and special groups of persons that are more vulnerable such as children and women.
In addition, it works closely with civil society actor in facilitating the provision of legal services through a system of referrals. The Ministry has made strides in ensuring access to justice by decentralising the Legal Aid at district level. The Legal Aid offices and services are now present in four districts with full operational offices and staff namely Gokwe, Chiredzi, Chipinge and Chivhu. Moreover, the Ministry is also in the process of setting up offices in Beitbridge, Plumtree and Binga and the Public Service Commission has already employed staff for the mentioned offices. The Ministry is committed to opening at least three district offices on a yearly basis with a target of reaching at least thirty new district centres by the year 2030.
The decentralisation efforts will enhance access to justice by women and children who disproportionately experience a myriad of barriers in securing legal recourse.
Madam Speaker, regarding children and their access to justice, the Ministry has been offering legal representation to all children under the age of 18 years as well as to those who have recently become majors. They are represented from the commencement of their cases until their matter is concluded. This was from the realisation and acceptance that children cannot stand trial alone.
All these progressive efforts in enhancing access to justice for all as per the CEDAW recommendations. I thank you.
ACCESS TO RADIO, TELEVISION AND PHONE NETWORK
COVERAGE FOR AREAS ALONG THE ZIMBABWE/MOZAMBIQUE BORDERS
- HON. HLATYWAYO asked the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services to inform the House the Ministry’s plans to ensure that areas along the Zimbabwe/ Mozambique Border in Chipinge South have access to both local radio, television and phone network coverage, particularly in areas such as Mabee, Chinyamukwakwa, Garahwa, Mashubi, Maparadze which rely on the network from Mozambique.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES (HON. DR. MAVETERA): Let me begin by outlining that I will restrict my response to the area of phone network coverage which our Ministry oversees. Television and radio network coverage fall under the purview of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
- Mobile network coverage (NetOne and Econet)
Maparadze – covered by existing base station Mutandahwe - 2G/3G and Makose 2G/ 3G/ 4G.
Mabee and Garahwa – Site survey completed at Rusongo Beacon, awaiting development, planned 2025.
Chinyamukwakwa – Covered by existing base station Greenfuels 2G/ 3G/ 4G, additional coverage to be provided by planned new base station Rusongo Beacon.
Mashubi – is partly covered by existing base stations Greenfuels 2G/ 3G/ 4G, Mutandahwe 2G/ 3G and Makose 2G/ 3G/ 4G.
- Fixed network coverage
TelOne currently provides internet and data services to over 250 clients in Chipangayi, Checheche and Chibuwe located within parts of Chipinge South. TelOne offers VSAT connectivity covering the entire Chipinge South area with service available upon demand. Presently, 17 VSAT terminals are deployed within the district facilitating internet access for various institutions including Mabee Clinic, Chinyamukwakwa Clinic, Maparadze Clinic, Rimai School and Chisuma School among others that have been established.
Furthermore, TelOne successfully completed fibre planning for the Musikavanhu, Chibuwe and Tongogara areas. However, the implementation of connectivity is, these underserved areas has been delayed due to funding constraints. Despite these challenges, TelOne remains committed to expanding services and bridging the digital divide in these communities.
In conclusion, it is important to note that operators have plans to connect the underserved areas nationwide. However, the implementation of these plans has been constrained by funding limitations. The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services continues to lobby Hon. Members of Parliament to advocate for funding to be availed to the Ministry and to State owned entities for these areas to be covered. There is also need to review our policies to ensure that we improve the operating environment for all telecommunications operators both private and State owned.
Questions with Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING SPEAKER, in terms of Standing Order No. 68.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. Z. ZIYAMBI), the House adjourned at Twenty-two Minutes past Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 12th March, 2024.
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
HEALTH, MENTAL AND WELLNESS PROGRAMME
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Good afternoon Hon. Senators. I have the honour to inform the Senate that Parliament’s Health Services Department, in conjunction with the Public Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS), will be conducting a Health, Mental and Wellness Programme from Tuesday, 12th to Thursday, 14th March 2024. Each day will begin with a presentation from 0900 hours to 1030 hours in Special Committee Room Number 2 on the ground floor. Thereafter, the screening programme for blood pressure, diabetes, breast, prostrate and cervical cancers will be held in the clinic area, Rooms 113, 116, 117 and 137 on the First Floor.
Hon. Members and staff are urged to attend the screening process which will take place throughout the whole day on those days. Cancer is a silent killer and Hon. Members are urged to take this announcement very seriously.
CLIMATE CHANGE SENSITISATION WORKSHOP
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I also have to inform the Senate that Parliament, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, will be conducting a Climate Change Sensitisation Workshop for all Parliamentarians on Friday, 15th and Saturday, 16th March, 2024 in the Multi-Purpose Hall at Parliament Building starting from 0800 hours each day.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Mr. President, I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day on today’s Order Paper have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR THE 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS.
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the report of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the 2023 harmonised elections.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to debate on this motion, a motion that speaks about how the elections were conducted last year.
Mr. President, I am just following the footsteps of other Hon. Members who debated this motion. We seem to be agreeing that there seems to be a lot of things that were done by ZEC that are contrary to the expectations of the majority in order for the elections to meet the qualification of having been conducted properly.
Firstly, the delimitation issue was very controversial according to me. It was not conducted properly since it left out some people who then were unable to exercise their rights to vote because they were unable to find their names on the voters’ roll. This shows that ZEC did not conduct the election properly. They were supposed to ensure that everyone, during the delimitation process, was afforded the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Some found their names outside their wards or their constituencies, hence people were unable to vote for their choice because their names were not on the voters’ roll.
I want to proceed and say preparations for elections were not conducted properly, according to my view, as parties were campaigning because ZEC was unable to give support to political parties accordingly.
There is the issue of media, our media did not conduct itself properly. In some areas, political parties were not allowed to conduct their rallies freely. Hence, that is one of the reasons why we say ZEC did not conduct the elections accordingly. Our expectation is that ZEC is an independent body that is supposed to conduct elections as well as preparations in this country. They were supposed to go, probably in the residential areas because sometimes people do not gather. They were supposed to conduct door to door voter education because some might have been voting since 1980, yet there were also some first-time voters. In all truth, ZEC was unable to conduct door to door election voter education and inform the public what election is all about and the advantage of voting. Some people do not even know that it is their right because when it comes to election time, people are told where to vote.
It is true – why do I say so? Voting is not conducted at a gathering, but people are invited to a gathering and they are told where to vote. If ZEC had conducted door to door voter education, I do not think we would be having problems. Yes, we say elections were conducted peacefully, but peace only takes place when there is no one provoked. There are a lot of places where we saw chaos, where we come from, but there were no subsequent arrests for that violence. That is a blame that I put on ZEC. When they prepare for elections in future, they must be independent according to their mandate.
Now I want to talk about what happened on election day. When you travel during election day, or if you once travelled around and saw what was happening, you would say this was a free and fair election, but that was not the case. I would like to analyse one organisation which I do not know where it belongs. Does it belong to the Government or ZEC? An organisation called FAZ; we used to find them at polling stations where they would put their table, yet they had political parties’ regalia although they claimed to be apolitical. I wish ZEC would explain what FAZ is all about so that people will understand as we go for elections in future, so that people will understand whether it is a ZEC organisation or a Government organisation. Many people were left without knowledge of that organization. People were left in fear because they were supposed to first of all go to that table and register their names. After voting, they were supposed to pass through that table. That is tantamount to intimidation. So I think ZEC did not conduct their job properly.
Inside the polling station, where I come from, there was no problem with the delay of ballot papers. They were there, but there were a lot of mistakes. The candidate’s names had mistakes. You would see on the ballot paper, for example at one Ward, Masasa in Chikomba, the name was of a council candidate in Chivhu, although the picture was of a candidate who was supposed to be voted for at Masasa. When we asked, we were told that people know the person whom they want to vote for. That started in the morning and continued like that until election ended. Such things must be corrected so that we may not blame ZEC of being biased towards a certain party. ZEC must be independent and conduct elections in this country clearly and transparently. They must be able to explain to anyone that violence is not good and people are entitled to voting because that is what the liberation struggle was all about. We fought for two things, our land as well as our voting rights. So if a person is no longer able to vote freely, we have a problem.
People continue complaining and that breeds voter apathy. People were told not to go and vote before passing through certain individuals. It did not matter who had told that person to come and vote through. In this august House, we can only say that must stop because that affects the Zimbabwean citizens. This leads to perpetual disputed elections because people will have a lot of complaints. We want to build this country through elections. If we cannot build our country through elections, we must come together and reason together. If we have ZEC and nothing is done to ensure that it becomes independent, I believe that we must do away with them so that we bring a totally independent body that will not be biased in conducting elections. I thank you.
^HON. SEN. MALULEKE: Thank you Mr. President for awarding me this opportunity to add my voice on the issue of ZEC report concerning the elections which were held last year. ZEC did their job perfectly. They started with the delimitation process. The process is done after a certain number of years and they notified everyone. Every Zimbabwean citizen was aware of the process; nothing was done in private.
Each province, district and even in rural areas and the traditional leadership were notified. They were also told the places where they were supposed to go and look for their names and register their names for those who were not registered. Everyone was aware of the process, no one can say they were not aware of the process. They told us if the delimitation did reach a certain number, they joined such areas with other people and that is what exactly happened. The process was done rigorously and perfectly. ZEC people are God-fearing people who worked tirelessly and made sure the process was easily accessible to everyone. Everyone was notified to go and look for their names in the voters’ roll. Those who did not participate in the process ignored the call by ZEC. For all of us to be here as Members of Parliament, it is because of ZEC who did their job diligently.
Right now, we are here as Hon. Members of Parliament, so let us stop blaming ZEC because it did their job diligently. What exactly did we expect from ZEC? We were told that for councils, there was need for a certain number and the same applied to Members of Parliament. Each place from ward level, district level and province, everyone was notified about the elections and all the processes were done. We are aware that after 10 years, there is a process which is supposed to be done by ZEC and after five years, an election is supposed to be conducted.
Elections are done each and every five years. ZEC did their job properly. I do not understand those who are condemning ZEC, I do not know if they wanted ZEC to carry them on their backs to go to registration centres and participate in all processes that were held. Let us not lie, ZEC did a very good job. Let us unite and focus on the development of the country and the future. ZEC did a very good job, even the voting process was done smoothly unless people were expecting ZEC to knock on each and everyone’s door to tell them to go and vote.
Mr. President, I want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe and ZEC because everything was done properly and according to the Constitution. Our registration was done and even the period for registration was extended. What exactly did you expect ZEC to do because some people ignored the call by ZEC to go to designated centres and register yet they want to blame ZEC?
ZEC did a very good job. If you as an individual are failing to manage your affairs and doing your part, what exactly do you expect ZEC to do because as far as I am concerned, ZEC did a very brilliant job throughout the country, rugare – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - Hon. President, I want to thank ZEC because at our area, everything from registration up to the voting was done smoothly hence ZEC executed their job perfectly. I thank you.
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: Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move the motion standing in my name that:
AWARE that Zimbabwe is party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement that commits to mitigating challenges of climate change;
WORRIED that climate change continues to be a global concern with detrimental effects on human, health, food and environmental security as well as economic development;
FURTHER WORRIED that there are poor social protection measures for victims of climate disasters such as drought, cyclones, floods and global warming;
CONCERNED that the country lacks effective climate change adaptation strategies;
NOW, THEREFORE, resolves that-
- Parliament expeditiously enacts legislation to augment existing policies to combat the impact of climate change;
- Adequate resources be allocated towards supporting climate mitigation efforts such as research, development of technology, investment into infrastructure and capacity building of communities on climate change adaptation strategies;
- The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife should access international climate financing such as the Green Climate Fund and secure private sector investment for climate friendly large-scale projects;
- The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife should invest in Early Warning Systems (EWS) that aide in timely preparations for extreme weather conditions, e.g. droughts and cyclones; and
- The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife should roll-out a programme on climate smart agriculture to provide technical support to farmers to comprehensively assist them to transition to drought resistant crops, water efficient irrigation schemes and improved soil management techniques.
HON. SEN. MALULEKE: I second.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to move a motion in my name on the effects of climate change in Zimbabwe. Mr. President, climate change is not a stagnant issue but rather, it is a constantly evolving process taking place world-wide, affecting everything from our day to day experiences.
Mr. President, some of the main objectives are as follows: Seeking opportunities to inform the community in decision making on potential climate change; promote collaborations to raise awareness about climate change; promote attention to climate change issues and lastly, to build community resilience.
Mr. President, in order to effectively combat the impact of climate change, it is critical that you take swift and decisive action to reduce our carbon emissions. This can be achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive climate which would establish ambitious targets for emissions reduction and outlying clear strategies for national mitigation efforts.
Furthermore, strengthening existing environmental regulations, particularly in regards to deforestation, land use, waste management and industrial emissions is essential, decreasing overall contribution of green-house gases. Additionally, promoting renewable energy through the implementation of policies and incentives can attract the much-needed investment and accelerate the transition to the inner and more sustainable sources of energy such as solar, wind and hydro-power. These measures combined with a dedicated and focused effort towards tackling climate change, can help create a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
Mr. President, let us come together to promote sustainable funding practices. This includes implementation methods like conservation agriculture, crop diversification and utilising climate resilient crop varieties. These innovative measures can significantly lower emissions from the agricultural industry to effectively combat climate change. We must also allocate ample resources to support climate mitigation efforts which include dedicating funds towards extensive research, developing new technologies and investing in critical infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, we must not limit ourselves to domestic funding sources only. Accessing international climate finance mechanisms such as green climate fund and securing private sector investment can help finance larger scale projects with global collaboration and financial backing and that way, we can make meaningful strides towards a more sustainable future.
Also enhancing capabilities in Early Warning Systems (EWS), is a crucial and effective nip preparing for extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and cyclones by investing in a stronger EWS. We can mitigate potential damage by enabling timely preparations. In tandem with this, it is vital to promote climate smart agriculture, providing support to farmers as the transition for resilient practices which include implementing drought resistant crops, water efficient for irrigation methods and improved soil management techniques. Together, these adaptations will help us combat the challenges of changing climate.
We should take action to safeguard our communities through social protection measures by implementing programmes such as social safety nets for those impacted by climate shocks and insurance schemes for farmers facing crop losses. We should provide safety nets for those most vulnerable. Moreover, it is essential to invest in the development of climate resilience infrastructure by building dams, roads and bridges that can withstand extreme weather events. It is also crucial to invest the capacity building of Government officials, community leaders and farmers by providing training on climate change, adaptation strategies and empowering them to implement local solutions.
We should foster resilience within our communities and promote sustainable practices for the future together by taking comprehensive approach to addressing climate change. We should protect our community in building a more sustainable future for all. Climate change impacts in Zimbabwe are significant and they relate among other things, to water supply and food security. Droughts have become more recurrent over the past two decades. The geographical location of the country in the tropics makes it vulnerable to shifting rainfall patterns due to El nino and osculation. This cyclone climate phenomenal significantly impacts rainfall across Southern Africa including Zimbabwe.
El nino years often bring drought while la nina years can lead to increased rainfall and flooding. The Indian Ocean Dipole IOD, this osculation in the Indian Ocean temperatures also influences rainfall patterns in Zimbabwe. Positive IOD events are associated with the drier conditions while negative IOD events can bring more rain. Furthermore, Zimbabweans become more vulnerable to climate driven health impacts for diseases such as Malaria worsened.
Members of this august House are aware that the survivors of Cyclon Idai that struck four provinces of Manicaland, particularly Chimanimani and Chipinge, Masvingo, Midlands and Mashonaland East in March, 2019, continue to require humanitarian assistance, particularly internally displaced persons in temporary camps and living with most families. The impact of the storm was devastating with over 220 000 individuals affected and a staggering death toll of 341 people. The destruction left was widely spread with 17 608 households left without a home, and 12 health facilities in need of repair and vital water, sanitation, hygiene and infrastructure damaged.
As a result, 139 000 schools were affected with 33 primary schools and secondary schools being forced to temporarily shut their doors, disrupting the education of 9 084 learners. Agriculture also suffered greatly with more than half of the land dedicated to maize, bananas and tuber grass destroyed. Additionally, 18 irrigation schemes were damaged and the loss of 362 cattle, 514 goats and sheep as well as 17 000 chickens further compounded the devastation. Even the road infrastructure was not spared with over 90% of roads in Chimanimani and Chipinge damaged, and a total of 584 kilometers of roads affected for a landslide.
The demand for shelter remains at a critical level, particularly in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts. This underscores the need for more intervention to address this pressing issue. The assessments conducted revealed that many of the damaged houses were constructed with substandard materials such as poles and mud in this district. Therefore, there is a crucial need to prioritise building household resilience in cyclone prone areas to mitigate the effects of these shocks. It is imperative to swiftly escalate emergency assistance in efforts to support affected houses.
Mr. President, the school-age population is faced with various challenges when it comes to accessing education such as financial limitations, difficult terrains, lack of necessary learning materials, and competing family obligations. To address this situation, it is crucial to implement interventions that provide financial support for tuition fees as well as raise awareness among the target age groups of 13 to 17 years old. Similarly, when it comes to accessing social infrastructure, most villages rely on their local leadership to report security incidents due to the absence of police stations.
Due to El Nino, Zimbabwe and several other Southern African countries are expected to suffer drought conditions in the annual rain season from October 2023 to April 2024 which coincides with the regional summer cropping season.
El Nino refers to a cycle of warming and cooling events that happen along the equator in the Pacific Ocean leading to the increase in sea surface temperatures across the Pacific. During this agricultural season, the El Nino poses a threat to the agricultural livelihoods of millions of people globally, including Southern Africa and Zimbabwe across the sectors affecting the most vulnerable communities. Mr. President, let me hasten to remind the House that Zimbabwe’s contribution to global emissions of burning house gases is very small.
Mr. President, global climate change is revealed as a serious issue by the Government of Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNSCCC0 in 1992 at the Real Earth Summit and ratified it in November of the same year.
Zimbabwe ratified the Paris Agreement in 2017 which requires parties to report to their National Determined Contribution (NDC). I would like their commitment to mitigate climate change and limit global temperature increases to well below two degrees Celsius.
Mr. President, the driving forces behind this concern stem not so much from problems of reducing Zimbabwe’s emission of greenhouse gases but rather, the potential serious impacts that global climate change might have on the country. By including climate change issues in the 1996 review of environmental legislation, Zimbabwe intends to incorporate climate change policies in its national development plans. Zimbabwe, like the rest of Africa, is constrained in its inability to put appropriate measures in place to respond to climate change requirements because of a lack of human institutional and financial resources.
Mr. President, Zimbabwe is vulnerable to climate change with substantial impacts on crop production forecasted with two-thirds of employment in agriculture. In recent years, farmers in sub-east Zimbabwe have been getting a good harvest once in five to six years. Vulnerability drivers identified include heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources, poverty, increasing frequency of drought, population pressure, poor climate risk management services from the local authority’s policy support.
Mr. President, Zimbabwe is a signatory to the following multilateral environment agreements among others, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and its Cartagena on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In addition to the UNFCCC and its key Kyoto Protocol, the national climate policy was put in place to create a pathway towards a climate resilient and low-carbon development economy in which the people have enough adaptive capacity and continue to develop in harmony with the environment. To achieve this, the National Climate Policy is supported by the National Climate Change Response Strategy, Draft National Adaption Plan, the low Emission Development Strategy, National Environmental Management Policy and Strategic Document as well as other policies aimed at achieving sustainable development.
Mr. President, the policy and legal framework drives from international treaties and agreements, international resolutions provide a forum for dialogue and coordination, fostering partnerships and facilitating the exchange of ideas and financial resources by working together, countries can achieve more significant and lasting results.
Mr. President, in addition to mitigating the effects of climate change, international agreements also prioritise the development of effective adaptation strategies. For instance, the Warsaw International mechanism for loss and damage associated with climate change impact aims to understand, action and assist in areas such as early warning systems, disaster readiness, and risk insurance facilities in developing countries.
Furthermore, international agreements advocate for the integration of adaptation measures in development planning to promote long-term sustainability and resilience. These solutions stress the significance of integrating adaptation strategies into development agendas, urging countries to give priority to resilience-building measures in areas like agriculture, water resources management, infrastructure development, and urban planning, not only to mitigate emissions but also to boost resilience and capacity.
They acknowledge that effectively addressing climate change calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Mr. President, Zimbabwe is committed to reducing the vulnerability of rural communities by developing plans and guidance documents for local governance for mainstreaming and planning the climate change adaptation. Mainstreaming climate change means incorporating climate risks into all development decisions and development planning. When climate risk is explicitly considered and incorporated into policies, plans and practices, development efforts are more resilient to climate uncertainty and more likely to reach their objective.
As Parliamentarians, we should focus on the following three areas. Firstly, increased access to water for agriculture through climate resilient irrigation systems and water source management. Secondly, scale up climate-resilient agricultural production and diversification through increased access to climate-resilient inputs, practices and markets and lastly, improve access to weather, climate and hydrological information for climate-resilient agriculture. We can, together, achieve these key objectives through Parliamentarians working with communities and local leadership to address the following current environmental problems which include deforestation, soil erosion, land degradation as well as air and water pollution.
Poor mining practices have led to toxic waste and heavy metal pollution, especially in the more arid parts of the country. The growth of the urban populations has also led to the pollution of water sources. As populations continue to expand, the strain on our water resources intensifies and results in a dangerous tendency to overuse our rivers, dams and aquifers. As a consequence, these sources become depleted causing a reduction in natural pollutant dilution. In response to the growing demand for water, treatment facilities are forced to work at full capacity or even beyond it. This can lead to overloaded systems that struggle to effectively eliminate all harmful substances, ultimately putting our water quality at risk.
Mr. President, Zimbabwe has 20 million mega litres of total annual renewable fresh water available. The water is largely replenished through rainfall and then runoff into rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs, aquifers and freshwater aquatic systems such as wetlands. The country relies on surface water resources for 90% of its requirements while groundwater supplies the remaining 10%. The estimated groundwater resources available to exploitation in Zimbabwe are 8 million mega litres. There are several water catchments in the country namely Manyame, Mazowe, Gwayi, Runde, Sanyati, Limpopo, Save and Umzingwane.
Additionally, the construction of 12 high impact dams in Zimbabwe is making good progress. As of the end of 2022, Gwayi-Shangani was 68% complete. The project involves constructing the dam and laying the 252km pipeline to Bulawayo. With a maximum height of 72 metres, the dam’s current height is 31 metres. One hundred and forty kilometres of the pipeline’s course, on the other hand, has been cleared and 9km excavated. Pipeline trenching is ongoing. Zimunya Dam in Nkayi is 8% complete. For this, the Government of Zimbabwe should be applauded.
Mr. President, with this information that I have presented we all have to brace up for climate change because it is clearly with us and we have to find means and ways to reduce this climate change which has caused havoc in our country. With these words, Mr. President, I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHITSAMBA: Mr. President Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to debate on this motion on climate change raised in this august House.
This climate change has caused a lot of problems, especially for women. It has led to unpaid for care work, it has led to dry dams, no more firewood and crops are not growing well. Therefore, Government should increase social welfare food and must sink deeper boreholes. Government must also provide solar powered boreholes and give women opportunities to work.
There must be a policy on protection of trees and Government must come up with a policy of giving alternative sources of energy for cooking, such as LP or biogas. There is too much heat now that leads to a lot of diseases. Women must be taught on the effects of heat wave. If you teach a woman, you have taught or assisted the whole community. If you assist a family, you have assisted the whole village. If you assist the whole village, you have assisted the whole country. I thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Madam President. I would like to thank the Hon. Senator who came up with this motion. This is a very important motion. It must be placed on the top priority list of motions because climate change has caused a lot of problems to us. It is also affecting food production and many other things. This issue must not only be debated and end here. Senator Mohadi, before this motion is closed, may you please assist us, do not just come and agree that this motion has been debated enough and close it yet there is no food out there. We must come up with a way forward as well as recommendations. It must assist us to move forward. We are now at UN COP 28, which recently ended in Dubai. It was because of this. All the countries gathered in Dubai and spent three weeks, after meeting in Cairo COP 27. People spent three weeks or so there but recently, I read that the temperatures are increasing. We are going further up. So, these are not motions that we can only say it is over, when the problem is still live and affecting us.
Hon. Sen. Mohadi, you have given us this opportunity to debate deeply. If it means having another opportunity outside Parliament where we can invite experts, we meet and proceed because the people that are at grassroots are the ones who are being affected by this issue. Most of them have not been given an opportunity to speak on climate change. We come across these issues in workshops and conferences. It is rarely spoken about in the wards or villages. People out there are seeing all these things, yet we have not come to that stage where we involve the villagers as well as the village heads where these discussions are made to come up with the resolutions can be done.
The heat we are experiencing right now, we have not felt it before. We have not experienced such heat before. What does this mean? If this type of temperature keeps on increasing, we will end up hearing that someone has died here and there. I think that is where we are heading to. However, let us not get to that extent, that is why I am saying Hon. Sen. Mohadi, this motion should not just close without proffering solutions. Right now, my fellow Hon. Sen. Chief Nyangazonke who has just left this august House is complaining about livestock that has been affected. Usually we start facing problems of water and food around July/August and we say may be two/three months, we may be able to persevere until the rain comes. Here, we are in March and we can only expect rains in November. It means we have a big problem here.
With regards to food, Mashonaland Central, some of them were saying they are expecting something like 30% yield. Mashonaland West, it is very bad. Mashonaland East as well as Masvingo where those are traditionally drought prone regions and the fields, even those crops that are supposed to take them to the shortest winter season, but now the maize is not even available to purchase.
Right now, a bucket of maize is going for $9 in March. By the time we get to November, I am sure it will rise to $20 or so this year. In this Senate, we are the elected few so that as some remain in the villages and our homes - Madam President, I am sorry, such respected posts means whenever there is a problem in this country, people look up to us. That is why they put us up there. I am glad this issue has been brought into this august House, but I am sure people out there will be happy that we are debating about how drought relief can go about.
I am glad that His Excellency the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa said no one is going to starve. We are going to get enough food. Even if we expect to receive drought relief from the President, what are you doing? Ask yourself wherever you are, what are you doing on your part despite the solutions coming from His Excellency the President. Wherever you go to the village head, chief, councillor, Member of Parliament or Senator, if we all come up with solutions to assist His Excellency the President, I am sure we may be able to bring relief to some of these problems.
Hon. Senators, from today on, should say yes, there are a lot of motions that have come into this House but there is one outstanding. Even if we go out for weekends, we must be able to ensure that we proffer solutions before we rest. If we do not find solutions, it means domestic violence will increase between husbands and wives. I am sure even street kids will increase because there will be no food in the homesteads. Indeed, we need to robustly debate although we cannot solve it today but I am sure we can be able to get a solution. Let us not expect developed countries to proffer solutions yet they are the ones who cause these problems because of the gas emissions from their factories. We see that in many conferences, we only see debates about things that may be international. Even the language has been internationalised so much that you cannot find the rightful words to interpret it to local context. The problem is, we do not have the solutions. So as Members of Parliament and Hon. Senators, let us work hard because we need to come up with solutions to the drought facing us. It is also affecting livestock. Even if we talk about climate change, you can also feel it from the heat, let us unite as Senate so that this motion cannot just go by without proffering solutions to climate change.
*HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Madam President. I would also like to add on to this motion that is being debated by Hon. Senators. Firstly, climate change is real, we must live in acceptance that indeed this is a reality. On the other hand, I would like to start off by saying as I debate this motion, we are also the source of problems because we no longer observe our culture, especially the Chiefs. May we stand up strong in our areas and ensure that sacred areas remain reserved. You may look down upon that, but this will cause perennial droughts.
There are a lot of areas that were believed to be sources of rituals for rainfall, we need to preserve those areas. Let us not go into sacred pools and rivers and start baptising people. Indeed, we do not forbid praying or good things because traditionally, we know there is the most-high, who is God as the Creator, the one who will provide rainfall the very day of the rain making ceremony. Indeed, climate change may cause us a lot of problems in our families, including the Gender-Based Violence that the Hon. Sen. Chief was trying to allude to. If there is no food in households, even here in Senate, if we are not paid as Senators for two months, there will be chaos in this Senate. It is when we know that people are knowledgeable that our finances as a country do not permit, there will not be any peace. Even in debates, the contributions will go down.
So what should we do as a country because this problem is not only affecting us, but are saying we have our traditional practices that bring peace and rain in our country? So what should we do? Let us preserve our culture, let us preserve our areas. This will assist us in future for the better of our country. We want to venture into agriculture for this country. We enjoy looking at the land that we cannot fully utilise in this country. There are a lot of water bodies, if you tell people from other countries that we are starving here, they will laugh at us because we have a lot of rivers and dams that can sustain us for the whole year without facing starvation.
Madam President, agriculture needs unity and proffering solutions as a united front, so that those who have power can ensure that the land is being utilised adequately. Let us also know that if we bought land or a farm, we did not do it to only produce food for a household. Commercial land must be considered as intentions for venturing into business, farming is business. Our agriculture is not all about utilising land along the highway so that people may see that you have tobacco. We are talking of production that is supposed to benefit the nation.
Hon. Sen. Mavenyengwa, I want to come and procure maize because you have a farm… - [Power outage] -
Power having been restored
*HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Madam President, as I proceed debating on climate change, I would like to say let us consider that the most important thing that can lead to a war in a country is sadza which is our staple food. Our farmers must be able to proceed and work viably and productively. Madam President, we also affect the environment around us, be it in the urban areas or the rural areas because of unhygienic practices. Climate change goes hand-in-hand with hygiene. Our industries are emitting a lot of gasses that affect rain conditions. We need to adapt and move along with times so that we do not lag behind. If you look at countries that are affected by lack of rain, they are not so many, but let us consider the livelihoods of those countries affected.
There is a lot of garbage that is disposed and being burnt, some of the garbage is disposed of in water bodies to the extent that the water bodies can no longer hold water to the next season. Right now, as we live in our countries, let us be careful of such things and let us have enough power to control the environment and preserve the environment as well as empowering people to enforce that. I believe those are the few words that I wanted to add onto this debate, as I emphasise that let us go back to our traditions. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: Thank you Madam President. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TSOMONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
MOTION
STRATEGIES TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR THE NATIONAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. KATUMBA: Thank you Madam President. I would like to say it is good that our urban areas be kept clean as well as our surroundings. Looking at the urban areas and the environment especially with regards to litter, I think if it were possible, refuse bins are very important and they must be availed in households. When the cities or towns were made, the population was still low. I think we have retrogressed instead of increasing the facilities. Garbage trucks must be able to collect twice or so per week and I think that will lead to a difference.
Sometimes in a week, you do not even see them and there are no litter bins. One may use a plastic bag and when it is full, they just throw it anywhere. Let us also consider the problem of sewage. When these systems were put in place, the residential areas were still small and the pipes have not been replaced. The pipes are now old. If we look at road networks, we see that there is rehabilitation taking place and I believe the sewer system must also be revamped to ensure that we get bigger pipes in accordance with the increase in population.
I think this would lead to cleaner environments in our surroundings. Looking at the local authorities, they are policy makers and implementers. I believe that the policy makers are doing their job but the problem is implementation. It is important that our Minister must look at the implementation part and find out what the problem is. If it is lack of resources, they must be able to increase them so that our environment is clean. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. HUNGWE: Thank you Madam President for affording me this opportunity to add a few words on this motion raised by Hon. Sen. Mavenyengwa. It is a very important motion since it emphasises the importance of hygiene and it gives us a bigger lifespan, but if there is lack of hygiene, we face a lot of problems such as diseases that we are encountering these days. I am a Senator representing an urban area and I do not know anything about RDC’s because I am an urban person.
Since 1980 when we got independence until 2000, the town was very clean. There were blacks ruling but from 2000 to 2001 up to now, it does not mean that in the past there were no people. People were always there. We knew that when you go to council offices to pay rentals, you would be given a litter bin, but now there is nothing like that.
As a country and in this august House, we agreed that we must conduct harmonised elections. The President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors must be voted for on the same appointed date although they have distinct roles. Local authorities have budgets, here at Parliament we also have budgets, which means local authorities are an important body because they have their budgets.
Urban dwellers pay rates and pay for their houses, if you read that receipt, it tells you that you pay for sewer and garbage collection, and you also pay for street lights and roads. As I said earlier on that I am an urban dweller, still I do not know where the collected revenue goes. I once worked in the City of Harare, and all these things that I am referring to are things that I know. Our city fathers that we have these days, I do not think that they ever consider what their responsibility is, which is the day-to-day welfare of people to ensure it is clean everywhere. I think our councillors need to be taught because there is nothing that we can do without litter bins. If you go around residential areas, you find litter everywhere.
I would like to thank the Government because they have availed garbage collection trucks. However, they are supposed to be provided by local authorities. When you see the Central Government coming in, it means there is a big problem, and they will be trying to avert the spread of Cholera and other diseases. So we need to look into the local authorities and check whether they are working or if they are aware of what they are supposed to be doing. As it is, it means they do not know their job.
Right now, all these roads that are being rehabilitated do not belong to the Central Government, they belong to local authorities. The Government only comes in after realising that there is a serious problem.
Madam President, I have stood up to add these few words to say let us go and look into our local authorities because they have a mandate that they were given by the people who elected them into office as they were voted for on the 23rd of August, 2023. They were empowered to collect revenue and fix our areas, that is why they were voted for, but to be honest, they do not care about the people who voted for them.
I would like to say Hon. Sen. Mavenyengwa, you did well with that motion that is why the President has also set aside the first Friday of every month to dedicate to cleaning. His Excellency was demonstrating to us that we need first of all, to ensure that our household is clean. We hear other people talking about other countries, I went to Kigali last year and they practice the same. They also have a day dedicated to cleaning and they do not do any other thing until 1000 hours in the morning. The President is also making a point that we must be clean. We need to bath; it is very important. As we grew up, you would not start cooking without bathing and you would not leave the yard without cleaning the house. I used to win the smartness competition because I was very smart. We used to compete a lot. In Harare, everywhere there is litter and it is not the people’s fault because there are no litter bins refuse trucks.
It was a custom that every week, where you stay, you would just place your litter bin outside, and the refuse truck would come and collect it. If the litter bin was tattered, they would take it and leave you a new one. So with these few words, let us go and tell our local authorities to work accordingly and not just to go to the townhouse to make tea or just go for workshops spending ratepayers' monies. They must consider the environment of the residents as a priority.
+HON. SEN. R. NDLOVU: Thank you Madam President. I would like to add my voice regarding litter that we find in our towns. I would like to debate on a few issues that have been highlighted by the previous Senators.
Madam President, I am from Bulawayo and there is so much litter in Bulawayo. Most of this litter is there because councils are unable to do their duty. In Bulawayo, every street has some vendors operating from it. If you go to the main markets, there are people that do not reside in Bulawayo who operate from there. They are now staying there with their children and their husbands. They are found to be selling their wares from there throughout the day and these people do not reside in Bulawayo.
Most of the litter found in the streets is litter that is being created deliberately. Most of the people are operating illegally from the streets. We have markets that have been allocated legally but people choose to move out of the legal places to operate from outside the markets in an illegal way and each time council comes to these places, it ensures the people are moved from the illegal places, but most of them say that they are protected, so they do not need to be chased away from those places. I am referring to things that are happening on the ground.
Right now, I am in Harare and pavements have illegal operators there. As leaders, if we want things to be done the proper way, we need to say the truth but if we do not come out in the open to say the truth, then we are not going anywhere. We need to tell the truth as it is. As residents mainly here in Harare, I see what is happening and it is almost similar to what is happening in Bulawayo. Local government should be empowered to ensure that they remove these illegal vendors from the streets.
If I want a vote as a Member of Parliament, I will entice those people to remain there so that I get my vote. Right now, even if there are places that are demarcated for the vendors to operate from, they do not want to operate from those places but want to operate from their demarcated places.
One Hon. Member indicated that we pay rates to the City Council. We have houses in towns, we do not pay to councils. The reason why we do not pay to councils is that we are told that we are not allowed to be chased away from where we operate from even if we do not pay. Previously, we knew that each time you do not pay, you would be chased away from where you operate from unless and until you pay but right now, people even get to the point of tampering with water meters when they have been closed and nothing is done to them.
How much is Government owing City Council? As residents, how much are we owing City Council? We need to come out in the open and indicate that we owe City Council, which is why it is failing to do its duties accordingly. Right now, there is the Devolution Fund. May this fund come through so that councils and municipalities can do their duties accordingly.
As the Upper House, we need to support them, ensure they get their funds on time and have their work done diligently. As Hon. Members, we need to agree to our short comings. We agree that most of the vendors are operating there because there are no jobs but this does not allow them to continue to litter our towns and streets.
They are crowding our streets. Each time we tackle issues like these, we need to say the truth so that we get an appropriate resolution to issues concerning us and our constituencies. Thank you, Madam President.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Madam President for affording me the opportunity to add my voice to the motion that has been brought to this House. Certainly, I would like to appreciate all the initiatives which have been done. For instance, the initiative by the President of this country to ensure that there is a remembrance of this issue, one Friday every month so that it remains a topic which is alive for debate. I am sure if there is one motion where we should all be able to agree, it is this one. If we fail to agree on this motion, I think we should shut down Parliament and go back home.
Our cities need to be clean. Our streets need to be clean; our villages need to be clean; our homes need to be clean. Everyone who is raising this motion wants to move forward. I have listened to the debate from across the aisle, and I can see that they want a solution and a way forward to take the country forward to ensure that at least, there is cleanliness. We might be starving; we might be fighting, whatever you name it, but when visitors come, surely, they should find that we are observing the principles of cleanliness. It is more so with the recent diseases that we are seeing, Cholera and so forth. All those are indicators that cleanliness is lacking. Cleanliness takes resources. People who are starving are the ones who become so desperate that they no longer observe the best tendency of cleanliness. So there is something to be said to ensure that we address some of the fundamentals that will ensure that the society is healthy and able to take care of some of the day to day things.
I will give you an example, the number of people that were selling in the streets between 1980 and maybe1990, was far less than the number of people who are selling produce in the streets today. That is certainly going to be one of the issues that is going to contribute to the increase in the refuse that we see. I can certainly say that the capacity of the cities to take care of the plastics that were there at the time has diminished by the time we are here in 2024. Therefore, we need to increase the capacity of our local authorities and some of our Government agencies which are also concerned with these things so that our country is able to take control of the large amounts of refuse that we get. This has been recognised by Central Government itself. They showed their interventions at Pomona, where they brought forward innovative ways to try and increase the capacity of the city; to creatively find ways to deal with refuse.
We saw the contribution of the vehicles which the Hon. Senator was speaking about; interventions from Central Government, but we must take into account that these interventions have been done in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. It brings me to the issue of cooperation. Without cooperation on this issue, we will go nowhere. Our debate on this issue should reflect that we are willing to cooperate because when local authorities make initiatives to deal with this matter, they are going to need a budget. Their budgets are approved and disbursed by Central Government. We urge the Central Government to expeditiously approve these budgets.
We need to see increased meetings between local authorities and Central Government on this issue. We need to see less debate and stumbling blocks when these issues are discussed. The debate around the Pomona issue became so toxic at one stage, and yet, we were talking about a matter relating to progress. The Hon. Sen. Ndlovu just raised some critical issues that there is need for political will on both sides and the need to work on an issue to find a solution to ensure that we achieve this cleanliness that we crave for. The cleanliness that we crave for is connected to our economy. We would wish to see more people becoming employed. We would wish to see people on the streets being capacitated to actually come up with their bins. A lot of the refuse, and I saw it this morning, is coming from people who are selling wares, who are actually doing small businesses.
In as much as the local authorities can provide bins which are very scarce, I must admit, those who are running businesses can surely buy bins. These are some of the policies that we should see being pushed, and certainly we should begin to have legislation that says if you are selling tomatoes at a market, you should be able to come together and buy five bins. You should be able to ensure that as you wake up every morning, you clean. I have seen examples of citizens who do that where they enforce their own the rules of cleanliness.
In closing, I would like to say that the approach where the Members across the aisle begin to blame each other over such a simple thing of sweeping, it is symptomatic of a very deep problem which we need to resolve. I am sure that when this motion ends and is concluded, it is going to end with everyone unanimously clapping and unanimously agreeing on a way forward which would see our cities and our villages becoming clean. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
MOTION
ROAD SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the successive road accidents and consecutive days which claim scores of lives on the month of November, 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. PHULU: Thank you Madam President. I rise to support the motion presented by Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa, on the critical issue of road accidents prevention during the festive season. This period should be a time of joy and celebrations, and yet for many families, it is sadly not so. It becomes a time for loss of loved ones and a time for much mourning. The statistics presented by Hon. Sen. Zvidzai previously when he supported this motion are sobering. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent fathers, mothers, children and friends whose absence leaves a deep void in our communities.
To address this, we must take a multi-faceted approach as suggested by the motion that includes education and awareness. To increase the comprehensive education and awareness campaigns to foster the road safety that we so need as a society, these campaigns should target all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, children and users of cellphones and social media. As the motion clearly points, perhaps we need to sensitise people on what it means to see a picture of your loved one, suddenly on WhatsApp, as you sit somewhere eating lunch. Or as you sit in school trying to do homework, you suddenly see a picture of your loved one; a grim announcement and a sudden one to say that they are no more. I think education from a very young age, on courtesy and good manners and responsibility in using our gadgets is important.
May be as time goes on, we might even consider trying to legislate a way to encourage users of social media, cameras and all these electronic gadgets to respect an accident scene. Certainly, ubuntu demands that it must be so. Is this an indication that along the lines as we embrace some of these technological innovations, we are allowing our ubuntu to slide away and we are losing grip on ourselves. Law enforcement; I think this argument has been made over and over again, perhaps we need to see more enforcement of traffic rules. We need to see more and more crackdown of corrupt practices that perhaps allow people to get away with bad behaviour on the roads. Some of the behaviour on the roads is really shocking. You can see that people have no concern at all about the welfare of other people and the sanctity of life in general.
The improvement of infrastructure is another key point that we need to look at. It would be certainly a great day when a person involved in an accident in Kwekwe, could be quickly be rushed to a hospital that would take care of all their needs there in Kwekwe. Certainly, we should have a minimum distance to which a person should reach a hospital in all our highways around the country and in all our villages around the country. We should have competent hospitals that can take care of road emergency cases that arise. I know that we are still far from that. A lot of issues arise, issues to do with how much we are investing in health, how much we are investing to the Ministry dealing with roads and how those funds being used, to ensure that they are used effectively to create this infrastructure and to create this health system that can take care of people during these holiday periods when they are involved in these accidents.
Certainly, when people are involved in accidents, we should have a way of ensuring that they can afford to go into a good hospital because at time people die because they cannot find money at that particular time, during that period of emergency to access a good hospital. Also issues to do with insurance, which has been raised in the motion are issues we ought to look into as a House, debate and come up with strong resolutions to ensure that our Government is guided by such resolutions and motivated by these strong resolutions to try and deal with some of these issues which arise. Hopefully, during the next festive season, or in the next five festive seasons, we witness a reduction in these road traffic accidents but certainly, we witness an increased capacity to deal with those injuries, to deal with the cultural issues that arise in the sense of social media being used responsibly for that purpose.
So, the issue of developing a robust emergency response system to provide immediate assistance to victims, potentially saving their lives and reducing the severity of injuries is something that we must try to attain.
Legislative measures, considering the operationalisation of the Road Accident Fund to finance a viable road crush emergency framework system is also a point that we must underscore and underline.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa for bringing forward this motion and I would like to thank all those Hon. Senators who have fervently supported this motion. We must, as a Senate and Parliament, urge all stakeholders through the urgency of the relevant oversight mechanisms available to Parliament. Parliament should interface seriously with all these stakeholders who include relevant Government ministries, civil society and the private sector to collaborate in implementing the above measures that have been proposed by Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa and the Hon. Senators who have spoken in support of this motion.
Madam President, together we can work towards a safer Zimbabwe where the holiday season is remembered for its festivities and not for the loss of life on our roads, I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Thank you Hon. President of the Senate for affording me this opportunity to also add my voice on this motion which was presented to this Senate by Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa on persistent issues of road accidents during holidays in our country Zimbabwe. Every year, Madam President, as families gather and travel to celebrate their cherished moments, our nation has been marred by a surge in avoidable road accidents which cause death to our beloved ones. Last year was no different, hence it is important for us to pull up our sleeves and try as hard as possible so that we can lower the rate of accidents in our country especially during holiday periods.
Madam President, the recent holidays which are Christmas time and New Year witnessed a horrifying escalation in accidents leaving countless families devasted and communities heartbroken due to deaths which were being caused by road traffic accidents. We cannot become numb to these statistics. These are not just numbers, they represent mothers, fathers, children and friends lost in preventable tragedies.
Madam President, the causes of this holiday surge are multifaceted bad road infrastructure, lack of proper signage on our roads, in the highways as well as fatigue due to long distance travelled by drivers also contribute among other causes. However, we cannot overlook the human factor like reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic regulations become amplified during the holiday rush. In addition, in our country, a troubling trend of corruptly issued drivers’ licences causes a significant threat on the roads. Individuals lacking proper training and knowledge of traffic laws can obtain licences through bribes, putting themselves and others at risk.
This undermines the general licence system placing unqualified drivers behind the wheel who may be more prone to making dangerous maneuvers, ultimately contributing to the country’s already high rate of road accidents, especially the holidays where roads are crowded by endless travelling alongside many tourists.
The holidays need people who are skilled in driving hence those who get licences corruptly fail to this skill. Furthermore, some officers who also engage themselves in corrupt practices in the law enforcement agencies weaken road surface efforts. Police officers tasked with upholding traffic laws are reported to be accepting bribes from drivers without roadworthy vehicles or those lacking licences. These unscrupulous officers turn a blind eye to safety hazards allowing potentially dangerous vehicles onto the roads. Instead of issuing fines or impounding unsafe cars, they collect unofficial fees lining their pockets at the expense of the public safety. This systematic corruption forensic fosters a disregard for regulations, creating a dangerous situation on our roads.
Madam President, therefore, I propose a multi-prolonged approach to address this crisis. Firstly, I urge the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to prioritise the urgent rehabilitation of our national roads like they are doing on the Harare/Beitbridge Road, Harare/Chirundu Road, Bulawayo/Victoria Falls Road, thumbs up to our Government for such a wonderful job of rehabilitating our roads.
Potholes, uneven surfaces and inadequate shoulders create dangerous driving conditions. So, they need to be attended to. Secondly, Zimbabwe Republic Police must be adequately resourced to conduct heightened enforcement during holidays. Increased patrols particularly on known accidents black spots coupled with zero tolerance for drunken driving and speeding will send a strong message of deterrence to drivers. Equipping Zimbabwean law enforcement with proper resources can be a powerful tool in combating corruption and improving road safety. This includes providing officers with modern speed detection equipment. Ensuring a fleet of well-maintained patrol vehicles and motor cycles for mobility, offering competitive salaries and allowances by addressing financial constraints, officers are less susceptible to bribes. Furthermore, increase visibility through well equipped patrols deters motorists from attempting to circumvent the law. This multifaceted approach can strengthen enforcement, promote adherence to traffic regulations and ultimately reduce road accidents on our roads.
Thirdly, I call upon the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign. We have the traffic safety bought for that, but however, for effectiveness, the Ministry of Information should also take a leading role in launching campaigns that educate citizens on safe driving practices, highlight the dangers of speeding and fatigue and emphasise the importance of adhering to traffic laws. Let us not under-estimate the power of media in our country, and also engage with transport operators. We must address the pressure that their drivers face to meet unrealistic targets which often incentivises reckless driver behaviour, thus fatal road accidents occur.
Finally, we must foster a culture of road safety in our nation. This requires collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations and traditional leaders. Together we can build a national consciousness that prioritises responsible driving and sanctity of human life.
In conclusion, the loss of even a single life on our roads is a tragedy. Let us act now with urgency and resolve to turn the tide on this holiday nightmare and let us ensure that our journeys of celebration are not marred by preventable loss. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. ZHOU: Thank you Madam President for according me this opportunity to add my voice on this motion which was raised by Hon. Mlotshwa. It is a very important motion on road traffic accidents on the roads. Accidents happen when people are not prepared and they lose lives. At times they are maimed. I want to stress that these accidents do not just result in the losses of lives, but also people become disabled when they were not disabled as they were growing up. In our organisation, we always say that you should not be proud that you are driving a car because when you go out driving your car, you might come back disabled because of road traffic accidents.
So we are saying that these accidents are causing hardships in lives besides just bringing death. The other thing that we wanted to talk about is to look at our lives as black people – what is it that we are supposed to do and what is it that we used to do? We want to look at the religious people and the chiefs. Suppose there is a bus which has been involved in an accident, and twenty or thirty people lose their lives, the police will come with their coffins and ferry the bodies. The injured are taken to hospital, but as black people, we should go there with our chiefs so that we do our rituals there so that we do not end up having black spots.
This means if we end up with black spots, there is something that we are supposed to do, a ritual that we should do to appease the blood of those people as black people so that it does not attract accidents. If you look closely, you find that these accidents happen at certain places. Like the accident that happened at the seven kilometer peg. A lot of accidents happen at that place. The experience that I have with that place is that my car once had a breakdown, but it did not seem like a break down. I asked the driver because the car was brand new. A lady came walking, but the driver said that he was not seeing anything, although I could hear her footsteps at that area where the accident happened.
So religious people and our leaders should follow these issues. Going forward, this is not the issue of the Minsitry of Transport alone, but it is an issue that should be handled by the law as well, but the way the law is being handled, we see that there is a lax because there are ways of curbing drunkenness. When people become drunk when the police is there, they will know that someone gets to a road block whilst drunk that they cannot even show their licence, but you find them passing through that road block.
Our laws should be followed and it helps us to curb accidents which are so rampant these days. The other thing that I wanted to talk about is that every car in Zimbabwe should have an insurance cover. It can be third party or comprehensive, but you find that most of the time these insurance companies just take money and if an accident occurs, we do not see those insurance companies. We just see the government chipping in or some relatives and some go about borrowing money so that they will be able to cope with the burials, but we do not see the insurance companies.
When it comes to collecting money, each time that you renew, the insurance will be there and you pay for the insurance. It can be full, third party or comprehensive. So we should also look at those issues as well. This issue should not jeopardise the lives of people. When people are looking for insurances, they need help so that they get assistance when they get involved in these accidents. I think we should also see that we avoid being disabled on the roads. Some divorces come up as well because if someone is maimed, either wife or husband, they may divorce because of disability. That is what I wanted to say. Thank you.
HON. SEN. MLOTSWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
MOTION
PROGRAMMES TO CURB DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTHS
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on drug and substance abuse by youths.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Seventh order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MUZENDA, seconded by HON. SEN. TONGOGARA the Senate adjourned at Four Minutes to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 12th March, 2024.
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Members to my right side, please take your seats!
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
HEALTH, MENTAL AND WELLNESS PROGRAMME
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I wish to inform the House that Parliament’s Health Service Department, in conjunction with the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS), will be conducting a Health, Mental and Wellness Programme from Tuesday, 12th March to Thursday, 14th March 2024. Each day will begin with a presentation from 0900 to 1030 a.m. in the Special Committee Room No. 2 on the ground floor. Thereafter, there is screening for blood pressure, diabetes, breast, prostate and cervical cancers will be held in the clinic area, Rooms 113, 116, 117 and 137 on the First Floor. Hon. Members and staff are urged to attend. The screening process will take place the whole day on the days mentioned.
CLIMATE CHANGE SENSITISATION WORKSHOP FOR ALL PARLIAMENTARIANS
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I also wish to inform the House that Parliament, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, shall be holding a Climate Change Sensitisation Workshop for all parliamentarians on Friday, 15th and Saturday, 16th March in the Multi-Purpose Hall at Parliament Building from 0800 hours. The workshop will cover the courses: Impacts and Solutions of Climate Change as well as the Role of Parliament in Addressing the Global Challenge.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. KAMBUZUMA: Madam Speaker, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 7 and 9 to 12 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 8 has been disposed of.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO IMPROVE THE PLIGHT OF COUNCILLORS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to address the conditions of service for Councillors.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Madam Speaker, I had switched my microphone on a point of privilege. I wanted to be given an opportunity to say something.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am very sorry Hon. Nyamupinga. We have already passed that stage. I will give you the chance on Thursday.
HON. KARIMATSENGA-NYAMUPINGA: Madam Speaker, it is important that I say something. I had actually spoken to the Deputy Chief Whip and I thought it was in order. That is why I had remained quiet.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Due to our procedures, we cannot go back to what we have already passed. I am sorry.
*HON. CHAIMVURA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to add my contribution to the motion regarding councillors who are very important in that they are leaders. The issue that I want to highlight is how they clothe themselves, they do not wear clothes which are honourable. You find some councillors walking long distances in order to meet people whom they lead in their communities and sometimes they fail to meet stipulated meeting times. You find councillors requesting for transport from the people they serve. This does not auger well with the people. Rural councils are in a dire state, where you find people who do not have accommodation representing people as councillors. They look after a lot of people in their homesteads. Some entertain ten or more people who are in need of food, some who have sick relatives and some who are bereaved.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, councillors should be given transport like motorbikes. Their welfare should be looked into, including the monies that they earn so that they are able to serve diligently with adequate tools. Thank you.
*HON. JONGA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am and good afternoon. Let me start by explaining what is expected from councillors and let me explain how they are despised in my own understanding. They are marginalised and looked down upon. They are despised and viewed as people who are not important. This means that they are not heard in their communities, even in discharging their duties. Looking at councils, I believe that this august House agrees with me that councillors are quite important, especially looking at rural areas where people get assistance from councillors.
Madam Speaker, let me continue saying that the way they are despised came about as a result of white minority rule during the colonial era, especially looking at black people who were denied education and wealth. Now that we have independence, especially in the Second Republic, it is my desire that councillors should be helped in how they operate. They should be assisted on how they do their duties, particularly councillors in rural areas who cover large areas and who walk long distances in order to serve people. I will give an example, I have a ward in my constituency. It is Ward 30 in Mount Darwin West which has four districts. It is not possible for a councillor to cover the whole Ward in one day. They might need a day or two to cover the Wards.
Madam Speaker, you would find that sometimes they cover 30 to 60 kilometers and this is quite difficult for our councillors. Most people who are represented by councillors in rural areas are marginalised in terms of resources. They have a lot of issues which need to be addressed. This highlights the plight of the people who are represented by councillors in rural areas.
Madam President, the burden which is carried by councillors, looking at sitting allowances, is quite huge and this means that they cannot lead people with dignity. It is important to enhance the lives of councillors. The first thing that is needed for councillors are cars which they will use in order to reach different corners or areas – [HON.MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Either one car per Ward or a car in three or four Wards. This will be quite handy because it will allow them to reach all corners. His Excellency the President, through Vision 2030, says that there is no one who will be left behind and there will be no place which will be left behind. So, councillors should not be left behind. They must have their sitting allowances reviewed so that they have decent remuneration. They must have projects which would augment the lives of their people in their homesteads and their Wards.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, you would find that councillors do not have money to improve the outlook of their homesteads and when they pass on, you would find that their families are left suffering. If we enhance the way we view councillors and their resources, then this is going to uplift their livelihoods as councillors. I thank you.
*HON. NKANI: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am for giving me this opportunity to debate. I want to add a few words on this quite pertinent motion which was raised by Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Nyamupinga regarding our councils. Firstly, let me start by looking at the importance of a councillor so that we understand how important they are and what they deserve. A councillor is a shepherd or a herdsman who looks after livestock whilst it is raining and does not have raincoat; imagine heading livestock when you do not have shoes and thorns are pricking your feet.
A councillor is a person who lives among the people like what some Hon. Members said that when a challenge comes, it comes via the councillor. Those who need food or inputs are directed at the councillor. Those who are bereaved go to their councillors. Those who need transport for inputs go to their councillors and yet the councillor does not have anything. The answer that the councillor gives the people might not be there because the councillor wants to hear from the District Administrator and Member of Parliament who also do not have answers. The councillor lives in the community with the people. Everyday the people go to the councillor’s homestead talking about their preparations for Pfumvudza/Intwasa and asking what can be done.
I believe that a councillor is very important. A councillor is responsible for promulgation of by-laws which run councils. A councillor supervises all the works that are done by different Government departments in the ward. At the end of the day, a councillor dies of stress because he is burdened by these responsibilities. In my view, a councillor must not get less than US$160 per month. A councillor should be given a grant, which is money which will assist him with income generating projects. For instance, you find that a Minister is given a loan which is quite substantial. Members of Parliament are given a better salary and a loan around US$40 000 – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Hon. Member did not err but he said that Members of Parliament are getting better salaries than councillors. Please understand what he said. He said that the salaries are a bit better compared to the salary of a councillor.
*HON. NKANI: I want new Hon. Members to understand that this is my second term. I was given a loan of US$40 000 by His Excellency the President. I was given that loan and I bought a stand. So, I am saying that councillors should be given enough money so that they have sustainable livelihoods. An MP has a car but a councillor does not even have a motorbike. I am saying that a councillor should be given what he or she deserves. They must be viewed in a respectable manner just like Members of Parliament and Ministers. They must be given travelling allowances which can sustain them during meetings so that they can fend for their families. I thank you.
HON. MAKOMBE: I want to add my voice to this very important matter that is being debated. People must understand that local authorities are a creation of the statutes. It is a fact that Zimbabwe is a unitary democratic sovereign republic of which local authorities are a tier of local government. It is also a fact that local authorities operate within the Constitution of Zimbabwe as well as delegated powers from the Ministry of Local Government. These powers at local level are carried by councillors who are elected.
The Government of Zimbabwe established local authorities for a number of reasons, such as to bring Government closer to the people by giving them access to their leaders to enhance provision of service delivery such as roads, water, waste management, education and health; to facilitate community participation in decision making and resource allocation and to facilitate the allocation of national resources. That is why the local government system is provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe under Chapter 14.
To effectively discharge his or her duties, a councillor must have the following attributes which are very important: They must be honest, they must have integrity, impartial, they must be committed, they must be accountable and above all, they must be humble. These attributes make the councillor’s work very difficult but at the same time, very important hence the need to also provide a conducive environment for them to discharge their duties diligently. The current environment does not motivate our councillors to discharge their mandate effectively. At times they are regarded as volunteers and no need to give special attention to their welfare and yet they are expected to discharge their duties given by the Constitution and Government through the Ministry of Local Government.
Local authorities are autonomous but not independent. They can make rules and decisions but they also have to explain what they are doing to Central Government. This clearly shows that they are interpreting or implementing the Government’s vision and programmes of development. The functions of a councillor are key to the development of our country. Councillors make far reaching decisions that affect people on their daily lives. They give direction and control in council affairs. They provide broad supervision to council officials to ensure that work is done within the policy framework seeing to it that corruption is minimised and ratepayers get value for their money. They are spokespersons and watchdogs for the community. They make policy for council and see to it that services such as refuse collection which I mentioned above is provided. These are critical and very important functions that need to be rewarded.
When these functions are not performed properly, that is when we see the outbreak of diseases such as Cholera and other related water borne diseases. More often when councillors fail to provide quality services, the residents, Government and all stakeholders will always blame the councillor. It is because they understand that the work of a councillor is very important. This understanding must also go further to look at their welfare. I want to appreciate the efforts done by the Minister of Local Government in reviewing the allowances of our councillors. However, I feel that councillors deserve a monthly salary which is commensurate with their duties, which I want to believe that all of us here as parliamentarians, appreciate that they do a lot.
Allowances should be paid as an extra incentive for attending committee and full council meetings and also for their mobility so that they can cover much ground in their wards. A pension scheme must also be made available for them plus medical aid as well as funeral policies so that at least our councillors can be motivated. Very little is done in this aspect. It is also important to make sure that our councillors are motivated.
If the conditions of service for our councillors are improved, we are most likely to see improvement in service delivery in local authorities for the benefit of our residents. It will also enable councillors to travel to all corners of their Wards where they have to perform their representative roles. It will also make the office of the councillor attractive and competitive locally and comparable intentionally so as to attract capable people to contest for elections and serve the community with distinction. It will also ensure that council business, most of the time, is not disrupted by people who will be talking about allowances.
I want to conclude by saying that most of our local authorities do not have the capacity to pay or cater for all these things that I have spoken about. We also do not want to labour our citizens by financing the welfare of councillors through payments of rates. I therefore propose that the salaries and allowances of councillors be covered by Treasury since they are doing Government-centred work. So I urge the Minister of Local Government to put up the necessary framework so that the welfare of councillors will be taken care of by Treasury. Thank you.
HON. ZIKI: I rise to contribute on the motion moved by Hon. Jere on the marginalisation of councillors. Councillors are an important and integral part of local government, but are hardly recognised. They are an important pillar of support for every successful Hon. Member here present. We have heard speakers who have come before who have spoken about the deplorable allowances for councillors and the work that they do. I am going to dwell on what I think they should get.
Firstly, I am advocating for an increase in their allowances and I would like to concur with the previous speaker that it will be better if they were paid by Treasury. I am also advocating for free duty vehicles for councillors. We have heard the plight of our councillors in terms of transport. I am sure they are also entitled to benefit from free duty since most civil servants are benefitting from it.
Then there is another issue here and this is probably known by people who have gone through councillorship, that the Mayors and chairpersons do not have offices at council offices. They have to be in the corridors, town secretary or the Mayor’s office to do their business. When we benchmark with councillors within our borders, you find that councillors have offices and a complete secretariat that does the typing and everything that is required by councillors. Also, they are catering for all council meetings outside of council. They drive brand new vehicles, Mercedes Benz, but it will be a pipe dream for us to hope for that. I do not think it will be too much to ask if Treasury would meet the cost of allowances.
I also have an issue here which seems to have evaded everybody. This is the issue of T/S and accommodation allowances. The disparity between these two allowances between an allowance given to a councillor and that given to staff; town secretaries and council employees is very huge. You find sometimes a driver might actually buy the Mayor a drink because the Mayor might be broke. The allowances given to Mayors are so deplorable such that at one time, they made headlines in Bulawayo, I think it was during Trade Fair.
There were some Mayors who were found sleeping somewhere in the suburbs on bunk-beds, one on top of the other like school children and it came out in the newspaper, but they will be trying to save the little allowance that they will have been given. So the issue of uniform T/S and accommodation rates for council staff as well as councillors would be a welcome development.
On the issue of all these benefits that we would want to see, I think this should be anchored on service delivery. We have seen service delivery going down under our watch. In most of our local authorities, we now have sewer bursts everywhere, non-collection of garbage, some of these councils do not even collect garbage until they are threatened by EMA, then you see movement. If they are given all these benefits, we would want to see service delivery of which non-compliant councils should be disbanded and commissions put to run such institutions. We cannot just carry on watching whilst things are going down.
I think that is my last contribution. I can tell you I am so grateful to be part of this discussion because I have been a member of UCAZ and tried to get through some of the issues that we have brought here, but to no avail. I am so grateful to Hon. Jere for bringing this to the attention of the House. Thank you.
HON. MUKOMBERI: Thank you Madam Speaker for this opportunity for me to add my voice on the debate on the marginalisation of councillors. First and foremost, I want to give a contextual meaning of the word marginalisation in the context under debate. In this case we are talking about a councillor being rendered insignificant, treating somebody as not important. I think that is enough to define marginalisation.
A Ward councillor is one of the most significant actors in the governance and administration of local authorities, both in urban and rural local authorities. It is pertinent to note that local authorities are the third tier in the three tiers of Government in Zimbabwe. So local authorities being the third tier, are there to provide a service to the citizens. It is important to note that councillors are the foot soldiers in direct link with the citizens in the service provision journey by local authorities. It is very important for the local authorities or Government to motivate councillors through paying them rewards commensurate with the effort they exert in the service delivery journey. Frederick W. Taylor, a scientist in his wisdom, postulated that a worker is an economic man – once you give him financial incentives, you have motivated him.
What can be extrapolated from this statement is that councillors are viewed as workers because they do day-to-day service provision in their areas of jurisdiction. They are machines that are fuelled by financial incentives – that is still according to Taylor. In carrying out their mandate, councillors are too tied with ward developmental work to an extent that they remain with limited, if not, no time to undertake other activities for the generation of income to sustain their families. They are tied with a number of functions which include inter-alia, giving direction and controlling council affairs; making key decisions to guide council operations, providing broader supervision of officers to ensure that work is done in line with policy; monitoring council progress – seeing to it that corruption is minimised and ratepayers get value for their money; investigating complaints from members of the community; making policy for the council – this is done through attending and participating in council committees as directed by the council; and interacting with staff through the CEO or Town Clerk so as to discuss various issues pertaining to council operations.
Given this array of a number of functions that councillors are mandated to undertake, the remuneration or allowances that councillors in most local authorities are currently getting are not in tandem with the effort that they exert. At the end of the day, you will see to it that this may result in corrupt activities by such councillors in trying to compensate themselves through hook and crook. Some of them may be involved in land scandals or they may give themselves a lion’s share even if inputs are sent to the citizens and they are to distribute them; they end up giving themselves a lion’s share so as to compensate themselves.
In all fairness, one cannot expect a family man or woman working the whole month to earn an allowance less than 80 dollars. How can one sustain personal and family needs or the needs of those under their stewardship as ward councillors? Some councillors may be impoverished to an extent that they become beggars or depend too much on their Hon. MPs in their respective constituencies for the sake of sustaining their families in times of hardships. To maintain fairness, I propose that councillors should be paid a standard salary per month throughout the country, not given relative to the discretion by a specific local authority but it should be a standard salary they should be paid throughout the country. Also, they should be given motor bikes. Concurring to the previous speaker, they should be given duty free certificates to import their vehicles as is the case with all other civil servants.
This might fight corruption in local authorities as councillors may connive with the Executive at local authority to do some fraudulent activity for their benefit. John Stacey Adams, a behavioural psychologist, at one point postulated for the equity theory in the remuneration of workers. In this case, we are also considering that councillors are workers. He said, “equity is based on fairness”. The effort that one exerts at work should be rewarded by a salary that is commensurate with that effort. What can be deduced from that statement is that in their perception, councillors my perceive what they are earning as allowances as not fair. At the end of the day, they try to maintain fairness in their own means and that will accelerate the rate of corruption. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. KASHAMBE: Good afternoon Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to add my voice to the motion which was moved by Hon. Jere, the issue regarding our councillors. The responsibilities of our councillors since the second dispensation are quite huge and everyone is expected to discharge their duties with due diligence. Because of that, we note that councillors are people and the head is His Excellency, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa. The body is the parliamentarians and the foot soldiers are our councillors. In the past, councillors were looked down upon and considered part time employees. They were not doing their duties on a full-time basis.
In rural areas, councillors are always on call. They work wherever they are. They work with leadership and represent people at VIDCO level. They are also there in the disbursement of inputs. They are required to stamp letters for those who are in need of letters for their school going children or for those who need to be treated in public hospitals. Councillors board two or three cars to reach their destination. Some come from Marondera to Chikomba where the council office is. Looking at the money they are getting, the allowance is not enough. It cannot cover their needs. This is one thing that might culminate in councillors engaging in corrupt activities so that they augment their earnings. We know that there might be a challenge in terms of getting money but like what every Hon. Member has said, councillors should have a monthly salary. They should also be given other non- monetary incentives like stands and duty-free cars as they have huge responsibilities. As Government, we know that councillors are sometimes responsible for funds which should be distributed in communities, but they leave such meetings without receiving anything and we do not think this is easy for them. On the same note, our councillors, in line with the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind, are now doing full time jobs because they are responsible for communicating with the rural populace in village and budget consultations. I think it is important to review their remuneration so that they are able to send their children to school also.
HON. LINYANE: I would like to debate on the motion on marginalisation of councillors. Some constituencies are too big that MPs cannot visit all the Wards in his or her constituency and in such circumstances, they rely on councillors who always have interface with the people in the communities. They get their concerns on development on a daily basis. As such, the MPs get information on development needs from the councillors finger tips. Councillors and MPS work together to achieve development goals. However, councillors are the closest link between Government and the people.
According to the delimitation process, this is troubling. The merging of two Wards into one without providing additional resources creates an extremely difficult situation for the councillors who do not have vehicles. It will be very difficult for the councillors to effectively serve the entire Ward, especially if it is large and spread out. This can have a negative impact on the quality of representation of the constituents in the Ward. It also raises questions about the delimitation process.
Madam Speaker, local authorities rely on rate payers to fund their operations and this includes the allowances of councillors. However, many argue that the current system does not provide enough funding for the councillors to do their jobs effectively. This is especially true in areas where poverty is high and many people are unable to pay their rates. In addition, responsibilities of councillors have increased in recent years and they are often expected to do more with less. This puts a strain on the system and can lead to frustration and burnout. Councillors often do a lot of important work, but they are often not paid .They only receive a small stipend. This can be frustrating for those who are trying to make a difference in their communities. The lack of equality is often seen as unfair, but it is important to know that MPs also have responsibilities, but one that needs to be addressed is to ensure that everyone involved in politics is fairly compensated for their work. I thank you.
AN HON. MEMBER: I am rising on a point of order Madam Speaker. I have been following debates in this Parliament and I have noticed one anomaly. Usually it is three that side and one this side, and mathematically that is very wrong. It is supposed to be two that side and one this side.
THE HON DEPUTY SPEAKER: Your concern has been noted, but I am deferring the ruling to next week Hon. Member.
AN HON. MEMBER: Thank you very much Madam Speaker.
HON. S. SITHOLE: Good afternoon Hon. Speaker Ma’am. I rise to debate the motion raised by Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Nyamupinga on the marginalisation of councillors. Madam Speaker, we could be busy debating about the councillors’ welfare, but I do not know if they are doing the same in their chambers or we are debating while they are quiet about it. What I want to say is that the local government should review the Bill for the local authorities. I will also include workers of local authorities as I debate on this issue. There is no development at the district because from the moment they get employed, they stay in one local authority and they are never transferred. That is why they lack the spirit to develop because they do not care, hence the Minister must review the Bill and pave way for people to be transferred to other local authorities. He must revisit and check around the Bill. I agree with some Hon. Members who already spoke before me, but sometimes I think they are the ones who marginalise themselves. They have some beerhalls in the rural areas and all the Wards in towns, but they do not control or make a follow up with management to see where the revenue is going. Some have farms that are being benefitted from, camp fires, but the councillors are not making follow up on how those revenues are being utilized. Madam Speaker, I will just differ from some Hon. Members who debated because I want to say, when they are debating well, you can say that is good. When they have done wrong, you can say, here it is not proper. Madam Speaker, I agree with all who debated here. Councillors are supposed to get pensionable terms because some can stay for five terms. We can either say, let us pass for the five term to get a pension because some can stay for 15 years as a councillor but the benefit is to be an Alderman – just goes with the word Alderman.
I think when we come with those solutions to bring it in, either a five term or three terms and they go for pension than for them to benefit for a name called Alderman. I do not think Madam Speaker, it is a good thing. We must also encourage the councillors – the Hon. Speaker, Adv. J. F. Mudenda, once said inertia, even to ask Members of Parliament to debate about our welfare. I call upon all councillors to wake up and debate about their welfare. I want to thank His Excellency, the listening President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa. I think some months back, he met the councillors at the Rainbow Towers. He promised them that they are going to engage in a good salary payroll. I rest my case Madam Speaker. I thank you.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker for affording me this opportunity to debate on the marginalisation of councillors. It is an honor to participate. Allow me to thank Hon. Jere for putting this motion through to the House. It shows that Hon. Members are true servant leaders who do not forget where they come from and who they work with in their respective constituencies. Madam Speaker, councillors are dedicated individuals who serve as the bedrock of local representation, tirelessly working for the betterment of our communities. They advocate for residents’ needs, navigate complex decisions and foster strong community bonds. However, ensuring their dedication is met with adequate support is crucial. I believe a thorough examination is essential to ensure fair and sustainable practices in local governance.
Madam Speaker, allow my debate to examine the critical role played by councillors, examine the current system of compensation, propose possible remuneration in line with the best international practices. Section 265 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe sets out the general …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): Order Hon. Mavhunga. Hon. Members on my left, can you please allow the Hon. Member to debate in silence. Thank you.
HON. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Section 265 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe sets out the general principles of Provincial and Local Government, including the obligation of councillors to ensure good governance by being effective, transparent, accountable and institutionally coherent, assume only functions conferred by the Constitution on Act of Parliament, exercise their functions without encroaching on the due restriction of other Government tiers, cooperate with one another for improved service delivery, secure the public welfare and ensure fair representation within their due restriction.
The District Councils Act and the Urban Councils Act further provide specific details regarding the composition, functions and powers of councillors as delegated by the Constitution, Section 276. These elected officials carry a significant responsibility representing the needs and interests of their constituents while actively contributing to the development and well-being of their local area. At the core of their duties lies representation. Councillors are the voice of the community, elected by the residents to champion their concerns and issues. They act as advocates, bringing local matters to the attention of the council and relevant authorities through various means like holding meetings, conducting surveys and participating in community events. They actively engage with residents to understand their needs and priorities. This ensures that their decisions made within council reflects the true concerns and aspirations of the community they serve.
Beyond representation, councillors play a pivotal role in policy and decision making. They actively participate in setting goals, formulating policies and making crucial decisions impacting their local area. Matters related to service delivery, infrastructure, development, budgeting and local regulations fall within their purview. This necessitates a deep understanding of local needs and the ability to make informed choices that promote the development and well-being of our communities. Additionally, councillors hold the council accountable for its performance ensuring efficient and transparent use of public resources.
Madam Speaker, this important role that councillors have deserves to be conjunctional with a competitive remuneration so as to increase efficiency, improve accountability and productivity of these councils. Looking deeply, Madam Speaker, into their remuneration, the salary and wages of councillors are determined by the Minister responsible for Local Government. Their compensation comes in the form of allowances which are very low, to say the least, determined by variety of factors and ultimately approved by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
Madam Speaker, the absence of fixed salaries creates a situation where the level of allowances varies based on several factors. These include the type of council a councillor serves in, ranging from metropolitan cities to local boards and the specific position held with Mayors, Deputies and Committee Chairpersons receiving different amounts compared to the ordinary councillor. Additionally, geographic location may play a role with adjustments made to account for varying cost of living across different regions.
However, the current system faces challenges and concerns. The lack of transparency surrounding the specific allowance amounts coupled with the process for their determination, raises questions about fairness and accountability. This lack of clarity fuels about fairness, fuels concerns about potential inconsistences and create difficulty in verifying information readily available. Madam Speaker, recent developments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding councillor remunerations. Associations like the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe and the Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe, have advocated for a shift towards monthly salaries for councillors similar to other elected officials like MPs, Ministers and so forth. This proposition urges that such a change would improve the living conditions of councillors and attract more qualified individuals to serve in these positions.
Madam Speaker, we can take a leaf from our neighbours legislative pages particularly in neighbouring South Africa, governed by our sister Revolutionary Party, African National Congress (ANC). Councillors have a fixed monthly salary depending on whether they are permanent or temporary. For example, a Mayor in South Africa can take home about R300 thousand annually, depending on the grade. They have housing allowances, travelling allowances, cellphone allowances, health insurance, pension options and so forth. They have enough benefits to effectively execute their duties so much that contesting as a councillor in Mzansi has become very dangerous with some candidates being murdered in cold blood during campaigns.
Members of Parliament are left with no choice but to support our councillors with our own resources to help them deliver in their Wards and ultimately in the constituencies that we represent. A personal example, my father is a councillor in one of the rural district councils. They did not get enough resources to effectively and efficiently do their work. Currently, Hon. Speaker, councillors are expected to develop a master plan for their wards. The work required for a Ward master plan is very intensive and time consuming to undertake this work under a strict deadline. A council is only armed with cell airtime allowance up to ZWL115 000. No transport, no fuel, no food, no student attachés to their disposal. It becomes a mammoth task and very strenuous on their personal resources. While the previous section explores the interests of councillor remuneration in Zimbabwe, a critical issue remains; the potential for this system to contribute to corruption. While not implying that all councillors engage in such practices, it is important to understand how the current structure creates vulnerabilities, and increases corruption. It is also important to note that though not much research is available out there to make factual conclusions if there is any relationship between compensation and levels of corruption, we need to encourage our research institution to do more research concerning this.
Madam Speaker, to drive the point home, one primary concern lies in the absence of fixed salaries. Councillors rely on variable allowances living them financially insecure. This vulnerability can make them susceptible to seeking alternative income source, potentially leading them down unethical paths. Additionally, the pack nature of the allowance system with lack of transparency surrounding specific amounts and the decision-making process creates fertile ground for potential abuse. The lack of clarity fuels concerns about favouritism, misappropriation of funds and difficulty in holding officials accountable.
Furthermore, the inadequate oversight mechanisms exacerbate the situation. Without robust public scrutiny and clear accountability structures, potential misconduct can go unchecked. This lack of oversight incentivises individuals to prioritise personal gain over the well-being of the community they represent, potentially resorting to practices like accepting bribes or engaging in rent seeking activities. Moreover, the current system can create scenarios where conflicts of interest arise. Councillors’ decision making power can be influenced by financial consideration, blowing the line between their responsibility to the community and their personal financial interests. This creates a breeding ground for unethical conduct and undermines public trust in local governance.
Madam Speaker, it is important to reiterate that these are potential risks, not all councillors succumb to such pressures and many serve with integrity and dedication. However, addressing the vulnerabilities within the system is crucial to minimise these risks and foster ethical conduct. As I conclude Madam Speaker, I would like to share my opinion on how councillors can be appreciated to enhance their effectiveness in service distribution and fairly representing the people in their respective wards.
Firstly, transitioning to a transparent and consistent salary structure for councillors could alleviate financial insecurity and disincentivise unethical behaviour. Secondly, establishing an independent board to monitor and audit the remuneration process and overall financial management of the council is crucial. Lastly, providing logistical support for councillors to improve efficiency in form of vehicles or motorbikes.
In conclusion, implementing these strategies may pave the way for a more sustainable and ethical local governance system in Zimbabwe by securing the well-being of councillors through improved transparency, development opportunities and public engagement. The nation can empower its local leaders to serve their communities with dedication and integrity. This in turn can lead to a more prosperous and well governed future for all citizens. Thank you Madam Speaker.
+HON. M. NDEBELE: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to add my voice. Good afternoon Hon. Speaker. I was once a councillor for 15 years, from 2008 to August, 2023. I know this path. Allow me to add my voice on what I once came across during my years of serving as a councillor. During elections, the councillor is the one who campaigns for the President and the Member of Parliament. The councillor is the foot soldier. After the elections, the councillor is thrown away and others get more resources forgetting the councillor. This is so disturbing. However, let me say after the councillor has done the job and after the elections, he is only given an allowance not a salary. The amount was 115 000 RTGs. There was also what was called phone allowance. The phone allowance was even lower than this amount.
The councillor is someone who is asked to roast the meat and he only enjoys the scent of the meat, but will not enjoy the meat. This then leads councillors to be corrupt because they will be teased with nice things. For the councillor not to be corrupt, the councillors are supposed to be remunerated such that they do not engage into corrupt activities. The money is not enough to pay schools fees for the kids and to cover other expenses. For example, if the councillor is given a little opportunity, he or she will end up being corrupt because of not being catered for. We are putting our councillors in a precarious position that they end up being in temptation. If the councillor is being accused of corruption, it is because the Government will have put him in that position. We are not considering these councillors. My plea is that the councillor should be given enough money to send his children to school and take care of his family. Councillors need transport to ferry them to and from their places of work. There are no sitting allowances in the councils. The money that is given to the councillor is only that he gets transport to attend meetings at councils and goes back to his home after the meeting. Councillors are burdened with a lot of work. I pray that may the councillors be given a salary and not an allowance.
+HON. R. MPOFU: I will just add a few words to this motion because I have a sore throat and therefore, not feeling well today. Madam Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the mover of this motion who is Hon. Jere, seconded by Hon. Nyamupinga. The issue of councillors is very painful. When the other Hon. Members were seconding this motion, I felt excited a lot even though I cannot see. The issue of councillors has spent years and years, but I think Government has taken note that even these people must be recognised.
As Members of Parliament, we are representatives of the people who play an oversight role on the Ministers especially on utilisation of resources. I support the motion that our councillors are supposed to get a salary which can sustain their families as they are hard workers. They live with the people in the wards. Some of the wards are very big and at times councillors traverse these wards on foot. I do not want to differentiate councillors by their political parties, but I just want a councillor to be considered as a councillor. I really wish that Government looks at this issue of councillors. Even the councillors selected under the women’s quota must be assisted because they are councillors too. They need to get something that is at par with other councillors. Some of the councillors have many children at home who need food. For us women, we know that when a husband leaves home, he will come back carrying some food for the children. As for them, they go from morning to evening without anything because that is what their job demands. I wish that we could even get motorbikes or better still, those that can ride bicycles can……
Proceedings were interrupted due to a technical fault.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): I hope that all of you can hear me. We have a technical fault and therefore, we cannot proceed with debates.
HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. HAMAUSWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.
On the motion of HON. KAMBUZUMA seconded by HON. HAMAUSWA, the House adjourned at Four o’clock p.m.